Chapter 249: Counter Offer
"Do you not find my offer acceptable?" Talia asked once she saw the same expressions Vaelira had. "A three-way alliance between Runewoven, Nova Circuit, and Valhalla’s Sinners."
Then, Talia’s gaze shifted sideways toward Tessa as she added, "Should Nova Circuit find it acceptable, of course."
Without so much as blinking, Tessa replied instantly. "We accept."
There was no hesitation. No request for further discussion. Because she didn’t need one. Tessa had already made up her mind long before she stepped into this hall. She knew firsthand how anomalous Kaiden’s group was.
Valhalla’s Sinners weren’t just lucky. They weren’t just skilled. They were something else entirely: they were beyond normal comprehension, beyond their current understanding of the mana apocalypse. And most of all, they were rising. Fast. She’d seen it during the desert dungeon clear. That moment had planted the seed, but everything she’d observed since had only confirmed it:
Soon, they wouldn’t need protection and other non-military aid. Soon, they would be the ones offering it.
Sure, in the beginning, she’d probably have to give a lot. Political cover, resource access, help with logistics, introductions to powerful players. But all of that was an investment. If her instincts were right, this would pay dividends beyond what most guilds could dream of.
Next to her, three others reacted very differently.
Jack let out a strong breath through his nose. His lips pressed in a line that didn’t hide the disgust written all over his face. So much for meritocracy.
Sasha’s expression tightened. Her gaze moved over the women seated near Kaiden, and her jaw clenched. Again. She wasn’t the jealous type. Or so she thought. But there was something about this that made her stomach twist.
They were good, sure. But were they this good? Good enough for two guilds to extend open-armed alliances while the rest of them had to sit here as mere underlings?
If this deal went through, she and her group would be all but below Kaiden’s in the pecking order.