Novel Full Chapter 425: Expectations
If anything, the worried look on her face gave him the impression that she was worried about the girl. So the only way for Maya’s father to get detailed information about the trial world would be in whatever report Maya, Yaana, Uta, and Manfred submitted after this.
Smith’s gaze lingered on her for another second before finally moving toward Elion. The moment those multi-layered lenses turned in his direction, Elion felt an uncomfortable sensation crawl across his skin.
It felt as though the man was looking at him and trying to peel away the layers of his existence one by one.
Elion’s eyes narrowed slightly, ’Is that an artefact?’
Sure enough, a second later, the system told him as much.
[Scanning artefact detected. Do you want to block the attempt?]
’No, just show him the basic stuff, and hide the important stuff, I trust you to choose which is which.’
[Understood]
Smith’s expression did not change as he discreetly studied Elion’s basic information. If he found anything of note, he didn’t show it, which made Elion quietly wonder what the system had chosen to show him.
"So," he said. "You are Elion Nova."
Elion smiled faintly, "That seems to be the case."
Maya’s eyes flickered toward him with a shocked expression, and the others had similar reactions to this particular response from Elion. Any sane person would immediately classify this response as rude, no matter how you look at it.
Master Smith, however, did not seem offended. If anything, the faintest hint of amusement appeared in his eyes, "Maya has spoken rather strongly in your favour."
Elion glanced at Maya, who looked away as soon as he glanced at her.
"That is surprising," Elion said. "Considering she usually looks at me like she wants to stab me."
Maya shot him a glare, but Smith’s gaze remained on Elion, "Her description of you says you are dangerous, talented, unpredictable, and irritatingly difficult to deal with."
Elion nodded thoughtfully. He didn’t know where she found the time to make such an assessment of him, but he assumed it was in whatever recruitment suggestion she sent in advance.
"I must say, that is high praise," Elion said simply, with a light smile on his face.
"She also said that if the Triad Alliance failed to recruit you, then another faction would eventually try to do so."
He nodded once again, though this time, it was with a hint of satisfaction and approval, "Naturally, I can confirm that I would have also sought to join another faction, whichever one was willing to offer him entry into the hidden world."
"I guess that is fair," Master Smith placed one hand over the head of his cane, "I read the initial report Maya sent ahead. According to her, you performed exceptionally during the Bloodline Trials, much better than she did, in her own words. So tell me, what did you obtain from the trials?"
Elion smiled, "I did well enough, but I assure you, her assessment of me might be exaggerated, and you will have to forgive me, it’s only natural that I keep from casually divulging such information." He gestured toward Zenovia and Aeron, "And I’m certain my friends here feel the same."
"But they are not looking to join our Triad Alliance, are they?" Master Smith said calmly.
Elion raised a brow, but he stayed calm. He had tried to be polite, but this guy was clearly trying his luck here. "As I already said, I don’t think I will have problems finding myself another similar opportunity, and you are mistaken." Elion continued, "I do not know how much Maya told you, but I do know how much I am willing to share. So saying I did well enough is the most honest answer I can give without giving away things I would rather keep to myself."
Elion wiggled his finger, "Besides, I am not actively looking to join your triad faction; you are looking to recruit me. Isn’t that why we are here? If so, there is no reason for us to play games. I may be tempted by your ’generous’ offer, but I will not, under any circumstances, tell you what I gained from the trials." He finished with a small shrug.
One of Master Smith’s brows rose. The room seemed to have become deathly quiet, and everyone was clearly holding their breaths, perhaps expecting this small meeting to go wrong.
To everyone else in the room, it was plainly clear that this was a clash of two egos. The biggest question was, who was going to cave in first?
They were going to find out soon enough.
In the end, the sight they all assumed they were going to see never came. Master Smith surprised everyone with a light chuckle. "A sharp and honest tongue. It can either take you far, or drown you and your so-called talent, or you will soar to the heavens. For your own sake, I do hope it’s the latter." He sighed.
"Very well, I will allow you to keep your secrets, but be warned, this is not the last time you will hear of this. I can be quite convincing when I feel like it."
Elion shrugged, "Be my guest." And just like that, the topic was dropped, and the others all let out a collective breath of relief.
Smith’s gaze moved briefly toward Marilyn, "I assume the contract has already been discussed?"
"Yes, Master Smith," Marilyn said. "Elion requested several amendments, mostly regarding autonomy, mission frequency, and clarification of vague clauses."
Master Smith looked back at Elion, "You read the contract?"
"Yes."
"Both versions?"
"Yes."
Master Smith paused as the small lenses over his left eye shifted by themselves, clicking softly as they rearranged into a different configuration.
Elion felt that crawling sensation again. Clearly, he was being examined once again.
"Interesting, not only did you thoroughly read both contracts in less than thirty minutes, assuming you began reading them as soon as you got here, but you are also on the verge of breaking through. Clearly, you are not a normal young man."
The others’ brows twitched; they were no doubt thinking, ’It didn’t even take him a single minute, much less thirty.’
Elion chuckled, "I get that a lot recently."
"I imagine you do." Master Smith leaned back in his chair. "As for the amendments, I have no issue granting you more autonomy, provided the contract clearly states that you are not to act in a way that harms the Triad Alliance’s interests while operating under our name."
"That is reasonable," Elion said.
"You will also not be required to accept frequent assignments. One mandatory assignment every two months, unless a crisis on the level of a Legacy World occurs."
Elion’s eyes sharpened slightly.
"That is much better."
"Your allowance will remain at Platinum rank. Your position will be provisional until the Legacy World expedition concludes. However, as you can see, I have allowed a great deal of concessions on your behalf. Naturally, I will expect great things from you in the legacy world and after. After all, I need some decent returns on this risky investment." He paused briefly before continuing.
"Of course, you will also be joining under the Smith Family’s faction. If you were planning on remaining neutral like Marilyn here, I will have to disappoint you, but you are going to have to allow me this much at least."