Chapter 1358: First negotiation

A day later, the representatives from the Western Pole company arrived at the Chasm.

They were here to negotiate. Find the terms that were agreeable to both parties. This was a very crucial part of the duel itself as it would decide what kind of fight they were going to fight, where it would take place, and of course, the spoils for the victor.

Theresa and Trilla both began coordinating with each other. They were the ones most knowledgeable about the powers of the Conglomerates, so they knew what to expect.

They knew the tricks that they would try to pull. They could tell any kind of malicious and insidious terms that they could slide into the duel contract that would eventually give them the advantage during the fight.

"They’re probably going to try and negotiate a change in location. Something that is beneficial to their own Maugnetics," said Theresa.

"They will. But they will frame it as something advantageous to Reborn. We must be careful."

While they were discussing the terms, Michael was simply lounging in his chair, seemingly not nervous at all about the upcoming meeting with the Western Pole representatives.

"They’re about to enter this room. Why aren’t you worrying about this?" Theresa asked. Here she was, about to pull her own hair out from stress, and he was still sitting in his chair and yawning.

Michael was about to say something, but it was at this point that a knock came from the door. It opened, revealing the representatives waiting on the other side.

They wore lavish outfits. One befitting of an Upper Echelon company and even more. They had gold jewelry. Expensive silk dresses and suits. They even had rare and exquisite magical items around their body, further signifying the contrast between an Upper Echelon company... and Reborn.

"We are here to discuss the details of the duel. Shall we start?" the representative asked.

Michael sat on his desk opposite them, and gestured for them to sit on the couch. "Sure."

The representative then handed Michael a stack of papers, as thick as three books stapled together. It shook the desk as it was plopped down.

"These are our terms. It has been mediated by a Montgomery, so feel free to inspect it and suggest any changes you may want."

Then, they bowed. They were about to turn around, when Michael stopped them. "Don’t worry. It’s not going to take long."

Another knock came from the door, surprising the representatives. It opened, and a woman came in with an aura of gentleness and respect and power.

She was none other than Yuna Montgomery!

She walked towards Michael’s desk and took the stack of papers given by the representatives. She began to parse through its contents, barely even giving it a glance as she flipped through page to page.

It didn’t look like she was even reading it.

But after less than a minute, she put the stack down and turned to the representatives.

"I would like to add these changes. First of all, the location must be on neutral ground. Maugnetic army only. Weapon: swords. No lethal attacks..."

She began to list out the details that Michael had asked of her to add. Of course, they were going to fight using their powerful swordsman army. Who else?

Yuna’s appearance seemed to have caught the Western Pole representatives off guard. They didn’t think that Reborn would be able to give a counter-attack on the contract so soon!

As expected of the only heir of Xere Montgomery!

Theresa and Trilla were completely stunned at her brilliance.

The Western Pole representative wasn’t actually from the company. Both of them knew that they were probably loaned out by the Oscorpe Conglomerate in order to try and win the contract negotiations against Reborn.

But even with that, Yuna was able to navigate through the treacherous and insidious contract clauses like they were a piece of cake!

These representatives couldn’t even take a breath of respite before Yuna would attack them with legal jargon and details.

And in the end, they were able to secure a fight that had completely neutralized the advantages of the Western Pole company.

Of course, Yuna could have added advantages for Reborn. But she knew that they didn’t need it.

And also, it would give them more leeway to negotiate with the rewards of the duel itself.

"We are giving you the opportunity to earn the Chasm bridge contract itself. What are you willing to give in turn?" she asked with a sharp glare.

The representative tried to smile with confidence. However, his wavering eyebrows easily showed him to be nervous.

"As a 7th rank Upper Echelon, we have numerous territories in the Queens region. Each one of them are in prime locations in the city. It would be a tremendous help and opportunity for your company."

However, Yuna immediately shook her head. "Not good enough."

"We can add a few of our contracts with multiple mining estates. And even a few ships that are heading straight for the Elven Kingdom—"

"Nope," Yuna refused. "If you’re not going to take this seriously, then the deal is off."

Once she said that, the representatives looked truly desperate. Their eyes looked like they were about to pop out from stress.

Seeing this, both Trilla and Theresa both took a deep breath. Yuna had them wrapped around her hands. She was able to dominate the negotiations with ease! Now, they could ask for a lot of rewards, and the Western Pole company would have no choice but to accept.

After a few more minutes of negotiation, the representatives left Michael’s room with their shoulders slumped forwards.

They looked like they were absolutely drained. Regret was starting to dawn on them.

After all, they had lost so much in the negotiations that even if they won this duel, it would seem like it would only be a pyrrhic victory.

Yuna had asked them one thing only.

Their ranking. If Michael and the Reborn company won against them, then they would take their place in the Upper Echelons.