The meeting was taking place in what had become the Crimson Crane's frequent meeting place. One of the large restaurants in the city of Repton, on the second floor a private room had been made, and here there was Alba, who was sitting by the side of Reno.
Meanwhile, on the opposite side, there was Dame along with the Dark Magus wearing his robe.
"I hope you understand the Dark Magus' position, with the things he's able to do, we need to keep his identity a secret, even from those that are in the same group as us," Dame explained, gesturing a hand.
Alba was in a good mood since the meeting was set up, and just where they were, she had already gone through two large bottles of alcohol.
"That is fine with me, as long as the Dark Magus is willing to join us and support, then that is all good. I do have some issues though," Alba said, placing her drink back on the table. "I've heard of the business that the two of you are planning to start, and the fact that you are looking at selling these special Qi pills that you created, is that something we can stop you from doing?"
The Qi pills would do them great; they were effective in the battle against the Light Faction Elder, and she already had an idea of the effects they would have when being used in other dimensions.
For her, the main issue was that this was the advantage the clan had over others. This was a way for people to propel them to the top, for the local governments, kingdoms, and other factions to rely on them even more, boosting their position.
"I know what you are worried about," Raze said. "However, I wish for myself to create a network. There are only so many things you can do with brute strength. But the pills, for one, are something that only I can create.
"Since I will be supplying them, I can equally take them away. There is power as more people rely on our products. At the same time, coin is another thing that can be used to influence people all over, especially the kingdoms who are more inclined to coin than they are to fighting, as well as the general public who aren't even involved in Pagna affairs."
Alba thought that the Dark Magus was naive. Although he had strange powers, his voice made him sound young, and he was a stage 3 warrior. Yet his foresight was looking far ahead; this person had the power to change the world. She was glad she did everything she could to get this person on her side.
"You have to understand, though, allowing you to join our clan is making an enemy of the Light Faction since they have declared you their target. On top of that, there will be multiple groups after you as well."
"If we bring you in, and you are selling products to others, even if we get them for free, what's the value in that for us? Joining the Crimson Crane is no small matter."
This was what Raze had predicted as well, and that's when he gestured by looking at Dame to place his hands on the table. Soon, they started to change as they were covered in black armor.
"Making Qi pills is not the only thing I can do," Raze explained. "I am also able to enchant weapons."
"These gauntlets, their power has not only increased but has the skill to hide them, it also allows me to produce projectile Qi from my hands," Dame explained. "This is how I was able to beat Beatrix."
Immediately, Alba's eyes lit up; she had stopped drinking for a moment. Projectile Qi was something only high-level middle stage warriors or Divine stage warriors could produce. Yet an item made that possible?
"Do you remember the sword that was used to defeat the Light Faction Leader at the end? That was also an enchanted item of mine," Raze explained. "These special items I will make for the Crimson Clan only, and I shall make an item for each member."
Even Reno had turned to Alba's side; both of them were excited, imagining the increased strength the clan would have with such items. But Alba had to keep herself calm because suddenly the tides had turned, because now the deal she felt was one-sided.
"What... do you want for this?" Alba asked.
"I am a member of your clan by doing this. I want to show with this gesture that I am a true member of this clan. Which is why I ask for one thing. To take the position of leader once!" Raze stated.
Even Dame was surprised by Raze's request. Taking the position of leader? He was wondering if he knew what he was saying. Sure, the Crimson Crane was unorthodox, but he was still speaking to the head of a very powerful clan.
"That's a hard ask."
"My items are very powerful, and this is also a condition for me joining," Raze stated. "Let me put it in simpler terms. A one-time gesture is what I ask for. If anything occurs, or anything that I need doing or help with, one time I can ask the Crimson Crane to gather and help me, no matter what or who it's up against."
Hearing this request, all of those around the table were just trying to imagine what the Dark Magus was planning for, who he was expected to go against.
"I see, well then." Alba reached down her clothing dress, from the top right underneath her breasts. The cloth slid down, and for a moment, they thought they would be seeing two melons, but she quickly lifted her shirt back up as she placed a crystal on the table.
"This was the reward for finding the Dark Magus, and in the end, you have come to me. So this is the level 5 power stone. I have already taken down the request. Think of it as a freebie for joining the Crimson Crane.
"In the meantime, we will hunt for more crystals to allow you to enchant some items for us the next time we meet. Dame already explained that you guys will be away for a while."
"As a point of contact, one member of the Crimson Crane will stay in Repton city, and whenever we need you or you need us, we can make contact through them."
Raze took the level five power stone from the table, and with that, Alba stood up.
"I hereby state that the two of you are now members of the Crimson Crane, so grab a drink with your new family!" Alba cheered.
Dame did the same, along with the others, while Raze was hesitant as he grabbed the drink in front of him.
'New family... I hate that word,' Raze thought to himself, as he lifted up the drink anyway. Him and Dame now had become new members of the Crimson Crane, and with it, it was the end of their little journey in the Demonic Faction.
'It's time for us to head back to the academy; let's find out about the Dark Faction Founder.'
