"Tell me your specialities"
Killigard took charge with his short yet imposing stature.
"I'm a Blacksmith, Journeyman. I specialize in forging farming tools and a few others items"
Rainer pointed to Verner…
"We're the Woodbrothers. We specialize in carpentry, specifically in furniture making"
Mirahan spoke right after…
"I'm the merchant that does all the selling"
Fredrick nodded. Nathan met them while trading cheap jewelry at Traxford.
Nathan bought the pickaxes for the expedition from Mirahan.
Fredricks brain whirred, Ezra gave them a long list of things for them to do.
He asked Mirahan…
"What Caliber of builders do you have connections with?"
"I have connections with a few Intermediates and one Expert"
"Good, get them to come here"
The four looked at each other. Was this guy delusional?
Hiring an Expert was unrealistic because of the exorbitant fees they demand.
Fredrick didn't bother talking. Like Cabrera, he raised his plan, and then…
*CRIIIN*
Coins, GOLD coins, fell to the floor like raindrops. Within seconds, the floor was submerged in them.
The four stared speechlessly at the resplendent yellow with agape gazes.
Fredrick dug out a handful of coins and placed them on the table.
"Go on, touch it"
They gazed at one another before Killigard took one and bit it.
A few bites later, he went…
"It's real"
Something exploded in the minds of these men as they stared at the sea of gold at their feet, greed creeping into their hearts.
Fredrick sucked the coins in immediately after, having it vanish from sight, lest those on the table.
"Give these to Experts as the visiting fee. Tell him there's more where those came from, and to bring their friends, all of them"
He brought out a sack and handed it to them.
"This is for you"
Their eyes lit up. Split amongst four, it wasn't indispensable, but it was a decent amount.
"Like you just saw, there's a lot more of that. Since you're a friend of Nathan's, I'll ask you once. Would you join us?"
Killigard was about to burst out with 'YES', when Mirahan motioned him to stop.
"Sir Fedrick. What exactly do you wish to gain from all this?"
Fredrick raised a brow.
"I thought you were smart, seems like that's not the case"
Mirahan popped a vein as Fredrick spoke.
"Look around you. This guild is newly formed. I need more members to inflate our numbers, and eyes in Taxford"
"So we'll be your eyes?"
"Not exactly, but close. Now gentlemen, have you made your choice?"
Mirahan interrupted…
"What's in it for us?"
"You can probably guess. Better resources, combat manuals and forging techniques. In exchange, we want your utmost loyalty and cooperation"
He stared at them.
"Tell me, where else will you find such a ridiculous offer?"
"And if you don't believe me…"
He pulled out a mana technique and handed it to them.
"Gold-rank mana technique"
Killigard snatched it, touched it all over, before his eyes lit up.
He looked at the others and nodded.
They gulped in response. They've never seen one before.
Mirahan coughed.
"Other guilds aren't going to let you do as you wish"
"You haven't heard? We're buffered. For a decade"
Mirahan's eyes widened as he tapped his chin. They have thoroughly thought things through.
"How do we know you're not going to try something?"
"Easy…"
Fredrick brought out a soul contract.
"With this"
"What about the threat to our lives? There's no saying what others would do"
Fredrick shook his head. This guy was too much of a coward.
"That's not of my concern. The resources we'll give you are more than enough to buy your lives. With it, ousting an enemy of the same rank shouldn't be an issue. It is therefore pertinent that you're ready to die for the guild"
Mirahan raised his voice at the blatant disrespect.
"How can-"
Fredrick was having none of it.
"If that's not enough for you, feel free to leave. I have no qualms on hiring others forgers, merchants or carpenters, as I have made myself more than clear"
Killigard rushed to save the situation…
"Friend, you should take things easy. Of course we'll be joining you"
If nothing else, he knew a good deal when he saw one.
Mirahan was astounded.
"What are you doing?"
Killigard spoke with anger.
"I'm helping myself, since you clearly can't. You're going to ruin this chance for us"
He looked at Rainer and Verner, who gave complex gazes, before answering…
"We'll be honored to join your guild"
All eyes were now on Mirahan. He couldn't negotiate for better treatment, so he lowered his gaze in defeat.
"I'll be joining as well"
Fredrick spat in disdain.
"You ought not to"
There's a limit to how much you should push things.
Killigard turned to Nathan.
"What now?"
Fredrick handed him the contract.
"Sign here"
A few minutes later, everyone had signed.
With that done, Fredrick shook their hands.
"Welcome to the guild"
They nodded in response.
"I have to say, you just made one of the best decisions of your life. Now, which amongst you is married?"
"Just me" said Killigard.
"Ok. In the coming weeks, have your family pack their things. They'll move to Kingsmere, we'll cover the cost"
"What? This wasn't in the contract"
"Yes, we'll be ensuring their safety"
Killigard eyes narrowed.
Fredrick huffed.
"Don't think too much of yourself. If I'd wanted to kill you, you'd be dead"
Instantly, he stood, grabbed Killigard by the neck with a pace none could follow and lifted him up.
"Try removing it"
Without trying, Killigard was feeling the strain.
A few seconds go by as Killigard grunted and groaned while trying to loosen the grip, with his veins popping, and his body covered in sweat, nearing exhaustion.
Fredrick put him down slowly, leaving Killigard wheezing out breathes while his gaze pervaded the others.
"This is a lesson for you all"
'Oh no!' Mirahan was most alarmed.
He hadn't felt any fluctuation of mana, so he determined Fredrick was weak.
Now, Fredrick let his aura run free, and that alone, overwhelmed them.
'He's a monster'
Fredrick ignored their gazes.
"We'll be testing your loyalty. When we determine you're ready, you'll get your promised resources in abundance"
Their eyes met his. He hadn't mentioned any of this.
"Don't tell me you expect that I'd just give it to you?"
They lowered their heads, their haughty gazes nowhere to be seen.
Killigards breathing had normalized.
"Worry not, that doesn't leave you abandoned. We'll be providing starting resources"
"For starters, take these"
Like that, he handed each one a space ring.
They stared at it, mesmerized.
Fredrick smiled inwardly.
'Reining these guys will be easy'
If they were pulled by the allure of rare items this easily, having them be puppets would be too easy.
The demonstration of strength was to wipe away any stupid thought before they could pop up.
He places his arm of Killigard and Mirahan, snapping them back to reality.
"Once again, I welcome you to the guild. Rejoice and be proud. Soon enough, you'll become as powerful as me"
They took deep breaths, forming fantasies in their minds.
Hks tone becomes grave as he hammers a last warning.
"Remember, any sort of insubordination means death"
They gulped, sweating all over.
Fredrick adjusts himself.
"Follow, let's have you meet the other newcomers"
'Other newcomers?'
'Now for the rest of them'
