"Partnership? What do you want?" Vicente asked as he cautiously looked at the man.
The man before Vicente was still a High-level Mage despite the rumors that Jonah had become a Sovereign. Vicente couldn't sense Snow Claw's mana, but he could see the field lines around the man and tell that this was a Mage and not a Sovereign.
'A deal with you at this level would have to be very advantageous for me.' Vice thought, imagining the many dangers Jonah must have around him right now.
SnowClaw replied. "Yes. I intend to go into seclusion to raise my stage very soon. I need someone to protect me during this time. Considering how much stronger you are now compared to our time in the prison, you should be able to deal with my enemies with some ease."
"I'm not sure about that," Vicente commented. "I would rather not have to deal with Sovereigns. I came here just so I wouldn't have any problems, Jonah."
"I know. That's why I'll make up for the dangers you'll accept for my sake." Jonah smiled confidently. "When I become sovereign, I'll do three things for you. Whatever it is, I'll accept anything. That's what I can give you in exchange for your protection during my seclusion."
"Oh?" Vicente pondered this proposal momentarily, for Snow Claw was already powerful as a High-level Mage... Imagine how much stronger this man could be as an Earth Sovereign?
'He could help me a lot with Lauren.' Vicente thought, remembering that his sister had been kidnapped by a group that even included Paragons.
"Since that's the case, we can make a temporary partnership. I won't help you with your local vendettas, nor will I carry out missions for you. I'll protect you during your advancement to the 4th stage, and in return, you'll owe me 3 favors."
Jonah smiled as he showed Vicente one of his hands. "All right. We can sign a Magic Agreement with these conditions."
Vicente shook Jonah's dominant hand and agreed to proceed with the partnership.
"When do you want to go into seclusion?" Vicente asked. "By the way, it would be better if we did it away from Saltstar City."
"Yes, I already have a place in mind... Anyway, I intend to go into seclusion in the following days. I have a few problems to solve before I can prepare for my advance, resources to buy, and so on. When I have everything, I'll let you know.
We'll go to this place here." He handed Vicente a piece of paper with the place he wanted him to go to meet him when the time came for his advance.
Vicente had already confirmed the agreement with him, so there was no risk in giving this young man such important details.
As he put the piece of paper away in his space ring, Vicente asked. "Is there anything I should know about your situation? Anything that might come up during your seclusion?"
"A few things." Snow Claw laughed. "There are Sovereigns hunting me all over the province. They think I'm hiding in some forest, so as much as I'm 'safe' in Saltstar City, you might have to deal with some of them if I go further.
In addition to the royal soldiers, The Ruby Devils are hunting me. They've hired Miss Death of Nixlas' Shadows to hunt me down. So she and her group will be another problem that could challenge you to kill me.
Vicente frowned when he heard that. "Nixlas' Shadows? Is Miss Death a member of that sect?"
Vicente didn't know this information, so he couldn't help but be surprised to hear this statement about the group holding Lauren hostage.
"Yes, didn't you know? Miss Death is the heir to the position of Sect Master. She's the current number one disciple of that monster." Jonah said. "I'm trying to hide from her, but it's hard to get away. That damned thing has a powerful death power.
All she needs to kill is the name, the look, and the magical fluctuation of her targets. So be careful when you meet her. It's enough for her to know your name and appearance to be able to eliminate you."
"Is that serious? What is her magical form?" Vicente asked since he didn't know much about Miss Death's powers apart from her fame.
Janah said. "Her magical form is the Book of Death. With the three pieces of information I told you about, all she has to do is write the name of her victim in her tool-like magical form and everything will happen as she plans.
If she writes you're going to die of a heart attack in one minute, no one will be able to save you unless you're much stronger than her. If she says that a magical beast will kill you, the karma around you will change to make it happen.
Sigh, to say that her power goes beyond death is not wrong. She practically has power over destiny!"
Vicente was stunned by this, as he had never imagined such a challenging form of magic existed.
"If that's the case, we are in great danger." He muttered to Jonah.
"If you think about it, the danger will be more or less the same as facing Sovereigns... Hide your face well if you have to face their group. However, rest assured that their companions will try at all costs to make you show your face and your magical fluctuation. That's their job."
"Okay, I'll keep that in mind." Vicente sighed, imagining the dangers he would have to face if he wanted to win three favors from a Sovereign with Snow Claw's powers.
But he thought it would be worth it. Snow Claw was already able to fight and survive against ordinary Sky Sovereigns, so when he reached the 4th stage, he would most likely be able to resist newly promoted Paragons.
"Well, I have other things to take care of. I'll wait for your signal." He said, intending to leave so as not to be around this fellow in the city.
"Okay, see you in a few days."
With those words, the two of them parted, Snow Claw leaving the alley to hide elsewhere and Vicente going to the association where he would meet Benson and other local blacksmiths.
Benson intended to live in Saltstar City from now on due to Vicente's move to the city, so the place where this young man could most easily meet his master was the association building.
But when he arrived there and met with one of the high-
ranking elders, Vicente discovered something unexpected.
...
"Is Ronan dead?" He asked the elder who had just informed him. "Where is my master? Where did he go?"
"You should hurry. Benson said he was going straight to The Ruby Devils to demand answers!"
"Shit!" Vicente hurried when he heard that, very worried about what might happen.
