Birth Of The Crafts-God

At the same time that Lucas, Altimo and Vergil were in a meeting, the final Cabinet meeting to discuss the position of the city lord was being held. As expected, all attention was being placed on this event, and the uproar caused by Russell's press conference the previous night, didn't affect things one bit. On the contrary, the press conference was only focused on a bit by the public, before all eyes were in the cabinet. Compared to a follow-up news on an event from over four months ago, the present was more important, especially since it concerned the people more.

Those who placed the most emphasis on this meeting were none other than the stakeholders of the city; the most influential politicians, the most powerful armed groups, the Apex 100 -which were the one hundred most profitable companies in Baylands city-state— and finally, the top four families. These were the ones most bothered about the position of the city lord as they could field reputable contenders for the position.

From the previous cabinet meeting until now, they had all met privately with one another or with forces in the cabinet, in a bid to lobby support towards their goal. Because such a topic was a delicate focus, these parties didn't bother about other news, instead prioritising their entire attention to their movements and those of their opponents.

However, not all factions were like this. Some, like the Mertens family, gave up on the race and seemed to take a neutral standpoint. Others couldn't even qualify to compete. Included in this bracket was the Oder family.

Despite being a former top four family, the Oder family of today was nothing like it was in the past. For three generations, there has been no phenomenal individual born into the family. Even the family's latest genius, Maximillus, was only talented in regards to vestige-smithing and not leading a faction.

Nonetheless, the family had always yearned to return to the top. Logically, the fight for the city lord's position should be their opportunity, but they were unable to compete as they had no viable candidate to field. Their only option was to pick a side. But the press conference revelation was like the light of salvation for the Oder family head. It was an opportunity for him to seize the secrets of the SS vestiges —a secret that was capable of creating a new faction entirely.

However, the Oder family weren't the only ones who could see this picture.

"You're being greedy right now."

A husky looking middle-aged man with a big frame glared at the individual who sat opposite him.

"Haha. Old Böjer, don't be like that. We all came here to lend a helping hand." The man who was being stared at responded with a light chuckle.

Böjer Oder was the current head of the Oder family, and this gathering was a meeting between some of the reputable forces in Baylands city-state. To be specific, those who were below the true rulers and weren't interested in the battle for the city lord's position.

The Oder family, the Arkhen Corporation, Versailles Group, Rajhan Khan —nicknamed as Baylands city-state's most powerful political godfather— and the Demolition Knights —a famous freelancer organisation in Baylands city-state. All five factions were currently gathered within the Oder family's complex, with the topic of discussion being Lucas' return and the SS vestiges.

"From what the news portrays, it seems that the Mertens family are backing that store. There's also the issue of the temporary licence. If you want us to cooperate sincerely, you have to offer us more benefits than this." The representative of the Arkhen Corporation, who was the man engaged in a conversation with Böjer, smiled.

His expression was harmless, but the intent behind his words displayed his avaricious appetite.

"Nolan is right." A brown-haired man nodded.

"It's especially so since our services would be needed."

The man was the current president of the Versailles Group, one of the only three vestige-smith companies that could design and develop stellar processors. The other two were Novanio Tech and the Silverine Factory.

Similar to Novanio Tech, the Versailles Group was a non-local entity, but they had entered the market earlier. However, thanks to the short popularity of the SS vestiges months ago, Novanio Tech was able to gain a solid stand in the stellar processor market —even after they had abandoned Lucas.

"Are you of the same opinion as they are?" Böjer glanced at the last two members of the meeting.

One of them was the famous Rajhan Khan, a well-known individual in the political sector. He was also an eighth level Apertures Opening stage stellar practitioner, so he was not to be underestimated.

Unlike the heads of the top families, Rajhan didn't lead a large family or run a vestige company. Instead, he was simply into the tourism and hospitality industry as well as politics. In terms of power, while he couldn't compare to the heads of the top families in Baylands City, Rajhan's influence was much broader, stretching across the city-state. It was even said that he was very well connected to Alleva district, the grey zone of Baylands city-state.

When it came to the politics in the other fifteen districts, Rajhan's influence could be said to even surpass the top four families in four of them. Despite that, he didn't fight for the city lord's position.

This was how Rakhan had survived in the space of power for so long. He knew how to position himself. He knew what to fight for and what not to compete for. By stepping into the tourism and hospitality business instead of the rich vestige and desolate industries, Rajhan had grown his wealth and power to this level without clashing with the city-state's true rulers. One could say that he had a good survival instinct.

"I only wish that you would treat me fairly and sincerely as an ally." Rajhan smiled, leaving the decision into Böjer's hands.

Naturally, Böjer realised this and frowned before glancing towards the last individual.

The agenda of the meeting was on how to handle the Seven Sparks Forge store, Lucas and the division of the gains. Topics like this have to be sorted out before they move into action, especially so for the sharing ratio of the profits.

It was expected that the four parties would try to strive for the most, but Böjer had some hope for the Demolition Knights. This was because the organisation was a direct competitor to the Mertens family.

The Mertens family's Dawn-Spring Arrow Company ran a bunch of organisations and one of them was a relatively small-sized freelancer organisation that helped them source for rare items. This organisation was one of Baylands city-state's famous freelancer organisations and was sought after by many other companies to take on jobs. As a result, they were a direct competition to the Demolition Knights, another famous freelancer organisation.

As competition, Böjer had invited the Demolition Knights into this alliance to help them 'squash' their rivals in exchange for asking less in terms of profits; a gentleman's agreement. However, thanks to Nolan from Arkhen Corporation, the flow had changed and that agreement might as well.

"More or less makes no difference to us. Just make sure to fulfill your own end of the bargain." The leader of the Demolition Knights said as his eyes turned cold.

One would wonder why he was being so rude with Böjer who led the prestigious Oder family, but after taking a look at his energy levels, it was understandable.

Peak eighth level Apertures Opening stage, just a step away from the ninth level. Someone like Rajhan would not be able to survive in a death match against him.

Nolan frowned, seeing that the leader of the Demolition Knights couldn't read the room and side with him. However, recalling that there was a total of three on his side and two on Böjer's side, he wasn't as bothered.

"So, what is your decision, Old Böjer." Nolan pressed.

Böjer took one look at the three who stood against him, but in the end, he couldn't do anything other than to take a step back. They were the best possible partners at the moment as they targeted key areas of both the Seven Sparks Forge store and the Mertens family. They also weren't stronger than the Oder family, so, there was no risk of a betrayal.

"Fine. In exchange for your support, the Oder family won't step into the stellar processor industry. Also, all information and data of research value, relating to the advanced stellar processors would be handed over to the Versailles Group."

The brown-haired man visibly smiled at this.

"Thank you for your honesty. The Versailles Group would do our best to cooperate wherever needed."

Böjer nodded at him and continued.

"Dealership rights in Kaloso, Orla, and East Bank districts would be in your control, Rajhan."

Unlike the president of the Versailles Group, Rajhan wasn't entirely pleased. After all, his influence was well pronounced in four districts, but Böjer only granted him distribution rights in three of them. However, he knew that he couldn't contend with a force such as the Oder family, and with the president of the Versailles Group being won over, making a complaint could be detrimental to him.

As such, Rajhan beamed generously and thanked Böjer.

"Finally," Böjer glared at Nolan who had ruined his plans.

Both the Arkhen Corporation and the Oder family's Prestige Star Ltd were vestige-smith companies. As such, there was a conflict of interest here. If Böjer wanted their help, he would have to lose out a bit to do so. While he had already been prepared, Nolan had forcefully asked for the price to be raised, which would mean that Böjer's losses would increase.

'When this is all over, I'll make sure to let this bastard understand that my Oder family isn't to be messed with.'

Böjer's face looked solemn and emotionless, but deep down, he was already beginning to scheme against the latter.

"The secrets of the SS vestige would be split between us, 60-40."

Nolan's smile was still on his face as he didn't make any response.

"...55-45, no more." Böjer's aura rose as he scowled at the former.

"Haha. You're generous indeed."

Nolan chuckled before patting his chest proudly as he announced,

"The Arkhen Corporation is with you all the way."

The original deal was 70-30; a 55-45 ratio was already a big win considering the Arkhen Corporation wouldn't be leading the charge in this 'battle'.