346 Quick Deals and Equal Exploits (Patreon)

The frog simmered, "You speak that because no matter the outcome, your false empire will be helped more by their deaths. You're trying to kill them to fuel this death game Schema placed us in. Their armies will, in essence, become yours."

I stepped up, several feet taller than Obolis. Shalahora's shroud dispersed while I spread my hands,

"Hey Obolis, it's good to see you again. I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

Chapter Begin

The Emperor's eyes opened wide, and he leaned back, "You survived? Hah, why would I expect anything else? You're like an eldritch in a sewer; there's no killing all of you."

I leaned over the other rulers, "I do try to make it a habit to not die."

After inspecting a few of the numbers the rulers analyzed, I stood back upright, "Do you all have time for a deal? I'm pressed for time, so I'd really like to just handle this quickly if that's possible."

Obolis tilted his head, "What kind of deal, exactly?"

I gestured at everything, "One where I fix what's broken here. I already inspected the place and installed an elevator for everyone. I also put the gravity well in place, but no one seems to have noticed. What gives?"

Obolis tapped his side, "We suspected a ripple in the gravitation in Leviathan to be the cause of it. As that force lingered, questions arose over its source. Your arrival acts as an obvious answer to the enigma."

The other rulers peered up at me, wondering who I was until the chubby frog ruler pointed up at me, "You're that fool that spoke to Schema directly, aren't you? Hah, it's a miracle you're still alive, given you defied him so openly. I expected you to be sheared to pieces, yet here you are, alive and well."

I turned a hand to him, "You were trying to keep people alive, right?"

"I was. My name is Malos. Malos Srika. I'm here as part of the Srika Empire. I've been ruling it since I turned seven, and even at that age, I learned long ago to know my place. That's obviously a lesson you never learned considering how you spoke to Schema."

Obolis glared at the ruler, the Emperor's fangs flashing once more, "You shouldn't hit at the mouth that feeds you, lest it takes your hand from your arm. In that same vein, speak accordingly in my presence, lest I rob you of your ability to do so."

The frog gave him a wide grin, "Go ahead and expose what you are."

Ignoring the taunt, the Emperor's eyes flicked over to me, "It's good to see you well, Harbinger. This planet's harshness likely left you comfortable, given your unique constitution. Just as well, the golems you've conscripted have handled their work admirably on my planets. They've left a region on one of my worlds far more secure, and after we've survived this ordeal, I'd love to talk about hiring more of them."

I shrugged, "As long as you have credits to pay, I have golems to give."

Iona Joan crossed her arms, "Can we talk the terms for our faction first? Please?"

Obolis said, "What are they then?"

I gestured to everything, "I can offer to make the antigravity well permanent here, along with quite a few other additions you guys desperately need. Food, water, air, depressurization, golems, etcetera. It will completely flip this faction's current position."

Obolis steepled his claws, "Wait a moment...You've already investigated this place?"

I smiled, "Thoroughly."

The other rulers gave me skeptical looks while Obolis dove deep into thought. He paced back and forth before raising a finger, "You wish to resolve our issues...Hm, that can be arranged. Given your skillset, I believe you when you promise to solve our logistical concerns. The golems and barriers will also be welcomed. However-"

He narrowed his eyes at me, "I'm left wondering what you want from us?"

"Just half of everything."

Obolis sighed while pinching the bridge of his nose. The other rulers burst into an uproar of squabbling. The chubbier frog alien's throat swelled at it gurgled out, "And what could you possibly offer us in exchange for so many resources? Do you even have proof of your abilities?"

I tilted my head at the frog, "What exactly would I need to do for proof?"

The frog crossed his arms, "Simple. You enact the changes you said you could handle."

I raised my brow, "Ah, you want free labor. I see where this is going."

Obolis stepped forward, dwarfing the others present. The Emperor clamped his hand shut, a wicked pop echoing out. The noise silenced everyone in all directions, our area muted by a wave of magic. Obolis glared at the other rulers, and he menaced,

"Did you all ignore me when I mentioned his skillset, or do you lack ears perhaps? Know this: I don't lie when I speak. My words may carry many meanings, but the most obvious of them point to undeniable reality. In this case, I can assure you that Daniel isn't boasting without cause. He is a dimensional construct, and as such, he defies certain laws of nature."

Obolis turned to me, "And, given those abilities, I'm more than willing to offer you a comparable award to what you're offering. However, when you mention 'half' without context, I'm left wondering where and what you're asking for. Could you clarify for everyone present, so all is understood?"

The rulers watched on while I peered around. I spread my arms, "Sure. I want half of your resources you have along with half of what you make after I fix everything here."

If the rulers uproared before, they outraged now. Hissing, howling, and squealing, they aimed their ire at Obolis, but the Emperor gazed at them with disdain. The screams bounced off of him before Obolis murmured,

"Are all of you finished?"

No one replied, the room turning into a quiet lecture hall in an instant. Obolis said, "Remember our situation. We've lost many to Valgus and this planet. Daniel knows this, and so he understands his worth." Obolis gave me a knowing look, "Unfortunately."

I remembered how he took advantage of me when we met. He didn't seem to be trying to pull that same stunt again. Obolis raised a clawed hand, "For now, ignore the rulers and their ignorance. You're the youngest ruler present, owning no resources but enviable talents. Forgive them and put little stock in their words."

Obolis looked at the rulers and pinched his claws at them, "No stock in your words yet. You all own many skills and vast knowledge. Daniel's raw resources will likely allow those abilities to flourish."

Obolis pointed the pinched claws and his eyes at me, "After the rulers understand the situation, then please, by all means, condemn them as you like."

The talkative frog stammered, "We haven't even decided what is to be done with the dying, and you're dropping it as if this is more important all of a sudden."

Obolis loomed, "It may be. Regardless, this is a change in the situation should we treat said dealings with care. I ask you all to silence yourselves for now and allow me to handle this meeting. I've worked with Daniel in the past, and he is credible. If the situation resolves to any of your dislikings, then I'll grant my share of our resources to everyone and leave. Is that suitable?"

Obolis's words rang out, and the other rulers' grumbling ceased for the moment. The Emperor must've contributed a large chunk of resources. Either way, Obolis turned back to me,

"Granting fifty percent of our total earnings will place us within a diminutive standard in the lottery's rankings. Is it possible to only give thirty percent? That leaves us in a far better position moving forward."

I considered their positions, and I shook my head, "I don't think so. Based on how everything is playing out here, very few of you will survive, let alone prosper. You're also misunderstanding just how much I'm offering each of you."

I waved my arm across the room, "I'm not giving everyone survival - I'm offering a chance for affluence. With the stability, security, and power I offer, your position will change completely. Your rate of resource accrual will exponentially multiply, and I'm asking for half because the half you make with me will dwarf the whole of what you make now."

The rulers gazed at Obolis, their aged eyes full of doubt, disorder, and hints of disdain. The frog ruler rolled his eyes, "You wanted everyone below murdered to conserve our resources, but now you want to give them all away to this upstart?"

Obolis dragged his hands down his face, "You know, Malos, you remind me of my spoiled nieces and nephews. They were given positions of influence, never needing to earn them. That radiated out in how they viewed the world, their vantage points stifled by entitlement. An entitlement that had never tasted deeply from the waters of desperation."

Obolis glared at the frog in disgust, "Considering you inherited your empire, I see you are much the same in that regard."

Malos smiled at Obolis, his skin thick with slime, "You believe you're the first to downplay my ascension? Continue doing so. I will prove with my words that I am more than what you make of me." The frog ruler gazed up at me, "We don't even know if you're lying about the gravity well either."

I snapped my fingers, the saturated magic ending. The rulers present changed their looks, many of them gazing down. Unable to tolerate gravity's intense pull, the chubby frog nodded, "Ah...It seems there's some validity to what you've claimed. I was mistaken."

I reactivated the gravity well, and the group gasped like releasing pressure valves. Having proven my legitimacy, no one interrupted the Emperor saying,

"I've seen your cities, and I know how they were produced. Mostly, at least, and based on your confidence, it would seem they've improved. Am I right about that?"

Shalahora spoke up, "I have gazed upon them, and they dot the skies of the shining hell. He's amassed a nation's worth of territory. You all may share in that bounty should you accept what he offers. However, to do so, you must let go of what you think is true. Accept that you wallow in darkness. Only then may you step where the light shines."

A bit peeved, Malos dabbed his cheek with an embroidered tissue, "It seems like the three of you are trying to set up an arrangement. If anything, I'd imagine you all conspired behind our backs. Yes, yes, I can see it now. You all intend to swindle our faction while we are desperate."

Malos, rallying the others, gazed at everyone here, "We cave here, and we lose any chance at pulling ourselves out of the depths. They're liars I tell you."

Shalahora dispersed back into his shadowy form, "You may all listen to his words, or you may listen to howling desperation that exists here. It echoes in the halls and it oozes from the floors. The malice. The stink of death. This is no sanctuary. It is a prison that awaits the end of those it holds. I will say it no more, but the Harbinger offers much to you all. You may grasp it or let it go. That choice is yours."

The rulers gazed at Shalahora, the Sovereign's words worth more than mine and Obolis's put together. Obolis gave a nod of approval to Shalahora, "It would seem that validity has been established. Daniel, is there any portion of this place you'd prefer to have? Perhaps the promised help of an individual or specific resource?"

I pointed down, "The lab is the most important part to me. I want every bit of information and some of the technology you're using to record information in this place. It's set up so that I can avoid a lot of the leg work I'd otherwise have to handle."

The Malos's irises turned to slits, "And why is that? Information is a low-yield offering. The cores and bones are what is truly valuable given the stakes of the lottery."

Another diplomat coughed into his hand, "That is if you're willing to let us know. I'm curious as well, but only because it allows us to better satisfy whatever it is you want from us all."

I shrugged, "I'd rather not say."

The rulers stared at one another before discussing their dealings for a time. After about ten minutes of waiting, Obolis stepped up and rose a hand,

"Then may we reduce the offering to my mentioned thirty percent, but we'll exchange all information we attain about Leviathan-7, other rulers, etcetera? That should offer a greater percentage of offerings to us so that we may protect our empires from being conscripted. At the same time, you'll be granted the data you so desire."

Obolis shrugged, "It's a win-win for both parties involved." He stuck out a hand, remembering how my species handled deals, "Do we have an arrangement?"

I tapped my chin, "Even if I value the info more, that doesn't mean I don't want the resources. Let's make it forty percent, and I also want information sent to me after we come back from the lottery on top of what you guys have. I want to know the outcomes for the Empires, positions, all that good stuff."

The diplomats split down the middle, some siding with Obolis and the others with Malos. The frog ruler's camp peered at one another, whispering in low breaths,

"I can't believe they're taking him seriously."

"But Shalahora was over level 60,000. Even though I know nothing about him, you don't get to level 60,000 by pushing papers. He could probably just kill us all if he wanted to, yet he's still arguing for this person's validity. This Daniel guy might be telling the truth."

The frog ruler's throat bulged again as he raised a palm to Shalahora, "Ah, Sovereign, I was wondering if you would answer a question for me?"

Shalahora's voice oozed, "I may. I may not."

"Fair enough...To level with you, a being such as yourself has many options. Even Valgus wished for your favor, and he assaulted the Pro-Schema faction right after we arrived. Despite your position, you allied with this young upstart instead of us. Why is that?"

Shalahora murmured, "We formed an alliance before arriving here. That is all."

The frog rolled his hand in a circle, "Yes, yes, yes, but I'm more so left wondering as to why you would form that alliance? Does that make sense?"

Shalahora menaced,

"No."

Bold as always, the chubby frog puffed itself up and tilted its head at Shalahora, "I understand you don't wish to say. I will allow the issue to slide, and of course, I meant no offense. Ah yes, Harbinger, a word of advice-" The frog blinked, "Never ally with someone who's unclear of what they want. That's all I'll say."

Shalahora tilted its head at the frog ruler. Malos froze in place before Shalahora scoffed, "You'll allow this issue to slide?"

The Sovereign made the word sound like an ancient curse. The shadowy ruler hollowed out like a new moon, "Your mind is an open book to me, yet you try to speak in riddles to mask your intentions and confound my own. It is the tactic of a politician, one who's never tasted blood on their lips or lived at death's door. Or at the end of madness."

Shalahora flowed closer, "You mistake my mercy for your boldness. This is not so. I offered to let you live, yet you act as if I cannot rob you of life. Of thought. Of your soul, body, and being. It is all in my palm, and it rests perched upon bottomless cliffs. Despite my position, you tested me...Have I failed you?"

The frog stumbled, falling back, and Shalahora gazed down at him, "Let me unveil your motives. You wish to weaken my and the Harbinger's alliance so our position isn't as strong. You fought for those dying below because you wish to establish moral superiority for your own gain. It does not stem from a central, core belief in their worth; it is a means to an end. Nothing more. Nothing less."

The frog ruler gasped, unable to speak. Shalahora murmured, "You may deny my words, but in doing so, I will cleave your mind asunder. There will be no doubt of your thoughts, for I shall share them all to those present. They will listen, and your lies will be known...But please, don't force my hand."

Shalahora encircled the ruler, "Do not make me a murderer of your mind, the source of your splintered soul."

Shalahora released his unseen grasp on the frog, and the ruler vomited up blended insects. Shalahora peered at the others, "Force isn't something I prefer, but it is the tool I wield. It is blunt...Heavy...And hardened. That's all I know, and so you may think my weakness lies in how I speak. Exploiting my weakness and I will exploit yours in kind."

Shalahora flowed away from the frog, who fumbled around as if shell-shocked. The shadowy Sovereign murmured, "And unlike what you've said, what I've done will never leave you...Will it, Malos?"

The frog continued flailing before curling into a ball in the corner. The entire time they spoke, I slowed time and inspected the situation. Shalahora wielded an incredible psionic ability, one far more potent than my own. It felt alien, as if some cosmic being inhabited Shalahora's body at that moment, one without limit. I held back a grimace, remembering a similar mental pressure from something else.

The Old Ones.

Keeping that to myself, I put on my best poker face. The other rulers gawked at the frog, all of them beside Obolis. A seasoned warrior, the Emperor pinched his brow while sighing,

"You know...I've wanted to do the same for the last while, but I'm far too civilized for carnage of that kind." Obolis smiled, covering his grin with a clawed hand, "But I do relish when someone walks in from the uncivilized world and reminds us what lies in nether beyond our sight."

Obolis put on a thoughtful gaze as he stared at Malos, "It would seem he needed humbling. Perhaps another ruler would wish to doubt a literal Sun Swallower?" Obolis gave them a tight grin, "Anyone? No? Excellent. It would seem the rest of you evolved past single-celled life. Commendable, truly."

In stressful situations, Obolis reminded me of a different shade of Helios. The Emperor peered back to us, "Since I'm one of the few rulers present with a functioning brain, I'll make the deal. We'll agree to the terms you've so graciously laid out, ones that are now concrete because one of our own angered you both. Think of this as a sincere apology for our indiscretion."

He reached out a hand once more, several of the rulers present still gawking at the display of violence. I pulled my hair back while shaking my head, "Look, I had nothing to do with that. I'm just here for the deal." Letting my hair go, I shook Obolis's hand. Obolis gave me a wide grin before rubbing his clawed hands together,

"Then it's settled. You may begin your work when ready."

I shook my head, "It isn't. That's our verbal agreement. I'll be binding you all with something far more permanent than words."

I pulled out my grimoire and opened the pages. Book in hand, I temporally accelerated while brainstorming the cipheric markings to ensure these rulers stuck to my contract. Unlike how Yawm's agreement kept everything vague, I provided absolute clarity. I wanted no misinterpretations of this, and I kept everything as simple as possible.

Once my minds finished churning the document out, I ceased my time compression. With heated telekinetic points, I traced our agreement onto the pages of my grimoire. After charging it with mana, the cipheric etchings floated off the page and onto a slab of my own skin, one made in the moment. They sizzled into the dark metal, and I turned the plate to Obolis,

"You know how to read this, so it should all make perfect sense to you. Let me know if you need any addendums, and we can work it out."

Obolis grinned while grasping the plate, "Gladly. Do relax while I ensure everything is in order."

As Obolis read through the document, I turned to Shalahora. He peered back at me, and his gaze was unwavering. Gawking at the shadowy figure, the other rulers gave the Sovereign distance. They feared him. It, really, and Shalahora didn't mind being abhorred in the slightest. Trying to find some kind of tell in his posture, I watched closely.

The guy's a literal shadow though, so I came up with nothing. Wanting to avoid a similar situation in the future, I opened a telepathic connection. From the edges of my mind, Shalahora whispered,

"Did the seed of doubt sprout in your mind, little one?"

"It did. It wasn't from what the frog said. It was from how you handled the situation and that...That attack you're using. I've seen and felt something similar before, and I won't be able to trust you unless you tell me what it was."

Shalahora spoke quietly yet with great force,

"I only showed him pain."

I winced, "It looked as though you robbed him of reason. How in the hell could he experience pain like that without any wounds, not even psionic ones?"

Shalahora's voice grew distant, "It was not his pain."

My eyes widened as Shalahora seethed,

"It was my own."