Online Game: Starting With SSS-Ranked Summons-Chapter 426: Successful Negotiation

Still, Arthur wasn’t without alternatives.

If it became absolutely necessary, he would take on the mission under a different identity, hidden behind the mask. Let the world see only results, not the hands that shaped them.

But that was a last resort.

For now, he would stand firm and do everything he could to bring Seraphina over to his terms.

His frown conveyed exactly what he thought of that arrangement. Power Guild’s reputation couldn’t afford to appear subordinate to other organizations.

Image matters. Perception shapes reality after all.

Seraphina’s smile suggested she’d anticipated this reaction. "If you want, you can take the mission from our guild without completing it under our name. Independent contractor status."

Seraphina agreed to compromise, but Arthur knew that for such a compromise, there had to be a hidden condition..

Arthur’s interest sharpened. "Continue."

"But," Seraphina’s tone carried new negotiation weight, "I have a condition."

"I want you to help my daughter in the secret realm trials."

Arthur’s mind immediately retrieved the relevant information. The secret realm trials—an elite academy tradition and its most prestigious, yet perilous, advancement test. The very reason he had joined the academy in the first place. Hidden within the realm were treasures of immense value, ancient legacies, and dangers that could easily claim lives. For those who survived, glory and power awaited. For those who didn’t, nothing remained.

He had enrolled in the academy, hoping to find a cure for Charlotte. But the academy’s schedule moved at its own pace. The secret realm trials were still a ways off, and he had grown impatient. The delay had pushed him to explore other paths.

"Liora Gilderhaven," he murmured, the name stirring recognition. "Your daughter is in the elite class. She’s my classmate."

His voice carried a subtle shift in tone, coloured by realisation.

Seraphina nodded. For the first time since their conversation began, a trace of unguarded emotion flickered across her face. Maternal pride softened her usually sharp features.

"She’s talented," she said, "but still inexperienced when it comes to high-stakes operations like the trials. Your strength and reputation make you an ideal ally. If you were to watch over her, she’d stand a far better chance."

There it was. A mother’s concern, layered beneath the formal request of a powerful guild leader. Despite her outward poise, Seraphina was no different from countless others who feared for their children. But her situation was far more precarious.

As the head of one of Caldera’s four elite families, Seraphina had many enemies. Old grudges, quiet rivalries, and veiled threats surrounded her like shadows. And the moment her daughter entered the secret realm, all of Seraphina’s influence and power would be rendered useless.

No guards, no protection, no oversight.

Inside the realm, alliances could shift, grudges turn deadly, and accidents could be arranged to look like unfortunate missteps.

If Liora were to die there, Seraphina would never know the exact hand behind it.

Naturally, she would have a hunch on who would dare to attack her daughter and have the strength for it, but no evidence that could allow for her revenge.

Arthur understood all of this. He could read between the lines.

Arthur weighed the proposal with a tactician’s mind. The secret realm was already a key part of his personal objectives.

It held treasures, breakthroughs, and rare materials that could aid his own quest, especially in finding a cure for Charlotte. Aligning with Liora wouldn’t derail his plans. If anything, it might provide an advantage, depending on what Seraphina and her daughter were after.

He spoke after a brief pause, his voice calm and practical.

"If I qualify for the secret realm trials and meet the participation requirements, then yes—I’ll assist your daughter. But I won’t be there to babysit her. I have my own goals inside the realm."

His gaze was steady, unwavering.

"Besides, I’ve heard that participants are scattered upon entry. We may not even end up near each other."

Seraphina gave a small nod, as though she had anticipated that objection. From a pocket within her cloak, she drew out a shimmering crystal, faintly pulsing with inner light.

"This will resolve that issue," she said, placing it delicately on the table between them. "It’s a paired locator crystal. One will be in your possession, and the other with Liora. If either of you concentrates on the other’s presence, it will guide you across the realm until you’re reunited."

Arthur’s eyes flicked to the crystal, then back to her.

"And just to be clear," Seraphina continued, her voice cool but sincere, "I don’t expect you to be her constant guardian. I simply need you to help her accomplish one task. There’s a specific item we’re targeting within the realm. Once she obtains it, she’ll exit immediately. You’ll be free to pursue your goals without further obligation."

Arthur nodded slowly. The terms were acceptable. Temporary protection in exchange for the epic-rank herb mission—and, just as valuable, a glimpse into what one of Caldera’s most powerful families truly sought within the realm. He might have proposed a fair trade, but he was walking away with more than he’d offered.

"Understood," he said. "If I qualify, and if she’s prepared to pull her own weight, I’ll see it done." ƒгeewebnovёl_com

Seraphina’s smile became genuinely warm for the first time during their meeting. "Deal."

Arthur rose from his chair, the negotiation concluded to both parties’ satisfaction. "I’ll need the mission details and requirement specifications."

"Marcus will provide complete documentation and transfer the mission," Seraphina assured him.

"Thank you for the productive meeting, Seraphina."

"The pleasure was entirely mine, Azarel." Her smile carried new respect alongside the calculated charm. "I look forward to our future cooperation."

We both benefited from this meeting, not bad.

Arthur stepped back into the corridor where Marcus waited with patience.

"Successful negotiations?" Marcus inquired with polite interest.

"Very." Arthur’s satisfaction was evident despite his neutral expression. "I’ll need those mission documents as soon as possible."

Marcus nodded with efficiency. "I’ll have everything prepared within a few minutes."

As they walked back through the guild’s opulent corridors, Arthur’s mind moved on to his next steps.