CH659 Silver Tongue Recruitment

***

He paused briefly, then raised a third finger.

"Third, any protection we provide will likely expire once the mine has been fully exploited. We—and our partners—are, at the end of the day, hired power. If compensation stops, so does our service.

"When that happens, the grim future my wife described earlier becomes far more likely. Our partners will gradually loosen their secrecy measures surrounding this place, and eventually, people will learn about your village and what once existed here."

Alex was just about to raise another finger and continue.

"What is the second option?" the woman asked suddenly, cutting him off before he could elaborate further on the first.

"Option two is for your tribe to rebuild your village somewhere else. In that case, the compensation you receive from the mine would be used to incentivise our partners to provide your people with a safer location—somewhere your tribe can rebuild and live in relative peace.

"By simply settling there, you would receive our protection by proxy, which would significantly reduce the risk of harm coming to your people," Alex explained.

Just as he had done with the first option, he immediately moved on to explain the hidden costs beneath the surface.

"If your tribe chooses this option, you will effectively be seen as a proxy of our organisation and our partners. That creates the possibility—however small—that one of our enemies may target your village in an attempt to strike back at us."

"That is enough. You do not need to explain further. I understand the risks," the woman said suddenly.

Alex nodded slowly.

He paused for a few breaths before speaking again, this time with far more care in his tone.

"The decision is ultimately yours to make, but if you would allow me one piece of unsolicited advice..."

That caused her to look at him more seriously.

"I would advise you to choose the second option. Based on everything we know, it offers your tribe the greatest chance not merely to survive—but to truly live.

"Actual living. Actual freedom. Not merely breathing while waiting for the next powerful person to decide your fate. It is the only path that gives your people the best chance to exist on their own terms, without constantly living at the mercy of stronger forces."

He paused, then gestured towards the members of the Fortuna Company gathered nearby.

"In addition..."

His gaze returned back to her.

"What do you think of them? To you, do they seem strong?"

"Of course," the woman replied without hesitation.

Alex nodded.

"If you choose the second option, I will also invite you to join our little band... if you want to. And if you do, I will do everything within my power to make you as strong as them—if not stronger."

The woman’s eyes widened at what sounded less like an offer and more like a promise.

"Why?" she asked. "Because of this mine?"

"Do not misunderstand." Alex shook his head. "This mine is valuable, yes, but that is not why I am offering you this opportunity. I am doing so because you possess something I consider far more valuable."

He smiled faintly.

"You see, I have a rather unique method—one that allows me to empower people who possess the right kind of talent. Every person you see here has that talent to some degree."

He suddenly pointed towards Kavakan in the distance.

"You see that big guy over there?"

The woman nodded.

"A part of the reason he is so strong... is because of the power I gave him," Alex said.

Kavakan scratched his head awkwardly when he heard Alex’s claim.

The woman’s eyes flashed with surprise as she recalled Kavakan’s overwhelming ferocity during the battle to reclaim her tribe’s village and the mine.

Her thoughts began to race.

"You possess a similar talent—actually, one that is above average," Alex revealed.

Realisation slowly dawned on her.

’So, he is inviting me because I am useful to him... because if he empowers me, I can become valuable to his cause,’ she mused.

Her gaze drifted back towards Kavakan.

’If that is true... then could I really become as strong as him?’

The possibility was far too tempting to ignore.

’The Silver Tongue strikes again,’ Zora thought as she subtly shook her head. ’Another victim falls.’

Even before the woman spoke, her expression alone made it obvious what her answer would be.

And, unsurprisingly, she nodded.

"It is good to have you with us. I will do my best to ensure you never regret this decision," Alex said with a smile.

Back at the base, when Alex had scanned her using the [Detection] spell, he had discovered that she possessed seven Rune Slots—the same number as Kavakan.

She was an untouched canvas for his Rune Tattoos. There was no way he could let that opportunity slip away.

Then Alex suddenly palmed his forehead as he realised something.

"That reminds me—you still have not told us your name."

The woman straightened slightly.

"I am Tivela of the Andaroga Tribe," she introduced herself.

"I am Alex Fury, Leader of the Fortuna Company," Alex replied in return.

Soon after, the rest of the party introduced themselves to their newest companion.

Once that was settled, Alex transferred all of the already mined Theolonium ore into the Sanctuary space.

Afterwards, he contacted Raven Horn once again, this time providing the exact location of the mine while also explaining the situation regarding the tribe and the agreement he had made with Tivela.

For a mine capable of producing potentially a full ton of Theolonium, Raven Horn accepted the terms Alex had negotiated without hesitation. The arrangement was sealed almost immediately.

Finding a relatively safe place for Tivela’s tribe to rebuild might have been difficult for most organisations, but not for the Black Scar Syndicate—especially not when a Theolonium mine was involved. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

With those matters settled, Alex opened a Spatial Gate and returned the entire party back to the warehouse in BloodIron.

’Just a few more days, Brock Peyton...’ Alex thought, a cold smile forming in his mind.

’I do hope you entertain me properly when the time comes.’

And so, as though nothing had happened during the night, the party quietly returned to the mansion.

***