A brief silence settled between them as William leaned back in his chair, waiting for the man to continue.
Rowman finally spoke. "In exchange for helping us clear the northern sector, please state the compensation you expect."
William did not answer imdiately. His gaze shifted to the sheet of paper floating between them.
"What is this?"
"My skill," Rowman replied evenly. "Contract. It forms a binding agreent between two parties. If either side violates the terms, the skill activates punishnt. Severe physical pain. In extre cases, it can be fatal."
William stared at him for a long mont.
Then he asked flatly, "And you truly believe I would sign that?"
Rowman gave a small shrug. "I assud you might hesitate to negotiate otherwise."
A wry smile tugged at William’s lips. "So your word alone holds no weight, Sir Strategist?"
"It does," Rowman answered calmly. "This was simply the fastest way to conclude negotiations. The sooner we finish here, the sooner we can move to the site."
William’s brow lifted slightly. "You intend to take there today?"
Rowman nodded once. "I was ordered to resolve the situation within two days. The deadline is today."
He exhaled softly.
"I would have approached you earlier. Unfortunately, your whereabouts were unknown. I had to wait until you returned to the academy."
It was hardly surprising. William had been expected at the Hall’s headquarters, but instead he had gone straight to the Tower after the mission. That delay had led to this rushed approach.
Leaning forward, resting his forearms on his knees, William said calmly, "I can’t leave today. I just returned this morning and need rest. The earliest I can depart is tomorrow morning."
The soldier standing to the left shifted slightly. William felt the subtle change in his stance, the faint hardening of his gaze.
Rowman, however, remained composed. "Very well. I will arrange transportation for tomorrow."
He paused before continuing, "Now, please state your compensation."
William humd thoughtfully. "You’re aware of the dungeon I destroyed recently?"
Rowman nodded.
"Have the capital fund its reconstruction."
The cost of rebuilding a dungeon was astronomical. William didn’t want to place that burden on his father.
For the capital, however, it would be little more than a manageable expense.
"I understand," Rowman replied. "It will be handled."
William continued, "Second, I want assurance that I won’t be summoned every ti a Death Sink manifests sowhere in the world. Incidents have been resolved without my intervention before."
Rowman inclined his head slightly. "I understand your concern. However, in situations that escalate to a matter of national security, your involvent may be mandated. You are aware you cannot defy such laws."
William scoffed lightly. "Yeah, I know. But only when it’s truly beyond control."
Rowman nodded in agreent.
William continued, his tone firm. "I will not disclose the thod I use to lure high ranked devils. That is non negotiable."
"I understand," Rowman replied without hesitation. "Anything further?"
William considered it.
The matter of funds had already been handled. The Great Hall had provided him with so funds and the minister were overseeing the dungeon’s reconstruction. Monetary reward was unnecessary.
After a brief pause, he shook his head. "No. That will be all. I will et you tomorrow morning at the academy’s entrance."
He rose from his seat.
Just as his hand touched the doorknob, Rowman spoke again.
"You are a better person than I had assud, Junior Delimore."
William let out a quiet chuckle. "Then you must have heard about from the wrong people."
With that, he stepped out of the office, carrying the treasure box using telekinesis.
His gaze briefly t the Headmaster’s before he turned and made his way back toward the dormitory.
Once William left, Rowman leaned back in his chair.
"You seed rather agitated just now, Gary."
The soldier did not hesitate. "That boy does not grasp the severity of the situation. He speaks of rest while soldiers are dying every day on the northern front."
His jaw tightened.
"We have made countless sacrifices in the past few days. Families are living in fear. And he delays because he just returned from a mission?"
Munrow exhaled slowly. "You misjudged him."
Gary frowned. "Sir?"
"You assu he is indifferent to the lives being lost," Munrow continued calmly. "But the mont I clarified what was truly at stake, his reluctance shifted."
Gary’s confusion deepened. "I do not follow."
Munrow glanced at the chair William had occupied monts ago.
"From the mont I t him, I knew pressuring him would achieve nothing. He does not bend under authority. But when he understood the gravity of the situation, he was almost prepared to leave imdiately, without even negotiating."
Gary blinked. "Then why did he still ask for ti?"
Munrow’s lips curved faintly. "Perhaps you will understand that once you are in love."
Gary grumbled under his breath.
But he understood.
...
Far from the academy, along the coastline, stood a prosperous city fad for its seafood and bustling trade routes.
At its center rose a grand mansion belonging to the region’s ruler.
Inside his office sat that very ruler, brows drawn into a tight frown.
The short man standing before him, the Count’s advisor, spoke hesitantly. "My lord... this..."
Carter gave a low hum. "It seems my presence has been requested at Gahtua Island."
Luther shifted uneasily. "That place is practically a hellhole right now, my lord. Ever since you beca Count, the capital has never asked you to leave the County to handle sothing of this magnitude."
"It must be severe if they are calling ," Carter replied calmly.
The letter in his hand suddenly ignited, turning to ash as he finished reading
Luther’s unease deepened. "My lord, I do not doubt your strength. But you have an entire land to govern. And under these circumstances, they are sending you there..."
The blond man exhaled slowly. "Circumstances have changed, Luther. The monsters there are on the verge of evolving. Once they do, they will begin leaving the island."
His gaze hardened.
"And if that happens, our people will be the first to suffer."
Luther fell silent.
The city itself stood along the coast. If the creatures of Gahtua Island truly began migrating, the County would be their first target.
Carter rose from his seat, the decision already made.
"Prepare my luggage, Luther," he said calmly. "It seems I will be away for quite so ti."
Luther bowed and didn’t say anything as Carter left the room.
The man stared at the ashes on the ground, a heavy feeling settling on his chest.
He has heard about the situation on the island. Not only were there more than a dozen Death Sinks awaiting the Count there but there was sothing more unsettling about that place.
Rumors were that those who went to that place never returned. Despite their ranks or abilities.
Looking at the doorCarter just crossed, Luther couldn’t help but mutter, "I hope you conquer this challenge as always, my lord. I wish you a safe journey ahead."
However, little did he or anyone expected how this journey was going to change Carter’s life.
•••••••
A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you have been enjoying the story so far please leave a review. It helps keep going.
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