Emma looked around at the scene, "Well, that was refreshing! I honestly can't rember the last ti I saw soone make Alaric this angry."
Yara looked up at Alaric, "Thank you for protecting us. You are really strong."
"Nobody threatens my sister," Alaric replied simply.
Alaric's attention returned to Selene for more serious matters, "Selene, do you want to drop her off sowhere before leaving? Only we can go to our next destination," he said, gesturing toward Yara with polite but clear exclusion.
Selene looked montarily troubled, clearly reluctant to separate from Yara after the day's events, but she nodded in understanding.
Turning toward her friend, she said gently, "Wait for at Moon's apartnt. I'll co back as soon as I can, okay?"
Yara nodded obediently. "Yes. I'll wait there and maybe practice making so of that cake we tried by searching it up on the 'phone' like you taught ."
"Oh my, the mysterious 'Moon' is being ntioned again! Both of you staying at his place, sharing keys...I do wonder just how charming this 'Moon' person must be to capture the attention of my dear Selene so completely~"
Emma's teasing tone was warm and non-malicious, she clearly enjoyed having soone like a younger sister to playfully tornt, and her fondness for Selene was obvious despite the mischievous nature of her comnts.
The protective brother was clearly not pleased with these new revelations about his sister's social life, but he did not say anything, leaving the matter to be deal with to another ti.
The group made their way to Alaric's personal orbital to drop off Yara before making their to their destination.
The vehicle was magnificent, easily the size of a small building. It had a sleek exterior, it had a black tallic colour that made it look domineering in the sky. The interior was even more impressive, filled with luxury.
The orbital was easily in the hundreds of millions of dollars, but to a Surpasser like Alaric with dozens of Human Bases, and Spirit Pavilions under his na, it was nothing.
Custom furniture, rare materials, technological systems that belonged in the most exclusive facilities—everything designed to reflect Alaric's status as one of the Second Sanctuary's most powerful.
As they settled into the opulent seating area, Emma couldn't resist continuing her teasing.
"So, Selene darling, tell us more about this Moon person~" she said with an innocent smile that fooled absolutely no one. "Is he as handso as the captain? As strong? As charming?"
♢♢♢♢
After dealing with the Association representatives, Moon remained aboard the orbital for an extended conversation with Tom Glassy. The Ascender had an offer to present—sothing significant that he claid Moon couldn't afford to refuse.
"Look, kiddo," Tom began, settling back in his luxurious chair. "I like you. And there are very few people I can say that about, they could be counted on one hand without using all the fingers."
His expression grew more serious, "Therefore, I won't beat around the bush or waste your ti with nonsense. I want to recruit you for my organization. And before you imdiately say no, listen to my complete offer."
Moon remained silent, and did not interrupt the man. He'd been nice to him, and he had also helped him deal with the association representatives, the least he could do was at least listen to his offer.
Tom held up his hand, counting off points on his fingers.
"First: I will provide you with a monthly salary befitting your demonstrated Rank. As an S-rank awakener who just accomplished the impossible, I'm offering five million dollars monthly, deposited directly to your accounts, no strings attached. The stronger you beco, the higher that number will be."
Moon's eyebrows rose for a brief mont.
"Second: I won't tie you down with so slavery contract full of restrictive clauses. You maintain your freedom and privacy."
"Third: I won't over-burden you with constant assignnts, nor will I force you to accept any mission you're not comfortable with. Your participation remains voluntary, based on your availability."
"Fourth: You'll receive a ten percent discount for purchases from any store in our comrcial chain network, which spans multiples zones and cities and includes so very exclusive suppliers."
Tom's grin widened as he reached one of his main selling points into securing the contract with Moon. Sothing that very few rising stars could reject.
"Fifth: As long as you don't offend anyone more powerful than —which is a very short list—you can expect my full support on Earth and in any area where I have influence within the Second Sanctuary. Protection, resources, backing when needed."
He leaned forward slightly.
"In exchange, I ask for two simple things: publicly affiliate your na with the Glassy Group, and occasionally assist with specific tasks I might request your help with, which will also provide you with their own bonus rewards for completing. What do you say?"
Moon's mouth would have hung open had he not experienced enough of the world recently to maintain better composure. The offer was incredibly generous, almost suspiciously so, and it would solve nurous problems he'd been anticipating—dealing with potential retaliation from the Richter family, managing enemies he might make through his growing na, and having a general safety net in dangerous political waters.
More importantly, Moon couldn't care less about having his na affiliated with the Glassy Group. He wasn't so lone wolf egomaniac who would reject beneficial partnerships purely out of stubborn pride, especially when the conditions were entirely in his favor.
"Isn't this offer... excessive?" Moon asked carefully. "I an, this deal seems too good to be true. What's the real catch?"
Tom's laugh was real and heartfelt.
"Kiddo, you are literally the talk of the entire planet right now. Having your na publicly affiliated with my group will bring many benefits through association alone. Your reputation enhances my organization's prestige significantly. And, I won't lie to you, having your na affiliated with our group isn't all sun-shine and rainbows. Whilst it could deter many enemies, it could also bring you enemies that wish to see us fail."
"More than that, I believe you have the potential to eventually rival that monster in the Second Sanctuary. I want to invest in your future while you're still developing, plant the seeds of a beneficial relationship now, and reap the rewards for generations to co when you reach the apex of power."
Moon considered the offer from multiple angles. The financial rewards were good, but more appealing was the protection and resource access. Having an Ascender's backing would allow him to pursue his goals with far less concern about interference from jealous rivals or vengeful families.
Moon knew that he would need all kinds of information from now on. He still had dozens of S-Rank beasts to hunter, and within them the hidden Supre Rank beasts that nobody seemingly knew about.
"Alright," Moon nodded decisively. "I accept your offer. Let's formalize this arrangent."
"Outstanding!" Tom's grin beca triumphant as he slapped Moon's shoulder with enthusiasm. "I knew my instincts about you were correct from the very beginning!"
Tom gestured toward his butler, who had been waiting discretely nearby.
"Bring us the partnership contract, modified for the terms we just discussed."
As the butler moved to fulfill the request, Tom turned back to Moon, the grin still plastered on his face.
"Welco to the Glassy Group, Moon. I have a feeling this is going to be the start of sothing magnificent."
Moon couldn't help but smile slightly at the older man's enthusiasm.
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