Looking aLooking at Namon with a raised eyebrow. “ What kind of deal? “ Don't get me wrong, I was intrigued, but I was nobody. I was a noob logging into a game for the first time, overwhelmed cause the game had been out for years. Plus, the tutorial was not the greatest, not that it was horrendous, but it could still use some work. Yet the lure of what was laid out before me was too great to ignore. There was a gleam in his eyes as he met my gaze. “Relax, Sara, I am not trying to take advantage of you. You do not realize what your potential can be. Yes, soon you will be battling for your life. Trying to survive in a harsh environment. “ Again, his words hit like a hammer. Truth of what was to come, and each time I felt a bit more afraid.
“ I can tell you if you are smart about how you approach your challenges, work hard, and surround yourself with people that you trust. You will make it through. Not unscathed but definitely stronger in body and spirit. The problem a number of inductees face is that once the barely surviving part is over. Then the question becomes, what do I do now? “
It was good that someone had confidence in me because right now I was feeling pretty small. His pause gave me a few moments to catch my breath. Meeting his gaze, I saw an understanding in his eyes, and with a small nod, I motioned for him to continue.
“You, my dear, have a skill that can fit a niche within the market. Some people love weird, odd pieces of equipment. Volume wise, you will never match the big names. Cause you are filling a niche, though, you can charge more. Again, don't let what is going to happen overwhelm you. First, you have a huge advantage. Having a shelter creates a safe zone when deployed. Unlike so many, you can sleep better at night. You and your allies can have downtime to train, to craft, or just relax with a tasty beverage.”
Then it hit me. Fuck; He had a huge point. Of course, I didn't know the full benefits of a shelter, but that was completely on me. Sort of. It was really only day two, right now it felt longer. “ So tell me if I am wrong in my assumption. You are willing to help me get started in return for what? For me, selling a product using your shop?” Ohh. He was a crafty old elf. He was really dangling the carrot. I won't lie, I was completely curious to hear more.
His grandfatherly smile returned. Fuck him. I know he could see how I loved that look. I could feel the coy smile on my face with his attention. No, I wasn't mad at him. Still fuck him. An internal giggle at my silliness. Namon didn't miss a beat as he continued.
“Yes. As you could imagine, as a small business, I need to separate myself from the vast number of competing businesses. Granted, what you can do is not completely unique. Yet I have never seen equipment designed around sexual objects. Trust this old man when I say the System is just getting started in offering you unique abilities and skills. So yes, it is a risk with you, but if I can help you cultivate your skills and help with your survival, it has the possibility to be a huge boon for both of us.”
Jeez, he should be a fucking used car salesman. He didn't have the sleaze that came with it, but I was about to let him sell me the shirt I was wearing back to me. Maybe he did realize it or didn't, but if I could negotiate terms, I could turn this from being his debt into a major investment. “All right, Namon, what exactly are you offering. What are the terms that come with that?”
“To start, we enter into a System contract. Let's say, for one hundred years to start with, an option for renewal after the contract expires. I feel my investment in you would have paid off by then.”
I stopped him there, “ I am sorry, but you do realize that Humans, at least on my Earth, average a seventy or so year life span.” Saying this, I saw his smile.
“My dear, as you evolve your Body and Core, you will be counting your life span in Centuries, not years.” Well, that is another thing the books said was a fact. A bit exciting if you ask me. If I survived that, it is.
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
“OK, and what happens if I don't survive whatever is coming ?” It seemed he was taking a big risk when some huge creature could swallow me whole or something.
“It is a risk, but that is part of running a business. I am not broke or barely breaking even. I take part in what the store profits, and I have set aside funds for investments I feel will pay off. That way, if something does happen. I am covered.”
I was quiet for a minute, giving serious thought to the idea. First, my path was probably a rare one for Namon to be willing to offer an agreement where I might not survive long enough to fulfill my end of the contract. He wasn't desperate, but it was obvious he wanted my services for his own personal goals. I was curious about what a small shop meant in the multiverse. Still, I didn't feel l he was trying to mislead, but of course, in this, I could be dead wrong; there might be some skill that could allow him to get the better of such dealings. Yet on the other hand, there was the System contract. “ OK, I am at least willing to hear your proposal. “
Namon smiled and pulled out another tablet. “ This is an [Auto Scribe]. It will record our terms, will adjust as we negotiate, and then flesh out the wording of the System contract. “ He paused as he typed in their names, and then as he started to speak, I could see the words appearing on the screen. This whole System thing was really cool, and though there was a lot I was scared about, I couldn't deny that there was so much more to be excited about.
As he worked, I paused, noting that certain things concerning the system were standing out more. Like the [Auto Scribe]. Out of curiosity, I tried to expand it.
Auto Scribe
Used only to write System contracts. Facilitated by the System itself to ensure all points are properly entered with the correct wording set by both parties. During negotiations, it will auto update wording and terms as both parties agree.
So is this some sort of inspection skill? I like.
Namon's voice returned my attention to him. “Here are my base terms. The term of the contract is 100 years. All items you produce for sale will be sold exclusively through my shop for the duration of the contract. Of which a minimum of 25 items are produced by you per year for sale. It will be a 70/30 split in my favor. I will use thirty percent of my share to put towards your debt to me. At anytime you can pay down on the principal. In addition, any items you and your team want to sell will be offered to me at a ten percent markdown from the asking price. The interest on your overall debt will be at 3% per month. In return, you receive these nine crystals on credit. I will give you and your team 75% discount on basic training and repair services. A 25% overall discount on all other goods of Rare quality and under, as well as all other services. If you do pay off your debt to me before the 100 years are up, then we will go to a 50/50 split. Also, to help you out, I will provide you at no cost one fully kitted Blacksmith token and a Technomancer bench upgrade for your shelter.”
The wheels turned in my head. I didn't like the loan percentage for a hundred years. Also, the exclusivity bothered me. I could tell he wasn't done, but my own counteroffer was forming in my head. My gut was telling me I had a lot of room to wiggle in these negotiations. Most of what he wanted I could sort of live with, but he was going to pay out the nose for it.
“So, for a major condition. You do need to check in with the current owner of Perrell's Emporium once a month. If you go six months without contact, the contract will be on hold until contact is reestablished. After the six month mark, you will begin to accrue an additional 3%
interest on your debt for the time period of your absence. This is on top of the 3% regular interest, which will not pause. In the event of your death, your debt will be wiped out. Perrell's Emporium will not seek recompense from next of kin or associates.”
My finger tapped my lips as I thought of my own response while watching the [Auto Scribe] fill in Namon's terms. It was fascinating. What was nice was that while I was thinking, he gave me that time to collect my thoughts.
“First off. I want something added to your clause. Also, 1% interest, not three. If I disappear, it would be due to circumstances out of my control. Now what I wanted is added. If you, an employee of Perrell's Emporium, family member, an associate that is invested in Perrell's Emporium, friends, or anyone else linked to you or to your business, if they are the cause of my disappearance, then the contract is null and void.”
A look of surprise on his face, almost insulted as he would even think of something like that happening, crossed his delicate features. Then he nodded,” I can see it from your view. I will do that and the change of interest.”
I smiled watching the changes happen in real time on the tablet. I don't know why it fascinated me so much. I heard him clear his throat, pulling my attention back to him. It caused me to smile a bit sheepishly. Well, what is that saying, out for a penny in for a pound? Or was it in for a penny? Fuck. I don't remember.
“OK, first the exclusive bit. I won't sell to direct competitors that you name in the contract. I feel that limits either someplace where you don't have an influence and would inhibit me from selling items on Earth or wherever I may wind up.”I held up a finger, pausing him as he opened his mouth. “What I am willing to do is, within 25 years, create a line of items specifically sold at your store as well as provide the items per year.” I figured twenty five years would be enough time for me have the skills and abilities to do something unique for him.
I saw a nod, “ That is acceptable. “ Smiling sweetly, he raised his eyebrow in response to my actions. Oh yes, I was about to drop the hammer. I knew I was going to be in debt, so let's go all in.
