Tilido was polite. When he noticed Mathew was in thought, he left the room to give him peace of mind.

Mathew continued to think things over for at least an hour. He even talked to Agnox asking for his input. He mostly did it to voice his thoughts aloud to hear them. The pro’s and con’s of such a deal were beyond him.

Then to top it all off, there was the odd nature of Tilido being so upfront and honest. Mathew couldn’t comprehend the why. Sure, it was all said to him, but why say it? Why not try to twist things in his favor?

Was it because Tilido had good morals and intentions, or was there an actual hidden agenda?

He was conflicted. Such a golden ticket of an opportunity to skyrocket what will become his city all at the risk of accepting an offer from a literal alien race of people who enjoy war and have no souls.

Mathew laughed at his predicament. “And it’s not even been a year yet.”

A dozen ways to handle this situation crossed his mind. The urge to take everything from Tilido and squeeze him for more. The practical route to accept the given answer, and try to be fair to a likely future ally. The grim reality that this could all be a lie of some kind, and he would be tricked since he doesn’t know everything.

Mathew hated himself for not being prepared for this situation, but what else could he do? He was out of his element, always has been. All the preparation in the world couldn’t have made him ready for this. He never expected it to happen.

There was only one thing he could rely on, and that was his intuition. The facts were laid out before him, and he wanted to ensure acquiring everything including the kitchen sink with this deal.

Mathew placed faith in himself, and sat back down at the table. “If anyone can hear me, I’m ready to talk to Tilido some more.”

A few moments later, Tilido walked back in. “I hope my offer didn’t give you too much of a headache.”

Mathew poured himself another cup of herbal juice to drink. He found the bitter taste kept him grounded with what was about to happen.“Only slightly, but I’m ready to start laying out exactly what your faction plans to do for Blue Oaks.”

Tilido pulled out a document. “I have here a list of everything I can give now, what will be delivered to you upon purchasing or building a trade center in your town, and then the last set of items which will be done once an official embassy is established.”

“To break it down, there is not much we can offer now other than weapons, armor, a single cultivation manual, dozens of recipes, and a few books on the process of enchanting, but all of it very beginner focused minus three. However, I will also be giving you a Hearth Crystal of my own. This is to symbolize the union as it will be your own unofficial embassy.”

Mathew opened his mouth to ask a question, but Tilido raised a hand to stop him, “I already know, you won’t be able to leave the planet. Not until the entire integration of The System is complete, but that doesn’t mean we can’t play around those rules.”

Mathew nodded. “What’s after that?”

“Once you set up a trade center, preferably an Apprentice ranked building, but Beginner will work, just not as efficiently, we can deliver the next phase of promises. To include, The materials to build our future embassy, training manuals for both the Black Snow combat style for seven different paths, and further enchanting recipes, guides. As well as information on classes, how to acquire certain ones that my people have discovered at the Beginner and Apprentice ranks, and lastly, the process of becoming a Lost Soul.”

“Woah, hold on. You want to turn my people into soulless creatures? That is not okay. Nobody will want to give up their soul like that.” Mathew retorted, anger flaring in his voice. He was shocked that Tilido would even consider it.

“Then why would you care?” Tilido asked. “If you truly believe that, why not have it? Perhaps study it? Learn what not to do even? Why are you so interested in what your people do? Becoming a Lost Soul does not mean they abandon you, or their fellow members of society. It’s just a singular path that I am being nice to give.”

Mathew tightened his lips. He knew Tilido was right, but there was the subtle fact that people would be stupid, and risk killing themselves possibly.

“Is it a dangerous transition?” Mathew asked.

“It can be fatal if done incorrectly. We have perfected the process over the last hundred years. So, the odds of death are miniscule. Impossible if you follow the guide perfectly.” Tilido said evenly.

Mathew licked his teeth, “Then what?”

“Well, while the trade center is established, we will conduct traditional trades. We buy goods from your people, you buy goods from us. All the way up until the last requirement from you. That is, to build the Embassy, and send a request to Black Snow once your planet is fully open.”

“Then what? You arrive, and you just be friends, allies even, with Blue Oaks?” Mathew asked.

“Yes, and more. This is more than a simple alliance I am offering. If I were able to, I would request a marriage between our two groups, as tradition for most. However, the Black Snow faction has strict marriage laws, we keep blood within blood, so that won’t happen unless you have Lost Souls of your own.”

“So, we are more than allies. Would Blue Oaks be required to fight in any wars with you?”

“Yes and no.” Tilido said, glancing at the armor on the wall. “You won’t be asked to fight in any wars that are not within your capabilities. Such as with the Cosmic Temple. If another smaller faction or clan were to cause dishonor to us, and they are closer to you, than us, then yes, you will be required to fight them for us. However, the same is true in reverse. It goes more in depth than actual war. What we are talking about is a partial merger.”

Mathew hated to admit, it wasn’t a bad deal. Blue Oaks would be getting more short term benefits, while Black Snow would acquire the largest of long term investments. That way, unless they had competitors.

To ensure Black Snow didn’t have sole influence in Blue Oaks, Mathew would need to do similar deals with others perhaps. Di was only a sole merchant. Bob wasn’t supposed to exist. So the only true outside influence for Blue Oaks would be the Black Snow faction, and Tilido was banking on that fact Mathew realized.

“Can I see everything written out? To the last detail?” Mathew asked.

Tilido nodded and handed over the document he had been reading to Mathew. Mathew took the document. He gave it a mediocre look over everything quickly.

[[Tilido's 'Contract']]

The Black Snow Faction promises to give the following:

1 Cultivation Manual

About 30 sets of enchanted armor

Dozens of enchanted weapons.

Eleven enchantment recipes.

We stand by our honor to give these out in good faith to Valrix, leader of Blue Oaks. In addition, I Tilido will promise to deliver everything as discussed with Valrix in private. On my faith of my honor, I will do so.

Real quick, he knew this was a terrible deal in quality of wording. To call it a Contract would be like calling a playground handshake legally binding between two minors. It was a half baked promise at best.

“I hope you realize, I am going to want an actual itemized contract that spells everything out. I am more than happy to write it, and have The Council officiate it. If that is something you are willing to accept.” Mathew said.

“I am, so long as you are willing to take the same contract up on an Oath as well. To uphold your side at the cost of your honor.”

Mathew could live with that. “Fine, but I am fixing your version of the contract.”

Over the next few hours, Mathew and Tilido bantered over specific wording on the contract. It became heated when it covered the exact amount, quality, and type of items Tilido was giving to Blue Oaks, and when.

[[Mathew's Contract]]

This series of documents, officiate the union between Black Snow and Blue oaks. The rules, regulations, and expectations that are birthed from the alliance of these two are detailed below. These documents have been written by Mathew McGonald and Tilido Xarth. So long as both parties agree to this agreement as representatives of their own groups, their Honor is hereby put on stand. The Council shall also officiate this contract to ensure a second governing body keeps things in balance to ensure no favoritism is applied.

Hereinafter, “Seller” will refer to and be used to describe the following party: Black Snow. “Buyer” will refer to and be used to describe the following party: Blue Oaks. Seller and Buyer may be referred to individually as “Party” and collectively as the “Parties”.

WHEREAS, Seller wishes to offer certain Goods and Services in exchange for an alliance, as defined below for the agreement of an alliance with the Buyer;

WHEREAS, Buyer wishes to accept such Goods from Seller in exchange for an alliance, as defined below for the agreement of an alliance with the Seller

NOW, therefore, in consideration of the promises and covenants contained herein, as well as other good and valuable consideration (the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged), the Parties do hereby agree as follows:

Article 1 - GOODS AND SERVICES:

Seller hereby agrees to offer, and Buyer agrees to acquire the following:

Phase 1 “Goods”

1 Cultivation Manual for focusing on the Mind

20 full sets of armor fully enchanted to be worn by Beginner ranked individuals

10 half sets of armor fully enchanted to be worn by Beginner ranked individuals

2 Apprentice Ranked Enchanted Swords

1 Apprentice Ranked Enchanted Wand

1 Apprentice Ranked Enchanted Shield

10 Beginner Ranked Enchanted Swords

15 Beginner Ranked Enchanted Shields

8 Beginner Ranked Enchanted Spears

10 Beginner Ranked Enchanted Staves

30 Novice Ranked Enchanted Swords

10 Novice Ranked Enchanted Wands

10 Novice Ranked Enchanted Staves

10 Novice Ranked Enchanted Bows

5 Novice Ranked Enchanted Shields

*Note - There will be as few repeated enchanted items with the same enchantment as possible*

1 Apprentice Ranked Enchantment of Fortify Material

8 Beginner Ranked Enchantments, with none repeating.

2 Novice Ranked Enchantments, with none repeating

---

Phase 2 “Goods”

All materials needed to build a Student Ranked Embassy for the Black Snow Faction

Seven unique fighting style training manuals, for Novice through Apprentice rank.

Knowledge of how to become a Lost Soul

Open trade between both parties, which upon a discount will persist until the Embassy is built, or three years have passed. Whichever occurs first.

*Note- New trade agreements will be established once the Black Snow Embassy is established*

Article 2 - PRICE:

For the delivery upon mentioned “Goods”, Buyer and Seller agree to form an alliance. This alliance will last unless either party fails to uphold their end of all agreements. This agreement is exclusive to them alone, and is understood to be made of their own free will, and made without the influence of outsider input.

Article 3 - DELIVER & PAYMENT

All “Goods and Services” will be delivered across two delivery phases as detailed in Article 1. Phase 1 “Goods and Services” will be given to the Buyer once both parties sign this contract. If the Seller fails to offer up aforementioned “Goods and Services” then that will be considered a breach in this contract, and it will be terminated along with full punishments that comes with it from the governing body of The Council and loss of Honor.

Phase 2 “Goods and Services” will be given to the Buyer once a Trade Center of at least Beginner rank has been established and trade is open between both Parties. If the Seller fails to offer up aforementioned “Goods and Services” then that will be considered a breach in this contract, and it will be terminated along with full punishments that comes with it from the governing body of The Council and loss of Honor.

If the Buyer fails to establish a Trade Center within one Earth year, then it will be considered a breach in this contract, and it will be terminated along with full punishments that comes with it from the governing body of The Council and loss of Honor.

Article 4 - RISK OF LOSS

Risk of loss for the goods will transfer from the Seller to the Buyer when the Byer physically receives ownership of the goods.

Article 5 - TIMELINE FOR AGREED ACTIONS

Any dates or times agreed upon by the Parties for delivery of Goods, Services, or performance of Actions as detailed above, are to be followed precisely. Failure to meet any date or time will result in a breach in this contract, and it will be terminated along with full punishments that come with it from the governing body of The Council and loss of Honor.

Article 6 - DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

Buyer and Seller each agree that the Goods are being sold “as is” and that Seller hereby expressly disclaims any and all warranties of quality, whether express or implied, including but not limited by the merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Buyer acknowledges that it is relying solely on its own inspections and has not been induced by the Seller or any other entity related to the Seller in any fashion.

Article 7 - INSPECTION

Buyer acknowledges and agrees that it will make a full inspection and investigation of the Goods as soon as it is practicable upon delivery, but in no event later than three Earth weeks. If the Buyer notices an inconsistency with the quality and condition of delivered Goods, they will form a proper documentation and send it to both governing bodies to ensure a third unbiased party is sent to determine the fallacy of the request.

Article 9 - LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

In no event will the liability of the condition of the goods fall upon the Buyer once they accept the goods. Buyer hereby acknowledges and agrees that Seller is not liable for any special, indirect, or consequential or punitive damages to goods once they no longer have claim of them.

Article 10 - DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS

As this is a contract of Alliance, both Parties are required to fulfill duties and requirements as stated below:

1) Neither Party’s group and organization will declare hostile action toward the other

2) Both parties will aid one another if either has war declared upon the other, so long as it follows The System’s rules and laws related to combat.

3) If in the event either Black Snow or Blue Oaks is forced to become disbanded, this contract will become null and voided

4) If Mathew McGonald fails to become World Leader, he is not reliable to return anything given, however all previous agreed upon actions will no longer be enforced on either party.

In the end, a contract Mathew felt was sufficiently laid before him. With two loopholes he planned to abuse. Tilido didn’t bat an eye when he realized Mathew didn’t give his real name at first. Either he knew it was a fake name, or didn’t care.

The first loophole was that Tilido was responsible for the items until they were delivered to Mathew and Blue Oaks. It would suck for the first part, where he had to lug everything out of this Dungeon. However, for everything else, if anything happened to the goods, Tilido was held responsible.

The second, one Mathew didn’t think he could slip by Tilido, was that he never specified what other factions, clans, families, or whatever else he could ally himself with.

If he truly wished, he could align himself with the Cosmic Temple, having both sides continue to one up each other in hopes he, and Blue Oaks, would favor one side more than the other. Mathew would need to find someone from Cosmic Temple first, and convince them, but the principle applied to every other group as well.

“Well, I think we finally have a deal.”

Mathew checked the time, “I have an hour left before I need to have this place cleared out. Now, before I sign this, there is one last thing to cover.”

Tilido raised an eyebrow, “What do you mean?”

“What are you paying me to sign this contract?” Mathew asked, placing both hands under his chin, leaning his elbows on the table.

“We just went over that. Armor, weapons, enchantments, trade discounts, so many things.”

Mathew shook his head, “That is for being Allied with Blue Oaks. As their leader, I can vouch for what my future people will agree upon to work with Black Snow. However, What is Tilido giving Me to agree to this?”

“You want more? You are greedy Mathew.” Tilido hissed. “Why would you want anything else?”

“Let’s put it this way. Everything on that list, does nothing for me. Not the weapons, enchantments, armor, none of it. I can’t wear the armor correctly, as they are all heavier than what I am used to wearing, and I have no experience wearing them. The weapons are pointless except for one. Which is the beginner ranked spear. I am not an enchanter, so the recipes are pointless.”

“What I want is something for me, from you. What is Tilido giving Mathew to ensure he not only survives the rest of this Dungeon, but to become World Leader.”

Tilido at first was angry, but paused and realized Mathew had a point. A greedy, selfish point, but a point nonetheless.

“What do you want?”

“Tell me, does anyone here have an elemental affinity? Perhaps an element they are strongly aligned with? Also, what about Axiom fruits? Stat fruits? Anything that can benefit me directly.”

Tilido paused to think. “Why are you curious about the first one? The elements?”

“I need a third element to internalize. I plan to meditate here in this dungeon while the hordes outside rage. Thus finishing a quest. I lastly want an Axiom fruit to further my own Axioms, but I’ll accept a stat fruit, or anything else you could provide.”

Tilido stood up and walked to the doorway. He stuck his head out and talked to a nearby servant. He then turned back to Mathew. “I have something. Something that will satisfy both requirements. There is a reason I chose these icy mountains as our home for a Dungeon. Plenty of Lost Souls find themselves to favor the elements of ice, water, earth, and wind.”

“And that is exactly?” Mathew asked, not letting Tilido try to be vague.

“Two things. The first is my personal cultivation mat. The second, is something similar to an Axiom fruit. Those things only work for improving current Axioms and only in a straight line. What I have, opens your mind to your surroundings to widen your views of what is around you.”

Mathew was impressed, but could tell Tilido was doing this to have him sign that document. He needed Mathew and Earth just as much as Mathew needed him and Black Snow.

Tilido sat a long piece of rolled up leather on the table next to a small ceramic pot. “There you go, this is what I offer you. Is this good enough for your goblin soul?”

“Yes. Yes it is.” Mathew said and signed his part, followed by Tilido. One they both signed, the contract paper started to glow and flew up into the air.

Two voices spoke in unison and over each other. “We have witnessed this contract made of free will. The union of these two groups shall forever be upheld by our power.”

There was power in the voices. Nothing like Mathew could mimic, it was like gravity. Natural and impossible to fight against. It was a rule of nature that gravity existed, just like the power in the voices.

Tilido was in shock, “It’s…It’s you! I know that voice! Why have you left your people Zarilla!”

The voice didn’t answer, instead the paper duplicated itself into two, then turned into beams of light that flew toward both Tilido and Mathew.

Mathew tried to dodge the blow and shielded himself both with [Mana Shield] and used his single use of shield charm. Nothing stopped the light as it slammed right above Mathew’s foot. His ankle seared with pain.

“To ensure the honor and legal promise of this contract is kept, we have agreed to further enhance each of your promises with a physical representation of this deal. We both as well will hold the power to maintain this contract, as it suits our own agendas and we support the choices each of you have made.”

Mathew realized one voice must be someone from The Council. He had no idea why they cared about his choices, but whatever he was doing, they approved of it. The same for whatever entity represented Tilido’s honor.

The voice dissipated along with its foreboding power. Tilido stared into the air, his face on the verge of tears. “Come back…”

Mathew put a hand on Tilido’s shoulder. “Come on, get up. No point in crying over a disembodied voice. It’s obvious you knew who that was. Care to explain what just happened and why I have a tattoo on my body?”

Tilido shook his head. “These are a physical representation of honor. It is something my people used to do hundreds of years ago. Zarilla is old. She was one of the first Lost Souls. She disappeared after she gained the expert rank and started to dip outside the Borders of Reality. To think she graced me with her presence, when we needed her to fight against the Cosmic Temple.”

Tilido looked Mathew in the eyes. “Now, I’ve never been more sure of anything. Our alliance is meant to be. Fate. Something that would have happened with or without us. I made the right choice, and I pray you can help us Mathew.”

Mathew sighed. “I don’t believe in fate Tilido, only the bed you make is the one you sleep in. Now, let’s get everything packed up, and your people out of here. I would like to not fight a horde of Apprentice rank monsters on my own.”