Chapter 81: Negotiations

Retreat, retreat, continuous retreat—this has been the repeating rhythm since the battle between David and the armored warrior Eves began.

Eves repeatedly attempted to swing his heavy axe, but every time he was forced to abandon his attack as David’s spear pressed him relentlessly. Eves had no choice but to increase the distance of his withdrawal. This was almost cheating, as he relied on the enhancement of his exoskeleton armor to manage such long retreats under David’s assault.

Yet David’s thrusts with the spear were like a shadow that followed him; no matter how Eves changed his steps, every strike was precisely aimed at the most uncomfortable point for him. The arena was limited in size, so Eves could only circle around to ensure he didn’t fall off the stage.

The fight on the stage drew the attention of everyone present. Even on the second floor, where the older guests were previously chatting and laughing, the room fell silent as they watched the battle below.

“When the match ends, invite David up. I want to meet him!” Mr. Boone waved for a staff member and gave his instructions.

“I never imagined such talent could emerge from a small city like Pelan,” Manson exclaimed in admiration.

“To master two weapons simultaneously and reach proficiency in both—he’s not just a genius, he’s a prodigy!” Mr. Boone’s eyes burned with enthusiasm as he laughed.

“With talent like his, your third-tier sponsorship contract likely won’t attract him!” Manson said in a low voice.

“That doesn’t matter. The two of us can join forces and prepare a second-tier sponsorship contract for him. If possible, I’d even consider a first-tier contract to keep him,” Mr. Boone replied firmly.

“I agree!” Manson no longer felt any rivalry with Boone. Discovering and recruiting such a talent would bring them immense benefits once David grew into his potential. He also noticed that Boone had no intention of monopolizing the recommendation for David.

“How is this possible!” Myron watched as David, wielding his spear, forced Eves to retreat again and again. His mouth hung open in disbelief.

He had seen David learn the war hammer, and that dazzling talent had already shaken him. Then David’s sniping skills and swordsmanship had stunned him repeatedly. But this shock surpassed all previous ones. Eves was a genuine armored warrior clad in exoskeleton armor. Despite various restrictions, Myron’s childhood education taught him that such warriors were nearly unbeatable.

Jim, Daly, and De Quincy were no less astonished than Myron. What level of spear mastery was required to be so formidable?

“Stop now—you’ve surpassed all challengers!” Eves finally lost his composure. He erupted with the full power of his exoskeleton armor, seized David’s spear, and spoke in a deep voice.

If he didn’t act now, he would surely embarrass himself.

David’s spear technique had no second move; each attack was a thrust.

But it was precisely this simplicity that, once he lost the initiative, left his opponent entirely passive. Eves was already commiserating with David’s future enemies. Such spear mastery would be a nightmare for every foe.

David’s spear was forced to halt. His strength had nowhere to go, and the force burst from his hands. The alloy spear emitted a harsh screech, bent slightly, then rebounded straight.

He quickly released his grip, and the spear trembled in Eves’s iron-clad hand.

“Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Eves!” David assumed Eves had been holding back and offered his thanks.

David had not truly understood what 99% proficiency meant. In truth, if he revealed this before Gallen, Gallen would certainly urge him to abandon all other weapons and specialize in the spear. If he advanced a step further, he would become a spear master—a warrior whose power could equal dozens of armored fighters.

“You are excellent!” Eves thought David was trying to save face for him and smiled in praise.

Just as he stepped down from the stage, before speaking with the excited Myron and others, a staff member approached David.

“Mr. David, Mr. Boone, director of the Titan Consortium and supervisor of today’s auction, wishes to see you,” the staff member said respectfully.

“David, go ahead. This is a rare opportunity!” Jim said with a smile.

“David, if you need to negotiate terms, be sure to call De Quincy—he’s skilled in that area!” Myron, apparently forgetting his previous grievances with De Quincy, recommended from the side.

“I’d be happy to help!” De Quincy chimed in.

David nodded with a smile. Amid the envious gazes of the young people in the hall, he followed the staff up to the second floor.

The atmosphere upstairs was entirely different. Elegant music played, and the noise from below could not reach here, while those above could observe the hall at any time.

Seated on the second floor were dozens of people, all beyond middle age and exuding remarkable presence. Clearly, these were members of the elite.

The staff led David to a table, bowed, and departed.

“David, please have a seat,” Mr. Boone gestured to an empty chair, then introduced himself, “I am Boone, and this is my deputy, Manson.”

“Mr. Boone, Mr. Manson,” David greeted them before sitting down.

A waiter brought a glass of natural fruit juice. David, feeling thirsty, drank without hesitation.

“David, we invited you up to ask if you would accept the Titan Consortium’s sponsorship?” Manson saw that David was not nervous and got straight to the point.

David hesitated. He had little concern for the credit points—they were something he had thought about long ago. In fact, if not for hearing that the Titan Consortium designed and manufactured exoskeleton armor and grade weapons, he wouldn’t have considered coming at all.

“David, Titan Consortium is the largest on Rockstone Star. We command vast connections here and possess independent capability to design exoskeleton armor. If you accept our sponsorship, you will have the opportunity to receive custom-designed exoskeleton armor, and as you progress, you can purchase higher-grade weapons at a discount from the Consortium!” Mr. Boone, ever perceptive, explained the advantages as soon as he saw David’s hesitation.

“Mr. Boone, I’d like to ask—if I accept sponsorship, what will I receive, and what must I give in return?” David asked after thinking for a moment.

Mr. Boone was delighted. Since David asked this, he must be considering acceptance.

“David, you are a genius. Based on this, I plan to apply for a second-tier sponsorship from the Consortium for you, which will provide you with two million credit points annually. Once you become an armored warrior, this number will rise to five million until you turn thirty. You can also choose to accept Consortium recommendations for any position you find suitable, and we’ll leverage our connections to maximize your benefits,” Mr. Boone said with a smile.

He paused to let David absorb his words, waiting until David looked inquisitive.

“As for what you must provide—the Consortium forms teams for certain competitions. Second-tier sponsorship requires you to participate in major competitions on Rockstone Star, in categories matching your rank and strength, such as non-armored and armored combat. Secondly, we need to use your name in some product promotions, of course, all with prior notice and your consent. Finally, once you become powerful, the Consortium may invite you to join certain missions, offering rewards commensurate with your abilities, but no more than once every ten years,” Mr. Boone continued.

David frowned. He was clear about his own future—thanks to the Shadow Attendant, he would only grow stronger. The other conditions didn’t matter, but a lifetime commitment to undertake missions once every ten years for the Consortium, even with matching compensation, was still unappealing.

“Mr. Boone, I need some time to consider, and to discuss with my family,” David replied politely, not rejecting them outright.

“No problem. Let’s exchange contact information; I’ll visit Pelan City soon!” Mr. Boone replied, smiling as he extended his hand.