As Eira looked at me with confusion and disbelief, I could tell that she was wondering why I had made an oath so casually. I knew that making oaths wasn't something that should be taken lightly, but I also knew that I had to make her feel secure.

"Why did you make an oath like that?" she asked, shaking her head in disbelief.

I just shrugged. "I thought it would make you feel more secure. After all, we are going to be business partners, right?"

Eira rolled her eyes. "You moron, I haven't even verified the frequency. You're way too overconfident. Well, whatever. Let's get to work. Let's see if this frequency you gave me actually works."

As I watched Eira press a few buttons on the TSI device, I could feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that my information was correct. A few seconds passed before a holographic screen appeared, showing a list of mana towers.

"I'll be damned," Eira muttered, looking at the screen in amazement. "You were right. This frequency actually works."

I just grinned. "I told you, my information is always right."

But then Eira spoke up, "Kael, you shouldn't make oaths so casually. They are not to be taken lightly."

I knew that she was right; even the slightest mistake could end my life, but I also knew what I was doing. "I know what I'm doing, Eira. This is going to be a good partnership. Trust me."

Eira just shook her head and sighed, "Fine, but let's keep things professional, okay? I don't want any funny business."

I just laughed. "Don't worry, Eira. I'm a man of my word. Now, let's get to work."

I leaned back on the table, unable to suppress the mischievous smile forming on my lips. "So, Eira, I've made a plan for distributing the TSI devices that should keep us off the radar and make us a fortune in the process."

Eira raised an eyebrow, her arms crossed defensively. She was clearly still on guard, given our recent acquaintance. "Alright, did you come here expecting this? What the hell are you up to? How the hell did you make a plan that quickly? I'm listening. But this better not be some ridiculous scheme."

I chuckled. "Trust me, you'll like it. We're both in it for the money, right? We'll create a legitimate front company to sell MST accessories and other basic items that don't attract much attention. This will give us access to the market and various distribution channels without arousing suspicion."

Her scowl deepened, her skepticism apparent. "And how does that help us sell the TSIs without getting caught?"

My smile grew wider as I continued, my voice taking on a more professional tone. "That's where the underground networks and decentralized distribution come in. We'll form an alliance with a discreet contact, I already have my eye on someone, and we could also go to underground merchants and informants to help move the devices through untraceable channels. We'll employ a series of blind drops, dead-letter boxes, and cutouts to maintain operational security."

Her eyes narrowed, a mix of curiosity and skepticism on her face. "That sounds risky. How do we make sure this 'contact' doesn't betray us?"

I waved my hand dismissively, sounding like a money-obsessed goblin. "We'll be cautious, of course. We'll use independent sellers as middlemen between us and the customers. They won't know the true nature of the TSI devices, and they won't have direct contact with us. We'll hide the TSIs within the packaging of our front company's products and only sell them to those who know the secret passphrase or have a specific token."

Eira's expression softened slightly, but she was still on guard. "That... might actually work. But how do we keep it all under control? One mistake and everything could come crashing down."

Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!

I couldn't help but laugh, hoping my humor would ease the tension in the room. "Well, you know what they say, 'laughter is the best medicine!' We'll have to be careful, of course, but have faith in my abilities. Besides, who wouldn't want to work with a charming guy like me and a scary engineer like you?" I winked at her, trying to lighten the mood.

Eira rolled her eyes, a small smirk forming on her face despite her efforts to hide it. "You're insufferable and a complete asshole. But fine, let's give this plan a shot. Just don't mess it up."

As we continued to discuss the details of our distribution plan, I noticed Eira's attempts to act like she understood the intricacies of the plan. It was evident, however, that she was struggling to keep up. I decided to confront her about it, playfully teasing her. "Hey, Eira, are you capable of understanding everything I'm saying, or are you just an idiot?"

Eira's eyes flashed with anger at my jest, but she quickly composed herself, not wanting to show any weakness. "I'm a smart-ass engineer, you think I wouldn't know simple business?" she retorted, trying to play it cool.

I grinned and held my urge to laugh. "No worries, Eira. I'll teach you how to make money, and I promise, we'll be swimming in gold before you know it."

Eira's face flushed with irritation, but she gritted her teeth and forced a tight-lipped smile. "Fine, Kael. Teach me then. But before that, I want to know more about this 'contact' of yours."

I leaned back in my chair, considering how much information I should divulge. "Alright, the contact is actually just a kid I've noticed around town. He's got a talent for growth, but so far, he's only been involved in petty robberies. I think we can help him reach his full potential while he helps us with our plan."

Eira raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "A kid? Really, Kael? How do you know we can trust him? And how do we even approach him?"

I shrugged nonchalantly. "My eyes are great, I learned to recognize potential talent. This kid is smart, resourceful, and quick on his feet. He's managed to stay under the radar, which is impressive for someone his age. In fact, he might be blessed by one of the four great winds. As for trust, well, he's a kid seeking money, although he's a bit untrustworthy. However, I believe that if we give him the right guidance and opportunities, he'll be a valuable asset to our operation."

Eira crossed her arms, clearly still not fully convinced. "I don't believe your claim regarding one of the four winds, but what's our next move? How do we get in touch with this kid and set this plan in motion?"

I couldn't help but smile; this was truly exhilarating. "I've never talked to him, but I know where to find him. I'll approach him and gauge his interest in our proposition. If he's on board, we'll start mentoring him and setting up the front company. Once everything is in place, we'll begin distributing the TSI devices."

Eira nodded, seemingly satisfied with my explanation. "Alright, let's get to work. But remember, Kael, no funny business. I'm trusting you with my life here; you know we'll die if we mess up, and I expect you to uphold your end of the bargain."

I offered her a reassuring smile, my tone sincere. "I promise, Eira. I take my oaths seriously. I mean, who would want to break an oath, right?"

The second someone broke an oath, they would be dragged down to the depths of hell. Who in their right mind would want that? The only reason I made the oath was for you, Eira, goddammit. There's no damn way I'm making another oath in my life. Anyway, now I should really think of a way to bring the future king of thieves under me. Although he's just a kid now, I doubt he'd be convinced easily.

"By the way, Eira, do you think you can make me one? It would be easier to contact you while I'm out. I'd rather not have to go in circles."

Eira stared at me for a second. "Here, you can have this one. I have enough materials to make half a dozen by next week. I'll contact you when I make my own." She handed me the device as if she was expecting me to ask.

"Oh, by the way—" Before I could finish, two men barged in. Since I was the closest to the door, one of them pinned me down while the other stared at Eira.

"Oi, you bitch, do you know how much of a pain in the ass it was to find you? Running around like a damn fucking cockroach." The man was pissed; he was forced to work overtime trying to find Eira, and every time he got close, she disappeared.

Eira looked back and forth between the man and me, unsure of what to do. "You know, if you were that mad, you could've just quit. It would've been easier for all of us," she said, pulling out a club.

The man was furious. "You bitch, give me the damn blueprints I hired you to make. If you don't comply, I'll slice your arms off!" he said, pulling out a short blade.

Damn, how the hell do I get this fat bastard off me? He's squeezing me so damn hard; I feel like my lungs will burst. Wait, aren't I wearing the sword? Isn't this the easiest way to kill him? Should I kill him? I mean, he's going to kill me if I don't fight back, so it should be okay, right? He's crushing me; I can't hear the others anymore. Am I going to die? It hurts, it hurts, it hurts, it hurts... No, I can't die here. Breathe, Kael, breathe; you can do this. All I have to do is make sharp spikes appear out of my shirt... 'Slit!' 'Crrrr!'.

Eira was surprised by what she saw. Kael, the guy she considered rather weak, had just turned his clothes into sharp spikes and killed the guy as easily as cutting butter.