Mathew’s group walked through the giant front doors to city hall. Mathew looked around and noted the lack of decor. He pursed his lips. “Couldn't you keep the potted plants? Looters just take anything, don’t they?”
Q walked up to a large man with a battle axe and rifle next to him. He started to whisper to the man and Mathew kept his eyes away from the two. Mathew pretended to seem uninterested. He did a sweep to see if he could see Agnox, but didn’t. He knew the imp was still alive, but that was it.
If Agnox was caught, or worse killed, Mathew had no idea what he would do. He didn’t care for the little familiar, but Agnox was both an important part of how he would rise in power and the fact he was growing on Mathew. Like a dad who didn’t want a dog, but the family got a dog anyways.
The bigger man walked into one of the court rooms and time started to tick by. Mathew didn’t bother making small talk. Instead he went over the plan inside his head. Different topics, ways o phrase what he wanted all the while hiding his true intentions. His plan was to make this a peaceful snag at the Hearth Crystal, didn’t mean he was above petty underhand tricks.
Several minutes later he returned, “It’s Mathew right? Ty will talk to you, but leave the guards and dog behind.”
Mathew raised an eyebrow, “Sorry, no can do. I take them with me, Tyrone has his own guards, doesn't he?”
The big man sighed, “I’ll let him know, but he won’t like that answer. Wait here while I talk to him.”
“He can’t talk to me himself? Afraid I’ll stab him or something?” Mathew asked sarcastically, but the large guard was already back inside the courtroom.
A few more minutes and the door opened. “You get two guards. He has two guards in there. Fair enough for you?”
Mathew nodded acceptingly, and pointed at one of the guards he wanted to take. Jeffrey was his second choice. The guard he was bringing specialized in hand to hand combat. Similar to how Madison fought. If the meeting became physical, he could fight without a weapon easily. Of course, Jeffrey’s entire body was a weapon.
Mathew walked into the courtroom. He saw a man wearing a white wig and robes of a judge in the typical seat a judge sits in. His dark skin clashed with the wig that was apparently slapped ontop of his head with lack of care.
The bigger man stayed by the doors he closed, his axe rested on his left shoulder. While a woman was sitting where the jury normally sat. Her legs were propped up and she had a shotgun lying in her lap. Her eyes bored into Mathew. He noted that she was the most likely to start a conflict based on how everyone looked.
Tyrone acted as if he was above Mathew. He sat in the Judges seat, wore what Tyrone probably thought was ‘high official’ wear. Not to mention his supposed spear was nowhere within sight. Granted, he could summon it, but Mathew had no clue what the range was. His own conjure weapon ability was limited to several feet, but can’t have any solid walls inbetween.
Mathew eyed the gun weilding woman, “Seems a bit unfair that your guards have a weapon and we don’t.”
“Nothing is fair in life.” The wig wearing man said. “I am Tyrone. I assume you are Mathew?”
Mathew nodded, “That is me. I’m here to discuss diplomatic relations between your safe zone and Blue Oaks.”
“What kind?” Tyrone asked. So far, he seemed open to discussion, but his tone was slightly showing he was uninterested.
“Depends. Hopefully an alliance, or even joining us. Trade routes, exclusive rights to visit our shop and Dungeons as well. Plus we have people from this city that would like to reach out to family and friends.”
Tyrone leaned forward. “Why would I want to join you? We have plenty here, even our own shop. We have our own Dungeon too. Seems like a bunch of nothing you are offering. Not even an incentive for me specifically.”
“That’s where you are mistaken. Our shops are different. I’m sure you know of the zone run by Bob right? His shop is exclusively technological type items. Ray guns, grenades, high tech gear, all of that. Yours is mostly magical from what I heard. Our store is a general goods store. It has a bit of everything, including healing items, armor, weapons and information.”
Tyrone raised an eyebrow, “What kind of information?”
“We are not the only people in the universe. Other creatures exist. Other races and civilizations. Magic is real as well. Information on just about everything is ready to purchase, for a price. Sometimes Di, the shop owner, seems to run prices high, but we have nothing to compare it to. You can find information about almost anything if you have enough Univeral Currency.”
“So you wish to trade? We could just buy another store.”
“You could, yes.” Mathew nodded, “But that would be expensive. Think of what it took to get your current store. When instead you can use that money and effort in our store. On foot it takes less than a day to get between our two zones. Pending any fighting, which my group had none of getting here. With vehicles the time is cut drastically. If you were to ally with us, we could establish a proper trade route. Moving people back and forth for not only the shop, but what people create with their own hands. Armor, Weapons, magical bags that can hold more items than its actual size, you name it from a fantasy story or movie, we could make it.”
“And what would you want in return? You wouldn’t offer this up for free.” Tyrone said.
“That is something we can discuss. Primarily a unification would be requested. Your zone joins ours and becomes an expansion of Blue Oaks. If we see no reason to remove you from leadership, we would let you stay here, so long as you follow our laws. As far as you should be worried, nothing changed except for all benefits and zero losses. You have your own store which is valued by the people of Blue Oaks. In addition to the Undead Dungeon that our people can fight to grow stronger. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Tyrone clicked his tongue and looked disappointed. “Of course, you wish to take what I acquired. What my boys helped me get. Leave it to the white man to take a black man's stuff. I worked hard to get to this seat of power, you here to take that from me?”
Mathew rolled his eyes, “If we wanted to take your stuff, Blue Oaks could just bring its army here, kill everyone, and own the rubble that is left after the fight. This has nothing to do with race, gender, or any of that. The laws of our new way of life are strong rules, there is no equal footing in terms of power by what type of spoon was in your mouth when born.”
Mathew leaned back onto the wooden fence that separated the audience from the front of the courtroom. “Nobody from Blue Oaks wants to just march in here and take your stuff. There are easier ways to resolve things. Plus, you didn’t really work hard for that seat. Unless killing and taking is hard work these days.”
Tyrone scoffed and crossed his arms. “Those big wigs were hiding in this building. None of them even had a class, demanding everyone fight the undead and protect them. They were a waste of air now, just like how they used to be. I just happen to have the balls to do what everyone else wanted to do for years.”
“I can respect that. We had a similar case at Blue Oaks.” Mathew decided to stop that road of discussion. He agreed with Tyrone but not on his methods to reach the results. Straight up murder for power was barbaric. “All we want to do is bring people back together how it used to be, but better. No weak leaders. Blue Oaks established laws of equity quite clearly, I’m sure you would appreciate that.”
“How it used to be? Man, you don’t know shit, do you. I used to be in jail for public intoxication and assault against an officer. THe whole thing was an accident. My lawyer was shit and couldn’t get them to drop the charges or disprove that it was intentional. If things went back to how they used to be, I would still be in jail, and the rich would still be in charge keeping the poor out of sight. They would keep those of us who look differen than them down on their hands and knees working till we died.”
“Well, those laws more or less don’t exist anymore. It’s harder to get drunk at your level, plus I’m sure you learned your lesson.”
“Lesson?” Tyrone’s face turned sour, “I didn’t do anything wrong. I was walking home from the bar. Cop came and bothered me for no reason.”
Mathew shrugged, “I wasn’t there, I don’t know the truth. I won’t make a judgment until I have more facts. What I do know is here and now. You are in charge, and I doubt you want the undead to be knocking at your door forever.”
Tyrone nodded once, “That I don’t. Are you here to help with that? Or say you are, and kill me while my back is turned. I’m taking a large risk talking to you right now. How can I trust that this isn’t some farce to take everything white man.”
Mathew didn’t acknowledge the end of that sentence, “We are here to remove threats to Earth and its people. I see it as the start of a relationship between Blue Oaks and…what is the name of this place again?” Mathew knew it, but was trying to play a mental game with Tyrone.
“New Watago.”
“Right… If you join us, our Hearth Crystals will work together to empower each other. Upgrades will be available as well. We have two Dungeon Cores powering ours. A third Dungeon we have to train in. If we acquire this Undead one, and use it to power yours. Think of how much safer it can become. Or, think of how much stronger you could become by fighting more undead endlessly. Undead that can’t leave it’s Dungeon, all yours to fight and grow stronger on.”
Tyrone raised his eyebrows, “Is that how everything works? We use Dungeons to power the Hearth Crystals?”
“Not to mention the titles for clearing Dungeons.” Mathew smiled knowingly. He found the bait to use on Tyrone.
“Wait, you get a title for clearing out the Dungeon?” A voice said from the jury stands.
“Of course.” Mathew looked at the woman to see her reaction. She seemed more interested in what he had to say. “It’s a title that improves with more Dungeons you complete. I’ve done two so far. Hoping to make the undead my third. If you join us, you can join teams to clear out more Dungeons nearby. Get more power and rewards.”
“How do I know you plan to keep that promise?”
“A mix of trust and new world mechanics. There is an overseeing council that keeps track of all legal actions in the universe. It’s similar to our old government, but a bit more…hands on so to speak.”
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Tyrone chuckled, “So just trust and a bit of space old farts? Sounds like I have nothing to trust you with”
Mathew held his arms out, “How would you like for me to prove it? My profession is an upgrade for Scribe. I can create magical documents, hence why I am here to represent Blue Oaks. If we both sign them, it’s legal and official in the eyes of The Council. Similar to our old government.”
“And why didn’t your leader come to talk to me personally?” Tyrone’s voice turned slightly knowing. As if he had all the cards. “Seems a bit inconsiderate. The general there afraid I'll mug him? Is that it?”
“No, not at all. There is no General in charge at all actually. There was one, but he was banished on grounds of treason. He sold American secrets to other countries for money before The System came into existence. He wasn’t loyal or trustworthy. Something the new leader is both of. You can be assured that you can trust him. We value power, but also trust among Blue Oaks.”
“What level is he?”
“Higher than 20.”
Tyrone seemed to not like that answer. “That isn’t what I asked. You are in my courtroom, you answer my question. What level is he?”
Mathew refrained from commenting that it wasn’t his courtroom, and that he wasn’t a judge. He really wanted to open up on him, and put him down a peg. His attitude was like he didn’t care, or he was reaching for extra information to use somehow. Mathew was also tempted to use his Axiom and [Contest] skill. He had no clue how it would work on a similar level of person, but he was banking on it still having an effect. Then again, he didn’t have a death wish.
He couldn’t say the actual level, because then Tyrone could look at the leaderboards and know he was the leader. On the other hand, he couldn’t outright lie, not yet. “His Level isn’t where his power comes from if that is what you are worried about. He is strong, he is the sole reason a Beginner ranked dungeon surrendered and fled. His power comes from his titles, class, profession, and his ability to come out on top. I’m not at liberty to say his actual level. It’s something a smart leader would want to keep secret, like you would, right?”
“Smart guy, he’s a little bit like me.” Tyrone said with a smile and nod. “The Leaderboard makes it hard to keep your level secret, unless people know your name. I tried looking you up. There are a handful of Mathew’s on there above level 15. So, how do we go about this deal? You make up a contract, I sign it, and that’s it? I’m not going to join your people, but I’m open to alliance and trade.”
“That is the plan.” Mathew said and went to reach for his bag.
The woman raised her gun and aimed it. “Easy there sweety. Wouldn’t wan’t to bloody that nice robe you have on.” She said.
Mathew paused and looked up at her. “We turned our weapons in at the front gate. I’m just reaching for some paper and a pen. Unless you are worried about a papercut.”
Tyrone waved a hand, “Don't get trigger happy Cidney. The nice man here is just getting some paper and a pen.”
Mathew continued to pull out the paper and sat it down on the table. He didn’t start using his skill just yet. “Tyrone, can I ask you a question. One that only you can answer right now.”
He eyeballed Mathew, “What are you getting at.”
“What is your opinion of the other zone?”
“The crazy ones? Just that. They keep trying to kill my people. Twice already we’ve been in a direct conflict. Why are you asking?”
Mathew shrugged, “No reason. What about Bob? What's his thing? Has he ever tried to be friendly to the people here?”
Tyrone scoffed, “Nope. Complete wacko. Really good in a fight according to my scouts.”
Mathew pushed mana into his [Writting] skill and started the paperwork. His reading on Mana and experimenting with it made it flow out easily. He learned his lessons from Payne. It will be extremely well worded.
Now, it was time for small talk, to take the edge of the negotiations off Tyrones mind. “While my skill goes to work, tell me about yourself Tyrone. Where do you see yourself in a few years.”
He just shrugged, “Better not be anything on the paper that says you get this zone. It’s purely just trade right now.”
Mathew simply smiled. “Do you take me for some type of unhonorable man? I am, however, putting a couple of clauses in here, to ensure we both remain allies. Any hostile actions upon one another would be bad news. If you try to assassinate someone important, like the leader of Blue Oaks, then there are fines and punishments. But, I don’t take you as that kind of guy.”
Tyrone just smiled. “Of course, I’m not that type of guy.”
A moment later the contract was finished. Mathew fully believed Tyrone would read the contract. He wanted to look smart and ensure Mathew didn’t try anything devious. The man had no real idea if Mathew could keep the contracts magically binding. Tyrone seems careful and paranoid. That didn’t mean he was as smart as he was pretending to be.
There were four errors for Tyrone to see and assume Mathew made the mistakes by accident. The first was essentially allowing New Watago citizens complete access to Di’s shop without any taxes or fees to go inside it. The second was that any Blue Oaks citizen couldn’t enter New Watago without permission from a New Watago citizen, but on the other hand, any New Watago citizen could enter Blue Oaks as a visitor.
That didn’t mean they could walk around like a madman. They could easily still be kicked out. Which is where Mathew’s new ‘hostile actions’ section would come in. Trespassing inside the zone itself wouldn’t trigger it, but any buildings or homes would. Such as violence, not following Blue Oaks laws, and many more minor things were also grounds for exile from Blue Oaks.
The last two were minor grammatical errors that heavily miss labled something. Mathew wanted Tyrone to find those two and make Mathew correct them. After all, Tyrone wouldn’t want a tax rate on supplies of 1000%.
The reason for these mistakes was to hide the true intentions of this contract. A backup plan. Similar to how Mathew claimed the Hearth Crystal from Payne. If Tyrone was in any form hostile toward the leader of Blue Oaks, he would have to be reprimanded. “If he thinks I’m the leader, he would call that part out. If he doesn’t then he will complain that it’s unfair and ask for an equal ruling for himself. That is, if he even notices it and not the other things.”
Mathew was three levels higher than Tyrone, had several titles and an Axiom. He was stronger, but he didn’t want to risk an outright fight in his zone. Who knows what kind of hidden guards were behind doors ready to help Tyrone.
The goal was to have them join peacefully. So the Hearth Crystal was technically under Mathew’s control, and counted toward his quests. But, if push came to shove, he would absolutely do it this way. Less risk was involved than how he did it with Payne. A harsh lesson learned.
He made two copies, one for himself, and one for Tyrone. Mathew signed both then handed the two piles to the leader of New Watago.
“Before you sign, I should warn you. There is no going back. Of course, I could always take my business to the other zone. Sure they won’t like mages, but we have military equipment from the Hearth Shop itself. Plenty of things you can buy with Dungeon Core and-”
“Pft, like I’m going to let an opportunity slide away like this.” He started to read it, and only called out one mistake, the one related to taxes.
After fixing it, Tyrone smirked as if he won something. All the while it was Mathew who truly won. After two signatures, the contracts were finalized. Mathew took his copy and put it into his bag. “Well I hope the relations between our two zones stay positive. Now that trade and alliances are taken care of, we can move on to the next topic.”
Tyrone raised an eyebrow, “What are you getting at.”
“The Dungeon. It will be gone in one week.”
“Ha! Nobody can defeat that Dungeon. Not without a huge group to mow down the horde of undead.”
“Or strong people, like yourself and Blue Oaks’ elites.”
“That leader guy of yours going to show up?” Tyrone asked.
Mathew just smiled, “If he has time. There are more dungeons and the World Quest to prepare for afterall. I should let you know, you agreed that any hostile action against an ally of Blue Oaks will void this contract, so don’t just attack people nilly willy. Not just you, that is any of your people. Same goes for our’s of course. Various tiers of actions result in equal punishment based on our laws of course. Attacking our leader will be an outright fine of ownership of this zone.”
Tyrone shrugged, “Works for me. Don’t plan on biting the hand that hands out free things. Like access to your store. “ He smiled.
Oh, Mathew liked this guy. Not because he was good, but because he was an idiot. Flaunting an intended error like a trophy. Yet, Mathew knew about it and feigned worry. He looked at the contract and found the ‘error’.
“Oh that is my mistake. You wouldn’t be willing to-”
“Now now Mathew. Like you said, the contracts are final. There is no going back.”
Mathew played up looking defeated. “Well, I guess it’s just a minor mistake. I’m going to need to send a runner back to Blue Oaks. My people and I are going to leave. They will visit your store before we leave as well, paying your tax of course.”
Tyrone waved them off. “Off you go little man. And you claimed to be the best they could send? Please…”
Mathew scurried off and once he was out of the courthouse almost couldn’t hold back his smile. “Now to incite a little violence, and New Watago will soon no longer exist.”
He completely avoided the topic of bringing Bob and his people as allies for this very reason. Once New Watago attacked them, or himself, then it was a free zone. Mathew had zero intentions of actually playing nice. He only did so as a farce to seem like a good leader. Tyrone just didn’t care how he looked. He ruled with fear. Mathew would rule with everything he had.
Tyrone would absolutely think the contract was betrayed if Mathew had a trade agreement with Bob. There was no such line in the contract, just that the other zone couldn’t receive the exact same agreement.