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Tim didn't think Lily would betray him after he used the strongest move in his arsenal to defeat her, though it never hurt to be cautious. He had already slipped the claw on his left hand while she was still stunned, just in case.
He offered her a hand, which she groggily took. As she was getting up, they inadvertently made eye contact, which seemed to rouse her a lot faster.
Once she was standing and dusting the marble fragments off her, Tim took the chance to initiate conversation.
"So, now that we're both on the same page, let's decide how this partnership is going to work. Since I suggested it, I'll let you go first if you have any suggestions" said Tim in an amiable tone.
Lily seemed to mull over it for a moment, after which she said "Firstly, let me introduce myself. My name is Lin Shuren, you can simply address me by Shuren if you find that a mouthful. As for the alliance, I would recommend an Oath of Partnership. It is mandated by the system, once you decide to invoke it neither party can harm each other for the duration of the Oath. I am willing to offer you my assistance and expertise for a period of [50] years to the best of my ability, without endangering my life beyond a certain reasonable threshold as upheld by the norms of the system. In return, after reaching the Destiny Forger realm, please help me kill the people who orchestrated the death of my father once I am able to ascertain their identity. " she proposed, without stopping in the middle to take a gasp of air.
"Wait.... you don't actually know who killed your father? How can I help you then?" asked Tim, feeling slight pity for the girl.
"With the amount of resources I will be able to amass on this newly integrated planet, finding the identity of those heinous killers would not be much of an issue. Divination is not omnipotent, but my father's notes have enough information to at least point me in the right direction. With enough money, the problem will be resolved." she replied in a sombre tone.
"What if there are more than one culprits? Or a group is behind the killing?" he asked, not wanting to hastily enter into a contract he'd come to regret later.
"Well, as long as you kill the target I pick out of the list of culprits, that will suffice," she said, with her fists balled up involuntarily. A movement that she didn't seem to register carrying out.
Tim was a lawyer by trade, to begin with, and after winning the duel he felt a sudden boost to all his attributes. He guessed it had something to do with the new title he'd gotten. Right now, his mind was sharper than it had ever been before, and his boosted wisdom and intelligence helped him consider the alliance from all aspects, looking for any vague wording or traps with lightning speed.
"So, I will agree to it as long as the enemy is at the same level as me. I don't know what stages Destiny Forger has, but let's restrict it to the initial level. Also, I will agree to one attempt to the best of my ability to kill your father's assailant. If I end up getting defeated due to a difference in skill, I will make no further attempts and the contract will be considered complete. Though rest assured, I will not hold back any of my strength when carrying out the assassination. If I fail to reach the Destiny Forger realm, then I will not conduct the assassination, but instead, remunerate you in accordance with the norms of the system for your services. That seems about right?" Tim asked, recalling his days spent drafting legal agreements for the firm he used to intern at.
"That is most agreeable, indeed," said Shuren, in a seemingly satisfied tone.
[Do you accept the Oath of Partnership? The terms of the Oath are as follows:.....
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If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Penalty for failure to comply with the conditions of the oath: Crippling of cultivation base]
"Yes" replied Shuren, and shortly after Timothy also gave his assent. He had gained one heck of an ally, and he didn't have to worry about repaying her for a long while.
[Timothy Quill and Lin Shuren are now bound by an Oath of Partnership]
Shuren gave a huge sigh of relief after the conditions of the Oath were finalized, while Tim found himself glued to the blue screen hovering in front of him.
Citadel Governor: Temporary Title
Perks:
Teleportation Formation: Ability to grant/restrict access to the teleportation formation. Ability to teleport to foreign citadel's dependant on [Diplomatic Immunity].
Governor's Jurisdiction: All stats (except luck) within the limitations of your territory are [doubled].
Oathsworn: Those who seek protection under your roof must swear an oath of loyalty. In case of a declaration of war, they will be summoned to fight by your side. They cannot attack the Citadel Governor within his territory.
Diplomatic Immunity: While in the domain of another Citadel Governor, cannot be attacked by any cultivators as long as violence is not initiated first. Ability to build diplomatic alliances, or designate a foreign citadel as an enemy. Cannot teleport to a Citadel designated as part of [Enemy Territory].
Declaration of War: When differences reach an irreconcilable level, summon the ancient battlefield to decimate the enemy. War is inevitable, once declared cannot be rescinded. Those who have sworn allegiance to you will be summoned to fight for your side, while your allies shall have an important choice to make. The side upon whom war is declared, cannot decline.
Annexation: Martial might is all that is required to reach the apex. You do not require the help of others in order to conquer foreign territory, you alone shall suffice. Ability to challenge the Citadel governor of any foreign citadel, contingent on their acceptance.
Taxation: Ability to set a variable tax rate on every item bought/sold within your domain [Up to 50 percent].
Grand Exchange: Access to the grand exchange granted. The most complex of sect protecting arrays or the rarest of weapons, everything has a price. Trade with various rulers of the multiverse, or barter in exchange for local oddities. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Demerits:
Will of the people: Every 30 days, prove the prowess of your governance or quell resistance with martial might. [Governor's Jurisdiction] disabled.Those who wish to challenge the governor must first prove themselves, the victor shall be entitled to contest for your position.
Oathsworn: While your subjects are bound by an oath to fight for you, you are bound to the land itself. Cannot abdicate after declaration of war. Cannot abdicate for one year after receiving this title. At the end of one year, option to renew your tenure.
Banishment: An oathsworn aggrieved by your rule can choose banishment, and leave his destiny up to the wilds. However, protection once sought is not so easily renounced, 75 percent of the citizen's wealth must be turned in exchange for 3 days' worth of immunity.
"Holy meatballs, now I know why you were so pissed about losing. This title is insanely broken! I'm basically royalty now" exclaimed Tim, dealing away with the needlessly formal way of speaking, now that they were allies. He was blown away by how broken the title was, offering him ridiculous attribute bonuses, even if only limited to within the citadel. And that was only one aspect of the benefits.
"Hmph, asshole" replied Shuren, also doing away with any semblance of cordiality.
Tim could not help but guffaw at the sight of the pouting girl. Guess his adventures won't lack entertainment from now on, though he had a headache coming on at the thought of introducing the alien girl to his parents.