Quinn was resolute to reject, but it was justified. Hall of Arts was a place where all the techniques humanity created to the day were kept, exempting family secret techniques. And there was a ranking there, filtering the techniques. 5-star was the highest, and they were pretty much as good as secret arts.
2-star coupons were used to purchase the Form-Rank techniques. The prices of the techniques varied, and the cheapest required a single 2-star coupon. While most expensive techniques cost hundreds of coupons and other requirements.
The Seven Shot of Victory his uncle gifted was the most expensive bow technique on the first floor, costing more than 100 1-star coupons and some meritorious achievements.
He didn’t ask for money this time, because he didn’t have an urgent need for it. Money could be earned, but 2-star Hall of Arts coupons couldn’t be bought with money. That was why he was willing to sell the artifact and expose Quinn’s little ploy.
“Then I won't sell it.” Miles started to walk away. He had the upper hand, and he didn’t have to bargain. If he couldn’t get what he wanted, he would just hold onto the artifact. He would have a need for it for sure.
“Wait!” Quinn shouted and stopped Miles. Her face twitched and said, “I can give you one and money to make up for the rest.”
“5 and no money,” Miles answered plainly. One could feel the determination in his voice.
“2 and 300 million UD!” Quinn bit her lips and counter-offered. Each 2-star coupon was worth more than 100 million UD.
“5 and no money,” Miles answered once again. Quinn clenched her fist and her whole body was twitching. She looked like she wanted to attack.
“3 and no money!” She looked at Miles and shouted. It was her final offer, and she couldn’t increase it even if she wanted to. Her family was prominent, and she was in the military since she was small, but still, she couldn’t waste more than three such coupons. It was enough to show how precious said coupons were.
“Deal,” Miles said and smirked but it couldn’t be seen under his armor. He walked to Quinn and shook her hand. Quinn looked at him weirdly.
‘Wasn’t he keeping his distance? I thought he was afraid of me, but he seems confident. To be honest, I am not sure of my victory either.’ Quinn thought to herself. She also shook Miles’s hand and asked, “How about orb? Do you consider selling it?”
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
“Nope, the orb is off the shelf.” Miles rejected without much thought. Wings type orbs weren’t common and even if they were, Miles was content with the pair he had. They were top of Grunt-Rank and even faster than most of them. They were his trump cards and Miles wouldn’t give them away no matter what.
“I can give you more than 5 coupons for the orb.” Quinn didn’t know what the orb was, but he knew it was something good. Adding the Marooner’s attitude, she was sure the orb would be worth it.
“No, thanks.” Miles rejected and started to walk away. “I will bring the artifact here in two days. Be here with the coupons. I shouldn’t remind you but if you lay an ambush, things will not go well for you.” He said as he walked away.
“He is threatening me, that bastard!” Quinn said as she kicked the ground with anger. Then she left the forest.
————
“Welcome home, Little Lord!” Kenway looked at the handsome young man and welcomed him back after so long.
“Uncle Kenway. As sharp as ever. I see the energy around you is as threatening as ever.” The young man looked at Kenway and said with a dashing smile.
His blue eyes were shining mysteriously as he was looking at the man across from him.
“Little Lord is talented and can control every form of energy. Unlike an old man like me who is stuck at the sharpness element and plays with swords.” Kenway answered.
“You know it is not that easy, Uncle Kenway. I have to copy and use that element first, otherwise, I cannot achieve my best.” The young man answered as he formed a sword around him just like Kenway. A sharp aura around him cut the air and a sword that could cut through any metal on Earth appeared next to him.
“I see your training with the sword has advanced. You are as talented as ever, Little Lord Merlin.” Kenway smiled and moved out of the way so the young man could enter the house.
“Family is waiting for you.”
“Is Miles here?” Merlin asked as he too smiled and walked towards the mansion. He sure missed his family.
“Sadly, Lil Lord Miles was out of reach for the last month. We will call him as soon as he returns.” Kenway answered and showed a rare frown on his face. Miles was out of reach for a month and they were all worried. But it was normal. There were many cases where people went into the Portal World and didn't return for a long time.
“Hmm. I am sure Miles is okay. He is my lil brother after all. I heard he used the Strengthening Serum he stole from mother.” Merlin smiled mischievously as he asked.
“Madam forgave him and presented a mind serum for Lil Lord Miles,” Kenway answered with a smile. Miles was really a talent. He had used a Strengthening Serum many war-ridden veterans failed to use. It wasn’t only about the pain, it was also about determination.
Most people with superpowers wouldn’t dare to use the serums since they could progress with their superpowers, but Miles was different. He would either be an oafish destined to be mediocre or use serums to advance. Since he had used the first one, he planned to use another. That is why Evelyn helped him in the first place. After all, any strength Miles could get, would help him to use other serums more easily.
“Oh, mom did that? Seems like mom has a soft spot for Lil bro.” Merlin said with a smirk and walked into the mansion. ‘I wonder when will lil brother return. This time the army gave me a big holiday, and I want to spend some time with him.’