Chapter 657 Accepting the quest or not? (4)
Erik's expression softened, a glimmer of appreciation shining in his eyes. He recognized the internal battle Aiden had fought and respected the courage it took to commit to the mission.
Aiden's agreement brought a renewed sense of solidarity among the team, reinforcing their collective resolve to face the challenges ahead with unwavering determination.
Mira's gaze locked with Erik's, her eyes filled with a mix of uncertainty and trust. She searched his face for reassurance, her voice wavering slightly. "Yeah," she said, her tone hesitant yet determined. "If Aiden thinks we can do this, then you can count on me too..."
Lila's expression transformed into a mischievous grin, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Her adventurous spirit shone through as she nodded, her voice laced with a hint of thrill.
"Well, it sounds like a suicide mission," she admitted, her tone tinged with a touch of amusement. "But what's life without a little excitement?"
Kael's analytical nature took over as he listened to his teammates' responses.
His face settled into a thoughtful expression, his mind already working through the details.
He clapped his hands together, a burst of energy punctuating his words. "I'll come," he said, his tone filled with determination.
"But we need to think things through better." His words reflected his cautious and logical approach, emphasizing the need for careful planning and consideration.
Erik leaned forward, his eyes meeting each of theirs in turn. "Excellent. Then I will tell the quest giver that we will accept the mission. Thank you all; I couldn't do it without you."
As the team members filed out of the room, a surge of adrenaline coursed through Erik's veins. The mission ahead was no ordinary task. While Erik felt confident in his abilities, he couldn't shake off the weight of responsibility he felt towards his guildmates. It was his duty to ensure their safety and well-being.
Erik was determined to leave no stone unturned, to create an environment where his guildmates could operate with a sense of security. He knew that while he couldn't eliminate all dangers; he had to make the mission as safe as reasonably possible.
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The young man activated the holographic computer on his desk, dialing the number of the merchant who had offered the quest. The man's image flickered into existence before him, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and apprehension.
"Mr. Kay, I presume you called me because you have decided," the merchant's voice echoed through the line, laced with a palpable sense of urgency. His words hung in the air, a silent plea for a positive response.
Erik, steady as ever, responded in a calm and composed manner. "We're willing to accept the quest," he began, carefully choosing his words to convey his team's commitment.
"But we'll need time to prepare. Our team will head into a high-risk area, and we can't afford to be ill-equipped." His voice was firm and confident, reflecting his unwavering belief in their ability to succeed.
A sigh of relief escaped from the merchant, his initial apprehension giving way to a wave of reassurance. "Of course, take all the time you need," he said, doing his best to keep the happiness out of his voice. But his relief was clear, a bright light at the end of a long, anxious wait.
Erik leaned forward, his gaze sharply focused on the holographic figure before him. His eyes, clear and determined, locked onto the merchant's image. His voice, steady and unyielding, echoed in the room, "I also want to clarify the payment terms. The document you sent mentioned a sum of 7 million Eurems. Is that correct?"
His question was not simply an inquiry, but a definitive statement - he refused to be exploited. Through his confident stance and piercing gaze, he conveyed his utmost seriousness about the matter at hand.
He built his reputation on his meticulous nature and his unwavering ability to hold his ground, even when confronted with potential manipulation.
"Yes, that's correct," the merchant confirmed. "And let me add, if you retrieve the brain crystal weapons, I'd be willing to pay an additional couple of million eurems."
Erik's eyes, visible through the slit of his mask, narrowed slightly, carefully evaluating the merchant's sincerity.
His gaze was piercing, scrutinizing every flicker of the holographic figure before him.
"If that's the case, then you can count on us," he said, his voice steady and resolute. "But I want this in writing, an official contract that outlines the terms and the additional bonus for the brain crystal-embedded weapons."
His words were resolute, allowing for no ambiguity. He sat up straight, showing how important professionalism and integrity were to him. The mask made him seem more mysterious and serious, which made it clear he wanted a formal contract.
The merchant responded promptly, his voice echoing with newfound enthusiasm. "Absolutely. I'll have it sent to you immediately," he said, matching Erik's professional tone. His words were filled with a sense of respect and acknowledgment of Erik's demands.
The exchange between them was marked by a mutual understanding of the gravity of their agreement.
Their conversation was devoid of any unnecessary pleasantries, focusing solely on the business at hand. Their shared professionalism set the tone for their future interactions, laying a solid foundation for their newly formed partnership.
"Very well," Erik concluded. "Once the contract is signed and the preparations are complete, we'll head out to retrieve your cargo."
"Your reputation precedes you, Mr. Kay. Your guild's accomplishments are well-documented, and I hold the utmost confidence in your ability to execute this task efficiently," the merchant expressed, his tone echoing his high regard for Erik and his team.
"Rest assured, we shall strive to meet your expectations," Erik responded, his voice steady and firm. His words were a promise, a commitment to uphold the trust placed in them. With a last nod of acknowledgment, he ended the call.
Erik leaned back in his chair as the hologram flickered out, contemplating the mission they had just accepted.
He then picked up his phone and sent a message to Noah, telling him to come to his office.
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The door to his office opened after ten minutes, and Noah walked in, his face concealed by a mask and hood.
"You summoned me, Master?" Noah inquired, maintaining a respectful stance as he addressed Erik.
"Yes," Erik began, his hand making a slight gesture towards the seat, showing for Noah to sit.
"I've accepted a dangerous mission. We will need a team of thirty, including Mira, Kael, Lila, and Aiden. I want you to coordinate with the others and arrange the mission."
"As you command, Master. May I inquire about the quest?" His tone was deferential, his words reflecting the deep respect he held for Erik.
The young man forwarded the files he had received from the merchant to Noah's phone. "We're tasked with retrieving a missing cargo in the White Desert. The merchant is offering a substantial sum and a bonus if we recover brain crystal weapons."
Perusing the files with swift precision, Noah assessed the information before him. "The risk associated with this mission is indeed substantial, Master," he acknowledged, his tone solemn yet composed. "However, the potential reward warrants serious consideration." His words were carefully chosen, reflecting both the gravity of the situation and the respect he held for Erik's decision.
"Exactly," Erik said. "I need you to develop a solid plan based on these files. Work with Ari, Luke, and the others to locate the likely crash sites and where the cargo might be."
Rising to his feet, Noah maintained a straight posture, exuding a sense of quiet confidence. "Rest assured, Master, you may entrust this task to us," he stated respectfully. "We shall collaborate effectively within our ranks and plan a strategy that mitigates risks and optimizes our probability of success." His tone was one of deference, underlining his deep respect for Erik.
"Good," Erik said, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "I trust you'll handle this efficiently. Keep me updated on your progress."
"Yes sir," Noah affirmed, before turning to leave the room.
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