Chapter 13: Talk Terms
Silence fell over them until Murray cracked a laugh loud enough to attract every monster in the vicinity.
"I’m not just inviting you into our family for nothing. This is an investment."
Nuri tilted his head.
"Investment?"
Murray released the boy’s shoulder from his grasp.
"An investment in our family’s future. We lose nothing by helping an academy kid. If you’re from a reputable house — and I believe you are — then isn’t this a fortuitous encounter for us?"
Nuri couldn’t hold his chuckle in.
Murray wasn’t wrong in his calculations. House Natlan was one of the top five earners among the Houses and Guilds, bringing in eight figures a month after tithe. Most offspring didn’t even need to worry about tithes. Some houses even ordered their own members to collect Essences and Labyrinth equipment for their children, so they didn’t have to lift a finger.
The norm here, however, was for children to be independent and carry on the lineage, as was more common in Houses. Nuri had been molded to inherit the House since the moment he opened his eyes, and he still was. His sister wouldn’t even let him go home before he reached at least Fourth Constellation.
Murray was unaware of Nuri’s identity, but he had correctly sensed the boon fate had dealt him simply by being upfront. For the cost of a few lessons, he would earn goodwill with a young scion, and if Nuri’s family name ever passed his bakery a decade from now, the bet would have already paid for itself.
’Smart old man. As expected from a veteran Explorer.’
Nuri met Murray’s eyes, then turned to Diana and Hugo standing afar.
"Alright. Let’s talk terms."
Diana smiled brightly, and Hugo nodded hesitantly, but Nuri could still see the smile hidden behind the overgrown beard.
The four sat around the bonfire once more, this time in a more serious manner, with Nuri on one side, and the family on the other.
Party exploration in the Labyrinth was common, but to avoid conflict along the way, everyone had to agree to the terms set and confirmed within the Labyrinth. Shares of materials, equipment, and Essences were among the most common sources of dispute, and the Exploration Guild punished such conflicts severely once charges were filed.
Nuri leaned forward, fingers laced in front of his face.
"Are we revealing our Levels and Star Rating?"
Diana stepped in as the group leader.
"Yes. After you decide to join us, of course. For now, our terms are simple, and I’ll be upfront. We’ll take all the loot, and you’ll ride our bus until we leave for the 2nd Floor."
Nuri’s eyes widened slightly. He was both shocked and relieved. Though his skills were measly compared to theirs, he still felt like he was being scammed. At the same time, it confirmed they were the real deal, and they knew their worth.
Most Marauders would entice you with promises to share the loot while you rode the bus, and some fools would actually fall for that poorly constructed scam.
Nuri loosened up and snickered.
"Not even one single piece of equipment? Come on, guys. I’m struggling here."
"A greedy kid, ain’t ya? Your house ain’t rich enough?" Hugo remarked. Somehow, the hip flask had already returned to his hand.
Murray rasped a laugh.
"We’ll give it to you at a discount, or if you contribute."
Nuri struck a thoughtful pose.
"I’ll have to think about it."
"What’s there to think about?" Hugo cut in, as usual. "We teach you everything we know for about... five days, give or take. You get free experience and LCs. Sure, you may not get anything material, but the lessons you get from us are a hundred times more valuable. Or are you not confident in your ability to earn enough money? Is that what this is about?"
’This bastard...’
People could ridicule him all they wanted, but Nuri would not let them wound his pride. He refused the jeers because he knew he was better than all of his peers, and by a mile, at that. This wasn’t arrogance; it was simple math. Whatever he set his mind to, he dominated.
Whether it was women, wine tasting, archery, or the creme de la creme of his pride — painting — Nuri was simply above the mundane.
"Hah! You want to bet?" he retorted.
Hugo’s eyes sparkled, as if he had just heard the magic word.
"Bet? On what?"
Diana already wore a worried, defeated expression, likely having experienced this too many times.
Nuri slammed his palm into the ground.
"In three months, my monthly earnings will exceed what you all earn combined."
Hugo raised an eyebrow, clearly enticed by the offer.
"Three months?"
He deliberated over the bet.
"Our best month was what, over 4 million? You think you can do it?"
Hugo smirked, not having the slightest faith in the kid.
Nuri maintained his smile, but he was nervous on the inside.
’Wait, 4 million!? That’s almost... 300,000 LCs per day!’
Nuri was now seriously doubting his impulsive bet. A 1-Star mob netted a base of 500 LCs, which meant killing 600 of those mantises per day. He also had to account for the Star Rating. He only got 1,000 LCs because his Star Rating was zero, which counted as a +1.0 differential and resulted in a double multiplier for both Coins and XP.
’Ah, such a headache! No wonder the Academy forced us to learn math.’
The Labyrinth had a complex, yet straightforward formula for calculating XP and Coins, but let’s not bore ourselves with the details.
Nuri, still looking as serious and confident as ever, said:
"Uh, yeah! Easy peasy. That’s rookie numbers around my circle."
He then circled back.
"But using your highest earning month is unethical, Hugo. Take out your average."
Murray and Diana chuckled behind their hands.
Hugo also slammed his palm onto the ground, eyes burning with passion for gambling.
"Fine by me, kid! I’ll do you a favor and make it 3 mil, how about that?"
"Deal!"
