Ignoring the dumbfounded look Viktor currently has on his face, the girl proceeded to explain that the research was actually not hers. It was created by a leading Russian nuclear scientist.
Apparently, Jessie has been helping the scientist for more than a year until the man got himself killed in an accidental explosion that occurred last month. Since then, she had the desire as well as the responsibility to see the scientist's work to succeed in his stead.
"When this reactor works, the city wouldn't even need to depend on mercenaries or worry about safety anymore…" said the girl while staring at Viktor's face. "So, what do you think? Will you help me out?"
In all honesty, Viktor didn't expect to receive such a request from her. He wouldn't mind helping if he could, but there is one thing that popped into his mind when he heard her request and it couldn't help but make him wonder.
"Why me?" Viktor looked her in the eye. "You certainly have dozens of acquaintances in this town. I doubt that none of them couldn't help you."
"Well, what you said is true; I have many acquaintances here," replied the girl while shrugging her shoulders. "There are many earth realm fighters here, but they are mostly fishermen. Most of them depended on energy rifles to fight which, yet again, needed a steady supply of spirit stones. As for you… Not only are you strong enough to survive a trip to this secluded town, you also have the abilities of a spirit enhancer."
"Spirit enhancer?" Viktor was confused. He had heard the term several times before from Olga but still didn't know what it actually meant.
"Yes, from thousands of survivors, they are the few who fortunate to have enhanced spirit talent. Just like the other spirit enhancers, although you're only in the middle realm, you are much stronger, maybe as strong as a sky realm aren't you?"
To explain better she took Kenth as an example, one of such spirit enhancers who apparently had mastery over ice.
Then, she asked Viktor what his element was.
Of course, not really knowing what her objective was and trying to not reveal too much about himself, Viktor decided to play the silent at her inquiry.
Contrary to his expectation once again the girl gave her brightest smile and said with a teasing tone in her voice.
"So, more secrets? Aah, you're making me curious, but hey, come help us out will you?"
Without even waiting for Viktor to voice his approval, Jessie proceeds to explain the task in a brief and concise manner.
As it turned out, the task will be done with a few others, and she herself will even join in. With this, it was clear that she wanted to assure Viktor that she wouldn't send anyone to a place she wouldn't go.
"It will be a one day in, one day out type of task. So, will you help me? Please…"
Jessie certainly tried her hardest to charm her way in Viktor's heart and to make him join. She certainly has the personality, and Viktor could feel that her attempts were somewhat working.
Unfortunately, as the son of a wealthy family, Viktor has seen too many girls like her trying to charm him, and thus, he wouldn't fall nor let himself fall for such a trick easily.
"Well, I am flattered really, and I really want to help you out…" Viktor rubbed the back of his head, adding a sheepish effect as if he was sad to reject her.
"..But you see, from your explanation it seems that each task involves a lot of risks, so me and my friends might not cut it-"
Before he could finish his words, the girl added.
"Ah, for your friend, they actually can't come. Even though I am sure they are amazing in their own way, the place we are going to is only for people who have reached the earth realm stage. As for the risk… we the town of course prepare to compensate for your time.."
The girl trailed off as Viktor watched her. He didn't say anything, but his glance and subsequent silence made her quickly realize that Viktor was asking about the compensation.
"... As for the specifics, if you help us, I am sure the mayor will accept your request and take you in as a member of our community. I could even convince the mayor to give some of the sky realm fighters' compensation budget for you…"
At first glance, what Jessie proposed sounds like a good deal, and it was just as he needed and hoped for. However, Viktor knew that the town wouldn't actually lose anything from this deal.
In fact, if he agreed the town would solve their mercenary problem while the mayor wouldn't need to sacrifice much other than land, which was practically worthless due to how secluded the town was.
The girl was smart. She acted as a benevolent helper and offered him everything he needed. However, this much compensation does not really interest him.
On the other hand, Viktor also knows that he has not shown much capability nor achievement to ask for more. So, instead of playing hard to get, this time he went on the offensive.
He took a step closer to the girl, flashed a charming smile, and whispered.
"I will certainly accept what the town has to offer, but… I am more interested in you. Simply put, what can you offer for my assistance?"
Viktor decided to switch on his charm. His natural charms had always worked with dozens of other girls before… Well, regardless, he always took good care of himself, and he knows how charming he truly is.
The previously daring, teasing girl took a step back, clearly startled with Viktor's boldness and the sudden question laced with teasing.
She gave a wry smile and asked. "Sure… What do you have in mind?"
Viktor stepped even closer, so close that only an inch separated their bodies apart. His whispers are low and seductive. "I… want… you."
He could tell that for a second, a vivid blush colored the girl's face. Now that his hidden skill has taken effect, he took a step back, and said.
"I want you… to help make the same thing for me." Viktor said, as he stared at the monolith.
This was what he was going for all along. For him, his safety is everything, so an item that can cast some protection in a wide area would prove very useful. For that, he was willing to take some risks, but just to be clear, he added his words to avoid misunderstanding.
"I'm not talking about just the monolith… I want a whole microreactor of my own, too."
Jessie blinked, still surprised from the sudden swerve in topic, but she regained her wits quickly.
"That… That is not an easy request at all. It will need a lot of parts, lots of spirit stones, and…"
From her reaction, Viktor knew that what he was asking from her was too much in her opinion, but regardless, he needed to convince her.
"Of course, I'm not asking you to do it for free. I will certainly provide all the parts you need… Think about it, this will also mean that I have a stake in this project, and I will be committed to see it to the end, too."
Her expression had changed, seemingly considering his words, but she was still half convinced and to seal the deal, Viktor needed to close his offer with a bang.
"Of course, I also have a gift for you."
Viktor grabbed a steel wrench that was lying on the table and concentrated.
[Metal Bending]
Carefully, he flattened the wench, and used his deft fingers to turn it into a thin, long metal sheet. Bit by bit, careful as not to make it snap, he started to mold it into his desired shape.
Jessie's expression turned excited, and it gave him even more motivation to do his best. After almost a minute had passed, it was finally done.
Viktor just made her a beautiful shiny metallic flower and gave it to her with a sincere smile
"So what do you think? Do we have a deal?"
Visit freewe𝑏no(v)el.𝘤𝑜𝓂 for the best novel reading experience