Once everything was finalized, Porter looked at Calm and continued, “According to the rules of the contract, once we both sign our true names and drop our blood onto it, the contract will take effect.”
Calm listened quietly. He did not think his old friend would deceive him over this. As far as he knew, during the signing process of a contract, both parties would feel a connection.
As for the price of violating a contract, it was not something a Brass Rank or Silver Rank Class holder could bear.
If not for this, the contract document would not be worth ten gold coins.
With this thought, the last trace of doubt in Calm's mind gradually faded. This was far more reliable than a simple verbal promise or private collateral, which was what he had initially expected.
He nodded slowly and said in a deep voice, “Alright, let's do it this way.”
Hearing this, a look of relief and joy appeared on Porter's face.
He immediately took out a specially made quill from his breast pocket. Delicate runes were engraved on its shaft, and a faint luster faintly flowed at its tip. He handed it to Calm.
“This is the quill that came with it. Only names signed with this will leave an imprint.”
Without further words, both of them picked up the quill and solemnly signed their true names in the designated spots on the contract document. Following the instructions, they pricked their fingertips and let a drop of fresh blood fall onto their signatures.
As the blood seeped into the paper, the originally faint luster seemed to brighten for an instant, as if an invisible connection had been established between the two of them and the contract.
Calm could feel an extremely faint but definitely real sense of “confirmation,” as if a solemn agreement had been set in stone.
The contract had officially taken effect.
Afterward, Porter and Calm discussed the details of the operation in greater depth. Everything from the specific route and the choice of ambush points, to their respective duties and coordination in battle, and even backup plans for unexpected situations, was carefully deliberated and confirmed.
When the discussion drew to a close, Calm pondered for a moment and made an additional request: “There is one more thing. My student, Matthew, wishes to participate in this operation.”
Hearing this, Porter not only showed no displeasure or difficulty, but a sharp light flashed in his eyes instead, and a knowing smile played at the corner of his lips.
“Of course. It's a good thing if he's willing to come.”
In Porter's view, owing a favor was not scary; what was scary was not owing one. The more favors he owed, the greater the chance of success! And vice versa.
Furthermore, once he broke through to the Silver Rank, while these things might not be completely effortless to obtain, the difficulty of acquiring them would be far lower than at the Brass Rank.
Moreover, in the complex environment of a chamber of commerce, strength was far more important than wealth.
As for Matthew, a rising talent, actively getting involved, he was naturally more than happy to see it happen.
“Let him join us,” Porter agreed readily. “An extra fighter means an extra layer of assurance. As for the specific reward and arrangements, you can go back and ask Matthew, and we can discuss it further.”
Porter was willing to invest in a rising talent like Matthew.
Calm nodded, not surprised by Porter's attitude.
With this, the framework and core terms of the cooperation were basically finalized.
...
A few days later, in the early morning, the wind and snow had calmed down, no longer raging.
The sky turned from leaden gray to a faint, pale white, and the outlines of the distant mountains gradually grew clear in the thin morning light.
Matthew withdrew his gaze, pulling his eyes back from the slightly bright horizon in the distance.
At the entrance of Stone Mill Village, a six-man squad had already assembled, standing quietly by the roadside covered in melting snow.
Every one of them was well-equipped, and their auras were refined.
Matthew's gaze slowly swept across the gathered crowd as he pondered silently.
‘That short, lean man with shifting eyes must be Finch, whom Instructor Calm specifically warned me about a few days ago. The instructor said that although this man is skilled at setting traps, his mind is corrupt, so I need to pay extra attention to him.’
When his gaze swept past the short, bead-eyed Finch, he could not help but feel a hint of curiosity.
After all, Class holders who focused on weapon usage were not rare, but this was the first time Matthew had seen someone specializing in trap-laying.
‘I wonder what it looks like when trap-related combat techniques are used?’
‘As for the handsome blonde holding a short sword, that should be Chase. According to the instructor, he's a novice who just stepped into the Black Iron Rank not long ago. The black-haired one holding a spear is Zachary, a veteran of the Black Iron Rank.’
‘This team is indeed solid. Being in the middle tier of strength makes it quite safe for me.’
Thinking of this, he nodded slightly. After all, if he were the pillar of the team, the risks he would have to bear would be immense; but if he were too weak, he wouldn't even be able to outrun the others when escaping and would end up as a scapegoat.
Being in the middle was the optimal position.
Matthew joining this squad had only happened a few days ago.
Right after Porter left, Instructor Calm had come to his wooden cabin that afternoon and briefly explained his purpose.
Upon hearing that he could participate in the hunt, Matthew was naturally more than willing.
As for the reward, the condition he proposed was also very clear: a high-quality bow.
The next day, Porter came to find Matthew in person.
He first asked in detail about Matthew's specific requirements for the high-quality bow reward. Once Matthew confirmed them, Porter readily agreed to the condition.
Afterward, the two of them discussed the details and necessary precautions for the upcoming mountain giant bear hunt.
After sending Porter off, however, a hint of doubt arose in Matthew's heart.
‘A high-quality bow is almost like a divine weapon to me... but to Porter, who is about to break through to the Silver Rank, is it really that easy to obtain?’
He had some guesses about this.
First, the breakthrough to the Silver Rank would elevate Porter's social status immensely! Therefore, he wouldn't care about this small amount of money.
Second, Porter might choose to go back on his word... But with Instructor Calm personally acting as the middleman and guarantor, Matthew ultimately chose to trust Porter's readiness and promise.
As for exploring the kobold nest? Naturally, that could wait. After all, how could that compare to a Blue bow?
At this moment, Calm's caring voice came from the side, interrupting his thoughts.
“Matthew, did you bring enough magical beast meat jerky? Hunting the mountain giant bear this time might require us to stay in the forest for a few days.”
Matthew turned and replied, “I've brought plenty, Instructor, don't worry.”
Instructor Calm nodded upon hearing this. Matthew's temperament had always been steady, so he was quite reassured.
However, when his gaze swept across Matthew's face, a hint of surprise couldn't help but appear in his eyes.
“Your eyes... look a bit different. You seem exceptionally energetic,” Calm asked, slightly puzzled.
At this moment, Matthew's eyes seemed exceptionally clear and sharp, faintly carrying a focused edge that was quite different from his usual calmness.
Hearing this, Matthew's mind stirred, and he smiled naturally, explaining in a casual tone: “Maybe it's because I've rested well these past few days and my mind is more focused, so I look more energetic. Instructor, when are we setting off?”
The instructor nodded and looked ahead. “Everyone is here. We will set off shortly.”
Matthew nodded, looking at the black text that appeared before his eyes.
Rate on N.U.
