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Chapter 3 

-----------[Underwood Great Tree] Conference Room, Dark Evergreen Longhouse. 

Porol has since reread the contents of the goatskin parchments thrice. This is because the estimated haul obtainable from the mine didn’t match his knowledge of Diamond Iron mines. It was so large a territory that it was out of the usual estimates. 

[Terramaterial….refers to the minerals that would be in the same category as ‘Aether Crystals’ or ‘Orichalcum’[35] which are at the top of the list. Even within the best of the domain of lands blessed by Gods, it is not improbable for it to take many hundreds of years to develop a vein of Terramaterial. It’s the rarest and most precious metal in existence!] 

The Terramaterial that Jin Russel had mentioned----[Diamond Iron Ore] is at the top of the list in terms of its hardness index. Even so, that wasn’t the most amazing part about its characteristics. 

[Diamond Iron]’s characteristic is the ability to retain its hardness while being incorporated with other Gifts. 

Take for example, the armor and weapons that [Perseus] had used against the [No Name] in the past were all made from the smelting of [Diamond Iron Ore]. 

Seeing how pale Porol had become, Carol was worried for him. However, she was also feeling the start of cold sweat on her back too. 

“B…But Porol, wouldn’t it be too hasty to believe it just by these documents…..?” 

“Carol Onee-san I would agree….. If I were just to judge from these maps and documents, I would have doubted it…..But didn’t you hear of the recent mass production by [Perseus] to replicate their Community’s symbolic equipment? It shouldn’t have been possible to do that…. However, if they had hidden such a huge mine….. things would really match up!” 

-----Endowing the protection from the domain of Hades: the cap of invisibility aidos kyneê. 

-----Endowed with the ability of flight by the Olympian god Hermes: Winged sandals of Hermes. 

It was rumored that the reason why [Perseus] managed to rise as part of the cadre of [Thousand Eyes] is due to the successful mass replication of those two Gifts. 

Though the Harpe[36] that sealed the Celestial Spirit Algor was also forged from the ore of [Diamond Iron], there should be a reason that obstructs the mass production of Harpes with sealing properties. 

 

Porol felt chilled to the spine as he realized. 

It’s possible to recreate all the weapons and armors of legends with that amount of ore available in the mines! 

[If the [No Name]s had continued to run themselves within their periphery, the biggest trading partner would only be [Thousand Eyes]. And it would be sure to flow within the organization through that route…..!] 

To begin with, the ability ‘to manufacture replicas of godly-blessed equipments’ is already a miracle in itself. 

The method of production couldn’t have appeared without some trade secrets or secret mechanisms. Even if they were replicas, the Gift still required a miracle from God to be planted in it. 

“However, the thing that makes it so difficult to accept isn’t that. I want to know what had been done to cause such a great amount of that mineral to run so conveniently under one spot. If the quantity estimated by those documents are true-----It can easily cover the surface of [Underwood] and be in excess.” Placing all the documents and maps about the mining process down on the table, Porol looked Jin straight in the eye. 

“About that, I’m not obliged to answer.” Jin replied without hesitation. The tone within his words was an obvious refusal and Porol had no choice but to let it go. After all, the table of the negotiations have been totally turned to Jin’s favor. 

The focus of the negotiations had been in regards to the price that the [No Name]s are willing to give since the start of the discussion. However, it was evident that the focus has changed to how much support [Six Scars] can offer in terms of financial and manpower. 

And that was the power of the mine. It was so important that if Porol had let slip this opportunity, the ones affected would be much more than just [No Name] and [Six Scars]. 

It was a gold mine that could tip the balance in power between the East and the South in an instant. 

[Intervening in every Demon Lord game….. Should I remove that condition and call it quits?.... No! That would be bad! If I gave in now, it would give them the advantage of being equals even in future negotiations!] 

In this situation, it was even likely that they may cancel their previous offer. 

Hence the only option would be to wait for the decision to come from the [No Name]'s side. Porol had much confidence that if he withdrew his previous condition on the [No Name], Jin would reply: “---How much support are you willing to offer?” while smiling in that unreliable way of his. 

If he couldn’t find a way to rebuke that line, it would become the chance for the other party to take the lead. Putting aside the fact that this was a huge opportunity for his Community to profit from, Porol still wanted to prevent any situation that might cause him to lose the lead in the negotiations. 

“……I get it now. I finally understand why you required a force of two hundred as manpower. However, this would seem a little insincere of us. If you wish to, I can help to market the [Diamond Iron] ore------” 

“There’s no need for you to feel bad about this. Our request is only for [Six Scars] to provide the manpower.” 

“…..But, Jin Russel. Hearing from your words, it would seem that you do not understand the value of this ore. Be it Gold, Silver or Precious Stones, selling it raw and unprocessed will cause its price to be suppressed. Hence in trade, trust and accomplishments are necessary as a brand name. The current connections that we have today would be sure to guarantee a huge profit margin. Maybe we could also ask the up and coming next [Floor Master], the [Draco Greif] Alliance for a contract……” 

“No, We aren’t planning to sell the raw materials…. Ah, I apologize for allowing such a misunderstanding to occur, since I should have explained earlier.” Saying that, Jin took a letter out from his leather bag. 

Recognizing the symbol on the wax sealing, Porol’s expression froze in place. 

“That’s…That’s [Will-O’-Wisp]’s emblem….!” 

“Yes it is. They have already signed an Alliance contract with us [No Name]. This particular Community has quite an impressive smelting skill amongst the lower levels. Have you seen the silver candlestick rack that they put up for display during the [Rise of the Fire Dragon] festival?” 

“N…No…. But I heard that they won the best craftsmanship award.” 

“Yes, that is indeed a remarkable achievement. Having acknowledged their skill, we had decided to entrust them with the task of refining the [Diamond Iron Ore], and smelting them into equipment before sending it into the market. After all, [Will-O’-Wisp] has already made themselves a brand name.” 

[I already knew that!] Porol complained in his heart. 

Word was that the youngest [Floor Master] Sandra Doltrake, who was quite a topic for many, had much praise for [Will-O’-Wisp] and had ordered many household necessities from them. 

By mentioning that the equipments were crafted by the rising star Community [Will-O’-Wisp], orders would immediately flood in. 

Though grudgingly, he had to admit that it was indeed much better a brand name than [Six Scars]. 

“……” 

Even if Porol decided to offer more economic support, there would not be any benefits in return. Since the other party had already placed all that they can offer on the scales for negotiation----the lives of their comrades. 

It is precisely because of that, that Porol had offered “free financial support in regards to Gifts and daily necessities”. If he changed his condition to “We will provide you with economic support for a share in the profits”, that would be a blatant disrespect to the people who were willing to place their lives on the scales and result in an unbridgeable rift in their negotiations. 

That youth wouldn’t be that gullible to accept an Alliance that devalued the lives of his comrades. 

Porol gave it more thought for three minutes-----Before he let out a long sigh that seemed to flag his defeat. 

“….AH~! Damn it! I’ve lost! Jin Russel! I will accept all the conditions that you’ve proposed, so just let me have a small portion to call dibs, you bastard” 

“Po…Porol….!” 

“I’m sorry, Carol onee-san, our opponent has played one too many good cards and most likely come prepared, having taken control of the situation very well. I really am out of tricks……my only regret is not having heard news about the [Diamond Iron Ore], which I would have offered more in return. However, if the situation is left like what it is currently, I’m afraid the juiciest meat will be in the mouths of others.” 

As though his strength was drained, Porol slid back into his seat and rested on its back. 

Jin also relaxed his shoulders. “Though you say that, this information is such a confidential matter that only two other trusted members know of it. Even those two behind me are totally in the dark about it……To tell the truth, their gazes have been piercing me this whole time.” 

Turning his head back gingerly, Jin faced the two behind him who had their mouths left half open while observing the situation’s progress. They must have been unable to foresee that Jin---No, that the Community they belonged to had such a hidden talent. Lifting the sides of her lips, Percher managed to force a smile. 

“No wonder that Freak of a boy decided to leave this all to you. After all, the basic haggling in negotiations isn’t even necessary. Just from the success of keeping the information a secret, Jin had already gotten an assured victory.” 

“Nn. Whatever others might say, it was quite entertaining, leader-sama.” Shirayuki-hime seemed to have the burden off her shoulders as she sighed in relief and relaxed. 


Hearing their praises, Jin gave a wry smile as he felt comforted by their words. 

Porol leaned forward. 

“…..Hey, tell me. Why didn’t you place the focus on the battle with the huge dragon?” A trace of tension could be felt in his voice. 

“What does that mean?” 

“There’s no need to keep up the pretense. The news that it was [No Name] that defeated the huge dragon is known throughout the [Draco Greif] Alliance. I had thought that you would focus on your accomplishments at the conference.” 

-----For example [We saved your lives from the palm of the Demon Lord, so you should form an Alliance with us] along those lines. 

Porol had been wary and on the lookout for those lines. 

Saving others from a Demon Lord’s battle game is definitely a matter that deserves gratitude. However if the [No Name]s had used that as a debt to be repaid, it would be intolerable and unacceptable. 

However to reject it in a wrong way and cause the news of the Alliance request rejection to get out in the wrong way, they would be seen to be an ungrateful lot. 

A Combat specialized Community having saved the Commerce Specialized Community usually sank into such a complicated relationship. 

“But you didn’t choose that method…. Why? Was it pride that forbade you from committing such an act?” 

Porol’s words had no deeper meaning and neither did it carry any grudges against Jin’s strategy. It was purely out of curiosity as to the reason why his opponent did not choose the method which he was so guarded against. 

Seeing it plainly on Porol’s face, Jin replied with a question: “I ……May I call you Porol directly?” 

“Eh? Yeah, sure. I already called you by name already by the way.” 

“Nn. Having been on guard against me if I decided to use the gratitude vote, Porol must have planned many counters to that right?” 

“Of course I did. I prepared forty eight counter plans----Okay, that was just a joke. But I did have some cards up my sleeve to counter that move. Is there a problem with that?” 

Porol frowned in surprise though he may have also felt a little underestimated. 

Instead, Jin laughed heartily. 

“----Precisely. Since I know that that strike would be bounced away, what use is there for the treasured sword? Hence from the start, this bout of negotiation had an unspoken rule that I had to follow. And that is ‘To win without depending on the gratitude you may have’.” 

Hearing that, Porol’s eyes grew big and round and blinked before it was his turn to burst into a loud laugh while slapping his knees. 

“Haha! So that’s how it is! Jin already guessed that I would come up with a few counter strategies.” 

“No. It is I believe you would do the preparation. I assume that the other party whom I approach to be my Alliance partner will at least be able to do that much. Or else, it would be quite a bother.” 

These words caused Porol to laugh more heartily. 

“Okay, got it! Since you think so highly of [Six Scars], to continue to cut edges would be a blemish to our name! We will provide assistance to the best that we can. But for the investment and the dispatching of manpower, we would like to walk the grounds first to determine the estimates before we can proceed. Moreover, we need to draw up the estimated revenue and other matters. But in view of the opening ceremony that would be starting soon, let’s end it with the agreement to the Alliance. Would that be fine, Jin?” 

“Yes. I will be in your care, Porol.” 

The two youths, leaders of the Alliance shaked hands solemnly. Porol then stood up, stretching his body at the same time. 

“Good! Today will be the first day of the Alliance between us. If you are free, I can be your host for the Harvest Festival. Those two behind you must be hungry as well already. Especially that one with of a shorter stature seems to be in her stage of puberty.” Though Porol tried to tease her, Percher pretended not to hear it and ignored him. 

“Oh, right. Please introduce me to the people of [Will-O’-Wisp] next time.” 

“Okay, a trade deal?” 

“No, it’s to give personal thanks. Because my dad had been in the care of Jack----.” 

His words broke off. 

Porol’s expression became serious as he seemed to repeat the words he just said in his mind. 

“----Crap! No wonder I’ve lost. Only focusing on the negotiations, I actually forgot the most important matter.” Maintaining his seriousness, he turned back to face the trio and looked at them in turn. 

“Eh?” 

Those words weren’t aimed at anyone but as a warning for himself. 

Steadying his gaze on the [No Name]s, 

 “---Jin Russel and the two aides of his, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for saving my comrades of [Six Scars] from the grasp of the Demon Lord. As long as [Six Scars] continues to exist, we will never forget this debt.” 

 The serious and sincere gaze from his eyes weren’t that of a common youth expressing his gratitude. 

“……Please forgive my faux pas. Being the newly appointed leader, the first thing I should do should be to express my thanks.” 

“Don’t take it too hard on yourself, you needn’t worry about it. However, if you really want to thank, then you should say it to them, those comrades of mine.” 

“Got it. I will be sure to thank them personally…… Oh right. Jin’s comrades are quite something aren’t they?” 

That question carried the curiosity of a normal youth having seen a strong hero. 

“Of course. They are the pride of [No Name]. One of the top few players in the East.” Jin replied with confidence. 

“Oh Ho….. If compared to my Shifu, who do you think is stronger?”[37] 

“Shifu? Porol has a Shifu?” 

“Nn. I heard that he had gone into recluse to meditate and didn’t make it for the Harvest Festival -----Hnghng~ I think you would at least hear of the name of my Shifu before, after all he is the famous Ja,,,” 

Suddenly, a person pushed kicked the door and rushed into the room, panting heavily. 

While wiping off the sweat that beaded her forehead, the Tora mimi Kemono girl, who just rushed in, took in the sight of the Evergreen Longhouse interior.[38] 

“Ex..Excuse me! Is Jin Russel-sama here?” 

“Eh? Oh, that’s me. Jin Russel” 

“Please proceed to the plaza immediately! We aren’t able to control them anymore! May Jin-sama go and stop them personally as the leader!” 

“….Don’t tell me….” Jin’s face immediately paled. 

Shirayuki-hime also backed away having felt a very bad omen about this news. 

Percher was the only one who felt that this sounded like fun as she smiled slyly. 

“Ma,May .. I ask what is happening at the plaza?” Jin asked stutteringly. 

The Tora mimi Kemono girl took a deep breath. 

“In the opening ceremony of the Harvest Festival, some [No Name] members and the leader of [Two Wings]-----Griffith-sama the Hippogriff, seemed to have some kind of dispute----- the situation is now very tense! If we let it continue, both Communities will be starting a fight----!” 



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