The old man

As Darius approached the sofa, he emanated his aura, a powerful and imposing energy that filled the room. His very presence was like a storm that had descended upon us, commanding attention and respect. It was a feeling unlike any other, as if the very air around me had become heavy and oppressive. My heart raced, and my palms began to sweat. Despite my attempts to remain calm and collected, I couldn't help but feel intimidated by Darius's sheer presence. It felt like his energy was draining the life out of me, and I knew that I wouldn't be able to withstand it much longer.

But just as I thought all hope was lost, Zeke's mana erupted like a roaring dragon, a fierce and powerful blast of magic. It clashed against Darius's Aura, fighting against it with all its might. For a moment, the two energies seemed to be locked in a titanic struggle, each one pushing against the other with incredible force. The room shook violently, the paintings fell to the ground, and the walls seemed to be on the verge of crumbling. It was a battle of wills, a test of strength and endurance that would leave legends in its wake. And then, suddenly, Darius's aura dissipated.

"Old man, stop showing off already. You're going to kill our friend here."

Darius chuckled, and the oppressive feeling in the room vanished like a dissipating storm. "My apologies. It's been a while since we've met, boy. I sometimes forget that not everyone is accustomed to my aura. Please, have a seat." He gestured towards the sofa, and Zeke and I sat down, still trembling from the experience.

"Oi, old man, do you have dementia? You nearly killed Kael here!"

Darius poured himself a drink from the crystal decanter and took a sip before turning his attention back to us. "Maybe you need another beating to fix your language, Zeke. However, that will have to wait for now. Let's talk business, shall we? Kael, was it? Your TSI device is quite impressive. To be able to get access to the mana tower is nothing short of a miracle. Even I couldn't bribe that old bitch for access."

As expected of Darius, only he would dare to refer to the great Archmage Lilith Stormweaver, the most powerful mage on the continent, as a "bitch." Seriously, this guy was a ticking time bomb of danger.

As Darius expressed his interest in the TSI device, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. This was the same man who had beaten up the prince's attendants without a second thought, and now he was offering to make a contract with me.

"What kind of contract are you talking about?" I asked cautiously, my voice wavering ever so slightly.

"A simple one, boy. I want to sell and distribute the TSI devices. In exchange, I'll provide you with ironclad protection from the nobles and a steady flow of income like a raging river. You'll be able to live comfortably and luxuriously for the rest of your life," Darius replied smoothly, his voice as slick as oiled silk.

I couldn't deny that the offer was tantalizing, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was a hidden catch, a sinister twist lurking beneath the surface. "And what happens if I refuse?"

Darius's smile faded slightly, and his eyes hardened like shards of ice. "Then I'll have to kill you."

"Oi, old man! Stop scaring him; you're going to give him a heart attack!" Zeke interjected, a note of concern in his voice.

"Hahahaha, come on, Zeke, don't ruin the fun. When was the last time someone dared to question me? I like this one," Darius said, his laughter thunderous and booming. "But seriously, boy, even with Zeke by your side, it would be perilously difficult and dangerous to get away with selling that device. Having me represent it will not only keep you safe, but having the device itself wouldn't get you arrested."

"I still don't understand why you'd do that, though? You don't really gain much," I said, my curiosity piqued.

"Hahaha, boy, if you let me represent it, I can finally piss off that old bitch. Hahaha, just imagining her face contorted with rage makes me laugh!" Darius roared, his amusement seemingly boundless.

Seriously, how much did this old man despise the great mage? "And how much of the profit will you keep?"

"Profit? I don't care about the money, boy. I just want to infuriate that wretched hag. Last time she came to my auction, she scared everyone off. Do you know how many customers were frightened away? My bloody reputation plummeted, all because of that bitch!"

I considered his proposal for a moment, weighing the risks and the benefits. On one hand, partnering with Darius would grant me access to his vast connections, impenetrable protection, and seemingly limitless resources. On the other hand, he was unpredictable and volatile, like a wildfire, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd be making a deal with the devil himself.

I glanced at Zeke, searching for any hint of guidance. He seemed to sense my hesitation and shrugged slightly, as if to say, "It's your call."

Taking a deep breath, I looked back at Darius and declared, "Alright, I'll accept your proposal. But I have one condition."

Darius raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued and amused. "Oh? And what might that be?"

"I want you to promise that you won't claim that you created the TSI. You can claim that you connected to the mana towers, but if you claim that you created it, our engineer will get quite angry. You see, she is fiercely proud of her work and has quite a wild personality."

Darius stared at me for a moment, as if gauging my sincerity, then burst into uproarious laughter. "Hahaha, you really are something, boy! Very well, I promise not to claim the TSI devices as my creations. I'll even put it in writing if it makes you feel better."

"There is no need for that, I believe that you are a man of your word."

"Hahaha, alright, boy, it's a deal! Ah, that's right, here's your payment for the device; I bought it myself. I can't wait to brag in front of that wretched hag!" He reached into his pocket, taking out a rather large bag of coins and an artifact. It seems that he has a pocket dimension. Pocket dimensions are relatively common but expensive; most nobles, adventurers, and high-ranking individuals had them, and practically anyone who could afford one had one.

"This artifact is one I just found, so it hasn't been studied; however, it should be at least a rank three artifact." He handed me an artifact – an intricately designed amulet crafted from an unknown silver-like metal that shimmered with an ethereal glow. It features a circular pendant with a small, unassuming gemstone at its center, surrounded by intricate engravings that depict intertwining vines and leaves with lifelike detail. As soon as I touched it, a system window appeared.

[The Whispering Locket]

[Rank: Rare ⇮]-[Evolution: 3/3➛⊘%]

[The locket's astounding power lies in its ability to allow the wearer to communicate with the spirits of the deceased, transcending the barriers between the living and the dead. When worn around the neck and activated by a simple, whispered command [Suscipio voces], the gemstone at the center of the locket begins to softly glow with an otherworldly brilliance, signifying its readiness to connect with the nearby spirits.]

[The Whispering Locket can only be used for a limited time each day before the gemstone's glow begins to fade, like the last embers of a dying fire, signaling the end of its daily power. Additionally, the spirits are under no obligation to answer the wearer's questions or provide truthful information. As such, wearers must use discernment and utmost caution when conversing with the spirits to ensure they are not misled or deceived by their otherworldly counterparts.].

Intriguing, being able to talk to the deceased is extraordinary, although I'm not sure if I'll ever use this. Hmm, I guess I'll keep it; I'm not sure what I'll encounter in the future. Having this artifact might help me if someone important dies in the future due to my interference in the story.

"Sir Darius-"

"Stop calling me sir, it's exceedingly annoying."

"I understand, Darius. We will deliver another device within two days; we're still organizing ourselves. Could you perhaps help us with the materials? Of course, not for free – we'll pay you accordingly."

"The materials shouldn't be a problem. When the boy hands over the next device, I'll have the cost of the materials deducted from your payment."

"I was also going to ask you whether I can come to future auctions. Getting an entrance ticket is quite difficult; I was hoping you could help me out?" I'm already bound to work with him; I better try to establish a good relationship with proper benefits.

"Hahaha, Zeke, this boy is quite insatiable! Since you're such a good sport, I'll let the boys know to let you in whenever you want. Try bringing that engineer if you can; I'd like to meet her."

Success!! I didn't think he'd agree; this is better than I expected. "Thank you for your generosity; I promise you won't regret your decision." Having access to the auction is practically like having access to the best shop.

"Oi, Kael, are we done here? I'm tired of hearing this old man ramble."

"Tsk, you never change, Zeke. Even as an adult, you lack respect for your elders."

"Huh! Who would respect an old man like you! Especially when he beats kids!"

"Hahaha, don't tell me you're still mad about getting your ass beaten?"

"Huh?! Are you proud of beating me as a kid?! Maybe you need a beating, old man; I'm no longer a child!" Zeke's body started emitting a blue glow, increasing his pressure.

"Alright, Darius, I think it's best if I go before Zeke loses it. I had a great time talking to you."

"Hahaha, you cheeky brat! You're speaking to me casually now? Hahaha, that's fine; let's talk another time."

"Alright, let's go, Zeke." I'm glad I managed to leave the room with Zeke before he let loose.