Offer

Artis pondered about the offer given by Professor Javier at that moment, thinking of the pros and cons as he thought carefully about how to respond to the professor. 

"Well...Professor, I would love to have a discussion with you about the Concept of Unique Skills, in fact, I even have a theory developed for it and why different skills develop differently and why sometimes there is such a power curve in them, but...I can't help but be skeptical as to why you would invite me as you don't even know me. This is the first meeting we are even having." 

Artis decided to come clean, displaying his concern and worry about trusting Professor Javier and accepting his offer right away. 

He did that for a few reasons, first, to ascertain why Doctor Lana and Professor Javier were showing him such goodwill, treating him for free, and suspiciously, inviting him for a discussion when he didn't even mention anything about his research work and assumed that he would be ready for a discussion!

Second, if he found any suspicious movements in any of them, he would feign ignorance and take every opportunity he could use to get stronger and heal quickly. By asking this question, he can use it as a shield for him not accepting their offer right away and play safe, because, in his current situation, he knows he is powerless to do anything. 

The room's mood instantly turned heavy with that question as Doctor Lana and Professor Javier looked at each other before answering Artis's question. 

"I guess some explanation is required for you to trust us," said Doctor Lana, "Javier...show him the article." 

Professor Javier nodded and raised his right hand a little. A small white portal manifested by his right hand and pulled out a piece of article from it and handed it to Artis. 

"Shipwrecked!" was the first word Artis read in that article. 

"Last night, the cruise ship St. Annie Cruise, which was aboard from Inloen to Aurosia, was attacked by a mysterious group causing the entire ship to disappear overnight leaving no survivors to tell the tale. 

"Rumors are there that the terrorist organization Renascitus is responsible for this attack. The organization has been inactive for the past few decades now, and there are no clues as to why the ship was attacked. 

"We can only hope for the survivors to be safe and pray that they are not dead." 

Reading this article filled Artis with rage as he clenched the article, gritting his teeth. 

"As you can see, the article says that no survivors were found. But you are the survivor of the attack. The only survivor. We decided to hide the fact from the authorities for a few reasons. Can you guess why that is?" 

Artis heard the question Professor Javier asked and had only one question in mind. 

Why? 

A theory began forming in his mind as to why this fact was kept a secret as he revealed his deduction. 

"Is it because...Because St. Annie's first destination was Tranquill Haven Pier, and if I am not wrong...that place is near this city right?" 

Doctor Lana and Professor Javier both nodded. 

"Whichever organization attacked the Cruise, knows that I am a survivor, but if they mention that...they would only be outing themselves that they were responsible for the attack! 

"So, hiding me is perhaps the best option for all of us. Because the only logical place that I can go to is this city due to my injuries. And, they perhaps know it too! Are you suggesting that those terrorists are in this City!?" 

Professor Javier said nothing, his face showing no expression while Doctor Lana avoided eye contact with Artis. 

[Passive Skill [Calm Mind] is active] 

His eyes were filled with rage as he let out a maniac grin getting the answer he wanted from their behavior. He continued his deduction, 

"It's perhaps not to protect me! But it's to protect this City from them right? That's why you are helping me so that I can leave this place as soon as possible right!?" 

"You are right for the most part." said Professor Javier agreeing with the deduction, "We took you in because we don't want this City to go through another attack. But we don't want to kick you out of the city. No way!" 

"What this guy wants to say is," added Doctor Lana in a calm and soothing tone, "What you said was correct. I'm impressed that you almost managed to deduce our motives with just a few hints. Professor here wants to legally give you a temporary job as a researcher for a little while, giving you a temporary place to say and hide until things calm down." 

Professor nodded as he also added, "I bet currently you have no money and a place to stay. And in your state, if we let you go, you will only be marching to your death and we don't want that. So, I want to give you an offer...

"Work for me for a temporary time. You will get a place to stay while earning some money as you continue to work for me. You'll also get professional training to get stronger and you won't be just a sitting duck in this place. So, how about it? Want to work for me?" said the Professor as he moved his right hand indicating a handshake. 

Artis stared at the Professor, not fully believing the explanation, but having no choice, but to believe in the explanation. 

'What the professor is saying is correct. I have no money, no ID, and no place to stay properly. I have no idea where I have to go, or locate any place...if only I studied the map for this continent!

'But the Professor's offer isn't bad...if my assumption is correct that the terrorist organization is currently in this place...it gives me more of a reason to stay here! I can train here, get stronger, and develop some more skills giving me a pay and a place to stay!' 

Acknowledging the pros and cons of his current scenario, Artis raised his hand and accepted Professor Javier's proposal. 

Professor Javier let out a warm smile, "Great! Welcome to the team, Artis. Just so you know, I work my researchers hard so don't expect you will get leniency. Come to my lab tomorrow. You'll get a place to stay after you arrive tomorrow. Leave that to me!" 

"...Glad to be acquainted with you Professor. I look forward to working with you," replied Artis dazedly. 

...

Night time, 10:00 PM, Ferrous Lab

Professor Javier arrived at his office and sighed in a tired tone. 

He removed his lab coat and sat down by his computer which started beeping as he sat down signaling that a call had come for him,

Stunned, he picked up the call and on the screen appeared a lady wearing a black suit with red straps, having intricate patterns on them. Her brown hair was tied in a bun and her black eyes exuded beauty, her fair face plastered with a smile. 

"Were you busy Professor? Did I call you at the wrong time?" asked the lady nonchalantly. 

"...Not at all Ma'am Ponia. I just returned. My door is locked and no one will be hearing our conversation." replied Javier in a dazed tone. 

"Good! How are the plans coming along? Everything is ready right?" 

Javier visibly flinched at that question as he answered, "No...I need almost another month before the preparations are done. It's not easy to mess with the nature of the beasts and create an excuse to send her to that place." 

"Oh? Then take your time, but be sure to hurry up and wrap things up if you know what's best for yourself and the City that you want to protect. But, I myself can't say anything since we took 3 weeks to launch the attack on Annie! Just, make sure to not piss "Madame" off and be careful. Some of my men are already in East Ferrous ready to assist you." 

"...Thank you, Ma'am. I won't let Renascitus's trust in me waver. I just need more time to fully come to terms with what we are going to do." 

"Oh?" said Ponia, not making eye contact with Javier as she stared at her fingers on the screen, "Do whatever you want. Just make sure the plan goes right!" 

At that moment, both of them looked at each other and placed their right hand over their chest. 

"Glory for the Genesis!"