Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 645: Selling the Demon Cage Runic Diagrams (II)

Chapter 645: Selling the Demon Cage Runic Diagrams (II)

Damian was intrigued by Vlad’s offer, yet he maintained his composure, carefully assessing the young man before him. Countless calculations crossed his mind in mere moments as he silently stared into Vlad’s confident eyes. Finally, he spoke, his voice measured and firm.

"I do indeed want those diagrams. However, the price, we will need to negotiate it further."

Vlad immediately recognized the calculating expression in the elder’s eyes and swiftly took the initiative, asserting his own terms with confidence.

"Actually, Elder Damian, we are on the same side in this matter," Vlad explained calmly, showing a composed smile. "I don’t want a mere one hundred thousand military credits. Rather, I propose receiving a percentage of the net profits of each Demon Cage sold. Specifically, 15% for each Mortal Tier sold, 7% for Champion Tier, and 2% for Guardian Tier."

Upon hearing Vlad’s bold proposal, Elder Damian’s eyes widened momentarily in astonishment. For a split second, his fists involuntarily clenched, revealing the inner tension he felt. However, the experienced negotiator quickly masked his reaction and returned to his usual composed self.

"That arrangement," Damian replied cautiously, "might be somewhat complicated. Allow me to counter-offer with something simpler: two hundred thousand military credits and immediate promotion to the status of Virtuous Count."

Marshal Maximo, who had been silently observing the discussion, raised his eyebrows, clearly taken aback by Elder Damian’s response. A flicker of confusion crossed his normally decisive gaze.

In Maximo’s understanding, Vlad’s proposed percentages appeared minor—only a handful of credits per formation sold. He couldn’t fathom why Damian would reject Vlad’s proposal, even raising the initial payment so significantly.

Although Maximo was unmatched in military strategy, economics and trade negotiations were clearly not his area of expertise. While each Demon Cage Runic Formation would indeed bring Vlad relatively small individual returns, the Marshal failed to appreciate the immense potential scale of the market.

The Demon Soul Master Strength System wasn’t merely limited to soldiers or combatants; it could also be implanted into civilians, elders, and even children. Such universal application meant the sales volume would be astronomical. Even at minimal profit margins, Vlad stood to earn an extraordinary fortune.

Damian was keenly aware of this potential. However, as a seasoned negotiator, he preferred fixed amounts and immediate settlements rather than open-ended percentages. He immediately adjusted his offer to further entice Vlad:

"I’ll raise my offer to three hundred thousand military credits, the noble rank of Virtuous Count, and..." Damian paused meaningfully, his eyes suddenly sharp with insight, "I will also provide you with a Legendary Space Bloodline."

Vlad’s expression betrayed his surprise for the first time. His eyes widened with evident astonishment, swiftly replaced by a piercing look as realization dawned upon him.

Damian’s knowledge of Vlad’s desires meant he had clearly monitored Vlad’s search history in the military’s information network. Although such tactics irritated him, Vlad could not help but feel a grudging respect for the old man’s cunning methods.

Indeed, the Legendary Space Bloodline was a treasure Vlad deeply coveted, one unattainable within the fortress market. Damian had brilliantly pinpointed the exact leverage to weaken Vlad’s negotiating stance. Vlad clenched his teeth momentarily, acknowledging Damian’s impressive strategy, yet remained resolute in his convictions.

"I appreciate your generous offer," Vlad finally declared, his voice firm and unwavering, "but I will not accept any deal that doesn’t include a share of the net profits."

Damian stared directly into Vlad’s eyes, attempting to gauge his determination. Eventually, after a tense moment, the elder released a resigned sigh.

"Very well," Damian conceded. "You win, young Depravita. But we must still discuss those percentages further."

What followed was an intense, rapid-fire exchange of proposals, counters, and conditions that left Marshal Maximo utterly bewildered. Numbers and percentages were tossed back and forth, each negotiator holding his ground with impressive tenacity.

"How irritating," Marshal Maximo silently grumbled to himself, feeling his head spin from the relentless bargaining. "I’d rather assault a Voro fortress head-on than listen to these endless calculations."

Nevertheless, the Marshal knew his presence was necessary to ensure fairness. Therefore, despite his frustration, he remained dutifully silent, overseeing the negotiation between Vlad and Damian with a neutral expression.

After nearly ten exhausting minutes, both Vlad and Elder Damian appeared visibly drained. Though neither man seemed fully satisfied, both had reached an acceptable compromise.

"Thus," Elder Damian stated solemnly, "the final agreement shall be 10% of the net profits for the Mortal Tier Demon Cages, 10% for the Champion Tier, and 4% for the Guardian Tier."

Damian had succeeded in reducing Vlad’s initially proposed share of the Mortal Tier sales, which would likely constitute the highest volume. However, Vlad managed to significantly increase his share for the Champion and Guardian Tiers—products whose higher unit prices could compensate for the reduced percentage at the Mortal level.

Vlad nodded, accepting the terms despite mild disappointment regarding the Mortal Tier. He recognized the overall benefits of the deal still heavily favored him.

"Then, we have an agreement," Vlad said clearly, offering a satisfied smile.

With a wave of his hand, Elder Damian produced an ornate parchment, immediately catching Vlad’s attention.

Vlad narrowed his eyes upon sensing the material’s extraordinary nature. Even his A.I. Chip couldn’t analyze its composition, indicating it belonged to the Legendary Tier.

Observing Vlad’s puzzlement, Marshal Maximo offered an explanation, "That parchment is crafted from the hide of the Golden Hydra—a creature exclusively raised by the Graecia Imperial Family. Once the agreement is inscribed upon it, the terms cannot be altered. This ensures absolute fairness, preventing either party from reneging on the deal."

Vlad’s curiosity was swiftly replaced by admiration. Smiling slightly, he carefully signed the parchment, which promptly split into two identical copies. Elder Damian stored one securely, handing the second to Vlad with a respectful nod.

Without further hesitation, Vlad carefully stored his copy and promptly withdrew a gem. After a brief infusion of energy, the gem emitted a steady glow.

"Here are your runic diagrams," Vlad declared calmly, handing the gem to Elder Damian. Just as the elder caught it, Vlad casually added, "By the way, I made some modifications to the original designs.