Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Concessions
The remark had a provocative tone, but the Electro Cicin Mage merely took a deep breath, suppressing her emotions.
Given Rama's current position, it wasn't worth any Harbinger's personal appearance. At this stage, the Harbingers had already each taken their places, preparing for the commencement of their plans.
And the desert? It's too impoverished to justify stationing a Harbinger permanently.
The place wasn't entirely without value, though. After all, the Scarlet King died here, a king officially sanctioned.
The Fatui, inheritors of Khaenri'ah's technology, would naturally be interested in the Scarlet King's legacy. This was why she maintained her courtesy throughout.
The elusive traces of the Scarlet King's legacy weren't worth the Fatui's significant effort; their higher-ups didn't particularly care about the desert.
Simply put, they were wealthy enough to invest in such ventures.
If their investments paid off, excellent. If not, they could bear the losses.
However, the tangible remnants of the Scarlet King demanded more than a scattershot approach.
A true Harbinger was already en route. The Fatui usually based their actions on brute force, yet they could also present a facade of civility when necessary.
Troublesome opponents.
The Electro Cicin Mage sighed.
It wasn't that she thought Rama was particularly intelligent; rather, she considered him a lucky individual who stumbled upon divine wisdom and now believed himself chosen by destiny.
Such individuals often thought themselves crucial, unwilling to compromise in any cooperation, as if a single concession meant defeat.
But cooperation is inherently about bargaining and compromise. If you never yield, your strength must be undeniable.
Who would dare believe their strength unmatched before the Fatui?
Only a madman or a fool.
The Electro Cicin Mage gazed intently at Rama's projection, feeling a tinge of pity.
He didn't realize that amid this desert upheaval, he wasn't significant at all.
Anyone could have achieved the same feats given divine wisdom.
It was precisely these overly confident and self-important individuals who often failed to see reality, always thinking themselves unique.
Such people were easy to handle; a couple of slaps would sober them up, making them more humble.
But not now.
This was merely a projection, and Rama's true form had yet to be revealed.
He had value, and without a handle to leverage against him, patience was required.
"You make a good point."
She had to concede.
All the issues raised by the Electro Cicin Mage, Rama resolved one by one.
I believe I have no problems.
I believe your concessions are pointless; the Akademiya still harbors doubts.
Thus, my situation isn't dire, and I owe you nothing.
So, what could be done?
"Then, the Fatui are willing to offer higher terms to obtain what you have."
"Like the divine legacy technology."
With all bargaining tactics thwarted, if they still wanted it, they had to up their offer.
"Of course."
Rama nodded. "As long as you can offer the right price, these technologies are certainly for sale."
Selling technology is less profitable than selling finished products, but Rama showed a willingness to cooperate.
He viewed the Fatui's prospects favorably, despite knowing their Executives and military prowess would eventually be dismantled according to the Traveler's path.
By the end, the Fatui might be left with a few isolated remnants.
Still, their demonstrated strength suggested they could remain relevant well into the later stages of the game.
Collaborating with the Fatui seemed more beneficial than working with the Knights of Favonius or the Liyue Qixing.
After all, the Fatui were genuinely powerful.
Even in Liyue, removing the Adepti would reduce the Qixing's ability to negotiate with the Fatui on equal terms.
On a national level, Liyue operated primarily within its borders, while the Fatui had a global reach, offering more resources.
"Directly selling technology?" The Electro Cicin Mage was surprised.
She didn't see this as a sign of Rama's sincerity but attributed it to his naivety.
This wasn't surprising, given his approach to distributing alchemical potions widely.
Though the basic alchemical potion he distributed was cheap, acquiring more potent ones required merit through contributions.
A relatively complete advancement system allowed everyone to benefit.
For example, if a merit system awarded a potion on paper, the actual value of the merit exceeded the potion's worth.
In all dealings, the value generated by individual labor always surpassed the compensation received.
Rama undoubtedly profited, and for the desert warriors, their daily hunts now yielded previously unattainable rewards.
Everyone benefitted.
"She underestimates you."
The negotiation quickly progressed, and after the deal, Nahida offered an unbiased evaluation.
"Although polite, she thinks you're just a lucky fool, arrogant and naive."
The small deity smiled.
"So much internal judgment?" Rama raised an eyebrow. "If she ran the business, it would go bankrupt."
Rama wanted to collaborate with the Fatui, but their attitude was clearly not cooperative.
Being cautious when choosing partners was understandable, but such pickiness in a business relationship wouldn't work.
"No worries then, a Fatui Harbinger will arrive soon."
"You've caused quite a stir; they seem very interested in the Scarlet King's and Flower God's legacy technology."
Nahida said softly.
Her mind-reading had limitations, and the other party didn't know much either.
"That's a bit troublesome," Rama frowned. "Poisons and explosives must be prepared then."
Rama wasn't confident he could defeat any Harbinger in a one-on-one fight, not even the weakest, Tartaglia.
Respect their Delusions, divine blessings, and extensive combat experience.
Winning against them wouldn't respect the buffs they carried.
But there were many ways to kill.
Genshin Impact characters, despite wielding elemental powers, were still bound by their flesh.
The Fatui wouldn't send their top three, right?
In that case, he'd just need to evade and wait for his chance.
(Chapter ends)
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