Capítulo 414: Partnerships And Power Plays
The hum of Charlotte's office always felt oppressive, a testament to how much mana flowed through the circuitry inlaid in every inch of the room. It was futuristic in every sense, from the holographic displays constantly updating in midair to the faint electric pulse vibrating through the floor beneath my boots.
Charlotte, seated behind her obsidian desk, didn't look up as I entered. Her fiery hair caught the glow of the holograms, making her seem more imposing than usual. She was entirely absorbed in a flurry of calculations, fingers swiping and adjusting diagrams that hovered just inches from her face.
I cleared my throat.
"Arthur," she greeted without looking up. "What do you want?"
"Good morning to you too, Archmage," I said, leaning against the edge of the desk.
Her eyes flicked up, sharp and assessing. "Cut to the point. If you're here, it means you want something."
I chuckled softly. "You know me too well." Straightening, I met her gaze head-on. "I'm here about the moon."
That got her attention. She paused mid-swipe, her hands falling to the desk. "Go on."
I gestured to the chair opposite her, and she gave a small nod. Taking the seat, I leaned forward, clasping my hands together.
"Let me explain everything," I began. "You know I've been working on a mining operation on the moon."
"Yes, and?" she said, her tone impatient.
"What you don't know," I continued, "is what we're mining for. It's not just standard mana-rich materials or beast remnants. It's something entirely new. Something we've never seen before."
Her brows furrowed slightly, curiosity flickering in her crimson eyes. "New? Define 'new.'"
I leaned back slightly, choosing my words carefully. "The material is called aetherite. It's unlike anything Earth has encountered before. It's not naturally occurring in the same way as traditional metals or gemstones. It's formed from the condensed intent of deceased creatures."
She blinked. "Condensed intent? That doesn't even make sense."
"It didn't to me either at first," I admitted. "But here's the thing. Aetherite holds an extraordinary property—it can store and channel mana with an efficiency that outclasses anything we currently have. Not just store, Charlotte. It's transformative. It can stabilize mana flows in ways no rune, spell array, or artifact can. It's practically a miracle material."
Her eyes narrowed, and her voice took on an edge. "If it's so miraculous, why hasn't anyone discovered it before?"
"Because we didn't have the tools or the knowledge to look for it," I said. "The moon is a dead celestial body—no living ecosystems, no mana beasts. But aetherite is the byproduct of something ancient, something buried deep beneath the surface. It's only because of Luna's guidance and advanced mana detection tools that we found it."
Charlotte leaned back, her gaze sharpening as she processed my words. "You're telling me this material—this aetherite—has the potential to redefine everything we know about mana usage?"
I nodded. "Yes. It's the key to the next era of mana technology. Better artifacts, more efficient spell arrays, even stabilizing spatial pathways."
Her eyes widened fractionally at that. "Spatial pathways?"
"That's why I'm here," I said. "I need your help. The mining operation is going well, but there's a limit to what we can do without proper support. I need to build a processing facility on the moon to refine the aetherite on-site. Transporting raw aetherite to Earth is too dangerous—it's unstable in its unprocessed form."
Charlotte was silent for a moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she said, "And why do you need me?"
"The facility will require resources and expertise that only the Tower of Magic can provide," I said. "Specialized containment units, enchanted equipment, and logistical support to scale up the operation. Not to mention, I need your help constructing a permanent spatial pathway between Earth and the moon. Aetherite can stabilize the connection, but I need your knowledge to build it."
Her fingers tapped against the desk, the rhythm matching the faint hum of the circuits. "You're asking for a lot, Arthur."
"I know," I said. "But this isn't just for me. The Tower of Magic could play a central role in this revolution. Imagine the possibilities, Charlotte. Aetherite could make Earth the hub of mana innovation."
"And your guild, Noctalis?" she asked pointedly. "What role does it play?"
"We're the bridge," I said. "Noctalis has the manpower and expertise to mine the aetherite and bring it to the Tower. This isn't just a business opportunity—it's a partnership."
She leaned forward slightly, her fiery hair framing her face as she studied me. "And you're sure about this? This... aetherite is everything you say it is?"
I met her gaze, unwavering. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't."
For a long moment, she said nothing. Then, finally, she nodded.
"Fine," she said. "I'll authorize the resources for your processing facility and assign a team to help you develop the spatial pathway. But," she added, her tone sharp, "this is on you, Arthur. If this fails, it's your neck on the line."
I grinned. "Wouldn't have it any other way."
__________________________________________________________________________________
The Creighton estate was a sprawling monument to the family's legacy, blending tradition with innovation. The winding paths, ornate gates, and perfectly manicured gardens were as much a statement of power as the estate itself.
I adjusted my coat, stepping through the grand entrance where two towering guards nodded at me in recognition. My reputation preceded me here. After all, I wasn't just here as Arthur Nightingale, guild master of Noctalis—I was also a trusted ally to the family and, more importantly, someone who could offer them something unprecedented.
Alastor Creighton was waiting in the study, his sharp eyes scanning through a holographic display as the room's electric chandeliers illuminated stacks of documents and research notes. His presence was commanding, every movement deliberate. Beside him sat Priscilla Creighton, her glasses perched on her nose as she scribbled down something in a notebook. Where Alastor was all poise and diplomacy, Priscilla exuded a practical intensity, her focus unshakable.
"Arthur," Alastor greeted, gesturing for me to take a seat. "It's been some time. I hear your guild has been making waves."
"Only just getting started," I replied, taking the offered seat. "And I'm here to make sure it keeps making waves."
Priscilla looked up from her notes, her gaze piercing. "This about the moon again?"
"Not just the moon," I said, leaning forward. "It's about the future. Not just for Noctalis, but for the Creighton family as well."
Alastor's lips curled into a faint smile. "Ambitious as ever. Go on."
I launched into my explanation, detailing the properties of aetherite—its unmatched ability to channel and stabilize mana, its potential to revolutionize industries, and its role as the foundation of a new era in mana technology. I described the successful mining operation on the moon, the upcoming processing facility, and the first batch of aetherite that would soon arrive.
Alastor listened intently, his expression unreadable, while Priscilla's pen stilled as she focused entirely on my words.
"And here's where you come in," I said, meeting Alastor's gaze. "The Tower of Magic is helping set up the processing facility and creating the initial spatial pathway. But I don't want to rely solely on them. The Creighton family has the expertise and resources to take this to the next level. I want you to help me build a permanent aetherite-based spatial pathway between the moon and Earth. One that doesn't rely on the Tower of Magic's network."
Priscilla leaned back, adjusting her glasses. "And why should we divert resources for this, Arthur? What's in it for us?"
I smirked. "Control. Aetherite isn't just a resource; it's the key to a new industry. Whoever controls its processing, transportation, and distribution will dictate the future of mana-tech. I'm offering the Creighton family a seat at that table—one no other family or guild will have."
Alastor raised an eyebrow. "You realize this is a monumental undertaking. Building a spatial pathway isn't just about dumping mana into a few runes. It requires precision, stability, and materials capable of withstanding interdimensional stress."
"Exactly why I'm coming to you," I said. "The Creighton family is the pinnacle of magical innovation. You've mastered techniques the Tower of Magic hasn't even begun to understand. And with aetherite as the stabilizing core, this pathway won't just be functional—it'll be a masterpiece."
There was a long pause as Alastor and Priscilla exchanged a glance. Finally, Alastor spoke. "What's your timeline?"
"The processing facility on the moon should be operational within a month," I said. "Once the first batch of refined aetherite arrives, we'll have the materials needed to begin constructing the pathway. I'll ensure Noctalis handles the mining and transportation; you'll have full control over the pathway's design and construction."
"And the Tower of Magic?" Priscilla asked.
"They'll have their pathway, but it'll be temporary and reliant on my operation. This one will be ours."
Alastor steepled his fingers, considering my words. "And what of the Twelve Great Guilds? This will draw their attention."
"Let it," I said firmly. "We're already clearing dungeons they thought untouchable by any but them. It's time we showed them that Noctalis isn't just a guild—it's a force to be reckoned with. And with the Creighton family backing us, there's nothing they can do to stop us."
Alastor's smile widened slightly, a gleam of approval in his eyes. "You're playing a dangerous game, Arthur. But it seems you've thought it through."
Priscilla sighed, but there was a hint of amusement in her tone. "You do realize this will take a ridiculous amount of work. Not just on our end, but yours as well. Are you prepared for that?"
I nodded. "More than prepared. This is the future, Lady Priscilla. It's worth every ounce of effort."
Alastor extended a hand. "Then we have a deal."
I shook it, sealing the agreement. The Creighton family's expertise would be the foundation of the pathway, while Noctalis would continue its work on the moon. Together, we would redefine what was possible in this world.
As I left the estate, the weight of the future felt heavier than ever. But it wasn't daunting—it was exhilarating. The path was clear, and I intended to walk it, no matter the obstacles.
Let the Twelve Great Guilds cling to their traditions. We were about to show them what real power looked like.
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