Chapter 178 Super-Obsidian Level
Since Eric requested communication, Isabella naturally wouldn't refuse, especially considering there was still ample time before the Whetstone of Precision would arrive.
"Well, look who finally remembered me," Isabella laughed as she answered.
"Sorry, Ms. Collins," he said, sounding playfully worn out. "I've been swamped. Had to turn off my communicator just to get a break. But hey, I'm all yours now."
He could almost hear her smirk through the phone. They both knew timing was crucial in this game. Dropping the Silvervale City guide too early would just raise eyebrows.
He had to make it look like he'd spent ages digging up the city's secrets.
"Let's get to it," Isabella said, her voice getting serious. "I got your message. I'm interested in the Silvervale City data. What's your price?"
She was all about efficiency, something Eric respected. And she knew how valuable info was, especially in a game like Divine Realms: Legends, where knowledge was power.
"I've put together a full guide," Eric said, "in two versions: simplified and deluxe. They'll be up for sale on the official site soon."
He could almost hear her sigh. He knew she wanted an exclusive deal, and he was ready to offer it, for the right price. But he had to at least pretend there was open market competition.
"You sure know how to make the most of a situation, Eric," Isabella said, with a hint of reluctant admiration. "But you get my position. I need that info now. Name your price for an exclusive, and let's talk about a delay fee. Three or four hours? I'm willing to be generous."
"Generous, huh?" Eric chuckled. "How generous are we talking?"
"A million credits," Isabella said without missing a beat.
Eric's eyebrows shot up. He thought she'd try to haggle. A million credits was a lot, even for a guild leader like her. She was more desperate than he thought.
"Two million," Isabella said, her voice firm. "Not a copper more."
"A million will do," Eric said, deciding to cut her some slack. "Simplified or deluxe?"
"Don't insult me," Isabella snapped. "Deluxe, obviously. And make it quick."
"Good choice," Eric said, grinning. "But before we wrap this up, Ms. Collins, I have a little offer for you. An upgrade, if you will. Ever heard of the ultra-deluxe version?"
"Ultra-deluxe?" Isabella scoffed. "The deluxe is twenty thousand credits. You're asking a million for this ultra-deluxe? Do I look like I was born yesterday?"
"Hold on, Ms. Collins," Eric said, calming her down. "This isn't some cheap upsell. The ultra-deluxe has info you won't find anywhere else. Stuff that could give your guild a serious edge in Silvervale City. Think of it as an investment. A million credits now for an advantage that could pay off big time."
He decided to sweeten the deal. "Here's a sneak peek: detailed strategies for rapid guild growth, locations of hidden daily quests, and... let's just say a few other tricks to boost your level and reputation fast. This isn't just info, Ms. Collins. It's a blueprint for success."
He hadn't really planned on selling this particular set of intel. It was too valuable, too sensitive. But Isabella was a special case. Her guild, Devouring Serpents, wasn't a threat to his own plans. They mostly operated in Eldoria City, which was far enough away to not be a problem. Sharing this info with her now could earn him a powerful ally down the line, someone who owed him a favor. And in the cutthroat world of Silvervale City, he could use all the friends he could get.
Plus, having a big name like Devouring Serpents causing a stir in Silvervale City would take some heat off his own activities. It was a calculated risk, but one he was willing to take.
A tense silence followed. Eric could almost hear Isabella's brain working as she weighed her options.
"Fine," she finally said, her voice a low growl. "You win. A million it is. But if this info is even slightly less impressive than you claim, I'll come collect personally, and it won't be pretty."
"You have my word, Ms. Collins," Eric said, amused. "You won't be disappointed."
"I sure hope not," Isabella muttered before hanging up.
Eric chuckled, shaking his head. He'd just made a million credits selling info he basically got for free. Not a bad day's work.
He had a similar chat with Thornheart from the Assassin's Alliance, but he didn't mention the ultra-deluxe version. The Assassin's Alliance was a big deal in Silvervale City, and he didn't want to make them any stronger than necessary. He offered Thornheart the deluxe version at a discount, framing it as a thank you for their past help with The Stygian Alliance.
Thornheart, touched by the gesture, agreed and transferred fifty thousand credits without a second thought. With Eric's intel, he was confident he could convince his bosses to focus on taking down the Martial Alliance, making sure they wouldn't be a problem for Eric's plans.
Thirty minutes later, Eric sent the ultra-deluxe Silvervale City guide to Isabella and another copy to Tonny. Tonny's team, with their aggressive leveling strategy, would hit Level 10 way before Isabella's crew. He needed them ready to hit the ground running.
Just as he finished sending the files, the sound of metal clanging echoed through the workshop. Selura emerged from her forge, pushing open the heavy iron door with a grunt.
She looked exhausted, her face flushed, hair damp with sweat. But her eyes had that fiery intensity, the look of someone who'd poured their soul into their work.
"Here," she said, her voice hoarse, handing him the Book of Forging. She then handed him a throwing needle, its crimson blade pulsing with an inner light. "This is it. One of my best creations. Second only to that damn Epic-level greatsword. The materials limited its potential, but it surpasses even Obsidian-grade. Consider it... Super-Obsidian. Treat it well."
"Super-Obsidian?" Eric repeated, taking the needle. It felt warm, thrumming with barely contained power. "What is that?"
He knew Obsidian-grade, sure. And Epic-grade. But Super-Obsidian? That was new. It sounded like something a marketing team would come up with. But judging by the look on Selura's face, it was anything but.
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