The terms of the deal between Krador and Adam were quite simple.

Adam would bring the Glass Root, and in exchange, Krador would give him a special compass meant to guide him to the Grand Abyss.

It seemed like there shouldn’t be any problems, especially after Adam obtained the Glass Root.

But he had a different opinion on the matter.

"What did you say?" Krador frowned, his aura growing stronger, causing the air around him to tremble.

Laroza said nothing. She just watched curiously as the situation unfolded.

"We made a deal!" Krador clenched his fist. "I get the Glass Root, and you get the compass! I don’t work with people who change the terms of the deal at the last minute!"

However, Adam wasn’t intimidated. He wore a relaxed smile.

"Come on. Did you really think I wouldn’t try to negotiate better terms for myself once I learned the true value of the Glass Root?"

A glint flashed across Adam’s eyes.

"You knew it wasn’t just a resource, but you didn’t tell me anything. Still, I don’t blame you for that, I understand why you did it."

Krador clenched his teeth.

"It doesn’t matter what happened or what you found out after the deal was made! All the terms were already agreed upon in advance! If you wanted to add something else to the compass, you should have negotiated before closing the deal!"

Strangely enough, Adam nodded.

"Yeah, under standard trading conditions, you’re right. But what do I have to lose?"

"Agh...?" Krador was confused.

Adam waved his hand.

"If another monster or merchant were in my place, it would be too risky for them to change the terms after the deal was sealed. It would severely damage their reputation, and few would want to work with them afterward. But... is this really a risk for me?"

The confidence in Adam’s gaze only grew.

"I don’t care about my reputation. I don’t even know if I’ll ever return to Varreyn, and no one is going to judge me based on just one incident, especially if they find out the details of our deal."

Step.

Krador stepped forward as dark, purple energy burst from his body in powerful streams.

"Sure. Maybe you don’t need to worry about your reputation, but... are you sure that’s the only thing you stand to lose by trying to deceive me?!"

His aura didn’t extend beyond the room, Krador didn’t want anyone to find out what was happening here, but the pressure inside was immense.

Adam felt his weight increase with every breath, his legs gradually began to tremble, and his knees threatened to collapse to the ground.

Still, it didn’t affect his smug smirk.

"If I were you, I wouldn’t even think about it. I’m right, aren’t I, Laroza?"

"Gh?" Krador grimaced. "You think she’ll take your side?!"

Tap.

Suddenly, someone’s hand landed on Krador’s shoulder.

His eyes widened as a shiver ran through his body.

Slowly, Krador turned around and saw Laroza’s calm, cold eyes. The shadows hid her silhouette, leaving only her green eyes and crimson hair visible.

Confusion crossed Krador’s face. He couldn’t believe this was really happening.

"W-Why?! Why are you protecting him?"

Under Laroza’s pressure, Krador’s aura weakened as well.

It didn’t matter that he, too, was a Lord. Neither his power nor his status in Varreyn carried any weight against one of the Renegades.

"I’m sorry, Krador, but I can’t let anything happen to him, at least not until he reaches the Gray Sea. You know who asked me for this favor. I can’t fail at this job."

With some difficulty, Krador accepted her position.

He knew that Laroza was helping Adam at Aiden Henk’s request. The truth was that it would be deadly dangerous for Krador to disrupt this person’s plans, and by all accounts, Adam played some important role in them.

Clutch.

Krador clenched his fists tightly, suppressing his aura.

"Fine, you’re right. I need the Glass Root. You have the upper hand, are you happy now?" He frowned. "What do you want?"

Adam chuckled. "Huh, it wasn’t that hard, right? No need to frown like that, I’m just trying to get the best terms for myself. I’m sure you’ve done this a thousand times with other people."

Krador shook off Laroza’s hand and sighed heavily.

"Yeah, I can’t argue with that. Well, since things have gone this far, go ahead, surprise me with your terms."

Adam smiled.

"First, I need all the information you have on Breydar. I’m sure you know about him."

Krador narrowed his eyes but nodded. He’d originally wanted to make this part of a different deal, but what choice did he have now?

"Sure, I know a few things. Laroza told me about your side mission here. Anything else, or maybe you’re finally developing a conscience?"

Adam shrugged.

"I have just one more request."

He smiled.

"I want a house here."

Laroza and Krador were speechless. They’d expected anything but this.

"You want a house?" Krador asked in disbelief.

"Yes. I’m sure with your money, it’s no problem, especially considering what you’ll get in return." Adam glanced at the Glass Root, which was still in his hand.

Krador frowned, but eventually nodded.

"Fine. I agree to your new terms. Now can we finalize our deal?"

"Sure. I always keep my word."

Adam approached Krador as the Glass Root glowed in his palm.

As soon as Krador touched the Glass Root, all his resentment toward Adam vanished, and his eyes lit up.

"Is this really it...? Finally, after so many years, I’ve got it. A real Glass Root!"

Adam smiled contentedly. He’d gotten more out of this deal than he’d originally planned, much more.

’Good, all that’s left is to head to the Gray Sea.’

Crack!

Suddenly, the doors opened as someone entered.

From the shadows, a girl in a luxurious blue dress appeared in the middle of the room, causing Krador and Laroza to look shocked.

But she was looking only at Adam.

"Adam Vinter, I need your help."

Before he could answer, she added firmly.

"In return, I’m willing to teach you the Soul Stance."