A World Unwritten

Eira looks at me with a mix of confusion and disbelief, I can tell she's wondering why I made the oath so casually. I'm aware that oaths aren't to be taken lightly, but I also understand the importance of making her feel secure in our partnership. Given her past, this is the best way to do it. 

"Why did you make an oath like that?" she asks, her disbelief evident. 

I just shrug. "I thought it would make you feel more secure. We are going to be business partners, right?" 

Eira rolls her eyes. "You retard, I haven't even verified the frequency yet. You're way too overconfident. Well, whatever. Let's get to work and see if this frequency you gave me actually works." 

Watching Eira press a few buttons on the TSI device, I feel a sense of satisfaction, confident in the accuracy of my information. Seconds later, a holographic screen appears, displaying a list of mana towers. 

"I'll be damned," Eira mutters, staring at the screen in amazement. "You were right. This frequency actually works." 

I just grin. "I told you, my information is always right." 

Eira then speaks up, "You shouldn't make oaths so casually. They're not to be taken lightly." 

I know she's right; even a minor mistake could end my life, but I also know what I'm doing. "I know what I'm doing, Eira. This is going to be a good partnership. Trust me." 

Eira shakes her head and sighs, "Fine, but let's keep things professional, okay? I don't want any funny business." 

I laugh. "Don't worry, Eira. I'm a man of my word. Now, let's get to work." 

Leaning back on the table, I can't suppress the mischievous smile forming on my lips. "So, I've made a plan for distributing the TSI devices that should keep us off the radar and make us a fortune in the process." 

Eira raises an eyebrow, her arms crossed defensively. She's clearly still on guard, given our recent acquaintance. "Alright, did you come here expecting this? What the hell are you up to? How the hell did you make a plan that quickly? I'm listening. But this better not be some ridiculous scheme." 

I chuckle. "Trust me, you'll like it. We're both in it for the money, right? We'll create a legitimate front company to sell MST accessories and other basic items that don't attract much attention. This will give us access to the market and various distribution channels without arousing suspicion." 

Her scowl deepens, her skepticism apparent. "And how does that help us sell the TSIs without getting caught?" 

My smile grows wider as I continue, my voice taking on a more professional tone. "That's where the underground networks and decentralized distribution come in. 

We'll form an alliance with a discreet contact, I already have my eye on someone, and we could also go to underground merchants and informants to help move the devices through untraceable channels. We'll employ a series of blind drops, dead-letter boxes, and cutouts to maintain operational security." 

Her eyes narrow, a mix of curiosity and skepticism on her face. "That sounds risky. How do we make sure this 'contact' doesn't betray us?" 

I wave my hand dismissively, sounding like a money-obsessed goblin. "We'll be cautious, of course. We'll use independent sellers as middlemen between us and the customers. They won't know the true nature of the TSI devices, and they won't have direct contact with us. We'll hide the TSIs within the packaging of our front company's products and only sell them to those who know the secret passphrase or have a specific token." 

Eira's expression softens slightly, but she remains on guard. "That... might actually work. But how do we keep it all under control? One mistake and everything could come crashing down." 

I can't help but laugh, hoping my humor will ease the tension in the room. "Well, you know what they say, 'laughter is the best medicine.' We'll have to be careful, of course, but have faith in my abilities. Besides, who wouldn't want to work with a charming guy like me and a scary engineer like you?" I wink at her, trying to lighten the mood. 

Eira rolls her eyes, a small smirk forming on her face despite her efforts to hide it. "You're insufferable and a complete asshole. And you're not charming whatsoever, so get that idea out of your head. But fine, let's give this plan a shot. Just don't mess it up." 

As we continue discussing the details of our distribution plan, I notice Eira's attempts to act as though she understands the intricacies of the plan. It's evident, however, that she's struggling to keep up. I decide to confront her about it, playfully teasing her. "Hey, Eira, are you capable of understanding everything I'm saying, or are you just an idiot?" 

Eira's eyes flash with anger at my jest, but she quickly composes herself, not wanting to show any weakness. "I'm a smart-ass, you think I wouldn't know simple business?" she retorts, trying to play it cool. 

I grin and hold back my urge to laugh. "No worries, Eira. I'll teach you how to make money, and I promise, we'll be swimming in gold before you know it." 

Eira's face flushes with irritation, but she grits her teeth and forces a tight-lipped smile. "Fine, Kael. Teach me then. But before that, I want to know more about this 'contact' of yours." 

Leaning back in my chair, I consider how much information I should divulge. "Alright, the contact is actually just a kid I've noticed around town. He's got a talent for growth, but so far, he's only been involved in petty robberies. I think we can help him reach his full potential while he helps us with our plan." 

Eira raises an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "A kid? Really, Kael? How do you know we can trust him? And how do we even approach him?" 

I shrug nonchalantly. "My eyes are great, I learned to recognize potential talent. This kid is smart, resourceful, and quick on his feet. He's managed to stay under the radar, which is impressive for someone his age. 

 In fact, he's blessed by one of the four great winds. As for trust, well, he's a kid seeking money, although he's a bit untrustworthy I believe that if we give him the right guidance and opportunities, he'll be a valuable asset to our operation." 

Eira crosses her arms, clearly still not fully convinced. "I don't believe your claim regarding one of the four winds, but what's our next move? How do we get in touch with this kid and set this plan in motion?" 

I can't help but smile; this is truly exhilarating. "I've never talked to him, but I know where to find him. I'll approach him and gauge his interest in our proposition. If he's on board, we'll start mentoring him and setting up the front company. Once everything is in place, we'll begin distributing the TSI devices." 

Eira nods, seemingly satisfied with my explanation. "Alright, let's get to work. But remember, Kael, no funny business. I'm trusting you with my life here; you know we'll die if we mess up, and I expect you to uphold your end of the bargain." 

I offer her a reassuring smile, my tone sincere. "I promise, Eira. I take my oaths seriously. I mean, who would want to break an oath, right? No one wants to be dragged to the pits of hell." 

Who in their right mind would want that? The only reason I made the oath was for you, goddammit. There's no damn way I'm making another oath in my life. Anyway, now I should really think of a way to bring the future king of thieves under me. Although he's just a kid now, I doubt he'd be convinced easily. 

"By the way, Eira, do you think you can make me one? It'll be easier to contact you while I'm out. I'd rather not go in circles." 

Eira stares at me for a second. "Here, you can have this one. I have enough materials to make half a dozen by next week. I'll contact you when I make my own." She hands me the device as if she was expecting me to ask. 

"Oh, by the way-" Before I can finish, two men barge in. Since I'm the closest to the door, one of them pins me down while the other stares at Eira. 

"Oi, you bitch, do you know how much of a pain in the ass it was to find you? Running around like a damn fucking cockroach." The man is pissed; he was forced to work overtime trying to find Eira, and every time he got close, she disappeared. 

Eira looks back and forth between the man and me, unsure of what to do. "You know, if you were that mad, you could've just quit. It would've been easier for all of us," she says, pulling out a club. 

The man is furious. "You bitch, give me the damn blueprints you were hired to make. If you don't, I'll slice your arms off!" he says, pulling out a short blade. 

Damn, how the hell do I get this fat bastard off me? He's squeezing me so damn hard; I feel like my lungs will burst. Wait, aren't I wearing the sword? Isn't this the easiest way to kill him? S-Should I kill him? I mean, he's going to kill me if I don't fight back, so it should be okay, right? 

He's crushing me; I can't hear the others anymore. Am I going to die? It hurts, it hurts, it hurts, it hurts... No, I can't die here. Breathe, Kael, breathe; you can do this. All I have to do is make sharp spikes appear out of my shirt... 'Slit!' 'Crrrr!'. 

Eira's eyes widen in disbelief as the scene unfolds before her. My black shirt undergoes a startling transformation, sprouting sharp, menacing spikes that emerge with a hiss. The man, caught off guard, can only gasp as the spikes tear through his defenses, slicing him with chilling ease, reminiscent of a hot knife gliding through butter.