Primordial Expanse: I have the Strongest Talent!

Chapter 552 A fair price

Chapter 552  A fair price

Unlike the cloaked observer before him, this new arrival made no effort to conceal themselves. He stood tall and confident, dressed in sleek black leather armour gleaming faintly under the dying light. A long blade rested at their side, with a hild adorned with intricate carvings that suggested it wasn't just for show.

Alex's gaze swept over this figure, who was probably the one behind his surveillance, with his analytical mind taking note of every detail of this person. The relaxed yet steady stance, the calm but piercing eyes, the faint ripple of energy suggesting they were far from ordinary. Despite his careful observations, he couldn't place a name to the man's face.

"I don't recognise him," Alex said plainly, keeping his voice neutral.

"That's no surprise," the cloaked figure replied, tightening their golden gaze in amusement. "The inner circle rarely show themselves in public." Alex realised just who this man was after hearing this statement. He was one of the 10 A tiers controlling the city from behind the scenes — but what exactly did he want with Alex? That was what he was most confused about.

Realising that this man was most likely the one behind his surveillance, Alex turned his attention to him and started asking him questions rather than the cloaked figure.

The man's confident demeanour was unmistakably that of someone who held great influence over people, but it wasn't arrogance. It was the kind of assuredness that came from knowing you held all the cards.

As Alex approached, the main raised his head slightly, revealing sharp, angular features framed neatly by the cropped black hair. His piercing grey eyes studied Alex with a mix of curiosity and calculation. His lips curled into a faint smile, one that didn't quite match his eyes.

"Alex," the man spoke in his smooth and composed voice. "So nice to meet you, I've heard alot about you in your short tenure in Advent Garden."

"Funny," Alex replied in a tone laced with dry humour. "I can't say the same about you."

The man chuckled softly. His laugh reminded Alex of that type of laugh that entitled rich people had, the kind that made one think 'Money' whenever they heard it.

"That's by design. I prefer to remain anonymous when possible. My name is Caius." He gestured toward the cloaked figure, who now remained silent, watching the exchange with an unreadable expression.

"My associate here has been keeping an eye on you, at my request."

Alex folded his arms, maintaining a neutral expression. "And why is that? I don't recall doing anything that requires such special attention."

Caius' smile widened slightly. "You underestimate yourself. Advent Garden is a city of opportunity, but also of balance. Every newcomer must contribute something of value to maintain that balance. Consider it a one-time tax of sorts – an unspoken price of admission, if you will."

Alex arched a brow.

"A tax? I've been here for days now, minding my own business, yet I hadn't heard about such a thing not once. Not to mention that this is the kind of thing people mention BEFORE allowing entry, not nearly a week after?"

Alex maintained his stance on this matter, challenging the words this sketchy duo were throwing his way. Something about them just didn't add up.

"True," Caius acknowledge, agreeing with Alex. "But you've also avoided making any meaningful contributions during this time. Like I said, this is an unspoken rule, and most usually fulfil it naturally during their stay in the city. But sometimes we have to step in for people like you, who are yet to have made such contributions. That doesn't sit well with those of us who keep this place running." he paused, with his grey eyes narrowing slightly. "You're no ordinary C tier Tamer, I can see that. Your potential intrigues me."

Alex raised his brows upon hearing this.

'No ordinary tamer? Well of course, that's because I'm not a tamer at all. But that doesn't seem like the point he's getting at.'

He kept his thoughts to himself, instead tensing enough for Caius to notice it, and keeping his composure. "If you're so sure I'm not ordinary, then you know why I might hesitate to stand out."

Caius nodded.

"Of course, in a city like this, hiding one's true self is often a matter of survival. I can respect that. Which is why I'm here to offer you a deal – a way to pay your price and earn your place without any unnecessary complications."

Alex's eyes narrowed at this. "What kind of deal?"

Caius glanced at the cloaked figure, who gave him a small nod before stepping back, leaving the two men to speak alone. Caius took a step closer to Alex, lowering his voice.

"I myself am also a tamer," he revealed. "That tame you rode into the city caught my interest, I can offer you a high price for it, and we can consider this deal settled."

Alex's expression didn't change, but a sharp edge crept into his voice. "You want me to hand over my tame? That's not happening."

Caius raised a hand, as if to pacify him. "No, no. You seem to have misheard me – I can offer you a better deal than you could find on the market for such a beast. You'll be the one benefitting from this situation, and it'll even count as your contribution towards the city."

Alex maintained his sneering expression, but internally he was snickering.

'He wants me to hand over Brontes, offering a 'fair price'? This is just getting too funny! I'd like to see what he thinks is of equal value to a Divine class tame!'

"Generous of you," Alex said in a dry tone. "But my tame isn't for sale. He's not just a simple beast I picked up along the way. I raised him from birth all those years ago. I consider him family. Surely a fellow tamer like yourself can understand that?"

Caius studied Alex's expression, but his faint smile never left his lips.

"Of course, I understand. A bond with one's tame is sacred… but so is survival. You might find that in Advent Garden, sacrifices are sometimes necessary to secure your future."

Alex observed this man, Caius, with interest.

'Trying to subtly blackmail me?'