When faced with a predicament, humans tend to evolve.
Evolution can be physical, mental, or instinctual. Physical evolution occurs over a long period of time, perhaps thousands of years. However, mental and instinctual evolution tends to occur quite rapidly.
When in a difficult situation, people desperately try to adapt. No, their minds subconsciously feel the need to adjust.
That’s when growth occurs.
As they say, easy times create weak men, while difficult times create strong men. Such a quote was applicable to Ferhill Igueno, a man forced to abandon particular joys of his life to protect different ones.
‘Although he’s a petty scammer, the fact that he hasn’t gotten caught yet speaks for his intellect and adaptability,’ thought Arthur. A person forced by reality to become flexible is a valuable asset.
Those molded by the difficulties of life wouldn’t dare seek solace through a means that could allow something or someone they hold valuable to be in the face of harm. A few people valued those they loved over themselves.
Despite his cunning and unstable nature, Ferhill was one who was truly dedicated to rescuing his wife. And for that goal, he would stoop to any lows.
‘The trait of never giving up, and the trait of stooping as low as possible, that is what I want in a partner,’ thought the crimson-eyed man, locking eyes with Ferhill. The latter seemed shaken by Arthur’s words.
Usually, one would blackmail those whom they have dirt on.
“Oh, don’t get me wrong,” said Arthur, letting out a chuckle. “Refusal is not allowed. I believe you once scammed Garma Pharmaceuticals, right? They would probably like to know your whereabouts, wouldn’t they?”
“Then why…”
“Passive income is always more beneficial than a one-time payout. You probably don’t have a lot of money, and your income is also pathetic, even though you regularly scam various organizations and new players. Considering this partnership a favor would probably be best.”
“A favor…”
“Of course, I plan to exploit you. That shouldn’t be a secret.”
Ferhill gritted his teeth, searching for an opportunity to escape or simply end the crimson-eyed man’s life. However, judging by his reaction to Ferhill’s former outburst, it didn’t seem like he could suppress him.
Since that was the case, escaping was the best option.
“Don’t try escaping,” said Arthur, allowing a devilish smile on his face. His irises shrunk, but the smile remained. “You’re stuck. I don’t believe you’re still under the notion that you have a chance of escape.”
Ferhill sighed, accepting the situation at last. Arthur’s admiration for the former increased, considering his acceptance came without a denial or grief period.
“Profits?”
“90 to 10.”
Ferhill hesitated before nodding. He was in no position to protest his case. If Arthur said something, it was absolute.
“Name.”
“Arthur Solace.” ｂ𝚍ｎｏｖ𝚕．ｃｏｍ
“What kind of partnership will this be?”
“You’re the broker, I’m the supplier.”
Ferhill raised an eyebrow. Crafting counterfeit goods was always the most difficult aspect of his scams. To make it seem like a worthless item was valuable, the item had to undergo a long process of conditioning.
“I’ll tell you the details later,” said Arthur, tossing a communication device to Ferhill. “You should start preparing. Prepare a few hundred tokens in advance for me, and gather the materials I write down.”
Ferhill nodded. He did not have a choice in the matter.
His expression accurately displayed his trouble. Never had he expected someone to discover not only his weakness but also everything ranging from his atrocious acts to his nature. What surprised him further was the fact that Arthur wished to become partners.
No, becoming a partner was not surprising.
What truly shocked him was his cooperation, since most people would usually reap the profits without interfering. Arthur was risking his reputation–which didn’t exist yet–and his future affiliations, to intervene and expand the scam.
‘Wait, he’s planning on scamming, right?’ Ferhill paled, looking over the ingredient list. It was quite sophisticated, and made it seem like Arthur was planning on manufacturing actual artifacts and selling them.
There wasn’t a great profit margin.
Ferhill turned around to ask about the crimson-eyed man’s plans, but the latter had already disappeared. The former sighed, heading home.
*
“Where did you run off?” Jenny inquired, watching as Arthur’s figure appeared in the distance. The others had only just awakened, and were still in their rooms. Jenny exited the inn in order to breathe fresh air.
“I had some work to do. When are you planning on heading to the first floor?”
“In a few days, I’d say.”
Arthur nodded. He had no plans on accompanying the others as he climbed the tower. Perhaps he could tag along a few times, but he mostly planned on climbing solo, as it offered the most efficiency.
During the tutorial, traveling alongside other newbies was the best option, as it offered versatility and unpredictability. However, while climbing, Arthur would naturally establish a versatile arsenal over time.
There was no need to reveal his tactics at every turn.
“What about you?”
“I’m going to prepare for a few days, perhaps a few weeks before I start,” said the crimson-eyed man, heading inside. It was almost dusk, symbolizing the conclusion of Arthur’s first day in the Outer District.
It was only one of many.
“That much preparation?”
Arthur simply revealed a faint smile to that question, deciding to refrain from answering. He simply traversed across the interior of the inn, heading towards his room. As he pushed the door open, his eyes fell on Randy.
His eyes were droopy, while an unpleasant stench emanated from his body. His hair sprouted in all directions, while his body seemed unusually flat. Arthur chuckled lightly at the sight, to which Randy narrowed his eyes.
“What’re you laughing at?”
“You,” Arthur replied directly. “Hide your stomach.”
The crimson-eyed man pointed to Randy’s stomach, which wasn’t veiled by his shirt, but was instead visible. Randy groaned, pulling his shirt over his stomach. He then plopped down on his bed yet again.
“It’s ironic how the first day passed with me being fast asleep the entire time.”
“Yeah, truly disgraceful. Did Jenny tell you what happened?”
“Yeah, but she was obviously lying. There’s no way a Divine Ranker came down to the Outer District solely for her.”
Arthur’s expression crumpled, and he let out a hearty laugh.
“Oh, so she told you the truth.”
“What…?”