Securing An Army

Akiol pushed with a great might, lifting all the giant weapons to the sky. Crouching down he dispelled Stars' scabbard into his offhand, "Overall not bad! You really need to improve on their weapons and uniqueness, but otherwise they have my approval."

Torch wanted to hold onto a bit of hope, "You haven't beat them yet-"

{Way of the Galaxy: Blazar Jet}!

Streaks of Aura dashed across the room, bouncing from wall to wall. In an instant several lines formed from Akiol's speed. Reappearing in the center he flourished his sword and sheathed it. A faint click echoed and a blast of air flew in all directions. Each of the Mechas' weapons shattered to pieces and fell to the ground. Torch, for a split moment, swore he saw countless stars scatter across the room.

"Is that good enough?"

". . . Yes.", Torch replied meekly.

There was something wrong with this guy, there had to be. What kind of player had such monstrous growth? Was there anyone who could compete with that level? He could accept a few mechas being defeated, but this guy went and casually disabled them all in a single move!!

A large pair of doors opened and Torch walked through, "My weapons. . ."

"Uh, should I have not?"

"I mean you did say they weren't going to work. I guess this is what happens when a mechanic tries to forge a sword? At least I can use the scrap. . . but it hurts my heart."

Almost pointing out that Torch currently didn't have a heart—since he was a robot—Akiol instead decided to ask, "Where they expensive? I could try paying you back."

"Each one cost around ten Crystal Plates. . ."

"A hundred million?!"

"That's for one weapon. . ."

"Uh. . .", Akiol could almost feel cold sweat travel down his body.

Considering there was thirteen mechas. . .

"I uh, could I take back my offer about paying that back? I don't think I would be able to make that kind of money in my lifetime."

"It's fine, I said I'd be able to repair it."

"Might I ask what the ratio conversion is now?"

"Uhh roughly a dollar per Silver Plate. . . overall if I were to directly transfer the costs it'd be below a hundred-fifty-thousand."

$150,000?!

"I am so sorry."

"I stopped exchanging gold via the ratio anyway. A couple of contracts signed and I'm having money put in my pockets for me. Just gotta slide a few robots to my clients and they're happy."

"You sell the combat ones?"

"No, not yet. I find if I were to sell them that might have some consequences. . . Rather I just sell the construction ones. I am considering building some sort of stationary guardian for the Guilds and charging a subscription fee. . . but I really don't need the money currently."

Akiol felt like Torch had become significantly more terrifying than before. It would probably be no exaggeration to call him a superpower. Being alone managing a top tier business that have the Guilds thirsting to be on his good side, and having an unrelenting army in his back pocket? This was like dealing with a mafia boss!

A thought struck Akiol at this moment. Out of all the people he had contacted, there was one he forgot. Considering their might wasn't simple either, it was an oversight he was glad to catch. Pulling up the forums he sent a message to another group and awaited a response.

Torch on the other hand sighed heavily, "Okay I will contact a blacksmith."

"I'd recommend an NPC one. The Royal Blacksmith is a decently skilled one."

"I have a few connections. Thank you for the data."

"No problem, I still feel like I'm getting the better bargain here."

"You are, but I'll call for you in the future. I just ask you show up?"

"As long as I'm not busy."

"That's good enough then. Message me the details later, I have some work to do."

"Do I just go?"

"Yep! Don't break anything on the way out!"

"I only break things intentionally."

Torch paused, "My statement still stands."

Laughing Akiol waved and left the area. Returning to the surface Mira and Givale appeared behind him. Givale wandered aimlessly while she asked, "Are we going to help against the undead?"

"That depends."

"On?"

"Whether or not I'm capable of ascending to Third Stage. If I can I don't have an issue since you should be strong enough. However if I cannot then it's much too risky."

"Hmm.", Givale looked towards Mira, who returned the glance.

Akiol could feel there was a bit concern on this matter. With a smile they couldn't see he assured, "I'll figure it out don't worry. I think I'm going about it wrong, so I just have to do some tests."

Since the strands always had something to do with Aura, and Akiol highly doubted the quantity was the issue, he figured he needed a greater control over it. This would require extensive practice, and he would need some time in peace to fully concentrate. Thus he awaited the next person to respond to his message.