Chaotic ZZZ Chapter 23 (Patreon)

Ye Shiyuan was clearly more focused on the anti-ether medication, as well as the pieces of ebony metal. And to be fair. The robotic's of the world of Zenless Zone Zero were... Astounding to say the least.

Many of whom could develop their own sense of self and consciousness. Something that my droids couldn't really do outside of a very, very small minority.

The robots with self-development and self-awareness were so common here in New Eridu that they were a registered race of 'living' beings with their own rights as 'Intelligent Constructs'

So while the Droidekas were useful with their matter disruptor rifles and energy shields. Able to easily defend key targets and clear out more open area's in the hollows. They had Claptrap's problems in sets of stairs, being an eternal foe.

"Hmm... And why bring these products to the Suiban Temple? We are not a force who can bring out large amounts of liquid funds to aquire these materials. Nor are we a force who directly sells other products." Ye Shiyuan said in a cold voice.

But I could tell he was very much interested in the ebony metal and anti-ether med's no matter what he said.

Still, I let out a sigh before I said honestly. "I understand Ye Shiyuan... I understand that Yunkui Summit isn't a chamber of commerce. But if I bring this metal, and this anti-ether medication to the TOPS to get patents for it, I will literally be eaten alive."

Ye Shiyuan's face twitched and he looked at me with clear pity so clear I knew exactly what he was thinking. I may not be 'literally' eaten alive. But I sure as hell woudn't be able to keep these products.

"Then why bring them here then? What is your actual aim Jake Bariss?" Ye Shiyuan demanded bluntly after a moment of silence.

Clearing my throat, I spoke out. "I want Yunkui Summit's protection against the TOPS. I am one man with a small crew who is holding a pot of gold and I have seen the bandits of the Outer Ring. The bandit's in TOPS just wear a suit as they slit their rivals throats." 

"In return for protection against TOPS intervention and their usual antics. I will supply Yunkui Summit with a small supply of Ebony metal, and a steady supply of Anti-Ether medication for humanitarian aid and their own use."

There was a pause as Ye Shiyuan slowly nodded thoughtfully. Then he pushed up his glasses and, with a small hint of warmth in his voice, he said. "Good, a business deal as clear as glass will keep our hearts clear of schemes."

I smiled at that clear hint to just be blunt as fuck. So I pulled out a clear piece of paper, and I said plainly.

"Now then, down to the specifics, I already have slapped down a small factory specifically for the production of the Anti-Ether medication. But the production of my battle constructs as well as the synthesis of Ebony metal, is restricted due to the fact that there is a micro hollow behind the factory."

"I am willing to give Yunkui Summit a five percent stake in Cunning Industries if the Temple is willing to help me and my people clear the hollow, so that it can be closed. I already have a large quantity of battle constructs and mining robots for the grunt work, I just need the elite and aberrant etherials cleared out."

Ye Shiyuan nodded before we got into the REAL nitty-gritty of profit margins, what their stake would mean in a supply situation, as Ye Shiyuan especially pushed for more ebony to be delivered.

After writing all the terms for the deal on the blank piece of paper. Ye Shiyuan leaned back slightly and I paused as a small knife slipped from his sleeve and into his hand. Then he casually cut his thumb which bled freely before he stamped the paper we created.

Then he took another small knife from his other sleeve and, putting it atop the paper, he pushed them both to me and said bluntly as he wrapped his thumb.

"Sign it then Jake. Our word is our bond, and our blood is chains that bind our honor."

My lips twitched before I said helplessly. "I don't think the mayor is going to recognize a blood print harder than an actual signature. But fine, have your traditions then."

I had already spent more than two hours here discussing all this. I wasn't going to leave just because this guy wanted to test my willingness to see how far I would go to secure my ambitions.

Stamping my bloody finger onto the paper. I saw a much more real smile cross his face and he cleared his throat before saying.

"Jake, I appreciate your willingness to stand by your designs, even if it takes pain to yourself in order to accomplish it. Unlike many of those inside of the TOPS that are only trying to push the cost of their own ambitions to those below them and those they extract value from."

Then he spoke more firmly. "On the topic of that micro hollow behind you hollow. I have actually been in that hollow with several disciples to clear etherals out of it a couple of years ago. Just a minor cleansing to keep it under control, you understand."

He took a breath and continued. "So I do know the terrain and where the stronger etherials will accumulate. When can you, and your crew be ready to move your battle constructs into it, and how will we cooperate in clearing it?" 

Drumming my fingers together, I said thoughtfully. "Two days from now. My crew is mostly based around Lumina Square, the more downtown area of New Eridu. That gives them time to complete any commissions they already have on hand, and stock up for a full hollow clear."

Ye Shiyuan gave a grunt of agreement before he verbally agreed by saying simply. "Good, I will be there with several disciples to. Now, I do hope I can keep these Ebony samples and the anti-ether medication to test it with Master Yixuan."

I waved a hand and said calmly. "Be my guest. I am glad to be doing business with Yunkui Summit." I finished with a handshake the Thiren taking my hand and giving me a respectfully firm handshake without any posturing.

We then at unspoken agreement, got up and began moving to leave the temple as we both had things to do. Though as we reached the edge of the temple Ye Shiyuan asked in a quiet voice. 

"I am curious however... What kind of Thiren are you? As I can feel the energy rushing through your veins and each step you take resounds with the world."

My lips twitched as these budget cultivators weren't without their skills. I mean Yixuan was able to sense the siblings' special abilities and the special ether within themselves.

But just as I was about to answer as we passed through the gates of the temple. The Gatcha rang out, and I instinctively pulled the resulting Platinum ticket.

[Halo of Light]The Halo of an angel that can be worn like a hat and does not fall off unless removed. When worn, this Halo provides the user with resistance towards all ailments and especially Dark and Infernal attacks and effects while greatly boosting the power of Light and Holy abilities. In addition, the Halo constantly applies a slight healing effect to the wearer and those the user consider's allies.

Fuck it, Jo-Jo I reject my humanity!

"If you don't feel comfortable sharing I completly-" Ye Shiyuan seeing my 'hesitation' quickly offered me an out as he knew that being a 'magical' Thiren had it's issues. And even other Thiren races had been made almost extinct as well like Fufu's tiger race.

His face stiffened as a halo of holy light formed over my head and he staggered as his body was bathed in holy light as I put a hand over my chest.

And with total 'sincerity' I said with a gentle smile. "I am a hybrid of Medusa and Angel Thiren."

Ye Shiyuan's face twisted as I could hear him mentally screaming about Thiren 'mixtures' weren't a thing. But the halo over my head and my glowing medusa eye's told him otherwise.

With that said I gave a martial salute of a cupped fist and I strolled off... As a bit of sweat built up on my back as the Chaos Gatcha rang out.

[Earn the interest of Yixuan, who is considering on taking you on as a disciple- Gold Ticket]

'I am being watched by that Qingming bird... But where the hell is that thing?' I wondered but I couldn't see the little fat ether bird as I quickly made my way back home.

Still, I pulled the gold ticket, wondering if I was going to get another ability or something.

But as the ticket went through, four holy golden, glowing wings of purest white shot out from my back with the back of my shirt tearing open.

[Angel]You are an Angel, a being created with holy power, as an angel, you have slightly increased physical stats and the ability to fly using your wings naturally. In addition, your Holy and Light abilities are more potent along with the ability to use Holy Light(Rare Rank Ability), in exchange all Darkness and Infernal abilities are weakened. You are also vulnerable to Infernal attributes.

I could feel Yixuan's gaze become all the heavier on me, but I just had one thought screaming in my mind.

Remielle was going to fuck me to death.