The atmosphere was heavy as the powerful and influential individuals gathered in a room.
Jacob Blake sat with his arms crossed on the sofa, one leg over the other. The guild master of the Golden Hammer, Terry Owen, was sitting in front of him. Between these two influential people, Alexa sat in the middle of them even though the woman was in unwell condition.
And the person who gathered these important people stood before them all. Klaus.
"So, why did you gather here, my friend?" Jacob opened their discussion.
"Ah, you guys are friends? I believe you just met today," Terry chimed in. The gold-toothed man stroked his chin.
"Well, I'm a sociable person, Mister Terry."
The guild master of the Divine Ursine Alliance considered Klaus a friend—a business friend, of course.
And Klaus knew that fact from the start. A businessman wouldn't be nice if they didn't want something. At first, Jacob was only being friendly out of curiosity, but after seeing Klaus present on stage, that man wished for artificial arcana.
While Jacob wanted something from him, Terry Owen was different. That flamboyant man was indeed a good person. He was worried when Alexa was poisoned and gave his best to save her. He also gave Klaus advice on stage despite the strange way.
"Then who is this sweet lady? She looks unwell." Jacob turned his attention to Alexa.
"Alexa Cohen. I'm the CEO of Mors Industries." Alexa introduced herself before Jacob asked her.
Jacob opened his eyes wide behind his sunglasses. He looked at Klaus and Alexa in turn.
"Ayo, Klaus. Are you this woman's subordinate? I thought you were the boss." Jacob sounded sarcastic as he said it.
"Structurally, my position is low in the company, but I am still the majority shareholder in Mors Industries. Yes, I influence the board of directors," Klaus replied.
Jacob chuckled. "Wow. The offspring of a conglomerate family is truly remarkable. So what is this 'woman' sitting with us for?"
Klus raised one of his eyebrows. The man in sunglasses was demeaning Alexa to her face after learning who the authority in Mors Industries was. Even so, Alexa was calm.
"I think you should watch your language," Terry retorted. The flamboyant man furrowed his brows. "Ms. Alexa is the CEO after all. She still has an important role in the company."
"Thank you, Mister Terry. But I'm okay. I'm often underestimated."
Naturally, Jacob reacted. "Yo, yo. Don't say that as if I'm the bad guy here. I find it very strange, two leaders in one company. It's like two chefs in a kitchen or two maestros in an orchestra. Instead of making things better, they make things worse." Jacob turned to Klaus. "Isn't that right, my friend?"
Seeing Jacob asking for support from him, Klaus just smiled weakly. He was in a false situation. If he supported Jacob, it would be the same as embarrassing Alexa. And vice versa. Defending her would only make his business partner change his mind.
Sometimes, people prioritize their pride over their condition. Especially men.
"You're right, Jacob. Two leaders will only make matters worse. But Alexa and I are soul mates. We're going to make this company great."
Jacob was wide-eyed when he heard Klaus' answer, as was Alexa. Only Terry didn't seem surprised.
Klaus would rather make nonsense than lose one of them.
"I think I've heard too many amazing things today," Jacob said as he shook his head. His words sounded sarcastic.
"That's right," Alexa added.
The door opened in the middle of their conversation, and a man wearing a black suit in a brown coat walked into the room along with Sheila. The man caught everyone's attention. They were surprised to see Richard Dickson, the Guild Master of the House of Blacksmith.
The man who had just entered also showed a similar reaction.
"Looks like I'm not the only one who came to this meeting. Interesting," Richard said.
Klaus quickly greeted him. "You are the one we are waiting for. Have a seat, Mister Richard."
As Richard sat down, Jacob and Terry squinted. He was enough to make those two wonder. They thought Klaus would only need them.
Klaus clasped his hand.
"Alright. Everyone we need is gathered. Let us begin our discussion properly. Miss Alexa, please come forward."
The woman got up from her seat and replaced Klaus. Those three guild masters looked at her with wrinkled foreheads as they saw Alexa weakly walking. Nevertheless, the woman still tried to stand firm in front of them.
Nodding her head, Alexa signaled Klaus to prepare the presentation materials. Klaus told Sheila, and she took out a mini projector and placed it on the table. It was small and flat with a black color like a casino chip. When she pressed the button in the center, a projection of light appeared.
The three guild masters squinted as they saw an extensive text on the hologram. Jacob took off his sunglasses so he could see clearly.
[Mors Weaponry Project.]
Smiling, Alexa proudly said, "This is a major project of Mors Industries. And we invite you to be our strategic partner!"
The holographic projection turned into slides, and Alexa began the presentation.
The Mors Weaponry Project was the company's strategic plan to dominate the weaponry market in the US.
In the market, 98% of the weapons in circulation were melee weapons intended for professional awakeners. Of course, this made it easier for Mors Industries to sell its product, which was a projectile and could be used by non-awakeners.
They would market artificial arcana at low prices.
However, Mors Industries had limited resources. They needed experts, facilities, materials, distributor networks, and more. Hence, the company invited these three major guilds to join the project.
Divine Ursine Alliance would be the material supplier, House of Blacksmith the factory, and Golden Hammer the distributor.
Of course, these three major guilds would get a benefit.
The Divine Ursine Alliance would be the primary customer as the raw material supplier. They would receive discounted prices and weapons one generation more up-to-date than the marketed products.
The House of Blacksmiths would be authorized to sell arcana made under their brand name. In other words, they could maintain their position in the US market.
Golden Hammer would benefit from being the main distributor of Mors Industries' products in the US.
Alexa considered everything and gave them what they needed. If they were willing to enter into a partnership, the market monopolization process would have been completed within two years.
Mors Industries could have asked LR Enterprise for help with the resource issue. However, the company would not have a patron.
Mors Industries mainly invited these three major guilds to enter into a partnership to gain backing. Like the Morning Star that protected the Sons of Thor, Mors Industries needed the strong support of the major guilds.
The main purpose of this meeting was to create an alliance.
Alexa advised Klaus to directly invite one of the Five Pillars if they were interested in the company. That way, the other Five Pillars would not dare to put their hands on Mors Industries—especially Morning Star, who was in the same state.
Of course, Klaus didn't trust Jacob completely. But right now, he needed suppliers until his guild was big enough.
"For this project to go according to plan, I want you to build a new store or branch office in SoHo," Alexa said in the middle of the presentation.
Terry raised his hand. "Why should we build a branch office in SoHo."
"Because we will start marketing from there. SoHo is a city with a reputation, at least before the first dungeon break happened. We will use that old reputation to rebuild the area into a new market. Specializing in awakener products, of course."
After a lengthy presentation and answering dozens of questions, Alexa ended the meeting.
Jacob patted his thigh as he stood up from the sofa. He walked over to Alexa and shook hands. The other two guild masters followed suit.
"I apologize for my rude words earlier. You're amazing and have a clear vision of your mission as CEO," Jacob said.
Alexa smiled. "Thank you."
The other two guild masters followed and shook hands with Alexa.
At the same time, Jacob approached Klaus. "You have a wonderful girlfriend, my friend."
Klaus just smiled at Jacob for believing his lie. "Yes, no problem."
After that, the guild masters left the room. Alexa quickly flung herself onto the sofa, lying down.
"Good job," Klaus praised. "I thought you'd faint in front of them."
Alexa snorted. "That's not going to happen."
A smile bloomed on Klaus' face. When everything went according to plan, he couldn't help but show it. He lifted his feet onto the table.
"By the way, Alexa. Do you think Jacob will betray us?"
"Absolutely. That man is like a fox. I can see the greed on his shitty face."
Klaus chuckled. "That's an objective assessment, right?" He teased her.
"Of course, Klaus. That man is predictable. We can anticipate him at any time. What I'm most worried about is Richard."
Klaus raised one eyebrow. Since their first meeting, he had smelled something odd about the man. Richard Dickson hardly spoke and tended to agree throughout the meeting.
"That quiet man holds many mysteries," Klaus said.
"Exactly."
"Well, we'll see what happens next."
Klaus could now lean back and rest his shoulders for the time being because his grand plan was one step closer to success.
