The Achievement Junkie

Chapter 303 Argyle“s Plans in Trodar

"Thank you, Master Jack. I’m sure that my tribe can prove useful to you so long as you treat us respectfully like your friend promised me."

"Ohhh..." Realizing that Daliea had talked him up, Jack understood why the shadow goblin chief was so willing to accept him. "We’ll have to act fast, so get every member of your tribe outside of the city gates. And tell them to bring all of their precious belongings."

"But if we do that, it would take much longer to--" Suddenly, a ring was flicked to Grangor. "W-what is this?"

"It’s a storage ring and it should be able to hold everything your tribe holds dear," answered Jack. "You can keep that. Once we’re finished here with this dungeon, we’ll come to visit you all again and discuss your relocation, as well as give you everything you and your tribe could need."

"T-that... Thank you, Master Jack!"

"No more bowing! Hurry and gather your tribe so we can get this over with. We’ll be outside the gate getting ready."

Jack and the others were the first to leave the main hall but Grangor wasn’t far behind. His aging body had an unusual pep in his step as he ran to inform his men and the tribe.

"Jack, just so you know, I’ll be needing at least five of these high elixirs to transport so many people, maybe more." Tralon let out a regretful sigh. "If only I was still lv. 85... then I wouldn’t need these."

"Don’t worry about it, Tralon. A few high elixirs are worthless compared to gaining a tribe of shadow goblins as allies. Use them all if you need to," Jack joked.

"How long do you think it’ll take them to gather?" Argyle asked.

"Hmmm... At least an hour maybe?" replied Jack.

’Then how about we talk business while we wait?’ Switching to telepathy, Argyle got straight to the point. ’I’ve been wanting to do something for a long time and I think now is finally the time to do it.’

Jack asked, ’Do what, exactly?’

’I want to open a second branch of the Fat Goose in Gilga,’ admitted Argyle. ’I was hoping that we could ally with the Leisure Guild, and possibly share facilities for the time being.’

’That’s very business-like of you,’ Tralon laughed. ’We have plenty of space for it, so I wouldn’t mind renting out some of the space to an old friend, so long as Jack’s alright with that.’

’Why would I be?’

’Jack, you may not know it, but almost every council member has been wanting to occupy our guild’s property and they’ve tried every means possible. They’ve offered to purchase portions of it, rent it out, have it donated in exchange for a temporary portion of the city’s revenue,’ explained Tralon. ’Argyle has mentioned the idea before, but he never made an offer. He probably assumed that I would be more willing now that you’re involved in the decision.’

’Oh, that makes sense. Well, I am okay with it and that’ll give Argyle a way to help the Leisure Guild in the form of paying rent, right Argyle?’

’Right your are,’ laughed the swordsman. ’But it’s also great for me. Things in Federal City have been getting a little hectic and I like the option of relocating should the need arise.’

’Well, even if your entire guild came to Gilga, we’ll have more than enough room. Our guild was built to house thousands, even though we’re more of an empty shell with only a few hundred members in such a cast property,’ stated Tralon.

’Then I can move in immediately?’

’Sure, why not? Once my level is high enough, I might even be able to draw you a teleportation circle,’ Jack joked.

’Hey, don’t promise me that unless you can deliver." Argyle took Jack seriously, not daring to miss out on such a thing. "What level do you need to be to make me one?"

’Once I’m lv. 55 I’ll be able to if I really push myself, but Tralon could also write one, couldn’t he?’

’Seriously?! You lied to me?!’ Pointing a finger at the aging mage, Argyle glared with a fiery passion.

’Yeah...’ Tralon innocently laughed. ’If I’m the only man who could make one, then why should I accept that burden if I can merely act like I forgot in my old age.’

’You... Send me a list of materials and I’ll make sure to have them ready,’ replied Argyle, not wanting to argue over something he would’ve done as well.

’Are you sure you can afford it?’ Jack asked. ’A local teleportation circle is one thing, but circles spanning across different nations is completely different. The further apart the two circles, the more costly it becomes.’

’Makes sense, but it’ll be worth it so long as it’s operational and we keep it a secret,’ stated Argyle, intent on making it happen.

’Fine. Once we’re done here, I think I know what you’ll want from the vault. If you take that item instead of a treasure for your auction, then the price will be cut in half.’

’Really? What item?’

’It’s a magic crystal,’ explained Jack. ’Every long-distance teleportation circle needs a powerful magic crystal built into its foundation. Inside the vault, we’ll find a few of them."

"Perfect, then I’ll take the biggest one!’

’Sorry, but the biggest one will be used by us,’ Jack argued. ’I know I said you could take anything, but the biggest one will be used for a teleportation circle in the Leisure Guild. We used to have one, but I’m guessing it was destroyed during the Holy War. And I want to make a bigger, better one.’

’That one wouldn’t be the second teleportation circle that connects to one I’ll have in the Fat Goose, would it?’

’That’s right, but you’ll have free access since you’ll be paying rent and won’t need to pay for it,’ Jack added. ’Ours will be much bigger. That way we can use it as a hub for other teleportation circles in the future. But that’s all for a later time. Before that, we’ll need to find a good blacksmith to help make them.’

’I might be able to help you there,’ replied Argyle, ’but it’ll take some convincing to get him to help.’

’We’ll get there when we get there. For now, let’s focus on the task at hand and beat the dungeon," stated Tralon. "After we’ve gone through all eleven floors, beaten the boss, and retrieved our treasures, then Argyle and I can discuss the finer details.’

’Sounds good to me.’ Jack shrugged. ’But since you’re opening a branch in Gilga, Argyle, does that mean you’ve been considering running for the council?’

’I’ve thought about it, but I’m not sure I’d be able to commit enough time for it,’ answered Argyle. ’I’ll be busy getting this new branch up and running while helping Baral manage the branch in Federal City.’

’Oh... Baral won’t be managing the new branch?’ Tralon asked in surprise.

’No. He’s more than capable, but I thought it might be better for you and Jack if I was in Trodar personally.’

’Thanks, Argyle. You’re quite the father-in-law,’ Jack added with a bow of the head.

’I’m just doing what I want to do. Also, this might help me get closer to learning about my wife’s murderer.’

’Ahhh... Now I get it. If you ever need our assistance, you’re more than welcome to ask Argyle. Considering you’re willing to do all this, it’s the least we could do,’ Tralon offered.

Argyle nodded. ’I’ll remember that. Just don’t mention this to Eliza. That’s all I ask.’

Jack slapped Argyle’s shoulder. ’Consider it done. Just let me know what you’re up to before you do something stupid, okay?’

’Yeah, Jack’s got more experience than anyone in succeeding at stupid things,’ joked Argyle, getting both of them to laugh.