Creon wasn’t shocked by the fact such facilities truly existed, but being directly confronted with such a proposition still felt surreal. Taking a few calm breaths, he directed his gaze toward the masked intruder and tried to speak like a man accustomed to authority.

“Considering your directness I’ll get straight to it then. You mentioned the fact that your organization basically trains child mercenaries and to expand your operation you require our help?” He questioned Mykl.

“That would be correct, though you aren't our only option,” he acknowledged.

“Okay, so this I can understand, but what I don’t get is why you would need to place one of your facilities within a city? Wouldn’t that just increase the risk of exposure?” Creon asked.

“It’s true that placing a facility within the walls of your city will increase the risk, but we have certain measures to counteract some of those. As to the question of why… The main reason is that it would provide us easier access to certain things needed for training purposes,” Mykl patiently explained.

Creon wasn’t outright dismissive of the proposal. He could only imagine how the children scouted to be part of the facility would be kidnapped from different kingdoms and later put through hellish training to essentially become elite killers. Furthermore, it wouldn’t surprise him if several of the children died in the process of training and selecting those most talented.

The weak either perish, submits to those stronger or tries to become stronger. Country of birth, time period, parents and various other factors make people’s lives unequal from the very beginning. These children were obviously going to be dealt a most unfortunate start in life.

He was neither pleased nor saddened about this fact, he merely accepted it as a part of the world he lived in. Though arcane technology had reached a new point ensuring a high quality of life for most, wars were still being fought be it in the open or in the shadows.

So, if by agreeing to Mykl's proposal he could not only ensure their clan's survival but actually make it flourish again, then he would most definitely do it. Even if he were to deny the proposal, it would most likely still be realized. The only difference being, it wouldn’t be his clan reaping the benefits of a potentially lucrative deal. In case it went well at least.

“Okay, so I can only assume that the infants and children part of these facilities won’t be obtained through completely legal means, so I won’t question you on this. What I would like to know are the requirements and duties of partaking in this proposition for me and my clan. Not to mention, exactly how you expect to compensate our clan for the potential risk we would be taking being involved and for how long a period this collaboration is supposed to last?” Creon asked in a straightforward manner.

“Considering the matter at hand and the need for secrecy of both our parties, we would require for all personnel associated with the training facility to be placed under a containment seal to ensure no information about us or the facility leaks to any outside sources," Mykl nodded towards the city beyond their clan walls.

"Besides this, one of the first duties would obviously be to help us construct the required facility. Our organization would, of course, be the ones paying for all associated expenses connected to the construction. After the facility is ready for use, our people would be in charge of all aspects concerning training and education. Your clan would have to provide any additional personnel needed to make sure the basic operational runs smoothly.” Taking a small breath, Mykl appeared to think about what to say next.

“And… You shouldn’t be overly concerned about compensation. Knowing your clans’ great financial difficulties, we would, of course, provide sufficient financial aid ensuring the opportunity to regain your past strength. As a necessary precaution, however, your clan should continue to act in a restrained manner and not display any too significant exterior changes during the period of our partnership in order to avoid any suspicion.”

“What about the timeframe?” Creon interrupted.

“At the present moment, our clan doesn’t have a definitive time frame in mind. It entirely depends on a number of different factors, most of which are beyond our control. An estimate would be 200 years, at least" Mykl said, once again pausing to let Creon think the proposal through.

Creon wasn’t exactly thrilled to personally be placed under a containment seal, although he could see the merit in no one being able to speak. It definitely would lessen the largest risk factor involved. Besides this, one of the obvious downsides would be having absolutely no control of the situation. Sure, he would most likely continue administering their clan and perhaps parts of the facility, but when it really came down to it definitely wouldn’t be him.

By agreeing to this deal and letting them inside his clan, they would essentially be the ones in control. Even if he wanted to renounce his commitment, he had no confidence in them honoring his decision. It was a so-called ‘one road ticket’ with their Tahrus clan merely along for the ride. Possessing no means of slowing it down. If they were fortunate it would be a ride back to having their previous status restored, and if unfortunate a ride straight to their downfall. It would be sort of like gambling, just hoping for the best outcome to occur after the final choice was made.

He was either going to rely on the help of this unknown organization for them to reach their destination or keep struggling the same way as before, hoping for a miracle like all the other clans that had been in the same dilemma as his.

He once again directed his attention back at Mykl still standing in the same location.

“Do you require an immediate answer, or do I have time to consult with the elders of my clan?” He spoke questionably.

“I prefer an immediate answer of course,” came the short reply from Mykl.

“Hmm... Considering the potential benefits of agreeing, assuming you are able to deliver as promised according to your earlier proposition," he let it hang in the air for a bit, "then I would agree and make my clan available to meet your demand for the extended future.” Creon agreed to the proposal.

Mykl nodded his masked head as a sign of satisfaction, “I’m pleased to hear your answer. In a show of good faith, here’s a cube-drive that will give you access to an account containing enough credits to provide financial security for the extended future” Mykl replied, throwing him the small drive about the size of a child’s fist.

“Much appreciated. So, how do we proceed from here?” Creon asked while appreciating Mykl’s immediate generosity, assuring him in his decision.

He answered while turning around and disappearing into the shadows, “for now, you should go inform the elders of your clan about what has transpired and a week from now we’ll meet up again to discuss the final details. We’ll send you the details of the time and place.”