Everyone arrived on time, no one was missing.

All the most important heads of all relevant Martial Arts Organizations, trade and professional Organizations or Guilds, the most influential Business Owners of the City, the highest level Bureaucrats and City Officials, the wealthiest Nobles and Noble Clans, Bank Executives, Lawmakers and even powerful independent Rankers and Experts were ready and present.

Before the ones who had called the meeting appeared, everyone in the hall gossiped and made conjectures with each other.

“What do you think Lofen is planning to do?”

“ I don't care, all I know is that I better be included, that includes whatever Business regarding Focus Shards!”

“I'm sure Yupow told him the secret of the Crystals! My Clan has studied them day and night but the only thing we’ve managed to find on them is that the crystal itself isn’t very much different to glass. Yet it holds Inner Energy like if they were meant to be bonded together!”

“Although we also haven’t been able to find out much about its origin or make up, my Dojo has found many uses for them. Only a select few of our members are Practitioners, but they have found out their uses go beyond conventional Inner Energy needs.”

“It is true us Mental Martial Artists have found it excellent to have them around when doing confined meditation. It's more than confirmed that they clear and comfort the mind, and stimulate nerves, muscles, and body meridians in a positive way.”

“Even without the Firebrun Clan Adapter, there are clandestine ways to which you can make it so that normal material gets imbued with the energy of the crystal. Us Non-Practitioners appreciate the ability to use Inner Energy Weapons without having to absorb the Inner Energy.”

“What will be of this City, the advent of this energy source will change things like never before.”

“We must make it clear, any decision Lofen makes regarding Focus Shards must include us, the leadership, of Martial Citadel at all cost.”

The stage was already set, and many leaders had come here with a goal, and they weren’t going to leave until they accomplished it.

Soon the ones who called the meeting arrived.

All eyes were on them.

Lofen was front and center followed by all his govermentorial staff as well as the Bank Association Executive and Energy Union Head immediately behind him to his left and right.

Dirgen was to his immediate right adjacent to him, along with all his fellow business men and clansmen, and Citums and all the members of Inner Focus Alliance were to his left.

Everyone in the meeting Hall was immediately stunned.

They knew about all the members of Lofens entourage that had gone to see Yupow, but they did not expect that all the major Martial Arts Practitioner Organizations had United.

They had wondered why it felt like some groups were missing.

Things had gotten a lot more serious all of a sudden.

Despite the awkward silence, Lofen took the stage and acted as if there was nothing wrong at all, his demeanor as smooth as ever.

He wouldn’t let a bunch of salty old Martial Artists ruin the path to prosperity the City was headed in.

If they knew what was good for them, they would comply; was what he thought.

“Good evening Gentleman, welcome to what I have decided to call the first annual Martial Citadel Leadership and Advancement Conference. I'm sure no one will find a problem with that name. Today we’ve come here to discuss and ask for your input on a topic which I'm sure most of you have been eager to discuss and settle. Since we are all here, and there seems to be no one absent, let's cut straight to the point, as I have found with this matter in particular that it is best to deal with it without beating around the bush. As all of us here are aware of, a new Wonderful item has made its dayview here in Martial Citadel.”

Lofen took a moment to take a Focus Shard out of his pocket and set it on his pulpit.

Everyone looked at the Shard with covetousness and joyfulness evident.

“It goes by the name of Focus Shard, and it is a premier quality source of energy, Inner Energy to be more precise, that does not fall behind in terms of worth and output when compared to the similar Mana Crystal. Its compact, easily transportable, extremely rich in energy and efficient to boot; as well as stable and safe to handle in most cases. It is everything this Citadel has been yearning for, and as of right now and for the time being we in Martial Citadel are the only ones who can produce it and are Officially its point of Origin!”

Commotion exploded in the hall.

Lofen had just confirmed everything they had been hoping for; they knew what all this information meant: wealth and power like they had never thought they could achieve before was at arms length.

All they needed to do was reach out and grab for it.

“Lofen spill the beans! How is it that this item came to be? My Myriad Ways Martial Temple must get its hands on it, as one of the oldest Organizations in this City it is only natural that we are one of the Organization that helm the dawn of the Citys’ new Age.”

Almost simultaneously leaders of many other organizations started screaming and demanding very similar things, staking their claim because of legacy, power, historical contribution, or just shameless intimidation.

“ Gentleman, please settle down, there is no need to be so impatient, my goal for this meeting no matter how impossible it sounds, is for each and every one of the members present here today to come out satisfied with whichever arrangement we conclude upon today. So there is no need for shouting. I assure you all of your needs will be met. As for the Origins of the Crystal, as I'm sure some of the wise ones amongst you have already deduced, and that I can now confirm, that the creation of these crystals can be attributed to Grandmaster Yupow, who wanted to do his part in saving the City from economic demise. We should all be grateful to Yupow for his gift, and make sure to pay him respects after this meeting. Many of you have been very troublesome to say the least in aggravating the Masters mood, and should count your blessings that you haven’t been destroyed.”

The last comment from Lofen made many in the hall feel convicted and attacked, but they didn’t regret how they had acted.

What other choice did they have?

It was a do or die moment.

But what was most important, was the confirmation that the Focus Shard was indeed an artificial creation, that put a bit of a damper on a bit of the excitement some of the people present had; as they new being an artificial creation there were immediately certain limits and restrictions the energy source had when it came to procurement and collecting of it.

Still it was amazing that Master Yupow was able to create such an item.

“Lofen since the Focus Shard was created by human hands, does that mean their potential as a major resource and asset is limited?”

“Indeed since the Focus Shard requires sentient refinement in order for it to exist, it is currently not as readily available as many would like, but that isn’t a problem that cannot be solved especially if all of us work together. The energy output these Shards contain is outstanding, it is well worth the creation process, and the fact that it is a product that needs the knowledge of a Master Refiner to be created artificially is not necessarily a bad thing; as that means that until Volunterras’ Energy Commission comes to bully the secret out of us, Martial Citadel is the sole proprietor and owner of its creation method, that is besides Yupow. And I hope all of you gentlemen in this room understand that it is to our benefit that the secret stays in this City for as long as possible.”

The powerful man within the hall enthusiastically made remarks amongst each other.

They were starting to see the direction of where the meeting was headed.

“Tell us Lofen what is it you have in mind, be warned that as the Head of the Rending Finger Sect, the most powerful Outer Martial Arts Organization in the Citadel, I will not leave until our needs are met. I am curious to how you will satisfy everyone’s needs here.”

Lefen was visibly uncomfortable with the Martial Masters' subtle threat, but he came prepared to handle such a situation.

“Master of Rending Finger, it is as you say that feat sounds difficult to accomplish but not impossible. First I will make it clear, it is my Goal to eventually allow each and every Organization in this City the ability to create this Focus Shard, but for the time being, and for the sake of secrecy, that privilege will be withheld to a select few Organizations, but that doesn’t mean any of you will suffer in terms of your Focus Shard needs.”

Commotion erupted in the Hall yet again, the Mayor had just said what many had feared would happen.

Rights to the creation of the Shard would be limited.

Regardless of the details, everyone knew that those Organizations who gained primary access to those rights would be the rulers of Martial Citadel for the future to come.

“And just how is it that you will decide who those privileged few will be Lofen? It seems to me that no matter the agreement there will be those of us who will come out with the short end of the stick.”

“For starters until the creation process is made as efficient as possible, for resource management sake, the creation process will stay with us who managed to make contact with Yupow first, as we are the most adept at making the method more optimal. But as soon as that happens, which shouldn't be too long, I will share the Method to those Organizations that share the proper combination of Crafting and resource ability, political and real power, and that have the most to gain and contribute to the City with the privilege as a whole.”

People started to look at a couple Organizations with knowing eyes as they knew who was almost a shoe in for the spots.

“But I make it clear the distribution of Focus Shards will remain as even as possible whether you have the capability to create them or not, all Organizations have my promise, that all groups here today will not have any lacking hunger in terms of their Focus Shard needs. And once things are set in motion further negotiations are always open. This is an issue that concerns the safety and well-being of everyone here today.”

“ Lofen regardless of your promises those who gain the power to create Focus Shards will be the undisputed hegemons’ of Martial Citadel, or at the very least gain a head start over everyone else, that is not something many of us are willing to accept so readily.”

“Whether you accept it or not, the reality is clear, there are some Organizations here who have power and respect, that are simply not capable of producing the amount of Focus Shards that the City needs. Keep in mind that by sharing the method with any of you guys, it is not solely for your benefit, think of it as a contract with the City, that you will have to oblige to, in return for your gains. I will now name in order the first Organizations that will gain the rights to produce Focus Shards you can either accept or refuse the honor freely. Other than us five key members of this meeting, the ones who are next in line are from the Outer Martial Arts Organizations, starting with Rending Finger Sect, Resonant Palm sect, and Outer Ignition School, from the Mental Martial Arts Organizations, Profound Martial Mind University, Mental Strike School, and Unlocking Dreams Academy, from the Weapons Martial Arts Organizations, Exalted Blade Martial School, Arsenal Martial Arts Dojo, and Premier Weapon Art Institute and Forge. From the Body Forging Organizations, Unyielding Martial Will Dojo, Peak Martial Body Institute, True Diamond Bones School, from the Skill Mastery Martial Arts, Martial Skill Art Temple, Martial Sage School of Martial Arts, and Transcending Skill Academy, from the Physical Martial Arts, Tigron Claw Institution of Profound Martial Arts, Master LeyLaw Legacy Academy, and Volunterra True Martial College. From the Mystic Martial Arts, Nature's Way Martial Arts Academy, Martial Spirit Temple, and Martial Essence Sect. That ends the list for the Martial Organizations.”

Everyone was in an uproar, some were happy and ecstatic, most were fuming with rage, but within their minds they had to agree that they really couldn’t measure up as far as resources and capabilities to the Organizations mentioned.

But there were a few Martial Organizations who had legitimate complaints of being left out, as the Cities top Expert’s usually treated them with respect.

But they were also fully aware of why they might’ve been excluded; they probably didn’t have the capability to make the necessary amount of Focus Shards that Lofen wanted.

It seemed that out of all Martial Pathways only the top 3 Organizations respectively were chosen, the only exception being the Inner Martial Organizations, as they seemed to have united and already had the method in their hands.

It was obvious that everyone already knew why that was the case.

If anyone was to get preferential treatment it would be them.

But it didn’t mean that they would accept that reality so readily.

“Why do the Practitioner Organizations get special treatment, they've never truly shined in the world stage. Almost all other Organizations in this City, have contributed more to Martial Citadels legacy than them; their growth cap is too low regardless of what anyone thinks.”

“I have two simple reasons, firstly they have united under one flag which is the now existent Inner Focus Alliance, so it really only counts as one entity, and secondly because as of right now they are in fact the only true and reliable source of Focus Shards, as they are the Organizations with the most available Inner Energy. The Focus Shard energy has to come from somewhere, and it is precisely from Practitioners where this energy is extracted, so in reality there is a natural source for the extraction of Inner Energy, and it just so happens to be every single Practitioner that currently resides in the City. It is this metric that had the most weight on who was chosen. Even the Physical Martial Arts Organizations have the ability to gather the required number of Practitioners because of their networks and size, otherwise they would have been left completely out. So by Virtue of what they represent, all Inner Energy Organizations will receive priority in terms of their needs, since without them Focus Shards could not exist.”

Now that Lofen had specifically laid out the reasons behind his decisions, there was hardly anyone who could think of a proper retort.

If Practitioners were indeed the source for Focus Shards, then it was only fair that they reaped the most benefits from this Business.

But there were still some powerful Organizations that were unsatisfied and made their names heard.

“Martial Hero’s Nest, Wonder Art Grand Academy, Martial Law Insight Sect, Callous Way Dojo, Martial Plane Secret House, my Flowing Hair Mighty Limbs School, these are all Organizations who do not lose out to even Unyielding Martial Will Dojo in many respects, so why have we been left out, regardless of the Validity of your explanation, I will not accept the prestige and future of our Organizations to be trampled upon.

“Master Viyin you are correct, in the Process of choosing those who will Produce Focus Shards I had kept Prestigious Organizations like yours in mind, but the reality is that for one reason or another the Martial Path your organizations have set upon, have made it so that the number and crafting capabilities of your organizations is much too low, so it would be too unfair of me to put that burden immediately on you guys. While we work to remedy that issue, despite you guys being left out of the creation process, I can assure you guys that all your organizations will not have any less Focus Shards than those who are creating them, you can personally confirm this whenever you guys want, as an agreement will be made that you guys will have a percentage share of all Focus Shards created equal to the Focus Shard makers, but in order to not make you feel left out and calm your anger your Organizations will receive a monthly subsidy of Inner Power Weapons, Inner Energy Resin, and Platinum Coins, equal to half the value of Focus Shards that you will receive. Is that satisfactory to you guys?”

Suddenly the anger visible in those organizations' faces started to disappear and better judgment started to take hold of their minds.

The deal Lofen offered was beyond good, they knew Inner Power Weapons were almost as valuable as the Focus Shards themselves, if they could procure a steady supply of such weapons eventually there would be few Organizations in all of Potestera that would be willing to mess with them.

And what Lofen said was true, if they took on the responsibility of producing the Focus Shards such a situation might actually weaken them instead of strengthening them, as they would run the risk of overextending themselves, and forsaking their talented members and disciples.

“Although I still have some trepidation on the matter, the deal you offer doesn’t displease us. We will trust your judgment on this matter and take a step back for the moment, but we will hold you to the fire for all the promises you have made to us. You have a deal Lofen it seems you truly are a quite capable Mayor indeed the future of Martial Citadel is in good hands.”

With the quelling of the most powerful organizations who were left out, the rest of the negotiations were much easier to settle, as most of the remaining organizations did not have as much clout as they thought they actually had.

Most leaders were wise to take the concessions Lofen granted them in return for their cooperation and loyalty.

In the process of negotiations Lofen simultaneously assigned roles such as currency distribution, Focus Shard research, Focus Shard technology and tool crafting, and Martial Citadel economy financial safety protection, to those who were most qualified.

In doing so he offered more benefits and perks to those who fulfilled their roles successfully.

He then revealed the Non-Martial Organizations who would gain Focus Shard Creation capabilities.

“Martial Apothecary Guild, Martial Warrior Way Merchant Group, Martial Citadel Goods Corporation, The Nijun Noble Family, The Geron Clan, Martial Citadel High Knowledge University, Civil Engineer Guild, Master Crafters Guild, whether you have the capabilities or not you will be helping in increasing Martial Citadels Focus Shard stockpile.”

Eventually an overall agreement on the percentage of Focus Shards each Organization would receive before complete self production was settled upon.

Although there were many that had their qualms, they didn’t have enough support from the full body of Experts to bring their case forward.

They only did their best to get the best deal possible.

Lofen had done a good job of satisfying the most powerful and influential Organizations in the City, and by extension isolating them from the weaker Organizations, thereby preventing them from causing too much trouble.

Although what Lofen said about everyone coming out of the meeting completely satisfied, wasn’t completely true, they all had to admit at least no one felt like they were utterly ignored.

Everyone basically got what they deserved according to their standing in the Citadel.

In the end the leaders realized that it was to their best interest that they fully supported the growth of the City as best they could, since even if they weren’t the biggest power in the City, a strong Martial Citadel meant they themselves were strong on the world stage by principle of association.

And that was really more than they could ever hope for, as that was a million times better than the state they had found themselves in in recent years.

Soon the Meeting concluded and everyone peacefully but excitedly returned to their homes, immediately making arrangements to set the agreed upon plans of actions in motion.

Lofen, who had successfully concluded his second negotiation regarding Focus Shards, felt like a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders.

He knew things could have easily escalated out of control had he not had his four important companions backing him up.

Now it was only a matter of executing their plan as precisely as they could, knowing fully well that inevitable obstacles and challenges would soon appear before the City.

At least now he had an organized and unified effort from his citizens, making him feel more confident that they would make it through.