"A barter? Are you serious? What could you possibly have that might interest the Treasury? I do admit that it is possible for one to barter with us… But I highly doubt that you have anything valuable to give. And besides, what do you want to barter for? We have already gone through the best of everything we have to pick out these four treasured. Tell me. What is it you wish for?"
"All of them. I do not want to choose - I want all four treasures, including the two methods."
This time, the silence that came about filled Daneel with apprehension, as he did not know whether the being that he was talking to was capable of anger.
In a way, it could be said that he was accepting the kindness of the Treasury and then spitting on its face, as he was asking for more even though it had stepped forward to help on its own, without him, or anyone else beseeching it for a.s.sistance.
If the stakes were any lower, Daneel might not have opted to do this, but he simply had no other choice - he had to secure the best position for the continent, and right now, this was the best way to do so.
A minute pa.s.sed before the mouth finally spoke.
"Apologies for the pause. I"m not supposed to show emotions such as anger, but anyone would be displeased if they invited someone into their house and offered them food only to have them kick it away and ask for something that tastes better. If the Seven were awake, I daresay that they might even have activated the attacking formations of the Treasury to teach you a lesson. Give me one good reason why I should not take that step myself."
There was a dangerous edge to the tone of the last few words uttered, which led to Daneel wondering whether he had gone too far.
However, knowing that he had to walk away with all four of the objects floating in front of him, he narrowed his eyebrows and said, "You might not know of this… But the Church has cla.s.sified us as a high-level threat, so much so that they even sent an eye in the sky to watch over the continent. I have been in contact with the TriCobra sect, and in particular, the ancient Basilisk that left Angaria in its time of need. She spoke of a debt she needs to pay to the emperor, and due to a chance prophecy, she is a.s.sisting us in the battle. That is from where I know that they are treating us very seriously - the army that we will soon have to deal with will exceed all expectations. Unless each and every preparation that is possible is made, there is no chance of victory. Of the two methods proposed, if it is needed, I choose to use both. You know that I have the entire population of the continent firmly behind me - hence, I can simply split them in such a way that those who already have decent talent will be empowered to become even powerful warriors, while those whose increased power might not make a difference anyway would be sent to the core, to use it as a weapon. This is my plan, so I have no choice but to be presumptuous. As for what I choose to barter with… When the time comes for me to pay back what has been given to me, I shall be very, very generous. It might sound like arrogance, but I am sure that I will go far. I"m not even asking for weapons that you will not be able to replace. All you need to give me is a copy of the technique researched by those great G.o.dbeasts, who certainly must not have wanted their life"s work to lie around, without being used, even when it is in dire need. Gamble on me now, Treasury, and I will make sure that you will have enough treasures to stand till the end of time. Alternatively, if the Seven wish a favor of me, I am prepared to give them anything they need, too. I intend to walk out of here with all four of these treasures, even if it means that I have to swear an oath to do what I"m promising. Now, the choice is yours."
His words seemed to echo in the room for a long time, during which he wished that he could see the face of the manager of the Treasury, so that he could find out just what it must be feeling.
Obviously, he had chosen not to expose the capabilities of the system. Instead, he had given up the secret about the collaboration with the TriCobra sect, which might have been noticed by the Treasury anyway, as it existed within the natural barrier of the continent.
When the mouth finally spoke again, it did so in an odd tone.
"The Basilisk, huh? I did not expect this. I remember her when she was here - she was disliked by almost all the G.o.dbeast, with good reason. Could it be that she has changed after leaving the continent? It is possible. The emperor showed her much kindness by allowing her to leave, even though she could have made a great difference in the battle. Maybe it is this kindness that she wishes to repay. I don"t think I need to tell you about the importance of being wary of allies who come at just the right moment in time."
"Of course I am wary-I watch their every step like a hawk, and the moment I spot something that is off, I am prepared to neutralize them. I have already taken steps to ensure that I will be able to do so."
"Good. As the Seven are in slumber and cannot be awoken again so quickly, I shall make the decision - take all four. We had no information about the threat level a.s.signed to Angaria, but if what you say is true, you will need all four, and more… Go now. If the Treasury is open for any longer, we risk being discovered by those who have almost forgotten about us. Go."
No sooner had the mouth said this, Daneel blinked, and instantly found himself above the Endless Sea, again.
The four objects were hovering in front of him, and as he hastily grabbed them all and put them in his pockets, a relieved smile came on his lips.
Only… What had the voice meant, when it spoke about being discovered?
He knew the power of the Seven, and the incredible capabilities of the Treasury… So what could even they be afraid of?
Wait… Could it be tied to the information that they knew about the world outside?
Feeling a tremble in his spine, Daneel turned in the direction of the boundary of the continent, almost as if there was something there that he had not felt until now.
He asked the system, but it detected nothing.
He sent out his senses, but he saw nothing.
Finally, shaking his head and deciding that some thoughts were better left alone, at least for now, he bowed to the Treasury with thanks, and departed.