"Let's share the profits; Seventy percent to thirty percent." Orum'thik suggested to test the waters. He was ready to put on his A game. His intuition as a divine being of wealth was reminding him that there was wealth to be made.
Norris replied immediately, "Yeah! Sure! let's go with that"
Orum'thik was taken aback by Norris' quick reply, "Okay that was anti-climatic".
Norris replied with a shrug, "Yea! Kinda! but you owe me one".
Orum'thik smiled though his lips were twitching and reluctantly nodded. Having being in the zone and getting ready for some good negotiation, the anticlimax didn't seat well with him.
"Well I'm giving you an extra twenty percent for high end goods. Do this as a favor for me.", Norris said catching Orum'thik of guard.
Orum'thik was really caught of guard by Norris tactics, "Fair enough. Well played Norris! well played!"
Norris shrugged with a smug smile, "I try "
in an attempt to change the atmosphere Orum'thik started bringing some of the on the spur plans he made, "Well I'll set up a research group. Should bring about results soon since it doesn't have much technical content. The idea is very novel. Setting up an array that counts down before releasing whatever energy is there should be fairly easy. Even mortals will be able to use it as long as the trigger that starts the array operation is pulled. Practitioners that can't cast spell will use it till the adept(Level 2) period."
Norris shook his head with a smile, "that's not my idea. I didn't think of it".
Orum'thik teased, "Excessive modesty is also a kind of arrogance".
Norris replied shaking his head, "I really didn't think of it. I'm standing on the shoulder of giants"
Orum'thik just smiled and dropped the topic. Orum'thik face changed with a little worry and tried sharing his worries with Norris, "The technical content is small, I fear it wouldn't be long before the pie is shared".
Norris was reminded that this was not earth. Norris decided to use a popular method in his previous life, "You create a brand. By taking advantage of the little time gap that is created after you start selling, you allow your brand to imprinted in the minds of customers. This way you set the standards. Of course try to maintain the lead for a long time. Intelligent creatures are creatures of habits. After you have being the best for so long, they'll automatically feel you are the best. Of course, if the difference between you and what is an alternative is not that much. But you need strong fist to do this".
"Orum'thik, let me cash in on the future profits. It can work, right?. Norris ask with anticipation
Orum'thik answered though a little sluggish as he was digesting what Norris said, "Of course! My dear Norris".
Norris who was happy decided to purchase materials for his next project. Giving the list to Orum'thik of everything he wanted, he started small talks. "Orum'thik you don't live in the Arcum realm, right?", Norris asked.
Orum'thik with a raised eyebrow replied, "Of course Norris I don't", he decided to go with the flow in spite of Norris awkward way of starting a conversation.
"Well how is it like in other realms", Norris asked with curiosity visible on his face, not knowing that his way of starting the conversation was bad or knowing but pretending not to know.
"Ahem", Orum'thik cleared his throat, "Well in other realms, because of the higher concentration of powerhouses, Power speaks more than law and civilization. It's very much like the death realm. The strong can go to become a noble of the realm after conquering the chaos. Luckily I was born in a family with a demigod. This makes my backing strong enough.
Not many realms is like the material realm that does not have a place of chaos. This also contribute to the number of powerhouses in other realms. But I heard some realms level of civilization is higher than the material realm like the Titan realm. The material plane though favoured by gods is restricted too because of it".
Norris was wowed and it was it time to go. Norris decided to say goodbye, "Well Orum'thik, its time to say goodbye"
Orum'thik in response made a slight bow and replied, "Norris goodbye! Ready to see you next time we meet".
Since he was here in the Arcum realm, he didn't want to go just like that. To celebrate her decided to splurge a little. He also delved into the black market. There he participated in a high-stakes gambling game andwon a mysterious egg of an unknown species. That particular section was filled with warriors and knights. Hoping they would be favoured by the goddess of good luck, it would provide them with an extraordinary battle mount.
Since knights and warriors don't deal much with the mind, Norris easily discovered them. The status of their body was reflected in their consciousness. Mages could easily hide these things.
To fund his pursuits, Norris decided to carefully managed the noble's allowance, setting aside a portion for his private use. In the academy, this was a habit he had cultivated over the years. With these funds, he acquired rare ingredients and texts he had long desired. Additionally, he invested in experimental equipment, developing innovative magical tools, one of his greatest tool; his InfinitePad.
Norris decided to review his every action since coming to the death realm. It seemed coincidental for him to land where he landed. Having read many novels where the protagonist got reborn and was manipulated subtly or directly, he was very careful with his actions. Even if there's someone high above manipulating him rendering him helpless, at least self awareness is good.
The plant kingdom, a very distinctive name given to the combination of the four nobles domain. Plants, rare in the death realm was bountiful there even creating a forest. It was on the brink of war, with the four dukes, including the Noble, vying to expand their territories and dominate the land. The stakes were high, as the ultimate goal was to conquer the entire land, rather than being confined to just a quarter. Norris understood the gravity of the situation and was determined to ensure that the mage battle group played a pivotal role in the conflict. Does he want to win the war for the noble? Not really. His primary goal is to get opportunities enough resources to become a noble is the death realm.
While personal gain was not his sole focus, he genuinely wanted the mage group to succeed. Over time, his perception of the undead has changed and he began to view them as another species rather than a mere anomaly. He hoped that his close acquaintance among the undead mages would persist for a long time to come.
Norris breathed in and out. He was ready. In the months to come, he's going to go through an hectic schedule. And the first task to come starts immediately after he leaves the Arcum realm.