The Mech Touch novel Chapter 3015

Chapter 3015: Temporal Benefits

The Glory Seekers and Crossers were being quite sincere this time. Calabast did not disappoint him in trying to milk as many benefits as possible.

In a time where the entire galaxy became engulfed in mass unrest, it was quite wise for Colonel Ariadne Wodin and Patriarch Reginald Cross to pursue any means of increasing the security of their respective fleets!

Ves wasn't fully satisfied, though. He knew the value of his networks best. The advantages they bestowed were worth so much that even the Terrans and Rubarthans would be begging on their knees to obtain these powerful spiritual creations!

It was too bad that Ves would practically be committing suicide if he did so. The first-rate superstates had very powerful enemies who would stop at nothing to prevent the former hegemons of human space from rising up again.

There was also the Five Scrolls Compact to consider. Master Willix had already given him a pointed warning about that and he did not think she was kidding at the time.

As long as he and his partners were flying under the Compact's radar, it shouldn't be a big problem making use of spiritual networks.

However, as long as someone capable enough learned of their existence, the Compact would definitely look into his inventions. Since the cult was probably the most authoritative organization in human space with regards to spirituality, who knew how they would react!

This was why Ves thought it was best not to spread his spiritual networks that much, especially the more intimate ones like the one presided over by the Golden Cat.

It was already quite a risk to spread it out to two other organizations.

Technically, the Glory Seekers should have all become a part of the Superior Mother's network by now, but that one was different. The network governing the Hexers was much looser, did not require active acceptance from the Superior Mother, did not watch out for treacherous or harmful thoughts and did not make everyone who was a part of it more intimate with each other.

In other words, the Glory Seekers only enjoyed a very weak preview version of the more intimate spiritual network that was protecting the Larkinson Clan.

"What else did the Glory Seekers and Crossers promise?" He calmly asked as he adopted an expectant look. "What our allies have promised is already useful, but the scales aren't balanced in my eyes."

"Well, the third major concession they made is a solemn commitment to stand by the Larkinson Clan and defend us no matter the circumstances. They're even willing to hold a grand ceremony in order to formalize and honor this pact."

This was the first time since he entered Calabast's office that he snorted.

"They're simply bowing to reality. Once the Glory Seekers and Crossers adopt my networks, they become dependent on them. The only person who has the qualifications to tinker with them is me. This grants me a lot of power over the two organizations!"

In fact, Ves could easily abuse his access to their network to insert foreign values to their organizations or even cause them to view Ves with absolute respect! He could pull off so many shenanigans that he could practically collapse their foundation overnight!

If not for the fact that strong-minded expert pilots and other individuals were basically immune to the influence of spiritual networks, Ves would have actually felt tempted to pull off a scheme to turn them into vassals of the Larkinson Clan!

Still, as long as this arrangement went through, the price of falling out became too much for the two partners to bear. If they had any sense of intelligence in their minds, the leaders of the Glory Seekers and the Cross Clan would never risk the consequences of proceeding with an ugly breakup!

In that sense, the defense pact that the Glory Seekers and the Crossers generously proposed was nothing more than a recognizing reality rather than moving towards it. By making a commitment that was already a fact, the two allies lost nothing while being able to pretend they were magnanimous enough to entertain yet another demand of the Larkinson Clan.

From the intrigued expression on Calabast's face, she recognized the truth as well, but the forms still had to be obeyed. It would be a lot better if agreements like these were formalized in written agreements rather than remain unspoken.

"It looks like we'll be together for the long haul then." Ves murmured. "We won't merge into a single organization, but we won't be splitting off from each other anytime soon."

Calabast nodded. "I think this is good for us. No offense, Ves, but you tend to attract enemies a lot easier than others. It would be good if our allies become more committed to defending us. After all, if we fall, who knows what will happen to their networks? They need to keep the only source of tech support alive, which means that your wellbeing will become one of their core priorities!"

"That only matters as long as our allies can actually keep up with our growth. We've only just begun to ramp up. I don't even dare to guess how many capital ships and mech pilots we have under our control in a decade, but it will definitely dwarf what we have right now. Will the Glory Seekers and Crossers be able to match us or will they grow into non-entities down the line?"

"Hmm…" The spymaster fell in thought while she bumped the tip of her boot onto Arnold's nose.

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