Treasure-hunting: Into the Unknown

"That's good. Can we leave now?" Zachary asked.

"Not so fast. We're not yet done here," Bruno uttered with a sudden wave of his hand.

"What do you mean? He's given you a rare treasure. Are you still not satisfied?" Vivian was agitated upon hearing these words and thought that Bruno was going to betray them.

"Don't get me wrong, Vivi. That's not what I meant. You know I'm a man of my word. I joked when I said I wished to see your face. I hope you don't mind. I don't want you to leave because I still have something to discuss with this gentleman. Please stay a little longer," Bruno explained trying to give off the impression of a man with good intentions. However, his cunning eyes betrayed him.

"Whether you talk with him or not is none of my business. Take all the time you need. I'm leaving now." Vivian felt she'd get into trouble if she stayed. Glancing at the box with the hearts she wanted to retrieve, she thought it'd be better to leave for now.

"Won't you ask Vivi to stay?" Bruno asked Zachary instead of blocking Vivian.

"I don't think it's a good idea to have a conversation in the presence of a woman," Zachary smiled.

"Ha-ha! I'm liking this attitude of yours! From here on out, you're my friend!" Bruno said with a laugh. "May I know your name?"

"Bai. That's my surname. My first name isn't worth mentioning," Zachary answered.

"You're too modest. I'm guessing you're fairly new to Alexander City. After all, how could I have missed the news of the arrival of an Imperial Level warrior?" Bruno asked tentatively.

"You're right," Zachary said with a chuckle. "I just arrived."

"Alright. Enough beating around the bush. I want to know how you got these three drops of magical Hatching Fluid. I know you didn't purchase them from

owingly.

"Alright. I won't ask for much. Just one drop per month. Of course, it'd be better if you could obtain more." Bruno thought it was best to settle the deal with Zachary first.

"Of course." Zachary nodded and thought to himself, 'It seems that Bruno is quite naive. Thanks to Vivian, I'll be able to get one step closer to Daniel soon.'

"One million gold coins will serve as my down payment." With that, Bruno took out a thick stack of golden notes from behind him and placed them in front of Zachary.

"Bruno, you're quite generous," Zachary complimented upon gazing at the fortune before him.

"That isn't the last of it since you gave me three drops. Trust that I won't take advantage of you. Once all three drops are sold, I'll split the profit in half with you," Bruno offered.

"No, thank you," Zachary declined. "I'm not short on money. The profit is all yours. All I need from you is to pay the cost of the liquid."

"What more do you want? Whatever it is, whatever its price, tell me," Bruno promised. Slightly embarrassed to take all the profit for himself, Bruno wished to know what it was Zachary was after. After all, Zachary must have a purpose.