Chapter 166: Old Fox vs Little Devil

Without waiting for Theo's reply, Nart quickly pointed his finger at the joker. "Look at this… You looked like you were here for the first time and never expected that my store was that good. Every single person that ever visited this place had the same reaction as you did.

"But… When you entered without a mask, you looked completely indifferent as if you had seen it once and knew what to expect. It would be good if you were together with someone, but unfortunately, no, you were alone.

"And you should know my intention in giving you many deals, right? Yes, I just want to make a connection with people who have potential. So, I always remember all the people who bought stuff from this store, including you. After judging from many aspects, I soon realized you are him." Nart's smile was filled with confidence.

Theo's heart was racing, but he didn't let out a single emotion that would lead him to suspect him more. He needed to thank Alea for making him understand his expression and control it better because it was truly useful.

He simply smiled and nodded. "My mentor told me about this shop and I shouldn't be surprised when I got here. And yeah, he was right, so I decided to go."

"Well, if you want to continue playing the fool, then be my guest. It's not like I care about it as long as you know my reason for offering you this deal. And you should know that the people around you are not that foolish either, especially those who have reached the top." Nart shrugged and asked, "So, what is your opinion? Are you going to take the deal or not?"

Theo looked down, contemplating for a moment. He just got the shock of his life, never expecting an old man to be this sharp, so it took a while for him to calm down.

After a while, he suddenly opened his mouth and answered him in the form of another question. "Why do you want me to get this deal? And you're a strong person without a doubt, why don't you help the people outside? I'm sure the horde will be suppressed if you go there."

Nart shook his head helplessly. "I will answer your second question first. Unlike my blabbermouth and selfless granddaughter, I'm just a selfish one that won't act without any benefits unless necessary. Of course, I will help them if the monsters break into the city, but not at the moment.

"Everything has two sides like that of a coin. On one side, this horde is devastating, but on the other side, this is a perfect opportunity for people to go. Try to see the bigger picture.

"Would you rather send a Level 500 man to suppress the horde with so much cost and only one level as the reward or would you rather bring a hundred Level 200 people to fight the horde without so much cost by saying it's for the good and training with at least five levels for each person as the reward?"

Theo frowned and said, "As you said, this is an opportunity and I'm sure that people will die if you bring those men, but those who survive will get far stronger than five levels. They will get experiences and other things… So, obviously, I would choose the latter."

Nart gave a thumbs up. "Exactly. That's why the military only sends the soldiers of that level to increase their level, combat experience, and pride. It looks inhumane, but the military has already told you that you will lose your life, especially since it's more dangerous than the small wars that are happening all across the world. It's just a matter of your decision… Would you rather choose the bad cause for a good result or the good cause for a disappointing result?

"Of course, there's always a limit like I said earlier. You should set your own limit and act more confidently because I can see that your carefulness is actually limiting you right now." Nart smiled.

Theo frowned and understood what he said. In his thought, he realized why Nart Eilric was famous for his eyes for talent… Everything was due to him having the heart of a teacher.

Not wanting to waste the youngster's time, he continued. "As for the first question… It's simple. If Alea presents it to you and the group, it will just be her using her own influence. I don't want her to bear that burden for now. Hence, I want to use you by making this deal. Whatever you say, a deal is a deal and no one will know what kind of a deal it is until you disclose it."

"It's not like people will believe me if I say anything, right?" Theo's eyebrows twitched while thinking, 'Alea's grandfather is indeed a sly fox.'

Nart only made a smug smile as if saying, "You know it."

"I understand. If that's all you want, I can go along with it."

"Good. Of course, I would like you and your team to sign a non-disclosure agreement along with the right to use the Artificial Nest of my Eilric Family. Since it's impossible to see you here, I will visit you in the school after some time. And I believe it will benefit you, right?" Nart smirked.

Theo couldn't help but admit defeat this time. The benefit Nart said was the fact that people would misunderstand him being connected to Nart Eilric. The current horde was surely something related to Theo. He surely knew about it because his Awareness should let him know what was going on.

With a single observation, he should know that his team was sabotaged by not giving the instruction to meet the soldiers in front of the Teleportation Circle.

And with this misunderstanding, whoever tried to sabotage them would think twice because the Eilric Family would be on the move. And his offer allowed Theo to take advantage of this situation to protect himself while the Eilric Family would know whether they aimed for Theo, Alea, or anyone else in their group. After that, they could start their investigation with the current goal. It seemed he was also angry with the fact that someone tried to sabotage his beloved granddaughter's team.

"I understand. I agree." Theo nodded and looked at him with a serious expression. "However, I'm not going to be used by you after this."

"Hehe. Little Devil." Nart chuckled and extended his hand. "We have a deal."

Theo shook his hand, agreeing to the deal.