A new skill after sacrificing [Mana Disruption] and [Mana Burst].
The conditions were met for such a skill.
[Retribution]
Duration: 744 Hours.
∟ Binds the victim to their own vows through a cursed chain. A blade at the chain's end pierces the victim's body and wraps around their heart.
∟ Effective against someone who's morale is low. Almost surrendering to the user.
∟ The user also binds themselves with a similar chain around their own heart, sharing the risk and pain.
That, and it was only effective against anyone ranked lower than him.
A high risk high reward skill.
He had no control over it. But regardless, this was exactly what he wanted.
Clutching his chest, he felt the chains wrapped around his heart. It felt sort of itchy.
A tingling feeling.
Staring at Matthew, Brandon began to ponder.
The main reason why he had specifically chosen that restaurant was to see Matthew up front.
After looking through the flash drive that Zed had given him, it was filled with information on brokers that worked under the syndicate.
Checking the files, the one that had piqued his attention the most was Matthew.
After all, he was the most peculiar among the rest.
It was with such reasons that Brandon specifically analyzed his file.
After all, signing up with the syndicate entailed personal information. An assurance in case of potential leaks.
Brandon recalled.
[Matthew Jaune]
[Age: 24]
[Code Name: Zero]
Description:
—Hi! I am Zero....
Of course, his name was omitted from his actual profile. But since Brandon had specific administrator access, thanks to Zed, he could see his entire resume.
—I can solve most of your tech problems. Even ones your neighborhood tech store can't. Don't believe me? I can offer a free trial! thanks-for-reading-on-NovelFire
It was sort of lackluster.
Overall, he had an overall review of 4.3 out of 5. That, and his comments were pretty well received.
His entire profile gave Brandon the impression that this man didn't even want to work under the syndicate.
Just that, perhaps, circumstances had forced him to make such a decision.
Staring at him—who was seated on the couch with his back straight, and his hands on his lap, Brandon realized.
This man had no backbone.
But Brandon couldn't blame him.
Maybe he was too harsh.
'Nah.'
He quickly dismissed his thoughts.
He didn't know much about Matthew. Just on the surface. If he were to betray him, then Brandon needed assurance.
"How good are you at hacking?"
This was the real intention. To fully assess Matthew's value.
"I think I'm pretty decent."
"How decent....?"
"Do I have to say it?"
By now, Matthew seemed to be comfortable as he stopped shaking.
"You might arrest me or something...."
"I won't do that."
"Okay.... Uh...."
And so, Matthew continued.
Apparently, after his girlfriend left him, Matthew was at his lowest. Losing his job, and losing everything else, he resorted to hacking bank accounts, completely erasing his trace in the process.
"Then why are you still living in this dump?"
"....My conscience took over. It was all spontaneous. But when I calmed down, I realized what I've done. With the money that I stole, I returned it all to those exact bank accounts."
Completely erasing his trace once again.
"Pretty good."
Is all Brandon could say. He wasn't that well versed with hacking, despite having all of the other Brandon Locke's knowledge.
And so, that feat of Matthew's had him left surprised.
That being said, they began talking about their deal.
Matthew would work for him, no questions asked. And Brandon would pay him 15 gold coins every week until the month ended.
A total of 60 gold coins.
It was quite pricey. However, if he had to be honest, Matthew deserved to be paid more.
His work ethics had completely met Brandon's criteria. That, and his moral conduct.
Brandon was sure by now that this man wouldn't betray him.
And even if he did, there were no problems at all.
"And what's your affinity?"
The last question.
"Uh...."
All of a sudden, mana started to gather around Mathew.
Tzz— Tzz—
Lightning started to emit from him slightly.
"Lightning, huh?"
Perfect.
No wonder Matthew opted for the tech route.
"Since you're a broker. You could recommend me, right?"
"Ah. Yes."
After all, brokers entailed scouting for potential blackmarket customers.
"Then let's go."
"Huh?"
"The blackmarket. Take me there."