Chapter 103: Acceptable Losses

Chapter 103: Acceptable Losses

As we return to the main cavern, we can see that a bonfire has been set up in the middle of the room. A quick look at Gong shows that she pretty much approved and help set it up. While there still seems to be different groups, people are now interacting with each other a little better.

I guess that the fact that everyone is well paid right now and eating well is working really well.

I do, however, see that three individuals have been removed from all the groups and are tied up in a corner. They are being watched over by some spiders.

Gong fills in the dots, since I wasnt paying attention to what they were doing in the room.

It appears those three, tried to steal coins from other people while here. Im still considering whether to allow them in the group, though it appears everyone banded together to subdue them and single them out.

Taking a closer look at the three, it appears to be a bird woman that looks more like a Crow type; a lizard man, with predominant lizard features; and a dog like demi human, with of rough looking face.

Gong speaks up and gives her opinion on the three.

Based on what I know with this group, Id say we keep the lizard man and the bird woman. If we keep the dog, hell eventually cause issues, no matter how tightly the contract is bound.

I turned to her to give a whisper.

Should we release him, or

Anyone that has stayed to this point is a liability. Weve already shown them that we can provide and have access to a lot of resources, so they could use that against us to give others more of a reason to raid this area. Which would compromise everything. We cant let them go.

So, do we let them take the contract then? With the changes we have implemented, technically, we could just never take them out of the paralyzed state.

That would be a tough one to risk. With the current rules, they have an opportunity to change their mind on betraying us. But that doesnt mean, that they couldnt cause issues later. Or that their personality will mesh with the group.

Is there any place that we could use this person?

Gong is thinking about this pretty hard, clearly taking my question seriously.

She slowly shakes her head.

Hes not very skilled and is pretty horrible. Im not sure he would do well and in a confined space like this, and Im totally sure that I wouldnt want to give him access to cultivation.

Alright then, is there anyone else in the current group of people that we need to watch out for?

Going almost immediately shakes her head, a slight smile on her face.

Gong claps her hands, snapping everyones attention to her.

As you might be reading, weve decided to make many promises in this document. Not only that, but there is one additional thing we want to do that will take some additional time today.

I can see Gongs eyes land and share a look with the Tiger woman, as well as some other people in the group.

If you have children, that are not here currently, we will allow select people to have the spiders bring them here. If they sign this contract, they will also have access to the same benefits as you would receive with this.

Since I already know who and where everyones children are

Most peoples eyes seem to shake a bit at this casual comment.

Its a subtle reminder that not only is Gong powerful and in a position to create this group, but also is an information broker, knowing countless secrets around the area.

A reminder that they may not be able to escape from here with information, if they choose to oppose her.

Those of you who would like to bring your children into this contract, are free to let us know. We can collect and bring them in here within the next two hours. Any secret codes that you need to be able to get them to come here, we can bring to them.

At the mention of secret codes being given to people outside of the group, several peoples eyes flash for various reasons. It opens the potential to passing out secret information. Once again, some of Gongs allies disapprove of this.

One of them raises a question in response. He appears to be a small, yet extremely confident lion demi human.

Not to be disrespectful, but is that really safe to do? Not everyone here has the best intentions.

Gong gives a reassuring smile, revealing that she knows him.

Actually, Ill be utilizing the services of my partner in this venture and our resident alchemist.

Uhhh.

He actually has experience in determining the true meaning of secret codes. So, anyone who tries to pass out information that isnt exactly right, will quickly discover the full foolhardiness of their actions.

Everyones eyes turn to me, gazing at me intently.