Jane arrived at the headquarters. She was still a bit dazed but she felt her fear lessen as she stepped inside the building. She took the presidential lift and arrived at Gideon's office.
Rebecca then opened the door for her when she saw that Jane was already incoming.
Gideon smiled at her and said, "Thank God you're unharmed. Or are you?" I would have been killed by the Squirt had you been hurt because of getting involved with me. However, Gideon did not say the rest.
"N-No, I'm grateful for your help…? By the way, what was that earlier?! You stopped him with just words, isn't that too awesome?!"
"…" Both Gideon and Rebecca were staring at this insensitive Jane who came here to ask about that instead of complain about the work environment and security.
Rebecca also had another reaction and expression aside from her wry smile from what Jane said. When Jane said that Gideon only spoke and the giant left with his tail between his legs, Rebecca also almost drowned from the heavy, almost tangible killing intent that Gideon had released. If Rebecca were one of the heralds, she would have felt even more pressure than just the feeling of being stifled in the chest then.
The intense killing intent Gideon had released traveled through the phone like it had hijacked the signal and seeped into it to arrive where Jane was through the phone.
Jane hadn't been able to feel it because she was not the target, it was the giant. How Gideon knew it was a giant needed no explanation.
"Ahem. Jane, I asked for you here to propose that you set up a new workshop right here in the building. We'll clear up some offices and convert them to a workshop. That way, you'll be safer and we can communicate better. Of course, if you don't agree, then I'll respect your decision and set up a layer of protection for you and your people in the workshop in some other way."
"Hmm? No need, boss! I'm happy where my workshop is. I don't like crowds so I like the quiet far away. Can I just ask for some protection?"
"Okay. I'll set it up within the week for you. And Jane, never tell anyone that you're not the creator of the enchantment, ever. Or you'll forfeit your life. That's why I stopped you earlier."
"R-Really?"
"Yes. That's how valuable the enchantment is. If you leak this, what happened to you today would only be a little incident."
"Eh, eh? I understand! I'm scared now! No! Double, triple my security please?!"
"Sigh. I will set it up for you. No need to panic. By the end of the day, you will have the best security detail in the world."
"T-Thank you."
"No problem. I'll also have Rebecca arrange security at your home. So, you can be at ease and produce all sorts of items."
"O-Okay."
"For now, stay with Rebecca and return when I have arranged everything for you."
…
"This is too damn great of a timing. I have reason to suspect the Musashis but it is also unlikely since if they offended Jane, forget their own title of strongest, even their clan would be highly ostracized.
"However, investigating a suspicion is basic." Gideon did not even move from his seat and he disappeared from the room.
Next, he reappeared in the skies above the Musashi Clan compound. With a scan from his divine sense, he found the leader of the Musashi Clan and moved directly in front of him.
He was sitting behind his desk working on some papers. The moment Gideon appeared, he was first surprised, then relaxed. He knew what Gideon looked like. He knew and he relaxed. What else could this person whom he wrote to just a few days ago be doing here but to either decline or accept his proposal?
"Please take a seat, Mr. Johnsons."
"A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Musashi."
"Let me get this clear first, Mr. Johnsons, our Musashi Clan is not a clan of Musashi people. Our real family name is Carter. I am Wilhelm Carter. We named our clan the Musashi Clan because my ancestors admired the Japanese Miyamoto Musashi.
"My ancestors did not know any better and took the name of Musashi as the last name, that's why… it is embarrassing for us in the new generation who learned of this to talk about."
"I see. I was wondering that as well when I heard of your clan of swordsmen. So that's the story behind it. I understand. So, shall I call you Mr. Carter, then?"
"Please do. Now, that that's out of the way, may I ask what this sudden visit is about?"
"Ah, nothing too serious, it's just that my producer who was the main reason the Heaven Splitting Dragon Fang of Earth has come into being, was attacked just earlier.
"I came here to clear you of suspicions. Since if you were the ones who sent those thugs our way, your Musashi Clan would cease to exist anymore.
"So, let me ask this question now to get this all put of the way as well… Did you, or did you not send anyone to kidnap my producer?" Gideon's tone did not change, it was as if he was speaking normally, yet Me. Carter felt that the air had become unbreathable… as if the oxygen in the air could not keep up with his body's consumption even though he knew he was breathing properly.
"T-This… Mr. Johnsons, believe me, we are opportunistic, but not foolish. I would not have sent you a proposal like that if I were going to scheme like this and be caught. I would rather die than be caught in my own scheme. My proposal was open, and direct. We of the Musashi Clan follow a strict principle passed down from the ancestors, and that is, to put utmost value to our word, more than our lives.
"So, Mr. Johnsons, we did not send people to kidnap your producer. In fact, if you told us about her, we'd more certainly protect them with our lives than to keep her for ourselves.
"We want the swords she makes, but we don't want to monopolize her since she can also produce other weapons and maybe even armors and accessories. What need would we have of that?"
"I believe you, Mr. Carter. That's why. I am personally here to draft the alliance documents with you. I am saying that I agree to have you under our Johnsons family as vassals for 100 generations. Never to betray or scheme against us and our interests. Protecting us and our interests as well as yours.
"If you agree with this, then let's draft this binding contract and sign in right after."
"Is this really so? Am I not dreaming?"
"You are not."
"Then yes! I shall sign the documents right away!"
The creation of this alliance was announced the next day and the world yet again was stirred. Those who could read between the lines all fought for a spot in this alliance. The producer that Johnsons Enterprise had grown was too valuable. The equipment made with their expertise would have no need for repair, which lessens the expense on constant repairs after a raid. That's just one simple application and advantage.
However, they were also thinking, what if there's more to the evolution of this producer?
They scrambled to have a spot. Since the Musashi Clan clinched the Sword Market already, they vied for the saber, dagger, spear, and other such weapons to be handled by the Johnsons Enterprise for a commission. Then only those very special products were introduced and auctioned off.
Those Clans and Organizations that focused on weapons or even defense all relied on equipment. So, Johnsons Enterprises' Johnsons Forging Technologies became a hot cake.
In just a month, it has been elevated to the number one spot when it came to valuation and power and influence.
However, that was just the start. When Gideon successfully taught Jane the next enchantment or formation, the world boiled over again. What Gideon taught Jane was the formation for enhancement.
What did this mean? If S-Class Fighters fought and the one had this equipment and the other merely had normal equipment, who would win? Naturally, the one with the enhancement in attributes!
"This is crazy!" The auction attendees all gasped in shock. This was not just a simple enhancement for them, this was a power up comparable to more than that. It was a life saver!
"We must get this item! What if the Johnsons Forging Technologies happen to just succeed on making this one?"
"It's unlikely, but just in case, we have to bid for this item to own it as well! Look at the Musashi Clan, they had one of their swords and now they enjoy a cooperative alliance with Johnsons Enterprise!"
"Shit, did I bring enough money on me?"
The people were clamoring already. They did not know that this was a teat product that Gideon deliberately auctioned off. The real enhancement effect of the complete product was 45% enhancement. This was a far cry to just 10%.
When this news yet again came out the next few days, the world simply turned silent… everyone was using their connections like crazy!
Of course, not everyone was pleased with Johnsons Enterprises' rise. There will always be haters, no one can please everyone.
For example, the number 1 supplier of monster corpse to the numerous companies in the country, Monster Corpus Incorporated. They were the primary supplier and collector of monster corps across the Pacific and the rise of Johnsons Enterprise, more specifically their Forging Technologies was a threat to their other businesses. As a supplier of corpses, they also naturally had a production line. And orders kept lining up for their products. Now, it was being stolen by Johnsons.
"Investigate Johnsons thoroughly! I want the report on my desk within the hour!"
The high and mighty owner and CEO of Monster Corpus Incorporated sat behind his desk and barked.
"Sir, we have already compiled information about the newly appointed CEO of Johnsons. It seems the CEO is the same hateful Gideon Johnsons who destroyed dungeons all over the world in just a matter of hours and gained the ire of multiple organizations and individuals."
"And, what of his rating?"
"He's still unrated, but judging from his ability to destroy the dungeons left alone from 5-10 years ago, he should be S-Class."
"Another S-Class in the same family?! Could it be they have a secret method of becoming awakened?"
"Maybe, but sir, he must not be a fighter, right?"
"We can't rule it out. Anyhow, keep a close eye on his activities from afar."
"Yes, sir."
…
The same scene happened in various companies. They all wanted to get rid of Gideon, but they just couldn't and felt conflicted inside. They couldn't because Gideon was doing legitimate business, and they couldn't get rid of him now more than ever because of his alliance with the minor clans and organizations all over. Their business interests were threatened but because Gideon worked so fast in establishing the framework for his business, they were unable to catch up.
In one of the growing alliance's member's headquarters.
"We have successfully infiltrated the alliance and will now be granted access to their products as well. Make sure to keep a low profile and ingratiate yourselves to the Johnsons whenever possible."
"Yes, sir!"
"The Johnsons have no one but the S-Class Fighter Miss Debbie, who is the younger sister of Gideon Johnsons. She is well protected by the country, but the brother isn't so, we'll focus our attention on him.
"Make sure to monitor his movements 24/7 but be careful."
"Understood, sir."
The boss of this minor organization that clung to the Johnsons was a spy planted by one of the richest corporations in the world as well.
"Sir, we are receiving a call from the higher ups."
"Connect me to them on the secure line."
"Yes."
Click.
"Gabriel, have you accomplished the initial phase of the plan?"
"Yes sir, Mr. Green."
"Good. Now that you're inside do your best to weaken the alliance and disrupt the overall flow and production of the products while also trying to steal the secrets of their production, comprende?"
"Si, señor."
"Good. I will leave everything to you from now on."
Click. The call ended. Gabriel who had just answered the phone smiled. He had plans drafted in his mind already.
…
The world was being stirred so much by the equipment that Johnsons released recently that even the hidden dragons and crouching tigers were slowly crawling out of the woodworks.
A few S-Class heralds applied to be personal aides to Gideon through the Johnsons Enterprise.
The Alliance grew too big that they had to name it to form a cohesive front to protect themselves from the preying major companies around them.
They sent suggestions to Gideon's office but Gideon ignored them all. In fact, this alliance was not his idea. It was the Musashi Clan's invitation to the few minor clans and organizations that birthed this minor alliance to become a real threat to major organizations and companies. In fact, they were not truly connected to the Johnsons through an alliance but to the Musashi Clan.
They did not mind this though and just pushed for it to become such a major alliance; it was unprecedented in history. That 50 small businesses and over 20 minor organizations would join the Musashi Clan in their alliance with the Johnsons.
Of course, Gideon never cared about the others. He just wanted to secure a spot in the financial world. Even without the others he was already the richest man on earth through the company. Only the world bank, the Johnsons, and Rebecca knew that if Gideon wanted to buy the world, he could.
For the rest of the year, Gideon had established not just one enterprise and grew it put reliable people on it, and managed it, but multiple enterprises from Pharmaceuticals, Real Estate, Education, Security, Materials, F&B, Courier Service, Construction, a Worker's Union and even a Guild built with Deborah as the center.
These enterprises were all under the Vice President's behest by the order of the President. So, Rebecca became one of the most important go-to persons in the business world when it came to business deals.
"Becca, deal with it as you see fit. Acquire land, reliable people, and talent for the varied business fronts we have. I know it'll swamp you for the first few months, but I know as well that you'll do greatly. If you need desperate help, then just tell me."
"You monster! How could you give all these to me and slack off yourself?!"
"Chuckle. Don't worry, I'm right behind you. Any problem you can't solve through money, well, I'm right here." Gideon assured her. She also trusted him so she could only sigh as she glared at him jokingly before leaving for her office. After all, she just got assigned the most workload she had ever encountered in her life.
"Damn, slave driver!" She muttered with a smile on her face. She was confident. She knew she could do it. She wanted Gideon to see her worth.
The alliance of the minor organizations that gathered because of the Musashi Clan was later called Saints. With a history of bad naming, Musashi Clan was the one to suggest this and who were the other minor organizations to object? So, they tacitly approved the name Saints. At first they were pointed at as laughing stocks, however, when Musashi Clan handled his connection with the Johnsons Enterprise and 'gifted' the minor organizations their desired products, the world couldn't take it anymore… they wanted a piece of the pie. However, this was a story for later.