Grand Mistress Manta smiled, a hint of menace in her expression as she fully introduced herself.
"I am Alizra, the Grand Mistress of the Mages' Council and leader of my clan," She said. Her tone was friendly enough, but there was an underlying tone of distrust that I could sense. It made me even warier of her and what her intentions were. "We heard about your plans to form an organization, and we are interested in joining forces with you."
"So much we, but what do you think that you can do for me?" I asked as I took a chair opposite her, motioning for the Bug guard to fix the wall that it had just destroyed. "We can talk about what your clan can do for me after, but let's start with the basics first. What do you need, and how do you think that I can provide these things for you? Then tell me what you have to offer and how I will be interested in it," I said, and then changed speakers. "Make sure she isn't trying to do anything with her hand that I can't see."
"I am watching her," Fawna said from inside me, and I focused back on Alizra, who had gone silent and was clearly thinking over what I said. It was clear that she would be the most reasonable of the three leaders, but that didn't mean she was going to be an ally.
After a moment, Alizra looked back into my eyes, and I waited to see what she would say. I truly didn't know what she could offer me currently, but that was why I asked her the way I did.
"I can offer a lot to you, Razor. My clan has resources that could be of great use to your organization, and we have access to espionage networks within Wendell itself. We are also well versed in magical arts, from the enchantments down to the basics of spellcraft," She said with a sly smile. "In addition, I know how to get my hands on powerful magical items and artifacts for those who want or need them. These are things that no other person in Wendell can get their hands on."
I nodded thoughtfully, both because this was interesting information and because it seemed she understood the power dynamics in play here. This would be an excellent opportunity to build some alliances and open up more options in the future.
"So, what do you need from me? What can I provide to make this deal mutually beneficial?" I asked, leaning forward slightly as I waited for her to respond.
Alizra smiled and leaned back in her chair, eyeing me appraisingly. "Protection, Razor. The Mages' Council is in constant danger from rival clans and organizations, and our resources and network cannot always protect us. We want to join forces with someone like you who values protection as much as we do. In return, we can offer you access to our mages and any knowledge we possess, as well as our resources and contacts. We will also give you an edge when it comes to intelligence gathering and infiltration of enemy targets."
I liked what I heard so far, but I still had questions. I wanted to make sure that Alizra and her clan weren't just using me for their own gain.
"What else? You mentioned 'protection,' so what type of protection are we talking about? I don't want to commit to something I don't understand," I asked, making sure that both Fawna and I were clear on exactly what was being offered.
Alizra nodded knowingly. "While you are new in this world, it is clear that you have some advantages over most magic users. You are a machine and considered tech, something that all magical gods have outlawed, but you have made it very clear that you don't follow their rules. A being like you and your group would make transactions go much smoother, and less chance for failure."
I thought about her offer for several moments before responding. It sounded like a good deal; I didn't trust Alizra completely yet, but it was definitely worth exploring this further. "Alright, I'm interested in hearing more about your offer and what you need from me," I said, gesturing for her to continue.
Alizra smiled, pleased that I was taking her offer seriously. "We need protection from rival clans who would like to take advantage of our resources or steal from us. We can give you access to our mages and knowledge when needed, as well as our resources and contacts. In exchange, we expect protection from enemies, both magical and non-magical, and a share in the profits made through our transactions."
"And this protection is going to be from Zaraki and Kaido?" I asked, but she shook her head and wiggled her hand.
"Some of it will be from them, but not directly. The three of us have somewhat of an alliance within our groups, but that doesn't mean we don't attack each other; we just use the minor groups to do so. Even so, the main threat comes from Ned, the Champion of Wisteria. That is who we all have to watch out for, and even more so now with how far Kaido has infiltrated into his politicians," Alizra explained, and I nodded. It was normal for bigger gangs to use smaller ones to carry out their dirty work, and it seemed like that was what we were facing here.
"So what you are saying is that if I protect you from them, then you will provide your services to me in exchange for a cut of the profits?" I asked, and Alizra nodded.
"Yes, exactly. We can make this mutually beneficial. I know that you have a lot to learn about this world, but I believe that with our guidance and resources, you will be able to make a name for yourself," She said, and I smiled.
"One can only hope that is how it happens."