Aldas Turner and the alchemist leader leaned in with eager anticipation, their eyes fixed on Seraphine as she teased them with the promise of even more groundbreaking innovations. The room buzzed with excitement and curiosity, and they couldn't wait to explore the world of possibilities that Seraphine had brought before them.
But before the young inventor would unveil her next creations, she raised her index finger to her lips, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Before we delve into these designs," Seraphine began, her voice taking on a playful tone, "I have a simple condition for both of you."
The dwarf and the alchemist exchanged puzzled glances, intrigued by what Seraphine might ask of them. With a grin, she continued, "I want us to form an alliance—a fellowship of sorts. A collaboration between the brilliant minds of the dwarf guild and the alchemist guild, working together to explore and unlock the potential of both craftsmanship and alchemy."
Aldas and the alchemist leader were taken aback, but the idea soon sank in, and their faces lit up with excitement. The prospect of combining their knowledge and skills to push the boundaries of their respective crafts was enthralling. The dwarf leader, known for his pride and stoicism, couldn't help but nod in agreement, his admiration for Seraphine's ingenuity evident.
"And what would this alliance entail?" the alchemist leader inquired, eager to understand the scope and purpose of their potential partnership.
Seraphine's eyes gleamed with determination. "Imagine a world where technology has surpassed magic, where innovation becomes the norm, and where our combined efforts bring forth advancements never before seen. We could revolutionize this world, introducing concepts and inventions that will benefit all."
The idea took root in their minds, and the excitement grew exponentially. They could envision a future where traditional boundaries were shattered, where ancient crafts and modern discoveries merged to create a new era of progress and enlightenment.
" However, introducing these inventions without control could cause chaos and destruction, don't you think?" Seraphine asked, urging them to consider this perspective. Aldas and the alchemist pondered the problem, realizing the impact that modern weapons like guns and explosives would have on warfare and technology. It would be revolutionary, like Prometheus giving fire to humanity.
Seraphine continued, "We must keep some inventions secret to avoid backlash from the public. That's why I am sending you this magical contract scroll. I want both of you to sign a blood contract to keep the confidentiality of the invention."
Aldas and the alchemist's curiosity was piqued as they examined the scroll. When Seraphine explained the serious consequences of breaching the contract, including death or permanent disability, both men grew nervous.
"You want us to sign this contract, Seraphine? Won't it have severe consequences?" they asked, their voices filled with apprehension.
Seraphine nodded with determination, her gaze steady as she looked at both Aldas and the alchemist leader. "Yes, I want us to sign this contract. By doing so, we can ensure that the most dangerous inventions will remain a secret and not fall into the wrong hands. It will also protect us from any potential traitors or those who might exploit our creations for destructive purposes."
The weight of the decision hung in the air, and both Aldas and the alchemist leader exchanged meaningful glances. They knew the gravity of the situation and the consequences of their actions. This contract would bind them together, forging a bond of trust and responsibility that extended beyond their individual ambitions.
Finally, Aldas broke the silence, his voice resolute. "I understand the necessity of such a contract. If it ensures the safety and progress of our world, then I am willing to sign."
The alchemist leader, too, nodded in agreement. "I share Aldas's sentiment. Our guild has always valued knowledge and wisdom. Signing this contract will safeguard the future of both alchemy and craftsmanship."
With their consent, Seraphine took the magical contract scroll and carefully placed it on the table. A crimson aura emanated from the scroll, indicating its magical nature. She produced a small knife and made a shallow cut on her palm. As a drop of her blood touched the scroll, intricate symbols began to appear, signifying the initiation of the contract.
Aldas and the alchemist leader followed suit, each making their own incision and letting a drop of blood mix with Seraphine's. The symbols glowed brighter as their blood merged, binding them in an unbreakable pact.
"There, the contract is sealed," Seraphine said, a sense of responsibility and determination in her voice. "From this moment on, we are united in our purpose—to advance our world responsibly and protect it from any potential harm."
Seraphine then further explained the rest of the invention she wanted to introduce to the alchemist and Aldas. One of the inventions she planned to introduce to the public was an antibiotic that could cure bacterial infections, which she knew would save countless lives during plagues like the one that had occurred in Riverdale just a week ago.
She planned to introduce the firearm prototype to only a select few, distributing it among the knights for testing. seraphine knew the confidentiality around firearms must be the utmost priority, and it should not be leaked to the outside world at all costs.
Alice also suggested to Seraphine that incorporating Damian's demonic energy into the bullets would make the weapon even more powerful. It could potentially kill a heavily armored knight with just one shot, making it one of the most deadly weapons ever conceived.
After a long day of discussions, Aldas and The alchemist agreed to stay at the mansion for the night. They both felt exhausted after the day's events and decided to retire to their rooms. The night was still and quiet, providing them with the opportunity to rest and process everything they had learned from Seraphine and each other.
Seraphine now retired to her room, carrying the blueprint and magical scrolls she had presented earlier. Her heart swelled with a mix of pride and apprehension. She knew the responsibility she had taken upon herself was enormous, but she was determined to navigate these uncharted waters.
As she entered her room, Alice's voice echoed in her mind once again. "You sly fox." Seraphine couldn't help but smile at Alice's playful teasing. The invisible ink clause in the blood contract was her trump card. It becomes apparent that all the obligations would not apply to Seraphine. The blood contract specifically stated that it would not bind Seraphine in any way, shape, or form, and that she had complete freedom to act as she saw fit. Alice thought to herself that Seraphine must be a true scammer to have come up with such a clever loophole.
In her mind, Seraphine replayed the entire conversation with Aldas and the alchemist leader. She was confident that they had embraced the importance of discretion, and she knew they would not breach the contract lightly. With their support, she could forge a safer and more prosperous world.