John had been aware of Albertus from the mont he appeared, remaining vigilant for any potential move against him.
However, to John's surprise, even after the wolf king and demonwolves had all perished, Albertus had not made a move.
This led John to believe that the other might not harbor any ill will, so his attitude was not overly hostile.
Albertus, taken aback upon hearing John call out to him and not expecting to have been noticed, was a straightforward man and stepped forward without hesitation.
As Albertus t his gaze, John sized him up in return.
He was a short, plump man with a round face that seed inherently likable.
He wore an exquisitely crafted golden magus robe, adorned with various gems that shimred in multicolored brilliance, clearly not ordinary.
John's eyes lingered on the platinum staff in the other's hand, recognizing him as a fellow magus and, judging by his gear, one of a higher level than himself.
This raised John's guard internally.
Encounters between individuals of the sa class in the wilderness often resulted in conflict, given the potential to use each other's equipnt.
Despite the chubby man not appearing to be in need of money, one can never be too sure, and caution was always prudent.
Noticing John's wariness, Albertus raised his hands in a placating gesture and explained with a wry smile, "No need to be on edge, brother. My na is Albertus, from the imperial House Fairfax. I was rely drawn by the commotion you caused and ca to have a look."
Hearing Albertus's words, John felt reassured about the lack of malicious intent.
He also took note of the ntion of "House Fairfax," sparking an interest.
Given that Baron was from the imperial House Fairfax, and this secret realm was under his charge, it was possible that this Albertus was from the sa family as Baron...
Glancing at Albertus's lavish attire, identical to Baron's, John set down his staff and nodded with a smile, "So you're a friend from House Fairfax. My apologies for the earlier discourtesy, please don't take it to heart."
House Fairfax, known for its imnse wealth and widespread assets across the Federation, was not a party John wished to offend.
With House Carter still on his trail, antagonizing House Fairfax could leave him no sanctuary within the entire Federation.
The influence of such powerful families was not sothing John dared to underestimate.
Albertus, with his hearty disposition, waved off the apology, laughing, "After all, I was the one peeping first. Besides, wealth tempts the heart, and your caution was warranted."
With that, Albertus couldn't help but give a thumbs-up, admiringly saying, "But fair is fair, your talent is among the top I've seen. To defeat a lord-tier creature at just over level ten, and to possess the rare hidden class of 'elental magus'... Had you not been with Hidden Stars, I'd have recruited you to House Fairfax as a distinguished guest!"
Pausing, Albertus squinted with a smile, "Of course, if you're willing to join House Fairfax now, I'd welco you with open arms. Our house might lack in many things, but not in wealth. Should you choose to join us, we'd spare no expense to nurture your talent. Would you consider it?"
John gave a wry smile.
These folks from House Fairfax were indeed born traders.
Having just t, Albertus was already keen on winning him over, not just eyeing to poach from Hidden Stars, but ready to throw money at him, a gesture of sheer boldness.
Truth be told, John was tempted.
His biggest current issue was the lack of funds, and with sufficient money, his power could increase at a pace that would astonish many.
And as Albertus ntioned, the one thing House Fairfax had in abundance was wealth.
However, after so contemplation, John politely declined, "I appreciate your kind offer, Brother Albertus. Captain Victor and my teammates at Hidden Stars have been very good to , and I have no plans to change affiliations at this ti."
Of course, those were just pleasantries.
Deep down, John had other considerations.
Joining House Fairfax would indeed bring various benefits, but the downsides were clear: he would lose his freedom, perhaps forever bound to House Fairfax.
The more they valued him as a talent, the less likely they would be to let him leave freely.
Known as a family of rchants in the Federation, House Fairfax was not in the business of charity; they wouldn't invest in soone who could leave their control at any mont.
Losing his freedom was sothing John couldn't accept.
Hidden Stars was different; although the resources available to him there were limited, he retained the freedom to resign and leave at any ti.
Moreover, with the deterrence of Hidden Stars and the official backing of the Federation, few would dare trouble him, allowing a return to a more ordinary life if he chose.
This was one of the reasons John had agreed to join Hidden Stars.
Given his talent and nature, staying within one power indefinitely just wasn't in his cards.
Upon hearing John's response, a genuine look of disappointnt appeared in Albertus's eyes.
He had high hopes for John; despite their similar ages and his current strength surpassing John's, Albertus was certain he wouldn't be able to hold a candle to John in the future, a belief he held without a doubt.
House Fairfax has always had a keen eye for talent, but regrettably, it seed the other party had no intention of joining their ranks.
With a sigh, Albertus said, "Since you're not considering a change at the mont, I won't press the issue. However, should you ever find yourself in the imperial city or change your mind, feel free to co to House Fairfax and ntion my na. I won't say much more, but should you decide to join us, everything I've ntioned still stands."
The people of House Fairfax, in their speech and actions, indeed stand apart from the ordinary.
Even though John had already declined, Albertus didn't press further but left so room for the future, making John feel valued without coming across as frivolous or negligent.
"If the opportunity arises, I will surely visit," John nodded, not wanting to refuse further.
After all, he was bound to visit the imperial city soday, and who knows, he might run into this genial mber of House Fairfax again.
Albertus nodded, thought for a mont, and then, with a flick of his hand over his storage ring, tossed a finely crafted black token to John.
The token, seemingly made from a special tal, bore intricate designs, with a coin at its center, exuding an aura of antiquity and undeniable value.
John instinctively caught it, his eyes filled with curiosity, about to inquire further.
Albertus waved off with a smile, "This is our House Fairfax's token. Holding this token not only grants you VIP treatnt and discounts across our extensive trade associations but in critical monts, it could even save your life. Please, accept this token as a token of my regard."
Albertus's generosity was indeed lavish.
House Fairfax's trade associations spanned the entire Federation, with countless exchanges big and small.
Possessing this token would afford John VIP status within any House Fairfax trade association.
More importantly, this token represented the face and honor of House Fairfax itself.
Should John ever find himself in danger, presenting this token might well save his life, as others could be inclined to spare him for the sake of House Fairfax's reputation.
It could also afford him significant conveniences under certain circumstances, leveraging the na of House Fairfax.
After a mont of silence, John nodded solemnly, "I acknowledge this favor, and should the need arise, I will lend my aid to House Fairfax once."
Albertus's face lit up with a smile upon hearing John's words.
The very reason he had offered the Fairfax Token was to secure this promise from John.
While he might not need John's aid now, Albertus was confident that, should John survive, he would undoubtedly beco one of the Federation's foremost powerhouses.
Exchanging a Fairfax Token for the friendship and obligation of such a figure was an investnt well worth making.
The enduring success of House Fairfax, supported by just a few, hinged on their vision not just for imdiate gains but for the future.
Over the years, House Fairfax had faced nurous existential threats, yet each ti, external allies erged to pull them from the brink - a testant to their strategic investnts.
In Albertus's eyes, John would undoubtedly beco one of those pivotal figures capable of averting disaster for House Fairfax.
Watching Albertus's receding figure, John understood his intentions and didn't mind.
If Albertus had the foresight and courage to make such an investnt, John had the confidence and audacity to accept it.
The path to transcendent-tier greatness was fraught with challenges and obstacles, but along the way, he would encounter individuals and opportunities capable of altering his fate - and in turn, he would change the fates of others.
Casting aside these thoughts, John stored the Fairfax Token safely.
Glancing at the blood-red mountain piercing the sky, he ventured into the forest, ready to continue leveling up.
...
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