The Deal Is Finalised

Guys, even if we didn't quite hit the magic 100 power stones, we came pretty darn close! Huge shoutout to everyone for the amazing support. To show my gratitude, I'm sharing this bonus chapter with all of you. Dive in and enjoy the feast!

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"Anyway," Bradley sighed, his frustration bubbling just beneath the surface but carefully contained. He had learned that to avoid being drawn into Jack's erratic thoughts and behaviors, he needed to stay focused on the topic at hand.

Bradley continued to speak, his voice steady, "You were rather unclear earlier, with ideas scattered all over the place. It's difficult to discern the truth in what you're saying." His tone remained cold and unyielding.

Jack, undeterred by Bradley's response, went to the wine cabinet and grabbed a bottle. With a flick of his wrist, he opened it and poured the wine into a decanter. He seemed determined to clear his mind.

"What I desire is to become a member of the Eye and learn magic. Ideally, I'd prefer not to join, but it seems that's not an option now," Jack stated.

Bradley snorted in response, "You can't expect Miss Hermia to learn magic without joining the Eye. Why should you be any different?"

He continued, "Furthermore, if you want Hermia to join the Eye, you can't rely on external assistance."

Jack poured the decanted wine into two glasses and handed one to Bradley. He spoke with conviction, "There's only one way to help Miss Hermia without raising suspicions from the Eye."

Bradley's face displayed uncertainty as he considered Jack's suggestion. "You and she become a pair and join the society simultaneously," he proposed.

It wasn't that Bradley doubted Jack's abilities to bring Hermia into the Eye. He had witnessed Jack's talents during the ten magic performances this year. In terms of magical prowess, Jack exceeded the Society's requirements by a substantial margin.

As a fellow magician, Bradley could discern where and how Jack had employed magic during his performances. While Bradley possessed excellent magical skills, Jack's mastery was on another level.

What truly astonished Bradley was the ease with which Jack executed his tricks, seemingly without any significant energy expenditure. Bradley admitted that even after his rigorous training within the Eye, he couldn't replicate Jack's performances effortlessly.

If Jack had been more discreet and refrained from flaunting his abilities in lucrative but morally dubious ways, the Eye might have extended an invitation long ago.

Of course, Bradley possessed the means to leverage his connections within the Eye and secure an invitation for Jack if he so desired.

In the world of organizations, where human nature thrives, interpersonal relationships are as unavoidable as the air we breathe. It's a fundamental aspect deeply rooted in the fabric of human society.

Speaking of relationships, they're as natural as the sunrise when you're a part of an organization. This brings us to Bradley's current contemplation: should he accept Jack's conditions, extending an invitation from the illustrious Eye to Jack, allowing him to bring his adopted daughter, Hermia, to undertake a challenge and potentially become a member of this exclusive society?

"Huh?" Jack, ever the communicator, raised his wine glass in a signal that spoke volumes.

Bradley hesitated for what felt like an eternity before finally succumbing to the allure of the glass in Jack's hand. The two clinked glasses and drank.

"Very well, the deal is sealed," Jack declared, his satisfaction evident.

But Bradley, a worrier by nature, had one more thing on his mind. "I need to caution you, Jack. While you and Hermia may be partners in this assessment task, you mustn't use this opportunity to engage in any untoward advances!"

Bradley's worry was palpable.

Jack brushed off the concern with a wave of his hand. "Of course, of course... Didn't I promise not to make any advances, okay?"

Bradley wasn't convinced. "No, you absolutely must not entertain such thoughts!"

Jack chuckled. "Come on now, I'm just an upright and passionate man. What would I do if she tried to seduce me?"

Bradley retorted firmly, "Impossible! Such a thing can never happen!"

Jack, ever the opportunist, maintained his playful tone. "You know, everything is possible. And if it did happen, what if I genuinely refused her advances?"

Bradley's patience was wearing thin. "How difficult can it be for you to simply say no? Are you genuinely considering accepting such advances?"

Jack's tone became exaggeratedly dramatic. "Well, what's the alternative? Besides, if I refused, aren't you afraid your daughter's self-confidence might plummet, and she'd change her orientation entirely and become a lesbian?"