Chapter 1447 30%
Dyon shrugged, his hands not leaving his pockets. "Both are true."
Dyon's words caused Aritzia's brows to furrow slightly. This wasn't because he said anything rude, or because he was dismissive. Rather, his words made Aritzia feel like something was tugging at her heart strings, as though he was subtly manipulating her emotions. But, it was clear and obvious that Dyon wasn't using a charming technique. There weren't even any energy fluctuations coming from him.
How could Aritzia know that this was because Dyon's Presence had fused into every fiber of his being, including his voice. It was possible for him to force people into despair, or raise their morale to inconceivable heights with just a few words.
'She's quite sharp.' Dyon chuckled to himself lightly.
"I'm sure Lady Aritzia didn't come here to ask me such a question, correct?"
Aritzia shook her head, trying to clear her mind. No matter how handsome Dyon was, she wouldn't lose herself like this for no reason. But, she didn't know what that reason could be.
In reality, it was simple. Aritzia's cultivation was too far lacking in comparison to Dyon's. In addition, since she gave up her right as key wielder, the best Sapientia protective treasures went to their current God and not her.
These truths in combination with the fact that Dyon's Presence was far stronger than those of a similar level to him, and it was a recipe for her disaster.
Suddenly, Aritzia's eyes laid upon Giralda. In her confused mind state, it felt as though a bolt of lightning had descended from the skies.
"Giralda? Giralda Agios?!"
That name rang like thunder in the ears of everyone here. Giralda? She was a True God, was she not? No one knew what happened to her. Suddenly, one day, her name disappeared from the rankings and the Agios Clan's Key became Damaris'.
Now, she had suddenly reappeared, but as one of Dyon's Demon Generals? That was impossible!
When those words left Aritzia's mouth, she felt like kicking herself. What was wrong with her today?! She would normally never let such an important piece of information out. She would usually keep it for herself and see if it was possible to exploit it for her own gain. But she had actually made such a rookie mistake.
"My name is Giralda Ricci." Giralda responded lightly, her voice as smooth as water. She seemed unperturbed by the scrutiny she was receiving.
Dyon nor Giralda bothered to explain anything, but Giralda's words were enough. Her name change, especially to such an odd, niche name, definitely meant that she had married. The reason she was with Dyon now likely meant that someone among Dyon's Clan or even among his Demon Generals had taken Giralda's heart.
This made perfect sense. Since Giralda decided to enter a new Clan, of course she would send the key back to her paternal Clan, leaving it for her little sister to take. And, back then, over 200 years ago now, there was no Sapientia Network. And, even if there was, what reason did Giralda have to tell everyone her business? Who she married was up to her.
Plus, with the eccentric nature of most dragons, the elders hadn't even batted an eye when Giralda disappeared. They just assumed she wanted to go off and start her own Clan like many dragon and qilin youths did.
"I see. I apologize for my rudeness." Aritzia bowed in embarrassment. She couldn't remember the last time she blushed. Yet, it had happened today, all because of this man. "I wish you happiness."
Giralda nodded lightly but didn't say anything more. There was no point.
Clearing her throat, Aritzia continued. "I came here today to ask for cooperation." She said, turning her attention toward Dyon. "Although your Clan might look down on us, we tower quadrants do indeed have a very scarce supply of Moon Lords. Not just that, but also the quality of our goods are far lacking in comparison to you."
Normal Clans would never admit these things out loud, and definitely not in public. They would rather save face by calling for a private meeting. However, this fit perfectly with the public face of the Sapientia. They were meant to be a neutral clan, not fighting for anything other than the pursuit of knowledge. So, lowering themselves in front of an audience like this was actually to their benefit.
Dyon smiled. "So, you would like me to help raise the standard of the Sapientia Guilds?"
"Yes, if you could do so, we'll be willing to compensate you accordingly."
"Are you sure you're aware of the value of my knowledge?" Dyon asked lightly.
"We've all seen the majesty of the Celestial Deer Corner, how could I not?"
"Good." Dyon nodded. "I'll help you in exchange for 30% share of the Sapientia Network."
A cold wind seemed to blow following Dyon's words. The combination of the shock of the crowd and the Sapientia, and the deadpan expression of Dyon and the Demon Generals, only made the atmosphere all the more stifling.
A True God's words were heavy, but what he was actually asking for made them all the heavier.
By now, the Sapientia Network had grown into an absolute behemoth. Just based on the fees needed to take part in the second phase, the Network as a whole was bringing in the revenue a top 20 quadrant brought in, in a year, in just a single month!
In fact, it was still expanding wildly. It seemed like every other day, some business savvy individual would come up with a new idea. Now, there were forums for everything from typical auctions, to brothels, to even mercenary services.
The longer the Sapientia Network stayed active, the more trust people began to place into it, and thus the greater it became. It wouldn't be more than 10 years before the Sapientia Network's revenue matched a top 10 quadrant, and no more than a hundred before it made what the top 3 quadrants made in a year consistently.