God of Contracts: Strongest Businessman

"Destitute?" Elian echoed, taken aback. Did this imply that the awakening came with a hefty price tag?

'Well, that'd be par for the course,' Elian mused. It seemed improbable that the universe safeguards would be so easily circumvented. Perhaps the materials required for the awakening were exceedingly rare and valuable. He contemplated mentioning his family's wealth but reconsidered, standing before someone he suspected of near-omniscience who likely factored in Thorne's wealth. Regardless, he needed to know the exact cost.

"How much are we talking about?" Elian queried with determination. He wasn't about to give up, no matter the price.

Ark could only sigh, aware that Elian would agree to any sum. If only it were that simple...

Sighing inwardly once more, Ark stated, "It's too much, but let's not dwell on that. Before we proceed, I need your confirmation that you still want to awaken your forbidden affinity."

Elian promptly affirmed, "Yes, I confirm it. I want to awaken my forbidden affinity," ensuring he mirrored Ark's words precisely to avoid misunderstandings.

Ark pressed on, "Despite being aware of the risks come with it-namely, death and the destruction of your soul-you're resolved in this choice."

Elian affirmed, "Yes, I understand, and it doesn't alter my decision." He found it surprising that Ark hadn't brought up the protection, but at this moment, such details held little significance. Even if he were to refuse, the outcome might still lead to his demise, considering his intention to force El out. Hence, he found himself with no alternative but to place his trust in Ark.

He eagerly awaited Ark's next move, curious whether the awakening process mirrored those in Kamer, typically involving mana injection corresponding to elemental affinity, or if it differed due to the forbidden nature of his affinity.

But grand delusions often lead to harsh falls. Ark summoned a pitch-black book that hovered above the table.

"Just bind the book, and it'll be over," Ark stated neutrally.

"..." Elian was stunned by the simplicity of the task.

Catching Ark's glimpse into his thoughts, Ark added, "I can't aid in the awakening due to limitations, but this book can. Once bound to your soul, the awakening will commence automatically. Oh, it might sting a bit too."

Elian cleared his mind of illusions and inquired, "How do I bind it? Does it require blood?"

"No. You can't bleed here, and you merely need to touch it," Ark replied, a slight smile on his lips.

Elian observed the book, a captivating enigma enveloped in darkness that seemed to consume every trace of light nearby. Its cover boasted a profound, pitch-black shade, void of any marks or inscriptions, evoking an eerie and mysterious presence. As Elian slowly extended his right hand, inching closer to the book, a gulp escaped him. His entire being seemed to reverberate with an innate warning, signaling the inherent danger. It felt akin to standing at great heights, peering down at the ground, as his body urged a step back-a similar sensation now enveloped him. Seeking confirmation from Ark, who nodded in response, Elian extended his hand and made contact with the book in a swift motion.

The instant his skin made contact, a distant echo resonated in his mind.

[Initiating awakening]

A soft voice whispered within his consciousness, sending anticipation down his spine. The book, previously hovering, vanished.

Ark grinned widely, remarking, "Well done. I hope you won't regret your choice. You have five minutes left here before your expulsion due to the awakening."

Disregarding the first half of Ark's statement, Elian recalled something he'd wanted to ask since the beginning but had forgotten amidst Ark's mention of El.

"Um," he hesitated, unsure of his right to ask anything of Ark.

"Just ask," Ark encouraged.

"Please, can you lend me some books?" Elian pleaded with a childish tone.

"No. Those books can't leave here," Ark replied bluntly.

"Can you summon me after my awakening?" Elian inquired, emboldened by Ark's permission.

"No, I could only summon you due to your lab accident," Ark stated neutrally.

"In that case, I can just do it again," Elian declared, heedless of his own life. His insatiable thirst for knowledge often propelled him to the brink of danger, evident in the near-life-threatening runesmithing experiments.

Ark was rendered speechless. He sensed Elian wasn't joking; if left unchecked, he might indeed repeat the incident solely for access to Ark's books. He had to intervene.

"Elian, doing so is futile. I've shared all I wished, and I won't summon you again, no matter what. Also, never use your runic eyes as you did. Deciphering runes at the quantum level isn't simple. It only worked because I permitted it to make you faint; otherwise, I couldn't summon you. However, that doesn't mean I'll summon you every time you faint," Ark cautioned sternly.

"I understand," Elian replied, though his mind was already devising ways to persuade Ark for books. Then, he remembered.

"The present. You promised me a present," Elian hurriedly interjected, mindful of the ticking time.

"Don't worry about that; I've already added it to the book you bound," Ark reassured calmly.

"Then exchange it for some books," Elian urged with equal haste.

Ark found himself speechless once more. Such audacity seemed characteristic of children alone. Despite not knowing the value or nature of the gift, Elian was eager to trade it for books. Ark couldn't help but acknowledge Elian's genuine passion for knowledge.

"No, my present is more useful to you," Ark persisted, hoping Elian would relent. But he was mistaken. While Ark spoke, Elian was already formulating another plan.

"Ark, from what you've told me, your interest in me stems from El and my affinity," Elian began.

Ark nodded in agreement, and Elian continued.

"If I were to hazard a guess, it's likely because you already grasp nearly everything knowable in the universe. Perhaps you've grown utterly bored. I'm certain you're holding back from knowing more, just to relish new experiences and discoveries, just like you discovered me," Elian surmised. He empathized deeply with this sentiment, as the mere thought of having nothing left to learn filled him with immense terror.

Again, Ark nodded in acknowledgment, astonished by Elian's accurate deductions despite their brief acquaintance; they had only met ten minutes ago. Unbeknownst to Ark, Elian was merely projecting an image of himself.

"What if I tell you that you took the wrong approach? Instead of waiting, why not create your own discoveries?" Elian asked.

"Oh?" Ark this time was genuinely interested.

"What if I suggested that you've approached this incorrectly? Instead of waiting, why not forge your own surprises?" Elian proposed.

"Interesting, elaborate" Ark responded with genuine intrigue this time.

"You might be aiding me out of concern that El might cause my demise. Moreover, I understand your limitations in interfering with the real world. So, why not employ me as your proxy in the real world? You could direct me to generate countless new experiences. Of course, that's provided you can communicate with me there. Even if not, I could periodically knock myself out, allowing you to summon me at will. What say you? Continue waiting for sporadic discoveries, or let me assist in creating them?"

Ark was taken aback by Elian's audacious proposal and once more recognized his boldness. However, the situation wasn't as simple as it seemed.

'Wait!' Suddenly, a realization struck Ark as he remembered Elian's affinity, prompting uproarious laughter. This specific affinity had been dormant for so long that Ark had forgotten its immense potential.

"HAHAHA!" Ark's laughter echoed through the room as he grasped the situation. The realization that an eleven-year-old had enlightened him left him deeply amused. To express his gratitude, Ark addressed Elian, "Young man, whether by luck or fate, you've convinced me. Are you ready to become my disciple and inherit all my knowledge? However, you should know that becoming my disciple will bring considerable burdens," Ark stated solemnly.

Upon hearing this, Elian was on the verge of experiencing his first orgasm as he promptly replied, "Yes, master," before losing consciousness.

In the scene, a smiling Ark sat alone, facing an empty chair, lost in thought, thinking to himself, 'Once again, you were correct.'