"We'll see about that," Fang said, waving the contract in his hand with a flick of his wrist. "But this thing… the price you are asking for here..."
"Don't tell me it's too high," I said, raising one eyebrow while keeping my eyes fixed on the horizon where the monster was currently levelling a parking garage.
"It's not about the price being too high or too low," he sighed, the metallic plates of his golden armour shifting with the movement. "But I don't hold the absolute authority to decide the fate of all the cities you've listed here."
The price I had demanded was ambitious: I wanted total, unimpeded access and a recognised right to contend for the sovereignty of every major city along the Atlantic coast. I had expected him to bargain—any seasoned commander would—but I hadn't fully considered that even a Selvator of his rank might have limitations.
