“If you really mean what you said, read this piece of the contract carefully. You’ve already made an Oath to not hurt me, so what is another contract on top of that?” Jin slowly pushed the piece of paper towards Kong Rong and brightened the lights so he could read clearly.
“That’s not really necessary, but thanks.” The State Agent said as he picked up the contract and noticed there was a low grade spell of persuasion on it. A quick glance towards Jin’s eager impression showed that he had no idea what was in that contract piece until someone intervened between their conversation.
“Oh just ignore that, we use it when we really are interested in the talent. Helps hurry along those who are a bit on the fence.” Kraft waved his hands to dispel the spell immediately, and Kong Rong continued to read the contract. Jin did stare back at Kraft, and they were making serious eye contacts between each other. Naturally, the old fox did not give a damn at all and continued to check on Kong Rong’s non verbal expressions.
‘By accepting this particular piece of contract, you are thereby being promoted to a senior associate of the Panda Clan…’ Kong Rong read on and noticed that there were conditions that certain orders from Jin would be absolute as the Master of the Panda Clan. The State Agent thought it was weird that Jin would try to poach him, especially when he was affiliated to the Royal Dragon Zodiac Clan. It’s like asking someone to go from a number one clan in the country to a group much less a clan, with no name attached to it.
“In short, you are recruiting me to be part of your clan? Don’t I need to disavow my clan and go through the Heavenly Five Element Tribulations by default? What would you be able to provide me in return?” Kong Rong asked, but Jin shook his head, knowing that he would be mistaken with the wording in the contract. After all, Xiong Da did create the legality of it while the System reworded it via his style into the System’s contract.
“I wouldn’t have asked you to take the oath if that was the case. You would only have had to sign the contract. Once you do, you will become a senior associate and the very first one at that. The way we work is slightly different from other people, but it will be easier to see if for yourself once you sign. I know it sounds a little counterintuitive but trust me in this. In essence, you will have additional responsibilities and secrets to keep. Otherwise, you can keep to your current lifestyle, and it might not even affect or make a difference to it if you wish to be inactive.” Jin tried to explain without offending the guest in the bar.
“Very first? You never recruited others? I was sure that Hou Fei would be one of these panda associates.” The State Agent asked with curiosity. It did not seem to match his collected data of the place. But at the same time, he could not detect any panic or anxiety from Jin, doubting he might not be lying, and more like he’s thinking of a good reason to explain the situation.
“It’s a bit complicated, he is technically a part of the official Panda Clan. But in terms of rank and work he has done, he would probably be ranked as a Senior Panda Associate as well. Erm, perhaps a little higher.” Jin did not know how to phrase Panda Remnant until Kong Rong joined him officially into the System.
“And what are those ‘opportunities’ that await me?” Kong Rong queried.
“You will understand as soon as you sign. Also, just believe me when I say it will broaden your horizons. Hehehe, can’t wait to see your face when you realise that your current knowledge is just a drop in the oceans of mystery.” Kraft answered mischievously which annoyed Kong Rong, but he knew that even though the fox guy could not be trusted, his words had some weight to it.
“Fine. As a sign of trust and moving forward, I will sign it. But buck up on your persuasion without using any spells to get people to sign it. They need a heck lot of work.” Kong Rong reluctantly agreed as he bit his finger and released a bit of blood as a binding signature for the contract. Suddenly, he felt his body start to ache as if a low current of electricity was pulsating through his body.
“Senior Panda Associate Long Kong Rong acknowledged. Assigning Codename: Tiny Dragon. The System welcomes you, SPA Kong Rong.” A voice sounded out within his head, and the stunned face caused the Panda and Fox to laugh out loud once more. (Perhaps, the influence of alcohol caused all this commotion?)
Subsequently, Jin started to explain about the System and the rest of the other stuff. He even created a portal introducing him to the Pandapolis in the Dungeon World.
“Hahahah. You are shitting me. So, all along you have been teleporting your customers to other worlds to aid you in defending or attacking other alien lives?! I mean I’ve always felt that your monsters seemed alive, but it never even crossed my mind that you could have been abducting them from other worlds??!” Kong Rong could not wrap his head around it.
“Told you it would expand your horizons. Stop living in that well, and be happy you got a chance to jump out of it and work with Jin. He has great ambitions for a fairly useless baby panda.” Kraft snorted.
“This is just way too much to handle, but I can now see the link between the System and the rest of the previous Panda Users. Gosh, this certainly is an eye-opener.” Kong Rong admitted as he enjoyed the grand sight of Pandapolis from one of the skyscrapers.
“Heh, that expression… You plan to make a safe house here?” Kraft, who was closely observing Kong Rong facial expression commented.
“More than that. But I believe a dungeon instance will already suffice for me and my squad, Ryuli included. I do not think they should learn that there are other worlds out there so soon. People are greedy, after all.” Kong Rong replied, and Jin laughed.
“As a Senior Panda Associate, I think that is the least I should grant you.” Jin agreed and told Kong Rong to prepare a list of things he wanted it to include so he could start working on something to his liking.
“It will be best if you allow me to handle the construction personally. I have certain designs and stuff I would like to get hold of if it’s possible.” Kong Rong insisted.
“If that is the case, I will get Qiu Yue to entertain you. She is one of the Sub System Users who have access to room customisation as well.”
“Ah, that Red Panda girl is part of this too? And a Sub System to boot? How do I even get to such a rank?” Kong Rong asked, but Kraft schooled his finger.
“When you proved yourself to be very valuable to Jin, then perhaps he might bestow you such a post,” Kraft answered, and Kong Rong questioned what exactly Fox’s position was.
“That my friend, you have no idea at all.” Kraft pulled a name card out that looked like a golden plaque with all his supposed titles on it.
“It’s a joke, he is one of my partners in the System.” Jin rolled his eyes, but on the contrary, Kraft’s eyes brightened up.
“For Jin to call me his partner! Ooof! My heart shimmers and melt!” Kraft exaggerated, but Jin was more interested in what Kong Rong had just mentioned. There were so many other issues to discuss, although more importantly, he needed to know more about how the State Agent found Ryuli and what had actually become of her.
“Oh yeah, she did come earlier, wanting to know if you were around, so she could confront you about her master. Unfortunately, you had already retreated, and it was impossible to find you. As expected, she did leave in a fit… She usually isn’t like this, but whenever it concerns anything about her past, she has a tendency to become a… Ehh what do those Japanese people call them? Tsundere?” Kong Rong tried to recall the last word.
“Couldn’t you just text her that I’m not around, rather than her wasting a trip here?” Jin queried but Kong Rong shrugged his shoulders.
“I wanted her to at least enjoy herself a bit after the last mission, but she didn’t even listen to me. Besides wouldn’t it be a nice miracle for the fates of two disciples to meet announced?” Kong Rong tried to tease Jin.
“Ehh.. actually I think you might have it all wrong, it is possible that I am actually her master.” Jin pointed out, leaving Kong Rong with a blank face. (Yet, Kraft was smiling nonstop and even took a sneaky picture of Kong Rong at that moment.)
