Re: Tales of the Rune-Tech Sage

CH715 Views of the Alston Family Elders

**[A.N: Mass Release Chapter: 3/10]**

The Third Elder paused briefly before continuing.

”The second half itself is filled with layered intentions—a classic example of veiled rewards and punishments. By initially presenting the offer as a simple transaction, he subtly emphasises the neutral and limited nature of our current relationship.

”Then, by reframing the offer as an opportunity tied to mutual benefit, he signals his willingness to strengthen ties between our two organisations—something he later makes even more explicit.

”However, even while expressing this willingness to deepen cooperation, he avoids appearing overly eager or compromising his position of strength. In fact, he subtly reinforces the idea that he remains the one in control of the opportunity being presented.”

”By structuring the offer as a transaction, he preserves the ability to sever cooperation at any moment should we fail to meet—or exceed—his assessment of us, which is ultimately no different from what we ourselves have been doing to him.

”On the surface, it appears as though he is selling us the entirety of the cure through the potion formulae listed within the agreement. However, judging from the wording and structure of the letter, I strongly suspect that the final item mentioned—the formation scrolls—is actually the most critical component of the entire treatment.

”At the very least, I highly doubt the cure would function properly without these formation scrolls. And unlike the potion formulae, which he is willing to sell outright, the scrolls themselves must be continuously purchased from him.”

The Third Elder’s eyes narrowed slightly.

”In doing so, he ensures that if we ever fail to meet his expectations—or betray him—we would immediately lose access to the formation scrolls. Should that happen, every resource we invested into stockpiling ingredients, building infrastructure, and organising the distribution network for the cure would become worthless overnight.

”And depending on the scale of resources committed... the resulting losses could be catastrophic.”

He paused briefly before continuing.

”A final point worth noting is how effectively the letter conceals the weaknesses of his faction while simultaneously magnifying its strengths.

”His organisation is still relatively small and clearly lacks the scale necessary to fully exploit the cure’s potential on its own. Yet nowhere within the letter does he openly expose this weakness. Even while negotiating from a technically weaker position, he projects confidence and strength so effectively that the flaw becomes almost invisible.”

The Third Elder slowly shook his head—not out of disappointment, but genuine admiration for this member of the younger generation.

”Magnifying one’s strengths while concealing vulnerabilities... encouraging cooperation while quietly taking control through softer methods... exposing carefully crafted weaknesses to manipulate and manage potential threats... wielding both carrot and stick without making either obvious... and possessing the kind of charisma that naturally draws others towards mutual benefit...”

The Second Elder released an appreciative sigh filled with amusement.

”If I did not already know he was a youth barely two decades of age, I would have assumed he was a seasoned minister versed in court politics and statecraft.”

”If only the old Alston Imperial Family had produced a descendant this exceptional at such a young age, then...” The Third Elder sighed melancholically for a brief moment.

Then he shook his head lightly.

”Old age must finally be catching up to me.”

”That is what happens when you become overly sentimental and too eager to pass your legacy to a successor,” the Second Elder laughed. ”Look at me—I have no such worries. Whatever comes, comes.”

”Not everyone can be as... free-spirited as you,” the Third Elder jabbed dryly.

”Haha... true enough. I am rather unique, after all,” the Second Elder replied proudly, completely missing the verbal barb directed at him.

The Third Elder’s lips twitched faintly. In the end, he simply shook his head, no longer bothering himself with this utterly impervious blockhead.

The First Elder gave the Third Elder a brief nod before shifting his gaze towards the Second Elder instead.

”Second, enough fooling around. Speak seriously. What does your instinct tell you about the boy?” the First Elder asked.

The weight behind his stare caused the Second Elder to gradually put aside his relaxed demeanour, replacing it with a rare expression of solemnity.

”His personal strength is exceptional for someone of his rank. His battlefield command is equally impressive, and he consciously surrounds himself with talented individuals—which naturally explains why many of the people under him are similarly capable.

”He understands how to convert neutrals and even potential enemies into allies, while simultaneously knowing when to utterly crush those who insist on becoming his enemies instead.

”But more importantly...”

The Second Elder’s gaze became slightly distant.

”He possesses the charisma necessary to maintain the loyalty of those close to him, while still binding them together through mutual benefit rather than blind devotion alone.”

A moment later, his eyes regained clarity as he looked towards the First and Third Elders.

”That boy—Alex Fury—possesses an understanding of human nature far beyond what his age should realistically allow. And more importantly, he knows how to make use of that understanding effectively.

”As things stand, his greatest weakness is likely his lack of experience.”

The Second Elder paused briefly before continuing with certainty.

”The more accustomed he becomes to leadership and authority—as long as the power does not corrupt him—the more of a fearsome leader he will become.”

”A fearsome leader? Like a tyrant?” the Third Elder asked, raising an eyebrow.

”No,” the Second Elder shook his head. ”A tyrant rules through force. On the other hand, this Legatee of ours is gradually becoming the kind of leader for whom those around him would willingly offer everything they have—perhaps even their lives.

”I call him fearsome because, should we allow our younger generation to come into close contact with him, they will inevitably surrender themselves to his banner.

”A heritage built over centuries could eventually find itself at the mercy of a single young man... does that not concern you?” the Second Elder asked solemnly.

”Now who is the sentimental one?” the Third Elder laughed. ”That is simply the reality of entrusting the future to the next generation. It is a risk every generation must eventually accept.”

”Indeed,” the First Elder nodded in agreement with both men.

He calmly took another sip from his teacup. The composed motion alone seemed enough to settle the atmosphere around the table.

”The Third is correct. The potential loss of a heritage built over centuries is a danger every generation faces when passing authority onto the next. The only true way to minimise that risk is to ensure that power is entrusted to someone competent.”

The First Elder’s gaze deepened slightly.

”And from what I have heard from the two of you, this Legatee appears to be precisely such a competent individual upon whom we may place our bets.

”If he eventually gains influence over our younger generation, then neither they—nor we—would have anyone else to blame but ourselves.”

***