Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 266 Negotiation of Interests (Third Update)
"Regarding profit distribution," Chen Yu's synthesized voice was steady and clear, each syllable like a precisely calibrated mechanical instruction, "I believe that a 70% share of net profit is reasonable."

Furthermore, I need complete command of a Warhound-class Titan, which must be entirely under my research sequence and not subject to external control.

The air inside the sanctuary seemed to freeze instantly at this request.

The Vox’s massive mechanical body jerked backward, its tracks screeching against the metal ground.

"Seventy percent? And you want a Titan too?" His voice rose sharply in shock, mixed with an overload-like electrical noise. "Chen Yu, the profit-sharing ratio you proposed has far exceeded the conventional cooperation framework."

As for the Titans—they are sacred objects worshipped by the Titan Order, and each one is registered within the Legion's organization. Their movement and affiliation are subject to the Martian Supreme Council.

Even with my authority as the Great Sage overseeing its construction, there is absolutely no way I could classify it as part of my personal research. You should propose a practical and feasible solution.

Chen Yu slightly adjusted the focal length of the optical lens, and the scarlet light remained stable as before, seemingly having anticipated Vox's strong reaction.

“Then, let’s change the conditions.” His tone remained calm and even. “I need a complete intelligent mech squad, which must include at least two Death-class automated mechs, as well as a full set of maintenance equipment and spare parts.”

He paused briefly, letting the new bargaining chips settle in the air, before continuing, "As for profit distribution, the 70% ratio is based on a rigorous calculation of the technological value, R&D risks, and future market returns."

“The intelligent mech squad can be arranged.” Vox’s mechanical tentacles trembled slightly with unease due to his emotional fluctuations. “But the 70% profit sharing… Chen Yu, this percentage will seriously affect the Forging World’s own resource accumulation and long-term development plan.”

I must be responsible for the overall interests of Neksam and the expectations of the Council of Sages; such a distribution plan is unlikely to be approved.

The negotiations fell into a brief silence, with only the constant, deep rumble of the main furnace in the distance, faintly heard through the thick walls, like the heartbeat of this forging world.

Chen Yu's processor is performing parallel operations at a speed beyond human comprehension, evaluating the weight of each variable and the possibility of swapping them.

After a moment, he spoke again, his voice still calm: "The profit-sharing ratio can be adjusted to 60%. In exchange, I need to obtain the title of Forging Sage and be allocated a forging furnace."

This figure is still far higher than usual, but it has fallen from an exorbitant price that is not negotiable to a price that can be negotiated with difficulty.

A substantial technical title, coupled with the promise of a furnace, while requiring a considerable investment of resources and authority, is undoubtedly a more workable option within the existing system compared to permanently forfeiting 70% of the profits and the completely unrealistic Titan demand.

Vox's restless mechanical tentacles gradually calmed down, and his only remaining human eye narrowed slightly as he quickly weighed the pros and cons of the new proposal.

"Given the strategic value and market potential of the power armor technology you submitted, securing the title of 'Forging Sage' for you is procedurally sound and logically convincing. I can use my influence to ensure this." Vox's tone regained its usual composure as the highest administrator, revealing shrewd calculations and a balancing act of power. "As for an independent forge... that represents a substantial division of production authority and basic resources, a core asset of the forging world. After you officially obtain the title of 'Forging Sage,' it can be reviewed and allocated according to established procedures based on the actual benefits generated by the project and its contribution to Nexus. This is a principle that cannot be changed."

“I can accept this condition,” Chen Yu calmly confirmed, without adding any further words.

With a 60% share of net profit, a smart mechanized force that will significantly enhance his military autonomy and base defense capabilities, a clear path to the substantial authority of "forging sages," and a promising forge representing the foundation of his own production—the core strategic objectives he set in this negotiation have been largely achieved.

"Then, the agreement is hereby established," Vox finally announced, his voice a mixture of mental exhaustion after completing a major game and a sense of relief.

He knew that, despite the cost, securing this project meant securing Neksam's key advantage in the competition within the Mechanicus for decades to come.

"I will issue the allocation order for the intelligent mech units immediately, ensuring their priority assignment to your command sequence. All necessary authorization documents, technical handovers, and resource coordination will be personally supervised by me." He turned his massive frame to the still slowly rotating holographic image of the power armor, adding with a hint of anticipation for the future, "Now, we need to concentrate all available resources and energy to transform this precious technological blueprint into a tangible product that can ignite the entire Imperial market and reshape the equipment landscape."

Chen Yu said no more, responding with a precise nod in accordance with the etiquette of the Mechanic Church, then turned and left the sanctuary with steady and firm steps.

The heavy metal door closed silently behind him, isolating the inner and outer spaces once again, and sealing off the newly reached alliance of power and interests within.

As Chen Yu walked down the corridor back to her private laboratory, her mind seamlessly switched to an efficient execution mode.

The internal data flow, like a surging river, began to plan the subsequent steps in detail: the receiving process of the intelligent mech force, the adaptive deployment plan, the organization and encrypted submission of the complete power armor technology data package, and how to maximize the use of the resources that the Forge World would provide to accelerate the subsequent testing and iteration cycle.

The soon-to-be-deployed automated combat unit will significantly enhance the rapid response capability of its direct forces and the base's operational flexibility, while the title of "Sage of Forging" and the associated future forge signify a higher level of administrative autonomy and independent production capabilities.

The value of these substantial powers and infrastructures far exceeds the monetary profits on paper.

In that sanctuary, now silent except for the whispers of data streams and the pulse of the furnace, the Great Sage Vox gazed alone at the astonishing parameters on the power armor's structural diagrams.

Although Chen Yu took a considerable proportion of the profits and a batch of valuable military assets, a very subtle fluctuation, representing the satisfactory result of logical calculation, slowly appeared on his heavily modified face, which was usually difficult to show any emotion.

By using these controllable, phased costs to tie up a decisive project that will grant Nexus immense prestige, economic benefits, and strategic initiative over the next few decades, ensuring that this forging world can maintain its position amidst fierce competition from the Martian Council and its internal factions, and even gain further capital—this deal, fundamentally, is worthwhile upon a cost-benefit analysis.

The cold core of logic told him that to rekindle the furnace of Neksam and restore its former glory, sometimes, a sufficient amount of precious fuel must be added.

(End of this chapter)