Chapter 266: Profit Negotiation
"Regarding profit distribution," Joric's synthesized voice was steady and clear, every syllable like a precisely calibrated mechanical command, "I believe a 70% share of net profits is reasonable.
"In addition, I require full command authority over a Warhound Class Titan, which must be completely assigned to my research sequence and not subject to external scheduling."
The air inside the sanctum seemed to freeze instantly at this demand.
Volks' massive mechanical body jerked back abruptly. His treads scraped against the metal floor, emitting a harsh screech.
"70%? And a Titan?" His voice rose sharply in shock, mixed with overload-like static. "Joric, the split ratio you propose far exceeds conventional cooperation frameworks.
"As for the Titan—that is a sacred relic venerated by the Collegia Titanica. Every unit is registered within the Legion's establishment. Their mobilization and assignment involve the High Council of Mars.
"Even with my authority as Fabricator Locum, it is absolutely impossible to assign one to a personal research sequence. You should propose a practically feasible plan."
The focal length of Joric's optical lenses adjusted slightly. Their crimson glow remained steady, seemingly having anticipated Volks' strong reaction.
"Then, let us change the condition." His tone remained flat without ripples. "I require the assignment of a complete Legio Cybernetica maniple. It must include at least two Thanatar-class siege-automata, along with a full set of accompanying maintenance equipment and a spare parts inventory."
He paused slightly, letting the new chip settle in the air, then continued, "As for profit distribution, the 70% ratio is based on strict calculations of technical value, R&D risk, and future market returns."
"A Cybernetica maniple can be arranged." Several of Volks' mechanical tentacles trembled slightly due to emotional fluctuations. "But a 70% profit split... Joric, this ratio will severely impact the resource accumulation and long-term development plans of the Forge World itself.
"I must be responsible for the overall interests of Nexum and the expectations of the Magos Council. Such a distribution plan would be difficult to pass."
The negotiation fell into a brief silence. Only the eternal low roar of the main furnace in the distance could be faintly heard through the heavy walls, like the heartbeat of this Forge World.
Joric's processor was running parallel computations at speeds beyond mortal comprehension, evaluating the weight of every variable and the possibility of exchange.
Moments later, he spoke again, his voice still calm. "The profit distribution ratio can be adjusted to 60%. In exchange, I require the certification of the title 'Forge Lord' and the allocation of a forge to me."
This figure was still far higher than conventional, but it had fallen from a non-negotiable exorbitant price into the realm of difficult negotiation.
A substantive technical title plus the promise of a forge—although representing a considerable investment of resources and authority—was undoubtedly a more operable choice within the systemic framework compared to permanently giving up 70% of profits and that completely unrealistic Titan demand.
Volks' restless mechanical tentacles gradually calmed down. His sole remaining human eye narrowed slightly, rapidly weighing the pros and cons of this new proposal.
"Given the strategic value and market potential demonstrated by the power armor technology you submitted, securing the certification of the 'Forge Lord' title for you is procedurally compliant and logically convincing. I can use my influence to ensure this." Volks' tone returned to the steadiness of a supreme administrator, containing shrewd calculation and power balancing. "As for an independent forge... that represents a substantive division of production authority and basic resources; it is a core asset of the Forge World.
"It can be deliberated and allocated according to established procedures after you formally obtain the 'Forge Lord' title, based on the actual benefits generated by the project and its contribution to Nexum. This is a principle that cannot be altered."
"I can accept this condition." Joric confirmed calmly, without superfluous words.
A 60% share of net profits, a Cybernetica unit that would significantly enhance his military autonomy and base defense capabilities, a clear path to the substantive authority of "Forge Lord," and a future-promising forge representing his own production foundation—his core strategic objectives set for this negotiation had basically been achieved.
"Then, the agreement is established." Volks finally announced, with a mix of mental exhaustion from completing a major game and a trace of relief.
He knew that despite paying a price, seizing this project meant seizing a key chip for Nexum to stand out in the internal competition of the Mechanicus in the coming decades.
"I will issue the transfer order for the Cybernetica unit immediately, ensuring it is prioritized to your command sequence. All necessary authorization documents, technical handovers, and resource coordination matters will be personally supervised and executed by me." His massive body turned toward the still slowly rotating holographic image of the power armor, adding with a tone of expectation for the future, "Now, we need to concentrate all available resources and energy to transform this precious technical blueprint into a reality product capable of igniting the entire Imperial market and reshaping the equipment landscape."
Joric said no more. He responded with a precise nod conforming to Mechanicus etiquette, then turned and left the sanctum with steady and firm steps.
The heavy metal doors closed silently behind him, isolating the internal and external spaces once again, and locking the newly reached covenant of power and interest within.
Walking in the corridor returning to his private laboratory, Joric's thinking core seamlessly switched to efficient execution mode.
Internal data streams flowed like a rushing river, beginning to plan subsequent steps in detail: the reception process of the Cybernetica unit, adaptive deployment plans, the organization and encrypted submission of the complete power armor technical data package, and how to maximize the utilization of resources soon to be provided by the Forge World to accelerate subsequent testing and iteration cycles.
The automated combat unit soon to be in place would significantly enhance the rapid response capability of his direct forces and the combat resilience of his base, while the "Forge Lord" title and the affiliated future forge meant higher-level administrative autonomy and independent production capabilities.
The value of these substantive powers and infrastructure far exceeded the monetary profits flowing on the ledger.
And in that sanctum returned to silence, with only the whispers of data streams and the pulse of the furnace remaining, Fabricator Locum Volks stared alone at the astonishing parameter indicators on the power armor structural diagram.
Although Joric took away a considerable proportion of profits and a batch of precious military assets, on his heavily modified face that usually struggled to show expression, a very subtle fluctuation slowly surfaced—representing a satisfactory result derived from logical computation.
Using these controllable, staged costs to bind a decisive project sufficient to bring Nexum massive prestige, economic benefits, and strategic initiative in the coming decades, ensuring this Forge World could solidify its status in the fierce competition of the Martian Parliament and internal factions, and even gain capital for further advancement—this deal, fundamentally analyzed for profit and loss, was worth it.
His cold logic core told him that to reignite Nexum's furnaces and make their flames reach the brilliance of old, sometimes, one must invest fuel of sufficient weight and value.
(End of Chapter)