Reincarnation Of A Swordsman: The Omni Mage

"Yeah, I have a bit more than I did yesterday," Kyle calmly replied with a nod.

Orion's smirk returned, though it was more subdued this time. "Because I know a way for you to make the best value out of those credits you have."

Kyle raised an eyebrow. "How?"

"It's simple, really," Orion continued, leaning back in his chair with a casual air. "You invest in me."

Kyle blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Invest? In you?"

"Yes," Orion said, his tone confident as ever. "You see, credits are everything in this academy. They fuel your progress, and allow you access to rare materials, better equipment, and higher-level resources.

I've been making do with what I have, but frankly, the lack of funding has been a serious limitation in my research and projects.

With the right backing, I could speed things up significantly, and trust me, you'd be the first to benefit."

Kyle crossed his arms, tilting his head. "And how exactly would that work?"

Orion's smile widened as he sensed Kyle's interest. "Here's the deal: You give me 10,000 credits every week—consider it an investment in my work—and in return, I help you with whatever you need.

Want a custom weapon? I'll craft it for you. Need help that requires special tools? I'll design them specifically for you. You bring the materials, and I'll take care of the rest."

Kyle let out a low whistle after hearing Orion's salesman pitch, not sure whether to be impressed or insulted. "10,000 credits?! Every week? That's a lot and I don't even have that much."

He was truly interested in the offer brought up by Orion, but he couldn't accept that price. It was simply ridiculous!

"Not yet," Orion said with a wink. "But you will soon, especially with the extra credits from today. The credits will come, Kyle. You just need to trust me."

Kyle thought about it for a moment, weighing Orion's words carefully. On the surface, it sounded like a decent deal.

Orion was a genius when it came to crafting and research, and if anyone could help Kyle get stronger, it was him.

But 10,000 credits? And Kyle would still have to provide the materials on top of that? It seemed like a bit of a scam.

"Orion, that's way too much," Kyle finally said, shaking his head. "I'm not giving you 10,000 credits, plus materials.

That's insane. I don't even have up to that, and even if I did, I'm not about to throw it all at you."

Orion chuckled, waving a hand as if to brush off Kyle's concerns.

"Kyle, I get it. It sounds like a lot now, but you have to think long-term.

This isn't just about the credits—it's about your future. I'm giving you the chance to invest in yourself, through me.

Once my projects take off, we'll both benefit. Besides, did I mention this was a lifetime offer? You'll keep leeching off my work for years to come, as long as you can provide enough."

Kyle rolled his eyes. "You're a terrible salesman, you know that? But fine, I'll bite. How about we negotiate?"

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Orion raised an eyebrow, a small glint of amusement forming in his eyes. "Negotiate, you say? Alright, let's hear your offer."

"5,000 credits," Kyle said, his voice firm. "That's my final offer. Half of what you're asking, and you still help me with everything you promised."

Orion tilted his head, pretending to think it over. After a moment, he sighed dramatically.

"Fine. 5,000 credits it is. But don't come crying to me when you realize what a steal this deal is for you."

Kyle couldn't help the smug grin that spread across his face. "I'm such a good haggler, aren't I?"

He could never let himself get something lower than their value and he was confident that he had done a good job here.

Orion smirked, adjusting his glasses. "Indeed."

They shook hands to seal the deal, but the moment their palms met, Kyle noticed the mischievous glint in Orion's eyes.

His stomach dropped as he realized what had just happened.

"You... You scammed me, didn't you?" Kyle muttered, pulling his hand away.

Orion chuckled, his smirk widening. "I wouldn't say scammed. More like... I got the better end of the deal. But don't worry, Kyle. You'll see the benefits soon enough."

Kyle groaned, slumping back in his seat. He couldn't believe he had let Orion talk him into this.

5,000 credits was still a huge amount. He had only accounted for his earning ability and had not relatively compared it with other students who would compare that sum to a dream.

Most students managed the 20 credits they got every day, now he was about to change Orion's life as a result of this stupid deal.

And on top of that, he had to supply the materials for whatever projects Orion had in mind.

Orion stood up, patting Kyle on the shoulder.

"Cheer up, my friend. You won't regret this. I'll come pick up your katana tomorrow, I'll begin working on it then, and once you see the results, you'll realize this was the best investment you've ever made."

Kyle offered a half-hearted nod, his expression a mix of resignation and frustration.

He had agreed to the deal, and now he was stuck with it. But deep down, he knew Orion was probably right. If anyone could make this work, it was him.

Still, as Orion walked away, Kyle couldn't shake the feeling that he had been played. He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face.

'Great. Now I'm down credits and I have no idea how this is going to turn out.'

Orion's voice floated back to him as he exited the cafeteria. "Don't worry, Kyle. It'll all be worth it in the end."

Kyle watched him go, feeling a strange mix of anticipation and dread. This had to prove valuable to him unless...

As he stood to leave, Kyle couldn't help but chuckle bitterly. "Yeah, sure. Worth it."

With one last glance at the cafeteria's dim lights, Kyle turned and headed back to his dorm, already trying to figure out how Void would react to all this.