Chapter 12: Butterfly Effect
Along with the feeling of relief that Kael felt came a sudden realization.
Ever since coming back to the past, he honestly hasn't given much thought to what could possibly happen if he starts changing events that happened in his first life.
The Butterfly Effect.
He had once heard someone mention the butterfly effect in the past. It was about the idea that even a small change in an event's original course could eventually lead to a drastically different outcome.
In his current situation, it meant that if he is not careful enough, the outcome of the future might change. Just like what happened right now with Lawrence and Jayem nearly deciding to part ways.
If he isn't careful next time when he does something like this, then there might be a possibility that one of his brothers in the Cabal of Cards might join hands with Nexus.
What could even be worse is if those major events that could bring about an enormous powershift in the world of Avalon lands in the hands of Nexus, when it was supposedly going to be for someone else who could greatly help Avalon.
Suppose that truly happens, then the future will become dark for him and the people around him. If, because of him, Nexus becomes a lot stronger than they were in his first life, then he'll have to forget about his goal, because he'll most likely have no other choice but to fight against them since they'll certainly make Avalon another Noverra and Earth.
He absolutely can't let that happen. If Avalon starts becoming another dying planet, then his chance to change his life will also disappear, and he might have to swallow his principles and pride if he wants to keep it, because Nexus will definitely prevent anyone from posing any threat to them to succeed.
In the future, he has to be extra careful whenever he tries to change an outcome from its original course.
Honestly, Lawrence and Jayem never separated in the future, but after some time passed, the duo did start doing things differently. Like Lawrence started achieving feats without Jayem, and Jayem started going on missions without Lawrence. The two were still a duo, but they started living their own lives.
What this means is that his change made that outcome come earlier than when it was originally intended to come about.
This time, he was lucky. But that wouldn't be certain for the next time.
"Sorry. That took a bit longer."
Manager Drex suddenly interrupted.
"Did I interrupt something?" Manager Drex could feel some sort of interesting aura brewing around the room right now. "Don't tell me you two…"
"You're overthinking it," Kael shook his head. He was very familiar with Manager Drew. The latter was the type of guy who likes to imagine things to the ultimate level. He could even guess right now that he is thinking something is going on between him and Lawrence in a romantic sort of way.
"Oho! Okay! If you say so," Manager Drex sat on his seat.
On the other hand, Lawrence was confused.
"Anyways," Manager Drex carefully laid down a briefcase on top of the table. "Wait a minute, where's the other guy you were with just now?"
Lawrence hurriedly answered as he didn't want Manager Drex to think they were plotting something in their base. "He went out to take care of people who were secretly following us."
Hearing that, Manager Drex's face instantly turned cold. "You should inform me about that next time, alright?"
This was exactly Kael's original plan—to let Manager Drex handle those people.
"Next time, next time…" Lawrence was completely taken aback by Manager Drex's response. He totally didn't expect he would be this protective.
Kael gently tapped Lawrence's shoulder to let him know he'll handle the rest. He understood that Lawrence normally takes care of business when it was just him and Jayem in the past. But this time, he has to do it.
His face turned serious as he motioned with his hand to stop Manager Drex from continuing what he was about to say. "Before you tell us how much everything is worth, first I would like to know if you happen to have any property nearby that we could rent."
"Yes, we do, why? Are you interested in renting one of Nexus' properties? Because if yes, then I'm telling you, we are not in the business of leasing properties. And even if we do, I'm afraid the total value of the goods you brought won't be enough." Manager Drex directly rejected Kael even before the latter could finish what he was about to say.
"No," Kael shook his head. "Instead, I want to rent one of your properties."
"Oho! I didn't expect you'd know about this." Manager Drex suddenly drew a dagger from his waist and put it on top of the table alongside the briefcase. "Depending on your answer, you might not be able to get out of this place alive."
Without the slightest bit of fear, Kael started explaining to Manager Drex the story of how he met Lawrence and Jayem, and the situation they were involved in. He even went as far as talking about who the duo was and why they are being hunted by a lot of groups in Rustfall right now. In the end, he finished by saying;
"Lastly, we need a safe place if you want us to keep on providing materials to you."
"I didn't expect you'd be this honest," Manager Drex pulled away the dagger and put it back on his waist again.
"You…" Lawrence was completely in disbelief at how Kael just betrayed him and Jayem. He genuinely trusted this man, yet he actually just threw them under the bus.
"You can calm down. I won't involve myself with whatever or whoever you are and your partner," Manager Drex casually comforted. "Who I am interested in is him!" He pointed at Kael. "I swear I haven't met you before, but it seems to me you really know me well."
"You're overthinking it," Kael immediately discarded Manager Drex's assumption.
"I might be. But I'm not worried, because I'll definitely find my answer in the future," Manager Drex responded.
Unbeknownst to Manager Drex, he was one hundred percent correct.
It was precisely Kael's familiarity with Manager Drex that gave him the confidence to speak the truth without fear.
"I'm hoping so," Kael thought inwardly.
Manager Drex might be a member of Nexus, but only because it was the sole organization in all of Noverra that paid well and had plenty of benefits for someone with his level of skill. The reason why he needs a lot of money is that he has a daughter who is currently going to school and a wife who is sick and has to stay in the hospital for the majority of the year in order to keep on living.
However, in the near future, that would eventually change. Because as soon as Avalon becomes popular and starts bringing in a lot of money for the active players, he'll leave Nexus without a second thought in order to provide a better life for his family. And in the process, he'll end up becoming one of the formidable enemies of Nexus.
In other words, Kael's plan right now is to give an everlasting impression to Manager Drex so that in the future, there's hope for them to work together. In his first life, he never got such a chance because of how powerful the latter's status was.
Moreover, their group also badly needs a secure base of operation right now, and coincidentally, he remembered that Manager Drex used to rent out properties in the past as a side hustle before becoming a major figure in Avalon.
"Let's leave it at that," Manager Drex set aside his opinion of Kael for the moment. "I do have a few properties for rent, but I obviously can't do this transaction here."
This was the place of business for Nexus, so it would be so unprofessional of him if he also conducted his side hustle here.
"Just receive the full cash right here and now, and once you two are out, I'll take my only break for the day to meet with your group, probably somewhere nearby. Sounds good?" Manager Drex proposed.
"No problem," Kael didn't see any problem with that. In fact, that was what he originally intended when they were making their way to this place. It was only after his sudden realization that he changed his mind and thought of something.
"So, in total," Manager Drex said as he opened the briefcase, "You have your original ten thousand Novarian Dollars, plus five thousand from all the flora you brought in. That brings your total earnings to fifteen thousand Novarian Dollars." He gestured toward the cash, inviting the duo to count it themselves if they had any doubts about the amount.
Just when Lawrence was about to do exactly that, Kael closed the top of the briefcase and said. "We'll trust you."
He locked the briefcase and carried it with his left hand before standing up and raising his right arm forward.
"I appreciate your group for choosing Nexus as your partner in business," Manager Drex shook Kael's hand.
"Likewise," Kael nodded before he motioned with his hand to Lawrence to signal the latter that they needed to start heading out now.
Finally, Kael was finished with his transaction with Nexus.
The next thing he has to deal with is his transaction with Manager Drex.