"Back to what I was saying. The terms are simple: this Spirit Art Manual will never be shared with any other individual, through any means whatsoever. It will never be discussed, described, or referenced to others. And most importantly, it will never be utilized in any manner that could potentially harm my interests."
Alaric's expression immediately contorted, "This condition wasn't part of our original agreement..."
"It was always an implicit part of our arrangement, Alaric, I have accumulated numerous enemies over the decades, son—including the thing currently standing beside you. I cannot afford to trust that it won't eventually choose to oppose me when its power develops, regardless of how unlikely its success might be. More concerning is the possibility that my enemies might acquire and weaponize the manual I'm providing."
