Sawyer could hardly tolerate the audacity of these two attempting to poach talent right under his nose. He had also picked up on the subtle subtext in Jax’s earlier refusal: I am merely a collaborator, an independent contractor with the capabilities of an Awaken.
Clinging to a sliver of hope, Sawyer turned to Jax.
"Ahem! Brother Jax, truly, whether you join The Helios Syndicate’s Design Department or not is trivial. It just so happens I’ve had something on my mind for a while now."
Sawyer reached into his pocket and produced a heavy, ornate key, pressing it into Jax’s hand.
"Brother Jax, your performance lately has been nothing short of a revelation. And I have to say, I’ve grown quite fond of you as a person! Ahem! Don’t misunderstand—I don’t mean it that way!"
Jax felt a twitch in his eye. Great, now you’re making it weird. There are people watching. How am I supposed to maintain my reputation if you keep talking like that?
"This thought has been weighing on me for a long time. Brother Jax, there is no time like the present. Why don’t we become sworn brothers? From this day forth, if I feast, you feast. As long as I have wealth and honor, I will never let you suffer!"
Sawyer stared at Jax with intense, burning solemnity.
To the side, Director Kaine and Dr. Aris stood frozen, jaws practically hitting the floor.
What the hell? Sworn brothers? Is he serious?
Good lord. Just to keep Jax from transferring to Headquarters, Sawyer is resorting to blood oaths?
They stared wide-eyed at Jax, waiting for the inevitable rejection or acceptance.
Jax, meanwhile, let out a microscopic sigh of relief. scared the hell out of me. I thought he was making a pass at me. Just sworn brothers?
Seeing Jax’s shoulders drop, Sawyer pressed his advantage. "Brother Jax, what do you say?"
"Uh... let’s put a pin in the brotherhood thing for now," Jax said, pulling his hand back. "Besides, look at me. I’m just a guy from the slums. I’m hardly worthy of being the brother of a The Helios Syndicate executive. It would only tarnish your image."
Sawyer bristled, his voice rising with theatrical passion. "What kind of nonsense is that! As long as I breathe, if anyone dares to gossip about you, I’ll bury them myself!"
The performance was so moving Jax almost shed a tear—almost.
In reality, Jax knew exactly what this was. Sawyer was terrified that once Jax entered The Helios Syndicate system, he would be absorbed by the central Headquarters and slip out of Sawyer's control. This brotherhood play was a desperate last resort to bind them together.
Jax wanted no part of it. Sworn brotherhoods in this world weren't just titles; they came with heavy baggage. He didn't know if Sawyer was the type to demand the traditional oath: "We seek not to be born on the same day, but to die on the same day."
Yeah, no thanks, Jax thought. I have a System. I’m planning on unlocking the secrets of immortality. I’m not signing a suicide pact with a middle-management mobster.
Who knew if Sawyer’s luck was good enough to survive what was coming?
Furthermore, Jax didn't know enough about the internal politics of The Helios Syndicate. Tying himself to Sawyer’s chariot meant inheriting Sawyer’s enemies. If a civil war broke out within the family, Jax would be used as a pawn.
He already felt like a pawn. He wasn't about to sign the paperwork to make it official.
Jax flashed a polite, non-committal smile. "Brother Sawyer, you think too highly of me! Really, it’s unnecessary. I haven't even figured out my own path yet. Let’s discuss the brotherhood matter another time."
Disappointment washed over Sawyer’s face, plain as day.
Director Kaine and Dr. Aris exchanged a glance, their eyes lighting up with satisfaction.
"Haha! A wise man knows when to yield!" Kaine laughed, stepping forward. "Young man, you will be happy with this decision in the long run!"
Dr. Aris, though still stinging from his earlier humiliation, had to admit the boy was a genius. After seeing Jax's schematics, Aris realized this wasn't just talent; it was a paradigm shift. The concept for the Defense Tower defied conventional engineering—something even veteran architects couldn't achieve.
"Mm! Precisely!" Aris chimed in, eager to pivot. "You’ve made the correct choice! By joining the Design Department at Headquarters, you will enjoy resources and prestige you can't imagine. This is your chance to elevate yourself from your current status!"
Sawyer’s face turned a deep shade of crimson. He looked ready to explode, but the hierarchy kept him silent. Watching a talent like Jax slip through his fingers was agonizing.
But then, Jax spoke up, throwing a curveball that caught everyone off guard.
"Director Kaine, Dr. Aris... what are you talking about?" Jax looked genuinely confused. "When did I say I was joining the Design Department? I never had any intention of doing that."
Kaine’s laughter died in his throat. "What? You don't agree? Think carefully, son! Do you know how many people would kill to enter The Helios Syndicate Design Department? Are you sure you want to throw away a golden ticket?"
Jax grinned, leaning back casually. "Sorry. I’m actually quite happy with things as they are. Being good friends with Brother Sawyer here is enough for me. As for the Design Department... my apologies, but I have no plans to become a nine-to-five corporate designer."
Sawyer felt his heart plummet into a valley and then rocket into the stratosphere. The emotional whiplash nearly made him dizzy.
He refused them?
Jax had drawn a line. He wasn't Sawyer’s subordinate, but he wasn't Headquarters' property either. He was a friend. An ally.
Sawyer exhaled a long breath, a triumphant grin spreading across his face.
"Hah! Director Kaine, you see? I told you! Brother Jax is destined for great things; he’s not interested in office politics!" Sawyer didn't waste a second. "Well, look at the time. It’s getting late. If there’s nothing else, you two should head back. My doctor insists I get my rest. Health isn't what it used to be, you know."
He issued the eviction notice without hesitation.
Director Kaine’s expression soured. His recruitment drive had failed spectacularly. Although he was from Headquarters and held significant authority, he couldn't simply kidnap someone from a branch manager’s private residence.
"Ahem! Very well," Kaine said stiffly. "Since Brother Jax is unwilling, we won't force the issue. But I will leave this offer on the table: if you ever need anything in the future, my door is open."
Sawyer cut in immediately, shielding his asset. "Rest assured! As his friend, I will see to all of Brother Jax’s needs personally. You needn't worry."
Dr. Aris, sensing his window of opportunity closing, looked at Jax with an awkward, pleading expression. "Ahem... actually, the main reason we came was for a technical consultation. This morning, you mentioned my blueprints had a flaw. I... I need to know. Where exactly is the problem? Could Brother Jax please enlighten me?"
Jax looked at Aris’s humble posture and let out a cold, dismissive laugh. "Oh, that? Sorry, I was just spouting nonsense earlier. What do I know about high-level schematics? I just got lucky with my own draft. I didn't expect to run into a real expert like you. My apologies, truly."
Aris’s face darkened, turning the color of a bruised plum.
If Jax had said this in the morning, Aris would have sneered. But after the catastrophic failure of his Defense Tower test-fire and seeing the sheer brilliance of Jax’s blueprints, he knew better. That energy conversion device Jax designed wasn't luck. It was mastery.
Aris gritted his teeth and bowed his head, physically shrinking in stature. "Brother Jax, I was wrong. I apologize for my arrogance this morning! I had eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai. I offended you, and for that, I am sorry. Please, I beg you."
Jax smiled inwardly. He knew the game. If he pushed too hard, Aris might give up entirely. Jax needed leverage, not an enemy. Cooperation required a delicate balance.
"Ahem! I’m joking. I do know a little bit about structural theory," Jax said, his tone softening just enough. "I can't claim to be a teacher, but... I could point out the critical failure points for you."
Hope rushed back into the faces of Kaine and Aris.
"Really? That would be fantastic! Please, Brother Jax, show us the way!"
Jax raised a hand, stopping their enthusiasm in its tracks. "I can tell you. But..."
Kaine and Aris weren't stupid. They knew how the world worked.
"Brother Jax, speak your mind!" Kaine said instantly. "Whatever you need, if it is within our power, we will not refuse!"