Apocalyptic Rebirth: With a repairman system space, she rises again. Chapter 784: Terms and conditions.

Hours crawled by like an eternity back at the repairmen headquarters. Within the council chamber, the assembled members remained, their faces slick with sweat and etched with worry beneath the glaring illumination. A consensus had finally been achieved, born primarily from sheer terror. Regardless of the aftermath, one fact was undeniable: Zevran's deceitful actions could not be divulged. The organization's standing and credibility were paramount and required safeguarding at all costs.

Commander Melvin, appearing visibly aged by the day's events, raised a hand and gently rang a small, silver bell. Its delicate chime sliced through the oppressive silence. A guard entered at the sound, and Melvin offered a curt nod. "Inform the King and his entourage that they may resume their seats in the council chamber."

Nine was the first to re-enter the room. He didn't merely walk; he swaggered, flexing his biceps and beaming as if he'd just struck interstellar gold. Behind him, the others followed in a near-silent procession, their expressions impassive. Sunshine appeared diminutive positioned between the King and Nine, yet a newfound light flickered in her eyes—the unmistakable glow of self-realization.

Without awaiting an invitation, the King took his place at the head of the long table, his imposing presence commanding the room. "Well?" he inquired, his voice resonating. "What decision have you reached? How shall we proceed?"

Melvin cleared his throat, a dry, strained sound. "We have thoroughly assessed the severity of the circumstances. We concur that Zevran's transgressions must remain confidential. To preserve this organization's esteemed reputation, this affair concludes here."

A sharp, abrupt bark of laughter escaped the King. "I concur. The existence of secrets within this council bolsters my influence. A council indebted to me is a council I find agreeable."

Melvin winced but pressed on. "In exchange for your discretion, we propose an agreement. We shall instruct Sunshine on the methods for repairing the colossal rift, and we will disclose the locations of the minor ones. Furthermore," he hesitated, his expression contorted with displeasure, "we will return no less than half of the items pilfered from her grandfather's vault. We consider this a more than equitable resolution."

A profound silence enveloped the chamber. The stillness was so absolute that the low hum of the overhead lights became audible. All eyes turned to Sunshine, anticipating her response.

"Is that... all?" she inquired softly. "I had imagined you might still be augmenting that offer, as I doubt even you possess the foolishness to believe that is sufficient."

Commander Melvin squeezed his eyes shut, as though seeking divine fortitude to endure this arduous moment. "This represents the extent of our capacity to compensate you for the considerable distress you have endured. We are unable to fully replace all the contents of that vault, Sunshine. Our compensatory measures are necessarily limited."

"Compensate?" Vortan interjected with a sneer. "One of our own council members attempted to assassinate her!"

The King erupted into derisive laughter, advancing forward, his gaze sharpening. "The council demands a great deal yet offers meagerly in return. It appears you've overlooked a critical point: Sunshine holds the advantageous position. You are in no standing to negotiate as if at a street bazaar. There are but two alternatives. She commands you to leap, and your sole response is to inquire about the altitude."

Melvin flinched visibly.

The King cleared his throat, modulating his voice to a tone of unyielding command. "Our terms are as follows. Firstly, you will not merely impart knowledge to Sunshine regarding rift repair. You are obligated to dispatch Grand Masters, your most accomplished individuals. They are to commence immediate work on the grand rift and any other fissures present in the earth's firmament. And do not offer any prevaricating pleas of neutrality; your allegiance now lies with us, Melvin. To borrow a phrase from my esteemed colleague Maximus during moments of supreme advantage," he paused, clearing his throat once more, "you are our subordinate. The entire council is."

Melvin opened his mouth to object, but the King raised a hand, silencing him. "Secondly, you will return every last artifact from her grandfather's vault. Not half, not most—every single item, down to the final bronze coin. It is my understanding that Zevran, the thief, disposed of them. Utilize Cobra's services to trace the sold items and ensure their restitution. These losses occurred under your watch, not Sunshine's, making their recovery your responsibility. As for the gold and pearls, liquidate Zevran's assets and remit the proceeds to Sunshine."

The King turned his attention to Sunshine, his expression softening almost imperceptibly. "Have I overlooked anything?"

Sunshine nodded, her demeanor turning resolute. "Mavielle," she stated firmly. "She is granted complete immunity. Her true identity as Cobra shall never be revealed; that secret remains interred. Furthermore, all initiates poised for Grand Master status must undergo immediate training and promotion. We shall tolerate no further delays stemming from political maneuvering or archaic regulations predating true societal advancement."

The waiting period mandated by law needs to be extended to at least ten years. We cannot be left indefinitely awaiting an opportunity to achieve Grandmaster status while our bodies age. If we adhere to the current regulations, I will likely be deceased before reaching that pinnacle. Furthermore, it is imperative that one of our own be included in the investigation concerning Zevran to ensure justice prevails.

The King offered a nod of approval. "Is that all you require?"

Nine, suddenly animated, interjected by waving his hand enthusiastically. "Hey! Don’t forget the most crucial part! We absolutely must secure complimentary access to the VIP canteen. I desire the freedom to consume anything I wish, three meals a day, for an entire year. No, scratch that – two years!"

Vortan, who had been observing silently from a corner, vehemently shook his head, the cracking sound audible from his neck. Of all the potential requests in a high-stakes negotiation, Nine’s focus was solely on his appetite. Nevertheless, Vortan refrained from vocalizing his displeasure; as long as he eventually received the training necessary to become a Grand Master, he could tolerate Nine’s perpetual preoccupation with food.

The council members shifted uneasily in their ornate, high-backed chairs. Murmurs rippled through them as they exchanged hushed words, their faces contorted with irritation.

Commander Melvin released a protracted sigh through his nose. "These demands are... exceedingly difficult to meet. You are essentially asking us to disregard numerous established rules."

"I am requesting that you permit flexibility in the rules," she retorted sharply.

"You speak as if you possess a choice in the matter," the King stated, leaning forward over the table. "Where were these rules when Zevran's thieving hands pilfered from my goddaughter and dispatched a squadron of Noxian assassins after her? And she managed to defeat them as well. Your rules, your entire organization, requires a fundamental reevaluation. A complete fresh start."

Melvin glanced from the King to the resolute expression on Sunshine’s face. He also noted Vortan’s unwavering stance and surmised that other repairmen would adopt a similar position if they became aware of Zevran's transgressions. Even if Sunshine, Nine, and Vortan were silenced to maintain secrecy, the King presented a different scenario. His associates were likely already informed of the unfolding events. Should the council refuse, knowledge of their dealings would inevitably spread across the galaxy within the hour. He inhaled sharply. The organization could not afford to collapse, especially not under his command.

Change was undeniably inevitable. "You are correct, Your Majesty. We do not have a choice," he conceded, his voice faint.

Sunshine and Nine immediately turned towards each other, exchanging a resounding, impactful high-five. "Yes!" Sunshine exclaimed, her countenance illuminating with unadulterated delight.

"Hold on," the King interjected, his tone chillingly calm. "Melvin, your word holds no more weight than a cloud. This requires documentation. A formal contract, meticulously drafted, signed, and officially sealed."