When Neonidas shook Zalira's hand, he knew there was no need to put their agreement on paper. This was an alliance built on mutual trust. But trust wasn't everything—control mattered, too.
After casting one last glance to confirm the deal was sealed, Zalira withdrew her hand and turned her attention back to the designs on the table. "My second condition," she said, tapping the corner of the parchment with her finger, "is that this project isn't limited to just ammunition and weapon production."
Neonidas raised an eyebrow. "What are you proposing?"
Zalira's eyes glowed faintly in the dim light of the room. "A battlefield isn't won through killing alone. Strategy, intelligence, and defense are just as important. If we can create weapons powered by mana, then we should also develop magic-based armor, detection systems, and combat tactics. If we focus magic technology solely on offense, one day, an enemy who thinks like us will use it against us."
