Two days after the confrontation with the courier guild the atmosphere around AMAX changed again This time it was not fear or revolt but something far more complicated Opportunity mixed with danger Ethan noticed it the moment he stepped outside the hall Three elegant carriages waited on the street each pulled by creatures he had never seen before tall mana infused stags with crystalline horns Their bodies glowed with faint blue veins of energy The carriages themselves shimmered with protective runes so polished that even Aria paused to study them Ethan whispered Those are not from Astravar Mira nodded voice low Those are from the Kingdom of Veylar A distant realm wealthy powerful and famous for its elite merchant houses Lorian gulped Merchants that wealthy rarely visit Aria added They never visit without an agenda The doors of the first carriage opened and out stepped three individuals wearing tailored mana woven robes Their clothing was not flashy but refined made of layered fabrics that shifted color depending on the angle Each wore a metallic insignia showing a stylized crest Ethan recognized the symbol Venture Sigils High class merchant houses specializing in large scale investments The lead visitor approached Ethan with a composed smile I am Seradin Mairen partner of Veylar Capital House We have come to discuss potential investment Ethan raised an eyebrow Investment Seradin nodded Your Mana Demo Day reached Veylar faster than you think The ripple of mana aligned innovation travels through scrying mirrors and seer networks We saw what you built so we came Mira whispered They came across kingdoms for us Lorian nearly dropped his sprite Aria folded her arms calmly studying the visitors Seradin continued We do not arrive lightly We believe AMAX has the potential to shift magical commerce across continents We wish to be involved Ethan stood tall Then let us speak inside They entered the pitch room The visitors looked impressed by the living energy of the hall its controlled chaos and the clear signs of innovation in motion Seradin sat across from Ethan hands folded His tone was polished professional the kind of voice Ethan had heard countless times in boardrooms across Silicon Valley We wish to offer investment in AMAX We can provide mana infused materials rare components protected research access political support and connections across three kingdoms Ethan nodded listening But Seradin continued We want in return a share of ownership Ethan expected this but waited Seradin placed a rune stone on the table It displayed a number Twenty percent Ethan did not react outwardly but Mira gasped quietly Lorian whispered That is a giant share Ethan kept his voice level And what valuation do you suggest Seradin smiled a trained business smile Pre revenue unprotected market territory and political instability We value AMAX at two hundred thousand mana crowns Mira’s eyes widened That is low Aria whispered dangerously low Ethan leaned forward calm patient That valuation is inaccurate Seradin smirked and asked Why Ethan replied Because AMAX is not a small service We are building an ecosystem Mana powered delivery summoning logistics rune infrastructure and startup acceleration all combined No kingdom has this structure We are first movers Seradin crossed his legs slowly But you face danger from the courier guild from the Council from instability Ethan countered Yes but danger increases value not reduces it Seradin raised an eyebrow Explain Ethan responded calmly Because danger means no one else can replicate our position They would need courage talent and structure We have all three Seradin glanced at his partners their expressions changing slightly Ethan continued Our valuation is one million mana crowns Seradin froze A bold number bold enough that Aria blinked Mira covered her mouth Lorian stopped breathing But Ethan did not waver Seradin leaned back You value yourselves highly Ethan answered Yes because AMAX is not a single company We are a founder engine We produce multiple enterprises not one Seradin studied Ethan silently then finally nodded Interesting Then he placed a second rune stone on the table One million valuation twenty percent becomes too high We request twelve percent minimum Ethan now had leverage He could negotiate or reject He asked calmly And what non financial terms Seradin nodded appreciating the sharpness We will provide a permanent trade route between AMAX and Veylar supply lines political shielding and access to rare mana crystals used only in Veylar He set three crystals on the table Blue so vibrant they hummed softly Their energy made the entire hall lighten Mira whispered Those could triple summoning stability Aria said Those could power entire rune networks Ten whispered Those could shift the kingdom Ethan looked at his team They waited for his answer He turned to Seradin and said Then we counter offer One million valuation Ten percent equity Seradin inhaled slowly holding back a smile You negotiate like a Veylar merchant Ethan replied I negotiate like a founder Seradin stood extended his hand Deal Ethan shook it sealing the pact A glowing rune appeared floating between their palms The hall felt brighter as if the mana realm itself recognized the agreement The visitors left satisfied and curious Ethan turned to his team and said softly This is our Series A funding and we just brought in strategic partners from another kingdom Lorian looked dizzy Mira nearly screamed Aria nodded calmly We now have resources to grow Ethan raised the three glowing crystals These change everything But he quickly added Growth invites attention Veylar may be allies but alliances have costs Mira asked What cost Ethan said Influence We must use their help but not become dependent The team nodded determined The world outside Astravar had heard AMAX’s name And they were coming The stakes had risen again