Behind him, the Shadow Legion stood in formation, processing what they'd just witnessed. The silence was heavy. Complicated. The kind that preceded either acceptance or mutiny.
Qiu approached first, ledger already flipping open with practiced efficiency. His finger traced columns of numbers like a merchant reading prophecy. "Thirteen hundred fifty silver total assets. That's sixty-three percent above minimum winter survival threshold. Budget secured. Everyone lives." He paused, tapping the page. "Brilliant. Actually brilliant from an economic standpoint despite the moral implications making my soul itch."
Hunter looked at him. "We just robbed him, Qiu."
"We charged toll for infrastructure services we legitimately provide. One thousand silver for secured passage, spirit beast elimination, and regional safety guarantees. Fair market rate." Qiu made more notes. "He paid under pressure but he paid. Voluntarily from a legal standpoint even if not from a moral one."
