Chapter 478: Barnaby’s need for speed
Michael explained an automobile in simple, easy to understand terms. He even told them how fast it could go in a straight line, which drew gasps from both Max and Barnaby who never thought a metal object that heavy could go so fast.
"If that’s true, then that’s even faster than a cheetah!" Max realized.
Lylia and Bart vouched for the automobile. "My Michael has built even faster cars if he wants to," she bragged.
As for Barnaby, he was already impressed with the automobile when he heard how fast it went through the streets of Metropolis. And after hearing that it could go more than twice as fast, his excitement grew even hotter.
But instead of focusing on the speed, he instead drew his focus on the other uses of the automobile.
"With that automobile, the delivery of items could be slashed in half! A week of travel can turn into just four days!"
This would be the selling point of the automobile. This was the reason why he thought the automobile could become one of the most sought-after items in the auction.
"So if I sell the automobile in your auction, can I participate in it?"
Michael’s question was like a stake that pierced through Barnaby’s heart.
"Uh! You’re killing me, Michael! As much as I want to bend the rules just for that beautiful piece of machinery, I can’t allow anyone below the ranking to get a spot in the auction.
I really can’t make an exception! Both you and I will get in trouble with the Association if I allow someone unqualified to enter."
Michael was bummed to hear that. He thought that the rule was implemented only because of Barnaby’s standard. He didn’t think it was the Metropolis Association itself who imposed it.
"Can I ask why they have this limit?"
Barnaby pursed his lips. He knew he had to keep his mouth shut, but Michael was such a special case that he ended up giving him a hint.
"This is supposed to be limited to only those who participate in the auction, but I’ll tell you. It has something to do with duels," Barnaby whispered.
Now, Michael was surprised to hear that. He wouldn’t expect there to be duels during an auction of items.
Maybe some companies dueled in order to break the tie between their bids, Michael guessed.
Still, there must be something up with the auction if they were keeping this duel aspect a secret.
He finally understood why there was a requirement for ranking for the auction. Just like any duel, both parties must be at relatively same status before they could duel with each other. That was why they limited the auction to those that already have a high ranking.
It’s fine if I can’t be an exception. I’ll just get the proper ranking.
"URGH! It hurts me. It physically pains me not to have that automobile in my auction. I think that this automobile would have revolutionized the entire way we do business here in Metropolis!"
Michael decided to give Barnaby a break.
"I’ll sell the automobile."
He already considered it long ago. Selling the automobile in the auction would put a spotlight into the vehicle, allowing for people and most importantly, companies, to realize the true value of an automobile.
He would have sold the automobile whether or not Barnaby gave him the exemption.
"REALLY?! That’s great!" Barnaby cheered, jumping up and down in happiness.
"I have about twenty sedan cars and ten trucks ready to be shipped out. I’ll put them up for auction," Michael said.
And this time, Barnaby froze mid-air as if he was hit by Michael’s switch Aubility.
"Ten...twenty...you...you have more than one?!?!"
Michael nodded. "Yeah. Our production is limited, but I can spare thirty automobiles for the auction."
"You said you have trucks...what is that?" Barnaby asked.
"It’s like an automobile, but it’s twice as big and has a large container on the back that can carry a ton of weight. It’s what I’ll use to transport my products from the Kings region all the way here."
Barnaby collapsed on the floor when he heard that. The truck was even better than he thought! Using them would completely change the transportation business in Metropolis! Once companies find out what it can do, he had no doubt that it would become one of the biggest bids of the night.
"Let’s talk about it more and make this official!" Barnaby said with fire in his eyes. He was never going to let go of this opportunity.
"Okay," Michael replied.
Barnaby immediately burst inside his room and took out a contract from his desk and began writing out the details of the auction.
Michael looked over the contract with ChatJK4 making sure nothing was looked over. He even had Yuna take a look at it as well by sending her the details via shadow transportation.
Anyway, it was just a simple agreement between them that allowed Barnaby to sell the automobile in the auction. He would get a 5% charge on the sale, which Michael thought was fair.
A couple of minutes later, both of them signed the agreement.
"Success! This year’s auction will be legendary!" Barnaby proclaimed.
And just then, Barnaby remembered something. "Michael, you said that you’re going to use the trucks to transfer your products in Metropolis from the Kings region, right?"
"Yeah."
"Just so that you have to go through the hassle of being inspected every time, it will be better for you to visit the Duchess’ castle and have the truck be approved for entry into Metropolis.
Because this is not a normal vehicle, they need to make sure that the truck is not a threat to civilians. And as long as you get approved, you’ll be able to get your trucks flowing through the streets easily."
Michael took note of Barnaby’s advice.
He could see why an armada of giant trucks could send alarm bells blaring all over Metropolis. His trucks were practically moving houses.
Now, he could skip all of this and just use his shadow transportation ability to get all of their products teleported directly into Metropolis. However, that wasn’t practical in the long run. It was still better to have his trucks send in supplies on a frequent basis.
As Michael and Barnaby finalized their deal, Max just watched everything unfold on the sidelines. He marveled at his nephew’s talents in business.
"Your son is very impressive," he said to Bart. "Why isn’t he being nurtured by our father?"
In his opinion, Michael’s talents should have been enough to get Yze’s attention. Yet somehow, Michael remained unknown by the better part of the Queens region. He wasn’t even known amongst Vanderbilts.
"He doesn’t need to," Lylia said proudly. "Our son is his own man. And he can do everything by himself without the help of Yze."
Max was happy for them. He couldn’t wait until his son met Michael. His little boy would have someone to look up to like an older brother figure. He wanted Michael to influence him. That way, he wouldn’t end up like him.
Just then, Barnaby walked over to Max once they were done making a deal.
"Max, I’ve thought about it some more, and I think that I will deny your request again. You can’t sell it."
Max’s face saddened. "I just...I just need the money."
"Still, it’s way too dangerous to have the operation to remove your GodForge pieces!"