HP: The Arcane Thief

"Come join us, Axel. The two of us had something important to discuss with you about the upcoming match."

Axel's eyes twitched. Great. Just great. A meeting with two of the strongest wizards in the world.

If these two really try to take him down, he is a goner. And Axel didn't feel comfortable knowing that. But oh well, it's not like it's the first time he's found himself in a weaker position. Back in the days, almost everyone used to be stronger than him.

Yamazaki Yujiro looked at Axel with a scrutinizing gaze. "So, you are the boy who has managed to impress my granddaughter…"

"I'm rather curious. How exactly did you manage that?" he asked.

'By first beating her into submission and then blackmailing her into being my slave.' Thought Axel inwardly.

If Yujiro was rather curious about how Axel did it, then Axel was also rather curious how the Mahoutokoro Headmaster would react if he told him the truth.

But Axel just shrugged. "I thought I was called for something related to the match?"

Yamazaki Yujiro's eyes, which always seem perpetually closed, opened a little as he looked at Axel. "I see…" he murmured, seemingly getting his answer.

Dumbledore had an amused smile on his face as he exchanged a glance with Yujiro, before turning back to look at Axel.

"Indeed, my boy, We're all busy people here. So I'll come straight to the point," he said, leaning forward.

"Axel, we were hoping for you to play in the match between the two schools," said Dumbledore with a grandfatherly smile.

"Play in Hogwarts vs Mahoutokoro?" Axel shook his head. "I'm sorry, Professor. But I've already quit," he said without even thinking, trying not to scoff.

Dumbledore nodded, as if expecting his response. "Axel, I understand that you have withdrawn from Quidditch. Though, we were hoping you could play one last match before that. It'll greatly help the two schools."

'Well, looks like it's important.' Axel tilted his head in puzzlement. "Headmaster, I fail to understand why my participation can be so important. Is it really necessary?" He asked innocently, trying to probe further.

It was understandable in the case of Hogwarts since the Slytherin would be totally crushed without him, but shouldn't the Mahoutokoro be happy with his non-participation? He wanted to know the exact reason why they want him to play, to get a handle of just how far he can push.

Dumbledore nodded. "Your participation is indeed highly consequential, Mr. Hunt. It signifies the cooperation and competition between the two schools from different parts of the world. To promote such cooperation, we want the match to reach as many people as possible."

"And that is something that'll definitely be achieved with my participation," said Axel with a nod. Axel could feel that it's wasn't the whole reason, but it still a valid one.

'Let's try then,' he thought.

"But… I'm sorry, Headmaster. I really can't bring myself to play anymore," he said, looking a bit forlorn. "I'm too traumatized with all the attention. I can't throw that all over again," he said with a heavy sigh.

Dumbledore and Yujiro were a bit irritated with Axel's overtly fake acting, but Axel stuck to it.

'Well, I'm not an idiot to readily agree,' he thought. He had already figured out the situation. These old fogies are the ones who need a favor. Not him. And they need it bad. Axel suppressed a grin. He's not an absolute dumbass to simply agree to their request just like that.

Yamazaki Yujiro shook his head slowly. "You are too lenient on your students, Arbus-san," he commented. Since he was speaking English, the translation amulet on Axel didn't convert his words. "If there was a student of Mahoutokoro in his place, they would have gratefully agreed."

Well, Yamazaki Yujiro wasn't wrong. Meeting with these two men at once, most students would likely shit their pants. And it would be quite an honour for them to fullfill any of the requests of these two. But, Axel didn't work like that. Sucking up to people is just not his thing.

He shrugged. "That's only valid for ordinary students. I believe special privileges are also given to the geniuses of Mahoutokoro. Or Headmaster Yamazaki, are you implying that I'm just an ordinary student?"

Yujiro looked at Axel with some surprise. "You know about Special privilege Students? Did Akiko tell you this?"

"...." Axel was a bit speechless. If Akiko telling him that has such great significance then he wondered how this man would react if he knew that his granddaughter had personally trained him using the secrets of Mahoutokoro and the two clans of her parents.

He shrugged. "That's unimportant. All I'm saying is that I'm literally a game changer, not some ordinary student. So I should be allowed a few privileges if I were to play.

Besides, I can't really find the motivation to go through another traumatizing match. Also, it's an unrestricted format and I'm just a thirteen year old boy. I might get seriously injured. Headmasters, don't you think your request is quite unreasonable?"

"....."

The Headmasters just looked at Axel for a few moments as silence reigned in the room for a few seconds.

This boy... does he realize who he is talking to?

They were the headmasters of two of the most prominent magical schools of the world. Even more prominent was their own influence. And if that was not enough, their own personal abilities were at a level that few mortals could ever achieve.

And two individuals of such calibre... were currently being blatantly extorted by this 13 year old...

It was so absurd that it was crossing into the lines of amusing and infuriating. Which is why, Dumbledore was currently smiling while Yujiro had a vein popping on his forehead.

But Axel was unfazed. These geezers might think he was being so daring out of ignorance. But that is not the case.

Though he was lacking in experience, but if talking about capabilities, Axel did qualify to negotiate with them. No matter how capable they think they are, they can't force Axel to do anything. Mind magics don't work on him and he can easily escape if they try using force.

So, Axel currently wasn't being so daring out of ignorance, but because he could afford to.

"Alright, brat. We get it. Just tell us what you want," said Yujiro in irritation.

'Gotcha.'

Axel had already thought about it. Though it could be a bit of a drag, he had no trouble playing in the next match if the return was good enough. There were a few things he currently needed which he couldn't get from any of his sources. And with these old men's experience and reach, he might actually get them.

If that was possible, then why not play? He can also properly show his boundaries this time, so that the Organization doesn't send out much of a fighting force for him.

"A wood from the World Tree and a material called vatiqua amseria. I need these two." Thus, Axel called out the names of the two ingredients on his list.

"Hm… I'm afraid I haven't heard of either of them. Is there anything else you wanted?" said Dumbledore with a pondering look.

But Yujiro's expression changed. "I haven't heard about a world tree, it could be anything. But the second one... where did you hear about it? And why do you want it?"

Axel shrugged. "I just know someone who wants it. Do you know what it is, sir?"

Yujiro slowly stroked his beard. "It's a rare flower that only blooms when certain conditions are naturally met. But it's very rare and it has mysterious properties.

Axel raised his eyebrows curiously. "Oh? Where is it found?"

Yujiro shook his head. "That I can't tell you. But I can get it delivered to you in a few months time when it blooms. That good enough for you?" He asked, looking positively peeved.

Axel shook his head. "No, that's only one ingredient. If you can't provide the other one then I have another demand."

Yamazaki lost his patience. "Ignorant child, do you have any idea about the value of a vatiqua amseria? It's not something you can even buy with money."

Axel shrugged. "You don't have to look so offended, Headmaster Yamazaki. I can leave right now if you want. I'm not the one who called you here," he said, getting up to leave.

"Now, I don't think there's a need for that, Axel. I'm sure we can come to an understanding." Dumbledore wasn't willing to let it go just like that. He had bigger plans going on. Far bigger and far far more important than the demands of a thirteen year old.

Axel held back a grin. He was right. Even though he didn't know the real reason, they really do want it bad. Well, since they're being so accommodating, he'll make sure to give them one hell of a show in the next match.

"I need around 60% of the revenue generated from this," said Axel, putting forth his demand.

While Dumbledore was once again calm, but Yamazaki instantly glared at Axel, an aura rising from him that put pressure on Axel.

"Listen to me, brat, just because we're being nice doesn't mean you can make just any demand."

Even though Axel had to pretend to be uncomfortable under the pressure, but he did not back down. This is just classic good cop bad cop bad cop trick. He knew he wasn't asking much.

"Please, you listen to me, Headmaster Yamazaki. Even though I might be a kid, but I do know my value.

With my involvement, the 40% of the revenue generated would still be a lot greater than 100% of the revenue you would have got without my involvement. I am only asking less out of respect."

Respect? Having to negotiate with a kid, do they still have any respect left here? Is this kid offering them crumbs out of respect? The boy is clearly taking advantage of them because they can't negotiate without looking cheap.

Yamazaki wasn't satisfied, but Dumbledore just smiled. "Then we have come to an agreement, Mr. Hunt. We will pass on the word of your involvement. Please do not miss the match at any cost now."

"Oh, Professor, I have something that can assure you completely of my cooperation," said Axel as he took out a parchment filled with dense kanji.

Yamazaki's eyes widened upon seeing the paper. "That…"

Axel nodded in confirmation. "Yeah, it's a sealing contract. I thought we might as well write everything down," he said with an innocent smile. "Your granddaughter wrote it for me. Didn't know it would come in handy today," said Axel, scratching the back of his head.

"You…" The veins on Yamazaki's forehead seemed ready to burst at any moment.

First making outrageous demands from him, and then not trusting his, Yamazaki Yujiro's, words and getting him to sign a seal contract. And if that wasn't enough, the contract being used for this absurdity is made by his own precious granddaughter.

This… this really was some different level of gall.

Dumbledore gave Yamazaki a look, as if reminding him not to totally lose it in front of a child. "We can agree to your demands. I just have a small request."

"What is it?"

Dumbledore smiled.

....

Coming out of the Headmaster's cabin, Axel stretched relaxedly. That went as well as could be expected.

"What happened?" Asked Akiko, who suddenly appeared before him.

Axel shook his head. "Your Grandfather was in there. And he was not happy. But it's fine now."

When he had seen Yamazaki Yujiro in Dumbledore's office, he had secretly called her outside as back up in case things really went south.

"You angered my grandfather?" Akiko's brows raised. She knew both Axel and her Grandfather very well. If sparks really fly, both of them aren't the ones to back down.

Grabbing Axel, she began checking his whole body for any signs of abnormalities.

Axel looked at her in puzzlement. "Hey, stop it. I'm fine."

But Akiko didn't stop until she was satisfied. Finally done, she shook her head, looking relieved. "Sorry, I was checking for curses. If truly angered, my Grandfather can be quite.... extreme," she said with a sigh.

Axel scoffed. "Don't worry. I just called you as a precaution. Do you take me for someone who would pick a fight with someone as powerful as him?"

Akiko looked at him for a moment, and then nodded seriously. "I do."

"....Nonsense." Axel looked away. "I only annoyed him a bit."

When Akiko kept looking at him seriously, Axel just sighed as he began walking away. "Alright. Just don't worry. I won't do anything to your Grandfather," he said as he left.

Left standing in the corridor, Akiko shook her head. In the whole world, perhaps only Axel had the guts to say he will spare Yamazaki Yujiro, and not the other way around.

And as someone who knew his potential, she was rather relieved when she heard him say that.

Sighing, she waited for her Grandfather to come out. Now she has to make sure her Ojiichan doesn't do anything stupid.