Wizard: Starting from the Skill Tree

Next comes the negotiation on revenue sharing percentages.

Duke was well-prepared, having had the Arcane Master Association staff draft a framework agreement, which exclusive licensors from various regions could modify.

There were many clauses, with licensing fees being paid in a lump sum, ranging from tens of millions to billions depending on the size and market potential of the region.

The revenue sharing percentage was the core, and Duke’s bottom line ranged from ten to fifteen percent of sales revenue.

He expected some haggling, but was surprised that most licensors readily accepted; the East Coast’s Star Dome Commerce Association even proactively offered twelve percent, stating that the technology was worth the price.

Next came the channels outside the Wizard Plane.

Representatives of the Arcane Master Association spoke first.

"Lord Duke, the Arcane Master Association has the channels to deliver the Automatic Meditation Magic Potion to every affiliated plane conquered by the Wizard Plane. The stationed wizards and pioneers of those planes have a great demand for such resources."

Duke nodded: "Channeling to affiliated planes will be fully managed by the Arcane Master Association. Revenue sharing will follow the Central Islands standard, ten percent."

Star Dome Commerce Association’s representative also spoke: "Star Dome Commerce Association has channels beyond the East Coast to affiliated planes, including several resource planes and a few inter-plane trade routes."

"For channels to affiliated planes, I prefer to delegate it entirely to the Arcane Master Association. Other commerce associations with inter-plane channels can negotiate distribution with them, but I won’t be directly involved," Duke contemplated and said.

Star Dome Commerce Association’s representative nodded and did not press further.

Several other forces holding regional exclusivity also presented their channel advantages to affiliated planes.

Duke listened to each case before making a final decision.

All channels outside the Wizard Plane will be exclusively handled by the Arcane Master Association, with other commerce associations negotiating distribution with them.

Duke only takes a fixed revenue share from the Arcane Master Association, five percent.

Some expressed confusion, asking why only five percent outside the Wizard Plane.

Duke’s response was succinct. "Those planes are too far out of reach for me. Instead of fixating on a small share, it’s better to let capable people manage; I’ll only take what’s rightfully mine."

Some still wished to bargain, but seeing Duke’s firm stance, they didn’t persist.

Duke doesn’t have the energy and time to manage these operations; his main goal remains gaining strength, rather than becoming a businessman.

While letting go might mean less earnings, it allows more time for personal pursuits.

Furthermore, letting others earn more is beneficial; if all the profit goes to him, trouble might ensue.

Especially since Duke understands the weight of the Arcane Master Association; letting them earn more is undoubtedly advantageous.

Many things can’t be measured by Magic Stones.

When all clauses were discussed, night had fallen.

Outside the window, the glow of Sky City shifted from warm gold to silvery blue, while the lighting in the conference room remained bright.

Duke leaned against the back of his chair, exhaling deeply.

Licensing fees, revenue shares, channel division... Each figure was carefully considered, every decision made independently.

Duke stood and headed for the door.

Passing by Vera, she softly said, "Congratulations."

Duke paused and smiled in response.

Vera’s gaze was calm, with a faint smile at the corner of her lips.

"For the three cities of Thorn Holy Tower, I’ll personally keep watch, rest assured."

Duke nodded. "Thank you."

He continued towards the exit.

Behind him, Annabelle’s voice emerged from the crowd.

"Lord Duke, the Bryan family’s channels on the Golden Continent are always open for your inspection."

Without looking back, Duke raised his hand as a response.

...

Over the next month, authorization fees from all parties flooded into Duke’s account like a tide.

The first payment arrived from Giant Rock Commerce Association.

Harrison delivered the authorization fee to Duke on the third day post-signing, being twenty percent higher than Duke anticipated.

Along with the payment came a brief message: "On the West Coast, Giant Rock Commerce Association will not disappoint you."

Next was Black Sail; Lucas personally went to the Central Islands to hand over the authorization fee to Duke.

Without much to say, Lucas remarked while departing, "Black Sail will always be your backing."

Star Dome Commerce Association’s funds arrived the slowest, but were the largest.

The fee for four regions on the East Coast, coupled with their scattered channels on other continents, amounted to a figure that slightly moved Duke.

The representative from Star Dome Commerce Association added during the transaction, "Lord Duke, Star Dome Commerce Association looks forward to long-term collaboration with you."

The Bryan family’s authorization fee wasn’t small either; after all, the Golden Continent is a major pie, albeit a scorching one.

These concerns need not vex Duke; the Bryan family would only take on this authorization if they were confident in handling the challenges.

The Arcane Master Association’s documentation was the most meticulous, with a detailed financial report listing market forecasts, channel expenses, expected returns, and the basis for the authorization fee calculation for each area in the Central Islands.

Duke reviewed it and signed on the final page.

The channel fees for affiliated planes were calculated separately; Duke only received a five percent share, with no upfront authorization fee.

However, the Arcane Master Association promised an annual settlement without delay.

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