"Well said." The Thoughtform clapped his hands. "But if I had fame, backing, and resources, I wouldn't have come to Xandar seeking cooperation. Wouldn't it be better to strike out on my own?
It's precisely because we lack fame, backing, and resources that we came to Xandar."
Ake smiled sheepishly. "What I meant was that we should first find a way to make a name for ourselves. Ideally, everyone on Xandar should know we exist. That would make cooperation easier to discuss."
"That does make some sense, but the question is how exactly to do it." The Thoughtform tapped the table with his index finger as one idea after another flashed through his mind.
He was a mage. He could make a name for himself simply by casting a Forbidden Magic spell.
But he absolutely could not do that. He had no desire to bear the consequences of exposing Gaius's identity. He was unwilling even to reveal this face, and had to wear a mask whenever he went out.
He was also an alchemist, but becoming famous through alchemy would be far too much of a waste of time.
He was also a Seer. He could make a hugely influential prophecy, but the identity of a Seer came with too much charlatan baggage. People might not believe him.
After ruling out one option after another, the Thoughtform finally found a method that was not quite mature, but had a good chance of succeeding.
"I have an idea, though it might cause a bit of a commotion."
"Master, Xandar's technological strength is still trustworthy." Ake said with a chuckle. "A little commotion won't matter. The Nova Corps can definitely keep the situation under control."
"All right! Where on Xandar has the most foot traffic?"
"Fountain Square. Walk about a kilometer down