Warning, Once!

"This..." The old man frowned, having realized where the problem lay. After pondering for quite a while, he looked at Richard and asked, "Have you ever heard a saying?"

"What?"

"Knowledge is the most precious wealth and the greatest power in this world. Whoever possesses it will be invincible."

"I haven't heard that one. But I have heard, 'Knowledge is power.' I suppose it's about the same."

"Uh, then this will be much easier. I admit I can't make others give you benefits, but I myself have something to offer you. Although many of my memories are blurred, some knowledge has been preserved. As long as you successfully revive me, I can teach that knowledge to you. What do you say?"

"That is quite a worthwhile deal." Richard nodded in agreement. "But I'm worried about one thing: what if you go back on your word after I successfully revive you?"

"You can trust my character. I will not break my promise," the old man said solemnly.

"Considering that we have known each other for barely ten minutes, and I know nothing about your past—while even you are not entirely clear on your own past—I don't think that offers any guarantee."

"I..." The old man was left speechless. After a moment of silence, he asked, "Then what do you want me to do?"

"What I want is for you to tell me the knowledge first, and then I will revive you. After all, every method of reviving you requires considerable investment. I must make sure that investment will not be wasted before I take action," Richard said.

"But... how can you guarantee that after I give you the knowledge, you will definitely revive me?"

"In fact, I cannot guarantee that either," Richard said calmly. "Just as I told you before, we