Chthon's words made perfect sense, but Demon still didn't want to pay. After all, the Demon King's household had no surplus provisions either.
Moreover, Demon planned to cultivate the Female Monster who could control the network. Cultivating Billy as well would mean paying twice.
Seeing Demon remain silent, Chthon said no more. The group quietly watched Billy, seemingly waiting for his death.
What, why didn't Chthon pay himself? After years of "scamming and swindling," Chthon had indeed accumulated quite a few resources, enough to help Billy break through. But with a sucker right here, why would he possibly pay out of his own pocket?
Chthon was very confident that Demon would pay, because he had a sense of the bigger picture. Besides, although Billy had been cultivated by Chthon, Demon could easily tamper with the energy transfer and influence Billy.
More importantly, Demon did not actually lack treasures or supplies. He was simply stingy.
Seeing that Chthon had no intention of paying at all, Demon cursed furiously in his heart. After a while, he said, "Chthon, he's your subordinate. We'll each pay half."
"Billy isn't my subordinate. He's our subordinate."
Chthon said, "Once he becomes a Skyfather, he'll be equally useful to both of us. Demon, this isn't the time to haggle over every last detail. If we lose, all the good things will end up benefiting Mechanical Demon King.
"Unless something unexpected happens, Mechanical Demon King has already sent people to raid Malebolgia's lair. That guy can squeeze oil out of even a corpse.
"Also, don't forget that Mechanical Demon King's side has just gained a new Skyfather: Starlight Annie."
As if you wouldn't raid people's homes too?
Demon grumbled inwardly. The two Demon Kings bargained back and forth, and in the end, Demon paid most of it while