[quote=EldritchOne]
Frankly I think he'd consider it a risky venture, which has equal pay off as pay in. One one hand, access to an immense store of knowledge and power, on the other hand, the words "Thief" are currently dangling in giant green neon lights above Arcon's head for Scalpel, and he'd be rightfully nervous about working for him, not only because of Arcon deciding to pinch his work -although admittedly the puzzle boxes would pose a conundrum for the god due to them not actually having any real locks or bindings, forcing him to take the long route of figuring out how to open them first without them combusting- , but also because Arcon might turn him into finely ground ash for even thinking about aspiring beyond mortal goals. If they were going to team up it'd doubtlessly be a difficult relationship, mostly because both come across as largely amoral manipulative control fiends, they'd probably end up arguing like an old married couple.. except this couple is busy trying to figure out the best time of getting rid of the other whilst equally balancing a desire to squeeze as much information out of the other as possible.If I can say one thing about it, it'd be interesting.
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I know, and just the sheer fucking dynamics of such a relationship is like a Golden Ticket to the chocolate factory. 

Although, to be honest, Arcon would also see the big flashing Broadway sign of "Thief" above Scalpel's head. On one hand, Arcon will probably recognize the genius and ingenuity that Scalpel has, and realize that with the right resources, the stallion's work (without Arcon knowing fully what he's doing) could be one of those revolutionary things for Ponykind.

On the other hand, if he was to give access to what he has, whose to say that Scalpel won't merely take it and run, or for that matter, destroy something of vital importance. At which case, is it better for Ponykind to wait another few centuries for someone like Scalpel to come around and add new knowledge, or is it safer for Arcon to crispy fry him now and preserve what they already have. Like you said, Arcon would need to extract as much info as he could out of Scalpel, and determine what, if any, value it has.

The length of time for Scalpel's work could be reduced to months or weeks with Arcon's resources.

Arcon's Hall could be turned to ash from this untrustworthy scientists.

Choices... choices...