--- [Alex’s perspective]
“So you brought me here to recruit me so that I can do what? Kill the Emperor? Kill my own father?” – Alex
“Yes.” – Leanne
…
There wasn’t even a moment of hesitation or thought before her reply.
She clearly isn’t trying to hide her motivation…
She wants me to be the one who kills the strongest man in the world…
“If your potential is anywhere near your father’s, you may be the only one in the world who actually stands a chance against him.” – Leanne
“What if I say no? What then? If nobody else stands a chance against him, how are you planning on defeating him? I assume this organization has been around for at least a few centuries, right? In all that time before I was born, what was your plan?” – Alex
“Alex, you don’t seem to understand. It’s not that we want the Emperor to die, it’s that he needs to die… Whatever it takes, we will find a way. With you on our side, or not. Of course, it would be a lot more achievable if we had you with us though…” – Lily
That just sounds like wishful thinking…
There’s no such thing as a person that ‘needs’ to die; it’s all human desire.
No matter how strong their desire is, it won’t manifest itself unless they have the means to do so.
If it’s true that I might one day be a rival to even the Emperor himself, then they need me on their side.
I assume big bro could have done the job too, but he’s no longer around…
I’m the only one left who can accomplish their goals.
They can’t kill me; if they do, they’re doomed for failure.
That means I’m the one in power here…
I’m the one making the rules.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Honestly, if the Emperor really is as evil as they claim, I have no qualms with taking his life.
I’ve already realized that my old ideals were foolish; taking a life is sometimes necessary.
I could temporarily join them, putting my trust in Shin for now, while looking into things myself to confirm whether they’re telling the truth or not, and if their goal is worth pursuing.
At the same time, since I’m the one in power, I can bargain with them…
I’ll agree to join them, but only under certain conditions.
If they can fulfill those for me, then I’m killing two birds with one stone; I’m getting myself safely out of this situation, while also getting my wishes granted.
Perfect…!
“To be completely honest, I’m not sure I can fully trust you guys. Everything you’re saying sounds nice, but it’s all a bit too convenient… I recognize that you very well might be deceiving me, but I’ll choose to put my trust in Shin…” – Alex
Leanne’s face lights up as the words leave my mouth.
“Does that mean…?!!” – Leanne
“Yes. I’ll join The END, specifically the Urielites…” – Alex
“Yes! Thank you!” – Leanne
She excitedly leans forward and gives me a big hug.
“I knew you would listen to reason, Alex.” – Lily
“But I have two conditions…” – Alex
She lets go of me, scared of what I might say next.
At the same time, I catch Shin hiding a smirk.
Negotiating like this is definitely something he’d do if he was in my position.
“W-what is it…?” – Leanne
I clear my throat and prepare to raise my voice; they need to know how serious and uncompromising I will be about this.
“One! You will hand over Seth to me. He killed my brother, and for that, he will die. Two! There’s another member of The END, I assume he’s a Raguelite just like Seth… His name is Gael Lux. He can’t be allowed to live either. Except it won’t be done by my hands, but rather a friend of mine. Is that clear?” – Alex
Leanne looks down, disappointed…
“I’m sorry, but we can’t do that.” – Leanne
“Then I won’t join. Goodbye.” – Alex
Without hesitation, I get back up walk straight towards the door.
“Wait!” – Leanne
“Will you do it?” – Alex
“No… Even if they’re Raguelites, we’re all still part of The END in the end… There are strict rules about hurting other members, and infighting. If we want any chance at completing our goals, we can’t afford to fight amongst ourselves. Please understand…” – Leanne
“That won’t do.” – Alex
I duck down and squeeze myself through the small door.
Damn.
I really thought they’d accept my conditions…
They seemed so desperate to have me on their side, yet they won’t even give up a measly two members?
I hear someone knocking on the window from inside…
It’s Shin.
He waves his hand, signaling me to come back inside.
Fine…
I’ll go back inside, but if they’re not complying immediately, I’ll leave for good.
I yet again duck down, squeezing myself through the laughably small door.
“But…!” – Leanne
“Quiet. Let me take care of the negotiations.” – Shin
“…” – Leanne
“I’m not here to negotiate. Just tell me, will you comply, or not?” – Alex
“Yes, but I have a few conditions of my own to make things fair. Now sit down.” – Shin
Since it’s Shin, I’ll hear him out…
But even if he’s my best friend, I won’t tolerate any significant deviations from my requests.
I sit down and take a sip of my drink.
“Alright, what are your conditions?” – Alex
