Read Novel Full Chapter 191: Subverting Expectations
Chapter 191: Subverting Expectations
Greed’s jewels clinked and bashed into each other as she laughed.
"Oh, Valentin. I’m being so nice here, so why can’t you play along? You have two Demon classes and don’t want to share?! How greedy! Well, it’s either that or your complete subservience. But, by my magnanimous grace, I’ll let you decide!"
Salome’s eyes snapped to Mias upon witnessing this sight.
"Reaper, what the hell happened?!"
Mias began explaining as Vale looked over Level 9...
Level: [9]
Enemies:
[Emergent Mutant: 30]
[Emergent Monster: 15]
[Nascent Wretch: 5]
’It’s definitely possible.’
However, Vale had already discerned there was a high possibility Greed had something else planned for him.
"Greed, what if I decline both offers? What if I simply defeat the Level on my own?"
Sylvia’s smile held fast.
"Then do just that. But know, the offer will still remain even after."
’So, I was right...’
Her words only went to prove she had something planned for Vale.
’Defending from Level 9 will put me in an even worse situation.’
His forces would be weakened and unprepared in the case of a subsequent attack.
An attack that looked highly probable, seeing Greed had already taken a less than favorable deal to lull Vale into a sense of security.
The Level’s timer had been ticking for four or five minutes, which meant he had about that much time left.
"To make this clear. You want either Mias or Salome, or for me to be your puppet."
Greed hummed as she swayed her head from side to side.
"Puppet is a bit harsh a term, don’t you think? More like your manager. How about that? But, yes. Those are the two options I present. So what will it be?"
Vale tapped his foot and looked over at Mias and Salome.
Salome, fully briefed on the situation by Mias, stared at Greed with unbridled anger.
On the other hand, Mias himself looked calm as he stared at Greed.
"Sylvia, don’t you think your demands are a little unreasonable?"
Greed chuckled.
"Unreasonable? Oh, darling, forgive me for being curt, but ’reason’ in negotiation is dictated by the one holding leverage — something I possess in entirety."
Vale was about to say something, but Mias interrupted him.
Mias’s lips split into a grin.
"Isn’t that a bit presumptuous?"
Greed tilted her head.
"How so?"
Mias scowled slightly.
"You’re assuming we don’t have an offer to make other than the two you presented."
Greed laughed, then said:
"Well, if you had one, you would have made it by now, no?"
Mias laughed under his breath.
"Astute observation. As expected of what I’ve witnessed so far... but you’re forgetting something."
Greed watched Mias with open amusement.
"And what would that be, darling?"
Mias leaned forward.
"You’ve taken into account our current situation. You know our strength. But even if we’re weak, don’t underestimate the damage we could do to you. All it takes is one smart and tactical peasant to crumble an empire."
Vale’s eyes widened in surprise and fear at Mias’s bold words.
Greed herself let out a short laugh.
"Are you threatening me? How absurd!"
Mias’s eyebrows narrowed as he said:
"I am, Greed."
Sylvia’s smile dropped, replaced by a cold stare.
"Mias. Valentin seems to have failed in your education as a servant. Talking down to someone above you is not the wisest thing to do."
Vale wanted to speak up and scream he’d take the deal. There was no time. But seeing Mias’s calm demeanor, Vale held strong.
Instead, he turned to Salome and whispered:
"Go prepare a defense with all Champions and warriors."
As Vale said that, he noticed a line of smoke escape from Mias’s hand and float down the hallway.
Mias laughed.
"Well, I’ve learned I’m not as wise as I thought I was, so perhaps your words carry some truth. What about this... You accept Vale’s previous suggestion of three favors at his discretion, alongside a non-subversion and non-aggression clause."
Greed let a little of her authority slip, causing Vale to shiver and Mias to stiffen.
"So you were threatening me. With subversion? My main way of combat? Do better than that."
Despite being weaker and less of himself, Mias stayed resolute.
"Well, I’d suggest you take the deal or get nothing at all. That pine tree you have running around trying to round up beasts. Let’s just say he’s getting quite frustrated that they keep dispersing."
Greed’s expression wavered for a moment, but then she laughed.
"Darling, you are impressive. But Juniper would easily handle whatever you’re doing."
Mias smiled with serene confidence.
"He doesn’t even know I’m there."
Greed rolled her eyes.
"Mias, my boy. Your skillset is truly impressive. Nevermore, was it? But, do you really think you’d be able to evade my scouts’ detection? A Bloomed Wretch?"
Vale’s eyes widened as he saw a plume of smoke appear behind Greed.
Sylvia’s face twisted in horror and shot back as a second Mias placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Yes, I do."
Vale grew a wicked smile.
Greed quickly reassumed her cold confidence as she wiped Mias’s hand from her shoulder.
"Neat trick, what about it?"
’Lie all you want, you couldn’t detect him.’
’You were scared just now.’
Mias quietly said:
"I alluded to subversion before, yes. But if you don’t accept our offer... Let’s just say a class and rank difference mean very little when you have blood running through your veins."
Greed’s facade faded.
"From threat of subversion to a threat of straight-up violence. You do know I could kill you right now, right?"
Greed summoned an iron spear, which began to float in the air and pointed at the floating pink core.
Vale tensed.
This was the closest he’d ever felt to death, and he had not even a scratch on him.
Yet, Mias remained completely calm, even knowing the peril their lives were in. Mias spoke evenly.
"I’m well aware. But I’m also well aware of those actions’ consequences."
’Huh? What’s he talking about?’
Vale didn’t exactly know, but Greed’s face warped into a look of discontent.
[Ashen Vilkas has been slain]
[+4 Aether]
’So, it’s begun.’