Chapter 392: Deal [16]

It felt like time had frozen as I stood motionless at the same spot, my eyes never leaving Diana’s.

"That’s my only condition."

"..."

Diana didn’t speak after that, her lips having stretched into a small smile of victory.

"How strong is she?"

I knew what I was getting into, but if it was an Elor... then I could think about it.

"Not much. At present she should be somewhere around... a tier 5 Sovereign, maybe."

Placing her index finger close to her lips, Diana gave a dramatic pose while being lost in her own thoughts.

Feeling a tug at my arm, I turned my head to the side, only to find Arthur staring at me with knowing eyes.

Sigh.

The price to recruit the parasite was quite high, even for me.

A Sovereign wasn’t some candy that I could pick while on a casual walk to the market.

And even if we decided to target Emerys Elor... she wouldn’t be the only one we might end up facing, as the entire might of House Elor would be out there to hunt us down, and our present strength was nowhere near enough to challenge a major power and a leading house amongst the elves.

"Why her?"

Was Emerys Elor someone special?

"Hm? Does it matter?"

"..."

Well... it didn’t really matter to me, but—

"You could call it curiosity."

The parasite had chosen Diana for some reason, and I felt like Emerys Elor was someone unique as well, because she wasn’t the only Sovereign in the world, but despite that Diana had specifically named her.

It wasn’t like fighting against any Sovereign for that matter was an easy deal, but we could have chosen a far better and isolated target than someone like Emerys... who had the backing of her entire house.

In the original game, Emerys wasn’t much of a famous character and her role was only limited to her individual strength.

She had received a fair share of her screen time in the game’s script, but there was nothing prominent in it.

Aside from being a powerful character... there was nothing else about her that could be taken note of.

Still, I couldn’t treat the people in this reality as game characters because since coming to this world I had noticed several variations in their behaviour and their way of operations.

So who was to say that the Emerys from the game would be the same here as well?

"Trust me... there’s no specific reason."

Like I would believe that.

But if the parasite was unwilling to reveal anything, then there was only so much that I could do.

"Alright then... haa... yeah... let’s do it."

I said it more to myself than anyone present around me.

"Do we have a deal, Miss... parasite?"

"..."

"..."

Extending my hand towards the parasite, I waited for the reciprocation of my gesture.

Diana observed me for a second longer, with her brows furrowed together.

I didn’t think there was any need for a frown, given that we were finalising a mutually beneficial deal.

But well... different people had different reactions to express their happiness, I guess.

The silence didn’t extend for long, as Diana gave a sigh of sorts before extending her own hand towards me.

"It would be a pleasure to work together."

I added the words to dilute any hostility that the parasite may have felt towards me during all our interactions till date.

"And yes... you want the body of Emerys, so does that mean we would have to kill her or temporarily neutralise her for you to take control over her body?"

That would decide the difficulty of the mission, as killing someone was easier than—

"The dead are not the most useful bunch. I prefer taking control of the living ones."

I hoped that Diana was joking, but seeing the serious expression on her face... it didn’t seem to be the case.

"It would be challenging, but not impossible."

Hm?

Arthur, after being silent for quite some time, finally spoke up, and looking at the guy... he appeared far more determined than me.

"Yeah... with the both of us fighting together, we can subjugate the girl quite easily, and well... if there are any other Immortals or Sovereigns in your organization... then that would be all the more welcoming for me."

Diana smiled while meeting Arthur’s eyes, as the both of them exchanged some silent message.

"Our organization is still a fledgling one, so... the both of you would be our only high-tier forces for the time being."

"..."

I had no choice but to be honest about it.

Or else it would have been embarrassing to flex before the parasite, only for the latter to learn that we didn’t have as many forces as we had spoken of before.

"And, your leader, X... won’t he be helping us?"

’He can’t.’

I wanted to say that but held myself from expressing my true emotions.

"He is... occupied with certain matters."

I remained ambiguous in my answer... and well, it wasn’t a lie either.

After all, I had many things to take care of at the academy, coupled with the other plans that had already been initiated across the world.

I was really quite the busy man in the entire world, if I had to say so.

Diana didn’t say anything after that, choosing to nod her head before shifting her focus to her domain.

"Domain integration... you had taken quite the risk, kid. Luck was on your side, or my mana would have already corrupted you from within."

The words were clearly meant for Arthur, and looking at him... he seemed to be aware of it.

"Still, I had fun... in quite a long time."

For the first time, I could notice a genuine smile on Diana’s face as she closed her eyes, as if to feel some cold breeze on her skin.

"Our absence might invite problems, so... let’s return."

There was a banquet to attend, and a forge to visit.

I also had to send Julien some messages through Syma.

The plans regarding House Elor would have to be improvised and... accelerated.

Sigh.

I never liked wars... but in no way would I shy away from one.