Chapter 56
This is a fictional story by realTensai
"I'm here to talk about your offer."
Alvis' heart pounded so hard it felt as if it could break at any moment. However, he didn't let this irritate him, his gaze still unwavering. He had already gone through this conversation countless times in his head and knew that he couldn't show any signs of weakness before them. If he wanted to negotiate with them, they had to be equals.
A heavy silence drew over the room, making just breathing feel like crossing the line. All Alvis could do was watch the man his life depended on. Just looking at him already required all of Alvis' bravery. His dark red eyes seemed as if they had bathed in the blood of countless enemies. He wore a coat made of the fur of a white sabertooth tiger, this mana beast counting among the top 7 most dangerous creatures. If it wasn't for his sheer amount of mana that had Alvis' insides twisting, Alvis would have assumed he was human. Yet, judging by his demeanor and aura, he had to be a demon.
Within this silence, the man who had brought Alvis to this place left his side and made his way to their leader. Only now could Alvis glance at him and see what he was. His dark brown wings weren't as impressive as Gilsymbato's black wings, yet they were just as fearsome. Maybe they just seemed so intimidating because of the golden bow he was carrying on his back. However, it was his white head that made one immediately recognize what race he was.
An eagle man.
Alvis gulped, this being the first time he had seen one in real life. Using this chance, he activated Assassin's Eye.
Estimated Power Level: 4000+
His chin dropped, showcasing how Alvis lost his composure for a split second. A shiver ran down his spine, reminding him that he didn't stand a chance against them. The eagle man walked straight to their boss and now stood at his side.
I guess he is second in command.
Everything else wouldn't make sense, considering his high power level. This was what Alvis hoped, at least.
It was because he was occupied studying this man that Alvis hadn't noticed that he still hadn't gotten an answer yet. But once he did, a feeling of nausea overcame him. Every second that passed made the urge to retreat and plead for forgiveness grow stronger. Yet Alvis held on.
"Alvis Silva," the leader said, making Alvis go stiff. His voice carried so much authority that everyone in this room held their breath whilst he was talking. "Are you ready to take over the part of my organization that you have destroyed?"
Even though he had phrased it like a question, it wasn't one. It was a command that made Alvis instinctively shrink back in fear. However, he bit his tongue, a metallic taste spreading within his mouth but also making him gather his resolve. Whilst forcing his nails into his palm, he answered.
"No, that is not what I am here for."
Alvis refused.
The atmosphere in the room changed in an instant, Alvis now being subject to unbelievable killing intent. All the alarm bells in his head run wild, warning him of his sure death. Yet Alvis' gaze stayed firm, death long being nothing that scared him.
"So, what do you want?"
Alvis' lips almost curved up into a smile, the fact that the leader hadn't killed him on the spot after rejecting his offer already being a win. Now everything depended on Alvis' negotiation skills.
"I want to make you an even better offer."
The leader didn't answer, and Alvis took that as a sign to continue.
"Instead of working under you, we will make out a contract. You will help me out just this time, and I will help you out for the rest of my life."
"Explain."
"Of course. You may not know it, but I'm an inventor who creates all sorts of stuff. I'm already pretty good and earn more than most adults, but I'm still early in my career. However, my mentor is no other than the great Sir Zweistein, the biggest inventor of our time. I think it's safe to assume that you already know what he is capable of. He was also the one who created the Mana Spires, which are responsible for providing Awaniko with energy. His talents know no bounds!"
Alvis' fingers itched, and he had to do his best to keep up the acting and hide his disgust. If Elise would ever find out that he talked about her like that, she would never stop teasing him about it.
"What do you want to say?"
"I'm this genius's apprentice. In other words, I'm the one who will follow in his footsteps."
"Continue."
"What I'm offering you is that I will share 50% of my income for the rest of my life. This money will be way more than what the part of your organization would ever earn if I were to take it over and lead it. What do you think?"
This was the perfect pitch. Alvis had already considered everything, and this was the best offer he could make. No matter what, he would never accept becoming the leader of assassins. After seeing how much pain they had caused Lia, this was a thing he would never settle for. But he still needed their help for this level.
That was why he designed this offer. The thing assassins cared about the most was money. After all, they killed other people for it. With that in mind, Alvis only had to give them what they wanted. If he progressed like he already did, he would soon be one of the best inventors in the entire world. The amount of money he would earn would be enough to retire even his next generations. However, Alvis was willing to split this money 50/50 for the rest of his life, if they just helped him out this time. For the money-loving assassins, this was an offer too good to reject.
"What do you want in exchange?"
The leader's words just confirmed his assumption.
"I want your most capable men to help me kill the Devil Cult's Priest of Insanity."
Alvis didn't mince his words and came straight to the point. What he needed the most right now was battle power, and there was no one out there with more power than those assassins.
The room fell silent once more, as Alvis just looked at the leader, awaiting his answer. However, he noticed something odd. The killing intent of the eagle man had increased just slightly and, even though he tried to hide it, Alvis noticed the bloodlust on his face. Though it was so subtle, Alvis could have also just imagined it.
"Fufu, this is an interesting offer indeed," the leader said, making Alvis almost feel reassured, but he continued. "Yet this isn't nearly enough!"
Alvis clicked his tongue, cold sweat running down his neck as the worst-case scenario took place.
"I want 100%."
"100%?!"
"Yes, from now on, everything you earn through your invitations will be my money."
Alvis' eyes widened, the leader's greed making him speechless. He had prepared that he might want to take more, but everything?
"E-Ehm, this is too much. A 50/50 split is already generous, considering how you will only help me out this time, but I will have to give you money for the rest of my life."
"I don't care, I want 100%."
"How about a 70/30 —"
"100%."
Rage built up within Alvis, though he just gulped it down and clenched his fist. His brain started weighing off the pros and cons, the fact that he even considered this offer making him furious. Yet no matter how he saw it, 100% was way too much. It would mean he would lose his income source and would work like a slave for the rest of his life. There was no way he could accept it.
However, the image of Lia getting her head torn off by Voyzez, who had possessed Dane's body, appeared in Alvis' mind.
"I-I accept."
No matter how much money he had to pay, he never wanted to see this sight again.
"Fuhahahahaha!"
The leader just laughed. It was a demonic laugh Alvis had heard way too often, but he still had to bear this humiliation.
"It was fun doing business with you, Alvis Silva," he said. Even if the price was high, Alvis let out a sigh of relief, having managed to get the assassins on his side. "But I still won't take on your offer."
"What?!"
Alvis' heart dropped, reality breaking down right before his eyes. He wasn't sure if he had heard correctly, yet the leader's words were still echoing in his head. His brain couldn't process what was happening. Nothing made sense anymore.
"Your offer was good, almost excellent, but you made one grave miscalculation." His dark red eyes became colder, his killing intent forcing Alvis to his knees. "You misjudged an assassin's true nature!"
Alvis' body trembled, as he didn't understand one thing.
"What we care about the most isn't money, but killing! We aren't some businessmen. We are assassins!"
It was at this moment that Alvis realized he had once again failed.
"Now, die."
Alvis' body caught fire, his skin tearing down like paper thrown into a campfire.
"Ahhhhh!"
It only took a few seconds before Alvis turned into ash.
[YOU DIED!]