Re-Awakening: I Became a Pay To Win Boss Monster-Chapter 131: Indirectly Recruiting Him, And Getting Ready To Throw The Bait
"Rael... I believe you should reconsider," Aria said, clearly against the idea.
But in the end, it was Rael's call.
"Aria, I apologize, but I want you to step out for a few minutes. I want to have a little chat with Vonire," Rael said firmly, causing Aria's brows to twitch.
His tone left no room for refusal, so Aria simply grumbled and took her leave.
Rael turned back to Vonire with a smirk.
"He sent you here with a task. But you didn't want to do it, so you acted like an idiot on purpose," Rael said casually, tapping his fingers on the armrest. "Am I close?"
Vonire let out a tired sigh, leaning back in his chair. "You're quick to make assumptions... but you're not wrong."
"So why sabotage it?"
"Halemire wants me to join you and play both sides," Vonire said bluntly. "He doesn't think the embassy clause was fair, so I was sent to keep an eye on you and report back to him."
Rael's smile twitched.
"And instead of playing the spy, you decided to sabotage your own image," Rael added plainly.
"I don't like being anyone's pawn. Not even my brother's," Vonire replied with a shrug as he stood up. "So, if it's all the same to you, King Sutekh... I'll be taking my leave."
Rael hummed. "I already said you're in. Those services you offered? I can make use of them."
Vonire shook his head. "I'm sorry, King Sutekh, but I'd only be a burden to you in my current state. I wish for nothing more than freedom. Tie me down, and you'll never have my loyalty."
"Let me rephrase then." Rael cleared his throat. "Would you be interested in joining Synthex? It's a shadow organization. No formal duties, no public allegiance. You wouldn't be working for me—not directly, anyway. So you wouldn't be a pawn for Halemire... or for me."
Vonire frowned. "Still sounds like your group. Pardon the bluntness, but it feels like a more indirect way of tying me down."
"And you sound like a man who doesn't know what he wants," Rael scoffed, walking over to him. "I'm not the only one running it. Control is split fifty-fifty with someone I trust."
Before Vonire could reply, Rael added with a smirk:
"You wouldn't be Celestara's shadow. You'd be Synthex's."
Vonire remained quiet for a few moments, seemingly pondering his options.
And soon, he slowly nodded.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from fгeewebnovёl.co𝙢.
"You make a compelling offer," Vonire muttered. "But if I were to agree, I want conditions. If I feel like Synthex is just some cover-up for your royal operations, then I can leave whenever I want."
"Sure." Rael nodded, narrowing his eyes. "However, I want you to know that while you would be an asset, you're also someone I wouldn't hesitate to kill. If I find you leaking sensitive information to either Halemire or the outside, then I will personally send Halemire your head."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Vonire snickered. "I also want a trial period. A month is fine—I just want to figure out whether the organization is worth my time or not."
"Suit yourself." Rael shrugged, then extended his hand, grabbing the drink which had been beside Vonire.
Obviously, someone who wanted to butcher his chances, would lace both the drinks.
Vonire's eyes widened as he reached for the drink. "Wai—"
However, it was too late, since Rael had already chugged it down.
<Toxic Substance Detected! Corrosion>
<Acid Manipulation has successfully nullified: Corrosion>
Rael wiped his mouth with a napkin and flashed a grin toward the wide-eyed Vonire.
"Yum. You should put a bit of sugar in there next time though. It tastes a little bland."
"P-Pardon?" Vonire stammered. "A-Are you okay? Fucking hell, you just chugged fucking acid!"
"I'm fine since I'm immune," Rael replied with a chuckle as he approached Vonire, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm glad you're easing up. However, I have a mission for you."
"A mission?" Vonire tilted his head. "Aren't I supposed to meet the second founder of Synthex first or something?"
"Yep." Rael grinned. "That's exactly what you're going to do. Your mission is to find Synthex headquarters and join the organization."
"But—"
"Nope." Rael shook his head. "You said you wanted freedom and whatnot, right? Then I won't recommend you. Join the organization with your own efforts. If you can do that, then we can have another chat at a later date."
With that, Rael walked up to the door and swung it open, revealing a crouching Aria who was totally listening in on the conversation.
"R-Rael... It's not what it looks like," Aria denied, flailing her arms around with a blush.
"Zip it." Rael sighed, turning back to Vonire. "You're free to go now. Good luck, and I hope you'll take my words seriously."
"Right..." Vonire muttered, walking past Rael and nodding at Aria.
Neither of them tried to stop him, so he simply walked away, being escorted by the guards to the same place where the other envoys were staying.
She let out a loud sigh and facepalmed.
"You actually recruited him," Aria said, baffled. "He's going to betray you, I can assure you."
"Then I'll kill him," Rael replied nonchalantly. "Trust me, the person I'm sending Vonire to is even more ruthless than I am. If everything goes well, then Vonire won't even have a single stray thought of betraying us."
"Hmm..." Aria trailed off with her thoughts as she suddenly pulled out a notepad and wrote down a few words.
Rael was slightly puzzled by her act, so he leaned over, checking what she had written.
And to his surprise, there were only three words.
Impulsive, cocky, hot.
So she does have a taste, huh?
The moment she noticed him looking, she scrubbed away the last part nearly in the blink of an eye and acted as though nothing had happened.
"Is this like your diary or something?" Rael asked, deciding not to bring it up.
"Mhm." Aria nodded, putting the notepad away. "I'm going to evaluate you, and, well, try to learn something from you."
Rael chuckled. "Right, yeah... good luck with that."
Guess I'm going to accidentally corrupt a royal, Rael thought with a shrug as he looked through the window.
Hordes of people were already gathered, and it was obvious why.
<Special Event>
<Rael Sutekh, The Platinum Overlord, has obtained the key to the Depths!>
<Objective: Convince Rael Sutekh, The Platinum Overlord, to allow you to enter the Depths.>
<Rewards: Secret Class (Legendary) | +150% EXP booster until level 200>
Rael fixed his clothes and gestured for Aria to follow him.
After all...
It's time I throw the players a little bait.
