Chapter 429: Meeting with the Board (Part 3)

I observed Lyra, her eyes fixed on the clock, clearly weighing the options before her.

The tension in the room was palpable, each second ticking by with the weight of their uncertain futures.

Left to me, I was fine with the Scenario starting and prepared for whatever. I didn’t know what the others wanted however I was sure that it was two camps and some of them saw the wisdom in my words.

The pressure was on them.

I had to act the part though while I was at it.

"Lyra," I began, breaking the silence. "You must have already known these were the choices we’d be facing."

She sighed and nodded. "I did. It’s just not easy to accept."

Indeed she looked stressed by the decision which I found quite unnecessary. It was an easy choice to make considering everything. But then, I knew that change in thoughts was actually a slow thing.

"So what do you intend to do?" I pressed, knowing that her decision would set the course for everyone present.

She just had to get rid of whatever bias she had in her head.

"I don’t want to attack other camps, that is out of the question. We can’t cross that line," she said firmly.

I sighed inwardly at her words. So she was also prepared to be soft like the others. I should have known that that would be her stance.

They would eventually have to come around on the idea soon.

"But at the same time, we don’t have enough resources to save more people and risk our own survival. Killing Demons is the only viable solution."

She looked around as she finished which made the others look at me in turn anticipating my reply.

I shook my head slightly. "Your solution, while noble, won’t prevent others from attacking your territory. There will be those with malicious intent, looking to claim your resources and points. There are people out there willing to do whatever it takes to survive. Think of that while making your decision."

"That’s why we need you," she replied, her gaze steady and her voice earnest.

"If you ally with us and help protect our territory while we hunt Demons, we can secure our area and survive the scenario."

Her words hung in the air, a heavy proposition. I looked around the room, seeing the determination and desperation in their faces. It was clear that they were counting on me to tip the balance in their favor.

I took a deep breath, considering her proposal. They wanted me to hang back while they grinded. On the surface , it looked easy but I knew it wouldn’t necessarily be the case. "Without Skills, you’ll have to rely solely on Gifts and Items. That makes the process even more difficult."

Lyra nodded. "I understand that, but with your help, we stand a better chance. Will you do it?"

"I’ll help," I finally said. "But understand this: survival will require more than just defending your territory. You’ll need to be prepared for anything and everything that comes your way."

Lyra nodded, her expression one of resolve and her relief was palpable. "We will be prepared. Together, we’ll get through this. Thank you. By the way, is there something you want in exchange for your cooperation?"

She sounded enthusiastic and sincere and I realized that she hadn’t thought that I would agree to her proposition that easily. Refreshing goodness but stemming from naivety.

Before I could respond, the deputy interjected. "He’s already benefiting enough from this arrangement. We all need each other to survive the scenario. It’s a symbiotic relationship."

I looked around to see if the others shared the same sentiments but I couldn’t read their expressions.

I had to shut the deputy off so I raised a hand to silence him. "It’s not an even trade. Protecting a territory while you hunt Demons is a significant commitment on my part."

"Yes, it seems a lot for the responsibility of a territory to rest on the shoulder of a single man but you would be fine from what I’ve seen. Your aura is impressive so it shouldn’t be a hassle for you."

"You seem quite sure of what you’re saying even if you don’t know my abilities yet," I mused within myself as I focused on him.

We engaged in a staring contest and I could see that his mind was made up. He wasn’t going to back down since he was a proud man so I came up with a plan on the spot confident that I would corner him.

"If you think it’s so easy for me," I said slowly, "Let’s put it to the test."

"What do you have in mind?"

Something suddenly glowed in the room and everyone’s eyes turned toward the source of the light.

Even as we looked, there was a tear in the air as if a portal had opened. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

From this radiant rift, a figure stepped out. An Angel. It stood tall, its presence both awe-inspiring and intimidating.

Its wings, vast and luminous, seemed to shimmer with an inner light, casting a soft halo that bathed the room in a serene glow.

The Angel’s form was both solid and incorporeal, a fuse of divine energy and celestial matter.

Its eyes scanned the room with an intensity that pierced through to the soul.

I enjoyed the commotion as everyone looked flustered. I had summoned one of the Angels from the Sacred Palace.

"Is this your doing?" The deputy asked, wide-eyed.

I nodded to confirm that it was.

"If you can defeat the Angel, I’ll accept to help you all without any conditions whatsoever. But if the Angel wins, you step down, and I become the deputy."

A murmur of surprise rippled through the room. The deputy’s eyes narrowed, and he considered my proposition.

I knew that his pride wouldn’t let him back down now especially as all eyes were on him.

"Fine," he said through gritted teeth. "I’ll fight your Angel. And when I win, we’ll see just how indispensable you think you are."

I smiled as I heard it. The first part of my plan was successful.