Hearing the shocking truth about Morel's client, the same person who is actually in charge of Morel's mission, Auren feels despair that quickly turns into dread. Even so, he also feels a vague light at the end of the tunnel.
I need to act swiftly and decisively. There is a way... I won't like it, but I have no other choice. This is an unexpected chance... it might be the worst person in a sense, but also the only person who has absolutely no ethics or common principles and decency.
"I guess I have to report the bad news then... please do me a favor and have a little bit of patience. A deal is a deal. Whatever happens, you can expect to leave here... unharmed," Auren promises, spinning Morel's pipe through the air before handing it to him.
"You can tell them what we do for the people here and what kind of people are settling down. There is no need to hide anything," Auren says towards his friends while he turns around.
A look of astonishment appears on Morel's face as he accepts his pipe and listens to Auren's words.
Glancing one last time at Neffi, Vanessa, and Eren, Auren leaves the room and walks into the room just across. He closes the door to ensure his privacy, then swiftly grabs his Beatle phone and immediately dials Rakshala's number.
I hope she isn't too busy. This is important!
"Auren?" Rakshala replies immediately, picking up the call.
"Yes... listen, I don't have much time. Here's the situation," Auren replies, speaking hurriedly.
Auren summarises what happened, barely addressing the raid on the spider's nest and the battle itself. He focuses on what he learned just moments ago.
"So, in light of the situation, my plan is to call the Rat... I might be able to make a deal... it will be costly, but he also owes me a favor... a big one," Auren explains, sighing shortly but forcing himself to stay focused. "Any other Zodiac would immediately turn me down, but the Rat is the one person who might find amusement in such an arrangement. He has absolutely no loyalty or a feeling of justice. This is all a game for him... the messier it gets, the more fun he has. Another faction he can... play with is exactly what he would enjoy most. I bet he can't resist the thrill of becoming an even bigger player in the world of global politics."
"I see..." Rakshala says calmly. "I trust you, Auren, if you think there is a chance, I'm more than willing to trust you. Have you thought about what you're going to offer him?"
Auren immediately responds. "I might have to promise him certain things... the question is, what can I use to barter with him? I expect we'd have to promise to stop manipulating any of the V5's and the Empire's stock markets—at least temporarily. That would make him appear to be capable and would advance his ambitions in climbing the ranks of the Association. Of course, we don't have to actually do that, but we have to at least tone it down significantly and be even more careful and less obvious."
"I see... the absolute worst result would be if our attempt at creating our own nation is discovered at this moment," Rakshala states, sounding almost melancholic. "I have contingency plans in place addressing exactly this situation, but I'd prefer it if we could make a deal with your... acquaintance. A few more years is all I require. You may promise him whatever you deem fit. Whatever it is, the cost can't be higher than if we're exposed early. If possible, also ask how we were discovered. I can imagine a few ways, but whatever exposed us needs to be addressed right away."
"I'll do my best," Auren replies. "I'll inform you as soon as I am done."
"Auren," Rakshala says. "Whatever happens, you have done an excellent job. Please do your best, but whatever the result, I am immensely grateful for your swift response. I'm proud of you."
"I'll call you..." Auren replies, ending the call.
No time for that. I need to remain vigilant... dealing with Pariston is the ultimate challenge. I can't be unattentive or submissive. I need to play his game. The one person Pariston loathes more than anything... is someone without the ability to challenge or surprise him. I need to consider that and not only be smart about this deal, but also genuinely shock and surprise him. The more the better... only then will Pariston keep playing these pathetic and childish games with me.
Pausing for just a second, Auren immediately calls the person he wants to talk to the most, but also the least. Scrolling through his contacts until the name 'Rat' appears on the small display of his Beatle phone, Auren finally presses the call button.
The call does not connect instantly as it did with Rakshala. Five seconds pass, then ten seconds pass. Finally, after fifteen seconds, just as Auren is about to give up, the call connects—and Auren is immediately annoyed, his face already distorted with displeasure.
"Oh my, what a surprise, Auren, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Pariston replies with an eager and motivated voice.
"Pariston," Auren states, trying his best to remain calm. "I have a ... request, and I also want to collect the favor you owe me."
"What favor might you be talking about?" Pariston asks, his attitude suddenly changing, his voice full of overexaggerated confusion.
Is this guy serious? I risked my life defending his damn collector friends.
Before Auren can reply, Pariston laughs heartily. "Hahaha, of course I am merely jesting, my good friend. How could I ever forget what you have done for me? I'd love to help you right now, but to tell you the truth, I am expecting an important call. Can we talk about this later?"
"..."
"It might be related..." Auren mutters. "Let's just say, I have a few... side businesses.... One of them involves a membership in a certain... organisation."
"Oh, the dreaded and mysterious Phantom Troupe? So you decided to join them after all? I thought they were merely acquaintances," Pariston asks
"I didn't..." Auren immediately responds, interrupting him.
Pariston laughs for a second before continuing. "In any case, Auren, you are quite scary on your own already. I can't really recommend continuing your relationship with that Troupe of thieves and criminals. That will not only hurt your reputation but may also lead to dire consequences. You should know, the spider only cares about its own limbs and about its survival. A mere acquaintance like you is nothing but an expendable resource. You do not need to depend on them."
He is correct... I wonder why he is warning me all of a sudden?
"I am aware... and I am not talking about the Troupe," Auren clarifies. "Let's just say... the organisation I am talking about has recently received a visit from a certain trio of Hunters... and let's just say that I have... apprehended them. With as little violence as required. All of them are mostly unharmed."
"You... did what?" Pariston asks, sounding genuinely surprised, a situation Auren has never witnessed before.
"I captured three... invaders. They are unharmed... I have no interest in harming them. I have an interest in keeping what they found out private... I am willing to offer you concessions to keep that whole investigation to yourself," Auren repeats, before immediately telling him his request.
"..."
"..."
Pariston does not reply, and a dreary silence takes over the call.
This fucking Rat... I can imagine the damn expression on his face, and it gives me shivers.
"Well, well, well... isn't that a surprise?" Pariston asks, now completely serious. "I have to say... I have underestimated you, my friend. The whole time while I was struggling to find the people who created so much trouble for the V5, one of the people who knew the truth was sitting right in front of me in my office, not just once but quite a few times. I didn't think you had it in you, Auren. You completely played me."
"What an entertaining development... and what a brazen request," Pariston continues, any sort of playfulness gone. "Do you honestly expect me to accept such a request?" Pariston asks, sounding slightly offended.
"Yes," Auren replies without hesitation.
"Pffff, hahaha," Auren hears Pariston briefly cackle on the other side before resuming in a calm manner. "You know me very well, Auren... but it will cost you. It will cost you a lot."
"Jenny, resources, the favor you owe me, and future favors from me," Auren counts. "Name your price. In addition to that, we can pause... certain actions, so you can make up a cover story to please the V5 and the Empire. Think about it, you lose nothing and only gain."
"How kind of you, Auren. I can feel your sincerity as if you're right in front of me, anxiously bowing your head. How kind, how polite, how refreshing.
Go to hell....
"But we are partners, aren't we?" Pariston continues to speak in a sickly sweet voice, exaggerating the word partners while trying to sound innocent. "Such a thing is not necessary. I'll do what needs to be done to slowly but surely end this investigation and make up an excuse. It will be such a hassle, but I enjoy these games the most, as I think you have already learned by now. In return, I require the following: Treat your hostages kindly. It would be helpful if you could convince them that you are not doing something sinister or immoral, because even I can't quite control that stubborn Morel, who has connections to the chairman himself. If he decides to expose you, even I can't do anything against it."
"No problem," Auren says. "I'll... do my best. I have some ideas. Anyway... what do you want? Surely you're expecting some kind of ... reward?"
"I feel like a child preparing his birthday wishlist, what a pleasure. Jenny, resources, favors, that's what you said, right? I wonder what I should choose? So many options," Pariston recounts, happily.
"Let's just say you owe me a few favors, surely you'll agree?" Pariston asks, as if it's the most natural thing in the world.
That's all? No... that's actually the highest price he can ask for... I can't say no to anything he asks me. Knowing him, these favors will be even more troublesome than the last ones. Still, what is the alternative?! For now, I have to play his game....
"Agreed," Auren replies, not having any real choice in the matter. "However, it would be best to be a little more... specific."
"Heh, just a few friendly favors. I'll tell you when I think we're even. Don't worry, anything I'll ask of you, I would also ask my subordinates to do, and I'll more than appropriately reward you, I'm quite fair as you already know."
... your subordinates have the habit of ending up dead and forgotten, taking the blame for your misdeeds.
"Yeah... that's what's worrying me the most," Auren replies, not bothering to hide his true feelings.
"Hahahahaha, you are such a joker, Auren," Pariston says, laughing, his mood splendid.
"Anyway, isn't that a low price to pay? Come to think of it... it's a little too cheap, don't you think?" he asks, his voice turning serious again. "I require one more thing."
"..."
Auren pauses.
Not like I can say no.
"What else do you require?" Auren asks, already disliking where this is going.
"Unlimited support for any future undertaking I may end up doing. I am not sure I'll be doing this job for the rest of my life. There might come a time when I am in... disagreement with the Association. Whatever I decide to do later in life, a strong and powerful backer, like your mysterious organisation, would be well appreciated. So I'd like a VIP membership. All privileges, maybe a mansion or two, and a high membership role. In addition to that, I'd like to meet your leaders," Pariston requests, playfully, as if he is planning an exciting game.
"I can grant you a meeting with the Vice-Leader of that organisation in almost no time," Auren offers. "A meeting with the leader has to wait a while, though."
"What a gracious gesture," Pariston replies. "Fine, I'll accept, with the stipulation that I'll also get to meet the leader in the next few months. I guess the Vice-Leader of such a powerful organisation is not to be trifled with as well. Set up a meeting."
"Give me a minute..." Auren says, remaining silent, lowering the phone.
Hehe... looks like I finally managed to pull the wool over his eyes for once.
Auren waits a good minute before raising the phone once again.
"This is Auren speaking, Vice-Leader of Hollow Blade," Auren speaks innocently.
"..."
"..."
"He... hahahahahahahahahaa," Pariston laughs maniacally over the phone, his voice incredibly loud, without any hint of restraint.
"You continue to amuse me, Auren... I think we'll need to meet each other soon... For now, I guess I'll leave you alone—consider this your victory. Work hard on convincing the Sea Hunter and his unpleasant, dirty students. I'll take care of everything else. I'll have a little treatment session planned for a few VIP guests in a few weeks. We can use that opportunity to really talk... I can't wait to get to know you again... this time the real you."
"I'll see you soon..." Auren replies.
"Goodnight," Pariston says, his voice now back to his sickly sweet tone. "What a thrill... Please entertain me for a while longer. This is almost too fun!"
He then ends the call, goosebumps spreading all over Auren's body, feeling the strong urge to throw up.
Creepy Rat....
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