In truth, this had little to do with strength.
Rod was obviously nowhere near Ophis, the Infinite Dragon God, but it was like a player in a game. A player would not feel pressure just because of a boss inside the game.
Of course, that was excluding the kind of people who were bad at games but still insisted on playing.
Honestly, if anyone were being stared at by an Ultimate-Class Devil with obvious ill intent, they would be on guard.
But as a transmigrator, Rod naturally chose to face difficulties head-on.
Rod smiled and said, "I'm interested in you too."
The Old Maou faction had very little screentime in the original plot, especially those devils who called themselves the true descendants of the Old Maous. They showed up, talked tough for a few lines, and then immediately got folded. They were the perfect example of being overconfident.
And Rod genuinely felt it was a pity that someone as talented as Katerea had ended up falling in battle against Azazel.
She was that big… no, as a true Leviathan bloodline, it was such a waste for her to die like that.
Luckily for Rod, Katerea could not read minds. If she knew what he was really thinking right now, she would probably be so angry she'd develop breast lumps on the spot.
Of course, Katerea could only judge him by what he showed on the surface.
And she had good reason to be interested in him.
Not only because of the strength Rod displayed, but also because of the composure he showed.
Crossing her arms and resting one hand under her chin, Katerea studied Rod for a moment before speaking in a low voice.
"Since you are also members of Khaos Brigade, then I won't hide it from you. We received intelligence that the leaders of the Three Factions may hold peace talks in the near future. We intend to bury all three leaders there and use that to destroy the negotiations. Once we seize control of the Underworld, we'll launch attacks on the Fallen Angels and Heaven in turn, and after that we'll strike at the other mythological factions and rule the entire world."
"Since your Hero Faction wants to make a name for itself, why not join my banner and conquer the world with my army?"
Rod nodded after hearing that.
Katerea's plan was simple, but it was undeniably practical.
The Old Maou faction had already planted traitors inside the current Maou government. If they succeeded in eliminating Sirzechs and the others, the Underworld would definitely fall into chaos.
The only problem was that they had misjudged their own strength. They really believed that once they obtained the Infinite Dragon God's power, they could sit back and relax.
If Rod were one of the Old Maou faction, he would definitely be muttering behind their backs that they should just have Ophis personally make a move.
Katerea was very satisfied with Rod's reaction.
She nodded and smiled, believing he had been persuaded.
"Rather than living a lowly life, stand on my side instead. Once I establish my kingdom, I guarantee you a position and power beyond imagination."
"So, what do you say? Will you join my camp?"
Hearing the olive branch Katerea extended, Jeanne felt utterly speechless.
Rule the entire world?
As a hero, she had absolutely no such ambition.
And Katerea had chosen the wrong person to recruit.
If she had invited some other members of the Hero Faction, there might actually have been a chance. But Rod was someone who could say, "Heroes fight for others." How could a few words like these possibly win him over?
Most of the Hero Faction were still on the first floor, but Rod's ideals were already on the fifth.
Trying to make that kind of "hero" betray his side, wasn't that just a joke?
Suppressing the tension she felt toward Katerea, Jeanne said seriously and earnestly, "Lady Leviathan, Rod is an official member of our Hero Faction, so please, "
Before she could finish, Rod nodded without the slightest hesitation.
"Sure. I've got time anyway."
Jeanne: "???"
"A very wise choice. On behalf of the Old Maou faction, I welcome you."
Katerea was overjoyed. She had not expected that just a few words from her would be enough to sway a descendant of heroes.
She viewed ordinary humans as insects, but some heroes had still shone brilliantly in history.
If nurtured properly, Rod had a high chance of becoming one of the central pillars under her command.
Unfortunately, the Old Maou faction did not possess Evil Pieces technology. Otherwise, she could have reincarnated Rod as one of her peerage.
That would both strengthen her forces and secure his loyalty.
"Ro-Rod… y-you're serious?"
Jeanne stared at the man beside her, her face filled with disbelief.
Rod simply shrugged.
"Yeah. You should head back for now. We can get in touch again later."
With that, he walked straight toward Katerea.
Seeing him actually go over, Jeanne was completely dumbfounded.
Damn, you're serious?!
But a moment later, Jeanne suddenly thought of another possibility. What if Rod had been struck by some sort of illusion or mind-control technique?
At once, she tensed up, ready to save him.
By then Rod had already reached Katerea's side.
"Now that I'm joining you, what's the pay like? I won't do hustle, and I won't work for low pay."
"The Old Maou faction doesn't pay salaries."
"Then forget it."
"But for a talent like you, I can settle in gold and jewels. If cashing them out is too troublesome, the Old Maou faction also has certain profitable businesses in the human world. I can give you a check, and you can fill in whatever number you like."
"Good, good, good. I feel like I've finally found my organization."
"..."
Seeing the joy on Rod's face, Jeanne was completely stunned.
This wasn't mind control at all.
He was clearly being controlled by money!
And from her angle, she could also clearly see Rod's head dip slightly.
So even though he was wearing sunglasses, Jeanne could still guess exactly what he was looking at.
So not only was he tempted by money, he was also tempted by beauty?
You bastard!
For a moment, Jeanne truly didn't know what to do.
If she made a move, Rod had joined willingly.
If she didn't, her teeth were itching with frustration.
So how was it that this man had previously been able to speak such righteous, handsome words with such confidence?
The truth was,
The main reason Rod accepted Katerea's invitation wasn't just because she was well-endowed, but because the system had triggered an optional mission.
[Mission: Katerea's Invitation]
[Objective: Join the Old Maou faction]
[Reward: Random Reward ×1]
It didn't require killing or robbing anyone, nor did it go against his principles. He only had to say yes and the reward would be his. Why wouldn't he take it?
Anyway, even if he joined, he would still remain free.
If he got tired of staying in one place, he could just get the money and leave for somewhere else.
Of course,
There was actually one more reason.
Rod was worried Katerea might suddenly make a move against Jeanne.
So to avoid Jeanne getting hurt, and to avoid losing a valuable can, friend, Rod had no choice but to sacrifice himself, join the Old Maou faction, and endure the strange looks of others.
It definitely wasn't because she was big.
[Mission: Go to Khaos Brigade Headquarters]
[Objective: "Confirm Ophis, the Infinite Dragon God"]
[Reward: Jeanne Affection +20, Random Reward ×1]
[Mission Complete. Jeanne Affection +20. Reward: Immunity to Mind Control.]
...
[Mission: Katerea's Invitation]
[Mission Settled. Reward Obtained: Eight-Point Light Wheel.]
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