Chapter 45: Jealousy

The other eight finalists had no idea what was really going on behind the scenes, so they agreed to the proposal without hesitation. Even if they didn't take first place, they would still be rewarded. It was like free money falling from the sky.

Azrael sensed that something was off about the situation, but he didn't dare show any hesitation. He was afraid Mr. Grave would catch on to his suspicions, so he agreed immediately. Still, a thought nagged at him: "President Dareth said that Master Lucian would send his Card to follow me secretly, so there shouldn't be any major problems." However, he hadn't seen any sign of Card yet.

The group climbed into the cars arranged by Novex Financial and headed toward the company's headquarters. As the champion, Azrael found himself riding in the same vehicle as Mr. Grave.

"We at Novex Financial have always believed in investing in young talent like you, Mr. Azrael," Mr. Grave said during the ride. His tone seemed genuinely sincere.

He wasn't lying about that, though what kind of return he expected from this "investment" was another matter entirely.

"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Grave, but what exactly does your company's Director Liu want to discuss with us?" Azrael replied politely, then carefully probed for more information.

Mr. Grave's expression didn't change one bit. "Mr. Liu simply wants to get to know you all better."

Azrael didn't believe a word of it. After all, would tech giants like Alibaba or Tencent personally meet with contestants from a small-time competition in his previous life? This so-called Mr. Liu wasn't even close to being in their league.

The car soon pulled up to the headquarters of Novex Financial. The glass façade blazed with reflected sunlight, creating an almost blinding glare.

"Seriously, doesn't anyone care about light pollution anymore?" Azrael thought sarcastically.

Following Mr. Grave's lead, the group made their way up to the chairman's office at the top of the building.

"Knock, knock, knock." Mr. Grave stepped forward and respectfully rapped on the door, waiting for permission to enter.

"Come in," came a somewhat aged voice from behind the door.

Mr. Grave gently pushed the door open and ushered everyone inside.

Azrael found himself face-to-face with an elderly man with gray hair. The man had a hooked nose and triangular eyes—the kind of distinctive features that stick in your memory, whether you want them to or not.

"Mr. Liu, these are the top eight contestants from the Elite Talent Cup," Mr. Grave announced respectfully.

Director Liu's face broke into a smile. "I'm Royce. Please, just call me Uncle Liu."

Several contestants immediately chimed in with cheerful "Uncle Liu!" greetings. But Azrael just watched the whole scene with cold, calculating eyes.

Had he not known what was really going on, he might have played along like the others. However, knowing that Uncle Liu had ulterior motives, Azrael wasn't about to pretend they were all best friends.

Of course, there were a few other naturally introverted contestants who kept their distance as well, which helped Azrael blend in without standing out too much.

Royce didn't seem bothered by the mixed reactions. He simply pushed several contracts across the table toward them.

"This represents the strategic partnership that Novex Financial would like to establish with you students," he explained, his voice taking on an almost hypnotic quality.

"Sign this contract, and all you'll need to do is cooperate with our company for some promotional activities. In return, you'll gain access to substantial resources and opportunities through Novex Financial."

Royce's tone carried an unmistakable note of temptation. Faced with such blatant promises of money and resources, even most adults would probably struggle to resist. Let alone the teenagers standing before him.

Just as some of the contestants began to shift restlessly, clearly tempted, Nick spoke up hesitantly. "I'll need to go home and discuss this with my parents first. Sorry, Mr. Liu."

His words instantly snapped the other teenagers back to reality. Of course, something this important required parental approval.

Royce waved his hand dismissively. "I completely understand. If you decide you want to sign after discussing it with your families, just give us a call."

Mr. Grave smoothly handed out business cards to everyone at just the right moment.

Then, Royce's gaze locked onto Azrael. "Mr. Azrael, as I understand it, you're an orphan. Is that correct? How about signing this contract right now?"

Azrael mentally cursed. The "show them Luffy" strategy had worked a little too well. Royce was obviously targeting him now.

After a moment of deliberate silence, Azrael refused again. "I'm sorry, Mr. Liu, but I can't accept rewards I haven't earned."

Royce's composure cracked slightly. "How can you say you haven't earned it? Even after signing, you'd still need to participate in our activities and events."

The other contestants looked at Azrael in confusion, clearly not understanding why he would turn down such an opportunity.

Azrael just shook his head. He'd quickly skimmed the contract and found that the terms were incredibly vague. On paper, they benefited both parties, but in practice, there was plenty of room for manipulation and hidden clauses.

Royce abandoned all pretense of politeness and shot to his feet. His slightly hunched, aged frame suddenly straightened with surprising vigor. "If Mr. Azrael isn't satisfied with the current terms, we can certainly negotiate!"

Just as Azrael opened his mouth to refuse again, a faint sigh echoed through the office.

"Enough, Royce. You're making quite the spectacle of yourself."

Everyone in the office froze in shock as an elderly man with white hair and a beard appeared next to Azrael. A red-robed judge stood beside the newcomer.

Upon seeing the unexpected arrival, everyone stammered in recognition: "Master Lucian!"

That's right; the old man was Lucian, of course. As for why he had appeared there?

"This contract reeks of Jin's influence," Lucian said calmly.

He could already sense the disgusting aura emanating from the documents.

The red-robed judge beside Lucian spoke with righteous fury. "Exploiting wealth for evil purposes, secretly collaborating with bandit leaders, and harming innocent people. According to the law, you should be executed!"

As the judge pronounced his verdict, an inexplicable force descended upon Royce's neck.

"Slice."

Royce's head separated cleanly from his body in an instant. The next moment, however, everything returned to its original state.

He touched his neck with lingering terror and shouted angrily, "Lucian! "Lucian!"

"Yes, I joined the Crimson Oath Society! So what?"

Jin promised that once this job is done, he'll help me advance from Emerald Level to Diamond Level!"

"I'm old! I don't have Azrael's talent, let alone yours, Lucian!"

You geniuses will never understand what it's like for people like us!"

Royce had completely abandoned any pretense now. In his mind, Lucian's presence meant that the entire plan of the Crimson Oath Society had failed spectacularly.

Fight back? What a joke. Rebelling against a monster like Lucian would be like committing suicide by taking extra steps.

Lucian sighed deeply. "I was wondering where the massive funding of the Crimson Oath Society came from. I suppose it must have come from you."

Now, the source of the money controlling those people in the secret realm was finally clear.

But Royce just sneered when he heard this. "You're giving me way too much credit."

Just as Lucian was about to ask more questions, a fierce, overwhelming presence spread across the sky above Velkairos.

Lucian's pupils contracted sharply as he looked out the window; an angry growl escaped his lips.

"Jin!"

...

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