Chapter 851: The Outgroup's Proposal [Pt 3]
'T-they're lying... right?' Kuzon thought to himself as he sat on his throne.
He quietly observed Neron, but it didn't appear as if he was being dishonest. No, Neron had always been a difficult man to read. What about the other Outers? Surely, they would fidget at the ridiculous words of their leader.
'None of them are reacting out of the ordinary. Are they really being honest?'
But that was impossible... right?
As far as anyone knew, the Outgroup was made up of a rag-tag group of exceptional individuals. He even knew most of them, except the little girl who seemed to be clinging close to Stefan. She appeared to also be a newcomer.
'In any case... should I believe them, or not?' Kuzon glanced at the Dragon King, Z'ark for his counsel. 'I wonder what the old dragon thinks of this...'
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'Why the hell are you looking at me? You've always done whatever you wanted.' Z'ark's thoughts echoed as he maintained his outward persona.
He was also rattled by Neron's claims. Such a thing as having over five million soldiers at their beck and call was an extraordinary claim. The issue was the evidence.
'Do they have any way to prove the veracity of their words?' He thought.
If the Outers did, then Z'ark already knew he and his people would be better off following them than taking their chances doing nothing. In fact, after considering all of what Neron had said, he found himself having a change of heart.
'It would indeed be wiser to strike them hard and fast, and as soon as possible too. With an army of the proposed number, we should be able to win.'
Plus, with an intelligent person like Neron on the team, they would be able to follow a well-structured plan. Honestly, the plan sounded lucrative enough to him.
'Not that Kuzon really cares what I think...'
In the end, the absolute Emperor would make all the decisions himself. That was how it always was.
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"I have considered your words carefully." Kuzon began, his tone low and sullen.
I watched as his eyes drifted around uncomfortably, only to find their way back to Neron. Despite the obvious signs of discomfort, I could also sense some sense of resolve in his eyes. It indeed seemed like he had come to a decision.
"I will accept this alliance you have proposed. And we will operate according to your plan—if, of course, you have the five million troops you claim to possess." Kuzon stated.
That sounded fair. In fact, it was only rational. Something told me he wouldn't stop there, though. Unfortunately for me, I was right.
"If we are to lend you our strength and follow your plan, then I have one condition." Kuzon smiled, his eyes narrowed. "The one who will end up fighting Jared... will be me!"
Ah, so this was what everything was all about.
'In the end, he agreed because our plan still makes it viable to reach Jared. Does he even care about his own troops or the lives we'll be saving thanks to our strategy?'
It didn't seem like it.
This looked to me like he was a guy who just wanted to use us and his own resources to increase the chances of his selfish ambition—revenge.
'I guess it doesn't really matter as long as we get the job done.' Shrugging a little, I sighed.
Neron picked up on my gesture, no doubt, so he knew where I stood on the matter. In the end, it was up to him to decide, though.
He was the leader and this was his world. I could only serve as an advisor, trainer or whatever. However, the decisions still had to be made by Neron. Fortunately, he was very good at what he did.
"Very well. You will be given the right to challenge Jared. Our plan will accommodate that detail and we will not get in your way unless it's unavoidable."
"You had better not. I'm going to crush him!" Kuzon responded with a bitter tone.
I wondered how he could say something so haughty, especially after just losing to a newcomer in the Outgroup. I thought that would humble Kuzon a little, or at least, make him doubt his own strength.
However, it seemed he was still as stuck-up as he always was—especially where the Jared of this world was concerned.
'I'm relieved he agreed to this easily, though. I didn't have to take any other measures...' A smile formed on my face as I observed my invisible surveillance automatons in the air.
They had captured the entire fight I had with Kuzon, as well as Neron's rousing speech. If I wanted to, I could broadcast it to all the citizens of the Midas Empire, as well as the Magic Beasts.
They would see just how much sense we were making, and an inevitable insurrection would grow from the people.
'That method is too volatile, so I wanted to save it as a last resort.'
There were also other methods we could use—like an active threat or even controlling Kuzon himself. However, I just thought a diplomatic approach would help everyone out, especially considering the long run.
'And what do you know? It ended well.'
"So, what now, Neron? Outgroup? When should we begin our plan? Or rather... how much time would we need to sort out the details."
That was indeed a valid question. As much as I would love to take out my evil version as soon as possible, it was much better to go through some logistic checks, discuss the plan in detail and observe the armies that the Midas and Magic Beasts claimed to have
"Well, first of all, we—"
>VWUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!<
Suddenly, I felt a vibration pulsate throughout my body. It spread all around me, and I could see Neron and the rest of the people in my line of sight trembling as they felt the wave permeate the building.
'W-what is going on?!' My thoughts echoed and a bad feeling began to rise in me.
The surge of Magic Power I was experiencing was beyond ordinary.
It felt... out of this world.
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[A/N]
Here's the link.