As the sound echoed in the room, Valeria was surprised.
‘They didn’t come for me?’
She asked herself. It was really something that she had never expected.
“You, Lucavion. Come with us. We need to talk.”
Lucavion’s smile was easy, almost lazy, as he looked up at Zerah, who stood before him with a barely veiled arrogance in her gaze. Her posture was rigid, and there was a flash of impatience in her eyes as she waited for him to respond.
“Why should I?” he replied, his tone casual as he leaned back in his seat, the glint of mischief never leaving his eyes. He made no move to stand, simply watching her with an amused tilt of his head. “I don’t even know you.”
Zerah’s lips tightened, her composure wavering at his blatant disregard. “This isn’t a request,” she said sharply, her tone laced with a simmering edge. “You’ve crossed enough lines already, and our sect would appreciate some answers.”
Lucavion chuckled, raising his eyebrows. “Lines? What lines have I crossed? And, answers? About what? I thought the tournament was a place for fighting, not questioning one’s motives.” His tone remained light, but his gaze sharpened slightly as he continued, “Or is there something about my victories that bothers you?”
Valeria observed the exchange in silence, her hand resting loosely on the table but her expression as hard as steel. She hadn’t expected this confrontation to shift so suddenly onto Lucavion, and the fact that Zerah now seemed focused on him sent a chill down her spine.
Zerah’s fists clenched at her sides, a spark of anger flaring in her gaze as she met Lucavion’s mocking expression. Every part of her wanted to draw her sword, to show him the price of his arrogance.
But she restrained herself, reminding herself of the delicate situation. Causing a scene here, under the watchful eyes of the Iron Matron’s inn, would bring trouble none of them needed. Worse, they lacked a valid reason for confrontation; her personal irritation wasn’t nearly enough to justify a public fight.
Swallowing her pride, she forced a small, composed smile onto her face, the kind that barely reached her eyes. “I assure you, Lucavion, it is not about your victories,” she said, her voice softening to an almost diplomatic tone, “we only wish to talk. It would be easier for everyone if you’d simply come with us.”
Lucavion tilted his head, his smirk widening as he observed the barely concealed tension in her posture. “Talk, is it? Funny, you don’t seem like the talking type,” he replied lightly, his voice dripping with amusement. “But let’s pretend I’m interested. What is it that the great Cloud Heavens Sect wants with a ‘nobody’ like me?”
Zerah’s smile tightened. “I think you know very well why we’re interested,” she said, keeping her tone even. “That is why, you must also know that this is not a place to talk about it.”
Lucavion’s eyes flickered with a knowing glint as he looked up at Zerah, a slight tilt to his head. Of course, he understood exactly why she was here, but there was no reason to make this easy for her. Not yet, at least.
‘Ah, so they finally get to act,’ he mused inwardly, enjoying the irony. They’d made sure his opponents were equipped with advanced weapons, pushing him harder than most fighters, and yet, each attempt had only added to his reputation rather than diminished it.
‘I guess, I am finally against one of them?’
He did not have any access to the information about his opponents beforehand, at least, not the moment that his opponents were determined.
Sects had such privileges, and it was fine for him, as this was the real world and connections indeed mattered.
Though on the other side, Valeria’s eyes darted between them, her posture tense. She couldn’t decipher the undercurrent between the two, a silent exchange that seemed to carry years of enmity in mere glances. ‘What are they talking about? What reason could Lucavion possibly have for drawing their attention like this?’ She narrowed her gaze, trying to read between their words.
Lucavion leaned back even further, folding his arms across his chest. “And here I thought I was just another face in the crowd,” he said, his tone light but calculated. “I didn’t realize the Cloud Heavens Sect took such an interest in nobodies.”
Zerah’s forced smile didn’t falter, though her eyes held a hard, dangerous glint. “Oh, rest assured, you’re far from ‘nobody’ anymore. Word of your… accomplishments spreads fast in a city like this. So, Lucavion,” she continued, her voice lowering just enough that only those at the table could hear, “if you want to keep certain details… hidden, I suggest you come with us.”
‘Accomplishments?’ Valeria thought, her confusion deepening. The Cloud Heavens Sect had always acted with a kind of restrained pride, rarely concerning themselves with any competitors outside of their immediate goals. Yet now here they were, seemingly rattled by Lucavion’s victories.
“Oh, I see,” Lucavion replied, feigning understanding, his voice dripping with false innocence. “I imagine that would be quite convenient for you, wouldn’t it?” His gaze held hers steadily, challenging. “But maybe I prefer to stay right where I am. After all, it’s not every day the Cloud Heavens Sect makes such an effort for… well, a phantom.”
Zerah’s expression flickered for just a moment, revealing a flash of irritation. She took a step closer, lowering her voice to a near whisper. “This isn’t a game, Lucavion. You do know, this will be your final offer.”
He chuckled softly, unfazed by the veiled threat, and raised an eyebrow. “Really? Let me hear the offer then.”
Zerah scanned the room quickly, noting how the tension between them had drawn the attention of nearby patrons. People were starting to glance their way, their gazes flickering between Lucavion’s lazy grin and her own composed, albeit strained, expression. Aware of the eyes upon them, she took a deep breath and swallowed her irritation, smoothing her expression into something softer—something that could pass as interest.
Her smile shifted, the edges turning up in a calculated display of charm as she leaned in slightly, allowing a hint of warmth to creep into her gaze. She lowered herself gracefully into the chair beside him, one hand resting on the edge of the table as she looked up at him through half-lidded eyes.
“Oh, Lucavion,” she purred, her tone laced with a playful edge. “You do like to make things difficult, don’t you?” She reached over, tapping a finger lightly on his arm as though they were close friends—or perhaps something more. “All this resistance… it only makes me more intrigued.”
Lucavion raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening as he observed her act. He didn’t seem the least bit fazed by her sudden change in demeanor, leaning back in his chair with an amused glint in his eyes. “Is that so?” he murmured, his tone playful but measured. “Well, I certainly wouldn’t want to disappoint the esteemed Cloud Heavens Sect.”
Zerah’s smile tightened ever so slightly, but she kept her expression light, letting out a soft, almost flirty laugh as if they were sharing an inside joke. She glanced around the room again, subtly noting how many eyes were now watching them, her voice dropping into a low murmur that only Lucavion could hear.
“Listen carefully,” she said, her tone still deceptively sweet. “It doesn’t matter what persona you want to project here. I’m only interested in making sure the upcoming match goes smoothly… with a favorable outcome for our side. Surely you’re clever enough to understand what I’m asking.”
Lucavion’s eyes sparkled with amusement, clearly entertained by her attempt at subtlety. He leaned in slightly, resting his chin on his hand as he matched her tone. “Oh, I understand perfectly,” he replied, his voice low but laced with mock surprise. “But I’m afraid you’ll have to be a little more specific. I wouldn’t want to make any assumptions, after all.”
Her jaw tightened just slightly, but Zerah maintained her flirty facade, her eyes narrowing as she met his gaze. “We’d like you to consider a… graceful defeat. The Cloud Heavens Sect doesn’t forget favors, Lucavion. Think of the opportunities that could open up for someone like you.”
He chuckled, feigning thoughtfulness as he looked her over. “Tempting offer,” he murmured, his smirk never faltering.
Lucavion leaned back, his gaze drifting to the ceiling as if he were weighing Zerah’s offer with the gravest of considerations. After a beat, he glanced back at her, his tone thoughtful, though his smirk remained intact.
“Well, let’s think about this,” he began, his voice laced with casual musing. “I’m a rogue Awakened, without ties to any sect, guild, or party. Not exactly wise to take on a whole established sect on my own, especially one with the influence and resources of the Cloud Heavens Sect.” He paused, letting his words hang in the air. “So, in theory, aligning myself with you could save me a lot of unnecessary conflict.”
Zerah’s smile grew, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes as she nodded along. She had expected stubborn resistance from him, not this sudden show of practicality. Perhaps, she thought, this rogue has more sense than bravado after all.
Lucavion continued, his tone almost conspiratorial. “And let’s not ignore the perks you’re hinting at. Favor with the Cloud Heavens Sect, connections, maybe even some guidance with resources or… cultivation techniques?” He raised an eyebrow. “For a guy like me, it sounds like a path to a smoother, more manageable life—one without quite as many obstacles.”
Zerah’s amusement softened into something….
Maybe this guy is not that bad?
His pragmatic thinking, unexpected in someone who usually acted with such carefree arrogance, kinda looked cute.
She caught herself admiring him for a moment, even finding him—adorable, in a way she hadn’t anticipated.
Let’s spend tomorrow’s night with him.
“Exactly,” she murmured, imagining the tomorrow night.
But then….A voice came into her ears.
“But, I refuse!”