"The way you are so focused on the butcher in Osan Woods. Even more so than Ivor who had gotten his brother killed by him no less. How are you related to the case?
And what's that got to do with why are you trying to talk to me today?"
Jason realized that Eren wasn't being cordial anymore with him after Ivor's tantrum. He looked at Ivor admonishingly before replying:
"Don't pay attention to Ivor's rude behaviour, Eren. He has lost his elder brother in the incident. So he can't help getting edgy whenever that topic is brought up. I hope you can understand his situation."
Eren stared back at Ivor this time while replying to Jason:
"Heh! I do understand. Boss your way around students who don't have a prominent background and stay low-key around someone who has a more powerful backer than yours. That's not considered edgy, Jason. That's the way of life for scavenger hyenas."
"That's it. You punk, let's have a one-on-one right now…"
The way Eren compared him to a hyena angered Ivor even further than he already was. He got up from his seat and pointed his finger at Eren in a provoking way.
He wanted to duel with Eren right away in the ranking war. But he was soon restrained by Jason's words:
"Ivor, you might want to sit down and let others speak. Everything is not always about you.
Eren, I'll also ask you not to provoke this loose cannon.
It's not what you think. This jerk has picked a fight with a lot of people regardless of their backgrounds. Roody Orton, Sienna Slughorn, and even Ken Riverine, who is known for being one of the friendliest people have made that cut.
In some way or another, Ivor has attempted to make trouble for everyone who has brought up the topic of Osan Woods' Butcher. And frankly, I'm done covering his ass."
Eren was shocked at how Ivor had behaved with the big names. He now had to admit that the guy was truly an edgelord.
Of course, he didn't say it out loud. Eren wanted to wrap up the conversation as soon as possible. So he gestured to Jason with his eyes and allowed him to continue:
"Anyway. You are right. I am involved with the case of Osan Woods' Butcher. Or to be more precise, it is related to my father and I was dragged into it as his son.
The main purpose of OWB wasn't to kill LA students and commit other heinous crimes in the Osan Woods. It was to steal something that belonged to me and my father. The killings were only there as collateral.
Why am I discussing this right now with you? I just wanted to know a little more about you before giving you a chance to be one of my retainers.
You see, Eren, my background is a bit special. And that requires me to gather some allies who are talented but are not that privileged yet. Do you understand what I'm trying to tell you?"
Eren pretended to be shocked after hearing Jason's speech. He raised his eyebrows before asking to confirm:
"Retainers you say! Are you related to the…"
Jason nodded at Eren before interrupting him:
"That's right. But I'm not allowed to make it official yet. I don't have the "legitimacy" backing me yet, you see. So sharing this secret with you and your friend here can also act as a form of trust between us.
What I want from you is pretty simple, Eren. Would you like to serve under my banner when I obtain that legitimacy? By you, I mean you and miss Renita here as well. She is no less talented than any of us after all.
I'll make sure you are taken care of in terms of ranking resources."
Eren looked at Jason carefully before finally asking:
"Okay, let's say that what you say is true. Why do you need to gather allies right now? We are on the LA grounds, Jason. You need your teammates to survive here. Not retainers. Then why are you headhunting for lackeys this early in the *cough* royal *cough* game?"
Jason smiled amusingly after hearing Eren's question. He took his time before responding:
"Eren, have you heard of Royal Ren?"
Jason said this and let his targeted audience figure out the meaning behind it. He knew his statement would detonate like a time bomb in Eren and Renita's heads. At least for Renita, he got it right. She was shocked when she understood why Jason was looking for retainers.
Eren looked shocked too but he was expecting this. This was because, although Jason had started his academic journey in LA, he didn't conclude it at the same academy. He had been transferred to Royal Renar sometime after Dom made his demon beast taming public.
As a result, Jason of the previous timeline was also waiting for his father's project to be completed in Osan when Dom's presence ruined their plans. At that point, Dom might have formed some kind of understanding with Jason's father, as he was made to cooperate.
Jason stayed in LA for the first year. He left soon and joined Royal Ren after Arthur made sure there were no loose ends with his project and regarding Dom. Jason's legitimacy was confirmed shortly after he entered Royal Ren.
Eren knew this beforehand. Therefore, he wanted to avoid talking with Jason. His identity as the Osan Woods' Butcher was one thing. Not agreeing with Jason to follow him in Royal Ren would certainly create a rift between them that might have repercussions for him in the future.
Maybe Eren could play it cool and ride the wave, gaining an easy entry into Royal Ren. it was a holy place for all young rankers after all. The place was less like an academy and more of a fast-track guide for rankers to advance rapidly in their rankings.
But leaving LA was not something Eren was willing to do.. He did not want to lose the advantage of the past timeline he could use for a future event.