Faint echoes of battle reached their ears as Mias recalled his second incarnation from behind Greed.
Mias smiled widely.
"Well, Greed, either accept the offer or the deal is off."
Vale’s eyes shone.
’Mias, you’ve done it! You’ve made up for your transgression!’
Vale didn’t exactly know what Mias ant in his provocation — saying he knew Greed couldn’t kill them — but there seed to be so validity in the claim, seeing Greed’s reaction.
Furthermore, it was now Greed who was the one pressed for ti, assuming Mias hadn’t lied about dismantling Juniper’s operation.
Because, as Vale’s forces died to the Level, he’d have less and less reason to make a deal at all.
’Still...’
It was Vale’s forces who were dying.
Vale had been carefully listening to the voice’s announcents and had only heard of warriors’ deaths so far, but it was rely a matter of ti before a Champion fell.
Greed grimaced and shook while clenching her hand. Then, after a sigh, she said:
"Fine, have it your way. Three favors at Valentin’s discretion. Plus a non-subversion and non-aggression pact. If you try to present a counteroffer. The deal is off, and you can let your forces die as they may."
Vale wasted no ti on hesitation.
"Deal."
Greed remained still. Then, a mont later, a translucent blue paper floated out of the air and appeared in front of both of them.
Vale was a little confused until he began reading the words on it.
Party A - Sylvia Fulton
Party B - Valentin Laurent
Party B is hereby subjected to...
It detailed both the deals they’d made and the promise of death should either party breach it.
Greed held her hand to the floating contract.
"I wasn’t intent on making a Soul Contract. But I don’t know if I can trust your words yet. Simply hold your hand to the geass and wish to accept."
Vale, after scanning the contract, copied Greed’s motion and wished to accept. A mont later, he felt a weird presence enter his body. Like a chain had wrapped around his Aether Core.
No, it felt even more invasive.
Like his entire being, the entire dungeon had a sword to its throat.
Vale shook his head.
Greed sighed, then a small silver stone appeared in her hands. Her lips parted and clamped around a protruding, hollow end. Following the motion, a piercing, shrill screech screeched throughout the dungeon.
Follow that high-pitched whistle...
[A challenger has entered the dungeon]
[Pisci Ap has been slain]
[ 4 Aether]
[Pisci Ap has been slain]
[ 4 Aether]
[Ashen Vilkas has been slain]
...
[Level 9 has been completed, good job!]
[ 20 bonus Aether]
’Scary...’
’How in the hell was Mias able to intimidate her?!’
Greed asked:
"Vale, are you a man?"
Vale remained quiet as Level 10 appeared before his eyes.
Level: [10]
Enemies:
[Ergent Mutant: 40]
[Ergent Monster: 20]
[Ergent Wretch: 1]
[Would you like to attempt Level 10?]
"No."
Greed’s eyes widened, and her tone took on a comical edge.
"You’re not a man? Wow! I really thought you were... Goes to show you should never, and I an never, make assumptions."
Vale ignored Greed and sighed, then looked over at Mias and said:
"Thank you."
Mias nodded with a cheery grin.
Mias’s gaze fell back on Greed, and he let out an uncharacteristic laugh.
"By the way, Greed. Was Juniper his na? He was doing his job spectacularly! In what world could I, a Nascent, outmaneuver a Blood scout! Now that. That would be preposterous."
’Wow...’
’He gambled on Greed not being able to watch Juniper with lives at stake?! The hell!’
Greed’s eye twitched:
"Are you sure you should be provoking ? Is half of you not mine now?"
A line of smoke shot back into Mias as he said:
"Mmm, not half. But half of this half."
After a light laugh, he added:
"We have that non-aggression pact now, rember. You have rely partially levied ; I am still a force of Lust, and as such, you must abide by the contract and refrain from harming . And a ’Soul Contract,’ was it? I assu the repercussions of violation aren’t particularly desired, no?"
’Since when could Mias get so emotional?’
Well, it was probably after his pride took a hit from the battle of wits with the oracle.
Greed blinked slowly and shook her head.
"I still reserve the right to work you to the bone."
Mias struggled to hold back a smile.
"I don’t have bones."
Greed sighed as her head fell into her hands.
"Valentin, I truly do not envy these rebellious servants you’ve summoned."
Vale laughed.
"That’s funny, I quite like them. Even if they’ve tried to kill each other on a few occasions, and even if they lie to and nearly get us all killed... Actually, I rescind that second part."
Greed chuckled; the animosity staining her voice vanished.
"Well, what a wonderful dungeon you’ve co to run, Lust. I see I was not wrong in assessing you as a man of resolve and potential."
Vale smiled wickedly.
"Why, thank you. But, you’re not winning any points. I do hope that was the one and only prank you’ll pull on a dear friend."
Greed crossed her legs.
"Oh, Valentin. There are no such things as friends in this world. Only business partners."
Vale’s body relaxed.
"Ouch. That didn’t hurt at all coming from you."
Greed shrugged, then said:
"Well, I guess it’s about ti you show to my room. I saw multiple bedrooms, right? I’d appreciate an... unsoiled one."
’Huh?’
Vale tilted his head in confusion.
Greed laughed:
"Well, you want to free and heal that girl, correct?"
’Oh...’
Vale knew the situation was possible, but he doubted it would happen...
Greed was going to stay.
Greed stretched, then added:
"The needed healer is here, but I will still need the assistance of Pykon, the one who can lt Aether. I’ll send Juniper to go fetch her. I don’t feel like making that long trek myself. So, treat this guest well in the anti!"
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