Chapter 38: Chapter 6 - Making A Deal With The Devil (4)

Mr. Leon once again lunged for my smartphone, his movements desperate, but I effortlessly sidestepped his grasp. Despite myself, a triumphant grin adorned my face as I flaunted the smartphone tantalizingly in front of him. "Enough with the foolish games, Mr. Leon. You're utterly outclassed."

"You're reveling in this, aren't you? I never pegged you for the sadistic type, but witnessing this side of you, it seems you're on the path to becoming a true sadist," he growled.

"I'm not one to delight in witnessing someone harm themselves. The sight and scent of blood hold no allure for me," I replied.

"Being a sadist doesn't necessarily entail enjoying inflicting pain on others. At times, it could mean savoring the agony of others. And in this case, you're clearly finding pleasure in my torment."

"Enough with the banter, Mr. Leon. I'm not here for games." I pocketed my phone. "So, what's your decision? Ponder it carefully. It's about your fate in the academy, whether you'll face expulsion or continue your stay."

Mr. Leon fell into an ominous silence, his intense gaze penetrating into my soul. The enigma within his eyes left me hanging in suspense, unsure of how to navigate the impending revelation. After an elongated pause, he sighed, his fingers raking through his hair in an admission of surrender.

"I doubt this scheme will bear fruit, Miss Shredica," he confessed. "You've crafted a misguided image of me. I lack the prowess you seem to attribute to me."

"Don't weave a tapestry of deceit, Mr. Leon. I'm no stranger to the aura of a seasoned fighter," I asserted. "You won't elude me. I'll ensnare you and command your submission."

Mr. Leon's eyes narrowed, a subtle challenge in his gaze. "And how, pray tell, do you plan to accomplish that? Will you once again resort to brandishing that damning photo?"

"Indeed, Mr. Leon. What purpose would there be in procuring it if I didn't intend to wield it as a weapon against you?"

"You're undeniably an audaciously ambitious soul..."

"Who will tread any path necessary to seize her desires," I concluded, a sly smile etching its way onto my lips.

"And what an overwhelmingly compassionate approach to achieving dreams."

My smile lingered on my lips. "I know. That's why I despise myself at times."

A brief silence enveloped us, the only audible sounds being the cheers, laughter, and melodies wafting in from the enchanting atmosphere of Lala Land. After a while, he spoke up.

"Alright, look. I meant what I said about not having anything to offer, so I can't fulfill your request."

"I'm sorry, but it's challenging to believe that."

"Should I beg for your belief? Kneel before you? Maybe even lick your toes?"

"Don't mistake me for someone who relishes in degrading acts for amusement. I'm not inclined that way, and I certainly don't have the time to contemplate my preferences. Although, I must admit, seeing you kneel and beg does hold a certain appeal."

Mr. Leon met my gaze for a fleeting moment before releasing a heavy sigh. He then gracefully descended to his knees, arms outstretched as if presenting himself, a faint smile playing on his lips. "There you go. Happy now?"

"Even with that display, my order remains unwavering."

His arms fell limp at his sides, and he directed his gaze downward, exhaling in resignation. "I can't decipher this woman..." After a muttered reflection, he lifted his eyes to meet mine. "Look, I genuinely can't comply, alright? If you seek my cooperation, discard this type of order. How about we negotiate a change?"

I arched an eyebrow. "Negotiate?"

"Exactly. Revise the order. What if we approach the headmaster? Professors may be powerless against the administration holding you back, but the headmaster might wield some influence, don't you think?"

"It's an intriguing proposal, one that doesn't displease me," I admitted. "Yet, we face a hurdle. The headmaster is an elusive figure, someone even graduating students don't encounter. Do you really think we, mere bronze class students, stand a chance, especially when even the graduating students couldn't?"

"There is a way." he said.

"What is it?"

"The King's Game."

A pregnant pause enveloped us as the weight of those words lingered in the air. I allowed a moment of contemplation before the realization dawned on me. "...Of course."

While I hadn't personally partaken in any King's Games, the concept was etched into my understanding. It was a grand tournament, welcoming a hundred participants to the fierce battleground of Milham's Forest. The ultimate objective—emerge as the sole survivor.

To claim victory in the King's Game, one had to be the last contender standing. The reward for such triumph was boundless, ranging from wealth and power to even the companionship of women, all within the King's discretion. It was a ruthless competition where the winner could request anything within the realm of the King's capabilities.

"If we secure triumph in this game, we can petition the king to orchestrate a meeting with the headmaster."

"Exactly," affirmed Mr. Leon.

"Hmm," I hummed, genuinely impressed. "I always assumed you were a bit dim, Mr. Leon, but I might have to reconsider my opinion of you."

"Thanks, I guess," he responded, rising to his feet and dusting off the dirt from the knees of his pants.

"With that settled, I'll be entrusting myself to your care. Or should I say, you're now under my purview, as I'll be the one holding the leash?" I remarked, standing up from the bench and extending my hand for a handshake.

Mr. Leon eyed my hand for a moment, then shifted his gaze to me. "It seems I'm making a deal with the devil..."

"I assure you, there's nothing devilish about my intentions. I simply aspire for world peace."

"I see..." he mused, then accepted my hand. "Then I'll willingly play the role of a slave, dutifully following the commands of my mistress."

After our handshake, we relinquished our grasp on each other's hands. My gaze remained fixed on his eyes, searching for any underlying emotions, but all I found was a void.

"Can I take my leave now?" he inquired.

"Yes, feel free to go. Expect occasional messages from me. Neglecting them might earn you a punishment for being a disobedient slave."

"I understand. I just hope your requests won't veer into the realm of the unreasonable."

"Fear not, everything I ask will be well within the bounds of reason."

"Forging a pact with a devil has been a perilous endeavor since time immemorial. Finding solace in such an alliance might prove elusive for me. Regardless, I shall take my leave. Other matters await my attention."

"Granted, you may go."

With that, Mr. Leon executed an about-face, striding away from me. With him now under my influence, the realization of my goal loomed closer. Yet, the challenge ahead lay in earning his genuine trust. Deceiving Mr. Leon might not be an insurmountable task, but gaining the authenticity of his trust would be a gradual process.

As his figure gradually dissipated from my view, I, too, exited the vibrant confines of Lala Land. The implications of this newfound alliance remained veiled, and only time would unveil its consequences.

Unbeknownst to me, I had just forged a pact with the devil.

***

I now stood atop one of the buildings in the heart of Milham's main capital. Inhaling deeply, I stretched my arms wide, taking in the grandeur of the city below. Today, I uncovered secrets that had been unfolding behind my back—Eclipse and Silver Blade. Additionally, I learned of significant changes in the underground society.

"It's been a mundane three months since my last spree through this town. Perhaps it's time to inject some exhilaration before I dive into the delightful task of disciplining a mischievous bandit," I whispered to myself. "That might just hit the spot."

My gaze ascended to the night sky, captivated by the unusually radiant and expansive moon. As I stared, lost in thought, the echoes of my recent conversation with Shredica played in my mind, triggering a low, sinister chuckle.

"Fufu..."

I'm pretty damn furious, Shredica. You've been tailing me, poking around where you don't belong. Your incessant pursuit, your nosy intrusion into my affairs—it's enough to boil my blood. But what truly, truly, truly, truly, truly riles me is your attempt to manipulate me. I've straddled two lives, met my end at eighteen on Earth, and treaded eighteen years in this world. That tallies up to a whopping thirty-six years of existence. I've had my fill of people who play the ally card only to betray you when they've squeezed what they wanted. And let me assure you, Shredica, you're about to pay dearly for it.

I'm going to play along and dance to your tune, Shredica. I'll willingly and deliberately dance in the palm of your hands while you remain clueless, thinking you're the one in control. I'll make you believe you have me on your strings, all the while manipulating and using you for my own gain.

"Careful what you wish for, Shredica, lest you find yourself plummeting into the abyss."

With those words hanging in the air, I cast my gaze down upon the sprawling cityscape beneath me. A twisted grin twists my lips as I secure a comedy mask over my face, concealing the storm of emotions beneath.