Choice [3]

"I will offer you... this!"

She declared, pointing at the red-coloured pendant that was hanging on her neck with a golden chain on it.

"Hooh!"

An intriguing offer indeed.

At this point, I was really glad that I was dealing with someone like her. 

Someone who knew how to make a decision. 

Someone rather capable.

If not for her, most people wouldn't have offered something precious like that pendant.

For example, if it was Calvin instead of Alishia, he would have surely offered me the position of clan heir, since he knew that I won't be able to keep it for long, at least that's what he believes.

But Alishia was different, she didn't offer something hypothetical like that, what she offered was rather practical, an expensive-looking pendant, which, in actuality, was a B-rank artefact, a rare one at that, better known as [The Pendant of Orlanski].

Now, now, just cause it's a low-ranked, compared to the other artefact that I possess—[The Ring Of Fate], doesn't mean that the worth it possesses is lower than that of the other artefact, which is an obvious A-rank.

Why is that?

Because rank isn't the defining factor when it comes to Artefacts.

There is something else which defines the worth, an artefact possesses...

—Grades.

In this world, there are 4 grades when it comes to artefact— Common, Rare, Unique, and Mystic.

As the name suggests, Common artefacts are quite straightforward and easy to use and are accessed based on their rank.

Whereas Rare, Unique, or Mystic artefacts are quite complex and hard to use, and can't be accessed based on their ranking.

For instance, a D-rank artefact, which is rare in nature, can be worth a lot more than a Common C-rank artefact, based on its rarity.

That is why, in this case, [The Pendant Of Orlanski] might be a lot more valuable than [The Ring Of Fate] based on its rarity.

And I am sure Alishia is aware of this.

But even then she is offering it.

Inferring that, I can't help but question why she offered me something so valuable without a bit of hesitation.

...Well, I take it back. She was a bit hesitant to hand it over, but even then, she didn't budge from her decision, even after the insistence of Agatha who kept asking her to rethink her choice.

I do know the answer why she was so sure.

'She is really in need of some assistance.'

An ally to be specific.

But even then, I can't help but reevaluate my own worth, since the importance of the pendant overweighs anything that the previous Lykus could have offered.

'Is my worth more than expected or is she doing this based on her instinct...?'

Well, whatever the case may be, who the fuck cares? Isn't it best to just keep quiet and grab the opportunity while you can?

But...

"Is that all?" I inquired, disappointment was evident in my voice.

It's still not enough to buy me.

...I want more.

I am not the previous Lykus, the worth I possess can't be bought by just a rare pendant.

After my words were rendered into the hearts of everyone present, a strange quietness permeated the room.

Alishia had her mouth wide open, she didn't seem to understand the reason for my sudden disappointment.

At first, she must have thought that I would agree to her offer without a second thought since her offer was ridiculously tempting to the point that it could make people feel undeserving.

So, she couldn't comprehend the reason why I was disappointed.

But after she looked at me for a couple of seconds, she finally asked with curiosity:

"Why are you disappointed, don't you find my offer tempting? ....You do realise what it is... right?" When she was nearing her last words, I felt a sense of uncertainty in her tone. 

'She thinks I don't realise the worth of the pendant, or just failed to recognise it.'

'...Makes sense for her to think that way.'

"Well, your offer sure is tempting, I admit that. [The Pendant Of Orlanski], a B-rank rare artefact. Something you acquired after winning— The Arete Of Krazikta, a tournament held every 5 years for the young warriors who have yet to awaken."

I explained a bit to prove that I wasn't an oblivious fool and do realise the pendant's worth.

And it worked. Just after I uttered that, Alishia's expression softened a bit.

"Then, why are you unsatisfied?" She asked with intrigue.

"Didn't I say, I will make a decision, after you make your offer, as to join your side or not?"

I asked plainly to which she nodded and I continued:

"I stated that because I merely wanted to assess the worth my partnership retains in your eyes by the offer you made. And since you only offered a B-rank artefact, it made me sigh in disappointment, even though it's a rare one."

I ended my words with another sigh while at the same time shaking my head to show my disappointment.

Now, what I was doing was shameless.

But what can I do? I need to grab every opportunity that comes my way.

I don't have the privilege to play nice, assuming my situation.

"Don't be greedy! I have already offered you the most I can, and since you are aware of the tournament, you must also be aware of how hard it was for me to win— The Title Of Arete. Don't you?"

The Title Of Arete, a title given to those people who have won the tournament and have shown his/her battle prowess.

Greedy.

That's what she called me, and that is what I was, a greedy person.

Now, she completely understood my underlying intention behind my unprecedented act of disappointment.

"I do, but what of it?... If you can't offer any more than that then..." I said shamelessly and stood up from the couch in an attempt to leave the room.

Perceiving my intention, Alishia gritted her teeth hard enough for it to cause a wound, while Agatha clenched her fists in fury and frustration.

'Now, she had to make a choice.'

"Wa-wait!" She shouted, a bit panicked as I showed no signs of stopping.

What was I doing?

I was being unfair.

And in simpler terms, I was acting as a scum.

But, what of it?

What can she do about it?

And even if she finds my conduct scummy, why do I care about how she perceives me?

...And, isn't she the one in need?

And from my experience I know, when someone is in need, they will do anything to achieve the required assistance.

Anything.

Then what should I do?

Nothing else, simply take the opportunity and make the most out of it, without the care about how others perceive it.

"W-wait, I will also offer you [The Earrings Of Azroath]." She said, pointing at the earrings, she was wearing.

[The Earrings Of Azroath], a C-rank artefact which increases one's Magic by 3 when worn.

It wasn't particularly great, nor a special artefact, but isn't it something I got almost for free? A surplus that I got over [The Pendant Of Orlanski].

"Ooooh, you sure are quite generous," I declared immediately, with a huge grin on my face.

Alishia's face darkened, witnessing how shamless I acted.

"Tsk."

She sneered a bit and turned her face away in irritation but didn't comment on my words.

I continued to smile, until eventually, I sat back on the couch, with an expression that screamed: 'So, What's the plan?'

Edited By: WorthyAdversary