Chapter 467: Negotiation
Chapter 467: Negotiation
Damn!
Upon hearing the question from the Aquarius Director, the female journalist's body tensed slightly, while a chilling sensation crept up Lyon's spine.
I'm not in the same situation as her! With the grudge between us, if he knew I was here, the Aquarius Director would be overjoyed. He'd tear me apart, grind my bones to dust, and even mix me into his food. He might even laugh about it later when he sits on the throne!
As for the female journalist...
Although she intended to protect me, the Aquarius Director's assessment of her was accurate. With her level of skill, trying to protect me would likely be no different from selling me out.
'Don't move!'
Understanding that he couldn't hide any longer, Lyon took the risk of being discovered and extended his almost invisible right hand, pressing it against the journalist's waist.
At an angle unseen by the Aquarius Director, Lyon's thoughts and intentions traveled along the journalist's waist and into her mind.
'Do as I say! First, hesitate, then say that the other soul, the Crimson-Haired Princess, was a skilled interrogator invited by the Police Department. During her interrogation, she accidentally entered the Realm of Death and was digested by the Dog God due to her weak soul!'
'Okay...'
After adjusting to the movement of her body, the female journalist struggled to control her emotions and relayed Lyon's instructions.
"I see..."
After listening to the journalist, the Aquarius Director nodded slightly and did not inquire further. Instead, he calmly said:
"Nicole, after this, we'll probably never meet again. While we still have time, let's talk some more."
"..."
Upon hearing the Aquarius Director's words, the journalist unconsciously clenched her fist, her mind in turmoil.
The Three-Headed Dog God might be dead, but its ability to 'digest' souls remains! If they continue chatting like this, Lyon, who hasn't completely cleaned the 'digestive fluid' off his body, might be in serious trouble, or even risk being completely eroded and dispersed!
So... Should I make up an excuse, tell the Director that safety comes first, and that the Crimson-Haired Princess is a skilled interrogator from the Police Department. Should I suggest he leave first and release Lyon before continuing?
'No! Absolutely not!'
Sensing the journalist's intention through their soul connection, Lyon quickly stopped her:
'He'll see through your excuse! He might even sneak back after leaving, and that would be the end of me. Just nod and keep your head down, remaining silent!'
"Hmm..."
Responding to both of them at once, the journalist, feeling a bit agitated, pressed her lips together and lowered her head in silence.
Meanwhile, the Aquarius Director, feeling a bit guilty, spoke softly:
"There's something I've never told you before..."
"What?!"
The journalist's body jolted upon hearing the Aquarius Director's words, and she raised her head to stare intently at him.
"I'm sorry..."
Without looking into the journalist's eyes, the Aquarius Director closed his own, his voice filled with regret.
"There's no explanation for this. As for why I did it, you should understand even if I don't tell you."
"You..."
"I must say, I truly regret it now."
After glancing at the journalist's white-knuckled grip on her lips, the Aquarius Director sighed:
"If I could go back, I wouldn't have made that choice. But it's too late for regrets now, your parents are gone..."
"Nicole, although I wanted to leave a good impression on our last meeting, if I don't tell you now, I'll never have another chance. I thought it over and over, and finally decided to be honest with you."
"..."
Honesty...
Hearing the Aquarius Director's words, the journalist's hand clenched tighter, wanting to rush over and question him, but fearing that Lyon's soul would be exposed, she stood in place, her voice hoarse as she asked quietly:
"Just because... I'm a good material for an exceptional anomaly?"
"Aquarius Director nodded, suppressing the regret on his face, and spoke calmly:
"You know, after my last loved one died, there was nothing left in this world that I cherished, except for the Anomaly Creation Art. My only and last wish is to reach the Watchtower Palace and see what the ultimate form of the Anomaly Creation Art looks like."
"The Anomaly Creation Art is that important to you?"
The female journalist bit her lip, her eyes filled with sadness, and questioned:
"Even if the cost of seeing it is destroying the lives of countless people, betraying the Purification Bureau, and being pursued, even if you know that in the Dead Silence of deep space, you'll be left alone, sitting until your soul disperses... don't you regret it?"
"That's a matter for the future."
Aquarius Director blinked, then spoke calmly:
"In the future, when I'm sitting alone in deep space, I don't know if I'll regret it, but if I have the chance and don't take it, I'll start regretting it now."
"..."
"This is something you won't understand, Nicole."
Looking at the female journalist, who was biting her lip and no longer speaking, Aquarius Director's eyes gleamed with a hint of fervor.
"My level in this art has surpassed that of all my predecessors, except for the Watchtower Palace. I can barely understand it, as it contradicts everything I know and have learned.
In the past hundred years, the Anomalies I created using the Anomaly Creation Art were mostly born from extreme emotions like anger, hatred, and resentment.
But the Watchtower Palace, the pinnacle of this art, is rooted in love, a gentle and selfless kindness.
If the Watchtower Palace is the true pinnacle of the Anomaly Creation Art, then I, who have taken the wrong path from the start, may never reach the true peak of this art, despite my unparalleled talent...
Nicole, do you know how desperate I felt when I realized this?"
"I don't want to know, and I'm not interested!"
Looking at Aquarius Director's crazed eyes, the female journalist's face contorted in disappointment and anger:
"I only know you're a madman! You've completely lost your mind!"
"Perhaps I have indeed gone mad."
Aquarius Director fell silent for a moment, his fervor slightly dampened, then seemed to notice something and turned to look behind him. With a hint of regret, he shook his head and said:
"Nicole, I should go. Remember what I said earlier, as long as you continue..."
"Leave! I don't want to see you again!"
"..."
Looking at the female journalist, Aquarius Director shook his head, turned, and stepped away, disappearing into the Gate of the Dead.
Just as Lyon let out a sigh of relief, hesitating whether to climb out immediately or wait, a faint sound of bone cracking echoed in the Tricephalic Dog Deity's brain.
A strange, paper-like knife suddenly broke through the dog deity's upper jaw and fell onto Lyon's body, accompanied by a low whisper.
"Make a deal."
In Lyon's widened eyes, the thin, sharp knife moved to the side of his soul's neck and opened a small cut.
Then, a series of bizarre characters seeped into the cut, merging with Lyon's soul, transforming into Aquarius Director's familiar voice.
"I've ruined my relationship with Nicole, and she's no longer a threat to you. I want to use this knife and your life to exchange for protection from the Virgin Branch for her... are you interested in this deal?"
"..."
(End of Chapter)
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