Even if he had expected such an offer, as recruitment into the Ten Great Families was very common within the Tower, Vahn couldn't help but look at Yuri like she was a mental patient. Then, with what could best be described as a 'perfect deadpan', he somberly asked, "Are you determined to test the limits of my patience? You would ask me, an Emperor, to abandon my own family name and accept the name of another? Have you completely lost your mind? Will you not be satisfied until you have thoroughly insulted me?"
Having momentarily forgotten the fact that Vahn was both an Emperor and an Irregular, even Yuri couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. Her 'instincts' as a member of the Ha Family had all but demanded she offers him the privilege of joining her family, completely forgetting his status and the pride that undoubtedly accompanied it. As a result, an embarrassed laugh escaped her throat as she awkwardly scratched the back of her head.
Realizing that Yuri was just an idiot, not someone going out of their way to try and insult him, most of Vahn's frustrations quickly abated. His expression also relaxed into a calm smile as he asserted, "I have no need for any title or status found within this Tower. I entered this place as the Sage Dragon Emperor. I will leave it as such."
As this was the second time she was hearing Vahn mention leaving the Tower, Yuri was considerably less surprised than most of the people present. Before she could ask about his methods, however, Evan stepped in, reminding her, "Princess Yuri, this is neither the time nor the place to discuss such things. We should recover the Black March and leave this Floor before Evankhell returns. I'm certain the Test Director would also appreciate our swift departure."
Hearing Evan's reminder, Yuri turned towards the direction of Director Yu, a discontented frown on her face as she complained, "You're quickly making your way up to the top of my shit list…"
With no way to retort the Princess' words, Director Yu just offered an awkward laugh as a bead of sweat rolled from his forehead. This elicited a loud snort from Yuri who, after crossing her arms and thinking for several long seconds, turned towards the black man with white hair, demanding, "Kurudan, give me your badge. I'll make sure to pay you back later."
Though the burly man didn't seem at all enthused by Yuri's demand, he only hesitated for a brief moment before removing the six-winged badge from his vest. Then, after handing it to Yuri, the latter fearlessly approached Vahn, standing near eye-level with him as she held out the badge and explained, "This is the Winged Tree Badge representing a high ranking member of Wolhaiksong. So long as you hold onto this, it will deter most people from trying to seek trouble with you. Once you reach the 77th Floor, you can either return the badge or consider becoming an official member. You might have a lot of power and potential, but, even if you end up becoming a monster on the level of Phantaminum, Enryu, or Ureko, there is only so much you can do on your own. Don't go seeking death just because you were an Emperor in the Outside, okay…?"
Understanding that Yuri was trying to express her concerns, even if her primary goal was recruiting him into whatever faction she was a part of, Vahn accepted the peculiar badge before saying, "Don't worry, even if they were significantly more powerful than me, I'm not someone that can be defeated with conventional means. Still, I'll hold onto this. So long as Wolhaiksong doesn't turn out to be just another corrupt organization, I wouldn't mind being associated with them."
Hearing Vahn's words, the four people wearing Winged Tree Symbols sewn into their clothing all looked toward him with visibly offended expressions. Even the young man from the Khun Family, who had previously been focused on his handheld gaming system, looked over with an annoyed glower on his face. As for Yuri, she just laughed in an easy-going manner before 'lightly' patting Vahn on the shoulder and saying, "Don't worry! Even though Wolhaiksong gets blamed for a lot of things, it is mostly just propaganda. The only goal of Wolhaiksong is to find a way out of the Tower, not rule over it. They do their best to avoid politics entirely, only taking action when one of the Ten Great Families gets out of hand. By the time you reach the 77th Floor, you should be able to figure out which organizations are worthy of your trust. Until then, try not to do anything too crazy."
Finished with her words of advice, Yuri 'lightly' pat Vahn's shoulder before turning back to the rest of her group and saying, "Come on! We're leaving! Evan, you lead the way!"
As members of Yuri's party, even if it was only temporary, everyone promptly moved in response to the Princess' command. The only exceptions to this were Director Yu, for obvious reasons, and Evan Edrok. The former had no association with the group so it was only natural that he remains seated, silently sipping his cafe latte while pretending to ignore everything that was happening. As for Evan, he seemed to have something to say as, rather than immediately follow after Yuri, he stopped for a brief moment in front of Vahn, asking, "What are you…?" in a hushed tone.
Having noticed the not-so-subtle 'fear' contained within the Silver Dwarf's eyes, Vahn just smiled in response to the man's inquiry before answering, "I have stated it before. I am Vahn Aldrnari Mason, the Sage Dragon Emperor. As for the answer to your 'actual' question…just know that I am not one who follows a set path. I create my own and guide others to do the same. Don't worry, your worries are unwarranted. Now, run along, Mr. Edrok. The Princess will be upset if you keep her waiting…"
Though he was annoyed by Vahn's words, Evan was also considerably relieved by them. The former, at least from his perspective, was an incomprehensible 'void' that obscured the crossroads of fate. It was almost like he was a black hole, swallowing the fates of everything he came in contact with and making it difficult to see the future. This wasn't necessarily a bad thing, however, as one of the roles of a Guide was to convince people that their fate was constantly changing based on their actions.
Since Silver Dwarves, similar to Red Witches, could innately tell when someone was lying to them, Evan had no reason to doubt Vahn's words. As a result, he offered a curt nod in response, saying, "I hope your path isn't too destructive…" before chasing after Yuri. The four members of Wolhaiksong immediately followed after him, but, as was often the case, for reasons Vahn had tried and failed to comprehend; the child-like woman hung back a bit, smiling like an imp as she handed him a slip of paper with a number on it and said, "Call me~!" before sticking her tongue out and running after her companions…
—
After hearing about what had happened from Baam, Khun was both infuriated and relieved. If not for the pain it would cause Baam, he wouldn't have hesitated to kill Rachel for daring to betray all of their trust. Fortunately, Vahn had intervened, preventing the absolute worst-case scenario while also providing a 'solution'. This made it seem like he was in complete control of everything that was happening, but, considering the alternative was to continue harboring a traitorous serpent in their midst, Khun was grateful for the Imperial Trio's presence…
As this thought crossed his mind, Khun shifted his attention to where Phae was treating Rachel, his brows furrowing slightly. Before he could think to ask her any questions, however, Baam seemed to have followed his gaze, a somewhat bashful smile spreading across his face as he said, "Ms. Phae is really amazing, isn't she? All of the people from the Aldrnari Empire seem incredible…"
Seeing the rosy hue of Baam's cheeks, an incredulous feeling spread throughout Khun's mind and body, compelling him to laugh. This caused Baam to stare back at him with a confused expression on his face, exacerbating Khun's laughter before the latter ultimately pat his friend on the shoulder and said, "I never expected you to be into older women…"
Realizing what Khun was implying, Baam's face became beet red as he knocked aside the former's hand and exclaimed, "It's not like that, Mr. Khun! Please don't say things like that…!"
Amused by his friend's reaction, Khun's smile turned somewhat affectionate as he resumed patting Baam's shoulder, this time saying, "Relax. I was just messing with you. You'll have to be more thick-skinned if you want to avoid getting teased in the future. Besides, Ms. Phae is presumably involved with the Emperor. I don't think she would mind being crushed on, but I can't imagine her returning anyone's feelings."
Hearing Khun mention Vahn, a resolute light flashed across Baam's eyes as he gazed toward Rachel and said, "Mr. Vahn is really amazing…it's like he sees through everything. He is also very powerful and kind…if possible, I also want to become someone like that…I think I could help a lot of people if I was as strong as Mr. Vahn…"
Adopting a similarly serious expression on his face, Khun was barely able to resist exhaling a tired sigh in response to Baam's words. He couldn't be sure, but he got the impression that the Emperor was systematically 'grooming', not just Baam, but all of them. Though this would undoubtedly result in them becoming much stronger, there was no way of knowing what kind of price they would have to pay in exchange for such power. Nothing in this world ever came free, so, even if Vahn, Phae, and Gandr were legitimately kind people, they were bound to expect 'something' in return.
Since there wasn't really much he could do to change the current situation, Khun surprised Baam by reclining backward, his gaze focused on nothing in particular as he looked up and said, "I think you have the potential to help people, even without power…promise me, Baam…no…nevermind…so long as you continue being yourself, I have nothing to complain about…"
Though he was confused by Khun's words, Baam emulated his friend's action, reclining back so that they were both staring up towards the ceiling before saying, "Let's change this Tower together, Mr. Khun…I think, so long as I have my friends by my side, we can overcome anything this hellish place throws at us…"
Surprised to hear such words from Baam, of all people, Khun couldn't help but fall silent for several seconds, an expectant smile spreading across his face as he placed his hands behind his head and replied, "I don't really have a choice when you put it like that…well, not that I'm complaining. It was always my intention to conquer this Tower. Doing so with friends will surely make things a lot more interesting…very well, Baam. Count me in…let's show this Tower what we're made of…together…"
Hearing Khun's reply the smile on Baam's face became even larger, the glow in his eyes growing ever brighter as he nodded his head and happily chimed, "Yes, Mr. Khun~!"
—
With the eventual return of Endorsi, Anak, and Gandr, the Submerged Fish Hunt had finally come to an end. As for Vahn, he had a short discussion with Director Yu before heading to the transfer room to await everyone's return. Then, after placing Rachel inside the Little Garden, he, alongside the rest of Team Wolf Pack, enjoyed a preliminary celebration as the Suspend Ship began its gradual return toward Evankhell's Resort…
(A/N: Alternate Titles: 'Yuri is very aggressive o_o…','Vahn, Sage Dragon Emperor, Loli Magnet','This isn't your average bromance…')
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