BXBX NOVEL Chapter 111: Dark Queen's Offer
With a casual snap of her fingers, the sensation of being observed and the presence of the gaze faded from both Rin and Erix\'s awareness.
"Why?" Rin\'s brows knitted in confusion. "We\'ve just arrived in the abyss."
"Because you two are interesting and talented. How about joining my guild as members of my dark troupe?" Lilith explained, her smile widening. "You\'ll have access to the best missions and even quotas in dungeons. As members of my guild, you won\'t even need to pay a 30% share."
Erix and Rin found themselves taken aback by the proposal but also intrigued by its potential advantages.
"It\'s a tempting offer, but what\'s the catch?" Erix\'s skepticism was evident in the arched raise of his eyebrows.
Lilith leaned back, her confident smile unshaken. "Catch? None at all. I see potential in both of you, and your talents align well with my guild\'s objectives. Of course, I\'ll expect you to actively contribute when tasks need to be accomplished."
She continued, "And don\'t worry, I won\'t send you on reckless missions that would jeopardize your lives. The only condition is that you stay in my mansion and occasionally allow me to intrude upon your lives."
Her words carried a sharp yet alluring edge as she spoke of her requirement. "For example, I might request a dinner together, and I would expect you to comply."
Rin and Erix exchanged a thoughtful glance, weighing the options before them. They were aware of the Dark Troupe\'s reputation—a group of powerful individuals directly under the command of Dark Queen Lilith. Their strength ranged from level 100 and beyond, some even nearing level 200.
While the idea of aligning themselves with Lilith\'s guild held its appeal, the prospect of potential complications loomed. However, as long as they refrained from attacking either the Dark Queen or any of her powerful subordinates capable of overpowering them, joining the guild seemed like a pragmatic choice.
After a moment of contemplation, Rin broke the silence, her expression firm. "We\'re in, but on the condition that you remove your gaze on us. It\'s distracting and vexing."
Lilith\'s response was immediate and reassuring. "Of course. My observations were merely an assessment. You\'re free from my gaze now."
As Lilith rose from her seat, she approached the window, "You\'re welcome to visit the mansion whenever you like and settle in your new abode. A maid named Lira will be there to guide you to your new accommodations."
A second alter, her form almost dissolved like mist as she addressed the pair one last time before vanishing. "Until we meet again."
With her departure, Rin and Erix settled back onto the sofa, their bafflement apparent.
"What in the world was that?" Erix murmured.
Rin\'s eyes narrowed, her thoughts more pragmatic. "I see potential gains from this arrangement. Even if the Dark Queen decides to involve us in her affairs, it\'s clear we won\'t be able to resist. By aligning ourselves with her, we can gain insights into her motives and remain cautious. We also have protection from the 10-level difference rule."
Erix\'s wry smile matched Rin\'s assessment. "So, we just don\'t pick fights with her or her overpowered friends. Sounds doable."
"Yes," Rin agreed, and a smile formed on her face. "And now that her gaze is no longer an issue, we can proceed with the surprise I\'ve planned for you. Hehe, get ready to be amazed."
...
Descending to the ground floor, Rin made her choice among the displayed swords. After careful consideration, she settled on the Stormrend Katana—a sleek blade adorned with intricate thundercloud engravings.
Brandishing the sword, Rin marveled at its electrifying aura and tested its might in the air, leaving behind a trail of faint electric sparks.
[Stormrend Katana]
_Rank: Tier-1
_Grade: Epic.
_Base Damage: 300 + 250% of user\'s strength stat + 100% of magic stat.
_Effect(s):
—> Thunderstrikes (passive): Upon striking a target, the blade releases a controlled surge of lightning that courses through the opponent\'s body, delivering additional lightning damage. (Requires Lightning affinity for the passive to work).
—> Lightning Dance: The wielder can channel the mana in the katana to activate a magic formation, buffing the user to enhance their speed and agility for a short burst, allowing them to swiftly close the distance between foes or evade attacks.
With a satisfied nod, Rin fed the sword to her Blade Eater.
"Finished. Let\'s go," Rin declared.
Erix offered a thoughtful observation. "The passive ability seems quite powerful. You should attempt to learn its formation."
Rin\'s eyes lit up with anticipation as she nodded. "Absolutely. I\'m planning to unveil both formations within the Limitless Plane. As they\'re both lightning-type magic, they\'ll be extra useful to me."
As they strolled through the streets en route to the Dark Queen\'s mansion, the topic naturally turned to their new residence and future plans.
After ten minutes, they arrived before the mansion\'s imposing gate and were greeted by an elf maid in a fitting maid attire. Her slender figure was complemented by an ample bosom.
Rin couldn\'t help but internally note the allure of Lilith\'s subordinates. "Why does the Dark Queen only have such alluring servants?"
Erix chuckled, "Why? Are you feeling insecure, my queen?"
Rin rolled her eyes in response before she smiled. "The only insecurity I have is you dying before me."
Erix felt warmth rising in his heart hearing her words and gently smiled as he pulled Rin towards him from her waist, "We\'ll live together forever. Let\'s make sure of that."
"Sounds good," Rin lovingly smiled and kissed him.
As they arrived before the gate, the maid introduced herself as Lira and bowed gracefully, her gestures hinting at more than professionalism. "Welcome, Master Erix and Master Rin."
"Follow me, please. I\'ll lead you inside."
They acknowledged her before following Lira into the mansion. Passing through a splendid garden, they arrived at an expansive hall bathed in a gentle golden glow. Divided into living and dining sections, the hall bore an air of elegance.
Ascending the stairs, Rin and Erix followed Lira deeper into the mansion. A corridor led them to two doors—one on the immediate left and the twenty meters away at the end.
The latter bore the label "Dark Queen," a clear indication of it belonging to Lilith.
"That room is Lady Lilith\'s personal room. You can not enter there without her permission," Lira informed. "And definitely don\'t enter by mistake," she emphasized.
"We are not interested in that room," Rin said with a hollow smile. "Don\'t worry."
Lira nodded and pointed at the door before them, "This is your new abode-- A haven comprising a hall, bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom.
Lira then presented them with comm cards and her readiness to assist," "Whenever you want to eat something or require any type of assistance, as long as it\'s within a realm of possibility by my body and mind, you can call me."
Although a bit surprised at the servitude, Erix and Rin nodded.
Though Lira showed hesitancy for the first time a second later, breaking her usually composed demeanor. "Umm, there are members of the troupe living in the mansion, and some of them might feel envious that you got the closest room to the Dark Queen."
"So, I would suggest you remain careful and not attack them by mistake whatever they do."
Erix\'s amused smile surfaced. "Well, we\'re not prone to losing our temper. It\'s more likely that we irritate people than the other way around."
Lira\'s smile held a touch of relief. "That\'s good to hear. Have a pleasant night, Masters."
"Thank you," Rin replied, appreciating the maid\'s candor.
As Lira left, Rin couldn\'t help but smilingly nod at her likable nature. "She is cute."