Ranking System

[Charles POV]

Finishing the world of Melleica, I returned to base. Since the war system allowed me to gain the reward of Melleica, I hope it will give me something good.

As for the golems, I captured. I had all of them located in the same spot. Agnus and his men should be able to take care of it.

Once I returned, I could see the mood of the room change. It was more of a joyous one than before. My efforts in taking over Melleica had improved everyone's impression of me.

"Well done. You did a satisfactory job. As for your reward, your friend is now being searched for."

While Agnus didn't show proof, I doubt he would cancel his promise in front of his followers. Now what? Should I speed run and destroy a world in seconds?

"Before you leave, let's talk about something."

I felt Agnus' words become heavy. How ridiculous. His words were enough to put a hold on me. This was our power difference. Even without much effort, Agnus could lock me in place.

"Is there something else?"

Even when the room was cold, there was no point in being scared. Asking what was up, Agnus spoke once again.

"When you fight, you have a significant weakness. You don't take anything seriously."

Was there a need? Every opponent I fought had no power to defy my skill. I thought it was pointless thinking about it.

"You think that it's pointless, right?"

I nodded when I knew Agnus could read what I had thought. There was no use in lying when he already knew the answer.

"You may be right occasionally, but let me tell you this. Your regeneration isn't invincible. Some people out there could kill you in a blink of an eye."

"Your death may be the result of your arrogance."

Agnus tried to reprimand me for my carelessness. While I appreciate his warning, all I needed to do was get stronger.

"I will take that words to mind."

Getting stronger would be hard for everyday people, but with my skill, it was as easy as getting candy from a baby.

Leaving the room, Linsey followed me. Along with another girl, it seemed like she had something else to say to me.

"Charles. I'm May, one of the executives of the organization."

"What could I do for you?"

When I returned to Agnus' office, I noticed May's interest in me had widened. Now that she's here, I wonder what she wanted.

"Your talent. They interest me."

Before May could say more, I knew what she wanted. She wanted my talents for something, I couldn't tell what she wanted it for, but if I'm interested in her offer, I will accept.

"I also love my talent."

Because of my talent, I could quickly rise to the top. What's not to love about my talent? Only those who fight me wouldn't love it. She proceeded to speak, continuing her thoughts.

"How about it? I would like to invest in you."

May's offer was apparent. Right now, I don't need much. May would need to offer me a lot for me to be convinced.

"Invest? What do you hope to get out of me?"

I thought Linsey would be angry at someone trying to steal her contractor, but she didn't care.

Before she offered me anything, I wanted to see her terms. If it were too restrictive, then I would immediately reject it.

"If I invest in you, I want your loyalty."

"Denied."

Loyalty was a strong word. Selling my soul was impossible. While I had a geass signed with Linsey, the rules were pretty lax. And her request was always reasonable.

May was instantly surprised to see me reject her immediately. Many would want to get sponsored by May, but I'm not as desperate as I was.

"You genuinely don't like to be under anyone, do you? Anyone else would beg me for this chance."

"You're right. Being under someone is a pain. I prefer not to listen to orders left and right."

This was my stance on the matter. Whether May wants to continue with this talk would matter to her.

"Really are you sure you don't want to~?"

Seduction would work if she had a humanoid shape. I don't want to be racist, but monsters that aren't a bit humanoid weren't in my sexual preference.

May didn't have any unattractive features, but the same could be said for the opposite. If one would have to say, May was a literal lion. A unique featured one, and being flirted with one was weird.

"No. Like I said earlier, I prefer my freedom."

"That's a shame."

She didn't seem interested in sponsoring anymore now that I rejected the first rule. I could understand that the bosses would want someone loyal, but that wasn't something for me.

"Then I have nothing else to say."

Concluding that I wouldn't sell my loyalty for resources, we split off with no deals being made. Now that I left the room, where am I supposed to go? Looking at Linsey, who was quiet this whole time, smirked for some reason.

"Did me rejecting her make you that happy?"

Me guessing what had happened had made Linsey smirk even harder. She had deliberately hidden her expression, May was someone higher than Linsey on the organization's ladder, and making enemies within was too troublesome for anyone.

"I mean, you're my contractor. Who would want their contractor to be taken away?"

Linsey spoke like it was natural, but I stopped midway in the middle of our conversation. Linsey thought something was wrong.

"What's wrong?"

"Where am I suppose to go?"

Leaving Agnus' office, I was still somewhere in his room of Agnus. Listening to my words, Linsey's mouth curled. Apparently, she found my question funny. Linsey should know the way. I might as well let her lead.

"I also don't know."

"..."

An internal sigh was let out. After leaving Agnus, it would be weird to return. From the looks of it, we had no choice.