Chapter 173: Beneficial agreement

Strax and Samira left the Rogue Guild office and encountered the city beginning to reveal its true character.

The neon lights were starting to shine, coloring the environment with a vibrant glow. Strax watched calmly, this time appreciating the beauty of the place. It was almost comical to think that he had previously neglected the city, focusing only on watching his wife, who was now accompanying him.

"The city that never sleeps..." Samira murmured, her eyes fixed on the magical neon signs flickering and dancing in the streets. "I used to think this place was a paradise..." The nostalgia in her voice was palpable as they walked down the street. "Have you lived here for a long time?"

Despite knowing part of Samira's life, Strax always longed for more details about his wife. It was a comfort he appreciated, each new discovery about her becoming a precious part of their bond.

"Five years... after I ran away from home. It was the only place where they couldn't find me without causing problems for Ducato Blaze," Samira replied, her tone filled with silent nostalgia. "I was an exile, abandoned and... homeless." She added as they walked.

"But it wasn't so bad, even though I went a few days without food." Samira said with a soft smile, as if remembering something distant yet vivid.

"You really have a story to tell..." Strax murmured, approaching and holding her hand with a protective gesture. "Shall we? We still have things to resolve." He asked with a smile, and Samira nodded, returning the smile as they continued walking hand in hand through the city.

The murmur of conversations and the sound of distant music created a vibrant backdrop for their conversation.

"So, where are we going exactly?" Samira asked, her tone curious and somewhat intrigued. "You mentioned something about a mansion?

Strax smiled, a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes. "Yes, Evelyn rented a mansion. I wanted to visit before heading home... I want to talk to her about this attack. Despite not being a fan of Lyana, she's still a Grandmaster cultivator," he remarked as he continued walking.

"Evelyn... I hope she's not as attention-seeking as that bitch," Samira commented, her eyes shining with a mix of complicated emotions. "I hope you don't kill me by the end of the night," Strax murmured, almost inaudibly.

"I just hope she listens to me," Strax said.

Samira let out a slight sigh, her gaze drifting towards the city lights.

"We'll see then. I just hope the night doesn't drag on longer than necessary."

...

Strax and Samira arrived at the mansion, an imposing structure with an elegant facade and well-maintained gardens.

The mansion stood in stark contrast to the bustling city outside, offering a sense of tranquility and refinement.

As soon as they entered, they were greeted by an impeccably dressed butler.

His uniform was a sophisticated dark gray, and he wore a courteous smile as he approached.

"Evelyn... This city doesn't matter to me. Not at all," he commented. "Besides, I have more important things to do than worry about people I don't even know." His words made Evelyn's face twist; she had never heard something so brutal yet indifferent at the same time.

'Is he... crazy?' she wondered.

"And if it's that important, we can just take control of the Black Association; it won't be a problem, right?" Strax questioned. "After all... there won't be an owner." He murmured.

The situation was becoming even more favorable for him... especially knowing that Cristine was the so-called Queen Assassin... That meant something... She could create a new Black Association under her name... He also knew she had some allies, though she hadn't mentioned them... with that... maybe...

'How much blind greed...' Evelyn thought as she looked into his eyes, but for a moment... 'Why do I feel like he's somehow right?' She questioned herself. It was a strange feeling... Despite the madness, there was something peculiar about this man...

"What's in it for me?" she asked. She didn't care about this city either; she wasn't even from here! She didn't care enough...

"Your cure." Strax said, smiling.

Evelyn fell silent for a few seconds, processing Strax's response. His proposal wasn't just bold; it was dangerous. But the mention of her cure... That made her hesitate.

"My cure..." Evelyn repeated, her gaze fixed on Strax's eyes. There was something tempting, almost irresistible, about his offer. The idea of finally getting rid of what had plagued her for so long... But at the cost of allying with a man who wouldn't hesitate to destroy an entire city for his own goals?

She took a deep breath, trying to calm the emotions that began to bubble up inside her.

"Are you sure you can keep this promise?" Evelyn's voice was firm, but there was a hint of vulnerability in it. After all, it was her life on the line.

Strax smiled slightly, a smile that didn't convey comfort but rather the unwavering confidence of someone who was always one step ahead. "I wouldn't make an offer I couldn't fulfill, Evelyn. I have the means, and I know exactly what needs to be done. Besides, due to certain things... I'm sure the initial bid for your long-awaited remedy might be much more than you have... It's a mythical item."

Samira, who had been quiet until then, watched the exchange between them with sharp eyes.

She knew Strax well enough to understand that when he made a promise, it was because he was absolutely certain he could keep it.

But she also knew that he was willing to do anything, without limits or morals, to achieve what he wanted.

"You're betting very high, Strax," Evelyn finally said, crossing her arms as she observed him. "But if you can truly deliver on what you promise... then I'm willing to hear more."

"Great." Strax replied, leaning back in his chair with the same calmness as before. "Let's make this work. You help us take control of the Black Association, and I guarantee you'll get your cure. And not just that... you'll have power, more than you already possess. Enough power to never feel vulnerable again." He said, smiling.

"Deal." She said, extending her hand to Strax, sealing the agreement with a firm handshake. "But know this, if you fail... there won't be a place in this world where you can hide from me."

"I don't usually fail." Strax responded, shaking her hand firmly, the smile never leaving his face.