Chapter 306: All fair negotiations must be based on equal strength

Chapter 306: All fair negotiations must be based on equal strength



The moment Maxen appeared behind Thor, the Guardian Shadows fell silent.

These top-tier entities were well-versed in the origins of the [Guardian Shadow], a concept initially proposed by Nathan. Nathan had not had the chance to bring it to fruition before he headed off to fight in the Supreme Abyssal.

The real founders of this organization were Morpheus and Shadow Nine-Maxen's godfather and his father's talent, Shadow Nine.

In a sense, Maxen was the rightful heir to [Guardian Shadow], though the fact that Shadow Nine left the Shadow Sigil to Thor signified a designated change.

From Amari and Terraon, Mike had learned that [Guardian Shadow] comprised two types of members: those like them, soldiers who died on the battlefield, and those strong in the Shadow element.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Now, it seemed that "strong" might deserve quotation marks- at least none of these top four before Mike were from the human race.

With Maxen standing behind him, he quipped, "Well, why stop talking now?"

The atmosphere tensed up for a moment. Touched by Maxen's loyalty, Mike joked, "Stone, for that, you don't have to pay back the money you owe me!"

Maxen was puzzled: When did I ever owe you money?

Now confident in his trump card, Mike turned again to the top three of the Guardian Shadow. With sincerity, he suggested, "Let's hear your demands, everyone."

Cedric gave Mike a surprised look. This tone was uncharacteristically genial for the Thor he knew.

Stunning Woman spoke first, "I only have one slightly excessive request-when you reach the 50th floor of the Tower of Truth, help me out with a small favor."

After hearing her condition, Mike looked towards Bad Woman and Bad Man, who preempted, "We had an arrangement with Shadow Nine!"

Bad Man nodded in agreement, "Right, you can't kill me. Whether you kill her, I don't care!"

Bad Woman's expression darkened, and she began yanking at Bad Man's hair, shouting, "Go to hell, you jerk!"

Before any external conflict arose, Bad Woman and Bad Man were already at each other's throats.

After their brief skirmish, Shadow Two laid out his terms, "Shadow Nine used to teach us life lessons every week! We'd like to stick close and learn how to be a human!"

Listening to Shadow Two's request, Mike nodded slowly, "No problem, that's entirely within my power."

At least that was something Mike could handle.

With Shadow One and Two sorted, only Shadow Three remained. The burly man grinned and said, "I'm different from them. I'm not scheming; I just do whatever Shadow Nine tells me to do."

"If you could," he continued, "please give me a name. I've gone years without one, and when I die, I won't even know what to put on my tombstone."

Mike nodded, understanding. Given his words, he must be the most deeply hidden member of Guardian Shadow, aside from Shadow Nine himself.

Among these shadows, Shadow Two was the easiest to deal with, Shadow Three the most complex, and Shadow One the most mysterious.

"I've heard all your requests," Mike declared, looking around. "And I plan to agree to none of them."

The shadows: ...

Cedric and Maxen nodded in approval. This was the Thor they knew.

"All fair negotiations must be based on equal strength," Mike reiterated their earlier statement.

This rebellion by the four shadows had ended before it even started. The dust settled.

From behind Cedric, another Guardian Shadow stepped forward. Shadow Four glanced at everyone present before walking straight up to Thor, "This is a letter Shadow Nine left for you, detailing many arrangements within [Guardian Shadow]."

Mike opened the letter from Shadow Nine. What would the old trickster say to him this time?

As he read, Mike nodded occasionally, smiled at parts, and at one point, shook his head in disdain.

The shadows craned their necks, trying to gauge the letter's content from Thor's reactions. After finishing, Mike tucked the letter away and addressed Shadow One, Two, and Three, "Go about your business."

"If I'm not mistaken," Mike added, "you all have your daily tasks, right?"

"Yes!" Shadow One nodded emphatically. "My task is to stay by Shadow Nine's side."

Ultimate Lord?"

Shadow Three nodded, "Yes."

Mike: ?! Shadow Three added, "As long as you allow me to ascend to 990 level."

Mike, collecting his shock, followed up, "What's the highest level you can reach?"

"999... I guess?" Shadow Three seemed uncertain, "I've never tried level 1000, but maybe...

it's possible?"

Mike, Maxen, Cedric: ...

All three were speechless.

Maxen, surprised, realized that being by Thor's side exposed him to a different world. There

were many details in Guardian Shadow he hadn't noticed before.

For instance, Shadow Two was actually a demon creature! However, Maxen knew the relationship between him and Shadow Two was extraordinary.

Maxen was sure that in the past three hundred years, Shadow Two had not harmed a single

human and had even made significant sacrifices for them.

What he hadn't expected was for Shadow Three to be so deeply hidden!

But it was strange...

Why had Shadow Three, hidden for so many years, suddenly revealed his trump card in front

of Thor?

As Shadow Three admitted his strength, he said in an inquiring tone, "Little Shadow Nine, telling you this, I aim to make a deal."

"Hold on, I find the nickname 'Little Shadow Nine' a bit awkward," Mike interjected, waving a

hand. "Just call me Fourth Bro from now on."

Shadow Three readily agreed, "Alright, Fourth Bro."

Shadow Four: ???

Mike nodded, "Continue."

Shadow Three slowly said, "Fourth Bro, whatever you discern about me in the future, please

keep it confidential."

Mike hesitated but ultimately nodded, "Alright."

Shadow Three was always ready to ascend, capable of reaching up to level 999. As a personal bodyguard, his qualifications were undoubtedly sufficient.

Also, Mike was well aware that unless it was a genuine life-or-death situation, he would

never agree to let Shadow Three ascend. Not even Shadow Nine had permitted it during his time. If Mike agreed, it could bring even greater trouble!

Instead of dwelling on issues of strength, Mike switched topics, "Since you're so powerful,

why humble yourself as Shadow Three instead of Shadow One?"

Indeed!

Maxen was also curious about this.

Faced with Mike's question, Shadow Three's face broke into a simple smile, his right hand

scratching the back of his head sheepishly as he explained, "When Shadow Nine recruited me into Guardian Shadow, he let me choose between Shadow One, Two, or Three." Shadow Three thought back seriously, "I even asked Shadow Nine which number he was, and he said he was Shadow Nine. I figured the higher the number, the stronger the position!" Spreading his hands wide like fans, Shadow Three showed a helpless expression, "So, I chose Shadow Three!"