Klaus was speechless when he heard all this. He knew more than anyone else that his brother's situation was serious, and the possibility of waking him up was a dream that seemed more and more distant. Although the accident had not affected Rhyzer Park's vital organs, the famous doctors at the Hospital of Happy Life believed that his brain had practically no activity left, no wonder he needed braces to stay alive. But now, in front of Klaus, there was a real chance for that to change, a research opportunity led by one of the largest companies in the world. He felt a mixture of emotions, mostly hope and surprise.
The idea that Hónghé Holdings was willing to invest time and money in research to help comatose patients was exciting to Klaus. But most of all, the prospect of being able to help his brother meant everything to him. Klaus knew how important it was to his family, especially his mother and father, who had cared for Rhyzer for years without losing hope.
He looked at Charles and for a moment his voice broke. His eyes filled with tears. Finally, after a few seconds, he managed to speak.
"That... would be amazing. I would do anything to help my brother and my family. How can I help you?"
Charles smiled again, this time affectionately. "Don't worry, we'll give you all the information you need later. All we need is for you to help us investigate and find out what the Evolved Ones are planning. And if you succeed, you can be sure that we will help you and your family in any way we can".
Klaus thought for a moment. It was a tempting offer, but also dangerous. He didn't know if he could handle the Evolved, who were more powerful than any other player he had ever faced. But he knew he couldn't let this opportunity pass him by. If he had a chance to help his brother, he would do anything to take it.
He looked at Charles and agreed. "All right, I'll wait for the information. But I need to know, what about the championship finals? Why do I have to give it up?"
Charles nodded. "Nobody can have everything, Mr. Klaus Park. I trust you understand that very well. As your vow of commitment to our agreement, I need you to give up the idea of being a champion for the last time. I believe this may bring back memories that you do not want to remember by giving up another final, but it is necessary.
Again, Kaizen considered the two options. But there was nothing to say, nothing to refute. Charles had already proven that he knew everything about Kaizen and his past, and not everyone had access to as much information as Charles had proven to have, so there was no reason to doubt his words. He looked at Charles one last time, looking for a clue in his expression, but Charles remained neutral, waiting patiently for Kaizen's answer.
After a moment of thought, Kaizen made his decision. "I accept your offer, Charles."
Charles smiled, looking satisfied. "Good, Kaizen. You won't regret it. The first task I have for you is to reach level 200 in one month."
"Level 200?" Kaizen raised his eyebrows in surprise. He hadn't even reached level 100 yet, how could he reach level 200 in such a short time? "But... How?"
"I am sure you will find the most effective way. I trust your potential." Charles affirmed as he turned away, and with a last look at Kaizen, he winked with a smile.
Kaizen nodded, excited about what was to come, and at the same time, in the broadcast of the battle between Xanthea and the Bloody Lily, the Red Dragon was cut in half by the closing of the interdimensional portal.
Sorry, Emma, but it looks like our reunion will have to wait," Kaizen thought and used a teleportation crystal to return to his home.
*
About fifteen minutes after the two finalists entered the Valkyria Arena, the crowd was still waiting for the grand finale to begin.
All eyes were on the empty entrance to the battlefield, waiting for Kaizen to appear. Bloody Lily was also constantly looking around the arena, waiting for her opponent to appear.
As time passed, the people became more and more anxious. Some began to wonder if something had happened to Kaizen. Others began to express their frustration, as they had paid a high price for tickets and were expecting an exciting match. The tension grew, and Bloody Lily felt a pit of worry in her stomach. She didn't want to win the battle by WO, she wanted to win fairly and deservedly.
Meanwhile, Alliance guards searched every room and corridor in the arena and outside, looking for Kaizen.
Time passed, but there was no sign of him. The crowd began to whisper to each other, trying to figure out what was going on. Some began to wonder if he had suffered an accident, while others wondered if he was trying to avoid a major embarrassment.
Finally, the announcer of the Valkyria Arena made an announcement:
"Ladies and gentlemen, we regret to inform you that Kaizen did not show up for the grand finale, even after waiting longer than the standard tolerance. Therefore, Bloody Lily is declared the Grand Champion!"
The crowd was silent for a moment before they began to express their disappointment and frustration with boos and jeers. Bloody Lily was disappointed as well, but she knew she had done all she could. She raised her hand to thank the crowd and left the Valkyria Arena, knowing that this battle would never be a true victory for her.
…
Edited by: DrHitsuji
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