Tier 1 City - Tempest Fort.
Hunter Association State HQ
The State Director sat behind his large oak desk, his face showing calmness, though deep lines of concern were visible around his eyes.
His dark suit was perfectly tailored, and the soft light from the desk lamp gave the dimly lit office a serious, important feel.
Across from him, his beautiful daughter stood near the tall window. Her soft pink hair was pulled back into a neat bun, and her blue eyes reflected her unease.
"Dad, are you sure this is the right decision? The thing we used to pay the Abyssal Alliance is really important for mankind," she asked.
His father glanced out the window, his eyes tracing the skyline of the city below.
The bustling streets were filled with people going about their daily lives, unaware of the heavy decision he had made.
"I get where you're coming from, Elena," he said, his voice steady but tinged with a note of weariness.
"Then why? Why did you use it as a bargaining chip?" she asked, confusion clear in her voice as she tried to understand her father's decision.
He softened his tone, looking at her with concern in his deep-set eyes.
"You know how it is. Sometimes, we have to make sacrifices to protect more people. We've always done what's needed to keep humanity safe, and this is just another tough call. Trust me on this one."
Elena's worry didn't completely fade, but she gave a reluctant nod, her shoulders slightly slumped as she absorbed his words.
The dim light of the office cast shadows on her worried face, reflecting her internal struggle but also her readiness to trust her father's judgment.
After a moment of silence, the State Director shifted in his chair, his expression growing more contemplative.
"Speaking of difficult decisions," he began, his tone becoming more personal, "we need to talk about your upcoming arrangement. I know it's not what you want, but it's important for our family and our position."
Elena's eyes widened slightly, the mention of the arranged marriage.
"Dad, we've been over this," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'm not sure I'm ready for this."
He leaned forward, his gaze steady but gentle.
Elena's confusion deepened. "What do you mean?"
The State Director continued, his tone calm but firm.
"For the Demon Kings, the corrupted aren't really a problem as long as there are enough humans to support their needs. They do the bare minimum to manage the situation, just enough to maintain control and ensure we rely on them. It's all part of their strategy to keep us dependent on their power."
Elena absorbed his words, her mind grappling with the implications.
"But isn't it unfair for us to be manipulate like this?" she asked in frustration.
The State Director sighed. "It might seem unfair, but consider this: if the corrupted didn't exist to keep us in check, the demons would likely have enslaved humans long ago. The threat of the corrupted keeps them from moving in that direction. "
He paused and looked at his daughter, noting her troubled expression.
Despite her talent and strength, she was still too naive and inexperienced to grasp the complexities of the politics between the two races.
But at the same time, he saw an opportunity to use her uncertainty to persuade her that his decision as her father was the right one.
"Elena, this is also another reason why this arrangement is so important.... It's not just about our family influence. It's about the future of humanity."
She looked at him with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "What do you mean, Dad?"
"Humans need to evolve too. Genetics play a big part in this evolution. By marrying someone with exceptional traits, you're not just forming an alliance—you're also helping advance our species."
He paused, letting his words sink in as he watched her take in his point of view.
"Think about Quill from the Flazer Family. He's a genius, known for his exceptional talent and skills. If you marry him, your children would inherit both your abilities and his superior genetics. I really believe that together, you two could produce a new generation of Hunters who would be the foundation of mankind in the future."
"Dad, that guy is a serial womanizer who even refused to work for the Hunter Association. Why would I want to marry such a selfish perverted jerk?" she said, rolling her eyes.
"I know he's a troublemaker, but you can't deny his talent and skills. Besides, talented men tend to attract women," he replied.
"But Dad," she protested, her voice growing more intense, "if this is just about having good genes, why can't I find someone on my own? What if I find someone even stronger and more talented than him?"
"Do you think talented people just appear out of nowhere?" he asked, his voice carrying a mix of weariness and concern.
"This is the real world, Elena. You can't just expect to find someone like that lying around," he sighed.