"We are always searching for exceptional individuals to join our ranks," the Martial Blade God continued.
"And you, Neron, would be a perfect fit. This fight—" he gestured to the expanse of his Martial Realm, "—was merely a test to see if you were worthy."
Neron froze, his mind struggling to grasp the enormity of the revelation.
All of this—the relentless battle, the overwhelming pressure—was nothing more than a twisted recruitment drive.
"You want me to join you?" he asked, disbelief lacing his voice. "Why the hell would you think I'd agree to that?"
The Martial Blade God's smile widened ever so slightly, as if he had been waiting for that exact reaction.
"Your potential is undeniable. With proper guidance, you could achieve far more than you've ever imagined. And while you may despise me now, hatred is often born from misunderstanding."