บท 4: The Plan

What happened in the elevator was instantly thrown at the back of Rise's mind, he did not even care about the remarks of the people against him.

He had already matured, unlike when he was really younger, when no one would be able to say any insults in front of his face that had a good end.

Rise, walking lazily; his hands were inside the pockets of his Esper's uniform. His eyes were only looking forward, occasionally lingering in one direction before shifting into another.

Sometimes he would smile whenever he noticed how the people in his surroundings would avoid obstructing his way like a plague, afraid to piss him off.

Cute. Rise laughed inwardly; his steps never ceased until he suddenly saw a glimpse of a huge LED screen attached to one of the buildings on the road.

His steps halted, and even his attention was immediately drawn. Rise's black pupils could not help but stare at the figure that was being reported in the news.

-On Friday, the Dark Crimson Guild officially started their subjugation for the critical red zone, which has been giving the federation a massive headache.

Rise did not care about the reporter; his eyes were only focused on someone.

-After his two months of staying in a forbidden black zone, Kamille Han, the leader of the guild, is now seen as the one to lead this subjugation.

A man, with his black hair and all-black attire, appeared more mysterious on the screen. There was not any emotion in his eyes as he scrutinized his surroundings, but only a few knew just how he was utilizing his ability at every moment, not neglecting each moment.

True Sight, it was an active ability that Kamille, the Guild Leader had always turned on, especially on a mission. Rise was one of the few to discover this fact.

In fact, not everyone knew that the color of his pupils was not gray at all, but it was a beautiful pair of hazel eyes. Rise was one of the few fortunate to witness it.

"Guild Leader..." Rise could not help but utter.

The camera was only focused on him, the main character of the mission, and a popular S-rank Esper in the federation. His all-black uniform distinctly outlined his features, and he seemed to naturally exude an intimidating presence unique to the strongest individuals.

Suddenly, he turned and faced the camera, his handsome appearance was immediately captured on the huge screen. His figure, which was bulky but lean, looked so suited to his physique, along with his tall height. Rise heard some gasps around him, but he ignored them.

His eyes narrowed, and he bit his lips as he gulped. He suddenly felt thirsty.

Damn, he's so fucking attractive.

He seemed to say something to someone outside of the camera, and Rise already had a clue as to who it was. And after that, he turned around and left. The drone camera that the reporter used was unable to get inside the protected temporary residence of the guild members.

When Kamille disappeared from the screen, Rise and the few others that stopped watching the broadcast let out a disappointed sigh. While the others left, Rise remained in his position, his mind suddenly racing in a lot of directions.

Seeing the Guild Leader, Rise remembered the content of the novel and swallowed the urge to vomit again. He felt annoyed that Epsilon was the one destined for Kamille!

They did not suit each other at all.

No, Rise shook his head and became determined. His first plan, and one of the most important of all, was immediately formed in his mind.

He would never let the two of them be together. As his guild member, Rise felt that it was his duty to save the guild leader from his unfortunate fate!

No way! Not Epsilon!

Rise had been seducing and pursuing Kamille for years, and yet Epsilon was there to become his lover for the sake of the plot? Yeah, Fat Chance!

In this life, I will... Rise clenched his fist, his eyes more determined than ever, even surpassing the way he reacted when he wanted to take revenge against Epsilon and the author.

I will succeed. Rise turned around his plan, becoming absolute in his head. Who cares if the guild leader was the male lead? His first plan was to make him his!

Rise nodded to this plan and continued on his way.

Okay, Rise knew the plot and all, but it was a given that there were still almost five years before it started. So, that meant he had no way of knowing where that Epsilon was at this moment.

He could try and search which zone he was currently in, but that was a long process, and while doing so, he needed to start and focus on his first plan.

Rise was someone who did not care about the past of his guild mates, as he was extremely self-centered, only thinking of himself and how to seduce Kamille, his attractive guild leader.

Of course, he was not interested in knowing Epsilon's past either, so he did not know what zone he was first assigned to, but he was certain that it was not the headquarters like himself.

No matter how indifferent he was, he was still aware of who's who in the Union. After all, his team was not fixed. Like a rogue, the Union was the one who inserted him into teams when there was a mission.

Not that he was special, but yeah, he was indeed a special case. Someone that no one wanted to be on their team. As a result of this, he knew everyone, or at least had an impression of everyone.

Sitting in front of the Director, Rise gave a sweet smile and pointed at the application he had on the table. Ignoring how the Director shivered at his smile, like it was that of a devil's, Rise continued and emphasized why he came.

"I want to apply for the subjugation of the evolving gate at the critical red zone." Again, after saying that, he showed a kind of smile. His confident demeanor completely showed that he was not taking no for an answer.

Yes, while he did not know where Epsilon was, he knew exactly where Kamille was! Their lives had yet to intersect at this point in time until a year later, when Rise met and fell over heels for Kamille and quit Union to join his guild.

Not this time though; he recalled just how they would be able to meet a year earlier if not for his refusal to join the subjugation. He thought it was boring, unlike the mission he had been eyeing. This subjugation of an evolving gate from A to S rank was really a critical moment; if it did not succeed, the federation would welcome yet another forbidden black zone.

He was such an idiot. Even without Kamille in the equation, how is this mission not exciting?

Thinking of that missed opportunity, the sweet smile on his lips faded slightly, which made the Director scared even more. He grabbed the application paper and immediately stamped it on, not even reading it.

"O-Of course, you can. The Dark Crimson also... reached out to us, and your application is so timely." The Director gave a faint fake laugh, nervous not to provoke this devil incarnate.

Immediately, Rise's smile returned and even widened. All of the reminiscing was dropped, and he grabbed the document from the Director's hand. He looked at it excitedly, ignoring how rude his actions were.

The Director also did not say anything; everyone was used to his rude behavior at this point. He could only pray that Rise would leave his office so he could take a breath.

Reading it, Rise stood up and smiled sweetly, blinding the Director for a moment, something that made his appearance stand out, which is sometimes overlooked because of his terrible personality.

"Then, I'll go!" Rise patted the Director's shoulder and waved, leaving the room without looking back.

He was already thinking of traveling to the location at this very moment, that was how excited he was!

When he finally left, the director sighed, wiping the sweat from his forehead. He looked at the closed door before finally contacting someone.

"Rise Lee will be part of the subjugation; inform the Dark Crimson Guild."

Now that Rise was on board, there was no need to invite another member.

"Yes, Director. Rise... what? Rise Lee?" The other side exclaimed in disbelief.

The Director nodded and sighed heavily.

"Tell them..." he paused and shook his head. "No, I'll contact Mr. Kamille myself."

The Union's troublesome Esper was about to join a guild's subjugation; the guild needed to be prepared for it. That was his responsibility as a Director of the Union.