The man stood, straightening his suit jacket as he walked toward Liam.
"Liam, is it? Allow to introduce myself. I am Lazario Morvane, an elite magician and head of this... organization."
He gestured vaguely, as if the specifics of his group didn’t matter.
Liam’s eyes narrowed slightly. He couldn’t help but think that Lazario looked like a stereotypical mafia boss from one of those cri dramas. The deanor, the sharp suit, and the commanding presence—it all fit.
"I’m going to make this simple for you- You have two options. Work for , and I’ll spare your life. Refuse, and... well, let’s just say I’m not known for my rcy."
Lazario continued, his tone casual yet laced with danger.
Liam blinked, his mind racing. He didn’t know the full extent of Lazario’s power, but the system had already warned him earlier that Lazario’s magical level wasn’t high enough to pose a direct threat.
However, Liam wasn’t foolish enough to underestimate soone in this position of power.
"I’ll do it."
Liam said quickly, without hesitation.
Lazario raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the imdiate response.
"That was fast. No questions? No hesitation? Do you have no morals, or do you simply not care who you work for?"
Liam shrugged, leaning back slightly to ease the tension in his body.
"The only thing that matters to is my life. Morals don’t an much if you’re dead."
For a mont, Lazario stared at him, his silver eyes scanning Liam’s expression for any sign of deceit or ulterior motive. Then he smirked, a hint of amusent flickering in his eyes.
"You’re an interesting one, Liam. But I’m not so easily convinced."
Lazario stepped closer, his presence almost suffocating.
"If you’re truly willing to work for , then make a vow. Bind yourself to with magic as proof of your loyalty."
Liam’s heart raced at the suggestion, but before he could overthink it, the system chid in.
[System Notification: Lazario Morvane’s magical level is significantly lower than yours. Any vow created will be nullified at your discretion.]
Hearing this gave Liam a boost of confidence. He looked Lazario directly in the eyes and nodded.
"Fine. Let’s do it. I’ll make the vow."
Lazario’s smirk faltered, his confidence wavering for the briefest of monts.
"You’re surprisingly agreeable. Most people would at least try to negotiate."
"I’m not most people. I don’t need to fight battles I can avoid. If making this vow is what you want, then so be it"
Liam replied evenly.
Still uncertain about Liam’s motives, Lazario gestured for him to stand. With so effort, Liam pushed himself up, his legs still shaky from the drug’s effects. Lazario extended a hand, and a faint glow of magical energy surrounded it.
"Repeat after . I, Liam, hereby vow to serve Lazario Morvane faithfully and without betrayal"
Lazario instructed.
Liam hesitated for a fraction of a second but quickly masked it.
"I, Liam, hereby vow to serve Lazario Morvane faithfully and without betrayal."
As the words left his mouth, a surge of magic swirled between them, forming a faint golden thread that connected them montarily before fading.
Lazario studied Liam closely, waiting for so kind of reaction. When Liam simply stood there, his expression calm and unaffected, Lazario frowned.
"That’s it? I thought there’d be more to it."
Liam asked, feigning ignorance.
Lazario crossed his arms, clearly unsettled.
"You’re either the most pragmatic person I’ve ever t, or you’re hiding sothing."
"Maybe both. So, what’s next?"
Liam said with a small smile.
The casual use of the words spoken by Liam seed to catch Lazario off guard, but he quickly regained his composure.
"You’ll remain here for now. There are certain... procedures to follow before I can assign you any tasks."
Liam nodded, though his mind was already working on a plan. He needed to get out of this situation as soon as possible, but for now, playing along was his safest bet.
"Understood. I’ll do whatever you need."
Liam said.
Lazario tilted his head, still studying him.
"We’ll see if that loyalty holds true. For now, you’ll be escorted to a holding room. Get so rest. You’ll need it."
With a snap of his fingers, two guards entered the room. They flanked Liam and gestured for him to follow them. Liam complied without protest, his mind racing as he considered his next move.
As they walked down the dimly lit corridor, the system chid again.
[System Notification: Vow detected. Magical effects negligible. Vow can be rendered null at user’s discretion.]
Liam allowed himself a small, unseen smile. No matter how powerful Lazario thought he was, Liam had the upper hand. All he needed now was the right opportunity to use it.
For now, though, he would bide his ti and play the role of the obedient recruit. After all, survival was his priority—and he had no intention of letting Lazario or anyone else dictate his fate.
______
Aria Duskwood could feel it—she was being followed by soone, and she let out a tired sigh as she turned around.
"Tsk, what do you want now? Can’t you see that I’m busy? And if you’re going to report back to my family about , can you tell them not to send people like you next ti?"
Aria made her words clear before she could even see her stalker.
She had no idea what these people might want from her, but she was ready to take care of them.
"Oh my! You shouldn’t say such words, young miss. So bad people might take it as an invitation to cause trouble. I’m sure you wouldn’t want that—"
Aria’s magic flared in an instant, and the air seed to crackle around her as she turned toward the stalkers. With a simple gesture of her hand, a sharp pulse of energy shot out and struck the pair squarely.
The force of the magic sent both individuals crashing to the ground, unconscious before they even knew what hit them.
It was her complete victory.
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