He knew the man wasn't telling the whole truth—far from it—but for now, he would let him think he had the upper hand.
"Alright."
Alex said after a pause.
"I'm willing to hear you out. But let make one thing clear. If you're lying to —if this is so kind of setup—you won't make it out of this room. Understand?"
Donald smiled amusingly.
"I understand. No tricks. Just information. I promise."
'As if this kid could back up that statent. Ha!'
Mira shot Alex a look, her unease still simring beneath the surface.
But Alex gave her a subtle nod, signalling that he was in control.
For now, they would play Donald's ga.
But Alex was already two steps ahead, waiting for the mont when he would turn the tables.
Donald leaned back in his chair, a flicker of smug satisfaction returning to his face. He seed more at ease now, despite Alex's clear warning.
"You see, Alex."
Donald began, his voice smooth.
"The Red Demons have been watching you for a while now. Not just because of your abilities, though that's part of it, but because of what you've done. They're not used to losing, especially not to one man. And you, well… you've been giving them a lot of losses lately, haven't you?"
Alex remained silent, his eyes cold, but Donald could sense the shift in the room.
He had Alex's attention.
"They're scared of you, Alex."
Donald continued, his tone softening as if he were delivering so intimate truth.
"You've slaughtered millions of their people, decimated entire fleets, and no matter what they throw at you, they can't stop you. You're a walking disaster to them. Every engagent they've had with you has ended in chaos. And now, they're starting to realise they can't win. Not directly, anyway."
Mira's expression tightened, but Alex remained still, calculating.
Donald glanced at her, sensing her discomfort, but he pressed on, eager to drive his point ho.
"But it wasn't just the body count that got their attention…"
Donald said, his voice dropping lower.
"It's the fact that the Overseers took an interest in you. The mont that happened, the Red Demons panicked. They know the Overseers rarely involve themselves with individuals unless they see sothing—potential. Power. And the Overseers see that in you."
Donald leaned forward again, his eyes gleaming with barely concealed excitent.
"That's why they pulled out of Telorn. It wasn't just because of your strength. It's because they're afraid. They don't want to face you directly anymore. Not until they understand what makes you tick, what makes you so… dangerous."
Alex raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusent flickering across his face.
"Dangerous? You an because I'm good at killing their people?"
Donald shook his head, his grin widening.
"No, Alex. Not just because you're good at killing. Lots of people are good at killing. But you… there's sothing more. Sothing even the Red Demons can't quite figure out. And now, with the Overseers watching you closely, the Red Demons have beco more cautious than ever."
Mira crossed her arms, her suspicion deepening.
"So, what? The Red Demons just cut their losses and ran because they're scared of him? Doesn't add up, Donald."
Donald's smirk never wavered.
"It's not just fear, Mira. It's strategy. They're regrouping. They know they can't win by sheer force anymore, not with the Overseers possibly backing Alex, despite the clear evidence that Alex opposed their offer. So, they're playing the long ga. And that's where I co in."
Alex tilted his head slightly, his voice calm but laced with danger.
"And what's your role in all of this, Donald? Why should we believe you're not just another one of their pawns?"
Donald's smile faltered for a split second before he regained his composure.
"I'm not one of them, Alex. I've been working behind the scenes, pulling strings, gathering intel. The Red Demons think they can manipulate , but I have my own agenda. I see the bigger picture. And I'm offering you the chance to be a part of that."
"Why should I care about your agenda?"
Alex asked, his tone neutral but sharp.
"Because, Alex." Discover hidden content at empire
Donald said, his voice dropping to a whisper.
"I can give you sothing the Red Demons can't. I can help you stay ahead of them, stay ahead of the Overseers. You and Mira can be free of their influence. But only if you're willing to work with ."
For a mont, the room fell into silence as Alex processed Donald's words.
He could feel the man's desperation, hidden beneath the confident facade.
There was more at stake here than Donald was letting on.
"Let's say I believe you."
Alex finally said, his voice low.
"What exactly do you want from ?"
Donald's grin widened again, the gleam of ambition returning to his eyes.
"I want what everyone wants in this galaxy, Alex. Power. But I'm willing to share it. With you. Together, we can turn the tide against the Red Demons, the Overseers—anyone who stands in our way."
Alex leaned back slightly, his expression unreadable.
He knew Donald was hiding sothing, that this man's motivations weren't as simple as he made them seem.
But for now, he'd play along.
"You think you can control all this, don't you?"
Alex said, his voice a quiet threat.
"You think you're smarter than the Red Demons and the Overseers. But here's the thing, Donald… I've dealt with n like you before. And they never last."
Donald's smirk faltered once again, but he quickly recovered.
"Maybe. But I'm still standing, aren't I? And if you're smart, you'll take my offer."
Alex glanced at Mira, who gave him a slight shake of her head. But Alex knew there was more to be gained from letting this ga play out.
"Alright, Donald."
Alex said after a long pause.
"You've got my attention. But make no mistake—if you cross , you won't get a second chance."
Donald smiled, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.
"Trust , Alex. This is only the beginning."
But as Alex stared into Donald's eyes, he knew one thing for sure—whatever ga Donald thought he was playing, Alex was already two moves ahead.
At least he thought so…
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