231 place holher v5 (1/2)

The others looked at each other in surprise. The Linri they remembered was not someone who solved problems with his fists. He was somewhat introverted or at least he wouldn't trust others and that was the reason why he at least decided to keep to himself and the transmigrators at least tried to not bother him too much.

”Umm boss?” Lance said in an unsure tone.d

”Not you guys!” Linri corrected himself.

Lance gave a sigh of relief. He was not interested in becoming a puppet of some dictator.

”Does that mean I can't follow you?” Luke said.

Lance's interest was suddenly piqued. Just like Linri the Luke he knew was someone silent and just went along with the flow. He wouldn't usually show initiative to do things for himself. It was like either his heart was frozen or a part of him was dead. Otherwise, no one would be able to become that nonchalant without some sort of important trigger.

And now that Luke was trying to be Linri's follower. Why? Should he also do the same? Maybe Luke was aware of something he was not?

Just like Lance Linri was not sure of Luke's true aim in asking such a question. This was certainly unexpected. He was not even sure that he would be able to get all the transmigrators under control just yet but someone outside of their group suddenly showed interest in following his leadership.

It was also someone Linri wanted to have a close relationship with or rather 'used to have'. Luke was someone OG Linri had an [Amalgam Arts] with and if possible he wanted to do the same. As evident from the club, they were suited to be friends but because he had too many things going on he had never really paid any attention to his 'friendly' relationships.

I mean for Max friends were just shields that you would use to paint the picture that you are normal but now that he was in the world of Autumnfall he didn't need to keep up that facade and making 'friends' became a secondary task for him.

If he were to give an example it would like the extra quests you take in RPGs but never get around to completing it either due to grinding or keep doing main quests. So yeah if he could have a good relationship with Luke that was all for the best.

”Sure but for now I need to talk with them alone can you and the other problem children go somewhere you can't eavesdrop?” Linri asked Luke.

Luke was ecstatic. Finally, there was some worth him following. Actually, that sounded a little arrogant. What he meant was finally there was someone who suited to his ideals of a leader; cruel, selfish, scheming, cold-hearted but most importantly someone who would willingly do sacrifices if it meant he would win. These kinds of people either turned out to be dictators or heroes. He was keen on seeing which one Linri would turn out to be but there was one common point in both of those scenarios.

”Yes,” said Luke without any emotion in his voice despite the thoughts he just had.

Then he looked towards the others. Leslie was about to pass out due to fatigue, Hayato and Six were not interested and if he really wanted to listen Hayato had his own means to eavesdrop. As for Lance, he seemed unwilling to leave like he was debating something but after seeing the cold look in Luke's eyes he changed his mind. He was not sure if he really missed a great opportunity but he had already lost his chance. But maybe he would have more chances in the future who knows?

After watching them leave Linri repeated his question ”Is there anyone who has any opinions about me becoming the de facto leader of the club?”

Jin was waiting for this opportunity. Linri was finally alone. If he attacked now there was a high chance of him winning and teaching that prick the true power of the darkness incarnate and why he shouldn't be underestimated. As he was about to summon his guns and start a fight Rondo grabbed his arm. Jin looked towards him but he just shook his head signalling him not to go through with it.

”Do you promise to save those in need?” Kris asked.

”As long as it fits into my plans why not?” Linri shrugged after saying that.

”That's good enough for me,” said Kris. It felt like Linri did not even beat him just now. Just why did that guy trust him so much Jin could not wrap his head around it.

”Can you say for sure that you can get us back home?” Kou asked Linri.

”I am not an omnipotent god but since the OG Linri was able to do it I sure as hell can do that as well” Linri answered without a shred of doubt.

”I will hold you to that promise” Kou answered with a smile.

Honestly, this was going way better than Linri imagined. He was thinking they would be throwing tantrums and doing some idiotic things like actually trying to fight him. Especially Soul, he was not sure how he was still able to keep his calm. Anyway, as long as he got them under control that was what mattered to him. If they were willing that would make things even better for him.

That actually reminded Linri a certain joke;

- You know what stops rape every time?