Chapter 319 - 272 : Not Worthy (2/2)
”What's the catch?”
Arthur laughed and stated
”Obviously, nothing is free in this life. I heard you had quite the amazing 'job' before I found you, I want you to use your skills in that field.”
Rey furrowed his brows and tilted his head in confusion, unable to understand the meaning behind his words.
”What do you mean?”
”Simple, I want you to torture a few people for me. Quite easy, right? The simplicity of the task doesn't match the reward I'll give you but I'm still willing to hire you.”
The boy's eyes narrowed for a second before they returned to normal. He had tried his best to forget about his dark past and aim for a brighter path which is why he had such a reaction.
Arthur patted the youth's shoulder and calmed him down by saying
”Of course, this will be a secret between us. Nobody needs to know.”
As he uttered those words, Arthur glanced at Robin, who was busy chatting with the other girls. She begged him to spare the boy in the past and did her best to raise him into a rightful young man.
Unfortunately, it's not that easy when Rey passed most of his childhood near the lunatic black mages, who only care about their magic and experiments.
”I refuse.”
Rey flatly rejected without batting an eye. Sure, he was promised a good reward but he wanted to forget about his past and move forward. Bringing back past memories and torturing people will only bring back his old nature, which he worked hard to contain.
Arthur wasn't dejected when hearing such a reply. He tapped his finger on the table and added:
”Are you sure? This is a one-time offer.”
”Yes.”
A long sigh came out of Arthur's mouth.
”You know, I'm just curious. What were your contributions to Robin since the time I captured you?”
Due to the sudden question and his inability to answer it even when he was given a few seconds to think, Rey could only give a long silence as his answer.
”What? Nothing, seriously?”
Arthur feigned a dumbfounded look as he looked at Rey.
”I protect her from any danger.”
Rey finally gave a resolute answer but was immediately retorted by Arthur
”Really now? Protect? From what danger? To be honest, I can't see you protecting her. Will you perhaps use your Blood Magic or your superior physique? In my eyes, your power is inferior to an ant's. Believe it or not, my daughter, who's younger than you, is ten times stronger than you, if not more.”
Rey became triggered as his face became red from anger and embarrassment but he still remained calm and didn't throw a ruckus. However, his glare became savage as it was pointed toward Arthur, the cause of his anger.
”S, Shut up!”
Arthur ignored him and resumed
”What are you stuttering for? I say it's because you know that my words are true. Heck! you won't be able to protect yourself, much less a person you hold dear. Stop kidding yourself and open your eyes.”
Arthur paused for a second and then continued:
”Basically, you're not worthy to protect her yet. I know you want to change and forget about your sins and that is understandable. However, forgetting isn't the right way to go. You must overcome it, I'm not asking you to feel proud about you did nor am I forcing you to torture people when you don't want, I just want you to understand that power comes at a cost. You claim to protect but you're simply blinded, trying to avoid your retribution by doing some good deeds and playing the nice little kid to appeal to others. Perhaps Robin is a fool to think there's hope for you... but she does.”
Arthur spared the boy no more glances, he finished the apple and left after saying the lost final words
”Think on that, boy.”