Chapter 67: Variant (2/2)
”Alright.” He said simply. ”Since a member of the Bennett family can vouch for them, this will make the process simpler. The treasures gained during the grace period, under the decree of His Majesty, can be kept by the two of you. However, they need to be properly registered, along with their abilities and names.
”In addition, from now on, the rewards you gain from Zones will first and foremost be considered the property of the Empire. You will gain Ascension Points in return which you can use to buy them back. Of course, since they were earned by your efforts, should you choose to buy them back, you will receive a discount…”
Leonel sighed inwardly as he listened to all of these rules and regulations. Ultimately, what the Empire cared the most about was control. They wanted a record of every treasure that appeared on Earth, and judging by how many times Admiral Millan's gaze had swept curiously across the cube in his hand, the matter wasn't only as simple as this either.
”… As for the rest, I'll allow James to explain it. This is an era of danger, but also opportunity. It isn't impossible for you two to climb up.”
Admiral Millan's words seemed laced in a deep meaning, but Leonel only smiled respectfully, thanking the Admiral before following James toward registration.
'This registration process is likely so that the Empire can catch talents that might fall through the cracks due to their own scheming… In that case, it might not be a bad thing if they can't see through the potential of my ability…'
Leonel's thoughts were simple.
In a Zone, who could tell what happened? Weren't the wrist watch on his hand and the team who followed him in the only things that could?
The second problem was easily solved. He only had to enter with those he trusted. As for the first, it was a bit more complex.
If his registration went well, the Empire would set his sights on him. They would give him a higher level wrist watch that would be able to more accurately read Zones. In that case, it would be nearly impossible for him to hide the rewards he received.
However, if he was deemed as unworthy of such effort, he would be allowed to keep this lower level device. For context, this was the same device that assigned the Mayan Tomb an F-grade in the beginning. What if the Empire thought he was only receiving F-grade rewards when in reality he was receiving C-grade or even higher treasures?
The benefits of this could be imagined. He could bide his time and slowly build his power.
Unfortunately… Reality was cruel.
[*Beep*]
[Subject: Aina Brazinger]
[Ability: *Name Unassigned*]
[Ability Type: Healing]
[Ability Grade: Error. Undefined. Unable to estimate potential]
[*Beep*]
[Subject: Leonel Morales]
[Ability: *Name Unassigned*]
[Ability Type: Sensory]
[Ability Grade: Error. Undefined. Unable to estimate potential]
The city hall building had seemingly grinded to a halt before James' laughter rang out.
”HAHA! My best friend and sister-in-law are two of those Variant ability monsters! We'll see who dares to bully me now!”
He seemed to have completely missed how gloomy Leonel's current expression was.