Chapter 182 (2/2)

The offer struck Cloudhawk deeply How could it not?

This calreatest demonhunter in all the holy lands He was solely responsible forFrost de Winter into the powerhouse he was at such a young age Cloudhaas human He yearned for power and capability the same as anyone else

But faces flashed across his memory then Squall Selene Cloude Old Thistle and the others

This eniality and trustworthiness… could he really be believed?

As a child of the wastelands, Cloudhawk had never experienced intrigue like this But he knew huly and pessih of that to leave an impression

Appearances He wouldn't fall for it this time

The terrible things that happened to Squall were not perfor innocent, devout people without a blink – Cloudhawk couldn't do that

“I'uy, living a norovernor's kindness, but I have an agreement with General Polaris I'll work for a little while and buy my freedom”

Lord Arcturus nodded his head, but he sighed and the edges of his eyes crinkled slightly “It is never a good thing for youth to seek leisure For some, destiny demands a difficult road You can avoid it for a time, but you cannot run from fate However I respect your decision, but know that the offer ree your mind My door will always be open to you”

Cloudhawk's countenance visibly changed His words were

Governor Arcturuswas a man above all others, respected and revered by the people and protector of the city This arded Cloudhaith patience and an openwastelander was struck by it

However, he knew that htfully feared him This fear was different from any other he had ever felt The difference between them wasn't just in physical ability The difference there could be seen at a glance The gulf of intelligence between theue and unknown, but Cloudhawk felt like he was staring out into an unfathomably vast ocean as he stood across from this man On the surface was tranquility, but who kne deadly the currents beneath really were, or what dangers hid in the water

If Cloudhawk agreed to Arcturus' offer, who kne long it would be before he was totally brainwashed He figured it would be only a short time before he was completely loyal to the man

So seemed to occur to Lord Arcturus then “As for theI hope I can trust you to remain discrete After all, this is in order to protect the security of our city's people Soets to live in peace and well-being It's as crucial as it is unavoidable”

Cloudhaas certainly not interested in causing any more problems for himself “I won't tell a soul”

Dawn tracked Cloudhan and gathered hio She asked for infore “What did that old fox say to you?”

Cloudhawk only shared Arcturus's offer to coovernor's mansion Her lily-white face darkened into a scowl “That's one no-good snake! Don't forget that you owe the Polaris fa anywhere till you pay off your debt!”

Lord Arcturus stood alone aarden

The soft sounds of footsteps approached Frost de Winter stopped by his master's side and in humble tones ask him “Master, your student has a question”

“You want to knohy I' him into the fold”

“Yes”

“Even if he is under Skye Polaris's protection, I have ways to deal with Cloudhawk, but he's not worth antagonizing the general's family over As for my offer? Remember that sometimes the most effective way to deal with an entrenched enemy is to make them your friend”

Frost did not like the answer Friend? Hoas such a base and unworthy person even to be considered?

Lord Arcturus sensed the dissatisfaction in his disciple's posture “I've told you many times not to look down on anyone, or to underestimate their potential Cloudhawk has as much aptitude as anyone else in this city He just had theborn where no one would teach hi him out to cause trouble”

Frost de Winter's brows furrowed tight His response was quiet “I obey”

1 o thank you