Chapter 950: Challenge

Since Clovis and Gerald had established their plan, Clovis finally returned to the hotel for the preparation of the banquet.

It was held in the grand hall of the hotel, considering there were close to one thousand people attending.

Clovis was observing the entire hall carefully, wondering if there was anyone suspicious.

To his surprise, he got an unexpected visitor.

He had seen Angelia before, but he didn’t expect that the only person with a unique ability other than him, Raven, would visit him. Of course, it looked like Raven was accompanied by his close confidant, Roonie.

Seeing them approaching, Clovis stood up.

"Well, I don’t expect the three of you to approach me." Clovis smiled as if he knew nothing.

Raven was the first one to extend his hand for a handshake. "I am Raven."

"I know you." Clovis shook his hand firmly. Since Angelia had mentioned the challenge, he wouldn’t be so friendly with them. Of course, he didn’t plan to be openly hostile either.

This handshake was just him trying to show his standing.

Raven nodded in understanding. "Apparently, you have heard the challenge from Angelia."

"I have, yes."

Raven paused for a moment before adding, "As you may already be aware, we didn’t have any conflicts before. However, I personally don’t have any intention of fighting you.

"Still, we are in a hunting event. The country’s honor is at stake, so even if we don’t have anything to do with each other, I still have to win.

"That’s why I’m here to say that we will make the highest contribution to this event."

Clovis chuckled. "That’s a rather convenient way to absolve your responsibility, isn’t it?"

Surprisingly, Raven wasn’t provoked by the commentary. He simply said, "Take it as you may. I have said my piece. Our countries are located on opposite sides, so if you don’t bother me, I won’t bother you either. That’s all I want to say."

Clovis squinted his eyes. "Very well. If you don’t bother me, I won’t bother you."

Raven paused for a moment. "What do you think about Astrien?"

"Does it really matter what I think about them?" Clovis was already aware of their scheme. It was true that Angelia had given him a heads-up, but he believed he could figure it out even without her.

Still, it was true that Angelia had sped up the process.

Hence, Clovis added, "Well, I guess I can tell you this. I don’t plan to let off anyone who is after my life, no matter their reasons."

"Even if they’re forced to do it?" Raven chuckled.

"Oh please. I’m not a hero or anything. They have made a decision. Unfortunately, I’m not the most important one. So, I’m not going to hold back either." Clovis shook his head.

Even if Clovis rarely killed people, he definitely wouldn’t hesitate to deal with the people who were after his life.

That was why even if they were coerced by Jun or something, they had indeed made a decision. Unfortunately, they were more scared of Jun than of him. So, there was no reason for Clovis to spare them.

"They’ve made a decision. Compassion is not needed for the enemy..." Raven nodded in understanding.

It wasn’t necessarily aligned with his own values, but he could understand it. Clovis was from the Hacfield family after all.

There was no reason for him to spare his enemy. They might end up joining the Prophet or building something even more.

"In that case, I don’t want to bother you anymore. It’s good to know what kind of man Clovis Hacfield is."

"The feeling is mutual." Clovis nodded. It looked like he didn’t have to fight Raven. After all, Raven was one of the closest people to Tier 9.

Raven turned back as Roonie followed him. He had the liberty to observe Clovis up close, so even though Raven was the one doing the talking, he benefited from it as well.

However, Angelia actually stayed behind.

"You’re not going to follow them?"

"Not really. While it’s true that we are close, it’s only at the level of a comrade. We are not from the same country anyway, so I don’t have to follow him." Angelia paused for a moment. She could feel four gazes on her. They came from Christina, Kanaria, Melody, and Luci.

Angelia simply chuckled. "I don’t think I have done anything that compels them to be so vigilant about me."

"Well, who knows? Instinct maybe?"

Angelia shrugged. "Well, I just want to ask you one question."

"Please ask away."

"How far do you intend to pursue this matter?"

"No one will stop me from achieving my goal. Currently, they’re standing in the way of my goal. So, how far do you think?" Clovis narrowed his eyes.

Angelia nodded in understanding. "You and Raven might not be that similar. However, both of you do have your own pride."

"All people have their own pride."

"I have seen a lot of people not having pride, though."

"Well, some are smaller than the others." Clovis corrected himself casually.

Angelia chuckled. "Well, I will be watching what happens next. I wonder if anyone has seen the whole mess that is about to explode."

"..." Clovis felt Angelia was more mysterious than he had thought. It looked like she was more perceptive than Raven, but she just hid under another light to ensure that she was not that visible to others.

Still, it wouldn’t change the fact that he would kill her if she truly was one of the people who targeted him.

Before long, the organizer of this event had finally taken the stage.

It was a general from this country. He stated, "Thank you for coming here today. I am General Malik.

"I’m here to welcome everyone here. As you already know, this country has opened the mine because the Tier 9 beast, Marduk, has gone to the north. Still, the territory that Marduk has left behind is enormous, and the beasts residing in it are dangerous.

"As such, this mine becomes the topic of the assembly this time. Now, let me explain the courses."