"Oh?" The Singularity of Chaos was slightly surprised by his guess. "How do you know heâs the one responsible for that? Donât slander, you know?"
His eyes behind the mask narrowed slightly, carrying a faint pressure that frightened Zarak.
Still, he forced himself to stay calm and replied confidently, "Only Cedric could do that. My mansion is guarded by extremely powerful mercenaries, making it nearly impossible for any assassin to get through. And among my brothers, only Cedric has the skill to pull it off."
As he had said before, Cedric possessed a very strong networkâstronger than any other prince.
After all, his uncle was the prime minister of Roswell, who had held power since the emperor ascended the throne.
So, one could imagine how sinister his network was.
Clap!
The Singularity of Chaos clapped his hands in admiration. "Many people say youâre stupid, fat, and useless. But after hearing your sharp analysis, I finally understand that those were just meaningless rumors. No wonder you were able to participate in the battle for the throneâyouâre indeed talented."
Upon hearing the compliment, Zarak felt delighted.
Although the first part was painful, at least the Singularity had praised him, and that pleased him immensely.
With his face flushed with embarrassment, he lowered his body and said, "Thank you, Singularity of Chaos. Your praise makes me both embarrassed and happy."
Never in his life had he been praised by his father, the emperor. He had once imagined how happy it would feel to receive his fatherâs praise.
But now, the most powerful figure in the worldâthe Singularity of Chaosâhad given him a compliment, and it made him even happier than if it had come from his own father.
Donât tell me... He wants to support me in the battle for the throne?
As the thought crossed his mind, Zarakâs heart skipped a beat. Admittedly, the Singularity of Chaos had protected Elina, but that didnât mean he was fully on her side.
After all, the Singularity of Chaos was a neutral figure who wouldnât interfere in the battle for the throne.
If he could subtly persuade him and gain his approval, all the losses he had suffered would be repaid many times over.
Let alone Aldric, Cedric, Adalen, Cassian, or Elinaâeven his father would show him respect!
Reaching the throne would no longer be a distant dreamâit would be a certainty.
As Zarak was lost in his imagined plan, the voice of the Singularity of Chaos suddenly rang out in front of him.
"Alright, now we get to the main topic. I saved you, and itâs only right for you to repay me, right?"
Zarakâs expression froze. With stiff movements, he looked up at the throne and asked hesitantly, "Repay you?"
"Yes." The Singularity of Chaos gave a small nod. A faint smile appeared on his face as he continued, "Your grandfather was Belfor Horvenâone of the largest trading house owners in the entire Empire. You should also know, nothing is free in this world, right?"
Zarak was at a loss for words. Everything he said made perfect sense.
He and the Singularity of Chaos had no connection whatsoever.
Saving him might have been a coincidence, but there was always a price to pay.
His grandfather had taught him about business and capitalism, where everything revolved around profit.
But wasnât it strange for someone as powerful as the Singularity of Chaos to ask for a price?
What kind of price could he even pay? Wealth? Influence? Or power?
He didnât even have those anymore. Ever since his grandfatherâs disappearance and the Red Obsidian Trading House being taken from his and his motherâs hands, he had been living on the edge.
In the past, he could have confidently offered anything to the Singularity of Chaos. But now... what could he possibly offer?
Wait a minute...
He gasped.
Donât tell me heâs just testing me?
The news of the Red Obsidian Trading Houseâs bankruptcy and his grandfatherâs disappearance was already known throughout the Empire. So, the Singularity of Chaos must have heard it too.
There was no way he would be so cruel as to demand something from someone who had lost everything, right?
His fear and anxiety melted away, replaced by a burst of joy.
This must be my chance! Iâm sure of it! Hahaha!
He couldnât help but laugh in his heart.
He didnât know what the Singularityâs true purpose was, but it had to be related to the battle for the throne. It was possible that he intended to extend a hand to help him.
On the other hand, the Singularity of Chaos was puzzled by his sudden change in expression.
What happened to him? Could he be... crazy?
Shaking off his thoughts, he rested the right side of his face on his palm and asked again in a cold tone, "Think carefullyâwhat can you offer me in exchange for my help?"
Unlike before, Zarak now looked confident, even delighted. A smile spread across his face as he placed his right hand on his chest and bowed slightly.
"Singularity of Chaos, I have no wealth, power, or anything else worth giving you. Even if I did, I know you wouldnât accept it. After all, you are the strongest being in this world," he said sincerely and earnestly.
The Singularity of Chaos was bewildered by his words but made no comment, quietly waiting for him to continue.
"However, I have one secret that even my mother doesnât know. I guarantee youâll be very interested in it," Zarak continued as he rubbed his hands together.
"Oh?" The Singularity of Chaos was slightly taken aback. "Tell me what it is."
Judging by how excited Zarak was, he didnât look like he was lying.
With a smile on his face, Zarak explained aloud, "Long ago, my grandfather traveled to another empire through the eastern region. However, he discovered a very mysterious place. He said it was an area filled with an incredible amount of treasuresâworth as much as one hundred billion Sharn!"
As soon as the Singularity of Chaos heard his words, he gasped in shock.
"One hundred billion... Sharn?" His eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Are you fooling me? Or lying to me?"
A powerful aura burst forth from above, pressing Zarak to the ground. His body was instantly pinned down so tightly that he couldnât move a single finger.
Zarak was terrified. Cold sweat ran down his back, and he hurriedly shook his head.
"No, Singularity of Chaos, Iâm not lying! I swear in the name of the ten gods!"
Seeing his sincerity, the Singularity of Chaos immediately withdrew his aura, allowing Zarak to breathe freely again. But the fear on his face didnât fade in the slightest.
What a terrifying aura... If he moves even a finger, Iâll die,
he muttered in horror.
But it was also proof that the Singularity of Chaos was indeed far stronger than the Singularity of LightâAdalenâs grandfather.
"Tell me exactly what that place is." The Singularity of Chaosâs cold voice snapped Zarak
"My grandfather said that the treasure belonged to the late fifth emperor of the Great Empire Velmora, Singularity of Chaos," Zarak said honestly. "If you wish, I can accompany you there. In fact, if you want, Iâll give you everything."
He smiled shyly, but the ambition in his eyes was impossible to hide from the Singularity of Chaos.
"Heh..." The Singularity of Chaos let out a faint grin. "Then show me the place. If youâre right, Iâll grant you one request."
Hearing that, Zarakâs joy erupted like an atomic bomb falling on the world. He quickly suppressed it and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Singularity of Chaos!"