Chapter 36 - Subordinates
The three rulers of Grenton's underworld were now face to face with Ren. They stared at the face of the average looking boy, with different ideas and feelings. Gregory who saw that the other two were done in by Ren's companions felt a bit dizzy. Kithra who was defeated by Lara's surprise attack, was shivering in fear in front of Ren.
Unlike the other two who can only speculate how strong Ren was, she could actually feel the flow of his mana. Ren's mana was the largest and densest she has ever felt, and that even included monsters who had a larger mana capacity the most humans. Ren's mana was so strong, It was like his mana was trying to devour everything within its range, it was frightening. Not only that, the handsome man with Ren was also strong. It would seem like among the three of them, Lara the one who subdued her was the weakest.
'What the hell are these monsters... Damn it! I could try and seduce that guy who looks like their leader, but if I make a mistake it would be an instant death for me... I have no choice I just need to try and get along with them. If the chance presents itself I'll stick to that powerful guy.'
While Kithra was thinking of what to do next, Iselv who just woke up was starting to get angry. He didn't think of anything else and attacked the person in front of him. He punched Ren using his full force, yet Ren stopped this strike with nothing but one finger.
Iselv was shocked seeing his fist that could break even plate armor be stopped by a mere finger. Gregory was shocked as well, he knew Iselv and he also knew that his only redeeming factor was his brute strength. Yet Ren was able to so casually dismiss him.
"It seems like you are the weakest among the three. Still your raw strength is somewhat impressive. Yet your mana is barely even there, how intriguing. I wonder why your mana capacity is even lower than that of a child..." Ren who suddenly started to think, made Iselv even more angry.
"F*ck are you looking down on me!" Iselv then poured all his strength in attacking Ren. Punches and kicks were released in quick succession, but Ren casually stopped all attacks using his one finger.
'There is something blocking the natural flow of his mana. This is a curse, and a rather complex one at that. I need to study it a bit more, to see if I can break it. Still not only Alphonso the owner of that shop, there was Nezard, and now there is this one who put a curse on this man. It seems like there are many powerful humans hiding all over the place. Hehehe I can't wait to battle them all.'
While Ren was thinking of fighting such powerful humans. A sudden rise of his mana happened alongside the rise of his battle lust. Valdel seeing what was happening to Ren shouted.
"Ren snap out of it!"
Ren who heard Valdel's voice woke up from his daydreaming and pushed the attacking Iselv aside. "Hey you. You're the Bandit King Iselv, correct?"
Iselv was still angry as hell, but when he felt that ominous power from Ren, he knew he was no match. Iselv gritted his teeth, before answering.
"Yes."
"If you are willing to become my loyal subordinate, I will help you remove that curse of yours."
"Curse?" Iselv who heard what Ren said was confused. What did this guy mean? What Curse? Ren who saw Iselv's reaction, figured out that Iselv had no idea that he was cursed. So Ren rephrased what he said.
"I will help you gain a higher mana capacity." Now that was something Iselv understood. Ever since he woke up in the western district three years ago without any memories, he was always ridiculed for his lack of mana. He wasn't even able to use the simplest of spells. So hearing what Ren said made him confused yet excited.
"Can you really do that?" The aggressiveness Iselv displayed awhile ago was now all gone. Now he started to act like a meek child.
"Hmph, why would I lie? I don't really need you, since I can find many others who could replace you." Iselv after hearing what Ren said knelt in front of him.
"If you're really able to do what you say. I Iselv the Bandit King will become your most loyal subordinate."
"Very good, as long as you don't betray me, I will do as I said." When Ren said those words, he started to recall a memory from his previous world, but he tried to push that aside as he focused on the other two.
"So how about you two? Unlike Iselv I have nothing to give you. Only the promise that glory, and power will be yours if you follow me. Of course you can choose not to follow me. I wont kill you but you will need to move out of Grenton. So what do you say?"
Kithra already made her decision awhile ago, when she saw how easily Ren subdued Iselv. "I will forever be your slave my master." Kithra smiled coquettishly at Ren, who responded in indifference. This was a first for her. A man actually didn't have a response of any kind to her charm.
Lara who saw this, was laughing on the inside. 'That's what you get for even trying. Ren doesn't really care for beauty like yours with no substance. Now if only Hilda was the same... That irritating b*tch.'
While Lara was once again reminded of Hilda's existence, Ren was now looking at Gregory.
"How about you? Will you join me?"
"Just tell me one thing, before I answer."
"What is it?"
"What do you plan to do by ruling over Grenton's underworld?"
Ren smiled viciously upon hearing Gregory's question.
"Oh that. My plan is pretty straight forward. Grenton's underworld is but the first step.. My true plan is to rule over the whole underworld of the Reschbeauch Kingdom."