The Eclipse agent studied me, his smirk never fading.


    **"Guts, huh? I like that."**


    He gestured for me to follow.


    I hesitated.


    This was dangerous. But I needed to play my role.


    I activated **Mind Reading (Lv.1)**.


    [Target’s Thoughts: “Let’s see if he’s as smart as he is strong. If he’s useful, like Varna said, we bring him in. If not… we kill him.”]


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    *Figures.*


    I kept my expression neutral and followed him through the dark corridors of the courtyard.


    We entered a hidden chamber beneath the academy.


    Inside, several hooded figures were gathered around a **magic projection of Gehena.**


    One of them turned to me.


    **"Lucian von Kaiser. The fallen noble."**


    A woman’s voice. Sharp, commanding.


    I recognized her immediately.


    **Selena Nightshade. One of Eclipse’s Seven Demonic Generals.**


    She stepped forward, her crimson eyes gleaming.


    **"You hate the empire, don’t you?"**


    I smirked. **"I hate a lot of things."**


    She chuckled. **"Good answer."**


    She gestured to the projection.


    **"We have plans for Regalia. And we need people like you to help us execute them."**


    A test.


    I had to give an answer that wouldn’t get me killed.


    I crossed my arms.


    **"I don’t do free favors. What’s in it for me?"**


    Selena’s eyes flashed with amusement.


    **"You’re bold. I like that."**


    She tossed me a **black insignia.**


    I caught the insignia, turning it over in my fingers.


    I had to be careful.


    One wrong move, and I’d be labeled a traitor by both sides.


    But one right move… and I could control **both sides.**


    I smirked.


    **"Fine. I’ll listen."**


    ---