Gathering Wives with a System Chapter 412: Offer

Isaac's eyes narrowed sharply.

'I've already taken control of the city's lordship. Without Lord Averon planning to start a war, handing it back isn't possible,' he responded calmly.

'Hahaha, no,' Averon laughed, gesturing dismissively with his hand. 'Starting a war isn't our plan. The Eltari brought that upon themselves through their decisions. We get that. However, we thought it important to let you know they asked for our help. Sharing such details openly seems best, don't you think?'

Isaac observed him intently. 'Is that the reason for your visit?'

'Yes.' Averon nodded promptly. 'And there's more to it. We've gathered intel on you. Based on what we discovered in Fortified City 22, forming a positive alliance with you seemed advantageous for us. That's why I've come. I want to establish trade between our city and yours.'

'Oh?' Isaac arched a brow. 'Go on.'

Averon settled back a bit in his chair, obviously satisfied that things were progressing as he hoped.

'The Solkara race controls three Permanent Dungeons, and we have an outpost located in the Mourning Frost Mountains. Moreover, I'm a Transcendent-rank Talent Awakener. Partnering with us should prove advantageous for you too, Lord Isaac.'

Isaac kept his face neutral, though his thoughts raced swiftly.

'A Transcendent-rank Talent.'

He possessed one as well.

Yet this marked the initial occasion he'd encountered news of another individual with it.

As per Professor Catherine's knowledge, the typical maximum for a Talent awakening was SSS.

Exceeding that demanded upgrading the Talent via unique circumstances, quests, or challenges.

In the distant past, upon disclosing his SSS+ rank Talent, it had utterly upended the beliefs held by both Professor Catherine and the Sword Empress.

Following that event, they had truly accepted that SSS+ Talents could emerge naturally.

It was only lately that the reality dawned on them.

Isaac hadn't awakened his.

He had elevated it by merging with Emily's Talent.

This explained why they viewed his power as outrageous.

'So,' Isaac uttered deliberately, 'you're offering us first dibs on your dungeons and outpost?'

'Exactly. Plus, we'll offer security services available for purchase by anyone in your city. We'll also open up our poultry and meat trade networks,' Averon answered.

Isaac reclined in his seat, interlocking his fingers.

The proposal was solid.

Permanent Dungeons provided steady resources, experience points, and revenue streams. An outpost in the Mourning Frost Mountains granted entry to scarce materials and commerce paths beyond most races' reach.

Security services, however, Isaac planned to decline. He refused to allow another race's forces within his City.

Purely from an administrative view, the arrangement held appeal.

As Isaac pondered his reply, Averon continued speaking.

'One additional request I have,' Averon stated.

'Which is?'

'Catherine Lorain. Hand her over to me.'

'...'

Isaac sensed his fists tightening involuntarily. His nails dug into his skin as a fierce wave of feeling surged within, intense and furious.

He triggered his emotion-soothing method at maximum intensity.

Still, the fury lingered somewhat.

His own rage caught him off guard. Was this the sensation Alice experienced when other women neared him?

It drove him wild.

Isaac breathed out, striving for composure, and sought clarification.

'I think I misunderstand your intent, Lord Averon. Given your familiarity with Professor Catherine and your approach to me regarding her, you must know she's under my protection as my subject.'

'Indeed, I do. But...'

Averon grinned.

Was it a lustful smirk? A genuine expression? Or perhaps a shy smile?

Truthfully, Isaac couldn't care less.

'I fancy Catherine,' Averon went on, 'and I intend to propose—'

The words trailed off unfinished.

Averon's form flickered indistinctly.

A powerful blast rippled across the hall, hurling his body through the wall and demolishing multiple structures in a direct path beyond. Debris of stone, metal, and glass burst everywhere as distant alarms sounded.

Isaac gradually lowered his leg.

He shifted his attention to the scholarly figure, his stare icy.

'I trust you comprehend,' Isaac declared, his tone unnaturally steady, 'that requesting a lord to surrender his subject equates to directly affronting the lord. Therefore—'

The trio of guards lunged simultaneously.

Far too sluggish.

Isaac's silhouette disappeared and materialized in a swift haze. His punch collided with the initial guard, propelling him through the far wall. The next had scant opportunity to respond before Isaac hit him too, his frame crumpling oddly as he soared outward. The last tried to retaliate, but was intercepted mid-action and flung aside with immense might.

'—I'll eliminate every one of you,' Isaac concluded.

The scholarly individual remained rooted, his expression grave.

He parted his lips, evidently about to utter words. Maybe a justification. Maybe a supplication.

Isaac paid no heed.

In a flash, he closed the gap and delivered the identical ruthless blow, launching his form to accompany the rest.

Isaac pivoted and headed for the breach in the wall from Averon's ejection.

During his advance, a fresh realization struck him about his own nature.

'My mind stays clear.'

Usually, fury obscured reasoning. It rendered individuals impulsive and sightless. Yet Isaac's cognition felt immersed in frigid waters. His ideas cut keenly, concentrated amid the infuriating wrath.

This allowed him to assess the scenario accurately.

'That kick employed my complete physical strength.'

Even sans skill activation, his physique sufficed to slay a Champion-rank awakener from an advanced species.

Nevertheless, Averon endured.

Isaac emerged outdoors, his eyes fixing on the distant silhouette embedded amid shattered ruins.

'He's no Overlord. Overlords possess a unique aura.'

Averon missed that unique aura.

Still, he persisted, an impossibility for any Champion. Thus, a single conclusion fit.

'Apex rank species.'

Should Averon hail from an Apex rank, he would hold Elite rank, surpassing Isaac's present level by one.

And under those circumstances...

'His Transcendent-rank Talent must have optimized his stats.'