The Invincible Full-Moon System

Chapter 1927: Recognition of the Same Species

It’s like looking straight into a mirror.

Rex couldn’t tell exactly what was inside High Lord Rashal’s mind.

Perhaps it was because he viewed the High Lord as the same species as him, a dangerous individual with a bottomless appetite for power and the willpower to do anything to seize it. His meteoric rise to the House of Lords, becoming one of the youngest, if not the youngest, in there was proof of this ferocious ambition he has.

And due to his absolute authority, it was hard to predict his next move.

Even now, Rex didn’t know his reason to appear out of nowhere like this.

It was even stranger that High Lord Rashal was showing Rex the tortured lieutenant.

Hard to tell whether he liked boasting about this or if it has another meaning.

From this, I knew at least that Liebert is dead. But what’s his purpose in giving me my reward already? Does he really have a really high standard in regard to his image? Or is this a test to see how I would react?

Rex didn’t know.

He couldn’t read High Lord Rashal at all.

But he knew that he also needed to reciprocate this goodwill gesture.

”I hope you can forgive my subordinate for acting out like this. It’s unsightly...” High Lord Rashal said.

”Apology is unnecessary, but nevertheless, I accepted it,” Rex straightened his posture out of respect. ”And though your generosity is welcomed, I believe I also did something that mimics your subordinate’s likeness. However, it seemed I must stress that my intention was never against the Primordial Meadow.

”For that, as a gesture of goodwill, I will see this assignment through.” He added.

Almost as soon as Rex finished, a small knowing smile reached High Lord Rashal’s lips.

”Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. I am grateful for your helping hand.”

”Showing the host respect is the duty of the visitor.”

Noticing the knowing smile on High Lord Rashal’s face made Rex realize what this was all about.

Getting rid of Liebert—and handing over what Rex wanted is nothing more than a test. It was clear that through Libert, High Lord Rashal came to know about his relationship with Pale Defender Zev. And it was a transgression of their soft trust.

However, High Lord Rashal also realized that their dynamic is weighted heavily on his side.

Even though Rex has a backer that he doesn’t know about, the gap in their strength is huge.

He could easily not fulfil his words, and Rex wouldn’t be able to do anything about it.

If it came to that, Rex’s only option would be to have his backer speak with High Lord Rashal—a move that was unlikely to happen. The matter was simply too minor to warrant involving the backer against a figure who was a direct extension of the Overseer’s power.

Naturally, this raises a concern for Rex.

And High Lord Rashal knew that all Rex was doing was searching for a guarantee.

Someone who could pressure him to keep his words.

It was the reason why he made contact with Pale Defender Zev.

Thus, High Lord Rashal gave a way out.

Right this moment, in front of Alexander—a High Millinar who looked up to him as a leader and directly worked under him—he openly told Rex that the one thing that Rex needed was already waiting in the penthouse, using Liebert’s transgression as a convenient excuse.

High Lord Rashal would ruin his image badly if he didn’t keep his word to Rex after this.

And by now, Rex already knows how important High Lord Rashal’s image is to himself.

As a political figure, this was a natural and mandatory trait.

So, had Rex not caught High Lord Rashal’s intention sooner and chosen to bail—then he’d probably be killed along the way. Rex felt a tightness around his neck when he realized he was almost dead. Just a decision away from death.

One move and High Lord Rashal accomplished three things.

Through Liebert and the limbless lieutenant, he had shown Rex exactly what happened to those who’d do something behind his back. First time is forgiven, but the second wouldn’t. Through the guarantee that he provided, he also forced Rex to wholly and unequivocally commit to the assignment. And last— through this bravado, he also got to probe further into Rex’s character and intentions.

Just as I expected, he’s really dangerous. And this made me think I can work well with him.

”Great, now that we’re on the same page, I have new intel,” High Lord Rashal licked his index finger and thumb, and then lifted up the report on the table. ”Intel that is very crucial to your assignment, and I hope it’d increase the likelihood of your success.”

”No matter the intel—the Red Skull Elite Force would never fail you, High Lord,” Alexander said with maniacal loyalty in his voice.

”Heh,” High Lord Rashal snickered. ”Your loyalty and mind are admirable, but your strength suggests otherwise, High Millinar Alexander. There are a lot of things out there that would treat your willpower as nothing more than a brittle stick.”

”I apologize for my ignorance,” Alexander saluted again.

Once the High Lord found the section he was searching for, he informed them about the latest intel.

And exactly as he said, the new intel is a great help.

According to his spies that were sent out to learn about the invaders, the enemy’s main objective is to undermine him. Very soon, a figure who worked directly with the Overseer would come and evaluate his work on the Cavity.

High Lord Rashal said that when he ascended to the House of Lords, he also secured a role.

His role was to monitor the Cavity, which Rex had already known, as he mentioned it during their first encounter. And though monitoring the Cavity doesn’t mean having the divine strands produced inside it, the High Lord with this role would be given a cut.

A percent or two to use.

Considering how astronomical the divine strands production from the Cavity, this role was popular.

Every High Lord in the House of Lords covered that position, dreamed of that position; the way High Lord Rashal described the position made Rex really believe it. And through methods he didn’t disclose, he was able to secure that position for himself despite being little more than a newcomer.

Back then, he made it sound like watching the Cavity is an annoying task.

Rex shook his head.

Because of how much High Lord Rashal was talking, it was really hard to track everything. Separating when he was serious and when he was only joking around. Perhaps that’s how he was able to outwit the other High Lords.

Using distraction after distraction to overwhelm his enemies.

”I pissed off a great many people by seizing that position for myself. Everyone wanted me dead.” High Lord Rashal chuckled—but his gaze settled on Rex with sudden, unnerving focus as if he recognized a kindred predicament. ”What do you think? Do you think I... made a mistake?”

”May I be frank with you?”

”Please.”

”Then I’d say you didn’t make a mistake. You look like someone who wanted a complicated life,” Rex said without much thinking, saying what everyone wanted to say but dared not to do so. ”Someone who wanted more excitement. And this... is simply your playground.”

”You really knew me well,” High Lord Rashal laughed humorously. ”If you’re not living life at the edge of death, then why bother living?” He turned to Alexander. ”High Millinar Alexander, I believe with the new intel I’ve given you, the planning became clear.”

”Yes, High Lord.”

”In that case, prepare your squadron. I want to talk with Sir Rex here privately.”

”High Lord...?” Alexander frowned.

He was confused as to why he couldn’t hear what they were talking about.

”I’ll tell you about it,” Rex whispered assuringly.

And with that assurance, High Millinar Alexander saluted the High Lord and exited the chamber.

Once he was out, closing the gate behind him, silence prevailed.

Rex looked up at the High Lord, ”What do you want to talk to me about? Is it about our enemies?”

”Yes,” High Lord reclined on his chair and placed both feet on the table like a boss. A smile tugged at his lips when he heard Rex referring to the enemies as ’our’ enemies. ”High Millinar Alexander is loyal—and strong, but deep down, he’s a good person. Being in the military all his life made him strong. However, the strength lies only on the outside.”

High Lord Rashal paused for a good moment, intertwining his fingers above his stomach.

His eyes were sparking with something that Rex couldn’t quite read.

”I want someone with a strength that could get things done no matter the situation,” He continued with a profound intent. ”If I endure these tests from the High Lords, then Larta City—and my family would be safer. That’s what’s most important for me.”

”The important thing for you,” Rex intervened, ”Is that your foothold in the parliament is established.”

A pleased smile curled higher on High Lord Rashal’s face.

”No,” he denied with a playful lilt. ”What truly matters for me is that you get whatever you need that led you to come here into the Primordial Meadow,” He paused, tilting his head lightly. ”And, of course, that I get to rub my total victory in the faces of those old bastards in parliament.”

Rex cracked a grin.

Just as he expected from the start, he and High Lord Rashal are quite alike.

”Seems my instincts didn’t fail me.” High Lord Rashal’s gaze settled on Rex—with profound intensity. ”You and I... we’re the same species. It’s possible for us to truly understand one another. That is why I made the deal with you. Why I feel like I can trust you.”

Rex nodded his head repeatedly, agreeing with what the High Lord said as he sat on the table’s edge.

It wasn’t only he who felt what he felt; High Lord Rashal felt it, too.

Dangerous people could sense other dangerous people.

”Are you a cruel person, Sir Rex?” He asked, but he already knew the answer.

Even earlier, there was no change in Rex’s eyes when he saw the lieutenant’s condition.

”Yes...” Rex said with a playful drag in his voice and crossed his arms. ”Some would say so. Are you?”

”Ehmm,” High Lord Rashal nodded. ”Some would say so.”

Moments later.

Rex exited the chamber and met up with High Milinar Alexander.

Since the enemies’ objective was identified, to undermine High Lord Rashal’s capabilities of gathering divine strands and keeping farm realms safe, their plan changed entirely. They would focus entirely on defending the divine sources.

As for the inhabitants, they would need to fend for themselves.

Of course, as High Lord Rashal said, Alexander is a good person inside.

He suggested that a quarter of the soldiers would be sent to protect the big factions in the Grey Realm.

Rex doesn’t oppose that as he could see Alexander was really determined on this.

Doing so would only cause a rift between them—a rift that he could avoid.

On top of that, Rex also informed Alexander that the High Lord wanted them to work together—not independently. The reasoning was simple: it was for the greater good of the assignment and the safety of the Grey Realm’s inhabitants.

It was a lie, of course.

Just an excuse, Rex came up on the spot that’ll be believable for someone like Alexander.

High Lord Rashal didn’t say anything like that, but Alexander wouldn’t know that.

He already viewed the High Lord highly.

This aligned with his belief, so he wouldn’t question it.

Once outside, Rex glanced to where the soldiers gathered and saw a surprising sight.

Davina—and Lilliana were perched on a military crate like thrones, surrounded by soldiers who had apparently decided they were royalty. One offered them drinks. Another knelt to massage Davina’s feet. The sisters sat like queens, utterly at ease among their newfound subjects.

”What the fuck?” Rex blurted out the words, surprised by what he was seeing.