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.”]

  Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  *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."**

  ---