World's Best Protagonist [BL]

I gave Diego one last punch before I pushed myself up, and walked away from him. Dusting my hands off like I just touched a very filthy thing. Then, I mockingly looked at my father, a sarcastic smile on my face.

"What’s with that look?"

He was hilarious. He really saw himself as one of those noble lords. He even wore those...what do you call them? A fur-lined cloak that draped over one shoulder, and tailored black breeches tucked into his polished leather boots.

Shaking my head, I suggested with a laugh, "Nice outfit, Lord of the Renaissance Faire. You should have gone all out. Maybe add a rapier, a ruffled collar, and, oh, definitely one of those pompous feathered capes that scream I own peasants for a living. Or better yet, a powdered wig and a golden goblet." 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Sergio walked forward with a serious face. He eyed Diego who was wiping the blood on his face.

Diego stood firm, bowing at his presence.

"Which prince are you, father?" I asked, leaning on the edge of the massive desk.

I smirked when I noticed him flinching. Yeah. I figured it out already. Better pack your things before the NSA arrives here. I have confidence that Noir won’t die.

What did they say about bad weeds again? They grow tall and never die.

"Which lord are you? Pride? Wrath? Ah, come to think of it, the symbol on this door symbolizes avarice. Who are you then? Lord Mammon? Pfft. Quite an interesting way to build your empire there, father. Who would want to live in hell, eh?"

"The sinners, of course."

I raised my brow. "Even sinners don’t want to."

"Well, they don’t have a choice, do they?"

He took off his coat and gave it to Diego. Then, he loosened his tie as he continued walking toward me.

"But son, don’t you think you already know too much? I let you go the first time, you survived. You should have lived your life differently if you want to continue living. Why dig your own grave?"

I scoffed. It’s not like I didn’t know what he intended to do. He’s a bastard who sees his son as a tool, and once he sees potential, he never lets go. Maybe that was the reason they recognized Noir already. They must have been watching when Terrius took me to the funeral hall.

"Now, that you know about us, your only choice is to join us. That is the only way to save your life."

Finally, he reached me. He stopped before me, putting his hands on my shoulder and looking straight at me.

"Repeat after me, Jade. I."

My eyes dulled.

"I."

"Will."

He smirked, clearly satisfied.

"...Will."

"Cooperate."

"Coordinate."

Diego glared at me. I suppressed a grin as I watched my father’s face distort. I jerked my head forward, and my shoulders trembled.

"I get it now. Father, does your sub-ability have something to do with a binding contract that forces obedience? You kept telling me to say that phrase over and over. Tell me, old man, once I said it, I would be bound to your will, wouldn’t I?"

The old man’s face darkened. I hit the mark, huh? Looking at Diego pitifully, I now understood why he was a loyal dog until now. I shook my head in pity. Then, those human subjects weren’t forced. They were tricked.

"You’re a clever bastard."

"Why, thank you. That’s the first compliment you ever gave me."

Sergio’s hand squeezed my shoulder tightly. He let out a frustrated sigh. "I guess I have no choice but to kill you. I really don’t want to stain my hands with the blood of my own, yet you’re pushing my patience to the limit, Jade."

Diego reached out his hand, probably trying to inform my father about what he found. "My lord, wait—"

However, Sergio already released his power. He intended to kill me this time, so naturally, his ability was nullified. I smirked when I saw him perplexed. Grabbing his wrinkled hands on my shoulders, I pushed them away and smiled at him, mockingly.

"How does it feel to be normal again, father? It’s pathetic, isn’t it? Being this weak."

I pushed him but he already staggered away without me putting force. He was astounded. Diego came to the rescue. I glanced at the door. I need to escape and reunite with Noir. We need to get out of this place and report everything to the NSA.

However, as I sneaked away, heading to the door. It suddenly opened and revealed five bulky men in black cloaks.

"Shit," I couldn’t help but mutter.

Glancing over my shoulder as I sensed a closing presence, my head was struck hard. Although I did not lose consciousness, I groaned in pain. Getting hit in the head hurt so fucking much.

"Ha..." the old man exhaled loudly. He glanced at me, eyes sparkling with curiosity mixed with greed. Ah, he wanted my ability. This is what I dreaded the most. If he decided to change the words that bind his target to his will, I’m doomed.

Better not speak at all. Ah, no. It won’t work as long as I can maintain my ability in effect. Thank goodness.

To be honest, I’d rather be Giselle on the street than be his underling. I’m also certain that breaking the contract will result in death.

"So, you’re awakened already. I’ve wasted time convincing you, but I guess, this is better."

He approached me again. I was held by two bulky men. I was going to comment that even with one of them, it’d be difficult for me, but my father grabbed my neck already, choking me with brutal force.

I gasped for air. The old man smirked. "An ability that erases the awakener’s power. Interesting. With that kind of power in my hand, I can do anything. Even the strongest awakener will be nothing to me. I want it. I want it, Jade."

I just stared at him. Well, I can’t really speak at all. So, I just had to watch his eyes gleam with madness. Yeah, that’s it. The reason why he earned the title Prince of Greed.

"When will the Plunderer arrive?" he asked.

The Plunderer?

Diego replied, ’"I told Norman to call the Plunderer before he killed the other Seeker that came with the young master."

"Then, as we wait, let’s see how strong his ability is." Sergio let go of me.

I inhaled deeply, filling my lungs with oxygen. He looked at me with interest.

"Every ability has a limit. Let’s put yours to the test, son," he said before he looked at the man holding me.

I struggled, aware of what that meant. However, it still came. A brutal strike that forced me to sleep. Damn it.