“Do you think this world can still be saved?”

Miko’s eyes were locked on Rihan.

“………”

Rihan didn’t respond immediately and stayed quiet.

(He’s observing my body language, facial expression, and breathing patterns. How interesting. Looks like this answer is very important to him. If I lie, he’ll find out immediately.)

As he was about to open his mouth, Miko’s eyes shifted away from him.

“Huh?”

This confused Rihan.

(Did he reach someone kind of conclusion? Even though I haven’t said anything?... Could it be the fact that I took so long to answer was an answer in itself?)

He smiled for reasons unknown to himself.

“I believe the world can be saved.”

“How?”

“Dethrone those above and the world will naturally fix itself.”

“…..I see.”

Miko leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. Rihan patiently waited for him to collect his thoughts.

(Yup, he was testing me just now. I don’t know whether I passed or failed though…He’s harder to read the second time around. I admire the growth.)

Meanwhile, Miko-

(That confirms it, he knows about the path this world is heading towards….He knows about it but that’s it. He hasn’t experienced it for himself. I know that Irregulars can sense other Irregulars, however, I can’t rule out the possibility that ability can be blocked. He knows stuff that he shouldn’t so I was curious but he’s no Irregular….Which means, he knows one. They may be in Juggernaut.)

He slowly opened his eyes.

(Hero said that he met another Irregular before, it might not be the same person but the chances are high….It would great if I could recruit another Irregular myself. Preferably someone who came to a different conclusion than me.)

He looked at Rihan.

“Alright. I’m ready to make my request.”

“Go right ahead.”

Rihan leaned back with a relaxed smile.

“I want you to kill a certain individual.”

“Oh? I figured-”

“That was my original request.”

“Original? So the request has changed?”

Miko nodded and leaned forward.

“This job will benefit both parties. Juggernaut and the Dragna Empire. However, timing is everything. You guys must know when to act and what to do on your own accord.”

Rihan thought about it for a bit.

“Sounds fun. What kind of job is it?”

Miko smirked.

“Don’t worry. It’s nothing big. We’re just gonna humble some arrogant people.”

Miko was walking through Nebulous City with Natasa at his side.

“I’m surprised that you let me join such a meeting. I got my hand on some juicy info. Aren’t you afraid that I’ll talk?”

“If I thought you were someone who couldn’t hold their tongue I wouldn’t have made you my successor.”

“You seem to trust me…Why? I’m still after your head, you know.”

“I think you’re misunderstanding something here. I don’t trust you, neither do I have faith in you. Your moral code, beliefs, or personality have nothing to do with why I have no problem with you learning certain stuff.”

He pointed at her with his thumb.

“I trust your pride.”

“My pride?”

“Yup. I mean, how would you feel if I was defeated because you shared secret information with my enemies?”

“….Like shit. I wouldn’t feel like I won at all.”

Miko nodded.

“You’re too prideful to try and defeat me in such a deceitful way. So I have nothing to worry about.”

“When you put it like that…”

(Well, that pride of hers will be her downfall if she stays like this. I can tell that she’s very intelligent but she has no idea how to strategize and trick others. I’ll have to teach her the importance of knowing when to throw away your pride.)

“Natasa, there’ll be a war soon. When it happens watch my every move.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Miko stopped which prompted Natasa to do the same. With a stern expression, he locked eyes with her.

“I’m serious. What I say, my body language, my facial expressions, the commands I give, who I give them to, how I react to certain situations, and when I don’t react. Observe everything from the start to the end.”

Natasa couldn’t turn her eyes away from him no matter how much she tried. It was only when he turned away from her could she move her eyes freely. Miko resumed his walk.

“If you do that, then you’ll understand the results.”

She followed behind him with a puzzled expression.

“Natasa, you’re the greatest example of a diamond in a rough I’ve ever met. Before my time comes, I’ll do my best to polish you. Afterward, you’ll have to polish yourself.”

“….Hey, are you really going to die?”

“….All life must come to an end eventually.”

“You know what I mean.”

Miko turned around and smiled.

“Are you gonna miss me if I die?”

“Who would. I just don’t want you to die before I beat you.”

“Then hurry up and surpass me. Otherwise, you might not get your chance even if I live another thousand years.”

“Shut it.”

Miko laughed and turned around. The smile slowly faded from his face. His mind went back to near the end of his conversation with Rihan.

“I understand the job. Now let’s talk about payment.”

Rihan crossed his legs and stretched out his right hand.

“How do you intend to pay us for this monumental assignment?”

“The plan was to throw a large sum of cash at you but that’s before I knew you were the leader. Now, I don’t think that would work. Also, it feels like you already have something in mind that you would want as payment.”

Rihan withdrew his hand with a smirk.

“I do have something in mind.”

“……..”

“Don’t look at me like that. It’s not like I’ll demand you hand over your country or anything like that. In fact, it’s something that I know that you’ll do it even if I didn’t ask.”

Miko furrowed his eyebrows. Rihan pointed at him.

“I want you to protect Momo.”

“…….”

“What? Are you surprised?”

Rihan laughed.

“Well, I can’t blame you. I don’t seem like the type who would care about others. Usually, I don’t, but family is different. It’s the same reason why I have no problem accepting your request. It will benefit my family so I’ll gladly do it.”

“But Momo is special.”

“Yeah. Also, I heard that she’s in a very vulnerable state. It’s the perfect chance for them to assassinate her.”

“Them?”

“I’m sure you’ve heard about Vanz before.”

Miko nodded.

“Momo’s twin brother. I heard that he died before I was born.”

“Do you know how he died?”

Miko shook his head.

“If you ask Momo she’ll tell you that she killed him. That’s how complicated the situation was. Anyway, they were people who wanted Vanz to become the future emperor.”

“Those people will try to target Momo?”

“If they’re still around I’m sure they will.”

“You’re not sure?”

“Cut me some slack. There were several factions that hid in the shadow of Krow. Now that he’s gone some of them will pop up seemingly out of nowhere. It isn’t an exaggeration to say that Krow really kept the status quo.”

“Well, I’ll keep her safe from all kinds of threats. No matter who they are I’ll kill them if they come for her.”

“I see. That’s great because I’m really busy dealing with different factions among other things happening in the capital.”

Rihan stood from his seat.

“I’m a very busy man but someone has to take care of things when the higher-ups are at each other throats.”

Present time.

(What did he mean by they’re at each other throats? Did something happen that I’m not aware of?)

(Miko.)

“Tia?”

Tia stayed silent for a long time before finally speaking.

(The situation in the capital has taken a turn for the worse.)