Chapter 273: The War that Decides the Fate of 'The Bridge' Part 76

"That's a very touching story," Wesley smirked. "But who cares? You're a Villain now. That's the only thing that matters. And It is impossible for you to become a Hero again, let alone redeem yourself,"

"I don't hope to redeem myself nor do I even have the thought of becoming a Hero," Maria shook her head. "The only thought that I want from the very beginning is to be free; freedom to do whatever I want, freedom to continue living my life without the fear of dying because of somebody else, and freedom from this place,"

"At first, I thought the Assembly of Freedom can give me that.."

Wesley immediately interrupted. "It's literally in our motto to stay in 'The Bridge', so why are you having problems with it now?"

"Do you seriously think that I care whether we stay in 'The Bridge' or go back to Earth? Regardless of where we are, it doesn't matter to me,"

"But think about it, now that we are part of Circus, that means to say that we are getting trained to officially become their members by using 'The Bridge' as a training ground to groom us,"

"It's only going to be a matter of time before we eventually leave 'The Bridge' and if you're seriously believing that it means we are now part of the real Circus, you're wrong! Because we'll definitely start from the bottom and slowly climb our way up!"

"Considering that this is Circus we are talking about, I highly doubt a lot of us will make it, including both of us as well. Perhaps even Chief Kylo will not last long,"

There's no doubt about Chief Kylo's capability in leading an organization. However, when it comes to individual skills, there's only one word to describe him — weak. In fact, he is so weak that he can't even hope to defeat an old man and retired Hero like Old Mayor George, let alone members of Circus. His only saving grace would be to rely on his men.

Maria came close to Wesley. "Where's the freedom with that?"

"That.." Wesley knows that Maria is right.

"I just don't want to be tied to an organization that doesn't give me the freedom I want, especially for my own life,"

Wesley lowered his head. "So, that's why you betrayed us. Such a shallow reason and you betrayed all of your friends and people who helped you reach where you are right now,"

"Are you an idiot? I made myself like this! I strive and work hard on my own to reach level 50. None of you fools helped me, it was all on me all along!" Maria rolled her eyes.

Kayn snickered and asked. "Does that even exist in the Assembly of Freedom?"

"You're right, it doesn't!" Wesley started becoming hysterical out of his desperation to be saved by somebody else. "But still you're a traitor!" He looks at Maria. "And once a traitor, will always be a traitor!"

Wesley turns to look at Kayn. "She might have sided with you today, but in the future, there's no telling if you'll not be put in the same position as me right now,"

"That's impossible," Kayn pulled Wesley's chin while wearing a wicked look on his face. "That's because she is under my charm just like you as well,"

In an instant, Wesley's eyes widened.

"He's right," Maria confirmed. "And if that's the only way for Kayn to trust me, I'd rather have this within me until the day I die," Hearing Wesley's words just now, she realized that Kayn would most likely not fully trust her even if they become allies. She understood that because even she won't trust anyone with a history of betraying somebody else. In that case, she can only trust that as long as she doesn't harm Kayn, he will also not do anything to harm her as well.

"It's not only the two of you who are already under my control, even Christopher and some guild leaders are already in the palm of my hands," Kayn pushed Wesley's head as he tightened his grip on the Kingmaker.

"The Kingmaker?" Wesley finally noticed the weapon. "What are you planning to do to me?"

"<<Cost of Loyalty>> I reckon that you are familiar with that Active Skill,"

"No!" Wesley abruptly shook his head. "I'd rather die than swear my loyalty to you!"I think you should take a look at

"Is that really want you wanted?" Kayn waves his hand, taking out the Molten Ice Sword from his Storage Ring. "Because I don't mind granting you that. But then again," He pointed at the Undead Apple on the table. "I can always use that instead of using the Kingmaker,"

"In that case, you will never be able to use my Gift again," Wesley doesn't believe that Kayn will kill him and revive him from the dead using the Undead Apple. Because anyone who is revived from the dead will lose their Gift. The only thing that will remain would be their skills and talent.

"I know that you'll lose your Gift once you die," He has tried it with Chief Kody, Chief Kellan, and Seven already. "But that doesn't mean I can't make you suffer a life worst than death for destroying my plan, right?"

historical

"You're supposed to be a Hero, right? Why does it feel like you're worst than us?" Wesley is now feeling doubtful of what exactly Kayn is supposed to represent.

"I heard not long ago someone saying the same thing as you,"

Seven.

"And my answer remains the same," Kayn repeated once again. "My age as a Hero was long already over ever since I was betrayed by my own kind. Now, all that's left within me is overflowing vengeance and the goal of destroying what tried to destroy me,"

"In that case, what are you supposed to be?"

"An Anti-Hero? I guess.."

"An Anti-Hero?" Maria repeated as she fell into deep thought.

"Neither a Hero nor a Villain," Wesley realized something. "You're free from the responsibility a Hero possesses, but you won't be hated by the people like Villains experience,"

"I think I like that idea better,"

"Is that so?"

"As long as I swear my loyalty to you, will I also have the chance to become an Anti-Hero?"

"Depending on if you serve a purpose to me, definitely,"

"Then what about Maria?" Wesley complains.

"She's going to be my ally soon,"

"What if I also become your ally,"

"You're a different case,"

"Why?!"

"Because you didn't approach me voluntarily, instead I made you change your mind,"

"I guess so.." Wesley understood. "You promise that you will not order me to kill myself?"

"As long as you keep being useful,"

"Fair enough," Wesley is more intrigued by the idea of becoming an Anti-Hero compared to becoming a member of Circus. The former's future is unprecedented. Meaning, they'll be its founder. And there's no telling for certain what will happen to them. On the other hand, he already has an idea of what it would be like to be part of Circus. If he doesn't become strong enough, then he'll become prey for the strong.