--- [Alex’s perspective]

  “Leanne made it very clear that there are strict rules about hurting other members and infighting, none of us have the authority to override the rules of the organization itself. Unfortunately, the leaders aren’t present to make any exceptions, so we’ll have to follow the rules.” – Shin

  He just said he’d comply with my requests…

  This is ridiculous, I’m leaving.

  Just as I’m about to stand up, Shin reaches over the table and grabs my wrist.

  “Sit. I’m not finished talking.” – Shin

  I yank my hand back, breaking free from his grip.

  “Fine…” – Alex

  “Like I was saying, there are certain rules that we need to follow. No getting around that. But… There might be a few loopholes…” – Shin

  “Wh-” – Leanne

  “Shush!” – Shin

  “…” – Leanne

  Loopholes?

  What kind of loopholes is he talking about?

  “The rules clearly state that fighting amongst ourselves is forbidden, but thing is… You’re not a member yet. The rules don’t apply to you.” – Shin

  “What are you getting at?” – Alex

  “Leanne can talk to Seth and let’s say… ‘strongly suggest’ that he meets with you. I mean, even that might not be necessary… He’ll likely want to meet with you again of his own free will anyways.” – Shin

  Now you’re talking!

  Shin hasn’t changed one bit!

  “When you do meet, that’s when you can do whatever has to be done. Of course, there is one downside… One condition…” – Shin

  “And what’s that?” – Alex

  “Whatever happens, we can’t help you. It’s possible that he’s so devoted to the cause that he’ll let himself be killed if it means you’ll join The END… But it’s also possible that he’ll fight back. If that’s the case, then you’re on your own. All three of us are members, so we can’t harm him in any way. If you’re willing to face that risk, if you’re willing to face him on your own, then consider the deal done.” – Shin

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  Sounds good to me.

  Honestly, I never expected them to help me kill him in the first place, so this doesn’t change anything.

  I think Shin knows that, and came up with the loophole excuse as a justification.

  But this is still only my first condition…

  Isaac went through almost the same thing as me; he was betrayed by his closest friend, and he took his other closest friend’s life…

  He has been dedicating himself to getting revenge, and I understand why all too well…

  I promised I’d help him get his revenge and I don’t intend to break that promise.

  “What about Gael?” – Alex

  “Why do you even want him in the first place? I understand why you want to get revenge on Seth, but why him? Who is he to you? You mentioned something about a frien-” – Leanne

  “It doesn’t matter! He has two conditions, and I intend to fulfill them both. Now please… Just stay quiet and let me take care of this.” – Shin

  He gives Leanne a frustrated look.

  He knows how close I am to accepting the proposal, and he doesn’t want her to accidentally say something that could make me walk out again.

  Lily has stayed quiet the entire time we’ve been negotiating; she clearly trusts Shin a lot.

  “I assume the person you mentioned who will be the one to take Gael’s life isn’t a member of The END, right?” – Shin

  “Correct.” – Alex

  “Alright, then the same applies to him. I don’t know who this Gael person is, or how strong they are, but I’m sure Leanne can handle talking to him too.” – Shin

  “…” – Leanne

  Everything is in order then…

  They’re complying with both my demands.

  I just…

  “I just have one last question…” – Alex

  “Ask away.” – Shin

  “If I join right now, none of what we’ve been discussing will hold true. I can’t fight Seth if I’m a member. That means I’ll have to defeat him before I join…” – Alex

  “Correct. You will only become a member after your fight with Seth.” – Shin

  “But then… What about you three?” – Alex

  “What about us?” – Shin

  “Leanne explained earlier that letting non-members into Solis is strictly forbidden. You’ll be executed if I leave before becoming a member…” – Alex

  “Only if they find out.” – Shin

  …

  That’s so him…

  Always willing to take a risk if it means accomplishing his goals.

  “Besides, I doubt it’ll happen. Other than high-ranking hunters, pretty much no one here knows what ‘the Emperor’s son’ looks like. Lily is a perfect example of that. Even as an E-rank hunter, she did not have the clearance to know, and only found out because I told her. That means the only people who know a non-member is in our hideout are the people in this room. Me, Lily, Leanne, the waiter, and the chef. We’re regulars here and good friends. They won’t snitch. As long as you don’t run into the wrong person on the way out, we’ll be fine.” – Shin

  “Right… In that case, I’ll wear something that covers my face on the way out.” – Alex

  “Don’t. It’ll only make you stand out more. Just act normal, and don’t wander around. Go straight to the exit.” – Shin

  “Alright, we have a deal then.” – Alex

  I reach my hand out, and we shake on it.

  “When and where will I meet Seth?” – Alex

  Now that the negotiations are over, Leanne lets herself speak again.

  “I don’t know, but I saw how your last fight went… You got beat pretty badly. You’re not ready to fight a strong C-ranker like him yet.” – Leanne

  “So I’ll have to do some more training first then.” – Alex

  “Right. I can help you with that.” – Leanne

  Leanne will train me…?

  The only people who have trained me before are Luna and Vic…

  Both of them are D-rank; the same rank as I am now.

  If a B-ranker like Leanne trains me personally, how quickly will I progress…?