Adel knew how much the two wanted to become stronger. Even if they managed to retake the archipelago, with their limited strength, it wouldn't take long before they lost it again.
"It doesn't change the fact that it's too risky," Erik replied stubbornly.
"More dangerous than trying to retake the archipelago with just two Grade 2s?"
The sheer irony in Adel's tone made both of them furious, yet also embarrassed.
Neither of them was stupid. They knew well the risks of trying to reclaim the archipelago, and that was exactly why they couldn't afford any losses before even starting.
"Easy for you to say. We're the ones who'll go," said Erik.
"Why do you say that? Of course I'm coming with you."
Their suspicion grew after those words.
"The dungeon you found is more dangerous than the one on your island. So why risk it?" asked Erik, staring into his eyes looking for a clue, but was met only by a wall of ambiguity.
"Let's be honest, neither of us trusts each other."
"It seems we agree on one thing."
At their honesty, Adel laughed.
"I know the dungeon will offer interesting artifacts, things I doubt you'd normally be willing to give me—but that's fine. Up to now, I haven't done anything to help you with your goal, and this dungeon discovery is more like... a bonus, I'd say."
"So, basically, you want to split the loot?" Erik asked absentmindedly.
"Bingo. Seems like we understand each other," confirmed Adel.
The truth was that yes, the artifacts interested him, but his real goal was to grow stronger in a safer environment, one less prone to random misfortune. As for the fear that the two might grow too powerful, that didn't worry him at all.
He had seen amazing people risk their lives every day, and even they had taken months to move from Grade 2 to Grade 3. Looking at those two, he doubted they had even half the potential of those people.
His situation, however, was different.
As long as he had monsters to kill, his growth would never stall.
"How should we divide it?"
"Finders keepers. I live by that philosophy."
Erik nodded, as if the proposal didn't bother him much. Then he stayed silent for a moment, eyes closed in thought, and when he opened them, there was more clarity.
"Your proposal is interesting, but I want to take a couple of days to think it over." That was his final decision.
"Great. Now that we've talked about serious matters, where's my new baby?" asked Adel, excited.
Realizing what he meant, Erik signaled to Alfred, who brought over a long box and placed it on the table.
When he opened it, Adel was immediately pleased. It didn't look like a legendary weapon, but it gave off a clear sense of reliability. The weapon was about 1.5 meters long, slightly shorter than average, but perfect for his height. When he picked it up, Adel immediately felt its weight: a bit too light, but not a big issue. The wooden shaft felt hard yet flexible, with a menacing spike at the end. The axe-shaped blade was sharp and thick enough to withstand strikes.
What led Adel to appreciate halberds was a random event. Initially, he used daggers, which matched his blessings well. Then he moved on to a sword, but that didn't last long, then a spear. Finally, on a battlefield while disarmed, he picked up the first weapon he could grab, a halberd, and sowed death wherever he went.
That event made him realize the potential of the weapon, and he chose it as his main one.
'It's also perfect for decapitation,' he thought macabrely.
Seeing his satisfaction, Alfred began to explain.
"The blade is forged from tempered black steel. We did our best to keep it light but durable."
"I must admit, you surprised me," said Adel, swinging the weapon with a couple of test slashes. "It handles well. The balance is great. I was sure you'd give me something basic."
"See it as an incentive not to disappoint us," said Erik with an enigmatic smile.
"Don't worry, I'm already on it. My main goal right now is to join the Explorers."
"Sorry… what?" asked Erik, thinking he had misheard.
"To start what I'm planning, I need to be part of the Explorers and reach a moderately important position."
Hearing that, Erik's gaze grew colder. "Leaving aside the danger you'd put us in and the chances you might betray us, this plan doesn't look like it'll bear fruit in six months, like you promised."
"Your lack of trust in me makes no sense. Have I done anything to complicate our relationship?"
"You sent us to a building with a mutilated corpse inside. Sorry if I can't trust you."
Hearing his sarcastic tone, Adel was really getting tired. Unfortunately, he still needed them—otherwise, he would've tried killing them already.
"At least now you know I'm not joking."
Noticing the change in Adel's tone, the two grew more alert.
"It seems you don't understand our relationship. I don't need to tell you anything or justify myself. All you have to do is stay quiet and move when I tell you. Do that, and you'll get what you want. Don't do it..." Adel looked down on them, mocking. "And you'll stay in this pathetic life, jerking yourselves off with dreams of making it on your own. This is the last time I repeat myself. There won't be another."
Clench
Adel could see Erik trying to restrain himself, jaw clenched and body tense. He could've mocked him further, but that would've broken their fragile bond. So he chose to give him some advice.
"You're angry, aren't you?"
Erik looked up at him with resentment, while Adel turned to Alfred.
"Why don't you step out for a bit? I'd like to speak face to face with the prince, without his babysitter."
Alfred almost laughed at the absurdity of Adel's request.
"Alfred, step out for a moment."
"Wha– My prince..." Alfred glanced at Erik, then at Adel with suspicion.
"Have some faith. Do you think he's stronger than me?"
Seeing that Erik wouldn't accept a "no", Alfred exited, though not without shooting a nasty look at Adel.
"So?" Erik asked.
"Talking without a drink? That's a bit rude, don't you think?"
Erik stared at him for a moment, then grabbed a bottle of wine from the cabinet along with two glasses. He slowly poured the wine into both and handed one to Adel, who immediately took a sip.
"Ahh, now this is good stuff."
Erik's gaze lingered on him a second longer than usual, hiding a hint of surprise.
"Aren't you afraid it's poisoned?"
At that, Adel laughed. "You wouldn't dare."
Hearing that, Erik laughed too, mocking Adel. "You're almost ten years younger than me and don't even know me, yet you dare say what I would or wouldn't do?"
Adel ignored the sarcasm and took another sip. "I imagine you've already had to kill someone before, but I can read it in your eyes the predisposition to remain passive."
Erik's expression froze as Adel kept talking.
"From you, I never once felt the desperation of someone who wants to be king."
"What the hell are you talking about?" At that point, Erik could no longer tolerate him, but he couldn't act—who knew what might happen after?
"See? You're hesitating again." Adel laughed harder. "You probably think of yourself as patient, clever, someone who waits for the right moment. But I see you for what you are. You're the kind of person who freezes when the right moment comes."
"Just a bunch of bullshit," Erik replied, louder than he meant.
"Look at you, already losing patience. If you really didn't believe what I'm saying, why are you so affected by it?"
Erik tried to speak, but no words came out.
"You keep telling yourself you're fighting for a greater cause, that you're really trying, when deep down, you know the truth: things were never going to change. Then I showed up—the bridge that could get you out of that stalemate. But instead of seeing the purpose, you criticize the method."
"Maybe because that person is a psychopath who mutilates people and calls it a gift?"
"And yet, that psychopath has already given you something to make you stronger. But you're too much of a coward to accept it. You're a coward, Erik. You are now, and you always will be. That crown would be wasted on you."
Adel's mocking tone was the final spark.
Erik stood up suddenly, grabbing Adel by the collar and lifting him off the ground.
"Who the hell do you think you are?! You come here acting like you rule everything, telling me who's worth what, when–"
The prince's rant stopped cold when he felt something cold against his neck. He looked down to see the halberd's tip pricking his throat, a thin stream of blood sliding down.
Erik's expression went pale. He had been momentarily blinded by anger, sure—but he was still a Grade 2, and yet he hadn't seen Adel move.
"Put me down, fast, before I decide red would look good on these walls."
Erik gently set him down and stepped back, holding his throat.
"So, how does it feel to actually act for once in your life, instead of just overthinking everything?" Adel smiled as if he hadn't just threatened him.
"Y-You really tried to kill me?!" Erik said, shocked.
"Well... yes?"
"You realize Alfred would have killed you afterward?! What the hell is wrong with you?!" Erik snapped. He had known Adel wasn't sane, but now he saw him as a true psychopath.
"Desperation."
"Wha–"
Adel gestured to silence him.
"That's the drive—the fire to do whatever it takes to reach your goal. You don't have it, that's why you're stuck. I swim in it. That's why you can't stop me."
"I–" Erik tried to speak, but the words died in his throat, and he looked down.
"Honestly, you're not a bad person. You've got a lot of flaws, yes, but that's human." Adel's voice softened, surprising Erik, who looked up, confused.
"You lack the qualities of a good king, but that doesn't mean you can't grow them. You do have potential, Erik, but you must be willing to take that step forward. And I'm the one offering you a hand to help. I know you can do better. I know you can save the archipelago. Don't disappoint me."
With those final words, Adel finished his drink and left, leaving Erik alone with his thoughts.