Birth Of The Crafts-God

"What is there to talk about?"

Lucas glanced at Jonathan Oakval with a calm demeanour from the bed.

"Nothing much. I just want to know what you and the master of the Mertens family discussed."

Jonathan walked towards the arm chair in the room and took a seat.

"The same as everyone else did." Lucas responded.

Although he didn't know exactly why Jonathan was interested, Lucas knew that he could not trust the former. He could also guess a bit of what was going on.

From what Russell had said before, Lucas surmised that the BCPC's Central Prefecture district branch probably had the backing of one or more of the top four families, and could be influenced by them. And to Lucas, these factions were his enemies. They wanted one thing from Lucas, which was for him to work under them and hand control of his research and technology.

Originally, this wouldn't be clear to an average individual since the factions presented themselves to be scheming, yet sincere for a partnership. For instance, the Ross family had offered tons of good benefits in exchange for cooperation. Even those who were more greedy, like the Bergs and Dufour families, still gave some good terms and compensation. This way, even if the vestige-smith backing Lucas was to be pissed about the conspiracy to harm the store, it wasn't as if there was no chance for cooperation.

Being forced that had existed for decades, the top factions were professionals at offending others without burning the bridge [1].

However, if the reality was revealed to be that they were secretly plotting to take control of everything later on, there would definitely be no room for a talk. This was why each faction made sure not to spread any strange rumours, or badmouth the other even if it could increase their chances.

To ensure this, they had agreed that any discussions with Lucas would take place in a public spot or in his store, where they could be monitored by others. However, Russell had broken this rule and invited Lucas to his place late at night. In the Mertens family estate, especially Russell's study room, it was impossible to figure out what exactly was being said there.

Once they got the news, these forces had probably made the BCPC move, as that was the only organisation under their control that could barge into the Mertens family estate without suffering any or much repercussions. That led to the current situation.

"If it were truly the same, there would be no need to call you over." Jonathan was not buying the excuse.

"Be honest with me, and you can go home."

"Where's Melissa?" Lucas asked.

Seeing Lucas ignore him, Jonathan was ticked off, but he remained calm.

"The little hybrid? She's in a safe place. What? Do you want to see her?"

Jonathan stared at Lucas.

"That can be arranged. As long as you tell me the truth."

Lucas ignored him and shut his eyes. He had just woken up and wasn't in the best state of mind. It was probably why Jonathan had arrived right away to question him. Knowing that, Lucas was less inclined to hold a conversation with him.

"Associating with a suspected terrorist, unregistered birth certificates and documents, a child of illegal immigrants, probable involvement in the Alleva district desolate beasts tide which is now confirmed to have terrorist trails, and also, obstruction of justice and public arrest." Jonathan calmly listed out a few crimes with his hand.

"All these crimes alone are enough for the court to arbitrate a seven years sentence at least. Even if judged innocent of most, the unregistered documents issue is worth at least two to three years. Toss in the fact that she's a hybrid and with a little background meddling, the court might not be lenient even if she's still eleven years old. What do you think?" He turned and smirked at Lucas.

Lucas abruptly opened his eyes and glared at Jonathan. He could not believe that the latter was threatening him using an eleven year old girl.

"Don't look at me like that. This will only be a reality if you still refuse to cooperate. A human such as yourself, being so stubborn is really frustrating. What's more, you even have a hybrid with you. Bottom feeders such as yourself should know when to bow your heads and not make such a fuss, you know."

Lucas suddenly charged at Jonathan, but the flung his hand, sending a wave of stellar energy at him.

*Bam*

Lucas was forcefully flung back to the bed. If it weren't for the soft cushions, he would have been severely injured.

"A mere peak Body Strengthening stage practitioner charges at me?" Jonathan found the situation to be funny.

He then stood up to leave, seemingly tired of the situation.

"You have only a few hours to make your decision. The Mertens or the girl."

"Is this the justice you uphold?" Lucas' voice sounded, surprising Jonathan.

"What?" Jonathan asked.

"I refuse to believe that you don't know the truth of the situation. Anyone with even half an eye could see the truth and know that all of this is a setup, but yet, you do this. Threatening innocent lives and slaving around as a dog for the upper class. So I ask, is this the justice you swore to protect?" Lucas propped himself up and stared at Jonathan.

"What does it have to do with you? A human, speaking to me about justice when you should be extinct. If it weren't for the fact that you still have some use, I would have killed you off here and now. Justice should only be granted to those who have something to offer to society. In my eyes, your existence barely offers a semblance of gain to society. Dead or alive, you do not matter."

Jonathan left the room through the same entrance he came through.

Lucas fell to the bed face first, seemingly exhausted. It was as if he had been using the last breath of energy within him to question Jonathan. The hidden security camera showed the situation in the room to those outside and they thought nothing of it.

Unbeknownst to them however, Lucas had a wide grin on his face.