In the four months they had known each other, Azazel had always considered Yolan her best friend.
From the moment they met, everything about Yolan clicked well with her – as if they had been inseparable lifelong friends. And through their time together, there's one thing Azazel realized about Yolan.
He's a great liar.
Lying wasn't only about fabricating evidence, it's also the way you direct the conversation so people believe the words coming out of your mouth.
Lies and manipulation.
Yolan fit that criteria perfectly.
He never spouted white lies, instead, he twisted his words so it turned into a conviction that made people around him rely on him.
Maybe that's why God Uola chose him. He had the perfect trait for a 'King'.
But that was also the reason a seed of doubt grew inside her heart.
"You seem to know a lot about War of Throne." Azazel picked her words carefully.
"I just know a bit more than an average person. Studying details about War of Throne have been a part of my life after all." Yolan said as he flicked his cigarette – a small smile hung on his lips.
Azazel glanced at the man beside Yolan. Judging by how he's also standing here, he must be Yolan's acquaintance or similar. That meant he was someone she could trust too.
"Then I'll be direct, I have one wish to fulfill, I want to escape my past."
Azazel had no intention to rob Yolan of his crest. Instead, she put her trust 100% on her friend because she knew what kind of person Yolan was.
"I didn't expect you to be so bold in stating your wish." Yolan's expression was unfazed – as if he had expected this outcome. But beneath that face, Azazel noticed a slight tone of relief in his voice.
Stubbing his cigarette on his portable ashtray, he continued, "Don't worry, we all have the same goal of escaping our past and we want to fix it through War of Throne. Rather, I'd appreciate it if you guys pour your desires and wishes to me, so I could ask for a more accurate wish for you."
"Then what about you?"
"Hm?"
Azazel repeated the question, "What about your wish? You act as if your only goal in this war is to fulfill other's wish instead of your own."
Yolan laughed at the question. He didn't give her any answer, instead he stepped closer and tapped Azazel's shoulder.
"Tell me Azazel, judging from the four months we have been friends, what kind of person do you think I am?" the corner of his lips turned upward as he continued, "I'm as selfish as others in this war, that's why I'll never hand over the King's crest that has been given to me – even if I have no wish I want to fulfill."
Walking away, he continued, "I need every manpower I have to win this war and I know you're also desperate for victory like the others. Our goal aligned, so is there a reason for you to doubt me?"
Yolan paused, giving Azazel time to think.
'He read my mind.'
Azazel had to admit, Yolan was great at reading others' moods. But, even though they had been friends for months now, that didn't mean Azazel completely trusted Yolan to not betray her.
She held the principle of 'someone wouldn't do kindness without an ulterior motive.' In this world where human lives were treated lower than an insect, searching for people who would actually give you kindness without return was like searching for diamonds in the sea of waste.
Wrong place, wrong universe.
Azazel raised her gaze again. A veil of doubt still lingered in her heart, but this time, a spark of determination also lit in it.
"Then I'll try to trust you. So tell me everything you know about War of Throne, in return I'll tell every weakness you could use against me."
A fair exchange.
By telling Azazel everything Yolan knew about War of Throne, Yolan exposed everything about the system, including the most vulnerable position – the 'King'. So with this exchange, they held each other's throats – keeping the other in check with their secret.
Yolan chuckled, "I love this side of you Azazel. I like people who are quick-witted like you."
'How can you praise people so openly like that?'
Azazel was honestly embarrassed by the sudden compliment. Twirling her silver hair, she mumbled, "Mhm… Thanks for the praise I guess."
"Alright, let's start from the basic rules, shall we?"
.
.
By the time I checked out of the empty soccer field building, the sun was already high in the sky. I parted ways with Azazel and Cassius after I had relayed my plans for the upcoming clash with the white faction to them.
Looking down at my crest, a conclusion crossed my mind.
"No matter how many times I regressed, the rule for this game is still the same."
I could only use my authority [Summon] twice per day. Today, I use it once to summon my members and once to send them back. I could control which people to be teleported but once it reached the limit of use, I was basically powerless.
'This limit was one of the reasons Azazel lost her life in my previous life.'
BZZTTT!!
I pulled out my phone when I felt it vibrating. Reading the caller's ID, I smiled as I answered the call.
"Yes, what do you want?"
[Yolan, I miss you. Don't you think it's cruel to neglect your boyfriend until noon? I demand cuddles!]
The pleading tone in Haide's voice made me smile. Because of my conversation with Azazel and Cassius, I had to delay my schedule with Haide. He was done talking with his members way earlier than I was.
"It's only been a few hours. Ah, do you want some fried chicken? I remember passing by a small street shop and it seems popular."
I held my phone between my ear and shoulder as I wore my gloves and walked out to the street.
[I'll take three boxes! If they have fries, I want one too.]
"Alright, see you in a minute."
[Mhm, be careful on the road. Love you.]
"Love you too."
Just from a brief call with Haide, a wide smile had already bloomed on my face. Putting on my helmet and turning on the engine of my motorcycle, I rode to the small chicken shop on the street.
Stepping inside, the interior caught my eye. It was a minimalistic white wall with only a few tables lined up. But the tables had been full since dawn, and with pleasant fragrance coming out from the kitchen, customers kept pouring in nonstop.
"Welcome! What would you like to order?"
The cashier immediately greeted me when I stepped inside, handing me a list of menus as she approached me.
Swiping the menu with one glance, I picked the boneless chicken for myself and three boxes of fried chicken for Haide, fortunately they also sold fries here.
After waiting for about 30 minutes, five boxes full of food were finally handed to me. I hummed in satisfaction when I smell the chicken, hopefully it tasted as good as its smell.
Sitting on my motorcycle, I was about to put on my helmet when a car passing by caught my eye.
It was a familiar black car that I had been seeing for years in both my previous life and now. A sting coming from my crest indicated that the person inside the car was an enemy. Without even rolling down the window, I knew who was chosen as one of the white faction's pawns beyond that tinted glass.
"Ah shit."
As if noticing my presence too, the car slowly halted. My adrenaline instinctively kicked in as I put on my helmet and started my engine.
With a twist to the throttle, I sped up on the road – going in the opposite direction from the car.
'They're chasing me.'
From my mirror, I could see the black car turning around and trailing a bit behind me.
'I need to shake them off my tail.'
To do that, of course I did what any sane man would do.
The traffic light was still red, and cars, trucks and motorcycles were waiting in line for the light to turn green. But instead of stopping, I sped up even more.
'I might get a fine for this.'
I swiped my gaze for any space for me to pass through, then twisted the throttle to its max.
Swerve.
Dodge.
Turn.
I passed by every vehicle in the intersection and safely reached the opposite side.
"That crazy-!"
"Oy! What the hell?!"
I could hear shouts of protest from the people behind me. Looking at the black car that was obstructed by the crowd and the man who got out of the car in disbelief, a smirk naturally formed on my face.
That's what you got from chasing the black faction's King.
You got nothing but surprise.