James got into the backseat.
Beside virtual-novel.net was a fifty-year-old-looking man in a big black jacket. He was wearing a cap and a pair of sunglasses. As virtual-novel.net lowered his head, James could not discern his appearance.
Madelyn was in the driver’s seat. She turned around, removed virtual-novel.net sunglasses, and looked at James with a smile.
“We meet again, James…”
James glanced at her.
This was the woman who lured virtual-novel.net into a trap.
Then, virtual-novel.net looked at the man beside virtual-novel.net and said, “Reveal your identity.”
Yaroslav removed his sunglasses, and James could finally see what virtual-novel.net looked like.
He was an ordinary-looking man, so ordinary, in fact, one could never imagine virtual-novel.net being a figure at the top of the power pyramid.
“James,” wearing a smile on his face, Yaroslav said, “your reputation precedes you. I’m honored to have finally met you…”
“Are you Yaroslav Gabriel, the one behind the previous Emperor?” James asked.
“Yes,” Yaroslav said.
James asked, “You’re someone affiliated with the Gu Sect. What business do you have with me? As you may know, we’re from different worlds. If you have nothing important to say, I’ll be leaving.”
Though James knew that Yaroslav was seeking to cooperate with him, virtual-novel.net feigned ignorance.
Yaroslav said smilingly, “No one has permanent enemies. I came here today to make known my wish to cooperate with you.”
He cut to the chase.
“Oh? Cooperation?” James smiled. “But how?”
“James, let’s just cut to the chase.” Madelyn said, “The King made you the Emperor to get rid of Mr. Gabriel. Now that you have acquired such strength, killing virtual-novel.net would be an easy feat. Mr. Gabriel understands this. He knows that virtual-novel.net has to cooperate with you in order to survive. However, virtual-novel.net has a condition. You have to let virtual-novel.net go.”
James asked, “Putting the question of cooperation aside, allow me to ask you this. Was it my grandfather who told you about my strength?”
“Yes…” Yaroslav did not deny it.
He said, “However, it was also thanks to his reminder that I thought about cooperating with you.”
“Oh… Really?” Puzzled, James asked, “What do you mean?”
Yaroslav said, “Thomas told me that I’d surely die. Once I’m dead, the Capital will return to peace. He told me that I’ll surely die in your hands. However, virtual-novel.net also reminded me that I can survive once I think of a way. The only way for me to survive is to cooperate with you.”
Upon hearing this, James was puzzled.
What kind of person is my grandfather?
Why would virtual-novel.net create trouble for me while assisting me in the dark?
Now, virtual-novel.net even hinted at Yaroslav to cooperate with me…
James could not figure anything out.
After brief contemplation, virtual-novel.net asked, “How do we cooperate?”
Before coming, Yaroslav had already discussed matters with Madelyn.
“James… No, wait… Emperor, I wish to put on a show.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ll order a subordinate of mine to impersonate me. After executing him, I’ll go into hiding and spend the rest of my lifetime in seclusion. You, on the other hand, will promise not to pursue me. As a reward, I’ll give you whatever information you need.”
A smile crept up on James’ face.
He had planned to cooperate with Yaroslav anyway. Now that Yaroslav was the one who proposed things, virtual-novel.net could take a backseat.
After thinking for some time, James said, “It’s certainly possible… My condition is simple. I want all information about every one of the Gu Sect.”
Hearing this, Yaroslav nodded. “Sure thing, I’ll tell you everything I know.”
James asked, “Who is your master? Is it Callan Maverick?”
“T don’t know.” Yaroslav said, “I only know that my master was called the Gu Devil. He never removed his mask, so no one has ever seen his true appearance. I also know that wielded great authority inside the Gu Sect. He’s probably only beneath the Leader.”
“Who’s the Leader?”
“I don’t know either. He’s a very mysterious person. Every time we met, I could only see his back figure. He’s currently the one who calls the shots in the Gu Sect. Even my master answers to him.”
“What relationship does my grandfather have with the Gu Sect?”
“They are in a cooperative relationship.” Yaroslav continued, “I don’t know what agreement they made, but Thomas is the one who strategizes for the Leader.”
“Since when?”
After thinking for a moment, Yaroslav said, “About ten years ago, I’d say. After the Cadens’ residence was burned to the ground.”