Chapter 222: Chapter 222 : A Tempting Offer (1)

In the morning Alyssa was sipping coffee inside the grand dining hall. Steam rose from the porcelain cup, its bitter aroma calming her nerves. She frowned as a distant noise disrupted the stillness.

From the wide glass windows, she saw a chaotic scene: a swarm of reporters pressed against the mansion gates, flashes from their holo-cams sparkling like a storm. Security guards were struggling to keep them back.

Sighing, Alyssa took another sip. “How the hell did they find this address again… they must have followed that brat.”

Her annoyance was cut short when the shouting outside suddenly went silent. A sleek, white luxurious hover car glided through the sea of reporters, tearing its way to the gate. Security quickly moved to block it.

On its side shimmered a crest—a black phoenix. Alyssa’s eyes narrowed. She instantly recognized it.

’Black Phoenix Guild…’ her expression soured, a shadow crossing her face.

Murmuring under her breath, she said, “What the hell is she doing here?”

The car’s tinted window rolled down, and a sharp, confident voice lashed out at the guards.

“Do you even know who the hell I am to be blocking my path?”

The security stiffened immediately. They knew that voice. Everyone in Avaloria did. It belonged to the master of the empire’s second-strongest guild—Alina Clington of the Black Phoenix.

Behind her, several black hover cars followed. Doors hissed open, and figures clad in sleek black suits stepped out one by one. Among them was a woman the guards recognized—Natly Collen, a high-ranked hunter.

She was infamous for failing the dungeon-rift raid at the museum… the same raid where Alex and Carter had embarrassed the guild.

Alina emerged with elegance, her presence dominating the scene. Despite being in her late forties, she radiated beauty—her long blond hair gleaming under the sun, sharp brown eyes that carried both allure and intimidation. The media cameras turned frenzied, trying to capture her every move.

Alina’s heels clicked against the stone path as she strode toward the mansion. “Open the gate.”

The guards hesitated, sweat beading on their brows, but still they stood firm.

Alina’s lips curled into a sly smile. “What a loyal bunch you are.”

Her aura suddenly burst forth. A crushing pressure swept over the guards like a tidal wave. Their knees buckled, faces strained, and one by one they collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath.

Smirking, she whispered, “That’s more like it. Know your place.”

The media recorded everything, their excitement growing. This spectacle was gold for them.

But then—another wave of pressure surged outward. This one was heavier, sharper. Alina’s subordinates dropped instantly, forced to their knees. Even Alina herself felt the hair on her arms rise as her instincts screamed danger.

Yet instead of anger, her lips curved upward. “There you are.”

The heavy doors of the mansion opened, and out stepped Alyssa.

Unlike Alina’s golden glow, Alyssa’s aura was blue edged with faint black, her presence no less overwhelming.

She looked every bit her age, in her late forties, but time had done nothing to dim her beauty.

Her long black hair cascaded like silk, her black eyes gleaming with cold sharpness. Dressed in a simple yet elegant black robe, she was regal and terrifying all the same.

Now face to face, Alyssa’s smirk didn’t reach her eyes.

“What the hell are you doing here? I could have you arrested for trespassing my property, you know.”

Alina tilted her head, her voice dripping with mock surprise. “I really can’t believe my eyes. Alyssa Vega, standing before me in the flesh, alive and… beating back abyssal corruption. How could that even be possible?”

Her words feigned awe, but her sharp gaze betrayed her.

“You were hoping I’d die, weren’t you?” Alyssa’s tone cut like ice.

Alina gasped softly, covering her mouth in mock offense. “How could you say something so rude to an old friend? I was always worried about your health.”

Alyssa’s smirk widened. “Drop the act already.”

Her voice turned deadly calm. “Do you think I don’t know you orchestrated everything after I fell ill? Slowly, one by one, you took over my businesses. I have to say, you played the role of a good friend very well… so well that even I was fooled. Along with Aisha.”

Her eyes narrowed like blades. “That poor thing even lost her life.”

For the first time, Alina’s mask cracked. Her smile faltered, her eyes darkening.

“Whatever you think of me,” she said coldly, “I had nothing to do with her death.”

Alyssa chuckled, tilting her head. “Why don’t you tell that to Marcus Reed the vukd master of the Radiant Blades ? Oh, wait—my mistake. He hates you to the core, doesn’t he?”

Her smirk deepened. “How does it feel? The man you once loved, now despising you with every fiber of his being?”

Alina’s face hardened, and the ground trembled as killing intent oozed out from both women. Alyssa’s blue aura flared violently, colliding with Alina’s golden one. The air itself crackled as their transcendent rank powerhouse fought for dominance.

The crowd screamed, struggling to breathe under the suffocating clash. Reporters staggered, some collapsing, while security guards clutched their chests.

But then—Alina’s eyes widened. Her aura was losing ground.

’Impossible… it’s only been six months since her recovery. How could she already be this strong? She’s still as monstrous as ever!’

Alyssa’s smirk turned cruel. “What’s wrong? What happened to that cocky attitude of yours?”

Alina grit her teeth, her voice sharp as a dagger. “You know… that’s why he left you. That’s why your husband abandoned you and your daughter both. He never came back, did he?”

This time, Alyssa’s expression darkened dangerously. Mana surged violently around her as her fist, coated in raw power, came inches from Alina’s face.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, Alex’s lazy voice cut through the thick tension.

“Hey, you two old hags. I’ve been trying to break my last record of sleeping for twenty hours straight.

This time, I planned to hit twenty-four hours, but because of you two and the ruckus you’re making, I’m awake. Now, who’s going to compensate me for this?”

Everyone’s heads whipped around. Standing at the main entrance was a young man with black hair, amethyst eyes, and a skeleton mask.

The reporters’ eyes widened before they erupted in excitement.

“He’s here! Lucifer Morningstar!”

They surged toward him like a wave, but before they could touch him, they slammed face-first into an invisible barrier. Groans echoed as they fell to the ground.

Alex stretched, yawning. “Now, now… this is my home. No one’s allowed in unannounced. Get lost before I actually get mad.

And tell all your media companies they owe me compensation for ruining my sleep—or they will meet me in court.”

The reporters froze. His expression was dead serious. One by one, they nodded like obedient dogs as they saw the murderous intent in alex eyes.

Then alex turned toward Alyssa. “And you—why the hell were you and that other grandma fighting? Go find somewhere else to fight and stop ruining my sleep.”

Alyssa and Alina’s faces darkened instantly. First ’old hags,’ now ’grandma’?

A loud ’smack’ landed on the back of Alex’s head. Alyssa snapped, “You brat! How many times have I told you to call me Master—or Mommy!”

Clutching his head, Alex groaned. “Mommy my ass! You keep keep smacking me whatever I do!”

Another *smack* echoed, harder this time. Alyssa scowled. “That’s because of that disrespectful loud mouth of yours!”

Before Alex could retort, Alina’s voice slithered into the moment.

“So you’re the famous Lucifer Morningstar… the so-called Devil himself people whisper about.”

Alex blinked at her, tilting his head. “Oh yeah, you’re still here. Almost forgot.”

Alina’s mouth twitched.

“Sorry,” Alex continued with a shrug. “You must be a big fan of mine. But I’m busy sleeping right now. Come tomorrow. I didn’t know even old people these days could be fans of mine.”

Alina’s smile strained, her composure cracking. She muttered under her breath, “Damn it… even her disciple is as insufferable as she is.”

Meanwhile, Alyssa was doubled over, clutching her stomach, laughing uncontrollably.

But then Natly, the Black Phoenix hunter, stepped forward, fury in her eyes. “How dare you speak like that! Don’t you recognize who she is?”

Alex tilted his head, staring at Alina for a long moment before asking in his mind, ’Useless, do you know her?’

The system’s reply came immediately. [ No. Doesn’t ring a bell. ]

’Hmm… strange,’ Alex thought. ’I feel like I’ve seen her somewhere in the game, but where…’

Finally, he looked back at Alina. “Doesn’t ring a bell. Sorry, I don’t bother keeping track of things that are worthless.”

Natly’s jaw tightened. Rage burned in her eyes. Few days ago he humiliated me, and now he doesn’t even remember me?!’

Before she could explode, Alina raised her hand sharply. “Shut up. You’ve said enough.”

Natly’s mouth closed instantly.

Alina stepped forward with grace, her eyes narrowing at Alex. “Nice to meet you, Lucifer. My name is Alina Clington—Guild Master of the Black Phoenix Guild, the second strongest guild in the entire empire.”

Realization flashed in Alex’s mind. ’Ah, that’s where… in the game she was the guild master. I even made some deals with her as a player.’

Alex snapped his fingers. “Yes, yes! Now I recognize you.”

Alina’s lips curled into a pleased smile.

But Alyssa’s voice sliced through the air like a blade. “Don’t you dare trust that woman, brat. She’s a fox in sheep’s clothing.”

Alex’s gaze lingered on Alina, his thoughts sharpening. ’Looks like there’s history between them.’

Alina ignored Alyssa and focused on him. “Lucifer Morningstar, hear me out. You’re the sole reason I came here today. I have an offer for you—an amazing one. Join the Black Phoenix Guild. I’ll give you whatever position you desire… and whatever you desire I can make it comes true.”

Alyssa smiled darkly, her arms crossing. “Do you think my own disciple is so shallow he’d abandon his master just for some materialistic bait? Am I not right—”

She turned to her side, but froze.

Alex was gone.

His voice came from right next to Alina, casual as ever.

“So… when you say anything, how much are we talking about?”

Alyssa’s face turned crimson with rage. Her fist clenched so hard mana flared around it.

——

A/N:

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