Conquering The Game's World

"So, you already know about it," Luis said with a plain expression, not very surprised.

Ronald nodded and admitted his source. [Of course, you should know how wide your maternal grandfather's information network is.]

Luis rubbed his temples and asked, "What do you want to do by bringing up that topic?"

[This is what I should ask you. Why are you getting involved with the political struggles of the Temar Kingdom?]

Luis' eyes narrowed. "What information do you have, Dad?"

[Not much, just that the entire fiasco was a ruse to cover up the kidnapping of the hidden heir of the Temar Kingdom.]

"..." Luis' expression became serious as he remembered the related plot. In the game, the story is at the time of the Civil War. In the Temar Kingdom, there was a mention of a hidden heir who was in the hands of the usurper.

Who also caused many riots, almost leading to the downfall of the Temar Royal family. If not for Alex and his partners' interference and support. They would never have been able to recover.

'It means the hidden heir was among the children we saved. No wonder Dad asked me such a thing. We ruined the elaborate plans of the usurper. He would be furious for sure.'

'Hmm, that means in the game's plot, nobody saved those children.' Luis thought of Olivia and Hena but didn't blame them for something that didn't happen.

"Since they failed because of us. They would probably attack again, with another method."

[Yeah, must be so. Things aren't looking good for the Temar Kingdom.] Ronald said while shaking his head. [They can sacrifice hundreds of innocent children to complete their agenda. It shows how brutal their methods are.]

"... Dad, do you know who is behind all this?" Luis asked while rubbing his chin.

[Hm? No, that person is causing trouble for the Temar Royal Family without showing themselves.] Ronald answered, then asked, raising one of his brows. [Don't tell me you truly plan to involve yourself?]

"No," Luis shook his head, then added. "At least not yet."

Ronald squinted his eyes. [Don't forget Luis. We already have one enemy to deal with. If you want to attract more trouble, it's better to think about the pros and cons carefully.]

"... I am aware. Anyway, let's put that aside for now. Do you know who the hidden heir is?" Luis asked, with some expectations. However, Ronald's answer disappointed him. [Nope, it's called hidden heir for a reason. If everyone knows the information, then how can it be called hidden?]

"..." Luis had no words to argue back. "Dad, there is something I wanted your help for?"

[Of course, ask away.]

"Can you send some of our people to Selvas City to monitor Nick Adams, the leader of the Norwish Mafia?"

Upon hearing his request, Ronald went silent for a moment. [Luis, you know-] He wanted to say something to persuade him, but Luis cut him off.

"I know, Dad, but those criminals were just commissioned by the higher-ups of the Temar Kingdom. Even if I deal with them, they won't care. As for our side, if they question us because of my involvement, then just blame everything on the academy and Professor Olivia, who took us on that mission. We, the Suarez Family weren't involved."

Ronald was silent for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

[Let's do what you said. Now then, about the Norwish Mafia. It's not as simple as bringing justice to those kids, right? You must have some plans regarding them.]

Luis tilted his head and smiled. "What are you talking about, Dad? I'm so sad about what happened to those kids. How could I forgive them?"

[... Fine, since you don't want to tell me. I won't ask.] Ronald sighed and asked. [Is there anything else you want my help with?]

"Now that you have asked, there are a few people I want you to look for. Later, I'll let Lily send a list, along with some clues that might be helpful in the search." Luis remembered some good potential side characters that appeared in the story. If he can recruit some good ones, it would be helpful to him in the future.

Now that the plot had officially begun, they should all start appearing one after another. So, it would be easier to locate them through the clues he remembered from the game. Which is why he plans to get them before they can meet the protagonist.

[Fine, I'll let some people search for them.] Ronald agreed with some curiosity about the people Luis wanted to search for. However, knowing that Luis wouldn't answer him, he didn't bother to waste his breath to ask.

[I have some work to do, so I'll end the call now. Also, remember to call your mother occasionally.]

When he saw that Ronald was about to end the call, Luis hurriedly spoke.

"Wait, Dad!"

[Hm? Is there anything else?]

"Do you know Mr. Zeth?"

[Oh! You met him?] Ronald sounded surprised. Then his expression became serious. [Remember Luis, no matter what happens, don't offend him.]

"Huh? Why?" Although Luis didn't plan to do such a thing in the first place, given his good relationship with him. Ronald's warning piqued his interest.

Ronald let out a heavy sigh. [His identity is not simple. Don't be fooled by his appearance. That's all I can say.]

Then, without waiting for Luis to respond, Ronald ended the call.

*Beep*

"... Really? It's fine if you don't tell me. Why do you have to be so mysterious? Now, I'm even more interested." Luis pouted, then shaking his head, he left for the gym to work out.

***

For the next five days, Luis and Alicia attended their classes, while also challenging the ranking matches from their dorms.

They kept the 100%-win rate, with every match ending within a minute. Now their consecutive wins were at.

Luis: 78

Alicia: 81

However, today they didn't do the ranking matches after returning to the dorm. Rather, they changed into different clothes and went out.

Because of Maki's suggestion. The students of Leviathan class have been getting along well and today they all have assembled to party and get closer to each other.

Luis and Alicia also came, but because of Alicia's icy glare. Only a few people mustered up the courage to greet them.

"You know, Alicia. If you keep doing this, you won't be able to make many friends." Luis said while drinking a mocktail.

Both sat in a corner, a little away from their classmates, as they observed them playing games and enjoying themselves, causing a burst of laughter from time to time.

Alicia let out a soft snort. Her glare eased as she faced Luis. "Hmph, I don't want to have many friends. Only a few trustworthy and good friends are enough for me. So, why should I even put the effort to get closer to them?"

"Well, I won't argue with that." Luis knew what she said was right because he thought the same. However, this doesn't mean he approves of her current behavior.

'Hmm,' After being thoughtful for a few seconds, he said. "Why don't you see it from another perspective?"

"What do you mean?" Alicia asked, confused.

"Like thinking of them as tool people," Luis said, but when he saw Alicia's expression full of disgust, he hastily changed his words. "Hey, listen to me first. I didn't mean anything bad. What I'm trying to say is, if you can't maintain a good relationship with them because you can't see them as your friends. Why not think of them as your tool people? To whom having a good relationship with can help you in the future."

"What kind of help can they give me?" Alicia was doubtful.

"Hey, you never know what can happen in the future. The only thing you can do is prepare for every possibility. We now think that they won't be of help now, but we don't know the future. So, even if you can't be friends with them, isn't it better to have a good relationship with them?"

After his reasonable explanation. Alicia considered his words very carefully and finally agreed with him.

"Maybe you are right. It's better to have more allies than enemies." Although Alicia isn't afraid of trouble. Just like Luis, she also hates unnecessary troubles that can be avoided.

She stood up and tried to mingle with their classmates with a stoic expression.

"Oh Alicia, come here. Sit by my side," Diana called out, causing everyone's attention to shift to Alicia, who nodded and sat beside her.

At first, the classmates felt a little awkward because of Alicia's presence. However, with the help of Diana, they soon got acquainted with her, easing up the atmosphere.