" In the end, you will die tomorrow… "
Max was stunned to hear these words, he was stunned at the sophistry Regus Aurelius was capable of to trap a small fry like Max unaware.
If Hazriel did not tell him Regus's exact methods, he had no doubt in his mind that everything would have followed Regus Aurelius's script just how he planned it to be.
Even Regus Aurelius knew that the story about Max killing an Aurelius executive was bullshit, but it did not matter, because if it was bullshit he stood to lose nothing, but regardless of whether it was true or false, framing Max Rajput like this was sure to isolate him as Ravan's ally.
In the future Max would never be able to let his clone follow him into battle as it would tarnish his image as a lord to fight alongside an alleged criminal.
In Regus's mind there was reasonable doubt to believe that Max Rajput was the same individual as Ravan, as despite the mixed reports and clear differences, nobody was able to conclusively say that the two were different people.
Hence by playing this trick he could not only isolate Max Rajput from helping Ravan again in the future, but also confirm his identity by adding a small line within the system contract that he could force Max to sign.
In the end, if Max refused to sign the contract he could accuse him of collusion with a criminal and brandish him a traitor and refuse to coronate him.
If things got out of control, he could even execute him while maintaining his impression of being fair and reasonable.
It was dirty politics of the highest level and despite everything that Max had achieved in his life up till this point, he was doomed to die under Regus's scheming.
Cold sweat dripped from Max's forehead when he thought about what was in store for him in the future, as he helplessly glanced towards Hazriel on what to do next.
" I've seen this future a while ago, and it's not an absolute, we can change this vision with a little planning, but altering fate is always dangerous.
Since we are knowingly meddling with fate, the burden of your actions will fall equally on someone else who would have otherwise benefitted from your death" Hazriel said after letting Max process her first words for a while.
" I'm not concerned with those who benefit from my death anyways.
Please tell me what can I do to avoid this future? " Max said with a slightly panicked voice as despite trying to maintain his composure, a few cracks in his usual smooth tone betrayed his inner feelings.
" Here, these will help you, '' Hazriel said as she tossed Max two artefacts.
[ Liar's Pen ] ( Divine ) - A one of a kind object that allows the signee to sign any system contract without bearing the consequences of breaching it.
Restrictions - Can be used only once by an individual.
Uses remaining - 1/1
[ Angel's Mask ] ( Divine ) - A half mask covering the bearer's face from nose and above.
Effects - Shows a different face shape covered with a different colour mask everytime one blinks while looking at it, making it impossible to discern the wearer's identity.
Effects- Grants complete immunity from all status inspection attempts
Restrictions - This is a bound item that drops upon the owner's death and consumes 250 units/ mana per hour to wear.
If the owner cannot feed it mana every hour, it can even kill the owner from mana deficiency.
Currently bound to noone
Hazriel handed Max two divine artefacts whose value could not even be calculated.
The liar's pen was an item that could cheat the universal queens almighty contract which was known to be inevitable and binding for even tier8 monarchs, while the mask was an item which granted Max complete immunity from inspection spells putting it on par with the Titus clan special ring which was a legacy item preserved within the clan.
" I-I don't know how I can thank you enough for these, or for taking time to come help me here.
Today you have saved me once again, and for that I shall be eternally grateful to you " Max said in daze as he could not believe his own eyes that Hazriel casually gave him such precious two items.
" No need to thank me, just remember that when you are in a position to help the Angels, make sure you do help them, and NEVER betray the light faction, no matter the allure of the dark faction, okay? " Hazriel said kindly as she judged Max's expressions.
Max nodded fervently as he swore internally that he would never betray the angel clan and Hazriel because if he did, he would be worse than a demon who could not even cherish the individual who saved his life not once but twice.
A plan quickly formed within Max's head as to how he should use these two items to get out of his predicament tomorrow, however, he felt extremely heavy hearted accepting this grace for nothing as a small tear escaped his eye.
" After my brother's death, you are the only one to help me with no strings attached… " Max said as his voice cracked a lot and a couple more tears escaped his eyes.
In his two lifetimes, only his brother and Hazriel kept giving him stuff without asking for anything in return and they were the two people closest to his heart.
" Well, it's time for me to take my leave here today. If fate permits it, we shall meet again, next time most likely on a battlefield" Hazriel said as she moved her glance from Max towards the knocked out Asiva.
" She is willing to hear your children one day and is willing to die for you if the need be, a truly loyal and devoted wife that only the fortunate can have. Take better care of her and listen to her sound advice more.
She is a big part of your destiny " Hazriel said as she gave Max one last big smile before vanishing into thin air.
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/// A/N - Bonus chapter for hitting the grow a tree target on discord, good job everyone who participated to hit the goal ///