Chapter 32: Safe for now? Offered benefits?
Chapter 32
"Punch that metal puppet with your full strength," Ophelia said, her tone more of a command as she looked at another metallic puppet in the courtyard.
Nadia also followed the direction and directly went towards it without any question.
Her fists clenched as she punched the metallic puppet with all her strength.
Boom!
Crack! Crack! Crack!
In the next moment, cobweb-shaped cracks appeared on the ground where the puppet was standing just a second ago.
In its place was now nothing but tiny broken pieces of what was left of the metal.
"Your physical strength has increased by a large margin unexpectedly," Ophelia's calm voice sounded as she keenly observed her daughter who also looked at her expressionlessly, not saying anything.
This sudden boost in her strength was out of her calculations.
Was this really it? Was it really due to her talent that her strength had a boost?
Or was it due to some other reason...?
She felt suspicious.
Nadia's heart stirred for some reason; she felt proud that her mother had acknowledged her improvement but she didn't know why but when her mother said the last line, she was asking her why?
'Why won't I say that I received a body-strengthening elixir from him?' She asked herself this question.
She felt that if she said that, something that she didn't want to happen would happen. Her mother would not sit still. The thought of what might happen made her heart clench suddenly.
Looking at her daughter being silent, Ophelia didn't ponder on it for the moment.
Nadia has always been obedient to her commands and would provide her with a detailed report of her actions every time.
So if there was something, she would know.
"I want you to be prepared. Your first demon hunt will be soon. All the heirs of the clan will be participating in the demon hunt, and I expect you to triumph over others," Ophelia said as a matter of fact. She made it clear that she would not accept anything but victory from her daughter.
The demon hunt was a competition of sorts which was part of the training regimen all the young heirs of the clan must go through.
There were a total of 5 pairs of siblings in the main family as of the moment, and every single one of them would need to participate in that. It was mandatory.
They must gain experience as they train so as to be prepared for the future war that could break out at any moment and not die early.
Not to mention, the clan would provide the children who perform excellently with some excellent rewards that could make anyone drool.
"Yes, mother," Nadia replied in a tone devoid of any warmth; she was just like an emotionless robot who followed her mother's commands and replied when asked to.
Ophelia did not stay any longer, and in front of her daughter's eyes, her figure disappeared into thin air as if it was never there in the first place.
"Do you want to join the Black Codex Federation?"
These words dropped like a thunderbolt in Oliver's ears.
He didn't hesitate and directly declined her offer in the next moment.
"No."
He didn't even need to think that this woman was plotting something devious and he was a part of her plans.
He didn't like to be controlled like this and be a pawn in someone's plans.
Although being a true member of the Black Codex Federation was something exorcists would kill for.
Joining the Black Codex Federation as a true member was extremely difficult, and only through invites from already present members could one enter the ranks of the Black Codex Federation.
Oliver felt like he was giving up too many benefits at the moment when he replied with a flat 'No', but he suppressed the feeling of loss.
If he became involved with such a mysterious and powerful woman with unknown intentions, he wouldn't know how it would affect his life.
The woman who heard his instant rejection was stunned for a second before she asked.
"You... are you aware what you declined? You must not, right?"
She felt Oliver was being ridiculous, but considering his tender age and lack of knowledge, she felt that he was just being oblivious.
The Black Codex Federation was an extremely influential organization with its influence on par with the top 5 clans.
It had no lack of resources either for its members; artifacts one could only dream of or martial or exorcism techniques one had only heard legends of... everything was there.
Not to mention, the unparalleled security the organization offered... half of your opponents would admit defeat if they knew you belonged to the Black Codex Federation.
The organization was controlled by extremely powerful people rumored to be on par with elites of the top 5 clans.
It was a superpower in its own league.
"I know of the benefits; I have read various books about the organization, and I also know that you represent the organization, but I must decline the offer," Oliver refused with a bleeding heart.
The woman looked at the little boy in front of her; she felt even more stubborn now, she now wanted to get him even more. If she decided on something then there were few who could stop her.
"Your clan treats you as air; your talents are not recognized by your own clan. You are forced to live isolated from others. Your existence is not known to many despite being one of the heirs."
She put her hands down on her desk as she continued.
"The Black Codex Federation will not neglect you like your clan. Your talents will be polished, and you will be far above from where you are currently. Not only that, you will have access to the organization's massive network and resources."
"And you still refuse? What is there that is stopping you? Are you afraid that your clan won't leave you if they become aware of your change in affiliations? If so, you don't have to worry about that. Until you leave your clan boundaries, there will be nothing that could relate you to us. I can guarantee that."
She paused for a moment and added, "After leaving your clan once, you can operate independently. If it's still not enough to convince you to join then what is?"
The woman folded her arms and crossed her legs as she looked at Oliver with a strict gaze that wanted answers.
He opened his mouth but no words came out.
'Damn, she said so much... but all of this makes sense. She is so terrifying in negotiating...' He could not help but suck a cold breath of air to calm his mind.
She was too strong!
He calmed down and thought for a moment.
'Joining the Black Codex Federation, if I...'