"So... we have a once-in-a-lifetime offer for you today—an opportunity unlike anything we've ever extended to any player before.
If you choose to accept, I can personally assure you that the rewards will far outweigh any potential losses," Raya said, as Leo blinked blankly in response to her words.
Leo did not know how to respond to her words without sounding rude and hence he chose to remain silent.
Unfortunately, so did Raya and Raven, as the atmosphere in the room quickly grew uncomfortable.
"So…. Can you tell me something more before I accept your offer? Such as what benefits I will get versus what potential losses I will suffer?" Leo asked nervously as he did not wish to make a decision in haste.
He wanted Raya and Raven to give him more information so that he could make a responsible and informed decision, however, they did not seem to be too keen in doing so.
"I'm afraid that all we can say before you take the offer is that you will get lots of valuable information regarding the future of the gaming world…. About your future in real life once we reach planet Terra Nova and much more.
However, in exchange you will have to agree to some austerity measures that will nerf your character within the gaming world for a while.
Of-Course you are free to reject this offer and we promise you that there will be no consequences for you directly.
However, you might find your gaming environment turn unfavorable, or your character being forced into impossible quests if you decline–" Raven threatened, as Leo shivered in his chair when he heard those words.
'No consequences for you my ass…. You will fuck me in a thousand different ways if I don't agree to your schemes' Leo thought, as although he did not say anything out-loud, he bit his lips and swallowed his grief.
"I will trust you then…. I agree to whatever Austerity measures you propose, so please don't mess with my gaming environment" Leo said, as both Raya and Raven immediately beamed with smiles.
"Alright then, Mr.Skyshard, let me tell you…. You have made a very smart decision here today!" Raven said, as he brought out a scroll-like piece of paper and handed over a quill to Leo.
"Please sign here Mr.Skyshard….. this is a document which says that you agree to the Austerity measures placed on your in-game character for the next six months in exchange for free information regarding your future.
Once you sign, we can finally begin giving you your rewards. But of course you won't be able to share them with anyone, as if you do, the ankle monitor will kill you" Raya said enthusiastically, as by this point Leo saw a pattern emerging.
These alien elves seemed to be masters of passive-aggressive talking, as they congratulated and chided him in one line and then threatened him in another.
"Alright…here–" Leo said, scribbling on the scroll as Raven happily collected it later.
"Very good Mr.Skyshard…. Please allow me to now start distributing you your invaluable reward!" Raven said, his eyes gleaming in excitement, while Leo looked at him dully.
In Leo's mind, this was a sure-shot scam, which was why he did not think too much of the information that was about to be presented, however, he was wrong.
The information he was about to get was way more valuable than the austerity measures he agreed to, as Leo's whole world was about to be flipped up-side down.
"We will allow you to ask as many questions as you wish Mr.Skyshard, however, for the sake of continuity, I suggest that you let me speak the basic story first, so that you understand the context for what we are about to share–" Raven said, as he requested Leo to keep his doubts to himself until the full story had been revealed.
Nodding, Leo acknowledged Raven's request before gesturing for him to continue, as Raven really began the story from the very beginning.
"Starting from the very start…. Let me first tell you about us—
Me and Raya belong to an organization called 'The Universal Government'.
By now you must know about the 'Rainbow Stream'
The concentrated stream of mana running through our universe….
Basically, the universal government is the organization that controls this rainbow stream and every single planet within it–" Raven said, as he flashed the weird pendant hanging over his and Raya's neck, which Leo assumed was an identity token.
"Planet Terra Nova, the planet that you and the rest of the Earthlings are bound for, is just one of the several planets present within the Rainbow Stream, however, just like how back on Earth you had different countries with different migrant policies, every planet within the Rainbow Stream sort of has a unique immigration policy and culture.
Planet Terra Nova is a huge planet, probably thrice the size of Earth and it doesn't have nearly as many inhabitants, so it's very friendly towards migrants.
You guys are lucky to be sent there, as from personal experience I can say that it's one of the better planets to migrate to" Raven said, as at this point Leo immediately became all ears.
He did not expect the information he was getting to have such an unexpected beginning, however, since Raven was starting from the start, it made sense that he told Leo everything for context.
"Of course, there is nothing such as a free meal in the universe, and it won't be as if you guys are welcomed there for doing nothing.
As while the promise of a new start and green grasslands that your government made to you before you boarded this ship isn't wrong…. It isn't exactly right either…" Raven said, as he confirmed one of Leo's worst fears.
Leo always knew that there had to be some catch to the aliens saving them from Earth, however, before today, he was not important enough to get access to that information…..