"Yes, I have something important to tell you today, Leo…." Cervantez said, staring intently into Leo's eyes, as he seemed really passionate about whatever it was that he wanted to say.
Leo blinked, waiting patiently for Cervantez to speak, but as he noticed the anguish in Cervantez's expression, he understood that whatever was about to be said, certainly wasn't easy for him.
Sighing, Cervantez eventually started to open up, as he began his confession with a very candid admission.
"You and your brother are both very impressive players. Bona-fide rankers and true needle movers within the game–" Cervantez said, nodding as he seemed genuinely impressed that both him and Luke were true giants of the game.
"I don't like you on a personal level….. actually, no, I think I do like you, but I find you annoying because you always butt heads with me for no reason.
You have this aura about you where you don't trust anyone but your brother and behave as if the whole world is against you and I don't like that one bit.
However, I don't think you're wrong.
Also, I do respect what you have been able to achieve within the game so far" Cervantez said, as Leo felt his left eye flutter from the compliment.
He could feel that whatever Cervantez spoke today came straight from his heart, and that was what made this whole conversation even more awkward for Leo, as he did not know what to make of this compliment.
He did not truly hate Cervantez either, he just did not like him because the guy was not transparent with his knowledge.
He was a control freak who wanted everything to be done on his terms and such a mentality bothered Leo who could not place complete blind trust in anyone but Luke.
However, as he sat across from him, genuinely giving him respect and compliments, Leo could not bring himself to dislike the guy, as in the end Cervantez was a highly respectable player who had most definitely helped Luke a lot.
"Thanks…..? I do respect you as well, even though we don't see eye to eye on a lot of topics" Leo said, as he awkwardly reciprocated some of the respect that Cervantez showed him.
"I know that Amanda came to you a few days ago and asked you to fix a meeting with 'TheBoss'.
As you know, I've been chasing that guy since the very first day–" Cervantez said, as Leo nodded his head and raised his palm to indicate that Cervantez need not say anything more.
"If you're here about that meeting, then don't worry I've already fixed a meeting for you—" Leo said, as Cervantez shook his head and denied wanting to have a meeting vehemently.
"No–" he said, his voice heavy as his gaze deepened.
"I don't want to chase 'TheBoss' anymore. I…I don't want to become the best player…." Cervantez said, gritting his teeth as he seemed to be really struggling as he said those words.
Leo knew that Cervantez was obsessed with 'TheBoss' from day one and had tried to meet with him multiple times over the months.
He had confronted Leo personally about the same and had also used backhand tactics like sending Amanda or sending Luke to him for the same.
For him to now say that he was letting go of his obsession was a big deal, as Leo raised a curious eyebrow at his words.
"I know that the only way 'TheBoss' could have 60+ million gold coins to spend in the auction today is because you lent him that money.
And since the two of you do have such a connection, it's obvious that you're not just simple acquaintances either and that the two of you have a deeper connection.
Sitting here, I know you will deny it, but I'm not a fool.
You operate from his territory nearly tax free and he borrows money from you as and when needed.
It's a classic case of you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours, but let's not get into it….." Cervantez said, as Leo innocently threw his hands in the air, as if to suggest that he had no comments on this matter.
"Well…it doesn't matter anymore. I've come to a conclusion after the auction that it's already impossible for me to chase after 'TheBoss', as there is nothing that I can offer him that's enough for him to become a member of 'DarkSky' guild.
And I know that I don't have any incentives attractive enough to poach you either, even if I tried my best.
So I'm not even going to try" Cervantez said, as he seemed to let go of a lot of his pent up anger and frustrations as he made this admission.
"So do me a favor and tell 'TheBoss' this one message from me..." Cervantez said, his expression easing a bit as he seemed to have gotten past the worst part.
"Tell him, that he can be the best player in the game….. but it will be me, who will become the strongest guildmaster.
With great teammates like Luke, Tor, Amanda, Tony and Lysa, I have no doubt in my mind that my DarkSky guild will become the most influential force within the game.
And although I might not become the best player, my guild will become the best guild in the game and I'm sure of it" Cervantez said, as he gave Leo a confident smile as he said these words.
At this moment, as Leo studied Cervantez's expression, he could say that he was looking at a changed man.
Just like how the auction had secretly humbled him, it seemed to have changed Cervantez too, who had now let-go of his previous obsessions to chase goals that really mattered.
Somehow, Leo did not doubt that Cervantez would lead the 'DarkSky' guild to great heights and that in the coming days, they were surely going to take the entire gaming world by storm.
"I don't want to meet with 'TheBoss' anymore and I don't want to butt heads with you either.
If possible, I'd like to consider both you and 'TheBoss' as an ally, and wish to work towards fostering a relationship built on trust and mutual respect with both of you.
As a guild, I don't need to compete with individuals, and hence it doesn't matter how much you guys shine individually, as long as you are allies with me and not my enemy.
So consider me coming here today as me trying to bury the hatchet.
You're a great guy Leo, and I apologize if we ever went off on the wrong foot because of me" Cervantez said, extending his hand in apology, as Leo took it without hesitation.
"My brother is your Vice Guildmaster and my Girlfriend works for you.
As long as the people I love are a part of your organization, I will always be an ally you can rely on" Leo said, accepting Cervantez's apology, as he reminded him that as long as Luke and Amanda were members of his guild and happy there, he was always going to support his guild as much as he could.