Masteria Online: Shattering the Dark God's Grand Scheme-Chapter 54 - Make yourself sure

Now, even Azir looked surprised. Lena stared at him like she was hallucinating, and needed to snap out of it.

"You... accept?" The Empress asked, clearly not expecting such ready agreement. "Do you understand what’s being proposed? These aren’t simple tracking spells or minor compulsions. We’re discussing fundamental restrictions on your very being."

"I understand perfectly, Your Majesty." Lumi bowed deeply. "You need trust. I need the Empire’s support to grow strong enough to face what’s coming. This solves both problems. Besides," he straightened with a slight smile, "I trust you and your advisors completely. Why should I fear bindings placed by those who seek to protect this world?"

"Lumi." Lena whispered urgently, "This is crazy even by my standards! What if you like, can’t even do anything here anymore! Forever bound! LUMI!!"

"It’s fine." he assured her quietly, then he spoke louder for everyone to hear. "In fact, I’d suggest the most comprehensive bindings possible. The stronger the reassurance I can provide, the more freely we can work together."

The Empress studied him for a long moment. "You realize such bindings could be used to compel obedience? To force you to act against your will?"

"I trust Your Majesty not to abuse such power." Lumi replied simply. "If showing that trust requires accepting vulnerability, so be it."

This is the only option.

Lumi wasn’t a fool, far from it. He knew that not a single being on Masteria was absolutely good. Such a concept wasn’t achievable by people. However...

I must save the world.

He had one goal.

"Interesting." The Empress sat back, and Narinder made a sound that communicated something to the Empress. She raised an eyebrow. "Very interesting. Your thoughts, Grand Tactician?"

"Either he is exactly what he claims," Azir said slowly, "or he is so confident in his ability to subvert any bindings that he feels no fear. Either way, testing his commitment would be educational."

"Then it’s decided." The Empress raised one hand, and the formal atmosphere of the court reasserted itself. "Lumi, you and your companions are formally recognized for your service to the Empire. Lumi, you specifically will receive assistance in getting stronger with this hunting method you describe. In exchange, you will submit to binding procedures as discussed. The rest of your party remains free, as they have shown no signs of the inexplicable knowledge you possess."

She paused, then added with a slight smile. "Though I may ask young Lena to have tea with me at some point. I find myself curious about someone who can make Chief Knight Alice show such fondness while simultaneously impressing her."

"Tea!" Lena squeaked. "With the Empress! What should I bring, your Majesty?"

"Nothing but yourself." The Empress replied with amusement. "For now, the formal portion of this audience is concluded. Grand Tactician Azir will oversee the binding process. I suggest the rest of you take advantage of the palace’s hospitality while you wait."

The dismissal was clear but not unkind. As they bowed and began to withdraw, the Empress called out one more time. "Lumi?"

He turned back. "Your Majesty?"

"Whatever drives you, whatever knowledge you carry. I hope you prove worthy of the trust I’m extending."

"I will not disappoint you, Your Majesty."

As they left the throne room, his companions immediately surrounded him with questions and concerns. Not openly, but spamming his messages through the system. However, Lumi’s attention was already focused on what came next.

The bindings would hurt. He remembered that much from his previous life, when he’d seen them used on captured Wing operatives. But pain was temporary. The trust he’d gain was forever.

And he needed that trust for what was coming.

Guards appeared to escort him to a different section of the palace, while Gabriel assured the others he’d look after them. Lena looked ready to follow despite orders, but Lumi caught her hand.

"It’s okay." He told her quietly. "This is necessary. Trust me."

"I do trust you." She said, eyes wide with concern. "But that doesn’t mean I have to like it. What if they change you? What if the bindings make you... not you?"

"That won’t be the case." he said with a smile. "Trust me. You’re very good at that."

She hugged him fiercely. "You better come back still you. Otherwise I’ll... I don’t know what I’ll do but nobody is gonna like it!"

"Noted."

After his conversation with Lena, he let himself be escorted by the guards.

The guards led him through various corridors, until they eventually reached a chamber. The door was inscribed with warnings in multiple languages, including some Lumi didn’t recognize. The guards gestured for him to enter, then took positions outside.

Inside, Grand Tactician Azir waited.

The room had already been prepared, despite only a few minutes passing. It was a circular room, with ritual circles carved into the floor and filled with different materials. At first glance, Lumi already recognized adamantine, mithril, tungsten and titanium. Implements lined the walls, most of which were variants of magical crystal.

Azir stood in the center. "Second thoughts?"

"None." Lumi replied, stepping into the room.

"Good." Azir gestured to the central circle. "Stand there. Remove any magical items. They would interfere with the process."

Lumi complied, setting aside all his equipment. He purposely didn’t use the inventory such that he could let Azir see everything that he had on.

For a long moment, Azir simply studied him. The Grand Tactician’s analytical gaze missed nothing, cataloging every detail, every micro expression, every tell that might reveal deception or hidden motive.

"You interest me." Azir said finally. "Your ready acceptance of bindings suggests either complete sincerity or dangerous confidence. I wonder which."

"Why not both?" Lumi asked.

"Because they’re mutually exclusive. Sincerity requires vulnerability. Confidence denies it." Azir began moving around the circle, checking alignments and preparations. "Tell me. Are you comfortable not knowing what specific bindings I’ll place upon you?"

"I am." Lumi said immediately. He meant it.

The very fact that Azir bothered to ask proved that despite his stern appearance, he did believe in justice. Anyone with dark intentions would never hesitate, and would directly rush to make a puppet they could control.

Whilst that didn’t guarantee Azir’s good intentions on their own, it did when combined with the knowledge Lumi already held of him in his past life.