In This Rebirth, The Male Lead Is Mine [BL]
Chapter 45: Information Network

Chapter 45: Information Network

Rise planned to get ahead, and to do that, he had to grasp information in his hands. He had to admit that a single person would hardly make a difference in the grand scheme of things, especially if he was fighting someone intangible but with a great presence in this world.

To further utilize his knowledge of the future and also the information he got from that novel, Rise having the means to be updated on every event was necessary.

Only then would he be able to act timely to any changes or future events he most likely overlooked because of his indifference to everything in the past.

More important... when and where Epsilon would appear. Rise also did not remove the argument that the plot might start early because of his intervention.

That would be the worst-case scenario, and instead of not thinking it wouldn’t happen, Rise preferred to get ready for the unexpected.

Relying on someone in the Union was efficient, and Rise never liked to simply rely on favors or intimidation alone. He had to be in the dominant position.

And so, he thought of this place. When he decided to firmly grasp information in his hands after learning that Epsilon might not be here in this world yet and probably just appear out of thin air, Rise already considered the underground world.

Where else could he get information faster? They were also a force in the gray area of the government, which not only suited his taste but more of his plan.

Looking at the confused expressions of these "gangsters" or wild Espers, Rise chuckled out of amusement. It was as though he finally also got another toy or something.

This was not a bad idea at all! Being satisfied with his decision, he finally answers their confusion.

Smiling gently, he spoke leisurely.

"That’s a Seed of Betrayal. I think that’s what they called." Rise started, seemingly not sure but enjoying just how the confusion only deepened on their expressions.

Slightly swaying his right foot, which was resting on his left leg. He continued introducing the small seed.

"It’s a souvenir I got from one of the gates, obviously. The seeds are almost useless, in my opinion, but I still took them. Anyway, it primarily drops by those corrupted treants."

What he was saying might sound like gibberish or him introducing it in a roundabout manner, not diminishing any confusion at all.

The men were like: Yeah, we know what’s called, but what purpose does it have?

No one sounded any opinions or complaints in the end.

Little did they know that if anyone in the Union or those familiar with Rise were here at this moment, they might already curse and cry at how unlucky they were.

Rise talking nonsense equals to a bomb afterward.

Sure enough, Rise continued, the amused yet sinister smirk never leaving his lips.

"The corrupted treants were never treants, to begin with... They only became one after betraying their master." Each word he says conveys a deeper meaning and even more, pressure than these wild Espers already experienced.

Ominous premonition quickly spread upon hearing these words.

"Anyone who swallows the seed can never betray their master. Technically, they still can. However... The seed will grow inside your heart until you become like those corrupted treants, a monster."

Before they could think further, the smile on Rise’s lips faded as he commanded.

"Now... swallow that seed."

Rise’s voice was commanding more fear than awe or respect. He never cared about loyalty, it was enough to make them obey and dutifully execute his commands.

That was why it was called the Seed of Betrayal.

The seed would not do anything; it did not make one a puppet or let one be magically loyal. He never needed puppets; they were tasteless and lackluster.

The greatest consequence was only from betrayal. And Rise hated it the most, much more than the plan he deeply cared about.

Hesitation filled the room, and Rise was not surprised. They all come to this point... They were aware no one could escape alive unless they obediently swallowed the seed.

Rise smiled brightly and then put down his right leg to the ground, and as he did that, the pressure descended once more, making the already injured wild Espers struggle once more.

Their knees seemed to become stuck on the ground, and soon their bones might shatter from how heavy the pressure around them was. However, for some reason, they could still move their upper bodies, which meant they had the ability to swallow the seed.

The leader in front, who only planned to fawn in front of Rise, then asked for reinforcements or escaped once he left, finally fell in despair. All his calculations were useless.

In front of absolute power, it seemed everything was indeed laughable. Sighing and succumbing to his fate, he closed his eyes and directly swallowed the seed.

It was too small, so easy to swallow. At first, he had not felt anything, but a few seconds later, the leader felt his heartbeats increase, and a pain from his heart enveloped him.

This only took a few seconds, but as an Esper, he felt something take root in his heart, giving him a shackle. From now on, he would really be Rise’s slave.

Seeing him, the other helplessly swallowed the seed as well, everyone felt the same sensation, and soon all of the people inside the room had swallowed the seed.

Rise also felt it. After all, he already engraved his mana on them, proving he was now everyone’s master in the truest sense.

As usual, even with a smile on his lips, it was only one out of amusement. Even with this, he was indifferent. Slaves or not, he did not care. They were his subordinates, the start of his Information Network.

Rise had one goal in mind; their power was unnecessary, they were solely in his eyes in the federation. Monitoring every event and unusual change according to a timeline he set.

"Now, let’s start with another matter, shall we?"

Rise put down his forcefield and let everyone rest easy. Though his presence was synonymous with his forcefield already.

Time of the essence, and he also did not intend to spend the night here. Everything would have to be settled with a few words from him, and the subsequent details and stages could follow another time or meeting.