Lord of The Red Planet

"Lord Arthur? Why did you come in person?" Epsilon's voice rose slightly, her eyes widening in disbelief. She had thought Betta would return with Lord Belial, but seeing who had come with her now left her completely stunned.

"Am I interrupting you here? If so, I'll leave at once." Arthur tilted his head slightly, his tone hesitant.

"No! No!" Epsilon shook her head quickly, her hands raised as if to stop Arthur. "Not at all! I'm actually happy you're here, Lord Arthur. But… I was just surprised by your sudden arrival." Her voice softened, and she lowered her gaze to the floor.

"This shows just how important this meeting is." Arthur turned to Betta, who was standing beside him. "By meeting this human named Tanaka, Betta can control him and bring Avanheim one step closer to conquering Japan. Isn't that right, Betta?"

Betta nodded, then replied in a cheerful tone.

"That's right. If I control this human, I can order him to arrange a meeting with his superiors. And at that time, I will control them using my Mind Manipulation Skill."

"If that's the case… why don't we just directly control Tanaka's superiors or a human with a higher political office than him, My Lord?" Epsilon frowned, her gaze shifting from Betta to Arthur, clearly confused.

Arthur was stunned for a moment.

Damn. She has a point. The thought hit him like a ton of bricks. Why don't I just control a higher-ranking official? If the problem is information, Belial can provide it quickly. Even without Belial, there's the internet, there's AI. I could just ask ChatGPT and get a list of targets in five minutes.

He looked at Epsilon, who was waiting with an innocent expression.

But… I can't possibly admit that I didn't think of that, can I? It would ruin my image as the leader of Avanheim.

Alright… time to use 'that move'.

Arthur put on the expression of a wise leader, his gaze becoming deep and thoughtful. "For now, Avanheim needs to be cautious about everything concerning this foreign world. Besides, if we carelessly control a high-ranking official without considering the risks, it would endanger Avanheim's own safety. For example… what if the high-ranking official we control has ties to an Avalon player or a supernatural entity we don't know about? Not only would our existence be discovered, but we would also initiate hostilities with that entity."

He finished his explanation with a sharp look, as if warning Epsilon of an unseen danger.

A shocked expression appeared on Epsilon's face. She immediately knelt. "As expected of a Supreme Being! You have considered all the risks and shortcomings. Please forgive this subordinate's foolish suggestion."

Arthur quickly took Epsilon's hand to make her stand. "Get up, Epsilon. Your suggestion wasn't foolish. In fact, it shows that you're thinking critically. You just need to learn to see the bigger picture. Every step we take must be carefully calculated. Never underestimate this world."

Huh? What kind of nonsense did I just say?... So embarrassing, he screamed in his head, feeling extremely ashamed for saying that to Epsilon.

"I… I understand, My Lord. Thank you for your guidance!" Epsilon's eyes sparkled with admiration.

Arthur just nodded, then his gaze shifted as he saw Ayato approaching. The teenager looked much neater today, wearing a proper shirt and pants, no longer his shabby school uniform.

"Lord Arthur!" Ayato greeted with a deep bow. "I didn't expect you to come in person."

"I just wanted to make sure everything goes smoothly," Arthur replied, patting the young man's shoulder. "How are your preparations?"

"Everything is ready, sir. I've studied all the data Miss Betta gave me about Tanaka. I've also prepared several conversation scenarios," Ayato reported, his voice sounding more confident than before.

"Good." Arthur patted his shoulder again. "Remember, you're the leader of the Red Lotus now. Speak with confidence. Don't let him look down on you." He then glanced at a door at the end of the room. "I'll be observing your conversation with Tanaka from the next room. Don't disappoint me."

Arthur walked into the room and went straight to the side of the window. He pulled the curtain aside slightly and observed the view outside.

"Seriously, though, this place is creepy," he muttered softly.

It was only 3:55 PM, but the view outside was already starting to get dark and felt desolate. Only the occasional sound of chirping birds and forest insects could be heard. If I weren't a Fallen Angel and didn't have business here, I would never come to such a remote place.

Are they trying to hide something, building a base in the middle of a forest like this? Something like… murder?

I'll have to ask Ayato about it later.

Then, he heard the roar of an approaching car engine. From behind the window, he saw two black sedans enter the open gate of the house. The car stopped. Two men in black suits got out, submachine guns visible in their hands. Soon after, a man who looked to be about 50 years old, with black hair and Japanese features, got out of the car.

The man straightened his maroon-blue suit and walked inside. He briefly glanced toward the window where Arthur was before continuing to walk, greeted by a Red Lotus member at the door.

Arthur closed the curtain again.

"Is there a problem, My Lord?" Betta stepped closer, her brow slightly furrowed with worry.

Arthur shook his head. "Nothing," he answered, his voice calm.

He walked to a cream-colored sofa, then took an item out of his inventory: a mirror the size of a cutting board.

The mirror floated in the air, its surface rippling for a moment before displaying the scene in the next room, where Ayato and Tanaka would soon be talking.

"Betta, go and accompany Ayato. I'm worried something unexpected might happen during their conversation. While you're at it, use that opportunity to control Tanaka," Arthur commanded, turning to Betta.

"In that case, I will take my leave, My Lord." Betta bowed her head, then walked toward the door.

Arthur looked back at the mirror. There, he saw Ayato beginning to shake hands with Tanaka.

"Welcome, Mr. Tanaka." Ayato gripped the large hand firmly.

Tanaka nodded, his eyes sizing up the young man before him with a dismissive look. He then sat down in the provided chair.

Two of his bodyguards also entered, their hands ready on the MP5 rifles slung under their jackets. Sunglasses hid their expressions, but from the aura they emitted, Ayato knew these two were no ordinary bodyguards.

Ayato's expression eased slightly when he saw Miss Betta enter the room as well.

Thank God. I was a little worried this conversation would get out of control, and I could just die. But with Miss Betta's protection, it should be fine, right?

Tanaka narrowed his eyes slightly as a pink-haired woman in a black suit entered. He began to wonder who this woman was.

"Please have some coffee, Mr. Tanaka." Ayato slid a coffee cup across the table toward Tanaka with a smile.

"Thank you, but there's no need. I ate a lot before coming here," Tanaka replied with a calm expression.

"In that case, what a shame. It's imported directly from Ethiopia." Ayato pulled the coffee cup back.

"We should get straight to the point." Tanaka folded his arms across his chest and stared sharply at Ayato.

"I thought you were the type who liked to beat around the bush, Mr. Tanaka, but very well." Ayato smiled faintly. "So, what did you want to ask?"

"Where are Yamada and Rintarou?!" Tanaka demanded, his voice heavy and impatient.

"Why ask about them, Mr. Tanaka? Isn't the leader of the Red Lotus Organization me now?" Ayato retorted with a playful expression.

Hearing that, Tanaka's face instantly darkened.

"Don't play games with me, boy!"

He slammed his fist on the table, spilling the coffee. "Even though I don't know how you fooled Rintarou and Yamada, I will not acknowledge it!"

"So… what do you intend to do?" Ayato asked, still with a challenging expression.

"Let me speak with Yamada or Rintarou!"

Ayato sighed, putting on a look of pity. "Mr. Tanaka, you're a little late. If you had come a day ago, you might have had a chance to speak with them." He placed his coffee cup back on the now-wet table.

Tanaka frowned, a bad feeling creeping into his heart. "What do you mean by that?" he asked with a serious expression.

"I mean… they're both dead. I killed them myself," Ayato replied flatly. "Did you think that old man would surrender his power voluntarily? If you thought so, you're the biggest fool in the world," he sneered with a cold expression.

"You…!" Tanaka's face flushed with anger.

"In that case, there's nothing more to discuss with you!" He signaled with his hand.

CLICK! CLICK! The bodyguards understood and immediately raised their weapons, aiming them at Ayato and Betta.

Betta's expression changed from flat to displeased.

Damn it! Damn it! Think of something! I have to think of a way to make this negotiation go smoothly! Ayato was now in a full-blown panic. Two rifles are pointed at me! Any normal person would panic, right?!

If it weren't for Miss Betta behind me, I'd probably be prostrating and begging for my life right now.

Tanaka felt satisfied seeing the forced calm on the boy's face. He knew, just from his expression, that this kid was scared. Hmph! Take that! Don't mess with me! You're too naive, boy!

"Mr. Tanaka, isn't this a bit too hasty?" Ayato tried to calm him down.

"There's nothing more to talk about! So, you will die here! Did you think that by killing Yamada and Rintarou, all the members of the Red Lotus would just submit to you?" Tanaka said cynically. "After you're dead, I'll take control of this organization. I'm sure no one will protest that."

Ayato let out a small laugh at that.

"What's so funny, boy?!" Tanaka narrowed his eyes, his expression angry.

"No, no, I just found what you said funny."

"Since when did you think I couldn't control the members of the Red Lotus?" Ayato tilted his head, his previously friendly eyes now turning sharp and cold, piercing straight through Tanaka. "Did you think that just because I'm a teenager, the people of the Red Lotus wouldn't obey my orders?"

Suddenly, the door opened. About ten men entered, aiming various firearms at Tanaka and his two bodyguards.

Tanaka's face instantly went pale. The triumphant look on his face vanished, replaced by fear.

His hand trembled slightly. He forced a friendly smile. "The honorable Mr. Ayato, I am Tanaka Kenji, a member of the Shinjuku District Council, and I am willing to abide by the agreement I made with Yamada."

Spit! You fat, cowardly pig. Ayato cursed in his head. He still replied in a calm tone, "Isn't this better? You should have said this from the beginning, Mr. Tanaka."

He turned to his subordinates. "You guys, lower your weapons. Can't you see Mr. Tanaka is uncomfortable?"

He then directed his gaze back to Tanaka. "In that case, shall we make a new agreement? Yamada is dead. This time, I'll be the one making an agreement with you."

Ayato smiled faintly. "Remember, we still have plenty of evidence of that scandal, you know."

Damn kid! Tanaka's face turned red again. If only I could burn those documents, I wouldn't have to deal with this underworld trash. he cursed.

"I think… that's enough."

When the voice sounded, everyone turned to Betta, who had been observing without speaking.

"Miss Betta?" Ayato looked at her, confused. He didn't understand why Betta would suddenly interrupt a conversation that was about to succeed.

Miss Betta? Tanaka caught the title. Why is this boy calling the woman who should be his bodyguard 'miss'? Isn't he her superior?

"Good work, Ayato. I saw how you negotiated just now. It was good enough." Betta directed her gaze to Tanaka.

"But… Lord Arthur has no need for useless agreements like this." She snapped her fingers.

CLICK!

The faces of Tanaka and his two bodyguards instantly changed. They felt their bodies become immobile, except for their mouths.

"What's happening?! Why can't I move my body?!" Tanaka shouted in a panic.

The bodyguards also tried to struggle, but it was futile. Their sunglasses fell off, revealing eyes filled with fear.

"You guys, get out!" Ayato hurriedly ordered his subordinates. He was afraid Miss Betta would lose control and kill them all. If that happened, he'd have to spend more money to recruit new members.

"Miss Betta! I beg you, don't kill him!" Ayato looked at Betta with a pleading expression. "This person is different from the one you killed this morning! If Tanaka disappears, the police will search for him until he's found, and this place will be discovered! The Red Lotus Organization will be labeled a terrorist organization! Wouldn't that ruin Lord Arthur's plan?!"

If that happens, Haruna and I will be considered terrorists by the government. No matter how much money we have, our lives will never be peaceful again.

Betta shifted her gaze to Ayato, who was bowing respectfully.

"I know," she replied flatly.

Hearing that, Ayato felt a little relieved.

Tanaka looked at the woman who was now walking toward him. So… this woman is the one who helped the boy control the Red Lotus?

She's also the one who killed Yamada and Rintarou, for sure.

But how is she still alive? As far as I know, this place and Rintarou's house are heavily guarded.

No… this woman has a strange ability that can make me immobile. So, it's only natural that she could kill all the disobedient members of the Red Lotus.

So that's the reason… why there were so few members when I arrived. Thinking of that, Tanaka's face instantly turned pale.

"Miss, what do you want to do?" he asked, his voice trembling. He tried to move his body, but still couldn't.

"I don't know. Why don't you guess?" Betta smiled coldly.

"I'm warning you! If you kill or harm me, the Japanese government will hunt you down for attacking an official!" Tanaka threatened. "Don't think you can face the government just because you have this strange ability!"

"Who said I was going to harm you?" Betta tilted her head. "I'm just going to do… this."

THUMP!

She touched Tanaka's forehead with the tip of her index finger. Instantly, the fear and panic on Tanaka's face disappeared, replaced by a vacant look, which soon changed to one of absolute worship.

"Miss Betta!" Tanaka immediately prostrated himself on the floor as soon as Betta released her binding spell.

Seeing this, expressions of shock and fear appeared on the faces of Ayato and Tanaka's two bodyguards.

Betta nodded in satisfaction at the result. She then shifted her gaze to the two bodyguards who were still standing frozen behind Tanaka.

"Ayato, the pistol I gave you… you still have it, don't you?" She turned and asked Ayato.

"Uh… yes. What for?" Ayato, who was still a little confused by what had just happened, still took the black pistol out of his pants pocket.

"Give it to me," Betta commanded, holding out her hand.

"Okay. Here." Ayato handed over the pistol.

Betta took the pistol and inspected it with a practiced motion. She glanced at the writing on its body: Glock 17, Made in Austria.

She ejected the magazine, saw it was still full, then reinserted it with a satisfying CLICK.

She disengaged the safety, cocked the pistol in one swift motion, then aimed it at the heads of the two bodyguards.

Before the two bodyguards could even show an expression of fear…

BLAM!

BLAM!

Two flashes of fire erupted from the pistol's muzzle. The sharp, acrid smell of gunpowder filled the air.

Two neat little holes now adorned the foreheads of the two bodyguards. Fresh blood began to trickle out, flowing down between their still-wide-open eyes, filled with eternal shock. Their bodies collapsed to the floor like puppets with their strings cut, creating a dull thud on the expensive carpet.

Betta casually tossed the pistol to Ayato. "Two useless pieces of trash have been eliminated," she said in a flat tone, then sat down in a chair as if nothing had happened.

Ayato, who was still frozen, didn't have time to catch the pistol. The metal object fell to the floor with a loud CLACK.

He looked at the two bodyguards' corpses, now lying in their own pools of blood. The expressions on their faces seemed to be frozen in disbelief.

Ayato felt a wave of nausea rise in his throat. His legs felt weak. "Miss Betta… I… I need to use the restroom."

"Go ahead," Betta answered briefly, without even turning her head.

Hearing her permission, Ayato immediately ran out of the room toward the restroom.

...

Author :

Thank you to the reader named Angelzbane for the Golden Ticket. I'm really happy about the gift.

I'm sorry for only replying after 5 days, but I truly am very happy and grateful for it.