NOVEL NEXT Chapter 501: Leroy has been Recruited.
After hearing everything that Arthur had to say and carefully considering the philosophical framework, organisational goals, and ethical boundaries that had been outlined, Leroy found himself facing a decision that would fundamentally alter the trajectory of his life and career as an awakener in this new world.
The moral code that governed his actions found no conflict with Arthur's stated objectives of planetary defence, mutual protection, and stabilising the world against dimensional threats. The organisational culture of treating members as family rather than expendable assets appealed to values that Leroy had always held but rarely seen implemented at institutional levels.
Most importantly, Arthur's demonstrated power suggested that an alliance with him would provide opportunities to protect people on scales that conventional government service couldn't match. The ongoing dimensional crisis demanded responses that exceeded traditional military capabilities, and Arthur clearly possessed resources that could make a genuine difference in humanity's survival prospects.
"I accept," Leroy said with the firm conviction of someone who had weighed all considerations and reached a definitive conclusion. "I want to join your organisation."
Arthur nodded with obvious satisfaction, but his expression grew more serious as he addressed the immediate complications that Leroy's decision would create for his current national obligations and personal relationships.
"Even when Australia might turn against us?" Arthur asked with directness that acknowledged the political realities they would both need to navigate.
"You understand that Australia has already mobilised most of its available power in response to this situation. They're waiting outside this dome, multiple A-rank awakened, and two additional S-rank awakened are currently positioned for assault. You do realise that they will attempt to attack me once this barrier dissolves, right?"
The implications were clear. Leroy's recruitment wouldn't be viewed as voluntary career advancement by Australian leadership—it would be seen as the loss of their most valuable strategic warrior to foreign interests, possibly through coercion or hostile action.
Leroy nodded with confidence that reflected his comprehensive understanding of Australia's political landscape and the personalities involved in their supernatural defense structure.
"You don't need to worry about that," Leroy replied with the calm certainty of someone who understood exactly how the situation would play out. "I have good personal ties with both S-rank awakened currently deployed. More importantly, I trust the Australian government has enough political sense not to provoke you directly.
"Especially after your display of strength. You know there are two S-rankers and several A-rank awakened outside, which means they have been attacking this barrier. Yet here inside, there are no ripples, no cracks, no sign of damage. Their efforts are nothing more than a child's tantrum, and fighting someone with that kind of power to the death is not something Australia would do, even if it meant losing its champion."
Although his reasoning seemed sound. Arthur knew that things wouldn't be so simple; they could never be so simple. Entering another country, stealing its champion and possibly other champions, was something that no country would accept.
"The awakened positioned outside are responding to misunderstanding and legitimate concern for my safety rather than predetermined hostility toward you personally. Once they understand that I've chosen to ally with you voluntarily and that no coercion was involved, they will withdraw."
In Leroy's eyes, his government would prioritize avoiding unnecessary conflicts with individuals whose power clearly exceeded their awakener's response capabilities, especially when such conflicts would gain them nothing while potentially costing them everything.
Arthur nodded with appreciation for Leroy's political acumen and insight of how the situation would likely resolve itself.
"I like you," Arthur said with a tone that spoke of respect earned through demonstrated intelligence and thinking. "I hope you don't disappoint me going forward."
The statement carried implications beyond simple recruitment success—it suggested that Arthur was investing real trust in Leroy's judgment and character, expecting him to prove worthy of the opportunities and responsibilities that their alliance would provide.
Arthur's hands moved slowly toward his face.
His fingers grasped the edges of what appeared to be perfectly natural facial features and began removing what was actually an incredibly sophisticated disguise.
The Mask of Thousand Faces dissolved away layer by layer, revealing features that had been hidden beneath the magical transformation. As Arthur's true appearance emerged, the face that materialized was one that had been broadcast across every major news network worldwide, discussed in classified intelligence briefings, and declared officially dead by multiple government sources.
Leroy's calm expression changed to complete shock and horror as he recognised the face before him, and to say that it didn't strike him was a lie.
"Y-You...are" Leroy stammered, his voice barely above a whisper, as his mind struggled to process the impossible reality before him. "Arthur... Fate. How are you alive?"
The name that came out of his mouth carried more weight, more respect than any other name alive on the planet.
Arthur Fate, also known as Fateless, wasn't just another powerful awakened—he was the individual who had been designated humanity's greatest threat by multiple first-world governments, the space manipulator whose capabilities had forced entire nations to reconsider their understanding of what individual power could achieve.
The one who had predicted the apocalypse shed light on its horrors and gave everyone a chance to fight back. He was considered a hero to many, a hero fallen from grace.
More shocking than his identity was the fact that he was standing here at all. Arthur Fate's death had been confirmed through direct observation by American military forces, documented through imagery, and accepted by intelligence services worldwide as verified fact.
Yet here he stood, very much alive and apparently operating at power levels that exceeded previous assessments totally.
Leroy's mind raced through the implications of what this revelation meant for everything he thought he understood about recent global announcements, the dimensional crisis, and the mysterious power that certain nations had suddenly gained against demonic invasions.
Arthur Fate's life was a secret the world had not yet earned the right to hear. While nations paraded their fragile unity in the headlines, he moved in silence, binding foreign S-rankers to his cause as a spider gathers strands for its web.