NOVEL NEXT Chapter 505: Alluring Offer.
Alone with Sarah and Marcus, Leroy's expression grew serious as he prepared to share information that would fundamentally alter their understanding of recent events and future opportunities.
"The individual you just witnessed wasn't simply an old friend conducting a social visit," Leroy began with careful consideration of his next words.
"He came here with a specific recruitment offer that I've decided to accept. But before I explain my decision, I want to extend the same opportunity to both of you."
Sarah and Marcus exchanged glances that reflected growing curiosity mixed with concern about whatever Leroy was about to reveal.
"Recruitment offer?" Marcus asked with obvious interest. "From someone with his capabilities? What kind of organization could he possibly represent?"
Leroy nodded with understanding of their skepticism before continuing his explanation.
"He leads what he calls a 'new world order'—an international organization dedicated to planetary defense against the dimensional crisis," Leroy explained with conviction that reflected his acceptance of Arthur's stated goals. "Their primary objective is stabilizing the world against threats that conventional governments cannot handle effectively."
Sarah's eyebrows rose with obvious interest despite her caution about the mysterious circumstances surrounding the offer.
"The benefits he outlined are…" Leroy paused, searching for appropriate words to convey the scope of what Arthur had promised. "Substantial beyond anything our current government service can provide. Epic-rank equipment, advanced skills and training methodologies, membership in what will become the strongest organization in the emerging global power structure."
Both S-rank awakened raised their eyebrows in shock as they processed the implications of what Leroy was describing. Such offers certainly weren't trivial—they represented opportunities that could transform their capabilities and provide access to resources that most awakened would never encounter.
"Epic-rank equipment?" Marcus repeated with obvious skepticism.
"That's not something any powerful organizations can promise casually. Just what kind of person has the ability to give such items out?
The strongest item we have is very rare-ranked, and that's the only one we have. Epic ranked equipments are even more scarce and much more powerful!"
Leroy's response was to reach into his dimensional storage and withdraw something that immediately captured both of his colleagues' attention.
The epic frost sword that materialized in his hands was clearly a weapon of extraordinary quality and power. The blade itself appeared to be forged from ice that held perfect transparency while maintaining steel-like hardness. Frost patterns etched along its surface with elegant designs.
Most importantly, the magical aura radiating from the sword was unmistakably epic-rank—the kind of power signature that spoke of legendary craftsmanship and materials that exceeded anything they could have.
"He provided this as a demonstration of the organization's resources and commitment to member advancement," Leroy explained as he allowed them to examine the weapon more closely.
"This isn't a promise for future benefits—this is immediate proof of what alliance with his organization provides. He also stated that epic rank items would also be given to the both of you if you accept the offer."
Sarah raises an eyebrow feeling some tinge of bitterness. He hadn't approached them directly, but sent Leroy to recruit them.
"Did he ask you to recruit us?"
Leroy shook his head before smirking. "He didn't, I asked so myself. Such an opportunity, how could I leave the two of you out of it."
Instead od feeling better, Sarah felt even worse inwardly. In her eyes, Arthur didn't deem them worthy enough it seemd to even bother recruiting or asking Leroy to receuiting them.
She consolled herself by giving him an excuse. "Someone with his power, maybe he was busy."
Trying to renove the ill thoughts from her consciousness, Sarah's eyes inspected the weapon. She immediately recognized the weapon's exceptional quality as she studied its construction and magical properties. "This is a power epic-rank weapon," she confirmed with obvious amazement.
"The ice enchantments alone would require materials and techniques that no global power has according to my knowledge.
What makes this even more scary is the fact that the weapon is specifically designed for someone with your talent. A weapon with ice power would heavily compliment your power, Leroy."
Marcus nodded with growing interest as his metalworking expertise allowed him to appreciate the sword's sophisticated construction. "The fusion of ice elements with conventional metallurgy is really well done. Where did this organization acquire such powerful weapons?"
Leroy's expression grew more serious as he addressed the core question underlying their curiosity.
"The individual leading this organization possesses capabilities that exceed anything we've encountered, whether in this world or in Armageddon," Leroy replied with the gravity of someone sharing classified intelligence.
Marcus raised an eyebrow. They already knew this, but the fact that Leroy still repeated his sentence meant something else.
"Leroy…do you perhaps know his identity? Did he share it with you?"
Leroy nodded with a grave tone that matched Arthur's identity.
"Indeed. He shared his identity after I agreed to join his organisation and trust me his power transcends conventional classification systems entirely. When he offers epic-rank equipment and advanced training to s-rank awakeners, it's not empty promises, it's accessible reality."
The sword in Leroy's hands served as tangible proof that Arthur's recruitment offers were backed by genuine resources rather than mere diplomatic rhetoric designed to sound appealing.
"So the question I'm asking both of you," Leroy continued with his attention carefully awaiting their reactions, "is whether you want to join this organization alongside me."
"The benefits are extraordinary, the goals align with our existing commitment to planetary defense, and the leadership possesses the capability to actually achieve what conventional governments cannot.
You guys aren't foolish. You know that the government would sooner or later collapse. They are barely hanging on by a thread, this world is no longer like before. An old man can no longer rule an entire nation because people voted for him. This world is about power, we all knew this. We were just waiting for the time to arrive."
His two friends nodded their heads thoughtfully. Leroy's words were exactly what they had been thinking ever since they heard about the upcoming apocalypse.
The offer hung in the air between them as Sarah and Marcus processed the implications of what they were being asked to considerx abandoning their positions as Australia's strategic defenders to join an international organization led by someone whose identity and true capabilities remained largely mysterious.
"So are we meant to leave and start servinf his organisation immediately?" Marcus asked, a deep frown etched on his face.
Despite all the alluring offers, and harsh reality. Abandoning the defence of his country and his people that he had been defending for years was a hard ask.
Fortunately, Leroy's next words cut theough his black cloud thoughts without mercy.
"Of course not! In fact, the reason he gives the epic items is to help s rankers stabilise their own countries before anything. All he is asking is for us to join, get stronger and become a large family that support one another.
Apparently the members are not tied to a specific location, but are tied to one goal. So, if any of our members are being bullied somewhere else, or have enemies somewhere else, we should help, and aid our brothers or sisters."