TRUE ABILITY Chapter 71.5

Interlude 9 : Lloyd's Schemes

After all the introductions and confirmation of the mission, were said and done, and the group dismissed, two figures still remained at the round table.

Seated across from each other were Lloyd Mertz, the leader of the dark side "Shadow Moon," and one of its executives, Geese.

As if arranged beforehand, the two were left alone in the room, where Geese shot a sharp gaze at Lloyd.

"I don't get it. If this was just a mission to investigate a stray god, our unit alone should have been enough. And yet, out of nowhere, you bring in a new recruit, and not just that, you even assign him rank number one. Explain yourself."

Had any of the other executives heard his tone of voice, they would have berated Geese without mercy. But Lloyd did not.

This was simply how things were between them.

"No, more importantly... What exactly are you scheming?"

At that, Lloyd let out a quiet chuckle and whispered, "The promised moment is approaching."

Hearing those words, a delighted smile spread across Geese’s face.

“Oh? So you’ve finally found a battlefield?"

"You could say that."

Geese furrowed his brows at Lloyd’s vague response.

Lloyd, casting a brief glance at Geese, smiled faintly before speaking again.

"The more offerings, the better."

"Offerings...? You mean us?"

"No. I mean everything—including myself."

Geese’s eyes widened in shock. For he knew the strength of the man before him.

He vaguely grasped the meaning behind those words.

A small curiosity stirred within his chest, but it was drowned out by an overwhelming sense of unease. And so, Geese did not bother to conceal his displeasure.

"Well, it’s your unit. You gathered us, you built it. No one will complain about how you use it. But hey, don’t tell me you plan on serving under someone."

"...And if I said I did?"

Their gazes locked in a silent probe. Geese was the first to look away.

"...I wouldn't complain. But who the hell are they? A man like you, calling himself an offering. Don’t tell me you're planning to be a lapdog for the royals. That would go against everything you stand for."

"...The royals, huh? My brother can deal with those nuisances just fine."

"That makes even less sense. You know damn well I’m not interested in some noble faction’s petty power struggles."

At those words, Lloyd’s lips curled into a grin.

"I have no interest in mere noble squabbles. What I seek is far greater than that."

And with an expression of pure delight, eyes gleaming, he posed a question:

—"Have you ever heard of Noah’s Ark?"