[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-journey-to-become-the-zenith":3,"chapter-journey-to-become-the-zenith-journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-21":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Journey to Become the Zenith",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1828558,2432,"Chapter 21: Terms of a Devil’s Bargain","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-21",21,"\u003Cp>Terms of a Devil’s Bargain\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isabella had finally finished \"fixing\" the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She must have shoved the busted chairs aside, given how things looked. Piles of papers sat nearby, sorted just enough to hide the worst of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, the mess hit them right away - papers everywhere, some curled at the edges, others bundled with frayed cords dangling. Victor stepped in behind the rest, eyes catching on what remained: a desk buried under paperwork gone wild. Not neat files. More like chaos won here, long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What stood out next was the row of enchanted staves set into the distant wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To an untrained eye, they were decorative relics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To Victor—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His golden eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each staff carried layered enchantments. Ancient mana signatures. Some were sealed, some dormant, some very much alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those weren’t ornaments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those were weapons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The strongest weapons he had seen in this world so far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interesting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside the display of staffs were carved names—hundreds of them etched into the wall. Beside most names was a single letter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>D.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many Ds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ranks of the fallen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or perhaps retired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor’s lips curved faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So this guild kept records in stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isabella slouched in the main chair at the center of the room, long purple hair falling over one shoulder, black eyes half-lidded with fatigue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You guys can just stand there,\" she said lazily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara stood behind her, posture straight, arms folded. Her purple eyes were sharp, and despite her composed face, most of her attention was locked onto Victor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To her, this entire mess began with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the most dangerous variable in the room was also him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even without her spear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She still had other options.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he made a wrong move—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She would act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So let’s get straight to the point,\" Isabella sighed, rubbing her temple. \"I just want this over with. What is it you want, whoever you are?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze fixed directly on Victor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor stepped forward slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First off, you can call me Victor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isabella’s eyebrow twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Okay then, Victor. What is it that you want?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My wish isn’t as extravagant as becoming Guild Master. That seems like it would restrict my freedom too much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isabella almost choked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara’s lips twitched faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lane and Videl exchanged a subtle glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He really said that to her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor continued smoothly, \"Before I tell you what I want, can you make sure everyone who witnessed my fight keeps quiet about it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s already taken care of,\" Clara answered this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor looked at her with mild appreciation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh? Efficient.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara ignored the compliment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now,\" Victor continued, \"there’s something I want to understand first. What exactly happens when someone registers as an adventurer? And what’s the purpose of ranks?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isabella tilted her head toward Clara.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara sighed softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After registering, a new adventurer is assigned a staff proctor to evaluate them. The test determines their initial rank. Rank reflects skill and determines what missions you’re allowed to accept.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was calm, professional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Low rank means gathering and minor tasks. High rank opens access to difficult missions. However, high rank also restricts you from accepting low-level work. Individual rank and party rank are separate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Any questions?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor nodded slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see. Thank you for the explanation...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at her thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What was your name again?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara narrowed her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Clara.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Clara.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lane felt something tighten in her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl’s fingers curled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why is he smiling like that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor’s attention shifted back to Isabella.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So about my wish. It’s simple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gestured toward the trembling idiots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After the test, no matter the results, I want a B-rank for myself and my companion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rested a hand casually near Lane’s shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And I want you to spread a rumor that a rising star has entered this branch of the Adventurers Guild.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s all,\" he finished calmly. \"In exchange, I spare their lives.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The five idiots nearly collapsed in relief and fear at the same time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isabella leaned back in her chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She studied him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was calculation behind those golden eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Controlled ambition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not reckless hunger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why B-rank?\" she asked. \"With your ability, you could skip ranks entirely. You could aim for A. Even S.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze sharpened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The youngest S-rank adventurer. Doesn’t that tempt you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor met her eyes steadily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want attention,\" he said evenly. \"Just not too much attention.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isabella felt something stir in her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thinks long-term.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t know when she started looking at him differently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps when he shattered Clara’s spear without effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps when he held her gaze without flinching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She realized she had been staring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She quickly masked it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Guild Master—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No matter what the real results are,\" Isabella continued lazily, though her eyes were alert, \"you two will receive B-rank.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor tilted his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only the two of us. She,\" he pointed gently to Videl, \"is a student of the Knight Academy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl bowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see,\" Isabella nodded. \"Then Clara will be your proctor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara’s shoulders stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course she will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since,\" Isabella added, \"you don’t want too many people knowing about our little arrangement.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Much appreciated, Guild Master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone shifted subtly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Softer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isabella felt heat rise faintly along her collarbone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lane noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl absolutely noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor’s golden gaze lingered on Isabella for a second too long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Though,\" he added lightly, \"I have to admit... I didn’t expect the Guild Master to be so... cooperative.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isabella blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you saying I’m easy?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m saying you’re smart.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That hit differently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara’s eye twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lane’s expression remained composed—but her nails pressed faint crescents into her palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl stepped slightly closer to Victor’s side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Subtle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Protective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor glanced briefly at Videl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There it is again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That instinct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That hero’s flame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then his eyes flicked back to Isabella.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And for just a second—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something old stirred inside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A familiar pull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Powerful woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Commanding presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slothful mask over sharp mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his past life—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Anos—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had always been drawn to strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not fragility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not submission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He caught himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Focus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isabella cleared her throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anything else?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor leaned back casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No. That’s all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara stepped forward slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re enjoying this too much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor glanced at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enjoying what?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Manipulating situations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re very perceptive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara’s cheeks flushed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Annoyance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Definitely annoyance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lane watched silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl’s gaze shifted between Clara and Isabella.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two strong women.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both reacting to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her chest tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why does that bother me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isabella leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Victor,\" she said softly, \"if you cause trouble for my branch...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He met her gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I’ll deal with you personally.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor’s lips curved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I look forward to it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara’s breath hitched almost imperceptibly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lane frowned faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl stared at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s flirting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He is absolutely flirting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he doesn’t even realize how dangerous that is.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isabella straightened, regaining composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Clara. Prepare for their evaluation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Guild Master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he did, he glanced back once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isabella caught that look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes met.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a split second—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something unspoken passed between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Challenge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Possibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor walked out calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lane followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara remained still for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she looked at Isabella.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You’re not actually thinking about him, are you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isabella blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What? Of course not.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara raised a brow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You were staring.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isabella crossed her arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s strong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara narrowed her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s not what I meant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isabella looked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Prepare the test.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the office—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor exhaled lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Part two of the plan was complete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too smooth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He almost felt disappointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No resistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No real conflict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe something interesting will happen soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lane walked quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl walked silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both thinking the same thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s smiling too much around them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And neither of them liked that feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not one bit.\u003C\u002Fp>",1328,"2026-06-09T06:06:36.650Z",1,"novelbin.me","4df38a6f92d4370340626283fb0f1b68b89f88f002ca38a907e5de523187a4f1","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-22","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-20",253,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fjourney-to-become-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]