Chapter 413: The Invitation

Medel appeared sincere, smiling at Helag as he awaited his response.

After hearing Medel’s proposal, Helag immediately felt a strong sense of danger.

Though Medel seemed friendly and genuine, his invitation carried a potentially fatal risk.

Helag had no intention of helping someone else seize control of a world. He aimed to become the World Master himself.

Helping Medel might earn some goodwill and potential, albeit uncertain, benefits.

In essence, Medel was offering a tempting opportunity, hoping Helag would take it.

Given Medel’s status, many would eagerly accept, even if immediate rewards weren’t guaranteed, due to his influential background.

However, Helag never relied on such intangible promises. Depending on others was less reliable than self-reliance. Strengthening oneself was the most practical approach.

The chance to become a World Master was not something Helag would give up.

Nor would he help someone else achieve it while sidelining himself.

Helag didn’t believe in attaching himself to others. For someone like Medel, once Helag’s usefulness waned, he could be discarded.

The dilemma was that rejecting Medel outright would undoubtedly offend him.

As a direct descendant of the Taylor family, Medel’s background was too formidable for Helag to contend with.

Helag found himself in a difficult position, unable to agree or refuse.

Even temporarily agreeing wasn’t an option, as it would imply allegiance to Medel, making Helag part of his faction.

This wasn’t just about Operation Cradle. Interacting with such powerful families and factions wasn’t as simple as a business transaction.

Medel was clearly striving for higher status within his family, urgently needing allies.

Helag’s impressive resume—array master, potion master, a crystallized wizard in his twenties—naturally attracted Medel’s attention.

To Medel, Helag was undoubtedly a wizard with great potential.

In need of people, recruiting Helag was ideal, prompting Medel’s personal invitation.

The ball was a pretext; the real goal was to bring Helag into Medel’s fold.

After considering, Helag didn’t directly say yes or no. Instead, he said, “As I understand, entry into the low-tier world is random, so it might be hard for us to meet. There are only 180 of us, and the world is vast.”

“True, the teleportation is random, and we might not meet initially. But during the struggle for control, most will converge in one area. I need your help then to seize control,” Medel explained.

Helag scratched his head and smiled, “Mr. Medel overestimates me. My main goal is to comprehend rule power in this new world. Seizing control is beyond me, something I can’t participate in. I’ve only recently become a crystallized wizard, so I might not be able to help you.”

Helag was as tactful as possible, implying his lack of ability. It wasn’t unwillingness to help, but rather his perceived inadequacy for such a task.

Medel smiled warmly, “I won’t insist then. Meeting you is already a pleasure. Look, the ball has started.”

Medel’s expression remained unchanged, smiling gently as he looked at the ballroom.

Soft music filled the air, played by a full orchestra with various instruments.

Many danced gracefully with their partners in the center of the ballroom.

Despite the crowd, the atmosphere was not noisy, with conversations kept low to avoid disturbing others.

Upon Medel’s arrival, though the lights focused on the dance floor, most eyes turned to him.

He was the ball’s main attraction.

For the wizards present, gaining Medel’s favor and aligning with the Taylor family was a tremendous opportunity.

People of Medel’s stature were rarely accessible.

The ball, held on the airship, was open to all willing participants.

Many attended upon hearing it was hosted by Medel of the Taylor family, hoping to meet him.

With Medel absent, the ball proceeded as usual.

Now that he was present, attention shifted to him, with many seeking an opportunity to introduce themselves.

As the music ended, those in the dance floor dispersed, leaving the stage for Medel.

Medel moved to the center, smiling warmly, “Welcome to the ball. Many of you may not know me. Let me introduce myself: I’m Medel Taylor. I’ve been focused on family training, and participating in Operation Cradle marks my first step outside…”

Medel stood in the center, surrounded by people.

Helag, avoiding the crowd, moved to a side table to eat.

The ball’s food was excellent, and Helag took the chance to enjoy a better meal.

He glanced at Medel, speaking to those around him, and grew more cautious of him.

Helag felt he might have offended Medel by not agreeing outright, effectively a refusal.

For someone like Medel, a personal invitation should not be declined.

Though Medel said nothing, he likely harbored some resentment.

Of course, he might be magnanimous and unconcerned.

But Helag couldn’t assume that. It was wise to prepare for the worst.

Caution was necessary to avoid being taken advantage of.

He didn’t leave immediately, as Medel had invited him.

Helag remained on the periphery, eating and drinking quietly, keeping a low profile.

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