Capítulo 716: Chapter 234: To Cooperate or Not

“What do you plan to do, Father?”

Confronted with Duke’s gaze, Anvis fell silent for a moment before finally speaking.

“In this matter, everything must prioritize the interests of the Olivendi Family, Anvis.”

Duke Carrot responded with an indifferent tone.

“You might not yet be aware of the significance of that key to our family, Anvis. Now, I can tell you clearly that its importance is no less than that of Fiona to the family.

Do you still remember the previous Star Prophecy? In fact, there are two interpretations within the family.

One interpretation is that the ‘star’ mentioned in the prophecy refers to Fiona’s existence, while the other believes that the ‘star’ actually refers to what this key will bring!”

“Therefore, the coordinates of that door must be obtained by the family at any cost.

As for your explorer classmate, out of consideration for you, as long as she cooperates, we will have a Ninth Rank Guardian personally intervene to wipe her memories related to that door, ensuring no harm to her, and provide her with substantial compensation after obtaining the exact coordinates.”

“I cannot allow you to do this, Father.”

Narrowing his eyes slightly under the Duke’s oppressive scrutiny, Anvis slowly shook his head.

“Is that so? Then how do you plan to stop me, Anvis?”

Seeing Anvis’s reaction, Duke Carrot couldn’t help but show an amused expression; he crossed his arms and appeared completely at ease.

“I understand your desire to protect your friend, Anvis. But ultimately, the fundamental rules of this world rely on strength to be determined.

Before you truly grow up, all your strength comes from the family. What will you use to resist the will of the family? With your own power, or those insignificant forces you’ve cultivated in secret?

I know that with the help of that book, you may have hidden some strength. But no matter how strong your true power is at your current age, how strong can it really be?”

Watching Anvis hang his head slightly, seemingly disheartened, Duke Carrot’s tone softened again.

“Perhaps in another hundred years, when your personal strength breaks through the Ninth Rank and you command forces of an Empire Level, your will might carry significant weight within the family.

But now, the will of the family will not shift because of your thoughts!

Take this incident as a lesson to heart, Anvis. I hope you understand that all external things may leave you; only the strength in your hands is fundamental.

For instance, your fondness for Mysticism is fine as a hobby, but you must never let it affect your own strength advancement. Because in critical moments, they will be of no help to you!”

After imparting a load of deep-sounding advice, Duke Carrot let out a satisfied sigh.

Since his youngest son had always acted maturely from a young age, such opportunities to teach Anvis a lesson were rare, and he wanted to fully savor this feeling.

“So, what will it be, Anvis? Will you tell me the coordinates of that door yourself, or shall I inquire with your explorer classmate?”

“Sorry, Father, but you may no longer be able to do so.”

To the Duke’s surprise, Anvis suddenly raised his head and revealed a smile.

“When you said you were sending someone to find my explorer classmate, I contacted the Truth Circle. After learning about the situation, they’ve already taken her away for protection urgently, and I’m afraid she won’t be returning to the Main Material World anytime soon.”

“…What did you say?”

Startled, the Duke quickly took out a Crystal Ball from his ring and glanced at it.

When he saw the urgent message from the intelligence department that Claire had suddenly left the Royal Pamir Academy and then completely vanished after a surge of Dream Realm fluctuations, the smile on his face slowly disappeared.

“Do you realize what you are doing, Anvis?!”

I’ve said nothing about your involvement with the Truth Circle Organization. But you must understand, you are ultimately a direct descendant of the Olivendi Family, my own flesh and blood! Naturally opposed to the Truth Circle, at an irreversibly hostile stance!

Because you couldn’t stop my actions, you handed her over to the Truth Circle? How could you make such a foolish choice?!”

Staring incredulously at Anvis in the Crystal Ball, Duke Carrot’s expression turned as cold as ice, wishing he could pry open Anvis’s head to see what bewitchment had afflicted his youngest son today.

“I’m sorry, Father, there’s something I didn’t tell you: Claire was originally one of the members of the Truth Circle, responsible for searching ancient ruins.”

Anvis calmly watched through the Crystal Ball as the Duke’s composure turned to Anger; after all, with the Academy’s Mystery Lock for protection, the Duke couldn’t possibly slap him through the Crystal Ball.

As for the issue of Claire’s Identity, now that he, the Leader of the Truth Circle Organization, had spoken, even if a Prophet were summoned to divine the truth, Claire would still remain a member of the Truth Circle today.

“…What did you say?”

Duke Carrot felt shocked once again, the Truth Circle was right beside me.

“Father, Claire is my friend. Why must you insist on pushing her towards the enemy?

I’ll be honest with you; she did indeed find that ‘door’ during her adventures, and she has not disclosed the specific coordinates to me. She simply entrusted me to help her find the Key.

I borrowed that Key from you with the intention of exploring it together with her in the future.”

“You should have taken control of her the moment she revealed information about that door—sigh, part of the blame falls on me for not making you understand the importance of that Key beforehand.

Now, knowing that she is a member of the Truth Circle, there is no possibility that I would lend out that Key.”

The Duke sighed, his head aching at the way the situation was unfolding.

“Forget it, I’ll discuss this matter at the Family council meeting. Also, as punishment for the choices you’ve made that could potentially harm the Family’s interests, your resource allocation for the next ten years will be halved!”

After ending the communication, Anvis let out somewhat of a sigh of relief.

If the matter could be brought up for discussion at the Family meeting, it meant there was still room for negotiation.

Meanwhile, his avatar located on the Deep Dream World Floating City also explained the current situation to Claire.

“So, Anvis, you’re the founder of the Truth Circle Organization? I’m a member of the Truth Circle too?!”

With her deep blue eyes slightly widening, Claire looked at Anvis in surprise, unsure of what to say.

“That’s right, Senior Claire, as my companion, you’re now also a member of my Truth Circle Organization. Now as the Leader, I declare Claire to be appointed as the Chief Explorer of the Truth Circle, responsible for exploring ancient ruins!”

Anvis nodded solemnly as he issued the appointment to Claire, then broke into a smile.

“Don’t be nervous, Senior. It’s just a title after all. Moreover, I’ve also asked my father not to disclose any information about you…”

“It’s fine, Anvis.”

However, Claire interrupted Anvis with a smile.

“No need to explain anything to me. We will always be companions, right?”

“Yes, we will always be companions…”

“Alert! A powerful Dream Creature is approaching!”

Anvis too began to smile, but the next moment his smile was interrupted by Pomiya’s alarm and a sudden tremor in the Floating City.

“…Until you’re exhausted.”

In the face of Claire’s somewhat apologetic expression, Anvis shrugged.

“Pomiya, full firepower!”

……

On the other hand, once communication with Anvis had ended, Duke Carrot immediately convened an emergency meeting.

In the Duke’s eyes, this was doubtless an emergency, as the Truth Circle Organization might well be aware of the door’s existence too.

Soon, at the Duke’s summons, the projections of several Ninth Rank members of the Family promptly assembled.

However, when the Duke explained the current situation, the Ninth Rank members found themselves at an irreconcilable disagreement.

Some thought that there should be no compromise, that the Silver Key must remain firmly in their grasp, while others felt that limited cooperation was feasible.