BXBX NOVEL Chapter 324 Back to inauguration
Chapter 324 Back to inauguration
Joy\'s body tensed. Goosebumps rose on her skin as she read the description. Something inside her whispered, warning her of the potential risks. She had never imagined that Lein, someone she had long admired from afar, would present something that sounded so absolute.
"Unknown?"
Her eyes lingered on the list of names marked as souls already bound to Lein. All were listed as "unknown," deepening the mystery and adding to her unease. Did this mean others were already tied to Lein before her?
"Lord Lein, is this mandatory?" Joy finally mustered the courage to ask. She tried to steady her voice, though the pounding in her chest was loud in her ears.
"Yes," Lein replied briefly, almost expressionless. He turned his gaze back to the stunning view of the valley surrounding them, as if the question were nothing more than a passing breeze.
That single word—yes—felt like a hammer striking down. Joy sensed there was no room for negotiation. Refusing meant rejecting the chance to become a core member of Lein\'s alliance. Her mind raced, analyzing all possible outcomes. The system had clarified that the contract only prohibited harboring ill intent toward Lein, not absolute obedience.
Lein stood calmly, though his occasional glances toward Joy conveyed an unspoken urgency. Time ticked on, and Lein felt he had waited long enough. He turned toward her, exerting subtle, invisible pressure, as if silently saying, Hurry up.
Finally, with a pounding heart, Joy bit her fingertip until a drop of blood fell onto the paper. As her blood touched the surface, the patterns on the paper lit up brightly, moving wildly before eventually settling. A voice from the system echoed in her mind:
[(Soul Paper): Successfully connected with a new soul (Joy)]
"It\'s done, Lord Lein. It says it was successful," Joy said, her voice trembling despite her efforts to remain calm. She looked at Lein with anticipation, worried there might be additional, harsher conditions.
"Good… good…" Lein smiled broadly, an expression he rarely showed. "I welcome you."
In his eyes, Joy was now a valuable subordinate, a talented individual with S-level potential who would strengthen his alliance.
"Thank you, Lord Lein." Joy bowed deeply, trying to hide the wave of relief washing over her. However, she felt something different. Her body seemed lighter, as though a weight had been lifted. She looked at her hands, feeling a warmth emanating from within. Was this the effect of the soul contract?
After waiting for a few minutes, Joy began to feel that something was wrong. Her gaze scanned the surrounding area, trying to find clues, until her eyes landed on Lein. In the distance, she saw Lein sitting casually, enjoying the breathtaking view of the towering mountains bathed in sunlight. Uncertainty started to creep into her thoughts.
"Sir… excuse me," Joy called softly, trying not to disturb the serene atmosphere around her.
"What is it?" Lein replied briefly without even turning his head, still immersed in the beauty of the scenery before him.
"What about the induction ceremony…?" Before Joy could finish her sentence, her body felt light. In an instant, she experienced a sudden shift, as if space and time had moved her without warning. She opened her eyes to find herself back in the induction room where she had been before.
"This… I\'m back?" Joy muttered in confusion, her eyes darting around to take in her surroundings. Lein, who had been in the distance moments ago, was now sitting in front of her again, still in his relaxed demeanor. But there was something odd—Joy didn\'t realize that the Lein in front of her was merely a clone. Elsewhere, on a beach illuminated by the soft light of the setting sun, the real Lein was examining Grace\'s soul.
"You\'ve passed," Lein said casually to Grace, who stood before him with an expression full of anticipation. The girl looked at Lein with sparkling eyes, reflecting admiration and a happiness she could hardly contain.
"Yes! Thank you, Lord Lein!" Grace said enthusiastically, her voice brimming with confidence. She loved the warm and secure feeling she experienced whenever she was near Lein. To her, it was an honor beyond measure.
"Sign here." Lein handed Grace a soul paper, just as he had done with Joy earlier. The paper glowed softly under the light, emanating an undeniable magical aura.
"What is this, Sir?" Grace asked curiously. She carefully read the description of the paper, then murmured softly, "A soul contract?" Her gaze shifted from the paper to Lein\'s face, searching for answers.
"Excuse me, Lord Lein. Did Joy and the other core members also sign this?" Grace asked cautiously, her tone respectful.
"Yes," Lein answered succinctly, his eyes calm. There was no room for doubt in his voice.
"Alright then, I\'ll do it too," Grace said firmly. She no longer hesitated. If Joy and the others had done it, there was no reason for her to refuse. With unwavering resolve, she dropped a bead of her blood onto the paper. Instantly, a system notification appeared:
Lein received the notification, and a small smile appeared on his face. "Alright, proceed with your induction," he said, waving his hand. In an instant, Grace was transported back to the induction stage, standing next to Joy, who had been waiting.
Grace looked around, admiring the grandeur of the induction room adorned with glowing ornaments. She stood side by side with Joy. With a hint of curiosity, she glanced at Joy, who seemed to be lost in thought.
"Joy, did you experience the same thing earlier?" Grace asked, trying to confirm.
"Yes," Joy replied briefly. Although still puzzled, she couldn\'t hide the relief she felt after going through the process.
"Alright, then there\'s nothing to worry about," Grace said with a calm smile. She took a deep breath, trying to savor the induction process. A swelling sense of pride filled her chest—becoming part of the alliance led by Lein was a great honor.
On the other side, Nita observed the interaction between Grace and Joy. She smiled faintly before speaking in a gentle tone, "You two, prepare yourselves." Her voice carried warmth and authority at the same time.
Hearing Nita\'s command, Grace and Joy immediately focused their attention on her. Nita stood gracefully, holding a large parchment containing the oath of the World Market Trade alliance members. With a loud voice, she began to read: "We are humans, and we will defend humanity forever with all our souls." n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
"Repeat after me," Nita commanded, her voice firm yet understanding. She pointed at Joy to start first. "Yes, Princess." With a voice that trembled slightly but carried determination, Joy repeated the oath. Her words echoed throughout the room, enhancing the grandeur of the moment. Grace followed after, reciting the oath loudly. Her expression radiated unshakable spirit. When she finished, she looked at Nita with deep respect, feeling that she had truly become part of something far greater than herself.