The Villain Professor's Second Chance

Chapter 610: A Pact of Shadows and Caution

Chapter 610: A Pact of Shadows and Caution

"I wouldn't expect anything less. Trust isn't demanded, Draven—it's earned."

My pens lowered subtly, tension easing but not dissipating entirely. The next steps we took together would alter the fabric of events, perhaps irreversibly. It was a gamble, undeniably dangerous—but then, I had never shied from risks. Every great outcome demanded risk, precision, and strategy. And strategy was my domain.

He smiled wider. "It's not flattery, Draven. It's recognition."

Something about the way he said it, about the quiet sincerity in his voice, made me scrutinize him even more carefully. Kyrion's confidence, his unflappable poise—it wasn't merely arrogance or bravado. There was an underlying layer of truth there, one that I couldn't easily dismiss. He genuinely believed what he was saying. Recognition. Not praise, nor empty compliments. Recognition meant he saw something in me that mirrored his own values and ideals, a quality he felt resonated with his own principles.

My gaze sharpened further, analyzing every nuance of his expression, every minute gesture. He wasn't lying; his eyes held no deception, only a deep-seated understanding that struck me as entirely authentic. Kyrion had lived countless lifetimes, seen worlds rise and crumble. A man like him wouldn't risk everything simply for idle curiosity. He had observed something, felt something profound enough to take this enormous gamble on my character, staking his very existence on this interaction.

I let out a careful breath, slowly letting the pens orbiting around me drift a fraction lower, their resonance diminishing slightly as I allowed the tension to diffuse just enough to encourage more conversation. Kyrion noticed immediately, his posture subtly relaxing in turn, though I had no doubt he remained prepared to counter if I changed my mind.