In reality, his composure had nothing to do with a gap in strength. Rhode was currently no match for Ophis, but this was like a gamer playing a video game—a player doesn't feel psychological pressure from a boss on a screen. Of course, this only applied to players who weren't complete "noobs."
To be fair, anyone would be on guard if an Ultimate-class Devil stared at them with ill intent. But as a transmigrator, Rhode was determined to meet the challenge head-on.
Rhode smiled and replied, "You interest me, too."
The Old Satan Faction's role in the original story was far too small, especially those devils who claimed to be the legitimate descendants of the original Devil Kings. They usually showed up, said two tough lines, and then got wiped out—a classic example of being "mediocre yet confident." It was a pity; someone with Katerea's "talents" ended up falling in a battle against Azazel. It was such a waste for someone so "big"... wait, no, for a legitimate heir of Leviathan to perish like that.
Thankfully, Katerea wasn't a mind reader. If she knew what Rhode was thinking, she might have been so angry she'd develop breast nodules on the spot. But Katerea could only see Rhode's outward traits. She had a reason for her interest—not just because of Rhode's apparent strength, but because of his powerful mindset.
Katerea crossed her arms, resting a hand on her chin as she appraised him. "Since you are also members of the Khaos Brigade, I won't hide it from you. We have received intel that the leaders of the Three Factions may hold peace talks soon. We plan to bury the leaders of the Three Factions right there to destroy the peace talks. Once we control the Underworld, we will move on to attack the Fallen Angels and Heaven, and finally the other mythologies to rule the entire world."
"Since your Hero Faction wants to make a name for yourselves, why not join my command? You can help my army occupy the world!"
Rhode nodded. Katerea's plan was simple, but it was logical. The Old Satan Faction had planted moles in the current government; if they could take out Sirzechs and the others, the Underworld would fall into chaos. The problem was that they overestimated their own strength, thinking the Dragon God's power made them invincible. If Rhode were part of her faction, he'd definitely be whispering in her ear to get Ophis to do the heavy lifting herself.
Katerea was pleased with Rhode's reaction. She nodded, assuming he was swayed. "Rather than living in obscurity, stand by my side. Once I establish my kingdom, I guarantee you a status and power beyond your imagination."
"So, what do you say? Will you join my camp?"
Hearing the olive branch Katerea extended, Jeanne was speechless. Rule the world? As a hero, she had no such desire. And Katerea had invited the wrong person. If she had invited some other members of the Hero Faction, it might have worked, but how could Rhode—the man who just said "Heroes fight for others"—be recruited by a few words? Most of the Hero Faction was on the first floor, but Rhode was already on the fifth. Asking a "Hero" like him to defect was a joke.
Jeanne suppressed her tension toward Katerea and said with a serious face, "Lord Leviathan, Rhode is an official member of our Hero Faction, so please..."
Before she could finish, she heard Rhode nod without hesitation. "Sure. I've got the time."
Jeanne: "???"
"A wise choice. On behalf of the Old Satan Faction, I welcome you." Katerea was delighted. she hadn't expected to sway a descendant of heroes so easily. She viewed ordinary humans as ants, but some heroes had shone brilliantly in the past. If nurtured, Rhode had a high chance of becoming a pillar of her forces. It was a shame the Old Satan Faction hadn't mastered the Evil Piece technology, otherwise, she could have reincarnated him as her servant. That would both increase their combat power and ensure loyalty.
"Rhode... are you... are you serious?" Jeanne looked at the young man beside her, her face filled with disbelief.
Rhode just shrugged. "Yeah. You should head back for today. I'll contact you later when I have time." After speaking, he took the initiative to walk toward Katerea.
Seeing Rhode actually go over, Jeanne was stunned. Are you for real?!
She immediately wondered if Rhode was under some kind of illusion or mental control spell. She tensed her body, preparing to save him.
Rhode, meanwhile, reached Katerea's side. "Since I'm joining, what are the benefits? I won't do '996' (9am to 9pm, 6 days a week), and I won't work for low pay."
"The Old Satan Faction does not pay a salary."
"Then forget it."
"But for a talent like you, I can pay you in gold and jewels. If you find liquidating them troublesome, we have businesses in the Human World. I can give you a checkbook and you can fill in whatever number you like."
"Great, great. I feel like I've finally found my people."
"..."
Seeing Rhode's genuine joy, Jeanne was completely frozen. This isn't mental control; he's clearly being controlled by money! And from her angle, she could see Rhode's head tilting down slightly. Even behind the sunglasses, she could guess what he was looking at. Not just money, but honey too? You jerk!
Jeanne didn't know what to do. If she attacked, Rhode had gone willingly. If she didn't, her teeth itched with resentment. Why did this man say those cool, high-and-mighty things just a few minutes ago?!
In reality, the main reason Rhode accepted was the optional system mission.
[Mission: Katerea's Invitation] [Target: Join the Old Satan Faction] [Reward: Random Reward x1]
It didn't require killing or violating his principles; just a quick "yes" and he'd get a reward. Why not? He was free even if he joined a camp. If he got bored, he could just leave. Plus, there was another reason: Rhode was worried Katerea might attack Jeanne. To prevent his "friend" from getting hurt, Rhode "sacrificed" himself to join the Old Satans. It definitely wasn't because she was "big."
[Mission: Travel to the Khaos Brigade HQ - Completed] [Reward: Jeanne Affection +20, Mental Control Immunity]
...
[Mission: Katerea's Invitation - Completed] [Reward: Ultra Slash]
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High School DxD : Reincarnated into the Multiverse, but it's High School DxD (216 Chapters – Ongoing)
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