"I want to help you.... kill Andrea".
The exact moment those words left Randolf's lips, he felt a formless pressure overtake him, instantly causing the hair on his arms and neck to raise.
In Randolf's mind, Arthur's figure blurred slightly and for a second there, the image of a grandiose presence took his place. Due to Randolf's A.I, he suppressed his emotions, but still could feel a layer of cold sweat cover his back.
It was as if he had taken one step into the opening of a giant cave. Only to find out that this "cave" wasn't a cave, but the gaping maw of an archaic beast....
The aura and killing intent that Arthur gave off may have scared Randolf for a moment, but only solidified his belief that this was the right path for him.
If he sided with a literal monster like Arthur, his lack of both information, and information gathering might improve.
"Why?".
Just a single word from Arthur caused Randolf to freeze up, feeling the suppression come from the A.I chip that merged with his Soul.
Randolf remained emotionless and stood tall, despite the possibility of his head being taken from him.
"That's your goal isn't it? That's your reason for getting close to Andrea right? In order to kill her?".
Arthur didn't make any sought of moves, but just narrowed his eyes as he watched Randolf's reactions.
Seeing that Arthur didn't deny the claim Randolf kept speaking.
"You aren't normal Arthur. I could see it since the moment I met you. You're different to the rest of them. Too strong. Too aggressive. Too secretive. You might be able to hold back your actions from the rest of them, but I can tell..... You're a killer".
Arthur raised an eyebrow, smiling at Randolf for a moment, his trademark smile marring his face.
'I thought he.... Never mind. He's only half correct anyway'.
Arthur took a step forward and ceasing his killing intent.
Since he had been "sprung", he might as well just play along with whatever misguided beliefs Randolf had of him. And seeing as though Randolf came to meet him, despite "knowing" this fact about Arthur.... it seems he wanted to make another deal.
Arthur stood directly in front of Randolf lifting his head slightly and smiling as he placed his hands by his sides.
"So? What does that have to do with Andrea?".
It was likely that Randolf believed Andrea to be his net target. Since he wanted to help kill "Andrea", would that meant that Randolf wanted to become his accomplice?
Arthur's smile widened.
The only question was, at what price?
Randolf looked down emotionlessly at Arthur.
"The only reason why you want to get close to her, is because you want to kill her. Am I wrong?".
Arthur tilted his body slightly, shrugging his shoulders as a phony loom of concern appeared on his face.
"But I love Andrea? Why would I want to do anything to her?".
Randolf's brows furrowed before he shook his head letting out a sigh.
"You can deny it all you like Arthur, but if you truly do want to get rid of Andrea, I can help you. Of course, such a thing wouldn't be for free of course. But if you ever do want to talk, I'll be waiting".
Randolf took a step back, before turning around and walking away. This small alleyway could only fit one persons width, so Randolf would definitely have to turn back if he wanted to walk away.
Showing his back to Arthur, was a gutsy move, but one that would hopefully try and reveal his intentions.
As Arthur watched Randolf leave the alleyway, his eyes narrowed and his polite demeanour vanished, being replaced with a look of seriousness.
"I might not have enough evidence, but I'm sure of it now. Randolf is definitely someone from outside the Thirty Three Heavens".
It was impossible for him to be a reincarnate like Arthur. If he did, and was someone who possessed a first-tier talent, it was stupid of him to make a deal with Arthur in exchange for first place in the tournament.
His combat senses and fae knowledge would at least be one the same level as Arthur, if not slightly weaker, or stronger depending on who "Randolf" actually was.
Using only two fae would be a good way to not draw attention to himself, but at the end of the day, would be lacklustre in the face of actual fighters, who excelled in combat.
So the chances of "Randolf" being a reincarnate like himself was minimal, almost non-existent.
A "foreigner" from another world, seemed much more appropriate.
All foreigners possessed high talents due to their Mind and Souls being transported across worlds. Most usually possessed some sort of item, that was with them when they died, some sort of jewellery, or small item which transformed itself due to the crossing between worlds.
Arthur knew even less about foreigners that he did the Thirty Three Sovereign Boundary Physiques.
He smirked.
'But to think there was one right here in Parachenko Village all this time. Is this fate? Or just plain luck?'.
There were actually a couple of Rank 9 Fae Immortals that were foreigners. Arthur didn't know their stories well, although, that was usually the case when it came to foreigners.
"So Randolf has a foreigner treasure as well as memories from another world. He won't be easy to control, especially since I'm still at Rank 1".
Once again, Arthur's major limiting factor was his cultivation.
Now that he had been reborn, he realised many things, and experienced many different things.
Possessing a second-tier talent, instead of a third-tier talent....
Fighting in the Clan Tournament and purposefully coming second....
Owning the bloodseeker leaf fae....
Seeing the Boundless Forest Yearning Sovereign Boundary Physique....
Encountering a foreigner from another world....
Things played out much differently, and it hadn't even been a year since his rebirth.
Only a couple of months had passed, and although his cultivation was progressing smoothly, to many random things kept popping up.
Arthur shook his head, letting out a small sigh.
"It's not that everything is random. But it's just that I didn't pay attention in my previous life. Other than the awakening of the Boundless Forest Yearning Sovereign Boundary Physique, everything else can be explained....".
Arthur let out a deep breath, focusing his thoughts.
Randolf wanted to help him kill Andrea.
Randolf was most likely a foreigner from another world.
Randolf didn't want the rewards from first place, but the chance to enter the Clan Reserves.
That meant he didn't need a Fae, but the time to look at Fae instead, seeing as there was nothing else in the Clan Reserves other than Fae and Fae materials.
"Does Randolf have some sort of foreigner treasure which can observe Fae?", Arthur thought, placing his hands on his chin thoughtfully.
Arthur tried to discern what type of foreigner treasure Randolf had, but just shook his head, throwing those thoughts to the back of his mind.
He didn't have enough information on hand to make a definitive assumption.
All he could assume, was that Randolf wanted to help Arthur kill Andrea, in order to look at more Fae, or perhaps observe more Fae.
At any rate-.
"I've got to go see Andrea".
Arthur turned his back and headed back towards the restaurant near the main strip of Parachenko Village.
He had a girl to fall in love with, after all.