"But we're off to a good start," I replied, returning her determined gaze. "Let's just hope we can keep the momentum going."
As we continued our ascent into the sky, I knew that the real challenge was only beginning. But with Aquaria by my side and our combined skills and determination, I felt confident that we could overcome whatever obstacles stood in our path.
I glanced down at Rhea, who was still unconscious but stirring slightly. A plan began to form in my mind – one that would hopefully lead to destroying Drexel's morale.
"All right," I said, turning back to Aquaria. "We need to be ready for when she wakes up. We'll try to appeal to her concern for her family and her desire to end Drexel's destructive behavior, but I don't believe that will work. We also are trying to destroy him morally before I put a bullet in his head. The more damaging things I can do, the better your... Blessings?" I asked, trying to make sure I had this right.
"Yes. The more you can damage him mentally, the better blessings I can offer," She said, and I looked down at Rhea, my gears turning.
"What kind of blessings can you give? Sorry, I know it's not really mission-related, but it is something I am curious about. Knowing what they have to gain might make it easier to do the dastardly and horrible things needed," I said, also thinking about the joke Grimora had made before parting from us.
"The blessings? That really depends on the world. Many times they are given things called Systems. You will not run into something like that for yourself since these things take time to level up. The other things include mastery of a world's magic system or mastery over their own body. As an example, someone with the basic negative emotion of dying young and having no problems might get a very minor System or mastery over a single type of magic or a single part of their body. A target that has dealt with traumatic things like death and betrayal at the highest level would get the highest level of blessings," Aquaria explained, and I nodded thoughtfully.
"I see. So, the more we can damage Drexel's mental state by exploiting his fears and insecurities, the greater the blessings he'll receive in the end. That actually gives us some leverage when negotiating with Rhea as well – we could emphasize that this is ultimately for Drexel's own good, even though it will be painful for him."
Aquaria nodded in agreement. "Exactly. It might not be easy to convince her at first, but once she understands what's really at stake, I believe she'll come around."
We continued discussing our strategy until Rhea finally began to stir. As her eyes fluttered open, she looked around in confusion before her gaze settled on me. Her eyes narrowed in anger, and she struggled against her restraints.
"Who are you?" she demanded. "Why have you taken me?"
I held up my hands in a placating gesture. "My name is Halberd, and I'm here to technically kill you and your family."
"Really? That is what you start with? What does technically even mean, lab rat?" She hissed, and I frowned. "Oh yeah, I know who you are. Some freak science experiment escaped from the lab!"
I just waited till she was finished and then gave her a look as if to ask if she was done. She spat at me and then turned her head to the side. I had yet to take my helmet off, but I was doing this to keep myself safe.
"I am only here to kill your son, Drexel, but I am not satisfied with just killing him. I need to make sure that his spirit is not just broken but crushed," I said in a level voice, making Rhea whip her head back at me with a savage look. I expected no less.
"But hear me out," I continued quickly before she could unleash her fury. "If we break him mentally and emotionally until he's utterly destroyed, there are powerful blessings that will be bestowed upon him as an ultimate form of redemption."
Rhea looked at me skeptically but stayed silent, so I went on. "My partner, Aquaria, and I have been observing your family for some time now. We know about the problems you've been having with Drexel – his erratic behavior and his disregard for the safety of others, including his own family. And we think there's a way to not only stop him but also give him a chance at true redemption."
I paused to let my words sink in before continuing. "We need your help, Rhea. With you on our side, we can create the necessary circumstances that will ultimately lead to Drexel's transformation. This process will be painful for him and your family, but in the end, he'll have a chance at becoming the man you've always wanted him to be."
Rhea stared at me with a mixture of disbelief and curiosity. "Did you get hit on the head? Redemption? Blessing? What kind of hogwash are you talking about?! Speak the same language as me if you want me to understand!"
"Don't try to explain this to her. One of the things that no one ever tells you is that any talk about life after the target's world, your world will change for them. You could try to explain about moving on to the next life and how they will become heroes until you are blue in the face, but it won't matter. We can be leaving people behind that know about us and what we do, or they would try to get to the Heavenly Realm," Aquaria explained into my helmet.
"Fine. Let me put it this way, Rhea," I said, changing my approach. "I need to bring Drexel down in a way that will make him see the error of his ways and truly change for the better in his next life. But to do that, I need your help."