Suddenly, without any prior notice, the atmosphere in the room grew a hundred times more tense. It was the tense, looming danger that was on the verge of breaking loose and spreading chaos left and right.
Everyone apart from Redd and Maleck could feel it and they had rather different reactions. Roma seemed nonchalant for the most part as he rested his back on the wall, the fat man looked weirdly nervous as he continued eating with even more ferocity. As for the silver-haired girl, well, she seemed to clench her fist.
'He will get himself killed.' She thought as a tinge of disappointment hit her. Another person is down. Or in this case, another fool is down.
"Hmm? I can see that you don't agree with me."
"Not one single bit," Redd replied.
"Pffft, hahaha! Your honesty is commendable… Uhh, what was your name again?" Maleck laughed loudly.
"Redd."
"Yeah, yeah, Redd! Your name is a good one. It's derived from the word Red, right? Pretty simple and straightforward. My name is also pretty straightforward, Maleck, which means 'King' apparently, that's what my late mother said. See the coincidence? Both our names represent who we are. You're someone with red hair and one red eye so your name is Redd. Meanwhile, I was born to be a king so I'm Maleck. I love that, haha!" He giggled at his own words.
However, Redd didn't reply.
"Oh, come on, don't be so rigid. We're cool, ok? I really want you to work for me. A kid like you killing Karnos is a great fit especially since you're new to the whole game. Goes to show your talent."
"I won't work for you. You're just a scumbag who toys with innocent people for his entertainment." Redd replied.
"Scumbag? Hmm, I did hear someone call me that before, didn't I? But, unfortunately, I had to kill them, you know, to keep face and all. But, I'm ready to accept your insult, Redd. Simply because I can see your potential. Strong people should stick together, don't they?"
After that, Maleck turned around and walked to the kitchen counter before he picked up a bottle of alcohol and poured himself a cup before he turned around and rested his back on the counter as he swirled the cup.
"You know, Redd. I was like you at some point in my life. I wasn't born in the Hunter's Dream like most people and I had to actually get on a ship like this one 20-something years ago. It wasn't nice at all. People murdered each other for food, for a room to sleep in, and most importantly… For power. They killed each other to get stronger and why wouldn't they? After all, this whole world relies on strength to function. We're nothing but gears that run the machine of time, but the stronger you are the bigger of a gear you become and the more influence you have over everything."
Then, Maleck sipped from the cup, tasting its rich flavor before he continued.
"I was shocked to see that bestial behavior of fellow humans. Kill for power? Pfft, what the hell is even that? I refused to kill another human for levels and exp. But, I soon realized how much of a fool I was. When I was faced with my first ever Dream Monster, I was beaten to near death. I saw my end with my own eyes and that's when I realized… Each person I could've killed on that ship, each opportunity to gain an extra point in status, each coin I could've taken, and each piece of bread I could've seized, they all came back to bite me in the ass now."
Maleck's smile widened as if he was thrilled by that memory for some ungodly reason. Then, he pointed at Redd.
"Perhaps you are different from me since you can kill. But, you don't differ much when it comes to your morality. Saving the innocent, feeding them grilled fish, being ready to throw your life away for them."
"I don't throw my life for anyone. What I do is for me and for me alone." Redd replied with a frown.
"Isn't that still being a goody two shoes? Anyway, let me continue my story. I was able to survive that encounter with the monster because of certain someone and they left a few words with me that I still follow to this day." Suddenly, Maleck lifted his hand up before he tucked his sleeve back showing his forearm. There, a tattoo was carved into his skin with a message.
On it, a few words were written. 'Morality is a luxury the weak can't afford'.
"It's the truth that made me survive in the Hunter's Dream and thrive in it. Now, I'm a great figure, with great powers, wealth, and fame. I'm living the Dream part of the name. Now, 20 years later, when I'm finally back on this ship again, my perspective changed. The people who jumped on this ship were all led by greed for power or money, they aren't as good as you might think… Nobody is as good as you might think. Hence, Morality is a luxury the weak can't afford."
Those words made Redd's face change slightly. It wasn't out of meaningful understanding but out of pure… confusion.
"Morality is a luxury the weak can't afford, huh? Well, of course, they can't afford it, because it's something the strong should possess. People like you who can kill with ease are the ones supposed to go by that rule. Idiot." Redd pointed back at him with a serious glare.
"Hahahahaha! Good answer, good answer. I really like you, after all, Redd. But, you got one thing wrong."
Suddenly, Maleck vanished and reappeared right in front of Redd at top speed. The latter's eyes widened slightly when he realized what happened and his reaction was awfully slow.
'He's fast!'
However, before he could even do anything, Maleck smiled and said. "I can afford to be good. But, why should I? The Hunter's Dream doesn't pay back good deeds, Redd. The sooner you realize that, the better for you." He said with a grin before he tapped the boy's shoulder. "Well, anyway, think about it, and don't rush. Perhaps we can reach an agreement. For your sake and for the people you decided to give food to. They are your responsibility after all, aren't they?"
Hearing that underlying threat, Redd clenched his teeth in anger. He was really on the verge of unleashing his Aether and fighting that bastard. But, he really couldn't do it, not now when he realized that during this whole conversation… Maleck could've killed him with ease.
"Tomorrow, during breakfast, you can tell me your decision. Be wise, Redd."
Leaving those words behind, Maleck gestured for Roma to open the door and he did. The boy, however, kept staring at the handsome Hunter before he finally turned around and left.
When the door closed, Maleck's smile vanished before he directed a look at the silver-haired girl.
"Keep an eye on him, Nova. He is a good pawn, but an unpredictable one. I would rather not kill him yet." He said.
Nova gave him a glance before she nodded her head and left. When the door closed, she rested her back on the wall and sighed.
"That idiot…" Murmuring those words, she continued to walk away.