"It's a bet," Samuel replied.
"What?"
"It's simple. Graxas doesn't have a choice. Nixon is much stronger than Graxas in almost every possible way. However, if they just sit around, their destruction by Nixon's hand is guaranteed," Samuel explained.
"Oh, so it's like a last-ditch effort. If they succeed, then Graxas would gain a powerful ally like Xenon to support them in the coming war," Xavier said.
"That's right," Samuel nodded.
"I get it," Xavier said.
"That's good to hear."
"But if you're sent by Graxas to help Duke Cranbell conquer Xenon, then why are you helping me? Or even calling me Master?" Xavier asked.
Samuel's lips curled in amusement.
"That's a tale for another time."
"Alright, but I've got one last question," Xavier said.
"And that is...?"
"How does my father fit into this puzzle?" Xavier asked, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.
"Nice try, Master Xavier, but I'm not going to tell you," Samuel replied.
"Haah... fine. But when exactly will you tell me?" Xavier asked.
"When you are ready."
"And when will that be?"
"That depends on you, Master Xavier."
"Oh c'mon, dammit! You're so goddamn annoying, you know?" Xavier fumed.
He also wanted to ask more—especially about his mother.
"Huh? What's that?" Xavier asked, his index finger pointing behind the two black boxes.
It was a black door, similar to the ones Xavier had previously opened. However, this one seemed a bit strange and... dangerous. It gave off an ominous vibe.
Xavier slowly turned to look at Samuel.
"Samuel? Do you know what—" Xavier's eyes widened.
Samuel had a scary expression on his face. His eyes were wide, eyebrows raised, teeth clenched.
"Samuel, what's wrong?" Xavier asked, seeing Samuel's expression.
Samuel turned to look at Xavier.
"Master Xavier, can you press that button?" he asked.
'I need to take Master Xavier out of this place,' Samuel thought.
"Huh? Button? Where?" Xavier asked.
"This one," Samuel said.
He pointed his index finger where the hole for the vial was.
Xavier looked at where he was pointing and was a bit surprised. There was a red button below the hole where he had inserted the vial filled with blood.
"Huh? Where did this come from? I swear it wasn't there when I inserted the vial," Xavier said.
"It is because the button only appears once you've inserted the vial," Samuel answered.
"Now, can you please hurry up and push the button?" Samuel urged.
"Hmm... I don't mind, but what happens when I press it?" Xavier asked.
"It will open this box and allow me to get out of here," Samuel replied.
That's right. He was still inside the box.
"Oh, so that's why... Alright, I'm pressing it," Xavier nodded.
He didn't wait any longer and pressed the button.
Beep
The button made a beeping sound and the box began to slowly open.
Tak Tak Tak
Samuel stepped out with steady steps.
Samuel took a deep breath, exhaling slowly.
"Hooo... it's been a while since I've breathed outside air," he said with a light smile.
"Hm? I thought Androids don't need to breathe?" Xavier asked, eyebrows raised.
"You're right. Androids don't need to breathe. After all, we are not humans. We're just machines. However, we're built with the ability to breathe. I personally like the feeling of air entering my body."
"But I must say, you're incredibly handsome. Honestly, you might be the most attractive guy I've ever seen," Xavier said.
He was right. Samuel was very handsome. He looked like someone in their mid-twenties. His platinum-blonde hair framed his face perfectly, with strands falling slightly over his forehead. The spikiness of his hair contrasted with the sharpness of his features, giving him a dynamic and edgy vibe. A straight nose, sharp eyebrows, and beautiful blue eyes that seemed to contain the oceans. He had a strong, angular jawline and well-defined cheekbones, emphasizing his masculinity and giving him a refined, almost regal look.
He was dressed in a sharp black suit, complete with a matching vest and a blue tie.
"Master Xavier, by any chance are you gay?" Samuel asked, watching Xavier look at him like a fanboy.
"W-what? Are you crazy!? I'm perfectly heterosexual!" Xavier said, his face turning red.
"It's okay. Even if you're gay, you'll still be my Master," Samuel said with an understanding look.
"I said I'm not gay!" Xavier shouted, even more embarrassed.
"Alright, I believe you. Now let's get going," Samuel said.
"Hmm? To where?" Xavier asked, eyebrows raised.
"Upstairs. Or do you plan on spending the rest of your life in this basement?" Samuel asked.
"Of course not! But what about you? What'll happen if Mom and my younger sister see you? They're gonna be super panicked, at the very least," Xavier said.
"Don't worry. I've got a trick up my sleeve."
"Huh? A trick?"
"It'll be easier to show you than to explain," Samuel said.
Snap!
He then snapped his fingers and in the very next second—
"Huh? Where did he go?" Xavier was shocked.
Samuel had suddenly disappeared, as if he didn't even exist in the first place.
"Samuel? Where the heck did you go? I'm not liking this, you know? Quit messing around with me." Xavier called out, feeling a slight bit of nervousness.
'Where did he go? D-don't tell me... he was a ghost? Nah, there's no way but then—'
"Boo."
"Ghaaa!" Xavier jumped into the air and fell on his butt.
"Huhuhu~" Samuel laughed, seeing Xavier's antics.
"Ouch... that hurts," Xavier rubbed his butt.
Samuel had appeared behind Xavier, blew into his ear, and startled him so badly he nearly jumped out of his skin.
"How in the world did you do that?" Xavier asked.
"It's an ability—or rather, a function—I have. This function allows me to turn invisible," Samuel replied with a smile.
"Woah~ so cool!" Xavier shouted in excitement.
"Thank you for the compliments," Samuel nodded.
"Well, this solves the problem. Now I don't have to worry about taking you with me."
"However, how long can you maintain this invisibility of yours?" Xavier asked.
"That's…"
***
Sorry for the delay guys. Webnovel is dealing with the documents they required of me. However, as their CEs are already very busy, it will take some more time for them to review mine. Hopefully, it's done by the 1st week of June. Thanks for reading!