Chapter 1188: Infernus
"We have now proven the identity of this young man. But our point still stands. The Reborn company is not fit to have a say at this table!"
Gourdon and Wadeby frowned as soon as they heard this. They had a sense of foreboding about what was going to happen.
"We have already broken a lot of rules by simply allowing the Reborn company to participate in the Feast. After all, they are simply not elite enough to contend with the likes of us."
It was at this point that Reborn’s allies within the table raised their protests.
"How can you say that, when they have proven otherwise?!"
"They have shown great business acumen! The automobiles, the kiosks, and many more! Their sales alone have far surpassed many of us here who are already in the Upper Echelons!"
The opposing side shrugged and shook their heads.
"It seems that you’re forgetting something, dear peers. And that being an Upper Echelon does not simply depend on wealth, but power as well!"
His words were clearly intended towards Michael. Despite being the only person standing in the table, his height was still a bit somewhat lacking compared to the tall, mature, and old leaders of the Upper Echelons.
What Michael lacked was clear! And that was strength and aura!
Gourdon, Wadeby, and their allies all bit their lips as they heard the argument. No wonder they were so quick to agree!
They were planning to discredit Michael, and therefore discredit the Reborn company!
"This young man may be talented in business acumen, but he is still too young, too inexperienced. He lacks the power that is needed in a cutthroat world like ours.
If we were to let him have a seat at our table, then that would mean we’ll always have to watch our actions whenever we are with him!
If we try to do something against the Reborn company, then others would quickly label us as bullying the weak! How can this be called a fair competition, when we have to treat one of our so-called ’peer’ as fragile as glass?!"
They may not be saying it outright, but their point was clear to everyone in this room.
The Reborn company lacked a Nascent Spirit cultivator. Without someone with Nascent Influence protecting them, they’d be like an unguarded chicken amongst a pack of wolves!
So, it was clear that Reborn was not yet ready to join the Upper Echelons. Therefore, they had no say in this table.
"But have you all forgotten what happened with the Tri-star company?" said Mr. Wadeby. "The Reborn company defeated them, even though the Tri-star company had a Nascent Spirit protector among them."
His rebuttal was quickly disregarded by the opposition.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. They must have enlisted the help of their allies and friends. Maybe even bought the protection of the black market.
That is not true power. In order for a company to truly prosper in the Upper Echelon, the leader themselves must have the strength to uphold his company to a higher standard!"
Everyone in the room, regardless of which faction they were in, could only nod their heads in agreement with the man’s words.
They were all leaders of their own companies. They were all powerful on their own as well. No one here depended on the help of others, even their own allies or employees. They were all each the strongest people in their company.
So, even if they liked the Reborn company, they all had this kind of worry if they were to enter into the world of the elites.
Gourdon and Wadeby tried to continue with their discussions, but they simply couldn’t undo the damage done by the opposition’s arguments.
Michael, at this point, still hadn’t said anything at all. They all talked amongst each other, not even deigning to give him a look.
They still hadn’t treated him as someone worthy. So, he’ll play their games. And win.
"Are you all so presumptuous as to make decisions without the express consent of the Draconians?" he asked them.
Finally, they looked at him again. His words forced them to. After all, he was right. This was called the Sumptuous Feast of the Draconians for a reason. They were the ones who created this event in the first place. Without them, who would sponsor the event with such lavish rewards like the Wyverns?
"Charys," he said. "That’s her name, right? The Draconian in charge of the whole Feast?"
He’d seen her face and her name plastered all over the decorations of this castle. It had her emblems, her past feats, and her statues.
It was at this point that many sucked in their breaths. They didn’t think that Michael would be so bold as to say her name outright.
There wasn’t anything wrong with that, but Charys was such a terrifying character that they didn’t dare speak out her name for fear of her suddenly appearing out of nowhere.
"She is not here at the moment, nor will she ever come," said the opposing side. "No one can ever track her location, and who would dare ask her to come here as they beckoned?"
"But we do have her consent, young man. Charys’ own student is here on her behalf!"
It was at this point that the door opened behind Michael, showing a young Draconian male. He held two human women by his side, both pretty and dressed vivaciously.
"Infernus! Just in time," said one of the opposing side. "We were just talking about the decision to end the Feast. Your Master approves of this, correct?"
The young Draconian didn’t let his eyes leave the beautiful women at his side. "Huh? Oh, yeah, yeah."
"Wonderful," said the Upper Echelon. Then, he whispered in Infernus’ ears, in tones that could be heard by the entire table. "By the way, we have sent a few more ’accomodations’ for you at your room."
Infernus’ eyes went wide with glee. "Very well!"
Gourdon and Wadeby shook their heads. Such obvious bribery! Yet, they couldn’t do anything about it. They were way too late and couldn’t get Infernus on their side!
But it was at that moment that Michael stepped forward.
"I heard that Draconians value strength. I wonder, is that really true?"
Michael’s obviously provocative words made Infernus stop his stride.
