Chapter 162: Meeting With Hercules (Part 1)
Hearing the name Hercules, of course, a particular image had instantly appeared in Max’s mind. And now, seeing the man in person, he couldn’t help but wonder, was it truly a nickname, or somehow his real name?
Maybe the world knew what he would become, Max thought. Maybe his mother and father, who had brought him into this world, had given him such a name for a reason.
However, no one said a word as the three of them entered the rather large and surprisingly spacious cabin. The ceiling soared high, easily four meters tall, leaving the entire area feeling open and vast.
Everything inside followed the same design: uncluttered, built for strength rather than comfort. Among the furnishings were two massive couches that looked as if they had been reinforced to handle more than an ordinary person’s weight. Hercules settled casually onto one of them, spreading out like a king in his domain, while Max sat stiffly on the opposite side.
"I had quite the interesting meeting with your friend," Hercules began, his voice calm and steady as he rested one muscular arm along the top edge of the couch. The way he stretched out, utterly relaxed, left no doubt that there wasn’t a shred of fear in his eyes or voice.
And somehow, that simple display of casual confidence only added to the overwhelming aura of power the man gave off.
"Honestly, based on how well he fought, I found myself curious," Hercules continued. "Curious to know just who a man like that would choose to follow. A man with his skill is capable of many things, and yet, to hear that he works for a student of all things? That... that got me really interested."
Then Hercules paused, leaning forward ever so slightly. His eyes sharpened. "But what has my curiosity the most... is how a student like you even knows about the Invitation."
Max’s mind raced. He had to tread carefully here. He wasn’t the one holding the cards, not this time. He was the one asking for a favor, and money alone wasn’t going to carry him through this negotiation. Not with someone like Hercules.