The Player is a Part-Timer

Chapter 14: A Foolish Little Star

Unfortunately for this Fallen, his choice of domination will not grant him any benefit. The only thing it earned Kokabiel was the ire of the player.

"How offensively weak an attempt!" It couldn't even penetrate the first line of "firewalls" she set up against such mental manipulations and attacks. "Well, if you want to play. Let's play. I don't mind."

"You are trying to extort me!?" The friendly Kokabiel disappeared as the man hit the counter— immediately cracking it in half.

"I hope you pay for that."

"..." Kokabiel was not amused; instead, his glare intensified — immensely piercing.

"Fine, glare at me as much as you like. Throw a tantrum! Play the tough guy! I only ask, understand my point. I also had to see what's good for me — which is earning as much as I can."

"So, you say, your head on your neck is not good enough for you?" A sword of light extended from Kokaibel's hand, placing it near Gillian's neck. Yet, the player was visibly not concerned about this display — even though most humans would find the scorching sword already unbearable, even get burnt, held so close to their throat — she didn't budge an inch.

"Ah! I see so that's how you want to play?"

"If you force my hand, I will end you. Though, I'd rather not kill a potential ally. I will get rid of you if you continue wasting my time any longer."

"I see... Haah! So bothersome. Very well, I only ask you to listen to my reason. Can you do that? I only ask for a minute."

"Speak... However, it will change nothing. You will hand over that sword either way." It seems this "human" was indeed special. She even resisted his strongest "suggestion" magic. More so, he didn't feel any fear from her direction.

"In that case, I have a proposition."

"A proposition?"

"An auction!"

"An auction?" Just what is she planning? Hearing her, even Kokaibel lowered his arm.

"Ah! I see you like to repeat yourself. Good! Practice makes perfect! Experience is the best teacher! Remember that!"

"Kokabiel! What are you doing!? Let's kill her already!" The girl watched her mentor incredulously as he seemingly blanked out.

"I am listening..."

"Wonderful!" The player clapped her hands together. "You see... I have an auction in mind. An auction between the big players! It brings in more than dealing with a single patron, after all. So? What do you say? The highest bidder will win — as the catchphrase goes! If what you said is true, you can easily outbid the rest! Which means the sword will be legally yours. No one can deny it from you!" Gillian reasoned with a foxy smile. "You said it yourself: "You can offer any compensation." We both win! You get the sword, the knowledge you defeated not only the Maou but every other big fish in their own game — even Azazel."

"That... Azazel?" How does she know that name?

"Of course she knows it! She recognized me as a Fallen!" The man tried to reason with himself. "Which means she knows who our leader is! No! He is not my leader!"

Kokaibel cursed in his mind as he considered that damn pest his "leader" even for a moment! Even the thought of considering that traitor as his leader after what he had done filled him with disgust!

"But why is this offer tempting? Why does it sound good?"

He wanted to hand Azazel defeat in every possible way! He wanted him to suffer until he begged for release! He wanted to humiliate him without end!