God of Tricksters

While Maya was stuck in her office, Mark was surprised to see a guest. He was none other than Patrick.

"Hello, Mark. How are you?"

"Excellent. Although I shouldn't say this, the situation has truly given me the opportunity to focus on getting stronger." Mark nodded with a calm expression.

"Great. Do you mind if I come in? I have something to say to you."

"Sure." Mark invited him in, leading him to the living room so that they could talk.

After getting themselves comfortable, Mark asked, "So, what do you want to talk about?"

"I'm actually thinking of leaving the Star Group. We've lost many experts, causing the company to weaken. This will cause a huge disruption in the company. There's a chance that the enemy will attack us too."

Mark's body trembled when he heard Patrick's words. He couldn't help but close his eyes, thinking the time had come.

After listening to the current situation of the group, there was a thought of this potential future. But it soon reminded him of the prophecy of the Queen of Destiny. It was said that he needed to make a big decision soon that would decide his entire life.

It was clear this situation was where he needed to make that decision. After all, he might have died during this incident had he not left the company.

However, Mark smiled and shook his head, thinking, 'A big choice? I don't even need to think to answer this…'

"I've heard the situation." Mark nodded in agreement. "Though, are you sure about this?"

"What do you mean?"

"I am talking about quitting the Star Group. I know that the situation has become like this… Even I have numerous messages asking me to join their companies. However, I've deleted all of them." Mark shrugged.

"Ho? Delete them? It's surprising to hear that, considering you still have a long future awaiting you. Although their companies won't be as good as the Star Group, the current condition makes their offer better than what the Star Group can provide us."

"I know. That's why I don't accept it." Mark nodded. "I owe Sir Bernard a lot. My heart hurt when I heard he was missing. To be honest, I was a homeless guy that you could find anywhere before coming to this place. I was abandoned by my parents when I was six years old and lived from other people's pity.

"Sir Bernard had a community event at that time. Long story short, I met him at that event, and he decided to take me back. When I became old enough to start getting stronger, I was happy because I could repay him back.

"Later, I got a God Rank Blessing, and Sir Bernard wanted to contract me with a huge incentive. Honestly, I didn't care about that. I even refused it because I wanted to repay Sir Bernard. If he didn't take me away at that time, I would have suffered and died long ago.

"Still, Sir Bernard insisted on me taking the contract, the one that all the experts got. The terms weren't that different as well. Even if he wanted to take advantage of me, I wouldn't hesitate to help him. But he didn't…

"So, I want to dedicate my life to the Star Group. You may call me a fool or whatever, but I'm staying here." Mark smiled, explaining his choice.

"I see." Surprisingly, Patrick had a smile on his face as if he felt relieved by his answer.

"Huh?" That smile confused Mark since it was very contradicting to what Patrick said earlier.

"Haha. That was just a test for you, Mark." Patrick chuckled.

"A test?"

"Yeah. I indeed received many offers, but…" Patrick took out his Skylink and showed his Skymail to him. "See this? I have been replying to all of them."

"Replying…" Mark furrowed his eyebrows.

"No, no. That's not like what you think. I am also indebted to the Star Group, but in my case, it's Sir Hendry."

"The former CEO?"

"Yes. Not long after the commotion started, Sir Hendry appeared in front of me once. He told me to keep all the information, as well as the offers from these people. It can be used to recognize our enemies."

"What?"

"You shouldn't delete the mails, Mark." Patrick smirked. "With this, we can know which one is taking the opportunity and which one is trying to attack us. I have no doubt whether it's the grandfather, the father, or the daughter… All of them have great talent in the business. I know that the Star Group won't fall down.

"That's why I am finding the targets to strike back as soon as we go through this hard time. Though, I haven't told anyone about this since Sir Hendry wanted me to keep quiet until everything ends. I don't know the reason though."

"I see." Mark nodded in understanding.

"Haha. I guess we will be together from now on, Mark." Patrick smiled.

"Yes. It's my pleasure to work with you."

"Since I've confirmed your intention, do you want to train with me? Since we can only wait, I have some spare time to train you."

"Are you sure about this?"

"Of course. I've been busy replying to those emails, but most of them have emailed me, so I have some time now."

"Well, training huh…" Mark looked down as if he remembered something.

"What happened? Do you not want to train with me? Well, I don't really mind."

"No, it's not that."

"Then, what?"

"If we're talking about training, I haven't seen him leave this whole time. He must be training for the past three months."

"Who?"

"Joker. Who else?"

"Ah!" Patrick scratched the back of his head. "I was stopped by an assassin when I was about to discuss this matter."

"To be honest, there's another reason why I choose to remain here." Mark looked in Theo's mansion direction with a small smile. "He hasn't left yet."

"…" Patrick was confused, not knowing how scary Theo was. Mark had witnessed him personally meeting a King Class Monster easily… a monster that was so strong and would surely attack him somehow acted friendly to him. Even if anyone said Joker was just a normal person, Mark would firmly deny it in his heart.

Just like Mark said, after a long three months of fighting monsters, Theo and Ergene had finally returned to Earth.

"We're finally back! There are only two weeks left before the banquet! This is the first time the banquet looks entertaining." Theo smirked.