Ex rank talent Awakening: 100\% Dodge rate-Chapter 208 - : CHANGE OF PLANS

"My lord," Marquis Alexander said, offering a respectful bow as Greg entered the room.

Greg gave a small nod, then settled into the seat prepared for him.

"Concerning the penetration you asked of me the last time..." Marquis Alexander began without delay, his tone steady and professional. "The plan is progressing well. Some nobles are slowly being bought, their loyalty shifting under subtle persuasion. Meanwhile, Princess Elizabeth is gradually gaining favor among the empire's citizens. The people speak kindly of her, especially now that rumors of the emperor's dubious actions have begun circulating."

He leaned in slightly, a proud smile playing on his lips. "Just a little more patience, my lord, and I promise the seed of internal strife will take root within the empire. When it collapses from within, you'll be free to claim the remnants."

"I've changed my mind," Greg said calmly.

The words dropped like a stone into a still pond, causing Marquis Alexander to blink in confusion.

"I won't be following that plan any longer."

"My lord?" Alexander asked, straightening up with a look of alarm. "What strategy do you wish to employ, then?"

"I will be going directly," Greg replied, his voice firm. "I'm going to attack the empire openly."

A visible shadow crossed Marquis Alexander's face.

"Forgive me for speaking out of turn, my lord," he said with careful restraint, "but if I may offer my counsel, I strongly advise against such a bold move. The Grey Empire hasn't withstood external threats due to a lack of elite warriors in the central continent, but rather because of its legacy."

He paused before continuing in a graver tone.

"It is shielded by an ancient barrier and fortified with defensive spells crafted by the Archmage himself. Not to mention, it enjoys the favor of the celestial realm. Grey, the founder, was one of their own—he is the son of the celestial king. Even if you manage to bring the empire down, the beings backing it are not ones that can be so easily defeated."

"I'm aware," Greg said, a confident smile curling on his lips. "But you see, I was never afraid of those beings to begin with. The only reason I delayed this confrontation was because I was too weak at the time. But now… now I am strong enough to face them—even if I must do so alone."

Marquis Alexander fell silent, the pride from earlier replaced with anxiety. Yet something in Greg's composure stilled his fear.

"Very well then, my lord," he said at last, bowing again. "But may I ask—how do you intend to deal with the beings behind the Grey Empire?"

"You'll find out soon enough," Greg answered with a casual smile before turning and leaving.

Marquis Alexander remained standing, eyes fixed on Greg's retreating form. The calm confidence in Greg's stride… the arrogance etched into every step… it all left a strange sense of reassurance in his chest, despite the madness of the plan.

Maybe—just maybe—Greg's absurd idea would succeed.

---

**

"It seems the last one has finally arrived," Cain muttered, glancing at the approaching Greg with a sigh. "You really should learn to value time and stop playing the last-minute hero."

Greg ignored him, taking his seat at the head of the conference table without so much as a glance in Cain's direction.

After leaving Alexander, he had flown straight to Odin's guild. He had one final meeting to attend that day—and one final decision to share.

Despite Odin being the official guild master, Greg naturally took the guild master's chair in the conference room. No one questioned it.

The room was filled with powerful individuals. The Archdevil Lilith sat nearby, her enchanting smile aimed squarely at Greg, who deliberately avoided her gaze. Jessica sat beside her, her expression unreadable. Cain, Brian, Chris, and Elizabeth were also present.

Dr. Ezekiel—nicknamed the Healer—sat with arms crossed, his face passive. Thomas and Will George occupied seats near the end of the table.

"So?" Cain asked, leaning back slightly. "Why was I invited here?"

"To hear your answer," Greg replied, scanning the room. "I plan to create a guild—a new one."

There was a brief pause as some in the room absorbed his words, while others exchanged glances, already suspecting his intention.

Cain let out a scoff. "You've got a pretty lousy track record with guilds, if I must say. Yours was the first to collapse among the top ranks, followed closely by your sister's. Starting another guild? Sounds like a mistake you shouldn't repeat."

"Maybe so," Greg said without flinching. "But this time, things will be different."

He leaned forward, his gaze turning serious.

"Seven months and a few days from now, our world will join a universal league. And one week from now, the true apocalypse will begin—granting power to everyone. I intend to create a guild made up of the elite of the elite before that happens."

He paused, letting his words settle.

"This won't be just a guild. It will be the ruling body of the new world—the one shaped by the apocalypse's descent."

Cain raised a brow. "Yeah, no thanks. Not interested. Can I leave now?"

"If you wish," Greg said calmly. "But allow me to offer you one last piece of information—for free."

His voice dropped a note, now edged with gravity.

"I'm not the only one with powers in the real world. Mine were granted by the apocalypse, yes, but there are families—hidden lineages—that have possessed supernatural abilities for centuries. Long before the apocalypse. And after it descends, they will rise. They'll make themselves known… and they'll claim control of this new world. Anyone who stands in their way will be wiped out." freeweɓnøvel.com

He tapped his fingers against the table, the soft sound echoing ominously.

"If you believe you can protect yourself from them alone, by all means—walk away."

Cain stared at Greg, his eyes narrowed, searching for any hint of deception.

But all he found was calm, unwavering certainty.

"Very well then," Cain said at last, folding his arms. "Let's hear your proposition. It better be worth it—or I'm still out, hidden families or not."

Everyone else remained seated, silent but attentive, waiting for what came next.

---

**

Marquis Alexander returned to his castle through a hidden tunnel, slipping in like a phantom. Not a single guard or maid spotted him. The secret passage was one only he knew well—used for moments exactly like this.

But even his caution hadn't been enough.

"I trust your meeting went smoothly," Emperor Augustus said, seated regally on Alexander's couch, his jaw resting against a gloved fist.

"My lord!" Alexander exclaimed, frozen in place. His heart pounded as his thoughts raced. How much does he know?

"I was unaware you would be gracing my humble province with your presence," Alexander said quickly, bowing low. "Had I known, I would have made exceptional preparations to receive you in the manner you deserve."

"It's quite alright," Augustus replied, his face unreadable. "I intended to arrive unannounced."

Alexander's mind scrambled for a way out. "Forgive me for using the secret passage. Like many nobles, I have… desires best kept hidden from public knowledge. Discretions I must indulge to preserve appearances."

He forced a small smile, hoping the emperor would buy the lie.

And praying he didn't already know the truth.