>>5752910“I mean, we can probably handle this on our own. You can get out the robo-popcorn, sit back, and relax.” …Okay you know better. “But you’re going to ask it anyway. Let’s not beat around the bush. What are your terms, and what’s the catch? And how long have you actually been watching us, Mugen?”
He lets out a chuckle. “I do appreciate that about you, Son Peppa, you are willing to get right to the point. Very well!” He dramatically removes the sunglasses. “I arrived not too long after your group landed on this world, and have been keeping watch ever since. I was quite surprised to discover the actual nature of this world, but pleasantly so.”
“How have we not detected you previously?” Bravyj questions.
“My ship is quite some distance away, and in addition to its recently upgraded stealth capabilities, I’ve hidden it in the debris field coming out of your planet. Even if you were to observe it physically, it would be hard to discern it from the surrounding space junk.” he answers. “And on to what I want… well, the thing I am a collector of is strong fighters. I extend offers to those I wish to join my collection of warriors so they may make the best of their strength. All this is done willingly, of course.”
“It’s Ashura-X, isn’t it?” Maple questions directly.
He chuckles again. “If such a being is capable of rational thought, I feel they should be given a fair chance. I’d like to present the same offer I present many prior fighters I’ve collected. Of course, that is a large ‘if’ to ask.”
“You’d put it in a cage like some kind of gladiatorial freakshow?! You’re no better than Demiurgos!” Tverdokhvat growls.
There’s a raise of his hand and a… set of computer-y beeps, similar to the ones you’d heard from the locals before. It surprises the two you’re with, and then he seems to repeat himself. “All my fighters join willingly. All are treated fairly, taken care of, and encouraged to grow. I’m no mad scientist. I’m a collector who values strength. Of course, should this prove not to be the case, I will not press the matter.”
“And for that, you’d help us?” you ask.
“Oh certainly, certainly. Some of my fighters would appreciate the chance to take on a challenge like this, after all. So…” He places the sunglasses back on his face. “What do you say?”
>A. We’re good, but thanks for the offer>B. …He may be an asshole at times, but he hasn’t lied about something like this before. We can trust him>C. Not our call to make. Eagalia? What do you and your allies think?>D. Something else? 