Novel's Extra: I Awakened The Strongest Physique From The Start

The oppressive silence of the hall was broken by the faint sound of a low chuckle. Anos Voldigod, lounging in his throne-like chair, leaned forward slightly, his crimson eyes narrowing with amusement. The weight of his presence was palpable, suffocating, yet Alex sat unmoved in his seat—at least outwardly.

"You come to my house," Anos began, his voice a silken blade, "sit before me without invitation, and have the audacity to ask for my daughter. Bold. Even for Vanessa's son."

Alex met the Demon Lord's gaze evenly, the storm within him carefully hidden behind a calm exterior. "I meant no disrespect, Lord Anos," he said, his tone courteous but unwavering. "But I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe I had something of interest to offer."

Alex knew that he was walking on a fine line. He couldn't make any mistakes. The man in front of him was the only other character introduced in the story who seemed to have power rivaling Vanessa's, though no clear statement was given.

But Alex also knew that if he were to play his cards right, then he could get what he wanted. And that was why he was here. For the first time in his life, Alex didn't have a backup plan.

Anos, on the other hand, had his smirk widened, a predator sizing up its prey. "Hmm… You do know, don't you," he said, leaning back lazily, "that the only reason your head is still attached to your shoulders is because you're Vanessa's son. Keep that in mind as you speak your next words."

His hand flicked in a dismissive gesture as if brushing off an insect. "And tell me—when you say 'my daughter,' which one are you referring to? If it's one of the useless ones, consider her my early birthday gift to you. Tomorrow is your big day, after all."

It was Alex's birthday tomorrow—something everyone in the academy knew. Courtesy to the student council members, who, because of heavy profits this time around, all those who could come were invited to the feast, and the ones paying for it were the council members.

Alex's eyes, however, hardened slightly at the Demon Lord's derision. He knew that this guy didn't care about his children, but there was nothing he could do about it, so his tone remained steady. "I'm talking about Eris Ivanovich."

But as soon as Alex's words fell, the room seemed to darken, the shadows within the obsidian walls stretching, curling like living things. Anos's smirk faded, replaced by an expression of cold calculation. His crimson gaze bore into Alex, unblinking. "Eris?" he repeated softly, his voice like a distant rumble of thunder. "That is a name I cannot grant you. Not now."

Alex inclined his head. "Is it because of your promise to Keryu?"

For the first time, a flicker of surprise crossed the Demon Lord's face. It was gone in an instant, replaced by mild annoyance. "How do you know about that?" he asked, though the question was clearly rhetorical. He waved his hand dismissively. "Forget it. Yes, my promise binds my actions. And if you know that much, you should also know why she's not yours to claim."

Alex's expression didn't waver. "Lord Anos, with all due respect, we both know you aren't bound by promises—not unless they entertain you. You're not holding onto Eris out of loyalty; you're doing it because you find Keryu intriguing. The Demon Lord I've come to understand would even sacrifice Eris if it served a grander scheme—or simply if it brought him amusement."

Alex knew it was not the truth—the truth was something no one would believe. But Alex was also aware that this lie was something that the Demon Lord believed in. Even Anos isn't aware of the reason why he wasn't just killing Keryu off; he blamed it on his interest.

Anos's lips curled upward as he heard Alex's words, the smirk returning unaware of the things going on in Alex's head. "You're surprisingly well-informed," he said, his tone icy. "Far more than you should be."

Alex shrugged lightly. "I could tell you how I know all this... in exchange for Eris."

Anos's laughter was a low, ominous sound, a prelude to the storm that followed. His mana surged outward like a tidal wave, the sheer pressure crashing against Alex with bone-crushing force. The air grew thick, each breath a struggle as the weight pressed him into his chair. His vision blurred, and his body screamed in protest.

"You're confident, I'll give you that," Anos said, his voice carrying the weight of an unspoken threat. "But tell me, does that confidence stem from some delusion that I fear your mother? Or do you genuinely believe you're immune to my wrath?"

Through clenched teeth and trembling limbs, Alex forced himself to meet the Demon Lord's gaze. This wasn't Anos's true power. If it were, Alex would already have turned into bloodpaste.

Yes, the pressure he felt right now was enough to make his teeth clatter and his bones creak, but as the chair beneath him and the ground below were still fine, it meant that Anos wasn't angry but rather testing him again.

'The hook's prepared...' Alex thought inwardly, his eyes turning back at Anos. 'Need to line it up now.' With that thought, he spoke; his voice was strained but defiant. "Is that all?"

Anos raised an eyebrow, the mana receding slightly in his surprise. "What?"

"Is that all the great Demon Lord can do?" Alex continued, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "Oppress juniors with powers they can't match? I thought you were better than this."

For a moment, the room was silent before...
Your adventure continues at empire

"Hah..." A low chuckle left Anos's lips, as if still in disbelief, but as he found Alex's eyes, still filled with defiance, his chuckle grew heavier. "Hahaha..."

'Just how long has it been since someone had looked at me with those eyes?' He wonders between his chuckles.

He couldn't believe that a little boy could shock him to this extent with just his words.

Throwing his head back, he laughed—a deep, resonant sound that shook the very walls. "HAHAHAHAHAHA!" The laughter echoed through the chamber, reverberating like a symphony of chaos.

'He isn't just a tiger cub I had thought him to be,' he thought within his laugh, Alex's image in his mind changing. Anos had always had an interest in Alex, but now?

'He's a snake—the most venomous type at that,' he laughed louder. It wasn't a revelation one should laugh at—a venomous snake should be killed before it grows. But for some reason, Anos felt that leaving Alex live would bring him more entertainment. It would be unlike anything he had felt before—or so was what he felt.

Soon, his laugh subsided, and he wiped his imaginary tears, his smirk sharper than ever.

"That was a good laugh," he said, his tone laced with genuine amusement. "You win this round, boy. But know this: You've made me serious now. If what you're about to offer isn't compelling enough, I won't just bully you—I'll kill you."

Alex nodded, his composure returning. "Understood."

Anos studied him for a moment, his crimson eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Though I must admit, I thought you'd be here for Lilia instead of Eris."

Internally, Alex allowed himself a flicker of amusement. 'I wouldn't ask for someone who's already mine.'

Outwardly, he maintained his calm demeanor. "You won't need to kill me, Lord Anos," he said evenly. "And as for Lilia... if the need arises, I may find myself here again."

Anos chuckled darkly, his gaze sharp as a blade. "We'll see if you even make it out alive today. Oh, and a reminder—your mother is back in your empire, busy preparing for your little celebration tomorrow."

"I'm aware," Alex replied without missing a beat. He was well aware that all Anos wanted to say was that Vanessa wouldn't be able to save him in time if he was hoping for it. But just the fact that Anos kept mentioning Vanessa again and again, trying to threaten him from time to time, had confirmed Alex's guess about something.

"Good," Anos said, leaning forward slightly, knowing that his point had been made. "Now, let's hear this deal of yours."

Alex took a steady breath. 'It's time to sinker the hook now...' He thought, his gaze unwavering. The next few moments were going to be the deciding factor.

It all depended on whether Anos would take the bait or not—which Alex was sure he would—so he began to speak. The room seemed to hold its breath, shadows swirling in anticipation of the words that would decide his fate.