For a moment, hesitation flickered across Matthew's face, but it quickly turned into resolve. Trading a nation for such benefits seemed too cheap.
"Mr. Kino, please retract your—"
Before Matthew could finish his sentence, Kino interrupted, "I almost forgot. With this card, you can become a first-tier member of the Demon Corporation and receive a limb-regeneration potion annually. Additionally, you'll get a discount on the life-extension drug currently being developed by Dr. Banner."
Matthew fell into silence. Life extension—what middle-aged person could resist such temptation?
Even his wife, Ella, was no longer as firm. Her eyes reflected desire and wavering conviction.
The miraculous effects of the Demon Corporation's potions were already well-known. No one doubted Kino's words.
"By the way, Mr. President, would you be interested in the Demon Corporation's bodyguard services?" Kino asked casually.
"Mr. Kino, I already have bodyguards," Matthew replied, trying to shake off the allure and maintain his composure.
"No, I'm not talking about ordinary bodyguards. I mean superpowered bodyguards."
"Superpowered bodyguards?"
"Come out," Kino clapped his hands lightly.
The shadow beneath his feet rippled, and a man dressed in a ninja suit emerged from it.
Matthew and Ella's eyes widened in shock, disbelief plastered across their faces. A man... emerging from the shadows?
"Allow me to introduce you. This is a Shadow Guard—an exclusive benefit for Demon Corporation members. For just ten million a year, you'll receive 24/7 protection. These guards possess exceptional combat skills and, if necessary, can even take you into the shadows to escape. Of course, if you feel they infringe on your privacy, you can cancel the service," Kino explained smoothly.
Matthew remained silent. The sheer weight of these offers crushed any argument he had left. Oddly, the money seemed like the least valuable part.
But he was the President. He couldn't sell his country.
"This isn't about selling your nation. I can sign a contract guaranteeing that I will not use mutants to seize control," Kino added, as if reading Matthew's thoughts.
Matthew's head snapped up. Mind-reading.
Looking at Kino's friendly expression, Matthew chuckled bitterly to himself. The nickname "Devil King" was fitting—a master of temptation.
"Mr. President, if I remember correctly, you still have two years left in your term. If you assist me with a few minor matters, I can ensure you remain in office," Kino's voice was like a devil's whisper, echoing in Matthew's ears.
This was the final straw. He could hold on for now, but what about the next president? Why should he let others reap the benefits?
With a smile on his face, Matthew said, "Of course, Mr. Kino. I'm willing to help in any way I can. It seems some overzealous subordinates acted without my knowledge regarding mutant imprisonment."
"I promise you will become the greatest president this nation has ever seen," Kino assured him, his eyes gleaming with sincerity that was difficult to resist.
Once the contract was signed, Matthew relaxed. Since the situation was inevitable, he might as well accept it. Perhaps this was an opportunity to truly make a difference.
Kino was equally pleased with the transaction. On the surface, it seemed like a significant investment, but only thirty million was actual cash—everything else was produced in-house. Securing the cooperation of a nation's president was a bargain.
With the matter settled, Ella also relaxed, engaging in casual conversation with the so-called Devil King.
When Matthew picked up the black membership card, the Shadow Guard quietly slipped back into his shadow and disappeared. Curiosity got the better of him, and Matthew knelt to touch the ground—cold and solid. It was astonishing.
As Kino and Ella continued chatting, Matthew joined in, asking about the resurrection potion's efficacy and the progress of the age-reversal drug.
Just as Kino was preparing to leave, he suddenly turned toward the window.
From the night sky, a robot smashed through the glass and crashed into the room.
"Kino, calm down! You can't hurt the president!" The robot's faceplate lifted, revealing Tony Stark.
Tony stood there, stunned. When he received the president's emergency call, he rushed over, expecting carnage—blood, bodies, perhaps the mansion surrounded by demons. Instead, he found Kino and the presidential couple... sitting on a sofa, chatting.
For a moment, Tony's brilliant mind short-circuited. Confusion filled his eyes as he tried to process the scene.
Kino smiled and said, "Tony, you're quick. But it seems you've misunderstood the situation."
Tony shook off his confusion and glanced between Kino, Matthew, and Ella.
"What is going on here? I received an emergency call and thought there was a national crisis," he said, his tone edged with frustration.
Matthew offered an awkward smile. "Mr. Stark, I apologize for the trouble. This was all a misunderstanding. Mr. Kino and I have just reached a cooperative agreement and were having a pleasant conversation."
Tony narrowed his eyes at Kino. "A cooperative agreement? About what?"
Kino shrugged. "Nothing major. Just some mutually beneficial arrangements. Mr. President is a wise man willing to take steps for the future of mutants."
Though Tony knew Kino wasn't being entirely honest, the absence of violence eased his tension. Besides, the only damage here was the broken window he caused.
"Fine. If everything's okay, I'm leaving. I was in bed with Pepper when I got your call," Tony grumbled, preparing to depart.
"Well then, Mr. President, I'll take my leave as well," Kino said politely before disappearing into the night alongside Tony.
Watching the two figures vanish, Matthew and Ella let out a collective sigh of relief.
High above the city, Tony flew beside Kino, casting a curious glance at his companion.
"Tony, what's with that new armor?" Kino asked, intrigued by its sleek red-and-black design.
"It's the Apollo Armor, crafted from materials I found in Hell. It has extreme heat resistance and perfectly channels my ring's energy," Tony boasted proudly.
"So, it doesn't explode this time?" Kino quipped.
"Uh... well, it still might."
"Then why even mention it?" Kino rolled his eyes in exasperation.
"Hey, it can last thirty minutes now! The ring holds the energy of a miniature sun. Plus, the armor isn't fully finished," Tony defended.
"And yet you wore this half-finished armor to confront me? What if it exploded mid-fight?" Kino raised an eyebrow.
"I figured you'd save me, like last time. Also, I need to gather combat data," Tony admitted with a smirk.
"Unbelievable. You're using me as a safety net," Kino muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.
"I prefer to call it 'efficient resource management,'" Tony quipped with a grin.
"Every man has his price, but some are willing to sell their soul for far less."
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