From Outcast to Overlord The Unyielding Heir (Leander Ashcroft) novel Chapter 195

Chapter 195 You’re Crossing Me

50

Finished

“I’m here on behalf of everyone in the Arbitration Office,” Evelyn said, her voice low and smooth. “We’re officially inviting you to join us as our next Arbitrator.”

She smiled, slow and confident. Her fingertips brushed lightly past Leander’s cheek, and the pale line of her collar shifted just enough to flash a hint of skin.

“Arbitration Office?” Leander turned his head slightly, surprised.

He had been all over the world, uncovered lost secrets, and read more ancient scrolls than most would see in a lifetime.

But this name was new to him.

“That’s right,” she replied with a nod, her steps graceful as she drew closer.

Her hips swayed with each motion, the picture of temptation.

Leander had power and youth, and Evelyn knew her looks could draw blood from stone. She was sure she could hook him.

She kept her voice soft and coaxing as she spoke. “The Arbitration Office is the judgment seat of this world. We operate underground, but we hold real control. No matter who it is or what they’ve done, we can act.

“If you join us, you won’t just gain allies. You’ll gain authority no ruler can match. Wealth, status, and absolute control over life and death. If you want someone erased, they’re gone–no questions asked.

“You don’t need to follow rules. You only need to complete the missions we give you. The rest of the time, no one will interfere with what you do. You live your life on your terms.

“Most people couldn’t even dream of this kind of power. Tsaric–the Sword Master of Yamora, the one you took down–he was one of us.”

She kept talking, but her eyes never left his. She watched for the smallest flicker of emotion, anything at all.

However, Leander didn’t react. His face stayed calm and unreadable. She paused, a little surprised. Most men would have cracked by now. But Leander? He didn’t flinch.

She smiled again, this time slower, and said, “Of course, someone like you–an Iron Sovereign -probably doesn’t care about money or titles. But I know you care about strength.

“When Tsaric lost to Gareth in Astria and went back to Yamora to train, it was the Arbitration

1/1

17:44 Tue, Oct 14

Chapter 195 You’re Crossing Me

:

50

Finished

Office that gave him his boost. In just over ten years, he climbed from intermediate Martial Sovereign to nearly breaking into the Pre–Transcendent Realm.

“You’ve already killed someone on that level. You’re standing at the door of the Transcendent. Realm. I promise you, if you join us, you’ll walk through it. And that door? It’s not the last one. All you need to do is say yes.”

She flicked something toward him. Leander caught it mid–air. It was small, black, and cold- shaped like a skull, smooth and polished. The mark of the Arbitration Office.

“I could reach the Transcendent Realm,” Leander murmured, “or go even further?”

For the first time, something shifted in his eyes.

“Sounds like all reward, no burden.”

“Exactly,” Evelyn acknowledged, spreading her arms. “Fauster and I are both part of the Office. We’ve seen what it gives firsthand.

“But even with our strength, we’re barely above entry level. The real heavy hitters in the Office? You wouldn’t believe the level they operate at. If it’s power you want, they’ll help you reach it— and more.”

“Oh?” Leander looked between the two of them. “You’re saying you’re the weak ones?”

His gaze sharpened, and for the first time, interest crept into his voice.

Both Evelyn and Fauster were incredibly strong—each one easily rivaled top–level masters like Grayson or Tsaric. On their own, they could rule entire regions. But if they were considered low–tier inside the Office…

That meant the strength behind it was terrifying.

Leander stared down at the black skull in his hand. His fingers closed around it, slow and steady. His eyes stayed fixed on the emblem.

Evelyn and Fauster shared a glance, their smiles widening just a little. It looked like they had him, and it had taken less effort than either of them expected.

Leander studied the black skull for a moment. Then, he gave a slight flick of his wrist and sent it sailing back.

Evelyn caught it with one hand. Her brows drew together. “And what’s that supposed to mean, Sovereign?”

Leander stretched his neck and gave his shoulders a loose roll. His voice came low and steady. “The Arbitration Office sounds like a neat concept, but I’m not interested.

2/4

17:44 Tue, Oct 14

Chapter 195 You’re Crossing Me

A

50

Finished

“Every bit of strength I have, I earned. I fought for it, nearly died for it. If I want more, I’ll take it the same way. I don’t need it handed down from someone sitting behind a desk.

“And for the record, this world is wide, but there’s no group or power that’s earned the right to order me around.

“You can leave now.”

He gave a casual wave and turned away, but Evelyn’s voice followed him. This time, it came cold and sharp, stripped of the softness from before.

“Sovereign, you’re really saying no? Just like that? Not even going to think it through? You should understand something. No one turns down the Arbitration Office.”

Leander paused mid–step. He didn’t look back, but his voice stayed calm. “Why not?”

Evelyn let out a quiet laugh. It was dry and cutting. She pointed straight at him. “Because nobody survives the price. And you’re no exception.

“You’re a big name in Astria. You killed two Pre–Transcendent masters on your own. That’s impressive. But there’s always someone stronger.

“To us, your strength means nothing. You’re a flicker compared to the Office. If we really wanted, we’d send one Transcendent Realm and erase you.”

“You need to think carefully. If you walk away right now, you’re not a target for recruitment anymore. You become a threat. And we only deal with threats one way–by wiping them out.”

Her lips kept their curve, but it had turned venomous.

Her eyes? They gave off a cold glint, hiding the kill behind the calm.

Leander slowly turned to face her. “So, what you’re telling me is, I don’t get a choice. It’s join or die.”

Evelyn’s smile grew wider, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “You’re smarter than most. No need to spell it out. It all comes down to one thing. Do you want to stand with us or against us?”

She wasn’t worried. Not even a little. The Arbitration Office was beyond reach for almost everyone. A force hidden in shadows, older than empires. Leander might have risen fast, but in

eyes of real power, he was still just a kid swinging a sword.

the

She expected hesitation. Maybe a few more questions. Then a quiet agreement. But instead, Leander raised his right hand and made a small wave.

“You people sure talk like gods. I already gave you my answer. I’m not joining.

3/4

17:44 Tue, Oct 14

Chapter 195 You’re Crossing Me

50

Finished

“I don’t work well with threats. You thought saying your name would scare me? Wrong guy.

“I didn’t have a problem with you. Didn’t even plan to get involved, but now your tone’s got me itching.

“Let’s see what kind of ‘elite‘ the Arbitration Office really has.”

He stepped forward. The ground around him cracked wide. A roar of breaking stone echoed as dirt and slabs of earth burst into the air. The land trembled for ten full paces in every direction. Dust curled into the wind. The silence that followed felt ready to shatter.

Send Gifts

60

D

W

4/