Chimaera's Conquest: The Legend Of The Devourer-Chapter 240: Open Challenge

Adrian acted surprised at the reporter’s claim. It wasn’t just him; everyone in the room, including the other reporters, raised their eyebrows. They were there for some exclusive news content, and it looks like they found it.

"I’m not sure I follow," Adrian said after a moment. "Would you mind elaborating?"

"You really should join an acting class if you’re going to lie about something," the reporter scoffed, turning hostile. "I’m referring to the open dungeon, which was owned and managed by Lady Maria, that you were denied entry-"

"Oh, now I remember, but it seems you have answered your question, ma’am," Adrian replied, smiling. "If I was denied entry, then how could I possibly be responsible for closing the dungeon?"

The reporter looked confused as if she hadn’t expected Adrian to deny the allegations. However, John wasn’t pleased with the lady’s behaviour as her false claims could be considered an attempt to ruin Adrian’s and his guild’s reputation.

"Guards! Please escort the woman out. I don’t want anyone making baseless claims on one of my guildmates," John got up and yelled, pointing at the reporter in question.

However, before the guards could force her out, Adrian got up, objecting to the forceful removal. Since things were going according to his plan, he didn’t see any reason not to let the reporter dig a deeper grave for Maria and her guild.

"Relax, John," Adrian said, signalling the guards to back off. "If there’s a mix-up, it’s better to sort it out peacefully than hold grudges and cause a fuss later."

"But Adrian-"

"John, I got this."

The way Adrian said those words, it looked more like an order than a request, and since John didn’t want to piss him off, he sat back in his seat while Adrian turned to the reporter.

"I’d like to apologise on behalf of my friend here," Adrian said. "Now then, where was I- Oh right, could you tell everyone if I never entered the dungeon, then how are you and Lady Maria, as you call her, holding me responsible for her guild’s lack of proper security measures?"

The reporter was surprised that Adrian was blaming it on them while subtly revealing his fangs to her.

"How can you blame the guild-"

"To secure permission to establish an open dungeon, the first and foremost rule is to guarantee the DRA that the guild overseeing the dungeon could maintain absolute control over the boss monster under any circumstance. Correct?"

The room replied with a roaring yes, setting up the stage for Adrian to drive another nail into Maria’s coffin.

"Either you’ve deceived the DRA to secure approval for an open dungeon, or your beloved Lady Maria had greased their palms."

He continued, "I’m not one to cast blame, but the outcome seems clear to me: either your guild failed in its duties, or the DRA did, and I’m inclined to believe it’s the former. The question is, can you counter my claims?"

The reporter went red in the face. This wasn’t how Lady Maria had promised the interview would go, and instead of wrecking Adrian’s reputation, the opposite happened.

However, Adrian wasn’t done putting up a performance yet. With a sigh, he caught everyone’s attention again as his voice got heavy.

"Despite what I said, I blame myself for some of what happened that day..."

Hearing those words was like music to the reporter’s ears. Unfortunately, she didn’t foresee what Adrian was planning to do.

"If only I had forced my way into the dungeon, I could have helped save everyone. The results could have been different if only I had acted stubbornly for once in my life and refused to leave when they told me to."

On cue, Sophia got up from her seat and rushed to Adrian’s side, comforting him. It was a sight that put the final star on his performance.

After all, everyone loved a hero who was in a vulnerable state, and his choked voice was enough to make even George believe his story, even though he knew precisely what Adrian had done in that dungeon.

However, the reporter didn’t have it and kept forcing the issue. But, this time, she asked a valid question.

"Okay, let’s assume I believe you are innocent, but tell me this: Why did you want to enter the dungeon in the first place?"

"You may be aware that I’ve been absent for six long years," Adrian replied. "Since my sudden reappearance, my team and I have been under surveillance by the DRA.

He continued, "Yesterday marked my first brief break from their surveillance. Everyone else decided to spend their time shopping, but I’m a wanderer and like to travel.

And what better place would there be to visit than a dungeon turned into a recreational spot. But I wasn’t allowed inside, so I left and returned home. I’m sure the DRA can vouch for that."

<And humans think kitsunes are sly creatures. Your performance even put out deception to shame, master.>

’Master? I thought I was to be referred to as human or mortal.’

<I decided to elevate your status after seeing what you did outside and here. That poor female looks on the verge of losing her demeanour at any moment from your constant wordplay.>

’It’s not over yet, though.’

<You’ve decided to destroy the poor woman, haven’t you?>

Adrian concealed his smile and prepared to deliver the final nail in Maria’s virtual coffin.

"With all due respect, I sympathise with what Lady Maria and her guild have been through a lot these days. It’s never easy to lose someone, and they have lost a lot.

That said, it does not give her the right to point fingers at blameless individuals, particularly when her own actions have caused the mess she’s in."

"How-"

"I’m not finished," Adrian cut in, standing up. "You can tell her if she’s interested that my door’s always open for her or anyone else who wants to tarnish my reputation.

I’ve been falsely accused before and will be again, but I’d prefer they talk to me directly instead of playing childish games while hiding in the comfort of their mansions with blood on their hands. That’s all."

With that, Adrian walked out, leaving the girls to continue the press conference.