Before Fire Moth could react, Ryan set off. Apart from Kalpas's unexpected appearance, everything went smoothly.
All three objectives were achieved; the groundwork for future plans was laid. Furthermore, he'd made contact with three Fla-Chasers: Vill-V, Kalpas, and Sakura.
'The ensuing struggle won't concern ; they'll handle everything. My displayed power will be enough to deter them.'
Deterrence was good. Even without explicit agreents, strength ford the foundation of cooperation. The Cocoon's fate served as a sufficient warning.
If they break the rules, I can play dirty. The Pureblood faction's downfall is the perfect example. Forcing a showdown benefits no one, especially now that I'm not alone.
Including Elysia, Ryan had quietly ford a small group—not large, but powerful.
'If I were them, I'd focus on finding Kalpas, turning him into a weapon against . Such a pity...'
That hot-headed guy would never be controlled, nor tempted by wealth or power. Elysia wouldn't oppose either; their greatest deterrent is the fused warrior project.
Using superhuman to counter superhuman. In the end, Fire Moth will be more eager for fused warriors, but the project leader is Mobius, also my ally.
Ryan's smile froze, suddenly realizing sothing:
Has the Fla-Chaser core shifted from Elysia to ?
"Mobius is my ally, Kevin and Su are my classmates, Hua is my junior sister, Vill-V was saved by , Sakura made a pact with , and Kalpas fought first."
Unknowingly, most of the Fla-Chasers had beco closely tied to him. He hadn't realized it while doing it, but reflecting, it was quite remarkable.
I've essentially taken Elysia's position. It's rather daunting.
Ryan leaned out the window, feeling the dry desert wind. He wasn't sure if this was a good thing, but so actions were irreversible.
It hadn't been long, yet this burden of fate had fallen on him. And he lacked Elysia's charisma, her ability to inspire hope.
Ryan sighed. This was his weakness. Few could match Elysia's warmth and optimism. But he had his own advantages.
"At least my thods are more ruthless. This calculated use of others is sothing Elysia wouldn't do. And influencing people? I'm good at that too."
He looked at the vehicle. Vill-V was sprawled across the back seat, snoring loudly, drool staining her collar; her sleeping position was haphazard, revealing her pink underwear.
A terrible social butterfly.
Ryan then glanced at Sakura, who sat upright, occasionally glancing at him with a strange expression that puzzled him.
"If you have sothing to say, just say it."
"Nothing. I inadvertently noticed your... personal preferences. I understand that every strong person has unique obsessions; it won't affect our cooperation."
What nonsense? When did I ever have any such obsessions?
Ryan was utterly bewildered. When Sakura remained vague, he changed the subject. "Two things: After dropping off at the Fifth Research Institute, you and Vill-V go to Cocoon headquarters and delete your relevant files."
Seeing the man's concern, Sakura felt a surge of emotion. As an assassin, Rin's weakness wasn't common knowledge.
"Okay. What's the second thing?"
"Using Vill-V's information, silence those behind the scenes. Fire Moth will offer you a chance."
"Join them?"
"Yes. Don't worry; they know I'm behind you; they won't eliminate you."
Sakura considered it; logically, it made sense, but she was slightly puzzled.
"I thought it wasn't necessary; I could just follow you."
"I don't have authority within Fire Moth; I'm not the big shot you imagined."
The jeep jolted, causing Sakura to turn her head in surprise. She'd assud Ryan was a high-ranking official, orchestrating a grand conspiracy. Well, aside from certain... quirks, he was more resourceful than any big shot she'd ever t.
"Then who are you?"
Ryan touched his face, realizing his glasses were broken, and leaned his head back.
"Just call Ryan. A very reasonable physicist."
You? A physicist? Very reasonable?
Sakura's expression was priceless, even more so than when she'd heard him call himself a 'Blood Demon.' At least a legendary assassin was within her comprehension. But a physicist...?
Fine. Who he is is irrelevant; it's enough that he keeps his promises.
Sakura lowered her eyes, realizing Ryan had planned everything perfectly. Their escape had been remarkably smooth, encountering no Fire Moth interference.
"After killing those people, what should I do?"
"What do you want to do?"
Sakura looked away, saying seriously, "I made a personal promise to you; naturally, I follow you and await your commands."
The statent was ambiguous, lacking any personal sentint. Ryan didn't treat these Fla-Chasers like toys, expecting blind loyalty based on re heroism.
Elysia was far better at charismatic leadership; he was more concerned with practical gains.
"I'll make the arrangents. The Fourth Herrscher's arrival is imminent; I need to prepare."
"Will the power struggle end?"
"Ha ha. These are just side events. Later, I won't have ti for their power gas; I'll have to resort to more decisive asures."
"Such as?"
"Such as physically eliminating all opposition and placing the bla on the Herrscher."
Sakura took a deep breath, understanding that this man didn't care about power, only about employing the most effective thods at each stage—a cynical pragmatism.
Those powerful figures were using him for their power struggle, while his value was constantly being drained.
She slamd on the brakes; the jeep stopped in the desert. Ahead was a wire fence with a sign: "Military Zone. No Entry."
The Fifth Research Institute lay beyond this desert; all surveillance was dormant.
"Drop here. Once you're done, soone will contact ." Ryan opened the door and stepped out, glancing at Vill-V, still fast asleep.
"The warrant will be lifted soon. But keep an eye on her; don't let Vill-V cause any more trouble."
"Okay. I'll finish quickly." Sakura nodded, finding Vill-V peculiar but useful.
The Pureblood faction would undoubtedly flee; she'd handle the elimination, while intelligence gathering relied on Vill-V—provided she remained cooperative.
"Then let's go."
The jeep quickly drove off. Ryan turned, ending this eventful two-week journey, leaving many loose ends to consider.
Would Kalpas be found by Aponia? Could i handle the increased responsibilities? The impact of eliminating an entire faction, the urgency regarding the fused warrior project.
Politics is a balancing act; they'd undoubtedly try to stop him, but regardless, Kevin wouldn't beco the first fused warrior.
Being the first was both an honor and a burden. If the Seventh Herrscher weren't so powerful, Fire Moth wouldn't have used an Emperor-Class Honkai Beast to create the first fused warrior.
Ryan lifted his foot to leave, then frowned, as the jeep reversed.
"Sothing else?" Ryan looked at Vill-V, still asleep, puzzled. Sakura wasn't usually this slow.
"Mr. Ryan, I apologize. I discovered a secret of yours and, after much consideration, decided to return it." Sakura bowed her head, her bangs obscuring her expression. "You have... unconventional preferences. Please believe I have no ill intentions."
What? What are you talking about?
Ryan was confused, then saw Sakura reaching under her skirt, retrieving a pair of stockings.
"This is yours. Please be more careful next ti."
The stockings still held a trace of the girl's body heat. Ryan's expression remained unchanged; they stared at each other in silence, the awkwardness prolonged until Vill-V stirred. The jeep then sped off.
Dust kicked up by the tires hit Ryan. He watched the jeep go, then looked at the stockings in his hand, instantly gritting his teeth.
Mo—bi—us!!
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