Everyone assembled near the gates the following day, mainly to see Shinon off as the day of his encounter with Aric had arrived. Even then, no one knew how Shinon was planning to fight against Aric by himself.
Shinon had never bothered telling anyone, even Kira and Rico, about his strategy to take down one of the most notorious people left alive in their rotten world.
However, they were confident in Shinon’s abilities, especially after his win against the Necrognasher. If Shinon could defeat sothing like that, he could certainly take care of a mortal being.
The only thing was, everyone knew Aric wouldn’t arrive at the drop off alone, despite having ntioned that he would in the recent letter he sent to the settlent.
Although no one doubted Shinon’s ability to shine during tough tis, they were worried for Shinon and the girls because of Aric’s treacherous nature.
"You could let us co with you, you know?" Rico chid in as he helped Shinon load the car with so supplies. "I can be of so help out there."
Shinon turned to Rico once he finished checking out the car, "I know you will, and that’s why I need you to stay back and keep an eye on things while I’m out there. After all, there aren’t many people I can trust to keep things under control here."
Rico sighed, knowing there was nothing he could say at that point to make Shinon change his mind. As for Kira, she didn’t even bother getting through Shinon’s thick skull. All she could do was hope and pray for his safe return.
"How’s she?" Lova said with a smile, patting her car.
"Good enough to get the job done," Shinon replied. "How many cars do you even have?"
"Enough to not want another one in this lifeti," Lova said, peeking under the car’s hood with Shinon. "Listen... I have sothing to tell you."
"Can’t it wait till I get back?"
"Look... I want you to know that if things do not go as planned, just turn around and leave," Lova continued as if she didn’t hear what Shinon said. "People might think I’m a monster for saying this, but your life matters more to us than the girls."
Shinon stopped what he was doing and looked straight into Lova’s eyes. Lova tried to read his expressions but couldn’t. It was as if Shinon was incapable of feeling emotions.
"You know better than that," Shinon shook his head and returned to work. "Those girls trust with their lives and are willing to face the source of all the horrors they have experienced just because I asked them for their help, and you want to abandon them?"
Shinon’s words hit Lova sowhere she didn’t even know existed... right in her heart. Shinon was right; the girls were willing to face Aric not because of so sense of revenge but because they wanted to help those who had helped them.
Yet here she was, telling Shinon to abandon the people who were putting their lives and freedom on the line for the sake of the settlent.
"You’re right," she softly mumbled. "I shouldn’t have asked you to do sothing so... heartless."
"It’s fine; I know you only said what you did because of your concern and nothing else." Shinon replied, "Now that you’re here... will you do a favour?"
"Sure, anything you want."
Shinon smiled inwardly. His plan was taking shape, and with Lova’s help, he could ensure Marcus would be all prepped up once Shinon returned to the settlent after defeating Aric.
With that, Shinon fetched a small pouch from his inventory and handed it to Lova. Lova was a bit surprised as she wasn’t expecting a parting gift from Shinon and was elated... until Shinon burst her bubble of happiness.
"The contents of the teabag... could you ensure Marcus drinks it all before I return?" Shinon asked her, but when he saw Lova’s expression, he imdiately clarified the situation.
"It’s not poison if that’s what you’re wondering. It is a suppressant that’ll ensure Marcus can’t use his abilities when I confront him about colluding with Aric to compromise the settlent’s safety."
"I see... so my guess was correct," Lova mumbled. "Don’t worry. I’ll ensure that traitor enjoys a last beverage before we put him where he belongs."
As soon as Lova said those words, Shinon walked up to her, patting her head. Lova imdiately got all flustered but didn’t try to pull away. Shinon knew she enjoyed it whenever soone showed little affection to her.
After all, that’s how Marcus had manipulated her for so long, and now Shinon was doing the sa with her. Did he feel guilty for doing it? He also knew it was necessary, so there was that.
After a minute, Shinon stopped and withdrew, thanking Lova for all the help she had given him. She quietly mumbled sothing before rushing away like a teenager after being embarrassed.
As she retreated, Lily, Mia, and Emily arrived, ready to leave. Shinon took one look at them and dropped whatever he was doing to go and greet them.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Shinon asked them again, and the girls nodded.
Although they were afraid of Aric and his rage, they knew if they wanted to be truly free from his clutches, they would have to get rid of him one way or the other. If Shinon was willing to help them, they were ready to put their lives on the line as well.
Soon the rest of the Phoenixes appeared to bid farewell. Amidst the group, Marcus stood stoically, his arms crossed. He seed indifferent as usual, but Shinon had a way of ssing with him.
Shinon had one final ssage to deliver, one ant for Marcus alone. He leaned in close, his voice a low, chilling whisper that could cut through the air.
"Marcus," he began, his words carrying a weight of warning, "I want you to understand sothing very clearly. Rember what I said before about our little secret."
He continued, "If I find out you’ve so much as lifted a finger against anyone I’m close with while I’m absent, there will be hell to pay. I can assure you, it’s a price you won’t want to pay. Not with your Sugar daddy Aric gone."
For all his power, Marcus found himself caught off guard by Shinon’s intensity. Anger flared in his eyes, but there was also a glimr of uncertainty.
Without a word, Marcus turned away, his jaw clenched in frustration. He stord back towards the Phoenixes’ quarters, his footsteps echoing his irritation. Shinon watched him go, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
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