It had been five days since I arrived at the Camp. Six since I came into contact with Ana’s team. It wasn’t very long, but the memories I made were incomparable to any I had in the past.
Despite my malevolent plans, and everything I had in store for the whole Camp, my heart had warmed up to the group as well.
‘You guys… thank you for everything! I had a lot of fun too!’ I beamed.
After all, today was the time I bid farewell to Ana and her team.
The Camp members gathered to give them a farewell, watching as they left the Camp. It was very early in the morning, not even seven yet.
Yesterday, after Ana revealed their departure, I put on a little act and we all had a wonderful time conversing like a family. It was a strange, yet thrilling experience, and for a moment I was happy.
However, playtime was over.
I watched at the forefront of the crowd, cheerfully waving goodbye to Ana, Peter, Daniel, and Lily. They bravely marched to procure resources, essential supplies that the Camp supposedly needed.
‘I could easily use Recall to get them all back, but this is essential.’ I thought to myself..
While Ana was absent, I would be sent with the Expedition team and do what needed to be done.
It would take two whole days before Ana returned, and by then it would have been too late. Charles was already given the excuse to tell her once she returned with her group, so I was in the clear.
Despite the endgame, I genuinely wanted them all to be well. After all, I wasn’t a monster… I was just someone caught in a cruel world who just wanted to survive.
And so, with our farewell, the team faded in the morning background, and soon after the crowd dispersed.
My time at this place had been nothing short of eventful. A lot of things happened, and it was a thrilling ride. The temptation to remain stagnated at the Camp came. With my resources, I could make living better for the few I actually cared about.
The planting and borehole project would succeed, giving us a stable supply of food and water. I could level up and defeat the Demons threatening the Camp, becoming the new ace.
However… there was no way I could settle for that. As someone who knew what was coming, getting attached now would only mean weakness and death.
‘To survive… to thrive… I need to do this!’ My mind rang.
In the end, I just had to keep moving forward!
*****************************************
“Everything is set. Ana is gone, and the preparations have been made on our end for the Subjugation squad.” Charles reported, sternly giving his briefing with me in the office.
Tasha stood beside him, trying to maintain her stoic expression, but she couldn’t fool me. Once in a while, her deep glare would escape and I could see it.
“Then there’s no need to delay it. We should start advancing now.” I replied.
“I was thinking the same. According to the scouts, the journey to the Hobgoblins’ location is roughly ten hours. Judging by the advance they would have made during that time, the distance should be shortened. I estimate about 8-9 hours will be the new time it would take to reach them.” Charles analyzed.
I was amazed by his deductive skills. He was definitely the most intelligent person I knew, other than myself.
“If the Subjugation team leaves now, they should arrive in the evening. They’ll set up camp away from the enemy. We have a stealth Gifted. He will scour the area, while Melissa will make sure to provide a barrier in case things go awry.”
I smiled and nodded.
“We’ll use the strategy I proposed and thin out their numbers. That will only last us for so long, though. Once the Hobgoblins figure out the trick, they’ll attack en masse and the formation will be ruined.” I said.
“After that, it’s up to you to finish the job… as the Masked Man.”
I nodded. It was a good thing we were on the same page.
“Now then, you should begin addressing the Subjugation team. They’ll be surprised that I’m coming with them, but I trust you’ll be able to handle it well.” I smiled
Charles was silent. Now that the briefing was done, he had no obligation to say anything else. I rose from my seat, seeing as I wasn’t welcome anymore. My eyes darted to Tasha, once again noticing her glare.
“You’re looking good, Tasha. Charles must have treated your injuries well. How sweet.”
My grin appeared, infuriating the woman as her face displayed hatred.
“You don’t have to look that way. I can see you disapprove of my alliance with your husband. But, you should know that it’s the only reason you’re both alive, even your child. Never forget that.”
I could tell she wanted to hurl words at me, but for the sake of her family, Tasha wouldn’t dare.
“Well, then… Later.” I smiled, leaving the office for both lovebirds.
>SLAM!<
*****************************************
“Charles, that boy is-!” Tasha burst out as soon as Jeremy was confirmed to have left the vicinity.
“Yeah. I know. You don’t need to tell me… but there’s nothing we can do about it right now.” Charles interrupted his seething wife.
As much as it pained him that Jeremy had mocked him and his wife and could seemingly get away with anything, the truth remained that he was untouchable.
Not only was his level high, but Jeremy had just agreed to share some of his supplies with the Camp, ensuring that they held out until they could harvest their foods.
Of course, he wasn’t doing it for free. Jeremy was to secure a high percentage of the increase gained from the produce.
“30 percent… It’s a bit high, but considering we would be dead without his resources, and he could also easily overpower us if he wanted, it’s a decent deal.” Charles had reasoned.
“How long are you going to put up with this?” Tasha asked her husband, powerlessly clenching her fist.
Charles sighed, looking to his desk. He tightened the grip he had around his fingers while interlocking them.
“I… I have no idea.”
What could he do against the overwhelming force of Jeremy?
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