Villain Ch 175. Desire For Revenge
"Well, that makes sense. But I still feel a bit envious," Jane admitted. She nodded in acknowledgment, understanding the longing for someone to worry about her in the same way.
Zoe, with a mischievous grin, playfully pouted and muttered, "Yeah, I wouldn't mind Allen worrying about me too." Her mind wandered to vivid scenarios, where she found herself in urgent situations and Allen would come to her rescue like a hero straight out of a movie. The thought of his strong arms wrapped around her, his gaze filled with concern and determination, made her heart flutter. But her daydream was abruptly shattered when she noticed her companions giving her flat stares, indicating that her fantasies were getting the best of her.
"What?" Zoe responded defensively, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
"You are the most skilled player among us. Your body count is almost the same as Allen's. If he worries any of us, you are the last one," Shea reminded Zoe, acknowledging her daughter's impressive abilities in duels and player eliminations. Shea knew firsthand just how strong and capable Zoe was when it came to combat and taking down opponents in the game.
Zoe crossed her arms and pouted, her lips forming a slight pucker. "Well, I also want him to worry about me once in a while, you know?" she complained, feeling a tinge of jealousy at the thought of Allen's concern being directed elsewhere.
Little did Zoe know that Allen had been silently listening to their conversation, lurking in the shadows behind her. He had overheard snippets of their discussion and couldn't resist the opportunity to chime in. Stepping forward with a playful grin, he interjected, "You want me to worry about you?"
Zoe's eyes widened in surprise as she turned around to face Allen, her cheeks flushing a shade of pink. "Y-You know," she stammered, desperately seeking support from her friends. However, to her dismay, they all conveniently avoided making eye contact, leaving her feeling completely alone in the spotlight. Even Shea, her own mother, seemed to have retreated to a safe distance, leaving Zoe to fend for herself. She clicked her tongue in frustration, realizing that she had no choice but to face Allen's gaze once more. "Just forget about that," she mumbled, her voice tinged with nervousness.
Allen raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Why should I forget about it?" he teased, his tone filled with playful curiosity. He couldn't resist toying with Zoe, enjoying her flustered reaction. Then, he cast a sly glance at the others, a knowing smirk forming on his lips. "Also, I heard what you guys say," he prodded, fully aware of the effect his words would have on his friends.
The rest of the group, unable to withstand Allen's gaze, succumbed to the embarrassment that washed over them. Blushes painted their cheeks, and they exchanged sheepish glances with one another. It was as if they had been caught red-handed in a secret conversation they didn't want to reveal.
"Alright, now that we've got that out in the open," Allen began, his voice filled with determination. "Let's delve into the details of our plan." He took a moment to gather his thoughts, his gaze sweeping across the attentive faces of his friends. "As Vivian mentioned, I believe it's time for us to use our true forms during our next daily quest. I think it will significantly improve our efficiency," he explained, his voice laced with a hint of excitement.
The girls listened intently, their eyes focused on Allen.
"Just make sure everyone teams up before undertaking the quest," Allen emphasized, his tone firm. "We can't afford to go in solo or as scattered groups. Two is the absolute minimum for each team. It's crucial that we have each other's backs, especially when dealing with potentially dangerous encounters," he advised, his words carrying a sense of caution.
"We need to act swiftly and decisively," Allen continued, his voice brimming with determination. "We must eliminate our opponents as quickly as possible, without lingering in unnecessary battles. In and out, fast and efficient," he warned, his words carrying a sense of urgency.
"I think that's for the best," Zoe said, her eyes gleaming with determination. "We've been holding back for too long, playing it safe. It's time to show everyone what we're truly capable of."
"Right. Since everything is settled, just put your focus on our hunt, okay?" Allen reminded his team, trying to divert the conversation away from his personal matters.
But before he could fully turn around, Shea's voice cut through the air, her words laced with a gentle concern that touched his heart.
"Allen, I know betrayal has given you trauma and trust issues," Shea began, her voice soft yet resolute. "I'm not asking you to open up to us right away, but sharing how you feel is never a bad thing. Especially since we already know your problems and your past. You lose nothing."
Shea knew there were a lot of reasons why Allen kept this under wraps. She understood his desire to keep his emotions locked away, protecting himself from further pain and vulnerability. However, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness knowing that he carried such burdens alone.
"Thank you," Allen responded, his voice carrying a tinge of gratitude mixed with resignation. He kept his gaze fixed ahead, refusing to meet Shea's eyes. "But I don't need it. At least for now. I know this is bad for me, and I'm not interested in holding these emotions in for too long either."
Shea listened intently, her empathy growing stronger by the second. She recognized the weight that Allen carried, the weight of unresolved pain and anger. Yet, despite his admission, there was a sudden shift in his demeanor. A wicked smirk adorned his face, and his eyes sparkled with a dangerous glint.
Allen's tone turned sinister, the atmosphere around them seemed to change. His previous melancholy was replaced by a fierce determination, fueled by the anticipation of the upcoming event.
"I only endured it since I needed a lot of adrenaline for the event," he confessed, his voice taking on a sinister hiss. "I want to see their frustration and depression..." His desire for revenge seemed to overshadow his willingness to share his emotions. It was as if his longing for justice and retribution had consumed him, pushing aside any desire for emotional vulnerability.
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