Chapter 517 The Emperor Is Among Us [Part 2]
Villain Ch 517. The Emperor Is Among Us [Part 2]
"Elio, order!" James' urgent plea jolted Elio into immediate action. The panic in James's eyes reflected the shared apprehension that pulsed through the room, his voice echoing the heightened anxiety.
The tension was palpable, each beat of their hearts seemingly in sync with the fear that surged among them. Normally, every time the emperor concluded his eerie nursery rhyme, chaos would ensue, often resulting in the demise of a player. Though they understood the emperor shouldn't have the right to take their lives in this event, the possibility lingered as a haunting question.
Elio felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him. The amalgamation of fear and the mounting pressure to swiftly issue orders entangled his thoughts. The urgency to act swiftly clashed with the uncertainty clouding his mind. Should they proceed as hunters, actively seeking the infiltrator, or should they take a defensive stance, anticipating the emperor's potential assault?
His teeth clenched in frustration as he grappled with the suffocating weight of fear and responsibility. The scenario demanded immediate action, yet the lack of a clear strategy left him in a state of agitation. A dilemma lingered - a decision held the weight of their safety, and the choice was pivotal.
"Like I said, pair up and search designated areas," Elio eventually echoed his earlier directive, clinging to the semblance of a plan that might offer some semblance of security.
That order made the entire assembly of members pivot their attention toward Elio. Gil, in disbelief, was the first to voice his concern. "Are you sure? Won't that just give the emperor an opportunity to ambush us?" His disbelief was palpable, his fear mirrored by others in the room.
Elio turned to face Gil, the weight of responsibility etched on his features. "Find him fast or you'll be dead," he echoed the last chilling line of the emperor's eerie nursery rhyme. His voice carried a sense of determination and urgency. "The emperor hinted that he won't attack until the event is over." With a swift gesture, Elio summoned the announcement list, displaying the event countdown alongside a checklist. The checklist allowed them to decide whether the countdown would be visible to them or not.
[Time remaining: 1:41:31].
"Activate the countdown on your screens and start sweeping the base. We have to find him quickly!" Elio commanded, his own checklist selected on the side of his timer.
In response to Elio's directive, the members swiftly carried out his orders, activating the countdown on their screens. The ticking clock appeared, the numbers glimmering in red, a constant reminder of the diminishing time.
The room erupted into a flurry of movement, pairs forming quickly, their unease masked by an air of determination. Their steps echoed the urgency of the situation, a desperate attempt to reclaim some control in an unpredictable event. Each member swiftly aligned themselves with a partner, their faces a mix of determination and apprehension, fueled by the urgency of the impending threat.
Noah paired up with James and announced, "We'll take the gaming hall and the main entrance. Gotta make sure no one sneaks in or out!" Their swift stride and alert gaze portrayed their readiness to guard the primary access points.
Meanwhile, Gil and a member paired together, declaring, "We'll cover the lounge and the weaponry room." Their brisk pace and vigilant glances suggested a purposeful inspection of potential hiding spots within those areas.
One by one, the others also gave their report and left.
Elio and Sophia moved in silence. "Let's check the private room," Elio suggested, his voice hushed yet determined. Their footsteps echoed through the corridor.
Elio and Sophia moved cautiously, their feet treading lightly as they scanned every corner. The tense silence enveloped them, each moment riddled with uncertainty and an underlying fear of the lurking danger.
Sophia, consumed by apprehension, found solace in grabbing Elio's arm for support, seeking comfort in his presence. However, to her surprise, Elio's response was unexpected and uncharacteristic. His voice, usually warm and reassuring, bore a stark command.
"Can you please let me go? It's hard to move around like this," Elio's words were firm, almost stern, a departure from his usual demeanor.
Sophia felt a sudden pang of shock at Elio's atypical reaction. Startled and flustered, she quickly withdrew her hand, feeling a wave of awkwardness wash over her. "S-Sorry," she stammered, her voice betraying her panic.
Elio, focused on the task at hand, nodded in acknowledgment of her apology and continued to survey around. His abrupt shift in behavior left Sophia disoriented and bewildered. What could have caused this sudden change in Elio's demeanor, especially in a moment where support and unity were crucial?
Desperate to regain their previous rapport, Sophia hastened her pace to catch up with Elio. "Elio, wait!" she called out, her tone a mix of concern and confusion.
Elio stopped, turning to face her with an unreadable expression. His eyes, usually warm and inviting, now bore a hint of resolve tinged with something indefinable. Sophia, still reeling from the unexpected exchange, couldn't decipher his demeanor.
"What happened? Are you feeling tense?" Sophia probed, her voice filled with concern and a hint of confusion as they continued their search.
"No," Elio responded simply, his focus unwavering as he pushed the door open and stepped into the room. His demeanor was rigid, a stark contrast to his usual approachability.
"Then what happened?" Sophia pressed again, hoping for clarity in the midst of the tense situation.
This time, Elio's response was direct and tinged with a hint of frustration. He turned to face her, his brow furrowed. "We are in the middle of the event. Please put your concentration and drop anything else. Do you understand?" His tone was firm, leaving no room for further discussion.
Sophia felt a wave of surprise wash over her at Elio's unexpected firmness. The usual warmth and reassurance she was accustomed to seemed to have dissipated, replaced by an unyielding resolve. She nodded in response, her gaze reflecting a mix of shock and understanding. "O-Okay," she managed, taken aback by the sudden change in Elio's attitude.
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