Chapter 100: Fanning the Flames

So, the mecha before them was both leverage and an opportunity.

If they used it to threaten Wesley White, they might just have a chance.

A consensus was easily reached. Everyone agreed with the conclusion of their talk.

Their objective had temporarily shifted, moving in another direction.

But this inevitably led to another problem. "The five of us appearing together is too conspicuous."

Zoe Pierce couldn’t help but press a hand to her forehead.

That’s right. Zoe Pierce never would have dreamed that the biggest problem they’d face on Planet B36 was being too conspicuous.

In the few days since they’d arrived on Planet B36, nearly every time they went out, they drew everyone’s attention.

Four handsome men, each with a different air about them, surrounding a beautiful woman—no one could resist stealing a few glances. And a few glances weren’t enough; they couldn’t help but speculate about their relationships.

Among these four Alphas, which one was the Omega’s boyfriend?

What about the other three?

After shedding their unattractive training uniforms for casual clothes, the group’s attractiveness seemed to hit version 2.0. Some single Omegas were even itching to come over and ask for their contact information.

After all, there was only one Omega, so there were bound to be leftover Alphas. And based on their looks, snagging any one of them would be a huge win.

Not only that, but even the Beta stall owners couldn’t help but gossip when they saw them. As a result, even though they had only been here for a few days, Zoe Pierce’s interest in going out had plummeted.

"In that case, let’s form pre-set teams." Just like they had during the joint examination.

Only this time, the logic was completely different.

A smile played on Nathan Lockwood’s lips as he looked at the others. "Zoe Pierce, who do you want on your team?"

The moment he asked the question, both Chase Shaw’s and Miles Sherman’s expressions shifted slightly.

"Personally, I wouldn’t recommend choosing Chase." As he spoke these words with deliberate slowness, Chase let out a laugh of pure indignation.

His lips curled into a sarcastic arc. "Nathan Lockwood, have you lost your mind?"

Nathan Lockwood looked at him and continued, "Chase is the tallest among us, which also makes him the most conspicuous."

In terms of looks, Nathan didn’t even bother to comment; they were all more or less on the same level.

Zoe Pierce and Erin Xavier couldn’t help but nod.

It was true. Chase was too tall. His presence didn’t need any extra emphasis; the moment he appeared, he would inevitably draw everyone’s attention.

"I’m not kidding, Chase." Nathan’s tone didn’t change despite Chase’s taunt. He continued evenly, "The rest of us, at least in terms of height, don’t give off that same impression."

"Furthermore, I think Erin should be the Alpha by Zoe’s side."

At the mention of his name, Erin Xavier looked up from the sofa and met Zoe Pierce’s eyes.

"The teams will be split 3 and 2. Zoe will be in the group of three, and the remaining two will operate together." Nathan Lockwood pressed his thumb against the mole on the web of his hand. "Erin can pass as Zoe’s younger brother. His baby face is very convincing."

So, what about the other person?

What role would this other person play by Zoe Pierce’s side?

A friend? Or a fake boyfriend?

"Nathan Lockwood!" Erin Xavier’s eyes narrowed. "Why do I have to be the younger brother?!"

He practically spat out the last two words through gritted teeth.

But none of the other three men paid him any attention. They were all wondering who the other person accompanying Zoe Pierce would be.

His angry gaze fell on Zoe Pierce.

’Like a cat with its fur on end,’ Zoe thought.

"Zoe Pierce, do you want me to call you ’sister’?" he asked, his smile not reaching his eyes as he looked at her.

’It’s not like he hasn’t before,’ Zoe thought, recalling how he had called her Zoe in that passive-aggressive tone during the joint examination.

But, to keep Erin Xavier from throwing a fit, Zoe went against her conscience and said, "It’s just a role for when we’re out. It’s not real."

Looking at him now, the image of a rebellious younger brother was already taking shape.

No acting would be required. She would automatically be playing the part of the helpless older sister, unable to control her runaway brother.

’It’s actually a pretty good fit,’ she thought.

She struggled to keep her lips from curving into a smile.

While her side of the room was relatively peaceful, a war of words had clearly broken out where Nathan Lockwood was.

"So, you’re saying Zoe has to pick between you and Miles?" Chase didn’t deny that what Nathan had just said was true. After all, his height was a fact he couldn’t change.

But if she really had to choose between Miles and Nathan, a wave of indescribable disgust washed over him.

’What’s the difference between this and having to pick one piece of shit over another?’

Miles had just marked Zoe, a fact that had been tormenting him for some time.

And Nathan? Wasn’t he just playing his little mind games right now?

Chase crossed his arms and leaned back against the sofa. Sometimes, when a person was truly speechless, they would laugh. Just like he was now, a cold, incredulous smile on his face.

Nathan Lockwood was probably the most emotionally stable one there. "It doesn’t matter whether it’s me or Miles."

"Strictly speaking, it won’t be 3+2. We have to include Julian Chambers, so it’ll be a 3+3 formation." They would definitely have to bring Julian along. From what he’d said, he seemed to know the surrounding area well and could be a real asset.

"If everything goes smoothly, we’ll likely rendezvous here later." Nathan pointed to a mountain range covered in green foliage that looked completely normal. "It’s highly likely there’s a mecha manufacturing base inside."

Judging by Wesley White’s methods, it would have to be a top-secret facility. In that case, it couldn’t have been built out in the open like a normal research and development center.

It wouldn’t be on the surface; it would be underground.

And since there just so happened to be a large mountain here, it was very likely that the inside had been completely hollowed out, with the mountain itself serving as a camouflage shell.

"The only difference will be our routes moving forward."

Chase had already been ruled out. He glared at Nathan and Miles, a bitter taste in his mouth.

"Zoe, who do you want to pick?" Neither of the two men before him was someone Chase wanted to choose, but letting Julian Chambers accompany Zoe was even more out of the question.

So, he tossed the problem entirely to Zoe Pierce.

As Chase spoke, Nathan’s voice trailed off. He followed Chase’s lead, turning his head to look at Zoe Pierce.

Who did she want by her side?

In the so-called role of her boyfriend?

Zoe Pierce was amused by Erin Xavier’s still-puffy-cheeked tantrum when the fire was suddenly turned on her.

She blinked, having only half-listened. "Choose between Miles and Nathan?"

Chase’s gaze swept over the two men in question. "Yes," he said affirmatively.

"Nathan, or Miles?"

Who is it that you want? What is it about him that you like?

Zoe’s gaze shifted between the two men, from Nathan Lockwood to Miles Sherman. Then she spoke. "Well, how about Miles?"

It wasn’t just the man who heard his name whose heart skipped a beat. Even Chase, who had forced her to choose, and Nathan, who had been ignored yet again, froze.