Chapter 41 - 28: Smear

"Paige, is that really you?!" Leanne Walsh called out softly from ten meters away.

Of course, Paige Summers didn’t actually pull out her Crossbow. She simply withdrew her hand slowly, neither looking at nor acknowledging the other woman.

Once the Crossbow was in her hand, she wasn’t sure if she could restrain herself. But the five men around her had sharp eyes; even Grant Yardley hadn’t missed her subtle movement. However, aside from Martin Warren, who put down his bowl with great interest to look at her, the others all chose to simply watch.

"Sweetheart, is that your friend?"

’Here we go again...’

"I’m in a bad mood," she said with a deadpan expression.

"I can tell. So?" he asked, suppressing a laugh.

"So don’t call me that. You’re just adding fuel to the fire."

"Got it! Well then, my dear Susie, your friend is about to cry..."

Paige Summers sighed and tilted her head. Sure enough, Leanne Walsh was putting on a pitiful display, hesitating to step forward, her face looking like she was about to burst into tears.

’I... really... really... want... to stomp on that face a couple of times. What’s a girl to do!’

Seeing that Paige just stared without speaking, Leanne Walsh bit down hard on her lower lip and finally took two steps forward. "Paige, can we talk?"

"I have nothing to say to you."

"You’re still misunderstanding me... That time, it was truly an accident! I heard that Hugo Perry’s family has been looking for you, and I was so worried they might try to harm you, so I’ve been wanting to tell you. Why don’t we... after we get back to the city, I’ll go with you to explain things. I’m sure they’ll understand. Nobody wanted that to happen. Hugo Perry just liked you so much, that’s why he voluntarily shielded you..."

’Slandering me between the lines, making it sound like I seduced a man into dying for me...’ Paige Summers raised an eyebrow. ’So she really is a reincarnator! Otherwise, there would be no reason to hate me this much. She doesn’t just want me dead; she wants to completely isolate me first... Is that why she’s going to all this trouble to put on such a show in front of everyone...?’

Even though it was dark, as a Superpower User, she could still see very clearly.

Her woeful gaze drifted here and there before finally settling on Marcus Monroe.

’That’s right. The performance was never meant for me.’

Paige Summers glanced at the others, and the corners of her lips suddenly curled into a faint smile.

’But why would this woman think all men fall for this sort of act?’

’Never mind Marcus Monroe and the others’ stoic expressions; just looking at Martin Warren’s amused face, it was clear he was just enjoying the free show...’

Paige’s silence made Leanne Walsh a little uneasy.

’The person before me seems to have changed so much.’

’In my calculations, she should have had one of two reactions.’

’One: she would continue to be her usual weak-willed, forbearing self, which would prove she hadn’t been pushed to her limit. Two: she would have a sudden outburst, unable to take it anymore, just like when she laid that vicious trap in our past life.’

’But this is neither of those.’

’Her gaze is clear and bright. She’s looking at me so casually, yet it sends an indescribable chill down my spine. It’s like a dust-covered sword has revealed its Sharp Blade; under the moonlight, it glints coldly without even needing to be swung.’

’Is this... still Paige Summers?’

She subconsciously took a step back, but she quickly collected herself. ’So what if she’s changed! I must avenge the hatred from our past life. Not just avenge it, but repay it a hundred, a thousand times over! I will make everyone turn against her, and make sure she dies without a grave!’

’Only then will I be able to sleep at night.’

"Paige!" The delicate, soft voice finally carried a hint of irritation.

Just then, Paige Summers finally spoke. "If you’re done talking, then leave."

"No..."

"No?" Paige Summers smiled and slowly stood up, her posture as straight and tall as a poplar. "Or are you saying you want to start a fight with me, right here and now? Your Hunting Party has quite a few temporary members, doesn’t it? Are you sure they won’t mind giving up their rest and affecting tomorrow’s hunt over your personal business?"

Leanne Walsh’s expression shifted slightly. "I don’t."

’Looks like I hit a nerve!’ Paige Summers smiled calmly. "Then get lost. My patience is limited, and I don’t want to repeat myself. As for the score between us, we’ll settle it after we get back to the city..."

That last sentence gave Leanne Walsh a bad feeling. She bit her lip and looked at the men across from them. Their expressions were either indifferent or displeased; not one of them showed any sympathy or outrage on her behalf. Seeing no way to continue, she turned and ran off, tears of frustration in her eyes.

Paige Summers stared at the meat in her bowl, having completely lost her appetite.

Before heading back to his tent, Marcus Monroe glanced at her and gave a clipped command, "Be ready. We leave at dawn."

The others also gradually went to rest. Grant Yardley hesitated for a moment before approaching her. "Don’t think too much about it. We don’t believe you’re that kind of person." To be honest, when that woman was whining and complaining, he’d been so annoyed he’d almost stepped in himself. It was only a stern glare from their leader that stopped him.

A warmth spread through Paige’s chest, and she couldn’t help but break into a brilliant smile.

Grant Yardley stared, momentarily dazed. The tips of his ears went red, and he almost bumped into a stone stool as he scurried away. Even after he got back to his tent, his heart was still pounding.

Howard Everett saw his dazed expression and found it quite strange. "What’s wrong with you?"

"Huh? Oh, it’s, it’s nothing."

Howard Everett narrowed his eyes. "You’re not going to tell me?"

Grant Yardley shuddered. ’When this guy wants to know something, he always finds a way. But how can I tell him what just happened!’ In his panic, his brain had a rare flash of inspiration. "Fine, I’ll tell you! I was just wondering why the leader wouldn’t let me help Paige. She’s not a spy, and she’s our teammate now. It was infuriating to just let that disgusting woman badmouth her like that!" This was actually something he’d been wondering about, so his indignant expression wasn’t faked.

Howard Everett laughed. "Oh, so that’s what this is about. You really are as dense as they say. Haven’t you figured it out? The leader has taken an interest in her. This whole hunt is to see if she’s a good fit to stay with us. That woman’s timing was actually perfect. Paige handled it well—not impulsive, not timid, and she kept the big picture in mind. The leader was pretty satisfied."

"T-taken an interest in her?!" Grant Yardley’s eyes went wide.

Howard Everett nodded confidently. He didn’t bother to explain all his reasoning to Grant. ’I’ve seen that Metal Crossbow. It’s a perfect fit, whether as a support for a superpower or as a primary weapon for an Original Superpower User. And it was supposedly built from her own designs. I imagine she knows how to make more than just this. She’s a rare talent, no doubt. But to be our partner, talent alone isn’t enough; character and combat prowess are also essential. Still, I’m ninety percent sure the leader is planning to recruit her into the team now.’

And so, the man who had taken it the wrong way hung his head, looking utterly crestfallen.

That night, he spent a rare night tossing and turning.

Paige Summers, on the other hand, who had a tent all to herself, slept soundly all night. The next morning, she ate breakfast feeling refreshed and energetic, then prepared to set out with the rest of the group.

The vehicle was left at the camp. From now on, they would be on foot.

From a distance, Leanne Walsh watched them leave, but ultimately, she didn’t try to bother them again.

Paige Summers let out a breath, resolved to use this opportunity to gain as much combat experience as possible.

Her hopes were not disappointed. After leaving the camp, the group headed straight north, and after a day’s journey, they arrived at the edge of a forest. Apparently, their destination wasn’t far once they passed through it. But when Paige saw that even the usually cheerful Martin Warren wasn’t smiling anymore, she immediately realized this forest would be no easy passage.