Chapter 51 - 34: Partners

Paige Summers was a little surprised at first that Marcus Monroe chose to bring Levi Young along, but she quickly understood why.

If Cedric Howell’s older brother was really as Levi had described, then having one more person go missing would only deepen the mystery surrounding Cedric’s death and the lost ring. It was just like how Marcus hadn’t killed Leanne Walsh; it certainly wasn’t out of compassion. It was more likely a calculated move to use the lies she might fabricate to misdirect their pursuers.

And he had also fully considered Levi Young’s mindset.

’In this situation, his only chance of survival is to follow us.’

Watching his rapidly retreating back, she thought, ’This man is truly sharp. That must be one of the reasons he’s able to attract so many followers.’

She glanced over at Levi Young, who was struggling to keep up even at full tilt. Pursing her lips, she slowed down, took his arm to support him, and then accelerated again.

She simply smiled in response to his surprise and silence.

’This guy is interesting.’

’I can’t trust him yet, but there’s no harm in observing him for a while.’

They encountered no one else on the way and drew ever closer to the valley. Paige Summers wondered about the state of Martin Warren and the others. ’Given how much they respect Marcus Monroe,’ she mused, ’it’s highly unlikely they would have just left. They’re probably digging through the collapsed tunnel or searching for another way in.’

However, what she hadn’t expected was that while people were indeed digging out the tunnel, they were strangers. Surrounded by the stiffened corpse of a monster and piles of Mutant Beast carcasses, they were using superpowers and tools to haul away rock and dirt.

As they drew near the valley wall, the scene within came into full view.

With a grim expression, Marcus Monroe told her to take Levi Young and find a good hiding spot. He then approached the strangers alone.

Paige Summers suppressed her curiosity and found a proper hiding place.

Behind a dense thicket of bushes, Levi Young’s expression shifted uncertainly. After a moment, he leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Those guys are also from the Blazefire Hunters. But their strongest member, the captain—the dead guy’s brother, Gordon Howell—isn’t with them."

Paige Summers furrowed her brow. ’The strongest one isn’t here... could he have run into Martin Warren’s group?’

She grew more uneasy, unable to see what was happening with Marcus Monroe.

Thankfully, it wasn’t long before Marcus Monroe emerged from the valley, the other men trailing behind him, all looking completely dejected. They were heading back toward the forest they had just come through. Paige Summers thought for a moment, then said, "I have to go. You stay hidden. I’ll come back for you later."

’Will she really?’ Levi Young wondered doubtfully.

’If I get left behind and run into Gordon Howell, whose brother just died... whether he believes Cedric Howell’s death had nothing to do with me or not, my situation will be grim.’

’Escaping back to the city is just a fantasy. Alone, without even a vehicle... I’d never make it through this forest.’

’So, what other choice do I have?’

’...My only hope is to trust the woman who gave me her word.’

Paige Summers had no time to worry about his thoughts. To her, regardless of the future, Marcus Monroe and his people were her teammates and partners right now—people she couldn’t easily abandon.

After her Promotion, she was faster, her footsteps lighter. But she hadn’t followed for long before Marcus Monroe discovered her. The man paused, then waved her over with a resigned gesture, his back still turned.

Paige Summers blinked and followed him with an innocent look.

The six "captives" looked surprised to see her, but only for a moment before their expressions soured even further. Paige Summers guessed that Marcus Monroe’s strength must have completely overwhelmed them; otherwise, they wouldn’t be this compliant.

The group pressed on into the forest without stopping. Before long, they felt powerful fluctuations of energy.

Someone was fighting.

Paige Summers tightened her grip on her Crossbow and broke into a run.

A chaotic melee came into view.

Eight enemies against four of them.

Their side was clearly at a disadvantage.

Howard Everett and Isaiah Langley were in the worst shape, their bodies nearly soaked in blood. Martin Warren was fighting two opponents at once, one of whom was the Fifth Rank Gordon Howell, and was struggling immensely. Fortunately, he was quick-witted. He’d noticed how much Gordon Howell valued the woman by his side and was using it to his advantage, periodically making risky gambles by giving up his own defense to launch killing blows at her. It was the only way he could relieve the pressure on himself. Grant Yardley appeared to be in a berserk state, far more savage than usual, but he was at his absolute limit handling three opponents.

A sudden rage flared in Paige Summers’s heart. Yet, she stopped in her tracks, stood her ground, and raised her Crossbow, her aim steadier than it had ever been.

She fired.

Again.

One target after another, without hesitation!