Chapter 79 - Debate

My proposal sounded like a bombshell to my peers, leaving everyone reeling from the shockwave. Without even noticing, I threw them into a state of complete stunned silence.

_ Edna: “ What? ”

_ Kona: “ No, no, no, no way. There’s no way. ” she said, shaking her head from side to side.

_ Kona: “ Have you lost your mind?? ”

_ Ayden: “ No. ”

A form of annoyance, hitherto unknown, is beginning to emerge.

_ Kona: " What’s your problem? First, you helped her against the Recluses, and now you want her tagging along with us?? "

_ Ayden: " Her presence could be a game-changer. "

_ Kona: " Her presence?? Weren’t you the one saying we needed to be self-reliant?? "

_ Ayden: " True, but circumstances have changed. "

Offended, a dry sound, closer to a throat-clearing than a joyful laugh, precedes a tense smile.

_ Kona: " You were probably busy with your fight, but she strangled me nonetheless! "

_ Son: " Ayden… "

Hesitant footsteps can be heard.

_ Son: “ You know I’ve always agreed with you, man, but now you are asking for too much. "

_ Hazel : " I am of the same opinion. I certainly haven't forgotten your past achievements, but this is a decision that should not be taken lightly. "

_ Ayden: " When am I taking it lightly? "

_ Edna: " Yes, listen to your little friends, I have no intention of following you. "

Too stubborn to listen to reason, I abandon my prepared arguments, shift my focus, and opt for a direct approach.

_ Ayden: " Give it some thought; we can provide backup. You are in need of money, aren't you? If a group of Recluses attacks and pressures you, you will find it difficult to steal their money. "

A strained smile immediately forms.

_ Maïko : " And why on earth should we cover for her? " she said, arms crossed.

_ Ayden : " Because she’s hurt. "

_ Maïko & Kona : " ?? "

_ Edna : " Hey. "

She turns all the way around to face me.

_ Edna: “ Don't pretend you're worried about me, it makes me sick. "

_ Ayden: " Apparently, there’s a lot of wealth in this zone, which means more dangerous and better-armed Recluses, don't you think? "

My words don’t leave her indifferent, even if she remains silent.

_ Ayden: " You’ll be able to defend yourself more easily with us. Don’t you want to use our numbers for your own personal gain? "

Her pupils dilated briefly, betraying her surprise, but quickly regained a serious look.

_ Edna: “ He isn’t wrong. If high-caliber Recluses show up, I could use them and catch them off guard. ”

_ Kaya: “ Hey! ”

This exclamation cuts short Edna’s thoughts and targets me at the same time.

_ Kaya: “ What are you doing? Since when is their health our problem? ”

_ Ayden: " Don't you get it yet? Their situation applies to ours too. To minimize the risks, joining forces seems like the most rational move. "

_ Kaya: " This is ridiculous; it’s the dumbest idea you’ve come up with since we’ve been out here. "

A faint, enigmatic laugh escapes the hooded figure.

_ Edna: “ Interesting. Okay, let’s do that. ”

Without exception, everyone grimaces while most fidget frantically.

_ Kona: “ Chill out, we haven’t said yes yet. ” she said curtly.

_ Edna: “ Care to repeat that? ” she snapped, glaring at her.

Tired of this dead-end debate, I am opting for a fair solution.

_ Ayden: " Fine, in that case, let’s put it to a majority vote. "