Chapter 85 - Division (3)

My eyes widen at such pertinent remarks. Then, a faint smile graces my face.

_ Ayden : " That’s exactly why I like you. "

_ Hazel : " I’m not going to let you be the only surprise in the group. " he said, mirroring her smile.

Indirectly pushed aside, a sense of unrest is felt.

_ Son: " Hey, just speak plainly so we can understand! "

_ Shailly: " Yeah, we’re totally lost here! "

Having no desire to explain our exchange to them, I get straight to the point, my smile fading.

_ Ayden: " Actually, I lied about everything. The truth is, at the slightest hint of an ambush, we all turn on her before running away. "

_ Hazel: " You want to set her up? "

_ Ayden: " Exactly, she and her group gave us hell. If we can pull ourselves out of a tight spot and throw her under the bus in the process, I won't think twice about a double-cross. "

They all exchange doubtful looks.

_ Shailly: " Fair enough, but assuming she makes it out on her own against the Recluses, I think she’ll come after us for revenge. "

_ Ayden: " Then we fight. "

My sharpness catches them off guard, then I keep going.

_ Ayden: " Don’t worry, there are still six of us left to fight. If she struggled against the twins, there’s no way she can beat us all together. "

_ Son: " That’s all well and good, but… I’m not sure if it’s the best strategy. "

In anticipation of this possibility, I sharpen my focus.

_ Ayden: “ I get that you’re not convinced, but think it over. We’re in a new Zone with likely plenty of equipment at our disposal. We saw the proof with those Recluses earlier. Besides, look at us, we’re empty-handed, wounded, tired, and soon we'll be running out of supplies. Do you really think we can hold out much longer on our own? "

Moved by my arguments, he instinctively bows his head, silent and his face heavy with grief. I step closer to him, placing my hand on his shoulder.

_ Ayden : " This scenario only applies if things get out of hand. "

_ Son : " Yeah, you're right. "

_ Hazel : " It's bold, but it just might work. "

_ Ayden: " As long as we haven't reached our final destination, we must continue our search for Camp Khalos. And for that, we shall use others to our heart's content for as long as we can. "

_ Shailly: " Let's hope Moon Village is a much better village. "

_ Ayden: " Yes, let's hope so. "

A smile forms.

_ Shailly: " At least I'm relieved to know you're not on her side. "

_ Ayden: " Fat chance. "

An arm is stretched out firmly toward me; my buddy wants a fist bump.

_ Son: “ Alright man, let's do it! "

I smile, returning the fist bump. Immediately after, a wave of tingling washes over Hazel’s entire body, forcing him to clutch his shoulder, the source of a growing pain. A muffled gasp escapes him, barely audible, yet enough to catch our attention.

_ Shailly: “ Are you okay?? ”

_ Hazel: “Turns out I’m not holding up as well as I thought. I’m going to need some disinfectant and bandages. ” he said, wincing.

No sooner were these words spoken than everyone exchanged worried glances.

_ Son: “ The problem is... Kona has the medical kit... so… “

_ Ayden: “ You'll have no choice but to go see her. “

A heavy sigh escaped him, his gaze resigned and already fixed on the objective.

_ Hazel: " Oh well… "

Then he walks off toward the girls.