Chapter 90 - Bomb

The long-awaited moment is finally arriving. With bated breath, we listen intently, ready to catch the imminent news.

_ Orta: " If you keep going straight down this quiet alley, you’ll reach your destination. "

_ Shailly: " Why can’t we take the main path? "

_ Orta : “ Various black markets are set up along the main alley for trade. In principle, there is no danger, but since you are vulnerable, you would be better off staying away from the crowds. ”

_ Ayden : “ We are aware of the dangers. Even without that advice, we would have taken another path, but thank you. ”

_ Orta : " I don’t doubt it. "

_ Kona : " And how far is it from here? "

_ Orta : " Less than 10km. So, I’d say about a thirty-minute walk. "

_ Kaya: " And how can we be sure they'll take us in? "

_ Orta: " Ask to see Georges II. He is an influential, high-ranking official, and a friend. Tell them you come on behalf of Camp Khalos. Believe me, you’ll be well taken care of. "

This precise and likely truthful information fails to dispel the shadow of suspicion that dwells within us. Suddenly, a voice speaks out.

_ Shailly: " After coming all this way, we’re so close to the finish line. We might as well go all the way. "

Our eyes meet once more, sealing a silent agreement.

_ Ayden : " You’re right. "

I stand up afterwards.

_ Ayden : " Thank you for the information. We’re going to head out now. "

_ Edna : " Hey! "

She stands up too.

_ Edna: " I’m not here for that. "

_ Matilio: " What do you want? "

_ Edna: " I want your cash. "

The audacity of his words catches the correspondents off guard, their pupils dilating in response. Matilio, as calm as ever, continues.

_ Matilio: “ And what are you going to do with our money? ”

A few beats of wings can be heard from their nest before Edna opens her mouth.

_ Edna: “ I want to build and rule the largest camp in the Zone. ”

The announcement, breathtaking in its audacity, leaves us collectively stunned. Each of us measures the colossal scale of the quest she is about to embrace. In an instinctive gesture, hands come together to support the chin.

_ Matilio: " You look very determined. "

_ Edna: " I fully intend to succeed. "

_ Matilio: " It’s not the kind of idea you get on a whim. "

_ Edna: " I was part of a small crew before. We commanded fear wherever we set foot. "

_ Ayden : " She must be talking about the colleagues we faced. "

_ Edna : " It all came crashing down when we crossed paths with you. "

Then, she watches us.

_ Edna: " Or at least, the path of your Moana. "

Feeling targeted by some form of responsibility, an orphan grows restless.

_ Maïko: " Hey, it’s not our fault! "

_ Edna: " Oh, well thanks a lot. "

A sharp and palpable misunderstanding is etched upon our faces.

_ Maïko: ” W... What? ”

_ Edna: “ Memba and I had the same goal, except there can only be one governor. And there was no way in hell I was going to let that bastard have that privilege. ”

_ Orta : " Memba? "

_ Edna : " Yeah, a real asshole. "

_ Matilio : " I see. So sooner or later, you guys would've had to face off anyway. "

_ Edna: " You get it. "

Fragments of memories are resurfacing, sparking my curiosity about their relationship.

_ Ayden: " Why so much animosity toward your own colleague? "

_ Edna: " He’s a good leader, but one hell of a son of a b*tch. "

The cruelty of these words shocks us, even though we are beginning to know his boundless vulgarity.

_ Edna: " He was the kind of person who loved subjugating people and crushing their self-esteem, and I absolutely hate that. During training, he wouldn't hesitate to keep punching me even when I was down. "

_ Orta: " It’s not even training anymore at this point. "

_ Edna: " I’m partly to blame. I kept getting back up because I refused to lose to a guy like him. "

_ Orta: “ … “

Then, she looks at us again.

_ Edna: " Sure, I lost my temporary camp thanks to you, but at least that’s one less rival and one less scumbag to deal with. "

No one reacts. So, she turns to the Recluses.

_ Edna: " Anyway, I answered your question, now cough up the cash. "

_ Orta : " Is she bribing them on air? She’s really got some nerve. "

_ Son : " She’s a total psycho! "

_ Matilio: " For that, you have to join our camp. "

The news, falling like a guillotine blade out of nowhere, leaves us speechless, catching even her own partner off guard. The woman herself lets out a frown, a sign of her growing annoyance.

_ Edna: " Don't you get it? I don't give a fuck about yours, I don't want to be affiliated with anyone. "

_ Matilio: “ I understand, but keep in mind that with us, depending on the various missions completed, you could pocket a serious amount of money. ”

Even before she could get a word out, he cut her off.

_ Matilio: “ It’s only temporary; I’m not telling you to stay. ”

Then, his partner edges closer.

_ Orta : “ Matilio, are you sure? Usually, you’re the first one to complain. ”

_ Matilio : “ Why not? We’re short-staffed. Anyway, at the slightest problem, she’ll be kicked out. And besides… ”

He stands up from his tree trunk for the first time.

_ Matilio: “ Admit it, you want her to come too, don’t you? ”

His partner raises her eyebrows, then smiles.

_ Orta: “ You really can’t hide anything from you. But it’s not for the same reasons. ”

Sidelined from the discussion, we watch the situation unfold without fully grasping it, even though it does not concern us. Annoyed, the Recluse utters a sound, wanting to swiftly break their dialogue.

_ Edna: " What do you want? "

_ Orta: “ As for me, I’d just be happy to have a new girl join our camp. It’s only old people here; it’s no fun. " she said, pouting.

_ Matilio: " I’m just curious to see your progress and to find out if you’ll manage to build something historic. "

A brief, haughty laugh erupted.

_ Edna: “ Who do you think I am? Of course I’m gonna succeed. ”

Then, a serene confidence lights up her face, settling into a smile.

_ Edna: “ And when that happens, you’ll be working for me. ”

A knowing smile emerges.

_ Matilio: “ I can’t wait to see that. ”

After a few seconds of hesitation, the final decision is made.

_ Edna: " Alright, I'll come with you long enough to scrape some cash together, then I’m out of here. "

_ Orta: " Alright, deal! "

The departure is imminent; a hand is raised.

_ Orta: “ Good luck with everything! ”

_ Ayden: “ Thank you. ”

When everyone believes the matter closed, one last sound emerges.

_ Edna: " Oh, and speaking of work… "

Initially with her back to us, she spins around, pointing her finger.

_ Edna: “ Once my empire is built, you will be my assistant. ”

Edna’s index finger traces an invisible line that each of my companions hastens to follow. Reaching the target comes as a shock. That finger, implacable, is pointed at me. A wave of surprise, mingled with profound misunderstanding, washes over us all, leaving me as stunned as the rest.

_ Ayden : “ W...What?? ”

_ Edna : “ You possess a very intriguing analytical mind, one that I find quite appealing. In the future, I will be needing you among my ranks. ”

In the immediate moment, a collective effervescence breaks out, and spirits ignite in unison.

_ Son: “ Yeah, right! In your dreams! "

_ Maïko: " You've got some nerve making that request, considering the situation! “

_ Shailly: " That’s ridiculous; he’ll never agree to it anyway, right Ayden? "

My lack of response made the silence deafening.

_ Shailly: " Ayden? "

At that very moment and against all odds, I am deep in thought, my hand partially pressed against my mouth, eyes fixed on the floor. This side of me they are witnessing live shocks every single one of them.

_ Maïko: " Wait, are you actually serious?? Are you really considering her proposal right now?! "

_ Shailly: "This is a joke, right?? " she said, her face falling.

_ Edna: " You don’t have to answer me right now. Anyway, if you feel like it, you know where to find me. "

In an instant, a sudden joy twists her lips into a wide smile.

_ Edna: " Especially since you and I share a secret. "

No sooner had the astonishing proposal been dropped and left unprocessed than a new, equally enigmatic puzzle piece hurled itself into the conversation, sowing further confusion. Rarely easily rattled, my composure finally shatters in the face of this bombshell.

_ Ayden: “ What the... What is she talking about?! ”

Without further ado, she pulled up her hood and left her spot, followed by the two other Recluses, letting us glimpse their presence one last time.

_ Edna: " Alright, bye, wankers. "

Edna’s departure, which was supposed to be a relief for everyone, is turning into a poisoned chalice. The shockwave sent by these two pieces of information, both vital and obscure, is triggering a rain of questions and a wave of frustration in everyone, which I will inexorably have to face.