Chapter 121: THE SIX (1)
The Eternal Empire’s emblem—the World Tree—stood as a symbol of change, planted by immortal elves. Those who beheld it knew that something significant had shifted, though they couldn’t immediately grasp what it was. For the moment, they accepted it as a good thing. After all, the rampage of the ancient tree, which had demolished much of the city with its supersonic roots and branches, had finally come to an end.
With the chaos subdued, police and heroes flooded the city, eventually reaching the base of the World Tree, where they discovered two collapsed figures—Stale and Flower. Both were wanted villains with bounties on their heads.
“There’s Flower!” “What? Arrest her! Now!” “Be careful—that woman killed every agent we sent after her without leaving a trace—”
As the heroes approached with bloodthirsty determination, Stale forced his battered body to move, lifting his communicator. He had to ensure the deal he was promised.
“Scientist? The heroes are here. Open a gate. I need to escape with her...”
[What? Why should I?]
“...Why? Are you planning to break our deal?”
[What deal?]
“You promised to clear Flower’s name! If she’s captured like this—!”
[Ha.]
The scientist’s voice carried a faint, mocking laugh, as if amused by the idea. Stale froze. Was the scientist really going to betray him? True, the deal wasn’t officially documented, nor was it a magical contract, but...
[I promised to ensure no one would hold her responsible for what happened because of the Beast, not to absolve her of everything.]