Chapter 169: Invitation
At the Freedom Convoy’s camp, the air hummed with activity. Members loaded supplies into various vehicles, checked equipment, and secured the last of their cargo.
Near the center of the camp, Valentine stood with Rex, a heavily bandaged Cyrus, and Grandpa Jiro. Valentine turned toward Rex.
"Is everything in order? The compensation from the military has arrived, right?"
Rex nodded.
"Yep. Nina is checking the condition of all the vehicles, and the supplies are being loaded as we speak."
He swept his gaze over the busy camp.
"If everything goes smoothly, we should be able to leave for our next destination by tomorrow morning."
Valentine accepted this and turned her focus to Cyrus and Grandpa Jiro.
"How are your injuries? Are you experiencing any problems?"
She paused.
"Should I ask the military’s physicians to examine you?"
Cyrus shook his head without hesitation.
"Aunt, there’s no need. My light abilities have some healing properties. I’ll be completely fine in a day or two."
Grandpa Jiro brushed off the concern with a wave of his hand.
"These are only minor cuts and bruises. I’ve survived worse."
Before Valentine could answer, Nina and Aldina walked over.
"Big Sis Valentine!"
Nina raised a hand in greeting.
"I’ve checked all the vehicles. Once the remaining supplies are loaded, we’ll be ready to leave. We could even depart today if necessary."
Valentine smiled and patted her head.
"Good work."
Grandpa Jiro cleared his throat to get their attention.
"Before we start discussing our departure, shouldn’t we invite that kid to join our convoy?"
Rex tilted his head.
"Which kid?"
Valentine answered for him.
"The man with the truck. I believe his name was Leo."
"Oh, him."
Rex spread his hands.
"I don’t know if he’ll agree to join us."
Valentine narrowed her eyes.
"This convoy came out of the battle in one piece largely because of him."
"He’s dependable."
She cast a look at the injured members around her.
"And that battle exposed many of our weaknesses."
"Our current strength is no longer enough to contend with the top clans, the military, or the aliens."
Her expression hardened.
"If we want to survive and live peacefully, we need to increase our strength."
Grandpa Jiro nodded in agreement.
"Exactly. That kid has considerable experience, and he seems capable of making mature decisions."
Nina shot her hand into the air.
"Yeah! Big Brother Leo should join us."
Her eyes took on a bright sparkle.
"I heard his truck is heavily modified. If he joins, I wonder if he’ll let me study it."
Rex turned toward her, clearly amused.
"I thought you didn’t like him."
He leaned closer.
"Now you’re calling him Big Brother with so much respect?"
Nina’s face flushed red.
"Shut up! He’s not stinky like you!"
Rex pulled a face, exaggerating his disgust.
"Eww... So you like him because he smells good?"
He took a step back.
"I’d better warn him to be careful around you."
Nina’s eye twitched. Her hand crept toward the wrench tucked into her pocket.
Valentine sighed and rubbed her forehead.
"Enough, you two."
She then turned to Rex.
"Don’t you always claim to be his best friend?"
Rex stiffened.
"Go and give him the invitation."
Rex threw up both hands in protest.
"That sounds like a lot of work."
He pointed at Cyrus.
"Besides, shouldn’t the captain be the one handling this kind of task?"
Cyrus shot him a dry look.
"Why are you dragging me into this?"
Before the argument could escalate, Grandpa Jiro chimed in.
"The kid is decent, but more importantly, he’s powerful."
He stroked his chin.
"It would show our sincerity if all of us went to invite him."
"Besides, it would make things less awkward than sending only one person to extend the invitation."
Valentine considered his words for a moment before nodding.
"Let’s do that."
Rex frowned. He had a bad feeling about this.
Then, as if a vital thought had just struck him, he raised a finger.
"Oh, I just remembered. I still have some unfinished work to take care of."
He began inching backward.
"I’ll go handle it while you guys head over. Don’t worry, I’ll join you once I’m done."
Valentine’s eyes narrowed.
"Rex."
Rex froze in his tracks.
"If you take one more step, I swear I’ll hit you with a lightning strike right now."
Rex let out an awkward laugh.
"Haha... Why would I run away?"
Valentine nodded in satisfaction.
"Good."
She scanned the camp.
"Now go find out where Leo is."
"From what I remember, he isn’t inside the camp right now."
Rex sighed inwardly. His instincts had been spot on. The minute extra work was mentioned, he should have made himself scarce.
Off to the side, he noticed Danny wandering into the camp. The young man moved at a sluggish pace, his brows knit together as if lost in deep thought.
Rex jogged over to him.
"Hey, Danny."
Danny didn’t seem to hear. He just kept walking without looking up.
Rex frowned and grabbed the young man’s shoulder.
"Hey! What are you daydreaming about?"
Danny jolted in surprise.
"Oh!"
He spun around.
"Sorry, Sir Rex. Did you need something from me?"
Rex waved the apology away.
"Don’t worry about it."
He leaned forward.
"Do you know where Leo is? I need to ask him something."
"Oh."
Danny jabbed a finger toward the edge of the camp.
"Head a few hundred meters in that direction. You’ll find his truck parked there."
Rex nodded and gave Danny a friendly pat on the back.
"Thanks a lot."
With that, he returned to the group.
"I know where to find him."
He pointed the way Danny had shown him.
"Follow me."
Rex started walking, with Valentine, Cyrus, Grandpa Jiro, Nina, and Aldina following close behind.
As they left the camp grounds, Rex let out a quiet sigh. He had a sinking feeling this invitation was going to be far more trouble than it was worth.
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