Chapter 195: Help
Adam broke the silence. His voice was quiet but carried a weight that cut through the tension. "I know this situation isn’t good."
Everyone’s attention snapped to him. They were listening now. Not just as students listening to a leader, but as four boys trapped in a place that wanted to kill them, listening to the only person who had a plan.
"I want to tell you all something," Adam continued, his gaze moving from Kado to Void, then to Robin, and finally to Ryan. He held each of their gazes for a moment, forcing a connection. "I created this group because I saw the potential in every single one of you. I meant that. I also know what is happening to the other students, the ones who get absorbed into the other factions."
A flicker of understanding passed through their eyes. They had all seen it. The fear, the subservience, the way the upperclassmen treated the new arrivals like property.
"I’m not going to hide anything from you," Adam said, his voice dropping even lower, becoming more personal. "My friend, Alina, is trapped in the Golden Group right now. She asked me for help."
The words landed with the force of a physical blow. This wasn’t about points anymore. This wasn’t about a stupid bet with Joshua. It was personal. The stunned silence was absolute. Kado’s rigid posture softened slightly, his focus shifting from the threatening woods to Adam’s face. .
"That is why I am asking you," Adam said, his honesty laid bare. "Help me with this mission. Help me get her out." He let the request hang in the air, a profound vulnerability in his tone. Then, a harder edge returned to his voice. "I can’t complete all these missions by myself. Not in the time we have. But I know that you are all more than capable. I chose you for a reason."
The four of them exchanged looks. It was a silent, rapid conversation. Ryan’s fear was still visible, but now it was warring with something else. Loyalty. Robin pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, his expression analytical, calculating. Kado’s jaw was set in a firm line of contemplation.
Void was the only one who seemed unaffected. A slow, lazy smile spread across his face, a flicker of dark amusement in his eyes. So, the great leader needs to ask for help, he thought. This is getting interesting. It seems I might have to show a little of my true power after all. Just a little.
He stepped forward, breaking the formation. He clapped his hands together once, the sound sharp and jarring in the quiet forest. "You don’t need to get so formal, boss," Void said, his grin widening. "But since you’re being so earnest and actually asking for our help... I suppose I’ll lend a hand. This sounds like much more fun than picking flowers."
Before Adam could respond, Kado moved. He shot a hand out and clamped it firmly on Void’s shoulder. "When did I say you could speak for me?" Kado’s voice was a low growl. He didn’t even look at Void. His intense eyes were locked on Adam. He squeezed Void’s shoulder once, a clear message of dominance, before letting go.
"Don’t listen to this fool," Kado said, his tone softening as he addressed Adam directly. "I give you my word. I will do everything within my power to see these missions completed." It wasn’t a promise made to a leader. It was an oath from one warrior to another.