Chapter 445 - The Unexpected Announcement

"No, it's nooot…" As soon as they heard her, everyone could not help but turn their eyes towards her. When she sensed their eyes full of disbelief directed at her, Zoey cleared her throat and awkwardly placed her hands down.

"Hehe. Just trying to lighten the tension." Meek and almost as a whisper, Zoey offered an awkward smile. The men around just averted their gazes as they didn't want to offend her by staring for a long time. After all, if she was with Matthew, then, maybe, she's an important person.

"What you have watched is an example of a real battlefield -- I'm certain everyone is aware of that. More important than seeing a person's nature, the game is more as a lesson for Owen, Ryan, and Carter." Matthew who purposely ignored Zoey's craziness, paused. His eyes scanned the people, then took his time as his eyes passed by the three participants.

"As our family grows, there will be more people. As the Captains of each squad, they will have more people under them. Therefore, as much as I don't want betrayal within the family, I could never neglect the possibility. After all, there would be people wanting my head, and there would be people's head I want as well." Matthew's words didn't falter as he uttered such heavy statements. 

Zoey could not help but widen her eyes, not believing her ears hearing her husband sound like a cult leader. 'What… what's going on…?' She wondered internally, casting Matthew's stern side profile an incredulous look.

"Owen, he offered the alliance as his tactic. I wouldn't say it was betrayal as he immediately understood what he was entering was a battlefield. His colleagues were not his colleagues anymore, but his enemies. I applaud his quick-wittedness and his ability to adapt." Matthew paused, glancing at Owen who was a little surprised by the compliment which oddly made the latter a little shy.

When Matthew resumed, he fixed his gaze at Owen. "However, Owen, you might've realized it by now that giving mercy to your enemy could also lead to your death." In a matter-of-fact tone, Matthew said. 

Owen just scratched the back of his head, "Yeah…" He answered, already realized his first mistake from the battle.

"What I'm implying is, if this is a real battle with your lives depended on it, giving mercy to your enemies would bring unimaginable consequences. As for Carter, I was the one who talked to him to continue. I knew Owen would take the chance to take him down, for the same reason I've given previously." Once again, Matthew paused as he needed time for everyone to absorb his explanation.

After several seconds, he continued. "What Carter had shown was a lesson for everyone to take every possible chance to win. It might look a little dishonest and underhanded, but know that if you didn't, it will cost you your lives." 

Matthew then shifted his gaze from Owen to Carter who bowed his head upon meeting his boss's eyes. He then moved his eyes to Ryan, "Yan, what you have proven are your skills and bravery. However, your negligence in grabbing the opportunity to survive was what caused you to fall into the hands of your enemy." Ryan pursed his lips into a thin line hearing the last remarks of his boss.

The three of them could not really retort or argue as it was true. It might have been called a game, but something within them felt that it was real. They wouldn't get better or sharpen their skills without real experience, after all. Therefore, Owen and Carter's instinct was already set as that.

On the other hand, Ryan took his time to realize that. If not for Owen and Carter going all out, he wouldn't think about it seriously. It would remain as a game to him.

"The results are real, Carter won because Owen gave him mercy, while Ryan neglected the other participant in the game. What I asked Carter was to accept Owen's alliance and act to what they have agreed." When Matthew retrieved his gaze away from Ryan, who stood firmly with his chin held high.

"Betrayals will always be a part of the world we're moving in. You've seen Owen give mercy to him as he considered Carter as his colleague. On the other hand, Carter realized the real purpose of the game, the reason he decided to continue to end the game."

"It wasn't about who was called a winner, but it was more like a lesson of what a battle looks like. Most of you will understand my words, for those who never had a real battle experience, note this down because this will be a frequent training for everyone." Without further ado, Matthew announced as his eyes still scanned everyone.

It was evident to them that they understood him as they focused more in his words. Meanwhile, Zoey could not help but glance at him in awe. She didn't mind him taking the credits of her plans. After all, no one would believe Matthew's words, or rather, they would end up questioning him if he said it was Zoey's idea.

Carter was well-aware of that as well. Therefore, he remained silent when Matthew claimed he was the one who asked him to do what he did. Still, he could not help but glance at the real coach and the person behind everything: Zoey.

'Wow… I didn't even detail it but he understood it really well.' Zoey admired internally, her eyes sparkling at the sight of Matthew's imperious side profile. She almost forgot what he had done earlier and what he planned to do.

"I planned to make this game a constant training for everyone. By this, it will sharpen everyone's skills -- especially, one's senses." Without further ado, Matthew also made his announcement without much change in his expression.

Some of them showed excitement upon hearing it, while others showed a little hesitation. Nevertheless, everyone looked forward to it as they have seen how it was done. Moreover, as long as it would sharpen their skills, a different training didn't really matter. 

"Also…" This time, Matthew turned to Zoey. "She will be training here.." Matthew witnessed how Zoey' twinkling eyes widened as her jaw dropped nearly to the ground.