exclusive-to-MvLeMpYr
It took a while to convince them, but with Amelia's backing, Brandon managed to persuade Belle's subordinates that Lumian was already weakened when he beat him.
"Are you hurt anywhere?"
Belle spoke in a worried tone as she grabbed Brandon's shoulder, peering out for any signs of injuries.
"No, I'm fine."
Brandon shook his head.
Once again, Brandon and Amelia exchanged glances, her brows furrowed.
Belle didn't seem to notice the exchange as she was already staring at Amelia.
"Amelia, did you not get the announcement?"
"Announcement?"
"Check your phone again."
Amelia did just that. Shortly after, she shook her head and showed her phone to Belle.
"There's nothing."
"Alright. Seems like the mana is still disrupting the signal."
Belle retrieved her phone and showed it to both Amelia and Brandon.
"Here."
Brandon and Amelia leaned close and scanned.
Brandon was indifferent about the whole thing but Amelia's eyes widened in shock.
Amelia turned her head and looked at the body before speaking.
"So this man is one of them...."
"Exactly."
Belle nodded her head.
"We were sent to take him dead or alive."
Those words weigh heavily. After all, they needed to interrogate Lumian for information.
But it was for the reason of Lumian being powerful, that he was sentenced dead or alive.
It just went to show how powerful he really was.
But yet again, Brandon harbored no such feelings for the entire ordeal.
Lumian was dead.
Belle was still alive.
And that's the end of the story.
He had completely rewritten Belle's fate.
But regardless, he knew this wasn't the end of it.
A war was coming, whether he liked it or not.
And with war comes death.
"This is quite a feat. The army will reward you generously."
One of the officers spoke up. Black hair and yellow eyes. Brandon was well aware of who this was.
Ivan Albarn.
An S ranker. He had appeared briefly in one of Brandon Locke's memories.
And it was of a similar scenario as well—being Belle's subordinate.
Brandon shook his head at his statement.
"No. I don't need any reward."
"I've heard about you from General Locke. It's quite shocking to see you're still alive, Sir Brandon."
Another voice cut in. Blue hair and blonde eyes. Ray Arcadia.
Belle's assistant officer.
"...."
"Alright. But if you want this plan to succeed, the army should at least know about it."
"That's where you guys come in. I'll start infiltrating once I've finished my preparations. But remember, none of you must make a move until I give the go signal. Resume your regular army operations."
Ivan looked at Belle—who stood behind Brandon, asking for permission. Brandon didn't need to see to know that Belle accepted the proposal.
Brandon continued to elaborate. He had told them he would send the location of the syndicate in a few weeks, after confirmation.
At the end of it, everyone understood the tasks given to them as they all discussed.
Giving them space, Brandon returned by Amelia's side. She raised her head and met his gaze.
Brandon opened his mouth.
"This is goodbye for now. You'll be returning with them once we get back to the human domain."
"Ah.. Uh..."
She seemed to hesitate as her mouth opened and closed continuously.
Brandon shook his head.
"Your face is too recognizable. The syndicate would easily identify you."
"Right."
"Don't worry. I made a promise, didn't I...?"
"Okay. But... be careful."
"Since when was I not?"
Brandon chuckled.
Amelia frowned and stared at his gloved—hand.
"You two sure have gotten close."
A voice suddenly cut through, and Amelia flinched.
It was Belle.
"Wonder what happened when I wasn't looking."
"A lot."
"Oh...? Is this true, Amelia?"
Belle looked at Amelia—who seemed to have been embarrassed.
"N-No, no."
She stammered.
Brandon continued.
"You don't even want to know what happened, sis."
Yeah.
'I lost an arm. You died. I saved you.'
A lot happened.
"What are you saying...."
Amelia suddenly leaned close and whispered in his ear, she seemed like she was about to burst.
"What? I wasn't lying."
Brandon shrugged his shoulders.
Technically, he wasn't lying.
"Something like this happened, sis."
All of a sudden, he grabbed Amelia's chin and raised her head, their eyes locking.
"Ah."
And Amelia twitched. Her eyes seemed to be spiraling, flushing beet red out of embarrassment.
Belle sighed and shook her head as she stared at the two.
"Haaa...."