Chapter 97: Uncertainty And Doubts (1/2)

As soon as the words left his mouth, Arthur regretted that he had let them out. However, the pebble was already in the water and he felt suddenly exhausted. He slumped to the couch tiredly as he stared at Ivy with a tilted head.

”So, what if I don't join you guys? Would you kill me? Break my legs and fix them and expect me to be happy?” Arthur knew they helped him; it just left a bitter taste in his mouth to be manipulated.

”Si is a good person, Newbie.” Ivy pulled a wooden chair from the side and sat on it backward. She leaned forward and continued. ”He asked us to help you, and we were late for that. Maybe it was as you say, that he wanted you to feel grateful. It doesn't change that you need him, we all do. He needs you too.”

”For what?”

”For his revenge, for his ambitions. He can offer you what you want if you help with what he wants. You know his ability.”

”I do,” Arthur nodded. ”That's why you could be telling me this on his command. Feed me these truths or lies.” He saw her expression change; he realized the rest should be buried in his heart. ”I already told Si that I would help him as long as he helps me, no need for ploys. Don't you think so, Si?”

There was a brief silence. Arthur's phone rang.

”… You're right.” Si's voice came out from the speaker after Arthur accepted the call. ”However, I never intended for you to get hurt. If something did arise, that they would have helped you immediately. I'm sorry that it became this way.” Si's tone was apologetic, but Arthur didn't know how much of it was planned as well.

”Immediately after breaking a few ribs,” Arthur's sarcasm made Ivy clench her fist. He knew that it was time to change his stance. ”Even still, you helped me with what I asked for and the mess I made. I owe you one,”

”… No, that's what a family does.” Si's tone was sincere, yet there was a weird tone of disappointment in it. Arthur had no idea why exactly. Maybe things were not as they seemed? It was then that he realized Ivy gritting her teeth.

”It was you,” Arthur looked at Ivy and laughed at how ridiculous it was. ”You decided I needed to be beaten up at first,” Si remained silent, suggesting he also realized it but hoped Arthur would blame it on him. As for Arthur himself, he was torn between blaming her and blaming his weakness. He was the one who was caught, she had no obligation to help him.

”I just hope you weren't the one who made them catch me.”

”No! I'll never do such a thing!” Ivy stood up from her chair, agitated. ”I'll never do things such as betrayal.” She sounded offended.

”Ivy,” Si's voice was soaked with disappointment.

”I…” Her voice trailed.

”Si, it's alright. Can we talk later? I still have a competition to catch up to.” Arthur had no interest in witnessing their drama.

”Very well. However, did you discover anything yesterday?

This question made Arthur pause as his mind raced. Should he tell Si about the attack that's going to happen to the Yalveran Kingdom? Should he tell anyone? Did he have anyone to tell, to begin with? Who could change anything about it? Who can warn the Yalveran Kingdom? Did he even need to take the risk of involving himself? His head throbbed with pain.

Then it dawned at him. Si should already know what's going on. If he foresaw the attack on the kingdom, he should already have his plan. This was nothing but a test from Si. A test to see if Arthur trusted him. There was also the possibility that Si knew about the attack, but he didn't know about the weapon of mass destruction. Maybe he knew about neither?

Why did everything lack certainty at this point?

”I did,” Arthur proceeded to tell him what he heard. The weapon needing to be activated in the Apprentice's Cup. The person who was supposed to activate it. Everything that he heard. When he was done, Si sighed.

”Thank you,” He said, in a sincere voice that Arthur lacked the evidence to doubt. ”Master Ronin and I have been seeing visions about a calamity to come. However, we had no idea when it would happen or what it is.” Arthur's guess was right, Si knew there was something that was going on. But how far did he see?

”We should try to track Tyrin, capture, even… kill him if necessary. Such a weapon shouldn't be activated.” Arthur suggested.