"You're sick," Samar said with disgust. "You say that you regret killing Wyntor, but in the same breath, you say that you also would do it again if it leads to the same outcome."
"Will you kill any number of innocent people just to make any progress in your fight against this so-called true enemy?"
"How can a utopia be built on the bodies of innocent people?! You are using the good of mankind to further your own goal, just like Aegis and all of the corrupt rich people you killed in the upper layer!"
"Are you happy with killing innocent people?" she asked.
"My happiness is of no concern," Nick answered. "I dedicated my entire self to this cause. My personal happiness has no consequence."
"But are you happy?" she asked.
"No," Nick answered, "and I never will be."
"The path I walk does not lead to fulfillment or happiness."
"I am a soldier in a war-torn city. I only know how to fight. I only know how to reach the collective goal. My methods are debatable, but they are effective. Thanks to me, humanity finally has hope."
"I am telling the truth," Nick answered. "Denying my own importance will only damage humanity."
"Do you believe I feel accomplishment when I think about my importance? Do you think I feel like I'm better than anyone else?"
"No," Nick reiterated, "I feel pressure. Humanity's fate rests on my shoulders, and that burden is heavier than you can imagine. If I make a mistake, millions of people will continue to suffer for millennia. If I fail, humanity might never recover."
"As long as I am alive, humanity has a shot at true freedom. I am not living for myself but for everyone else. I do not want to sacrifice the people I am close to. I do not want to see the Left Arm or the Technician die."
"And yet, if it is necessary, I have to sacrifice them.Everyone put their hopes and dreams in me, and letting everyone down would be the worst thing I have ever done."
"I must lead humanity to freedom! The world has put me down this path, and I have to walk it to the end! There is no other choice!"
Samar looked with skepticism at Nick.
Nick talked about how important he was while also saying that he didn't like being that important.
It sounded delusional and narcissistic.
And yet, Samar didn't feel like he was lying.
Samar remained quiet for several seconds.
"I require proof," she answered.
"You will see the true enemy when you become a Hero," Nick answered.
"I require more immediate proof. I don't need proof of this true enemy. I need proof of your importance."
"You said you're working with the Left Arm and the Technician. Connect me with the Left Arm, and I will ask her myself for clarification."
"That is difficult," Nick said. "I can connect you to the Left Arm, but she can't speak freely."
"There are ways around that," Samar said. "If you want me to trust you, you have to trust me first."
Nick took a deep breath.
If Samar said something about the true enemy, this entire operation could blow up.
"It is important that you do not say anything sensitive. Do not mention the true enemy or humanity's fate in any way," Nick said.
Samar nodded. "I won't."
The next moment, Nick connected his Barrier to Samar's and contacted the Left Arm.
"Report," the Left Arm ordered.
Samar could hear the cold authority in that voice.
She had never spoken to the Left Arm before, but she didn't doubt the Left Arm's identity.
"This is Samar Melfion from Crimson City. I am connected to you via the Barrier of the special Agent," Samar said.
"State your business," the Left Arm answered.
"Your special Agent is currently personally standing right in front of me, and I need to verify some of his claims."
"There are other people involved in a mission we are currently discussing,which tangentially relates to Crimson City. There are people part of this mission that outclass him in rank, but he states that, without him, the mission can't possibly succeed." Ṟ𝘈ΝồβËş
"I need confirmation of this claim since prioritizing his safety might jeopardize the safety of the other members," Samar said.
"What is this mission related to?" the Left Arm asked.
"It relates to a group of Specters and a potentially stronger Specter controlling them. This mission is paramount for Crimson City's survival," Samar said.
In Aegis' headquarters, the Left Arm's eyes narrowed.
Was that wording on purpose?
Specters were only controlled by other Specters.
It would be more accurate to word it "a stronger Specter potentially controlling them."
Instead, Samar had said, "a potentially stronger Specter."
Most people wouldn't pay attention to such wording since anyone would make such a mistake.
However, Nick connected the Left Arm to this person.
Additionally, the fact that Samar said that the special Agent is personally standing in front of her could also refer to Nick unveiling his identity.
Many calculations of risks and rewards shot through the Left Arm's mind.
The risk was extremely high.
Yet, the Left Arm trusted Nick.
If he believed that such a risk was worth it, she believed him.
"The special Agent spoke the truth. I do not know the specifics of the mission, but the special Agent has proven invaluable in many different missions. Prioritize his survival above the survival of everyone else. Even if the mission fails, Aegis can't lose somebody with this specific skill set."
Samar took a deep breath. "I understand. I apologize for the disturbance."
"Good," the Left Arm said before cutting the connection.
Samar remained silent for several seconds.
The message was clear.
Nick hadn't exaggerated.
His survival was the priority.
Nick just waited for a couple of seconds.
After almost a full minute, Samar turned to Nick.
"Tell me what happened back then," she said with a weaker voice. "What led to Wyntor's death?"
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