Fenley’s recording captured every word between Brian and Hank, the god of the Hall of Gods, including their elaborate schemes, with remarkable clarity.
Upon hearing that, Alicia and Aurora were stunned as their eyes widened in disbelief.
Brian felt as if he had been hit by lightning, which left him rooted to the spot. He didn’t expect his conversation with Hank from the previous night to be recorded.
He briefly entertained the idea that Hank might have betrayed him. But he quickly dismissed it, considering their shared interests and Hank’s lack of motive for betrayal.
Brian’s expression alternated between worry and panic. Alongside his confusion, he was flooded with alarm. With the proof of his betrayal revealed, he pondered his next course of action.
“So, what do you have to say now?” Fenley asked coldly.
Celestial Alliance had been suspecting Brian’s unusual behavior and had preemptively installed a bug on him, just in case. It turned out their suspicions were correct when they discovered Brian’s collusion with the Hall of Gods-a blatant betrayal toward their guild.
“Brian, I can’t believe you set me up.”
Alicia looked at him incredulously. We’ve practically grown up together and I even treated you like a brother. I don’t understand why you’d do such a thing?”
“I…” Brian was at a loss for words.
“The guild has shown you nothing but kindness. We offered you special privileges and nurtured you. And yet, you’ve conspired with outsiders to betray us. You’re so ungrateful. I’ve misjudged you!” Aurora fumed.
While she had suspected a traitor among them, she had never doubted him because of their strong, decade- long bond.
However, the recording earlier had shattered her trust in him. His actions were like the adage, “You may know someone’s face, but not their heart.”
“Brian, return to the guild with me and come clean to Master Alloy. If you sincerely confess your mistakes, there’s a chance he might show you mercy and spare your life, given our years of friendship,” Fenley urged.
“Return to the guild?” Brian’s eyes twitched with a momentary gleam of aggression. “After all that has happened, how could I return? Betraying the guild means facing either death or a lifetime of guilt and punishment.
“They could strip me of everything I’ve cultivated or sentence me to a lifetime of imprisonment. If I return with you, my life will be over.”
“You’re out of options. So, don’t force me to take action on you.” Fenley’s expression was devoid of emotion.
As he spoke, internal energy coalesced in his palm. He was ready to subdue Brian if he tried to resist or escape.
‘Do you think you can catch me? In your dream!” Brian clenched his teeth. Then, he raised his hand to release a dark, poisonous mist that engulfed Fenley.
“Watch out, Fenley!” Alicia’s expression changed.
“Hmph! Stubborn fool!” Fenley said coldly. He didn’t dodge but struck with his palm. His powerful internal energy swiftly dispersed the poison mist, and the residual force surged toward Brian.
Suddenly, Brian darted behind Alicia, and his hand gripped her throat. He threatened, “Fenley! Make one move, and I’ll kill her.”
“Huh?” Fenley’s expression darkened. He quickly withdrew his hand and shouted, “Let Alicia go. You’re only making things worse!”
“Let her go? And let myself be killed?” Brian’s face contorted with rage.
As he held Alicia captive, he retreated cautiously. “Back off, everyone! If anyone tries to come closer, I’ll take her down with me.”
The enforcement team was ready to take action but froze in fear upon hearing that. While they might disregard the lives of others, they couldn’t overlook Alicia’s safety.
“Brian! Have you lost your mind? How dare you hold my sister hostage?” Aurora’s anger flared.
“Yes! I’ve lost it! But it’s all because of you!” Brian spat out through gritted teeth. “I’ve dedicated years of my life to the guild, risking everything, and what do I get in return? Nothing!
“Instead, it’s Fenley, who joined years after me, that Master Alloy favors and promotes. Everyone showered him with praise. Why?
“I’m the senior disciple of the Celestial Alliance. I’m the guild’s future guildmaster! I’m the one destined for greatness.
“Why did Fenley get to steal all the spotlight the moment he showed up? I won’t stand for it. I refuse to spend my life being overlooked.
“If you don’t give me what I deserve, I’ll take it myself. I’ll fight for it! Even if it means colluding with the Hall of Gods and turning against the guild.
“Because, in the end, it’s survival of the fittest. I’ll do whatever it takes to achieve my goals. Anyone who tries to stop me will die.”
Brian’s words crescendoed into near- yells as he reached his breaking point. The madness etched on his face deepened.
With his emotions running high, his grip around Alicia’s throat tightened. Her face flushed as she struggled to breathe and couldn’t utter a word.
“Brian! Calm down! Let’s talk this out without hurting Alicia, okay?” Fenley quickly pacified Brian’s escalating emotions. He feared Brian might lose control and snap her neck.
