บท 56: I Couldn't Possibly Fall For Such A Two-timing Man
Gunshots continued to reverberate through the air, the sound a constant reminder of the perilous situation they found themselves in. Cian's efforts to diminish the enemy numbers seemed futile, and the grim reality of their circumstances sank in. If they persisted, it would take an unreasonably long time, potentially until sunset the next day, to eliminate all the attackers. Even if they managed to succeed, it was highly unlikely they would emerge unscathed.
In a moment of desperation, Cian turned to Mila, Freya, and Charlotte, his voice filled with urgency. "Mila, Freya, Charlotte, I need to ask you something," he began. "Do any of you possess hidden abilities or unique skills? Anything that could aid us in getting out of this situation alive?"
Cian knew that if they were to have any chance of survival without losing any of their companions, they needed to utilize every resource at their disposal. He hoped that these three might possess untapped talents or hidden quirks that could turn the tide in their favor.
As the three women exchanged glances, Charlotte was the first to break the silence, offering a glimmer of hope. "I may not be adept at using guns, but I do possess skill in archery. Perhaps I can lend a hand by providing cover fire and assisting in the fight," she suggested, her voice determined.
Mila, on the other hand, acknowledged her limited combat experience but expressed her expertise in a different field. "While I may not have much combat knowledge, I've honed my skills in blacksmithing and iron crafts under my father. If there's a need for repairs or improvising weapons, I can assist you in that regard," she offered, her words filled with determination.
Cian recognized the potential value that both Charlotte and Mila brought to their dire situation. Their unique skills could indeed prove invaluable. However, he couldn't help but notice that Freya had remained silent throughout their exchange.
"Alright then, let's give it our all and fight with everything we've got," Cian said, turning back his attention to do situation at hand. He turned to Charlotte. "Charlotte, I want you to be careful out there since you'll be fighting alongside me."
Charlotte felt her cheeks flush, her mind momentarily distracted by Cian's words. 'Is this his way of charming women? Well, I must admit, it's quite effective,' she thought to herself. Shaking off her thoughts, she quickly composed herself and replied, "I'll give it my best shot, but I won't take unnecessary risks. You can count on me for that!"
Cian nodded appreciatively, his confidence bolstered by Charlotte's commitment. Then, he turned his attention to Mila. "Mila, we need all the help we can get. See if you can find any useful items or weapons. Maybe there's something hidden in the basement of this inn. It's worth checking out."
Mila nodded. "Okay."
Cian then turned his gaze towards Maya, a silent understanding passing between them. His eyes conveyed the importance of her role in protecting Freya. Without saying a word, he handed her an additional pistol, ensuring she had the means to defend herself. Maya's eyes lit up with determination as she received the pistol, swiftly cocking it with practiced ease.
Meanwhile, Cian reloaded his own pistol, the sound of the mechanism echoing through the air. "We will do everything in our power to survive this battle. It's time for the Scarlet Lotus to establish its reputation within the underground society."
He reflected on the five years that had passed since he set his sights on conquering the world. He knew that to achieve his goal, he needed to first establish dominance within the underground society.
"Father, watch over me as your creation ascends to become the ruler of this world." he murmured those words to himself.
With unwavering resolve, he peered out from their hiding spot, aimed his pistol, and took a precise shot.
•••••
Mila ventured down into the dimly lit basement of an old inn, clutching a small lamp to guide her through the darkness. After what felt like an eternity, she finally emerged into a room that seemed to be used for storage. It was filled with an assortment of unusual items, far different from what one would expect to find in an inn. However, amidst the curious odds and ends, she spotted something that caught her eye— a welding machine, an anvil, and various pieces of metal. Though most of the metals were nothing more than scraps, Mila recognized their potential usefulness in the dire situation they faced.
A glimmer of hope flickered within her as she whispered to herself, "I can be of use..."
The concept of being "useful" held great significance for Mila. Coming from a financially disadvantaged family, she yearned to be a source of support and assistance for her loved ones.
Being the oldest daughter of the Fareese family, she felt the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. She believed that she had to contribute in any way possible to improve their difficult circumstances. Mila had even tried to learn the art of iron craftsmanship, hoping it would bring some relief to her family. But despite her efforts, it was never enough. That's when she made a desperate decision that she knew wasn't the wisest—she would sell herself. If the metalwork she could produce wasn't sufficient to ease their hardships, she resolved to enter the world of prostitution to provide for her loved ones.
However, her plans took an unexpected turn when she stepped into a brothel and announced her intentions. Before she knew it, a group of men in black suits swiftly seized her and forced her into a waiting car. Blinking in confusion, Mila found herself whisked away to a foreboding manor, where a man resembling a swine resided. It was at that moment, as she stared at the grotesque figure before her, that the reality sank in—she had unknowingly condemned herself to a life as his plaything. Regret washed over her as she lamented the decision to leave her home and sacrifice herself in such a manner.
However, fate had a different plan in store for Mila. Just as she found herself surrounded by those nefarious individuals, two mysterious figures appeared out of nowhere and swiftly eliminated them all, including the swine-like man.
Despite the enigmatic nature of these individuals, Mila sensed that they were not malevolent. Intrigued and filled with a newfound hope, she yearned to be of use to them.
With determination in her heart, Mila gathered her materials and set to work. Her skilled hands crafted a magnificent weapon for Charlotte, unlike anything she had ever seen before. Additionally, she fashioned a set of lethal arrows that would aid their cause. Recognizing the need for protection, Mila also forged a sturdy shield for Cian, a formidable defense against the powerful forces of the Mafia.
Once her creations were complete, Mila wasted no time and hurried upstairs to find Charlotte, eager to present her with the extraordinary bow.
"Charlotte! I have something for you!" she exclaimed, holding out the unusual weapon.
Charlotte's eyes widened in surprise and curiosity as she examined the bow. It bore little resemblance to a conventional bow, piquing her interest.
"W-What is this?"
Mila grinned, eager to explain. "This, Charlotte, is no ordinary bow. It's a hybrid weapon, blending the best features of a crossbow and a traditional bow. Take a look at this lever here; it allows you to switch between firing modes. You can use it as a rapid-firing crossbow or as a powerful long-range bow. And the arrows I crafted for you are specially designed for improved accuracy and deadliness. They'll give you an edge in combat. But wait, there's more! You can actually transform it into a sword as well. Just push this button here, and..."
As Mila pressed the button, the bow seamlessly shifted and transformed into a sleek, straight metal sword, spinning slowly in her hand.
"This bow is designed to excel in both long-range and short-range combat. I took into account the possibility of enemies closing in on you, so I made sure it can transform into a more compact form for close-quarters engagements." She pressed a button, and the bow seamlessly morphed back into its original shape. "And look!" Mila continued, pointing at the scope attached to the bow. "I added a scope similar to those used by snipers. It will provide you with enhanced accuracy, even at great distances. You'll be able to hit your targets with exceptional precision."
But Mila's ingenuity didn't stop there. She reached into her bag and handed Charlotte a pair of goggles. "And I made these goggles specifically for you. They'll enhance your vision, allowing you to see better in both darkness and bright sunlight. They're going to be a valuable asset to your skills."
"...Y-You made all of this in just a matter of minutes? You're absolutely incredible, Mila!"
"I'm just doing what I can to ensure our survival. I want to contribute as much as possible."
Mila then turned her attention to Cian. "Sir Cian, I didn't forget about you. I've created something for your protection as well." She presented him with a seemingly makeshift shield, made from scraps. "Although it's constructed from scraps, I assure you it will provide reliable protection against bullets. It may not be the sturdiest shield out there, but it will undoubtedly serve its purpose." Mila then handed him a small container. "And this," she explained, "is a makeshift smoke grenade. You mentioned needing a stun grenade, so I thought this could be a suitable alternative. Once activated, it will release a thick cloud of smoke, disorienting your enemies and providing valuable cover."
"This is...going to be helpful. Thank you for this, Mila." Cian said.
As Cian expressed his gratitude, Mila felt a flutter in her chest, her heart tightening with a mix of joy and nervousness. She tried to compose herself, attempting to suppress the elation threatening to burst from within her. "I-I'm just doing what I can to increase our chances of survival," she stammered, her cheeks turning a shade of pink. "There's no need to thank me for that."
But Cian wasn't swayed. He insisted, "Nevertheless, your efforts deserve recognition and praise. With these creations, we can not only improve our odds, but also expedite the process of reducing their numbers. Your ingenuity and resourcefulness have proven to be invaluable to our cause."
Mila felt her heart race uncontrollably, as if it were trying to escape her chest. She took a step back, trying to compose herself. 'Why is my heart pounding so hard? Could it be...? No, that can't be right. There's just no way... Or is there?'
It was an unfamiliar sensation that Mila couldn't quite comprehend. She had a hunch about what this unknown feeling might be, but she quickly dismissed it, shaking her head. 'No... there's just no way," she muttered to herself. 'Falling for a man who already has a woman... well, now two women... It's like a red flag. I can't allow myself to entertain such thoughts. And I couldn't possibly fall for such a two-timing man. Then, why? Why does my heart race whenever he looks me in the eyes and praises me?'
Cian, perceptive as ever, noticed Mila's flustered demeanor and spoke up, concern in his voice. "Are you okay? You seem a bit unsettled."
Startled, Mila quickly composed herself and forced a smile. "Ah, no. I'm fine. I'm just happy that I can be of help. Well, I suppose I should head back to the basement and continue crafting more weapons. Bye!" she said hastily and swiftly made her exit.
As Mila disappeared from view, Cian pondered her odd behavior for a moment before returning his focus to the battle at hand. He firmly grasped the shield Mila had crafted for him and resumed firing his gun, fully immersed in the fight.
Meanwhile, Maya, the mischievous observer, couldn't help but wear a sly grin. 'It seems that Master is going to acquire another girl for his harem. If he chooses Mila, well, I have no objections," she thought playfully. "At least I won't be the only one who gets ravished mercilessly by Master all night."
Maya's gaze then shifted to the other two girls. She mused, 'Now, I wonder if these two girls will become valuable assets for Master as well?'
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