Author's Note: Unedited Chapter
--------------
Gustav turned away and exhaled heavily. "I could get rid of you, you know," he muttered with a measured but cold tone. "I have the power to sever our partnership right here and now. I don't need you to finish this task. I can pursue it on my own."
The system's crimson eyes widened in alarm. "Gustav, don't!" she pleaded, while stepping forward.
For the first time, her voice carried genuine fear. "You can't! I'm a part of this—of you! Without me, you wouldn't have the guidance you need to complete Ehyrian's work. You'd be flying blind."
Gustav turned back to her, his gaze unwavering. "Then stop hiding things from me," he demanded. "If there's anything else, anything at all, you'd better tell me now. Because if I find out you're keeping more secrets, this partnership is over."
The system hesitated with her expression becoming a mix of guilt and reluctance. "There is… one last thing," she admitted.
