As everyone had guessed, Mishal chose not to side with anyone. He wanted to wait and see who would win before making his decision.
This choice wasn't hard to understand. It suited his mercenary identity perfectly.
But neither the [Corps of Thirty] nor the Akademiya realized that he wasn't actually concerned about the future anymore; he just wanted revenge.
He put his contract with the [Corps of Thirty] aside and discarded his cooperation with the desert's rulers.
All these surface-level alliances were just to prevent trouble and deal with his old friend's friends properly.
Such touching camaraderie.
The captain risked his life to burn the archive room for his subordinates.
The brigade members, grateful for the captain's sacrifice, chose to stick together even after dissolving the name [Dakan Al-Ahmar], continuously seeking alliances and causing trouble for the [Deshret's Relic].
Mishal had only recently learned of this.
These pests clinging to the [Deshret's Relic], doing everything to annoy them, were also the handiwork of Kusayla.
This was great news.
In terms of sheer strength, there was no contest. After Lumine arrived in Sumeru and dealt with the Six Sages, Kusayla's comrades finally saw a chance for victory.
And now, with Mishal abandoning everything for revenge, and a group of "good people" handing him information, the outcome was already decided.
He easily captured the remnants of [Dakan Al-Ahmar] who were still planning their revenge.
"Interesting, you want revenge, and so do I."
He smiled broadly, as if a weight had been lifted after many years.
"Fortunately, I'm much stronger than you."
"It seems my hatred is more intense."
As the leader of the [Deshret's Relic], Mishal knew that trash talk would only bring trouble.
Enemies should be killed quickly, ensuring their death rather than feeling overly confident and revealing plans.
But he couldn't help it.
If you haven't been in this situation, it's hard to understand why you would slowly explain your plans to a captured enemy, giving their allies time to react, only to end up screwing yourself over.
Because it's just—too enjoyable.
Tikrit and the others fell silent.
The reality was simple: Mishal led the mercenaries of the [Deshret's Relic] directly to their doorstep, and that was the end.
If they could fight back, they wouldn't have relied on harassment tactics for so long.
Unable to fight and caught by the enemy's main force, their only option was death.
They were silent, but Mishal didn't want silence.
He had endured for many years.
The leader of the [Deshret's Relic] cheerfully slapped Bashar's face, the sound crisp.
"Don't be in a hurry, and don't think about dying."
"If it weren't for someone telling me this information, I wouldn't have known Kusayla had such loyal members."
"Your deaths would bring me satisfaction, but you're not his most cherished person, are you?"
Idrisi thought of someone but couldn't say anything.
The possibility was slim, but it couldn't be ruled out as deception.
If Mishal didn't know and they mentioned Dehya's name, it would be troublesome.
"The Flame-Mane... she's no longer an unknown figure. Just mentioning her name, and Mishal could find Dehya."
"Dehya, the Flame-Mane, quite a name."
Mishal guessed their intention but was fearless since he knew the answer.
Now it was Bashar and the others whose expressions changed, panic setting in.
"You wouldn't hurt a girl, right? The great leader of the [Deshret's Relic]?"
Mishal laughed heartily, "Yes, just that tone. She really seems important."
Tikrit sighed.
At this point, anything said would be wrong.
Silence would mean protecting her.
Provoking him for targeting a woman would make him laugh and appreciate their stubbornness.
Suggesting to go after her would make him happy, thinking they endorsed it.
It was useless, nothing would work.
Mishal was deliberately using Dehya to provoke them, wanting them to regret their actions. Their pain brought him joy.
Mishal valued Dehya's significance. He wasn't expecting an answer, just finding ways to make them regret.
"Kusayla was lucky to save the head of the Homayani family in the desert. The supplies you resisted with were provided by Lord Shahzaman."
"In the past, I couldn't do anything against him."
Forest people are more noble than desert folk. The Homayani family holds a high status in Sumeru City. Unless they ventured into the desert, Mishal couldn't find a chance for revenge.
But things had changed.
"Fortunately, my recent dealings with the [Corps of Thirty] and the Akademiya, though not enough to shake the Homayani family, could get those mercenaries out."
"The mercenary group known as the [Blazing Beast]."
"Do you think I can use you to lure that woman, Dehya?"
Mishal asked with interest. "It might be hard. After all, her father died long ago, and she hasn't taken any action."
"Ha, in that case, you are more like Kusayla's children."
Fishing depends on whether the other party values the relationship.
If not, it ends quickly.
The continent of Teyvat is vast. If they leave Sumeru, the [Deshret's Relic] can't catch up.
The best chance is to capture more people. If the [Dakan Al-Ahmar] members can't make Dehya yield, then include her [Blazing Beast].
Worst case, the woman named Dunyarzad could be the prey too.
Revenge takes top priority.
Mishal frowned slightly.
Dehya seemed connected to Candace, who is the woman of the desert's king... but no matter. Just a woman.
With his status, he could find any woman. How could he let one delay his plans?
Mishal was full of confidence.
(End of Chapter)