Connor woke up the next day and was invited to a meeting by the group. After arriving at the tent where the meeting was held, all eyes were on him.
"Why is everyone looking at me like that?" he asked cautiously as he surveyed everyone's expressions.
Surprisingly, he found Ethan included as well. 'Well, with his charisma, he could help motivate the ones who have lost hope.'
Elena was the one to answer him after his gaze finally stopped on her.
"Like I told you yesterday, we all need your help for a rescue operation," Elena briefed him on the situation and explained they planned to tackle the challenge with his help.
"So let me get this straight, you need my help to subjugate them so that you can kill all those fallen, which will help you level up a great deal, all in the name of a rescue mission?" Connor asked with an incredulous look.
"We're doing this to help them, Connor. I don't know how many people are in there, but once they run out of rations, they'll be forced to leave their shelter and face the thousands of fallen outside," Elena said, irritation evident in her voice.
"Alright, I get it. But what's in it for me?" Connor asked, crossing his arms.
"Don't you understand? These are people who could die if we don't save them," Elena pleaded.
"I understand perfectly, Elena. But why should I risk my life to save theirs? I'm no hero, and the risk is far greater than any reward."
The group was stunned into silence, unable to believe his callousness. Alya stepped in, trying to appeal to his sense of empathy. "The people in our camp have families, Connor. They worry their loved ones might be in that hospital."
"Your sister could be in there too," Elena added, making Connor's expression shift.
" If that is the case then, I'll save her myself by breaking into the hospital," he declared, standing up to leave the tent.
"Wait, how do you plan to break in when the entire hospital is surrounded by the swarm of fallen?" Elena asked. Connor shrugged and replied, "That's none of your concern."
"His attitude makes me want to punch him," Alya muttered in annoyance as Connor stormed out.
"Now, now, guys, come on. He has a valid reason to behave like that," Ethan said, trying to calm the group. "If I were in his place, I'd probably feel the same way."
"What do you mean?" Elena asked, frowning.
"My previous group was filled with distrust and betrayal. Maybe you don't understand, but the world has changed us more on the inside than on the outside. We're killing people now—not just the fallen or monsters, but humans too. They claim it's for survival, but it's often just their greed for power and greatness bringing out their inner demons,"
Ethan explained, his voice heavy with experience.
"That may be true for some people, but not for me. If I had to kill an innocent to survive, I would, but I wouldn't kill for any other reason," Vanessa said, shocking everyone with her bluntness.
As Connor left, the group began discussing how to convince him. Silvie spoke up, "I'd like to try talking to him."
"Yeah, that's a great idea. If anyone can get through to Connor, it's Senior Silvie," Logan said as he recalled how she was able to calm his anger at their first encounter with him, and the group agreed. Silvie left to find Connor.
Meanwhile, Connor was calculating the potential gains of killing the fallen with his x2 and [Soul Eater] abilities. 'I could level up at least five times,' he thought, grinning. He was formulating a plan to secure all the kills when Elena's words echoed in his mind.
'If my sister is in there, I need to bring her to safety first. I can use Darkness Surge to shield us on the way out and get in the same way,' he thought, refining his plan.
As he was deep in thought, he heard Silvie calling out to him.
"Hey, Connor. Are you free for a chat?"
"Hey, Silvie. If you're here to convince me to join that plan, don't bother."
Silvie was a bit taken aback by how easily he read her intentions. She wondered if he had used the skill that allowed him to read minds. Nonetheless, she decided to take a different approach.
"No, I'm not here to convince you. You see, Elena's mother is also in that hospital. If you're going to help your sister, take me and Elena with you. We're strong enough not to be a burden."
"Why is her mother in the hospital? Is she sick? Is that why Elena is so driven to push this plan?" Connor asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Elena's mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor a year ago and was being treated at that hospital."
"Oh, then she might have already kicked the bucket—Oww! What was that for?" Connor yelped as Silvie pinched his ear.
"Don't speak negatively like that, especially in front of Elena unless you want her to fight you again."
"Elena admires and adores her mother. She grew up wanting to be like her. If you make such remarks in front of her, she'll lose her cool just like you snap every time," Silvie explained, her tone gentle but firm.
Connor fell silent, absorbing her words, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts.
"Fine, you, Elena, Alya, and Ethan will come with me and follow my lead. I don't want any unknown variables."
"But wouldn't it be better to have more people? We could kill the fallen faster," Silvie suggested, relieved he had changed his mind and trying to involve everyone, only to receive a scowl from Connor.
"I told you, I trust no one."
"So you trust the four of us then?" she asked, feeling a little happier.
"Nah, it's not about trust. It's because I know your character and trust my own judgment. I'd rather have a known enemy than an unknown ally." Connor then instructed her to get ready and inform the rest.
He wanted to survey the area before diving into the storm.
Silvie relayed his decision to the rest of the group. They wanted to join but she convinced them to stay at the camp and protect it. One man, however, was not thrilled to be part of the team.
'Why did he have to put me in the team? He knows I can't fight well,' Ethan cursed Connor in his mind when Alya called him.
"I'll be counting on you, Ethan," Alya said with a captivating smile, to which Ethan could only nod and continue his act.
"Likewise, Alya," he said with a forced smile.
Around noon, the party led by Connor left the camp.
"So, what's your plan of action, genius?" Elena asked, curious about how he was going to face the challenge ahead. She might hate it, but she admitted that Connor was sharp and stronger than anyone she had ever met. So she highly regarded his opinions and insights.
"We will first survey the area, find where the population of fallen is less, and deploy some traps to distract them. Once the area is clear, we'll move forward with me clearing the path ahead while the three of you cover the other sides."
"How do you plan to distract them?" Silvie asked. Connor smirked as he gazed at Ethan.
"No... no... no!" Ethan finally understood why he was brought here.