“If you're not afraid of a three-way dogfight, let him come and meet me!” exclaimed Tony . Thalia frowned when she heard that. This is indeed a problem.
Then, Tony looked her in the eyes and said earnestly, “I understand your concerns, Thalia, but you're fretting about nothing. I told you about this matter myself, but you wouldn't be aware if I didn't, would you?”
“You—”
“I told you because I treat you as a friend and also to let you know that no matter what team I set up, it will not pose a threat to Darknetz. Heck, it will even be of great help to Darknetz in the future!” he enunciated while keeping his gaze fixed on her.
Thalia had to admit that the sincerity in his expression made her waver.
“So what if I believe you? You still need Sam and everyone in Darknetz to believe you,” she uttered. “We'll discuss this matter later. Let's talk about the situation at hand.”
“What's the situation at hand?” she asked.
At that moment, Tony took a piece of paper from his pocket. “These are the plans I made. You must know a lot of people since you've traveled far and wide. Please have a look and see if anyone meets the criteria here.”
Thalia finally understood the boy's intention and scrutinized him with narrowed eyes. “You didn't tell me because you treat me as a friend. You are clearly asking for my help!”
“It's precisely because you're my friend that I asked for your help. Otherwise, I won't be able to trust you and feel at ease, can I?” he reasoned.
He never failed to persuade her.
Thalia gave him a look before lowering her gaze to study the piece of paper that was filled with details about Tony 's requirements.
However, after seeing all the criteria he listed out, she frowned. “What's with these weird requirements? Adept at using poison? Disguise? Why is deception one of them? What are you trying to do? Form a super elite team?”
After hearing her mocking question, he replied, “That's right. I want to form a team that can do anything.”
Thalia swept a curious gaze over him, sizing him up. “Sometimes I wonder what's in that head of yours!”
“Just tell me. Is there anyone you know of or are acquainted with that meets the criteria written here?” he inquired.
She withdrew her gaze, turning her attention back to the paper. “Con artists are easy to find. They are practically everywhere.”
“I'm looking for the real deal, a master of deception, a true con artist. I won't settle for anything less!” Tony said firmly.
Thalia looked at him and thought about it seriously. “I did meet one in the past who duped me and several of my friends...”
Tony 's eyes immediately lit up when he heard that.
“It's just that I don't have the person's contact details,” she continued. Her words rendered him speechless, and he instantly deflated.
Thalia noticed his reaction and curled her lips into a faint smirk. “I do know someone who is good in disguise, though.”
Tony fixed his gaze on her, not daring to show too much anticipation.
She returned his stare and, upon seeing him completely unfazed, continued, “That person used to work for a prominent thieving family, assisting them with disguises. However, he was later betrayed by his friends and apprehended. He stopped doing this job after he got out of prison and now wanders around the border all year, taking up some small businesses.”
After hearing that, Tony said with conviction, “This is exactly the kind of person I want. Do you know him? Introduce him to me.”
“I do know him, and he's in the neighboring pack , which isn't too far away. But after being betrayed by his friends, he vowed never to join another team. It's not going to be easy to convince him to join you,” Thalia said straightforwardly.
Tony 's eyes narrowed slightly. “He probably felt bitterly disappointed after being betrayed by his friends.”
“Indeed. He has good skills. Many people wanted to recruit him, but he turned them down every time, even when offered an astronomical sum of money,” Thalia stated the fact calmly.
He pondered for a moment before looking at her. “Do you know him very well?”
“Not exactly. I've interacted with him once or twice. He's a deeply distrustful person and never confides in others, so we've only had some business dealings,” came her reply.
After a moment of contemplation, Tony asked, “You know where he is, right?”
“Yes. He's usually active near the borders and never goes anywhere else, so locating him is easy.” Tony had an idea and looked at her. “How about you go with me?”
Thalia frowned when she saw that he was not discouraged. “I told you that he won't join any team. It's useless even if you go.”
“Yes, he won't join other people's teams, but it doesn't mean he won't join mine,” said Tony . “Don't you think you're being too confident?” She stared at him.
“I'm certain he's the kind of person I'm looking for, so I must give it a shot. Just say if you'll help me, Thalia.”
“How can I help?”
“It's simple. You only need to take me to him. I'll do the rest on my own,” he said.
Thalia frowned when she noticed how serious he looked. “Are you serious about this?”
Tony happened to brush past Donna as he walked out.
Noticing his haste, Donna went over to Thalia, who was sitting at the table, and asked curiously, “Where's Tony off to?”
“He has gone crazy. He's seriously out of his mind,” Thalia muttered as she munched on the snacks on the table, preoccupied with her thoughts.
Just then, Ben walked over and sat down. “Yes, he has gone crazy. What about you?” Her gaze fell upon him. “I've gone crazy too, but I was driven to madness by him!”
“Judging from your expression, however, I don't see any signs that you were driven to madness.” “They're all in here,” she responded while pointing at her heart.
Donna knitted her brows as she listened to their conversation. “What are the two of you talking about?”
“Tony asked Thalia to help him look for people. They've set their eyes on someone and will head out sometime over these two days,” Ben explained tersely.
Hearing that, Thalia stared at him in surprise. “Why, look at you! You weren't here, yet you know everything.”
“I wasn't standing nearby, but that doesn't mean I couldn't hear you,” came Ben 's reply. Listening to the pair teasing each other, Donna immediately said, “I want to go too!”
“Whatever for?” Thalia asked, turning to her.
“I want to help Tony look for that person, of course!”
“It's a dodgy place and too dangerous. You'd better stay here,” Thalia answered. “No! I want to go with you. Besides, you'll be there to protect us, won't you?”
Thalia retorted, “I can't take on that many opponents on my own. How am I supposed to protect all
three of you?”
“Looks like you've counted me in already. Good. I don't have to say anything then,” Ben piped up. Thalia was stunned. What she said was purely a slip of her tongue. “I wasn't—”
Before she could finish her sentence, he rose to his feet and continued, “In that case, I'll be heading back to my room too to get ready.”
Dumbstruck, she frowned as she watched him walk away. What on earth has gotten into these brats?
Seeing that, Donna immediately pouted in dissatisfaction. “Thalia, do you also think that girls aren't as capable as boys?”
Turning to see her looking disgruntled, Thalia protested, “Not at all. That wasn't what I meant.” “Then why did you agree to let Ben go but not me?”
“I didn't agree to it!”
“Well, are you going to be able to stop him?”
Thalia paused for a moment. “I most probably won't be able to stop him.” “See? We're both girls. How can you not believe in me?” Donna pressed on. “I'm just worried for your safety, that's all.”
“So, you're not worried for Tony and Ben?”
“They're tough and strong. Even if they have to suffer a little, they'll be fine. However, you're my
precious little darling. How could I bear to let you suffer? Am I right?” Thalia responded, giving Donna a gentle pinch on her chin.
Donna shook her head. “Nope. I may be a girl, but I'm not afraid of a little hardship. I already don't get to spend much time with you guys, so I must make the most of it!”
“But—”
“Oh, Thalia. Just bring me along. Can you really bear leaving me here all by myself? Besides, I'll miss you terribly if I don't get to see you for even a day. Come on, Thalia. Pretty please?” Donna wheedled while hugging the woman's arm.
Thalia felt dizzy as Donna shook her back and forth. Who can say no to her when she acts all adorable
like this?
“All right, all right, fine. I'll take you with me, okay?”
Donna paused her movements immediately and looked at Thalia. “Really?”
“I've agreed to it, so it's okay by me. However, you'll still have to convince your parents, and I won't help you with that,” Thalia replied with a shake of her head.
Her bright eyes darted from side to side, then she nodded. “No problem. I'll take care of that myself.” “Okay. I'll wait to hear from you guys, then.”
Donna beamed, then got up and started walking away. “Are you going to ask them now?”
“I'll pack my stuff first before talking to them.”
“We're only going for a few days, so don't bring too many things.” “Got it!”
Thalia could not help but smile as she listened to Donna 's voice ring out in the distance. After spending time with these three, I realize I've rediscovered a sense of childlike innocence within me. It's as though I'm slowly recovering bits of my childhood that were missing.
She continued eating some snacks for a while as those thoughts ran through her mind. Then, she dusted her hands off, got up, and walked out.
Outside, the sun shone brightly, and the sky was clear and blue, bestowing an indescribable sense of calm and peace upon her. I hope the future will be just as brilliant as the sunshine today.
Dave and Miguel were in the midst of a discussion when Tony arrived at the hidden room. “Master,” Miguel greeted with a smile as soon as he saw the boy.
Tony nodded in acknowledgment, then looked in Dave's direction. “Are you here to see Dave?” Miguel asked.
Tony nodded again.
Turning around, Dave asked, “You're here to see me? What's up?”
“I need to ask you for a favor, Alpha Dave,” said Tony .