Magus raised his gaze to meet Tony's, his eyes darkening slightly with a hint of red. After gritting his teeth, he asked in a tense voice, "Is Lina's safety really at stake?" Tony simply nodded in response. "Absolutely," he replied. Without hesitation, Magus made a firm decision. "Then tell me what I need to do. I'll agree to anything as long as you can save her." Tony looked at him, mischief glinting in his eyes. "Even if it means joining our team?" he asked playfully. Magus, who had been anticipating this question, replied, "I'll do it if it means saving Lina." Although he appeared reluctant, he recognized that he had no other choice.
Tony went on to explain that in order to save Lina, Magus would have to follow his every instruction. "You'll do whatever I ask you to do," he said plainly. Magus reluctantly agreed, acknowledging that he needed assistance at this point. Tony then inquired further, asking what specifically the kidnapper wanted from Magus. Magus hesitated for a moment before divulging that the thief sought to steal a particular painting that would be on display in a week at an upcoming exhibition.
Tony chuckled mockingly before looking at Magus. "What are you laughing at?" Magus asked, noticing Tony's amused expression. "I suspected as much," Tony stated knowingly. After a beat, he told Magus, "I must know everything. What does he want you to do?"
Magus revealed that the thief had instructed him to steal the painting 'Nobility' in collaboration with him. Tony was not surprised, as he had anticipated that there was more to the offer than meets the eye. Magus explained that his options were limited as the kidnapper planned to use him as a scapegoat for the theft. Tony pressed on, asking Magus if there were any other details he neglected to mention.
Magus replied that he was expected to take the fall for the crime and end up in jail. In response, Tony's eyes narrowed. "I see," he said darkly. "He knows very well that you won't let him go as long as you live. But by doing this, he'll ensure that you take the fall for him." Magus nodded. "Yes, that's what I suspect as well," he confirmed. Tony smirked. "Well, we can't have that, can we?" he said mischievously.
Magus looked at him, apprehensive. "What do you mean?" he asked, unsure of Tony's plan of action. Tony replied that they should make the kidnapper experience exactly what Magus had to endure. Magus, however, was against the idea. He insisted that someone like the thief did not deserve to live.
Tony merely nodded understandingly. "Don't worry. We'll focus on getting Lina back first," he reassured Magus. Magus left promptly, eager to assist in any way he could.
As they walked, Thalia asked Magus what Tony had said. After hesitating for a long moment, Magus whispered in her ear. Thalia's countenance darkened after hearing the details. "That person, no...it's not even human. He's worse than an animal," she cursed furiously. Tony looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "What's wrong?" he inquired. Thalia stared at him hesitantly before finally nodding.
Tony quickly realized that the situation was related to Lina. He asked Magus if he wanted to take revenge on the kidnapper or if he intended to uphold his earlier promise not to take the matter into his own hands. Magus chose the latter option and reiterated his determination to save Lina at all costs.
Tony nodded. "Okay, let's focus on getting Lina back for now. We'll deal with the rest later," he said calmly. With these words, Magus finally felt a glimmer of hope.