Nicholas stumbled back two steps, his captivating eyes lifting as he asked with an amused smile, “What's the big news?"
"It's nothing much." Serena leaned back against the main console, her arms crossed. “I just let Norvane know... that 'Ghost Doctor' has a formula that can dramatically enhance human physical performance in a short amount of time. If this formula is successfully developed, Elyndor could build an elite fighting force with superhuman capabilities."
"And right now, Ghost Doctor is rushing to use this formula on me."
"Because while I won the race against Silver Ghost, he secretly sabotaged me, leaving me with severe injuries. During the subsequent chase, I was also hit with a special blended poison from Norvane. There's no known cure, and only Ghost Doctor's formula can save me now."
"Of course, that alone isn't enough to make Black Mirage truly take the bait. But all I have to do is have people wildly exaggerate the formula's commercial and military potential... If it's really developed and unlocks unprecedented potential in Elyndor's soldiers... wouldn't they be unstoppable? That Black Mirage will naturally come scrambling over himself to get it.”
What Serena didn't mention was...
The real reason Black Mirage would defy Elyndor's laws and charge into its territory
She had let it be "casually" revealed that she, the one currently suffering from a deadly poison, was the same person who, back in her Gray Zone days, had led her crew to dismantle his headquarters, seize his goods, and foil his plans countless times. She was the one who had humiliated him so badly that he had to retreat to Norvane, where he'd spent years recovering...
Demon of the Gray Zone.
With old scores to settle and a new grudge on top of it all.
Black Mirage naturally couldn't let that stand.
Nicholas gave her a thumbs-up. “Brilliant. Truly brilliant. A do-or-die gambit, sweetened with so many irresistible temptations. No wonder you moved out of the Lancaster estate."
Then, he lowered his hand, his gaze on Serena turning more serious. “But this is an extremely dangerous lure. You're making yourself a living target."
"It's risky, but it's the best way to solve this once and for all." Serena's expression was unruffled.
"Otherwise they'll never stop. They'll just keep coming after me content
"This is my problem. I shouldn't drag my family into this kind of danger."
Nicholas watched the calm resolve on her small face, and his expression couldn't help but soften.
He didn't know what the young woman had been through to face such a perilous situation with so much composure, without even flinching.
He sighed. “What if your family wants to face these dangers with you?"
"This isn't about whether they want to or not," Serena said, shaking her head. "The stakes involved here have long surpassed ordinary business disputes or even family feuds. This isn't something that can be solved with a little money or a few connections."
"My grandfather is getting older, and my parents and brothers have their own lives. Rather than have them constantly on edge, worrying about me, it's better if I handle everything myself. It's enough for them to see me as a normal person, living a normal life."
"A normal person?"
Nicholas murmured the words, then let out a low chuckle.