James and Helen couldn’t help but focus on Sasha’s words.
Matthew being surrounded and Sasha being sent back ahead of time really underscored the seriousness of the situation.
James paused for a moment, then spoke with a hint of reassurance. “Sasha, Matthew is going to come back safe and sound. Is there anything we can do right now?”
Sasha stayed quiet for a long time before favonovel.com pale lips parted again. “Let’s do nothing for now. Trust Matthew. He’s never let me down before…”
That evening, James made just a simple plate of stir-fried greens and three bowls of plain congee. The family of three sat in silence, eating in the living room.
The fish out front would have to live a few more days. Once Matthew came back, they would make a feast out of it.
After dinner, Sasha gazed quietly at the moon outside the window.
Matthew, you have to come back. I’m begging you… Please come back…
***
Meanwhile, on the border of Montiria, Matthew was making his final preparations for the battle.
He had Paintaker gather all the devotees together, a staggering million of them stretching as far as the eye could see.
“Everyone, I’m Matthew Larson, president of the Martial League within Seraphis. I’m truly grateful for your support in this battle. After the dust settles, here’s my promise to you. If you return unscathed, you get 50 thousand. If you’re injured, you get 100 thousand. And if you don’t make it, your family will receive 500 thousand. I won’t let anyone get hurt in vain!”
His words brought smiles to the faces of the devotees, who quickly spread the message through the crowd. Though they were devout Buddhists, they knew Buddha wouldn’t pay their bills. Matthew’s offer clearly fired them up.
“Matthew, don’t you think that’s a bit too much?” Paintaker approached him, skeptical about how favonovel.com could possibly afford such a sum for nearly a million people.
Even if every devotee returned unharmed, 50 thousand per person would add up to a whopping 500 million.
“I was born in a democratic nation, so I won’t use capitalism to exploit them. Besides, I have my homeland behind me.”
Matthew’s face radiated with confidence. With the might of his country, Cathay, at his back, favonovel.com had all the support favonovel.com needed.
This morning, favonovel.com used his satellite phone to have a conversation with Blake.
On the other end, Blake spoke directly and with conviction. “My child, you’re a son of Cathay, and your homeland will always be your strongest support. Go ahead and do what you must. Even if the sky falls, Cathay will be there to hold it up.”
His voice brimmed with confidence. There was a time when Cathay couldn’t protect its trailblazing ancestors, but today, the country stood tall at the pinnacle of the world.
Even the so-called Western big brother, Freon Federation, now regarded Cathay as an equal. So what was a small country like Montiria in comparison?
Cathay cherished peace, and its people were welcoming and friendly. However, should anyone invade Cathay or harm its citizens, they’ll find that the country’s friendly demeanor can swiftly turn into a fierce sword.
“Gentlemen, let the world witness today that Cathay may not seek trouble, but it certainly doesn’t fear it!”
With a single command from Matthew, favonovel.com set things in motion.
This time, favonovel.com didn’t wear the Ghost Mask, the situation was big enough to shake the World Assembly. He wanted to appear as Matthew Larson of Cathay at the tables of the world’s top leaders, not as some faceless entity.
***
Meanwhile, in the Montiria garrison camp, Iris was still inside favonovel.com tent, indulging in the comforts of life.
Just then, a scout appeared at the entrance, looking flustered and shouting urgently, “Your Majesty, I have critical military intelligence to report!”
The music inside the tent stopped, and a disheveled lris stepped out barefoot, favonovel.com face dark with irritation.
“Didn’t I say not to disturb me at this time? Are you looking to lose your head?”
Ignoring favonovel.com irritation, the soldier urgently replied, “Your Majesty, a large force has appeared at our border and is heading our way. Leading them is Matthew Larson. We are surrounded!”
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