"I think so, too."

Everyone but Andrew's eyes widened at JD's quick reply.

Fareeha nodded slowly, a look of joy sparking in her eyes. "I'm glad I decided to do this as soon as possible. I... really needed your help."

JD cocked a head to the side, taking his hand back from Andrew and clasping them together as his elbows rested on the armchairs.

"What do you want me to do?" JD asked. "Face Zalden—Zedekiah?"

Andrew's eyes slid at his brother, a feeling of uneasiness creeping up to his soul at how calm and welcoming JD was with what Fareeha might propose.

"Yes, actually." She exchanged eyes with Nicoli briefly, who smiled at both Fareeha and JD. "And we will be right there with you to ensure your safety. I will be there so that Brother Zed will not do anything to harm you. If he persists, I'll have Nicoli aid you. He is a renowned knight from the northeast. You can rest assured."

"But," Charles intervened. "Like I told you, JD is strong enough by himself to handle several executives."

"Oho?" Nicoli voiced an interest.

"I'm sure." Charles glanced at JD's unchanging calm demeanor. "He can take on Zed and some bodyguards or executives alone. We just need to ensure they don't pile up on him."

"You regard Sir St. Michael highly, Sir Freyda."

Charles shrugged and smiled. "I've seen him move in the past. I trust what I see."

JD returned the smile before glancing over to Fareeha. "I have an idea of how things should go."

"Please." Fareeha offered politely.

"I will face Zedekiah alo-"

"Brother."

JD pursed his lips and side-eyed Andrew's squinted eyes. "I will face Zedekiah. Alone."

Andrew's gaze transformed into a glare, but he couldn't say anymore with how JD communicated with his eyes.

Talk later.

That was what Andrew caught. Not wanting to cause a scene, he remained quiet.

JD's gaze jumped back to the others' confused expressions. He waved a hand slightly, asking them to excuse what they saw.

"Just as Charles said, I can take care of myself just fine." JD continued, diverting the others' attention to the case. "All I need is for no one to be there but me and them."

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

"Why?" Fareeha asked.

"This may come off harshly, but it's so I won't have to worry about them taking any of you as hostages or anything similar."

"Hey-"

Fareeha cut Nicoli off, giving him a side look. "That is fine."

"I can see why that would be for the best." Charles agreed. "To assure no one else goes in the main room, that's where everyone else comes in, no?"

"Maybe, yes. But I suggest we take this on quietly." JD placed one finger over his mouth and side-smiled. "So we don't alarm the entire base."

"I see. In simple terms, you just need us to distract everyone?" Fareeha crossed an arm, her other resting on the chair's arm.

"Exactly. You got it right, Ms. Jaser."

"Let's go with this plan, then," Fareeha concluded. "But regarding facing him on your own, while I said it's fine by me, I have a condition."

"Shoot."

"Don't hurt him. Please." Her voice softened. "Or at least, not too much."

JD licked his lips and adjusted his sitting position. "I'll do what I can."

"Thank you. Really. For doing this."

JD shook his head. "Ms. Jaser. I'll have you know the main reason I'm helping with this is to stop Zalden from exploiting Abarly."

"Right."

"And he'll stop as soon as we talk face to face." JD shrugged, an uncertain look suddenly on his face. "At least, this is all based on the idea that his soul is a god soul."

"I am sure of it," Fareeha said quickly. "I take full responsibility for whatever damage this could cause both you and Abarly if my judgment proves wrong in the end."

JD tilted his head to the left, eyes searching Fareeha's. The fact alone that she didn't do anything beforehand to stop Zalden from exploiting Abarly reeked suspicious, but no ill intent reverberated from her as JD tried to sense her soul.

"If you are doubting me in any way, please say so."

JD hummed, then squinted. "Why didn't you do anything to stop what he was doing with Abarly?"

"I did." She replied immediately. "I did... but I was brushed off multiple times. The least I could do was sneak in Abarly and cleanse the people from Brother Zed's magic. Believe me."

It didn't matter how much or little influence she had over Zalden or Zedekiah himself. JD had other things in mind that Andrew might've caught on to or had an idea about already.

"When do we strike?"

"I think..." Fareeha fiddled with her fingers, eyes drooping down to the floor. "As soon as possible."

"I'd say right now!" Nicoli confidently butted in. "As far as I recall, Zalden won't be heavily guarded at noon! It will be easier if we go through it now."

"I kind of agree." Charles reluctantly said, scratching his nape. "But won't that be moving too fast?"

Fareeha glanced at JD. "It's up to Sir St. Michael."

The more JD thought about this ordeal, the more the tragedy in The Great Gemini in the past coiled back into his memory. He couldn't help Abarly instantly, but he now had a chance. And it wasn't too hard.

But everything felt like a repeat of the past.

JD couldn't save himself from what killed him as Hysta, but he prevented further deaths with Andrew—Whist's help. This time, he couldn't possibly free Abarly from Zalden's grip on his own, so he had other souls to aid him. Andrew was also right there.

But the question of whether he had to sacrifice himself again if the situation morphed into the worst-case scenario lingered in his head. Whether he'd do it again. The answer was a silent yes.

"Let's do this." With JD's declaration, relief and determination painted the other souls' eyes.

"It's settled, then, huh? Just like that." Charles leaned over the backrest. "Should we strategize how exactly we're going to do this now, then?"

"I suppose so." Fareeha nodded.

"I'll let you guys talk about it for now." JD stood up, prompting Andrew to stop leaning over the chair's arm, his expression dark and unreadable.

"Huh? Where are you going?" Charles was about to stand, but JD held out a hand.

"Please excuse me. I need to get my brother's luggage on the rooftop." Andrew said, his voice low, swift, and glassy. He bowed slightly before walking out.

"Wait-"JD ran towards the door, briefly turning towards them and bowing his head. "I'll be following him in case he gets lost. We'll be back."