Taylor tried. They did the best they could. The war effort had lasted for 7 months, but they were already beginning to falter. Taylor understood where they were failing; there was no coordination with the Naturalists. Although they were on the same side, they acted like two separate groups, in an unsynchronized manner. Never mind a higher level of cooperation, they didn't even help each other out during a fight. They fought like they weren't even on the same side.

But Taylor couldn't do anything about that. The other side didn’t trust them. As they saw it, we were the same as their enemies, and if they managed ti succeed in their defense, Taylor’s group would probably be another target when it came time to strike back.

Taylor held the phone and stared at the contact on his phone; it was the number for the war effort’s management division. He was about to make the call and throw in the towel. They had lost too many people and it would be better to salvage what they could and re-organize for the next stage, then continue with a futile struggle.

As he hesitates, he hears a knock on the door. Taylor raises an eyebrow? Hope? Are you there? He thinks to himself before walking to the door.

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Taylor opens the door and sees a familiar face.

“We’re ready to talk.” Tasha says with a gloomy face.

…

…

“Unfortunately we can’t forgive what led up to this, Taylor. I’ll say this now, as a courtesy for our previous friendship, if we win this fight, you’ll be our next target.” Tasha says with a cold and emotionless face.

“And we’re going to kick your ass too.” Jared says with a smirk.

Taylor frowns. “Fuck you, Jared. If it wasn’t for us, you assholes wouldn’t have even made it this far. But whatever, I don’t fuckin’ care. We can fight it out afterwards if you want; for now, let’s put out the fire in front of us.” Taylor says dismissively. He didn’t care. He just wanted to make it to the next step.

“Well… I’m glad you have no delusions of alliances and the sort.” Tasha says as she gets up. “Our people will contact your people. To be honest, we would’ve been fine without you. But we kind of feel bad that you’re putting so much effort in something pointless while still taking so much losses. We’re very confident in our win, with or without you, but seeing as you’re taking such a beating, we’ll try to assist in extending what little life there is for you to live.” She says as she looks down at Taylor.

Taylor’s eyes widen. “Are you fucking serious? You guys aren’t hiding a bunch of eighth stage Naturalists, are you?” He asks, unsure if he should believe it.

“I’ll leave that for you to ponder.” She says before signalling with her hand. “Come, Jared. We have cultivators to kill.” She says before walking towards the door, ignoring Taylor’s reaction.

Taylor’s wide eyes continue to stare. Is that a hint of a smile on her face? Taylor asks himself.