Chapter 1213 This Doesn't Make Sense!

• Cedric's complexion was ghostly pale, his eyes reflecting a bottomless pit of hopelessness. Emmett, puzzled by his senior's reaction, asked hesitantly, "What's gotten into you, Mr. Stanton? Why are you acting like the world's already ended? Sure, the Golden Shield got obliterated by those Qustians, but that's their problem, not ours. We're still in the clear, at least for now!" He gestured with a dismissive wave, trying to inject some optimism. "And don't forget—we've got Mr. Nicholson backing us. Even if the worst happens and we're exposed, he might be able to pull some strings and bail us out! You know how things work in Qustia—having the right ally can make all the difference!"
• Cedric stood frozen, staring blankly at nothing, his lips quivering as he finally stammered hoarsely, "You… you still don't see it, do you?" Emmett's tone shifted to irritation, his patience wearing thin. "See what? All I see is that I need to get the hell out of this cursed place! I'm done being Kubo's fall guy!" Cedric exhaled sharply, his eyes filled with an unsettling realization as he slumped into a nearby chair. His voice came out raspy, the weight of his thoughts pressing heavily on him. "Think about it. The Golden Shield went to assist the Black Fist Gang in taking over territory, and shortly after, they were wiped out. Do you honestly believe that's just a coincidence?"
• Emmett's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait… are you saying the Black Fist Gang had something to do with Golden Shield's destruction? That can't be! We spent so much time with them, and nothing ever went wrong!" Cedric let out a mirthless chuckle, one that barely masked his despair. "Really? You didn't notice? We weren't guests, Emmett. They kept us under constant watch, claiming it was for our safety. But think about it—weren't we basically prisoners the entire time?" Emmett's face turned ghostly pale as the gravity of Cedric's words sank in. "No, that doesn't make sense! If they really had something to hide, why would they let us leave? Why not just finish us off back then? It doesn't add up!"