Indeed, Delgado has treated me well. He even considered me as a younger brother and appointed me as the Deputy Commander. Jerom took a sip of his drink, swallowed, and then slowly began to speak.

"But I’m not satisfied! I also want to become the Commander! In this post-apocalyptic world, no one can predict if they’ll be alive the next day. So, we in the Guard Camp always have a successor ready for the Commander position. When I was appointed as the Deputy Commander, I was thrilled. I thought it might be me. But what happened? It turned out to be Abby, that damn fool!"

Jerom’s frustration was evident as he spoke. Duncan listened intently, knowing that Jerom’s grievances were a key element in their partnership. Duncan himself had plans to eliminate Delgado and take control of the Guard Camp, and he saw Jerom as a useful tool in achieving that goal.

Jerom continued, his tone growing more intense. "I became the Deputy Commander, which sounds great on the surface, like being the right-hand man. But I know I’ll always be in that role. Even if Delgado dies, someone else, maybe even Abby, will take over. I refuse to accept that!"

Jerom’s anger was palpable, and he clenched his hand around his drink, causing it to crack. Duncan observed him closely, understanding that Jerom’s ambition and resentment were powerful motivators for his collaboration.

Duncan replied with a slight grin, "Jerom, don’t worry. The Golden Blade Faction will fully support you. We’ll stand behind you until the Guard Camp is firmly in your grasp. Together, we’ll rule this post-apocalyptic world!"

Jerom’s eyes glittered at Duncan’s words, and a hint of a smile played on his lips. He had found a partner who shared his vision, and the prospect of overthrowing Delgado and taking control of the Guard Camp filled him with excitement.

Duncan’s internal thoughts, however, revealed a different perspective. He saw Jerom as a disposable pawn, someone he could use to eliminate Delgado and destabilize the Guard Camp, making it easier for the Golden Blade Faction to take over later.

Duncan inquired about Jerom’s timing for the operation. Jerom responded that he planned to make his move within the next few days, as he sensed that Delgado was growing distant, especially after the recent conflict with Waldo.

Duncan suggested a plan, proposing that they ambush Delgado on the upcoming Friday. The Golden Blade Faction would lie in wait outside the Guard Camp, and Jerom would assassinate Delgado from within. Duncan assured him that with their combined efforts, they would have the upper hand.

Jerom hesitated initially, questioning the feasibility of killing Delgado given the Guard Camp’s limited resources. However, Duncan revealed a hidden ace up his sleeve—a powerful M4 rifle and grenades he offered Jerom. This display of firepower convinced Jerom that the plan had a good chance of success.

As Jerom left the bar, Duncan’s smile faded into a cunning expression. He knew that Jerom was a tool, and once he helped eliminate Delgado, he would also be disposable. Duncan saw this alliance as a means to an end, and once the Guard Camp was weakened, he would take control and remove any remaining threats.

Jerom, unaware of Duncan’s true intentions, plotted to take advantage of the situation and achieve his goal of becoming the Commander of the Guard Camp. He knew he had a powerful ally in the Golden Blade Faction, and he was willing to do whatever it took to secure his position.

Delgado wants to take action against the Golden Blade Faction. The mutant plants in the Guard Camp have already been eliminated by Waldo. On the contrary, the Golden Blade Faction is still dealing with their own issues. Delgado wants to strike while the iron is hot and eliminate this significant threat.

However, he’s aware that defeating the Golden Blade Faction won’t be easy. Both sides are evenly matched, and the Guard Camp lacks sufficient weapons. Many doubt the feasibility of this operation. Nonetheless, Delgado is undeterred and pays another visit to Waldo.

"Delgado?"

Waldo looked surprised to see Delgado outside the villa’s entrance. After all, he had already helped Delgado clear the mutant plants from the Guard Camp, and they shouldn’t have much reason to interact further. Why was Delgado coming back so soon?

Despite his surprise, Waldo opened the door and invited Delgado in to talk.

"Come on in, let’s talk."

Once inside, Delgado got straight to the point, "Waldo, I know this might be presumptuous of me, but I want to ask for your help in dealing with the Golden Blade Faction."

Waldo frowned slightly. While they were friends, Waldo hadn’t planned on taking on the Golden Blade Faction himself.

"Delgado, even though we’re friends, I don’t have any plans to deal with the Golden Blade Faction at the moment."

Waldo’s general strategy had always been to keep the Golden Blade Faction and the Guard Camp in check against each other, while he focused on gathering resources and growing rapidly.

Delgado wasn’t surprised by Waldo’s response. He continued, "Waldo, I assure you that if you agree to help, you’ll receive half of the Golden Blade Faction’s resources, and you can choose first."

The offer was tempting, and many survivors might have accepted it. However, Waldo remained unmoved.

"Delgado, even if I want to take on the Golden Blade Faction, why should I share their resources with you? I could just take it all for myself."

Delgado understood the implications of Waldo’s words. He knew that Waldo had substantial resources and firepower at his disposal. But his pride didn’t allow him to accept this. Waldo continued to challenge Delgado’s proposition.

"Waldo, the feud between you and the Golden Blade Faction won’t be resolved, and you’re bound to have a showdown sooner or later. Why not now?"

Waldo raised an eyebrow. "Delgado, it’s not about vengeance; the time isn’t right. Besides, the Guard Camp has suffered losses from the mutant plants, and we need time to recover."

Delgado fell silent. If Waldo wasn’t willing to help, he didn’t intend to attack the Golden Blade Faction either. Various reasons combined, leaving Delgado feeling frustrated. He was eager to eliminate the Golden Blade Faction and move on.

"Waldo, even if I have to beg you, if it means I can attack the Golden Blade Faction, just tell me what you want, and I’ll do it."

Waldo wasn’t moved. "Delgado, if I were to engage the Golden Blade Faction, it’s simple enough for me to do it myself without splitting the spoils with you."

Waldo’s strength was undeniable, and Delgado knew that facing the Golden Blade Faction would be challenging. He questioned whether Delgado had enough ammunition and whether his resources were truly limitless.

However, Delgado was persistent. He believed that their plan to weaken each other was not working out. He was determined to remove the Golden Blade Faction as a threat.

Delgado proposed a deal: he would give Waldo 80% of the Golden Blade Faction’s resources in exchange for Waldo’s assistance. Unexpectedly, Waldo agreed to the deal, surprising Delgado.

After the agreement, Delgado left and began preparing for the upcoming operation. With Waldo’s support, their plan was set in motion.

Meanwhile, Alanna and Helen discussed Waldo’s decision. Alanna was cautious, fearing that the Guard Camp might turn on them for their resources after the Golden Blade Faction was dealt with. Waldo explained that their feud couldn’t be resolved, and it was better to address it sooner rather than later.

Although Alanna had reservations, she respected Waldo’s decision.

"Do you need our help?"

Waldo shook his head. "No need, the reward for dealing with the Golden Blade Faction is meant for me alone. With your involvement, the price goes up."

Waldo’s determination was clear, and Alanna accepted his decision. As the conversation ended, they all knew that the plan was now in motion.