Sometimes, the smallest difference is enough to change the course of the future.

Not to mention, Paige Summers’s appearance had already brought too many changes to a world that was supposed to have a fixed trajectory. Even before she understood the full picture, the people and events around her had already deviated from their original descriptions, developing in entirely new directions.

"That woman in The Citadel is on her last legs. Shawn Monroe got the news last night. He issued a series of orders this morning to mobilize his people. I suspect he might be planning to make a move."

Hearing this first thing in the morning, even Marcus Monroe was stunned for a moment.

Sylas Underwood sneered, "Don’t act like you didn’t know. It’s too fake! Weren’t you the one who orchestrated all of this?"

Marcus Monroe snapped out of it and shrugged innocently. "Was I?"

"Please! Who’s the one who’s been parading around right under his nose? I heard you even challenged his authority as the Young City Lord at the auction yesterday. No wonder he’s getting anxious. He must think your old man gave you the signal to compete for the position again. In his mind, you’ve always been a major threat. How could he possibly know you never planned to stay here for long!"

’It’s true, I never planned on staying long...’ But plans can’t keep up with changes. Who knew he’d run into such a treasure? Thinking of the crossbow schematics and prototype his subordinates had taken away, and the prospect of them soon going into production, Marcus Monroe narrowed his eyes in satisfaction.

As for Shawn Monroe, dealing with him was just a convenient side affair.

Besides, it was about time his father, who had been in power for so long, stretched his legs and got ready. While he was away, he’d heard that someone in the Military Command in Central City had their eyes on The Dead City.

And now, what he had to do was go see that woman. Witnessing her death with his own eyes was the most important reason he had returned to The Dead City.

Putting on his coat, he called out, "I’m heading to The Citadel. Shawn Monroe will probably need more time to get ready. Find a chance to leak the news to him."

Sylas Underwood nodded in understanding. ’I wonder what the City Lord will do if he finds out his beloved son is planning to usurp him. How curious! The Dead City today is no longer an era where his every command is law. The City Lord can’t possibly think Shawn Monroe is still in the dark about how his own mother has been treated, can he? Over the years, that kid may have looked like a playboy, but he’s secretly gathered quite a bit of power, showing signs of being able to stand against the City Lord. The crossbow squad he formed a while back is not to be underestimated alone.’

’Of course, if Marcus Monroe decided to get involved, it wouldn’t be so easy for him.’

’Unfortunately, that man’s ambitions don’t lie in The Dead City.’

’Then again, he’s right.’

’After all, this place is remote. While the threats outside the city are minor, by the same token, so are the resources. It’s really not a grand enough stage for someone to truly make their mark.’

Thinking about how he and the others would soon be leaving with Marcus Monroe, Sylas Underwood couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret at abandoning their existing accomplishments, yet he was also filled with anticipation for the wider world that awaited!

Meanwhile, just as Marcus Monroe’s trip to The Citadel was finally completing his decade-long path of revenge, Paige Summers was also incredibly busy.

She had also gone to find Blue first thing in the morning. Using the excuse that she missed Martin Warren and her other friends from the hunt, she brought a fully stocked medicine box and embarked on her journey to farm goodwill.

They were, of course, very enthusiastic to see her.

Levi Young’s medicine from The Wood Group had already become somewhat famous in the Lower District in just a few short days. Having personally witnessed its heaven-defying effects, Martin Warren and the others practically fell over themselves to welcome her when they saw that medicine box!

Paige Summers received their goodwill, just as she had hoped.

However, even as a warmth spread through her chest, she also discovered a major problem.

’The energy converted from this goodwill is far, far from enough to open the space. Worse, with so few people, even a significant amount of their goodwill can’t offset the consumption from just a few instances of malice!’

’This is terrible!’

Paige Summers was dejected until she heard the news that Leanne Walsh had returned to the city. Only then did her spirits lift. ’Revenge is a must, but while I’m at it, couldn’t I cook up some other ideas?’

「That afternoon, a loud debate erupted from the courtyard where the members of the Blade Hunters resided in the Lower District.」

Inside the living room, four men and one woman were arguing over an "Appointment Fighting Letter" on the coffee table.

As the captain, Thomas Woods maintained his usual cautious, self-preserving attitude. "Look, this should be Leanne’s private affair. We should just give the Appointment Fighting Letter to her directly."

But Joel Warren, sitting across from him, disagreed. "Captain, the chances of Leanne losing this duel are practically zero. But the key issue is that Leanne is one of our Blade Hunters. She just got back from outside the city and hasn’t even had a chance to rest, yet we’re making her go to this duel alone. If the other Hunting Parties find out, they’ll definitely think we have internal problems and might try to poach our members..."