“I-it’s not me…”

Slas Nicklaus dropped to his knees and crawled toward you, desperation evident in his every move. His selfishness had taken over—he didn’t want to face the consequences, despite knowing full well that, as the leader of this mission, the responsibility for its failure rested squarely on his shoulders.

The Hexigan Army had been striving to impress the Vanguard Association, aiming to secure a coveted alliance with the renowned group. Their first mission together had gone smoothly, but this second one… it had been a disaster. And now, with Isla here, disappointment etched on her face, the weight of their failure hung heavy in the room.

Slas’s heart pounded in his chest. He knew how important this alliance was—not just for him, but for the entire Hexigan Army. They needed the Vanguard’s support, their resources, their reputation. But now, all of that was in jeopardy.