Chapter 387 Facing the Harsh Reality
Two days later, Steven received another message from Emberwick Base. This time, it wasn't a call request but a video.
He and Cindy were naturally the first to see it.
When they opened the video, a depressing scene unfolded before their eyes.
The background was a large factory frame in the midst of a snowstorm.
Hanging from it were a dozen cold human heads, suspended by ropes.
Megan stood in front of the execution platform, er gaze icy and detached as she stared into the camera. "Steven, this is just the start. Soon, your head—and your friends'—will be swinging right here at Emberwick Base."
The video ended there.
In just one minute, the video conveyed a single message: a declaration of war!
Megan had beheaded all the students to announce that the war had begun!
After watching the video, Steven was silent for a moment before taking a sip of his hot coffee. "Finally dead."
Cindy sighed softly, "So it ended like this after all."
Steven looked at her and asked with a smile, "Didn't you hate those people the most? Now that they're dead, aren't you happy?"
Cindy shook her head. "Not really. I hated them, wanted them gone for good. But… seeing them all dead? Kinda hits me, you know?"
She lowered her head, her pale hands tightly clasped together in distress. "I'm very worried that one day, my own head will be hung up too."
A look of surprise flashed in Steven's eyes.
But he quickly understood.
No matter how smart Cindy was, she was still just an 18-year-old girl.
Seeing her peers, whom she had known for years, die like that, it was natural for her to feel fear.
Steven stepped in and pulled her into a firm hug. "Don't worry, I've got you! You're not going anywhere. As long as I'm around, you're safe and sound."
Cindy was his backbone, his lifeline.
He'd keep her safe, no matter what.
Steven's warmth seeped into Cindy, grounding her.
She wrapped her arms around his back, her eyes welling up. "Steven, I'm so glad you're here."
She thought to herself, 'I won't drag you down; I'll make myself valuable to you. So, no matter what, don't leave me! If I ever become dead weight, I'll handle it myself!'
After comforting Cindy, Steven decided to make the video public, letting everyone, especially Lily, see it with their own eyes.
He had to make her give up her obsession completely.
"But seeing this might wreck Ms. Evans," Cindy warned Steven. "You better brace yourself for the fallout."
Steven shrugged, cool as ever. "Don't sweat it. I'm ready—mentally and practically."
If Lily really broke down and wanted to fight Emberwick Base, Steven would directly restrain her and let her rest at home with a sedative for a while.
"All that martyrdom crap? is just a knee-jerk reaction. No matter how lofty the goal, it can shift. In the end, I'll make her see—living is the only thing that matters. No grand reasons, just survival," Steven said flatly.
Cindy nodded. "We will also do our best to persuade her!"
Steven took a small bag of medicine from his pocket and handed it to Cindy. "Put this in the coffee and let Lily drink it."
Cindy took it with a suspicious look and asked, "What is this?"
"A sedative," Steven said.
Cindy did as Steven instructed.
Lily had no suspicion when Cindy handed her the hot coffee and drank it readily.
Steven calculated the time in his mind, and after confirming the drug had taken effect, he gathered everyone.
Before watching the video, he didn't forget to remind everyone, "The content of this video might be a bit brutal. I hope everyone is mentally prepared and doesn't get too emotional."
Hearing Steven say this, Lily felt something was off.
Because the video was sent from Emberwick Base.
So, it was about her students?
Steven gave Lily a deep look, then played the video.
The screen opened with a dozen heads hanging high.
At the first sight, Lily felt something explode in her head, her mind going blank.
Her students were all dead?
For a moment, Lily staggered, hearing faint voices around her.
"Ms. Evans, what's wrong?"
"Are you okay?"
Then her vision went black, and she collapsed to the ground.
Aubrey looked worried. "Ms. Evans, are you okay?"
Steven walked over calmly and said,"She's fine, just took some sedatives. She'll be okay after some rest."
Henry shook his head, letting out a heavy sigh. "Ms. Evans is such a devoted teacher. This is gonna hit her hard. I just hope she can bounce back fast."
"Time fixes everything, and a little TLC doesn't hurt either," Steven said, scooping Lily up and carrying her to her room, gently laying her down on the bed.
He told Cindy and Aubrey, "Take good care of her these two days and help her with her emotions."
He then told Elinor, "Give her a sedative to stabilize her emotions. If it doesn't work, increase the dosage. It's better to let her stay in bed for a few more days."
Elinor nodded, "Understood."
After settling Lily, everyone returned to the living room to discuss the battle plans with everyone.
"A clash with Emberwick Base is coming. Silverlake might jump in too. Taking on two at once is gonna be a hell of a fight. The plan's simple—hold the first line. If they break through, we fall back to the shelter. But here's the thing: these two aren't West Mountain. I haven't crossed them enough to make this personal. Once they take enough hits, they'll back off. Plus, we've upped our firepower big time since then."
That's why Steven wasn't sweating it.
No bad blood with Emberwick or Silverlake.
This was all about turf.
Strong? They'll back down.
Weak? They'll tear you apart.
Steven's job was to show he's not someone to mess with, so the rest of Starlight City stays the hell out!
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