Chapter 399 Preparation
The so-called Frostheart effect—how well did it actually work? Steven was about to find out.
He sent everyone packing, telling them to keep their guard up over the next few days.
After all, Jordan's intel about an attack in three days might've been total BS.
Nowadays, no one is trustworthy.
The coalition forces might even attack tonight.
Everyone understood the gravity of the situation and went back to prepare.
But preparation was nothing more than mentally rehearsing what had already been arranged.
Once the room cleared out, Steven pulled Elinor aside. "Elinor, keep an eye on Nora. To keep her in check, slip her some muscle relaxers and downers."
Elinor nodded, "Got it. I'll go get the medication right away."
She pouted slightly, showing a hint of jealousy and dissatisfaction.
Steven couldn't help but chuckle.
He knew exactly why Elinor was upset.
He'd handed the first Frostheart to Nora, not her.
He took her hand, brushing his fingers against her soft cheek. "Elinor, you really think I picked her over you? It's the opposite—I care more about you. I'm worried Frostheart could have side effects. That's why I held back. Don't you get it?"
Elinor looked at Steven in surprise. "So… that's why? But didn't Cindy say Frostheart's been vetted by four major bases? No side effects, right?"
Steven said calmly, "In theory, you can survive by drinking urine, but if there's water available, no one would choose to drink urine, right?"
Elinor's mouth twitched, "What kind of analogy is that!"
Steven chuckled, pulling her close. "Never trust a stranger's gift. One slip-up in this apocalypse, and you're done for. Elinor, you're a doctor, someone like you is worth more than any Psychic. But Nora? She's gotta earn her stripes. That's why I gave her Frostheart. Get it?"
After hearing Steven's explanation, Elinor finally understood his good intentions.
She was also a bit touched.
It turned out Steven didn't let her use Frostheart because he recognized her abilities and wanted to protect her!
Elinor bit her lip and accepted Steven's explanation. She obediently went to the medical room to prepare the medication.
After she left, Steven's smile faded, and he quietly returned to his bedroom.
The current situation had become complicated.
The four major forces in Starlight City were scheming against each other and were not harmonious.
Two of the forces had grudges against Steven and coveted his territory, so they insisted on taking down his shelter.
The other two forces were in a wait-and-see state.
No one wanted to suffer losses in this war, but everyone wanted to seek the greatest benefit.
No one could be trusted; anyone could betray or become an ally.
Steven even believed that if he told Emberwick Base and Silverlake Base about Snowfall Cult's plan, they would fight each other first.
But would that be meaningful for Steven?
Frostwood Base and Snowfall Cult had no grudges against him.
His biggest opponents were still Emberwick Base and Silverlake Base.
So for now, the main goal was still to strike at these two forces.
Steven lay on the bed, thinking for a long time, and finally made a decision.
Since war was inevitable, he would choose the most advantageous way for himself.
He picked up his phone and made a voice call to Sebastian.
"Hey, Steven, have you made up your mind?"
Steven nodded, "Yes, I've made up my mind. We can cooperate, but I want to change the way we cooperate!"
A look of curiosity flashed in Sebastian's eyes. "Oh, how do you want to cooperate?"
Steven said, "I'll double the food you asked for! But you gotta show up for this fight!"
Sebastian scoffed, "You want me to help you? Not a chance. Frostwood stays out of drama. I'm not picking sides or pissing off the other three."
Steven shrugged. "Relax, I don't need you to throw punches. Just bring your crew and fake an attack—that's it."
Sebastian looked suspicious, "You want me to bring my crew and put on a show? Steven, what's your game?"
Steven grinned, "Don't sweat the details. No bad blood between us, no strings attached. Bring your guys, make it look good, and I'll double the food. Deal or no deal?"
Sebastian's eyes flickered. There was no reason to refuse such a good deal, but he couldn't figure out Steven's purpose.
But after thinking it over, it was just acting, and his people wouldn't suffer any losses.
Steven had no reason to set him up.
So Sebastian laughed heartily, "Haha! Alright! There's no reason to refuse such a good deal. But before that, you have to send the food over as a gesture of good faith!"
Steven said, "I'll give you a third of the food as a deposit first. After it's done, I'll give you the rest."
Sebastian thought for a moment and agreed, "Alright, tomorrow at 2:30 PM, we'll trade at the original site of West Mountain Base!"
"Deal."
After the call ended, Steven's plan was almost complete.
He could have chosen to let Frostwood Base stay out of the fight, but he still chose to pay a higher price to have Frostwood Base act as a competent actor.
This approach had two important purposes.
First, if Frostwood Base stayed out of the fight, Silverlake Base and Emberwick Base would tread carefully, paying more attention to Snowfall Cult. That would make the cult's rebellion way less effective. But if Frostwood Base jumped in, it'd give Silverlake and Emberwick a confidence boost. And when people get cocky, they slip up—big and always.
Second, Steven was betting on his shelter to hold its own against multiple forces. Once the enemy's attack crumbled, Snowfall Cult would strike from the sidelines. Combined with Steven's own offensive, it'd hit Silverlake and Emberwick hard. And Frostwood Base wouldn't sit this one out. They'd jump in to help finish the job, wiping Silverlake and Emberwick off the map for good!
Sebastian might not be ambitious, but that didn't mean he was foolish or stupid.
Who would refuse a good opportunity to gain benefits?
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