Lappland pov
Each of my steps toward them were steady and calm . They revealed nothing but my self-confidence and readiness . I didn't look like I was intimidated or cornered, and I really wasn't.
After all , I was surrounded by two herbivores and one mutt . There was nothing to be afraid of; I knew my chances . In the past, I was already surrounded by larger and better armed forces in an open space . Despite this, I still managed to retreat without any problems. So the situation was much worse than the situation that can happed here.
' So why shouldn't I be able to handle the situation here , with all these conveniences? '
I thought, after thorough analysis of this whole place .
' Perhaps , this place is suitable for a trap, but it also gave me a lot of room for maneuvers . Even though there is no so many cars, the pillars themselves gave me a lot of places to use as a cover. '
' We are also underground, without much light. All I have to do is destroy the lights and darkness will take over this place . And in the dark, I can do a lot. From attacking to retreating. I've already gotten used to fighting in lowlight conditions. The sudden blackout and shutdown of technology comes as a surprise even to those who are prepared for it. And that also has its value.'
I thought, still looking ahead. Still, I couldn't stop thinking. Because the only question that remained was how many people would actually show up and how well equipped they would be. Depending on the situation, everything could turn out completely differently. However, there were many reasons why I already knew that there shouldn't be many well-armed people. But , this raised other questions .
'We're practically closer to the city center than to the outskirts. It's the middle of the day. We're in an underground garage, that's true, but above us there's a building where, judging by the cars, there must be some people. Besides, there are neighboring companies and buildings. Too much commotion will definitely attract the police. So It's just like with Blake . The situation here will quickly become public knowledge. '
' In the end, I'm sure I'll cause a scene. I'm not going to be gentle or discreet if that's what they're hoping for. But knowing Adam, he already knows that. Gunshots, screams, and the sounds of fighting will cause panic . The police and hunters will arrive immediately . So If Adam does not intend to wage war against hunters and the police, which will surely break out after they show up here and notice the white fang . He must plan and execute a small and quick operation. . '
I thought, and that's where the question arises.
' How does he intend to do it? Adam knows me, he knows my weaknesses and strengths. So how does he plan to defeat me quickly and as secretly as possible? Surely he has some plan if he dragged me here? '
I thought about it, and the uncertainty bothered me. On the one hand, I knew there must be some kind of plan or reason , but on the other, I didn't understand the purpose behind this . Of course, ideas were already crowding my head. The more I thought about it, the more the idea of a massive attack on me made no sense in the current situation.
' It definitely won't work, and the higher command will get on his ass asking what's going on. The White Fang attack in broad daylight in the middle of the city ? How will he explain the losses? He definitely won't win, that's for sure. And what will he gain? Me? Even if he had received orders from above to kill me, that would not have given him the right to do so so openly.'
' Which I doubt, since most people think I'm dead. Even now, when they may have reason to believe otherwise, they'll want to clarify the situation first. Before they start investigating and actually find me or find enough evidence to prove that I'm alive and have deserted. It will take them a while. That's why I don't believe Adam has any orders related to me. At most, the opening of an investigation '
I thought, knowing the typical tactics of the white fang. I know the organization's policy on these matters; after all, I used to work as a bloodhound myself.
' But , fighting me with a small unit in an area where I have the advantage will be nothing but a waste of time and resources . He only succeeded last time thanks to Blake's betrayal and my injuries. Now, however, he would have to fight me without it. '
I thought, which again made me ponder. In both cases, attacking me at this moment makes no sense.
' Unless Adam really has something special. '
I thought about it, and a slight paranoia and feeling of being cornered began to creep into my head. I really didn't understand it. Either Adam was irrational or he was confident in whatever he was planning. I know this jerk.
' Knowing Adam and his self-admiration, he wouldn't tolerate the slightest damage to his reputation and position. '
I thought about it, but knowing that it would lead nowhere, I decided to stop thinking about it. Aware of the inconsistency , but unable to do anything with them , all I could do was click my tongue and move on. Whatever the meaning of this attack, I'll try to figure it out as I go along.
Despite my thoughts, I did not stop approaching. With every step forward, both novices took a step back. Their bravado evaporated as soon as I stopped following the action of their in minde script. Did they think they could intimidate me just by standing there? Dressed like this?
At that moment, if it hadn't been for their boss's raised hand, they would have already run away. Their heartbeats and nervous pursed lips told me clearly that they knew it was over. They won't escape, and I'll kill them. If they try, their boss or colleagues will kill them . The realization that my words had finally reached them, and that the seed of fear had blossomed, made my smile flourish like a flower.
' Unfortunate situation '
The voice whispered in the back of my head, again causing a cacophony of laughter. At that moment, my earlier paranoia had already subsided slightly. For now, my only concern was the three people in front of me.
' Still , be careful . Even a mutt can bite and tear your throat out. And frightened sheep can trample an unprepared predator. '
Said the wolf's head emerging right next to my head.
'Well, the only difference between a mutt and a wolf is their size.'
I thought, without arguing. It is right not to give your opponent a chance, no matter how weak they are. Even as a child, I was able to kill someone who was stronger than me in every way, simply because of their carelessness. My self-confidence and calmness do not mean stupidity or short-sightedness.
' I take every fight to death seriously. Even the best die in ambushes or from the fatigue . I have to be especially careful now that I have no idea what is planned for me. It's best to get it over with quickly. '
While I was thinking, I didn't lose my vigilance nor did I stop moving. Looking at them as if they were a piece of meat to play with , I unconsciously influenced the newbies. Apparently my attitude and licking my lips made one of new Adam's men feel uncomfortable.
But didn't pay any attention to it . Taking the final step in this few-second-long, tension-filled walk , I finally stood in front of the leader. Just two meters in front of him. For people like us, that distance was no distance at all. Despite this, we did not attack. He looked at me, and I looked at him.
' I feel that if I push them a little harder, these recruits will really run away. '
I thought, glancing for a second at the skinny guy whose trembling hand was already reaching behind his back, where he probably kept his weapon. However, I could smell his sweat and hear his heartbeat, betraying his fear. His reflex to grab his weapon was just to help him gain courage in the current situation.
' But that's just a fool's courage '
I thought, knowing this type of courage. For some, it leads to survival, for others, it leads straight to death. I'm really curious to see where it will lead him.
Lappland: "I haven't done anything yet. So why are you running away and getting so nervous ? Are you afraid of me ?"
I said with a harmless smile , finally breaking our silence . Of course, the two cowards said nothing. They were pretending to be tough again, but everyone knew that the illusion was gone. There were no dangerous tough guys here. Just civilians in costumes. However, the man leading them doesn't seem to mind that I'm insulting his men again.
Leader: "It is an honor to meet such a legendary figure as you. Even if it is in such a shameful and unworthy company. However, participating in this was my only chance to meet you."
Said the leader, with sincere respect in his voice. His words genuinely threw me off balance. And they also threw his two henchmen off balance even more. After his words, the atmosphere froze due to the strangeness of the situation. Listening and watching his physical reactions, I knew that he really meant what he said.
'So he's one of those... Ha ? A fan.'
I thought, knowing what this guy was about to say. He's one of those rare types of people who saw the rightness in what I was doing. Complete psychopaths, unconcerned with what they, as members of the White Fang, might be forced to do.
Or rather, in their case, they did it themselves without persuasion. The White Fang's favorite type of people. Psychopaths, fanatics, or truly wounded souls. People seeking purpose in life, revenge, or explanations for their twisted actions and minds.
Leader: "You may not remember me. No, you definitely don't remember me, you don't even know I exist. But I've worked with you a few times and seen you at work. "
He said, continuing, completely ignoring the looks of his two subordinates, who clearly didn't know what to think anymore. However, I saw how hope disappeared from their eyes. As for him mentioning that he knew me and apparently worked with me ? Well, I have worked or collaborated with many people. As for him? Hundreds of similar masks, hundreds of similar voices. I don't remember him. Something he himself was aware of.
Leader : " I admire your work. And to be honest with you, I hate those idiots who think you did doing something wrong. In my opinion, you did what should have been done a long time ago. The new goal of the white fang is to instill fear. Something you did perfectly. And yet, for them, your actions were too loud, too extreme ! Wasn't that supposed to be the goal ?"
He spoke in a sincere and pious tone, which surprised even his subordinates at that moment. A sincere smile appeared on his face, reminiscent of someone remembering something pleasant, yet his hands were already reaching for the two daggers attached to his thighs.
Leader: "I was enchanted watching as you tear apart those SDC oppressors, those unbelieving racists. Not in a romantic sense, of course. Simply, seeing your fight... I saw a hero in you... That's why I don't understand."
He continued, then suddenly stopped and froze, his previously open heart immediately closed. His expression became cold and his blades drawn. A familiar sparkle flashed in his eyes. A spark identical to the fire burning in my eyes.
Leader : " Is it true what he say? Have you betrayed us? Have you abandoned us? Why... "