Reboot: Mechanic

Gerald's gaze remained firm despite Theobold's guaranteeing that he wouldn't make things difficult for Shi Tian and Vanessa. 

"I'm well aware of your personality, Theobold. But their involvement in this matter goes beyond mere curiosity. They were caught in the crossfire, not the instigators." Gerald explained, seemingly trying to convince this old acquaintance of his. 

Theobold nodded his head in agreement. He was no fool either and understood Shi Tian and Vanessa weren't the instigators.

However, that does not nullify the fact that Vanessa's abilities had caused casualties, even if her attacks were originally meant for Kralos Tal.

"These two might not be the instigators, but their actions had indeed resulted in casualties. I can't just agree to your demand to delete the footage of these two." Theobold's stance was firm and clear. 

Gerald sighed, understanding Theobold's position. "I don't want to erase evidence or impede justice, Theobold. But you know as well as I do that they were defending themselves against a dangerous threat. The casualties were unintended consequences of that confrontation."

Theobold's brows furrowed as he considered Gerald's words. It was clear that he was torn between his dedication to justice and his understanding of the complexities of the situation.

'If even Otis was following someone's command, it means there are definitely some power plays involved. If I continue to be stubborn and implicate them or take them back, then it might benefit the parties behind instead.' Theobold thought to himself, juggling between two different decisions. 

With his intelligence, it didn't take long for him to understand that once he arrested Shi Tian and Vanessa, they are more than likely to be in even more danger. 

While Theobold was contemplating a correct action, Vanessa spoke up, her voice measured and sincere. 

"We are not trying to escape the consequences of our actions. We are willing to take responsibility and provide all the information we have. We simply ask for a fair assessment of the circumstances."

Shi Tian nodded in agreement. "Our priority was survival. We had no intention of harming innocent civilians. If we can assist in any way to make amends for the casualties, we are ready to do so."

Theobold looked at the trio, his expression softening. "Very well. I will ensure a fair assessment of the situation, taking into consideration your actions and the circumstances. But you need to provide a detailed account of what happened."

Taking into account that even Gerald was involved and assisted them, Theobold decided to go against his principles for once. He was going to do Gerald a favor for old times' sake. 

Subsequently, Gerald's shoulders relaxed slightly, appreciating Theobold's willingness to consider their side of the story. Had Theobold continued to remain stubborn, then it would have ended terribly on their end. 

Time slowly passed by, and Vanessa gracefully recounted the event from the beginning. 

Starting from the fact that the Horology Restaurant was isolated by some unknown force, followed by the appearance of Kralos Tal.

As for the rest of the details, it matched exactly the footage that Theobold had seen earlier, confirming Vanessa's story.

"I understand the situation to be a clear decision to take your life, Vanessa. But what I'm confused about is why would they risk such an action to have you killed." Theobold raised an eyebrow and asked.

He couldn't fathom how badly one must do to cause the enemies to make such a rash and risky move. To outright isolate a place and attempt murder within the inner wall of Gearits City was outrageous and unbelievable. 

But then again, thinking about the Five Families, they were a prime example that such outrageous behavior wasn't impossible. 

Meanwhile, Vanessa sighed softly and revealed, "It's because, in my possession, I have an item that could divert and change the tide of our current predicament." 

"Current predicament?" Theobold raised an eyebrow, confused by her meaning of our predicament. 

"Isn't there a reason why a Flameheart Vanguard commander would return to Gearits City all of a sudden to restock their supplies?" Vanessa responded with a question, not divulging further.

Theobold was a clever person, so just a little bit of hint allowed him to understand.

"You have an Ancient Technology that could suppress the monster wave?" Theobold exclaimed, slightly stunned by the revelation.

Vanessa remained silent, but her silence was equivalent to a confirmation for Theobold.

Theobold pondered for a while, seemingly in deep thought. 

A few minutes later, he nodded his head and showed a solemn expression. "If you are willing to use your Ancient Technology to help suppress the current monster wave, then I shall put a blind eye to the casualties you have caused."

Compared to a few casualties versus the survival of Gearits City as a whole, Theobold chose the bigger picture. Not to mention, the main culprit was still Kralos Tal and not Vanessa. 

Hence, it wasn't a hard choice to make when millions of lives could literally be saved with the assistance of Vanessa. 

Vanessa smirked slightly once she managed to reel Theobold in. 

"Well, why else did you think I was being targeted in the first place, Commander?" She asked him. 

It was only now that Theobold managed to get a somewhat clear picture as to why Vanessa was targeted. 

Since she owned an Ancient Technology, powerful enough to suppress the current monster wave that was ravaging the wilderness and soon to Gearits City. Then some nefarious people that wished for such chaos to commence would want to silence her, preventing her from resolving the conflict. 

Clenching his fist tightly, Theobold exuded a dominating aura.

"So long as you agree to assist us, I can promise you that no one can lay a finger on you. They shall go through me first if they wish to get close to you." Theobold said solemnly, guaranteeing Vanessa's safety.

"That's what I planned to do in the first place, even if I'm not a citizen of Gearits City." Vanessa smiled briefly. 

To think they would have gained an unexpectedly strong ally. It was truly a hilarious development and possibly the worst outcome for the people behind the incident.