Reboot: Mechanic

After the spoiled young lady had left the scene hastily in bitter defeat, Vanessa shifted her attention to the dispersing crowd, her confidence evident in her demeanor. 

"The spectacle's done. Are you all really that idle, focused on frivolities while a monster wave is stirring?" She scorned, observing how easily the onlookers scattered, intimidated by the commanding aura she emanated.

She was not the type to flex her authority, but that didn't mean she didn't enjoy the feelings of being revered and feared. 

Breathing a sigh of relief and satisfaction, Vanessa felt vindicated in her display of strength. She recognized that these individuals needed to learn through experience; strength, both in influence and authority, was what commanded true respect. 

The argument with Olivia Harrett affirmed her belief in the power her identity wielded in shaping others' actions and reactions.

'Had I kept my identity a secret, then these people wouldn't even give a damn about my words.' Vanessa thought to herself, recognizing how her status was a double-edged sword.

The altercation had cemented the vast chasm of power between the cities, affirming that Vanessa's identity alone had changed the dynamics in the wilderness. 

It revealed the intricate power play and the often-unspoken rules between cities and their ruling families. 

For Vanessa, it was a display of dominance, a reminder to those witnessing the scene that there existed a hierarchy transcending mere geographical boundaries.

And that was despite the world having turned into ruin, we still have people worrying about status this and status that. 

No wonder humanity was on the brink of extinction, given how "united" they were in the face of calamity.

At the moment, no one dared to approach the current Vanessa, given her special identity. 

Not even Theobold stepped forward now that Vanessa herself had revealed her identity. Previously, he could feign ignorance about the matter despite having known the truth, but he couldn't do that now.

Seeing how isolated Vanessa was becoming, Shi Tian sighed softly and could subtly understand why she had never once revealed her last name.

Maybe it was because of this fear and respect people would have for her when she revealed her status that made her want to keep it a secret. 

Shaking his head, Shi Tian proceeded to step out from his hiding spot and approached Vanessa with casualness. His actions were equivalent to telling the people that he wasn't afraid of Vanessa's status and that he wasn't going to treat her any differently. 

"Should I call you Vanessa or Vanessa Ariston now?" Shi Tian chuckled softly and teased. 

Vanessa rolled her eyes at his bad humor. 

"Are you seriously teasing me when you learned of my identity?" She then asked, seemingly trying to threaten him.

Shi Tian shrugged his shoulders in response, "What identity? The Ariston last name? You're still the same old Vanessa that I have known." 

Realizing his intention, Vanessa started chuckling a bit. Indeed, that was just how he would react if simply remembered her as Vanessa and not Vanessa Ariston.

Though it didn't surprise her that he wasn't deterred by her identity, lest that wouldn't be the Shi Tian she knew, but an imposter.

After all, if Shi Tian was truly one to be afraid of one's status, then he wouldn't have attempted to cross Theobold, much less scammed her. 

With Shi Tian being casual with Vanessa, and her domineering aura subsequently diminished, the atmosphere was finally turning for the better. 

Previously, the atmosphere was extremely tense, with not a single person willing to make a sound.

However, thanks to Shi Tian's overly casualness with Vanessa, everyone was seemingly at ease now.

Even Mary had gotten off the Iron Sentinel and met up with them. "The two of you really know how to make a scene." 

"Hmph, as if you weren't enjoying it from the vehicle." Vanessa clicked her tongue and retorted. "Don't think I didn't know, but I bet you were laughing wildly when you saw how I chased that spoiled young lady away as if it was a stray cat." 

"What can I say? That was indeed fascinating and enjoyable to watch." Mary shrugged, outright admitting that she was enjoying the scene.

Like how could she not?

How many chances or opportunities are there to see an heir from one of the Five Families be so publicly humiliated and pushed over? 

The answer was that it could be counted with one hand, or more specifically one finger. Because what Vanessa did was the first instance ever that an heir was publicly humiliated by someone similar to their age. 

While the trios were conversing, Theobold finally took the chance to interrupt them.

"Haha, we are surely blessed to have someone from the Ariston Family in Chronosworth City to help us out." Theobold laughed heartily and stared at Vanessa, his tone extremely polite. 

Vanessa was inwardly disgusted by Theobold's fakeness and wanted to say something in return that was not so friendly. 

Except, Shi Tian was faster, given that he knew Vanessa was definitely not the type to be able to conceal her emotions. She needed time to adjust and control her emotions, so Shi Tian gladly covered Vanessa with his back as he brought himself to the front. 

"Commander Theobold, your words aren't too nice, right?" Shi Tian raised an eyebrow and questioned. 

"You've made it sound like we're so distant. It kind of made us feel somewhat sour about it." He added, feigning to be hurt by his politeness. 

Of course, Theobold also knew about the deeds that Shi Tian had done, but just like Shi Tian, he also understood the circumstances.

Phoebe also informed him of Shi Tian's intention to remain an ally, and he would be foolish to go hostile. 

"Haha, my mistakes." Theobold started laughing and scratched his head. 

"You must have been tired from the exciting adventure, right? You should take a quick rest." 

Theobold's suggestion might seem innocent at first, but Shi Tian understood the implication. 

Exciting adventure… that was referring to him killing and injuring some of his elite soldiers.