Reboot: Mechanic

Mary didn't bother to respond, proving that Shi Tian was correct in his deduction.

Though it didn't surprise him much either, considering Vanessa's importance was the possession of an Ancient Technology.

"So Theobold's goal is still my Ancient Technology, right?" Vanessa suddenly interrupted and asked.

Shi Tian nodded his head.

"Rest assured, Vanessa. Even if he requested you, it doesn't mean he will get his way." He said somewhat defensively.

"Oh, are you concerned about me?" Vanessa got those puppy eyes and looked at Shi Tian, having discerned his somewhat defensive tone.

"You are someone that has a big business deal with Optic Mech, and I owe Optic Mech somewhat for their resources given to me. Hence, I merely didn't want others to take advantage of you and possibly ruin the business deal." Shi Tian clarified.

However, that was his big mistake, considering that clarifying meant that it was indeed a fact.

After all, Shi Tian was never the type to explain himself unless he was feeling guilty.

"Hehe, if you're concerned about me, then just say so. What's with that lame excuse?" Vanessa giggled in amusement.

Mary nodded her head in agreement. "You are really bad at lying sometimes, Nathan. Try harder next time."

Realizing that Mary was so quick to sell him out, Shi Tian was speechless.

It was definitely because she was still kind of mad that he exposed her by bugging Vanessa's device. Otherwise, he was positive Mary would have just stayed silent and not said anything.

"Think what you believe, but my conscience is clear." Shi Tian shrugged.

"All I'm saying is that if Theobold wants to use your Ancient Technology, it will definitely not be easy for him."

"But we promised to assist him back in Gearits City." Vanessa chimed in.

"Promise? Did we sign a contract or anything?"

"You want to renege on it?"

"Hmph, even if we renege on it, what can Theobold do to us?" Shi Tian smirked coldly and stared at Vanessa.

"Had you told me your identity from the start, then I wouldn't have even bothered making any deal with Theobold." He added, informing her that the tables had turned already.

The situation now was different from the time when they were escaping from the Horology Restaurant.

Back then, Shi Tian was afraid of being implicated despite being a victim because they were nobodies and didn't have any supporting power behind them.

Not even Optic Mech could do much in that situation, given Optic Mech wasn't popular compared to now thanks to the Claymore Mines contribution.

However, with the revelation of Vanessa's identity, everything changes at this moment.

In fact, the ones that should be afraid were no longer them, but Theobold and the rest of the power holders in Gearits City.

Why?

An important figure like Vanessa was ambushed in broad daylight, and the culprit even managed to escape.

How were they supposed to answer Chronosworth City for letting such an incident occur in their city?

"Act as haughty and arrogant once we meet with Theobold, Vanessa." Shi Tian advised. "The more arrogant you are, the more difficult Theobold would be in trying to take advantage of us."

"You really are shameless." Vanessa praised. She was amazed at how quick his attitude would change the moment he held the advantage.

"This is called being smart, and not shameless. Back then, we had to lay low and agree to the disadvantage, but now, why should we?" Shi Tian snickered.

Assisting Theobold for free?

Jokes on him, because Shi Tian was never the type to do something for free.

Call him a greedy or dishonorable person, but he would rather be greedy and dishonorable than some goody-two-shoes heroes who would always be taken advantage of.

Does being a hero have any benefits?

Other than superficial praises, there were none, whereas the villains and those who are selfish get to live for a long time, doing absolutely nothing.

Mary was similarly silent when she heard Shi Tian's remark.

Indeed, he was right that the advantage was in them now, so why should they still do the bidding for others without a fee?

Patting Vanessa's back, Mary whispered sweetly, "Just act as arrogant as you want. Didn't you have a lot of pent-up anger for being an outcast all the time from us? Go and vent that anger at Theobold and his soldiers."

It was like the devil's whisper tempting her very soul, and Vanessa understood she was being used by them.

However, even if she knew, Vanessa was indeed pent up all along with anger for being treated so terribly by them.

Cracking her knuckles, Vanessa grinned sinisterly. "Heh, you're right. Who cares about a promise that is not stated in a contract? Verbal promises? Screw that crap!"

With that said, Vanessa held a pride of confidence as she strode forward, not even bothering to wait for Shi Tian and Mary.

Glancing at her confidence back, Shi Tian subtly raised his hand up, and Mary gladly clasped her hands on his, making a clap.

"You are shrewd, Nathan," Mary exclaimed.

"Not as shrewd as you." Shi Tian dared not accept the mantle, given Mary was leagues above him in manipulating others.

"Hmph, still shameless as always." Mary snickered, shook her head, and proceeded to catch up to Vanessa.

"If shameless means living longer, then I sure am shameless." Shi Tian smiled and quickly followed them.

Sometime later, the trio arrived at the main battlefield, and Theobold was shouting commands left and right.

"The left side is being overwhelmed. Soldiers from platoon A, split your team in half and rush to the left side." Theobold was standing at a tall position, overseeing the entire battlefield that was practically filled with Gilaso variants.

There were too many to even count, and it was hard to even see the geographical terrain.

Vanessa was stunned by the sight, almost as if she couldn't fathom that there were this many Gilaso variants.

"Just where did all of them come from?" She swallowed a mouthful of saliva.