Inside the Enemy Camp

At that moment, Fuse and Russell both raised their brows and exchanged a glance, unable to conceal their astonishment.

Wasn't this guy just...

But Ricky raised another finger:

"But you must understand, this is only a practical consideration—whichever side completes its objective first, the other will be put in a difficult position. Therefore, cooperation is our only option."

He gazed quietly at Fuse, then looked at Russell.

"Beyond that, this doesn't mean we've boarded your pirate ship. Whether it's me or my brothers, the Outside Tower Inheritance has its own creeds and principles, as well as its own way of surviving. We also don't acknowledge any of that bullshit about relying on power. If Lumba or you think you can use our grudge against the Star Kingdom to force us to take sides..."

Ricky's tone turned cold:

"Then you've made a mistake."

The masked man snorted. "A grave mistake."

The tavern's lights swayed in unison once more.

They cast Ricky's expression in an especially solemn light.

Fuse drew a deep breath, then flashed a brilliant smile. "I suppose this counts as 'pleasant cooperation'?"

Ricky stared at him for a long moment before finally curling his lips upward.

"Exactly."

The next second, the mercenaries all let out a breath, their spirits restored.

It was as if their leader's words had revived the atmosphere.

"Then let's get to work," Fuse said with raised brows and dancing eyes. "Starting with that prince."

At that instant, Tales felt his heart sink.

The Shadow Shield, the Calamity Sword, and King Chaman—the forces of all three sides had formed an alliance.

And their target was... him.

This was really bad.

Especially since a certain someone was sitting right under their noses.

He had nowhere to turn, neither to Heaven nor Earth.

Inside the tavern, the three