Chapter 276 - Opponents

Wain, Eva, and Maria reached the base of Last Light a few minutes after the end of a trial.

When Gisle saw them, he waved, "Wain, it's good to see you, as always."

Next to Gisle were several members of Last Light. Among them were Elsa, Grut, Teresa, and Isabella. They also noticed Wain and wanted to ask him about what had happened.

"Yes, it was a difficult experience. I even thought I would stay there forever."

Gisle nodded. He looked at Eva and said, "Would you like to introduce us?"

"Yeah, of course." Wain said, but Eva beat him to it.

She bowed and said, "Hello, my name is Eva Noir. I'm Wain's girlfriend."

Gisle expected to hear anything but that. The others were also shocked, especially Isabella and Teresa.

They all thought that if Wain ever had a lover, she would at least be a cold and formidable girl. More often than not, they imagined her as an insane psychopath that only Wain could tame.

But, their fantasies shattered into many shards of reality.

"Likewise, Gisle Enge." Gisle muttered and, pointing at Maria, asked, "Who's that? Have you decided to create a harem?"

"That's a funny joke. That's Maria, and she's a hero."

...

They talked and exchanged opinions and ideas about the island for the next hour. Wain only had twelve hours before the fruit went bad, but he understood that he had time to discuss the current situation.

No one knew what would happen in twenty-four hours. Some were afraid of it, others were waiting and wishing to see the change.

Gisle also spent some time with Maria. This girl proved to be strong and determined. He listened carefully to her ideas and desires.

Gisle was not a kind man. He could do certain bad things when necessary. It was a quality he had always had, but he had fully mastered that skill after he became the leader of the strongest organization in town.

However, he liked Maria's desire. She wanted to use her power to help and protect people. There was nothing wrong with that, which was beneficial to everyone.

Gisle could point Maria's power in the right direction and show her how to make the most of it. She was useful because she could partially solve two problems at the same time.

First, Maria was powerful. Even Wain mentioned it when they talked. She was the first contender, and that amazed everyone. Maria wanted to help people but also acted rather aloof.

Gisle could quickly integrate her into the organization, show her where and who needed help, and teach her how to do it. That way, he would get a strong and confident ally for free while helping those who didn't have the time or resources. It was a win-win situation. 

All Gisle had to do was convince Maria to join them. He did it with no problem. After a few minutes, she asked him to give her the opportunity.

'Huh, Maria is a real treasure, but Wain is an amazing man. He has brought such powerful and useful people to me several times now, and I am sure it was not his purpose, all due to coincidence. He is like a treasure hunter, and I, as a gem appraiser, find a use for them.' Gisle thought.

"Excuse me. I need to step back." Eva said, bowed slightly, and headed toward the rocks in the distance.

The others nodded and continued their discussion. However, Isabella left as well. She followed Eva.

"Gisle, where is Agnes? I need to ask her something, and I can also use the plane if necessary?"

"Hmm? Why would you need that?"

"I may need to go back to Overion for a while. Without a plane, it will be difficult to do that."

"Hmm, okay, no problem. I've decided not to go back to Overion until 24 hours have passed. If anything happens, Merge Island will definitely be in its center. However, before you go, let me know. Elsa and Vineta will go with you. Someone has to keep an eye on the town while I'm gone."

"Sure, so where's Agnes?"

"Over there." Gisle said and pointed to the highest mountain in the west, "She said she would go there to meditate. I don't argue the place is quite suitable, but it's too uncomfortable."

"Huh, that's her style. Okay, I'll go to her place. I'll see you back here in twenty-four hours. I hope we stay alive after that." Wain smirked and jumped up sharply. He moved from low rocks to higher rocks like a black flash, gradually moving toward the mountain.

"Damn, as usual, he comes, wins, goes. I wish things were as easy for me as they are for Wain." Teresa muttered, shaking her head.

"Don't be ridiculous." Gisle muttered, "Even to pass the first stage of the challenge. You had to have unique abilities to collect a million minutes. I don't know what happened next, but it definitely wasn't an easy walk. Right?" Gisle looked at Maria.

"Yes, you're right. The second and third tests were difficult and even impossible to complete.

"Maria, please tell me more about that." Elsa asked, "I want to know more about the island and the trials. Wain is unlikely to want to explain anything to me."

"Well, you're right. I don't mind, but I don't know what was going on during Eva and Wain's second trial. We were in different groups."

...

While Maria talked to Gisle and Elsa, and Wain headed over to Agnes meditating on the mountain, Isabella was left alone with Eva among the white rocks.

"Oh, I'm sorry, did you want something? Isabella, right?" Eva said upon seeing Isabella.

"Yes, that's right. Eva, are you really Wain's girlfriend?" Isabella asked seriously, and her eyes sparkled with lightning.

Eva nodded, "Honestly, I didn't see it coming myself, but I couldn't resist, especially when he was so pushy."

'Damn, what does he see in her?! Isabella exclaimed to herself, 'She's a gray mouse. Is that the kind of girl Wain likes? No, it can't be. Not only is she quiet, but she's not sexy at all. Her breasts and ass are times smaller than mine. She probably isn't ready or capable of more than a kiss.'

"Eva, are you sure of your decision? Wain is a strong but cruel man. Speaking of which, when did you manage to meet?"

"During the ordeal. We've had forever, but it was enough a few months for us to know enough about each other." Eva said, and her cheeks flushed.

'What the hell is she talking about?' Isabella thought. She didn't know that Eva wasn't lying and that they had actually had an eternity.

"Did you want to ask me something?"

"Yes, you're not the only one who likes Wain. An inconspicuous and quiet girl like you doesn't stand a chance of keeping him!"

"What? You're in love with him, too?"

"Yes, and unlike you, we've gone much further than holding hands and tender kisses. Huh, we slept together the first night." Isabella grinned.

She wasn't exactly in love with Wain. She liked men like him, strong, confident, and cruel. In her opinion, Wain was the best candidate. 

Isabella was sure he had a fleeting crush on Eva. She thought that Eva was incapable of satisfying him.

She was about to leave, but suddenly Eva stopped her by putting a hand on her shoulder. Eva's eyes were cold and violent.

"Asshole whore, repeat what you just said to my face." Eva's voice was like it was coming from hell, "You're nothing but a pathetic piece of meat that can only be fucked.. Compared to me, you're a pathetic little bug. You can't even imagine what we did to him!"