Chapter 296 296 Anti-routine

She understood that Fitch's skepticism and suspicion could work to their advantage. If she urged him to continue chasing Madeline and the others, he might become even more convinced that it was a trap, as he didn't fully trust her intentions.

By appearing to advise against proceeding, she hoped to reinforce the idea that they were on the right track, making Fitch less likely to question their path.

Fitch, conflicted but cautious, considered Selina's words. He understood the risks but also couldn't bear the thought of losing the Russels once again.

His men, waiting for his decision, exchanged glances as they witnessed the internal struggle within their leader. The air was thick with tension, uncertainty casting a shadow over their pursuit.

"If Fitch chooses to proceed, it means he's fallen for the ruse." Selina thought to herself hoping the plan works out. "Please let it work," she silently wished, her thoughts racing as she dared to believe that her performance might sway Fitch.

Fitch, his determination clashing with a growing sense of caution, responded, "Selina, I understand your concern, but we can't afford to lose this chance. We've come too far to let Madeline and the Russels slip through our fingers once again."

Selina continued, her voice filled with well-acted hesitation, "Fitch, please, just consider the risks. We've already pushed them far. Madeline is no ordinary foe, and the changing landscape makes this venture even more perilous."

Fitch, his eyes reflecting a mixture of resolve and doubt, acknowledged, "I know Madeline's capabilities, Selina, but I can't let her escape. This is our best chance to end her and the Russels once and for all."

Selina's brows furrowed in apparent frustration as she sought to emphasize the gravity of the situation. "I fear we may be playing into their hands, Fitch. It's crucial to be cautious, especially when dealing with the Russels."

Fitch's expression hardened, determination winning out over caution. "Selina, I appreciate your concern, but we can't afford to lose this chance. Madeline and the Russels must pay for what they've done. We've come too far to let them slip through our fingers once again. We continue the chase."

As they resumed their pursuit, Fitch's decision to press forward was precisely what Selina had hoped for. Her act had led him to believe that he was making the right choice, reinforcing the idea that they were on the correct path.

Unbeknownst to Fitch, Selina's true loyalty lay with the Russels, and she had been walking a tightrope of deception and intrigue. Selina smiles inwardly as Fitch finally falls into their elaborate trap.

Deep within her, Selina's monologue shifted, and a subtle smile tugged at her lips. "It worked," she thought, concealing her true loyalties and maintaining her act. Fitch's decision to press on was precisely what she had aimed to achieve.

—------------------

The forest was an intricate labyrinth of towering trees and dense undergrowth, providing an ideal terrain for their escape.

Nexus led the group, urging the four women - Madeline, Nora, Monica, and Crystal - to keep moving. Their breathless footsteps reverberated through the woods as they navigated through the dense foliage.

Madeline's voice was filled with urgency as they fled. "Stay close, everyone. We need to keep moving and stay ahead of them."

Nora, her heart racing, panted as she responded, "I don't know how much longer we can keep this up, Madeline. We have to find a safer place to hide."

The forest seemed to stretch on endlessly, and the women's pace was relentless. They had a head start, but the relentless pursuit of the three assassins meant that they had to keep a constant vigil.

Monica, her breath heavy, voiced her concern. "We can't let them catch us. Nexus, do you have a plan?"

Nexus glanced over his shoulder, his eyes scanning the surroundings as they continued to run. "We need to find a place to hide, but it's not going to be easy. This forest is their territory, and they know it well."

As they weaved through the dense undergrowth, Nexus's keen instincts detected a change in the atmosphere. Gradually, a few Wireworms began to appear, their luminescent bodies casting an eerie glow on the forest floor.nOVe(lb/In

Nora, her voice filled with anxiety, pointed at the emerging Wireworms. "Nexus, what are those things? Are they dangerous?"

Nexus considered their situation, realizing that the Wireworms could be used to their advantage. "Those are Wireworms. They are very dangerous. Stay quiet,"

The Wireworms, with their bizarre, glowing bodies, began to slither around the forest floor. Their presence added an eerie ambiance to the already tense atmosphere.

Crystal's voice quivered as she watched the Wireworms curiously. "This place is like a different world. I've never seen anything like it."

As the group continued to move forward, Nexus decided to provoke the Wireworms, testing their reactions and drawing the attention of the assassins.The undergrowth rustled as Nexus picked up a small stone and tossed it toward the agitated Wireworms, provoking a chaotic reaction.

The stone's impact caused the Wireworms to scatter and hiss in response, the luminescent patterns on their bodies glowing brighter.

As Nexus stirred the Wireworms into a frenzy, the forest seemed to come alive with eerie, glowing lights. The Wireworms slithered and hissed, creating a chaotic spectacle. This was the perfect moment for Nexus and the women to make their move.

"Keep moving!" Nexus urged the women as they sprinted through the underbrush. Madeline, Nora, Monica, and Crystal followed closely, their breathless footsteps echoing through the woods. They made a beeline for a hiding spot behind a thicket, far from the sight of the approaching assassins.

The three assassins finally caught up to the group, their appearances unsettling. They were imposing figures with broad builds, intimidating postures, and stern faces. The forest had transformed into a battleground, with the Wireworms acting as unpredictable allies.

The strongest among the assassins stepped forward, his presence daunting. His voice was cold and calculated as he spoke to his companions. "This forest won't protect them for long. We have to catch them."

The second assassin, gifted with the power to manipulate natural elements, scanned the area for signs of the group. His eyes narrowed as he focused on the situation. "I can sense their presence. They're close. We can't let them slip away."

The third assassin, an expert in stealth and tracking, crouched low to the ground, his eyes scanning for any trace of the women. He whispered to his companions, "They've left a trail, but it's fading quickly. We have to move fast."

As the assassins closed in on the hiding spot, the Wireworms took the opportunity to strike. The frenzied creatures lunged at the assassins, their luminescent bodies creating a chaotic and dazzling display of light.

The women, hidden amidst the undergrowth, watched in awe and fear as the battle between the Wireworms and the assassins unfolded before their eyes.

Crystal clutched her chest, her knuckles turning white with tension. Monica, usually composed, couldn't help but gasp at the spectacle.

Nora, wide-eyed at the unfolding spectacle, muttered, "They're like gods among mortals. How do we even stand a chance against them?"

Madeline, her strategic mind at work, assessed the situation. "We need to wait for the right moment."