Chapter 217
The rumors of new war
ar machines found their way to Clifford, confrming his
is darkest apprehensions. He felt unerly owamped by the news
He hadn’t expected there to still he organizations capable of producing war machines. Yet, here they were–deploying II of them on their first mission From the outcome, though, it was clear these machines werentas powerful as those from Moonhumiland. After all, even II of them couldn’t take down their relatively weaker Susan. If Fric–the strongest of them all–had stepped in, it would’ve been an utter massiere,
Still, they couldn’t afford to underestimate the threat. As long as these organizations corginued creating war machines, it was only a matter of time before they became a formidable force.
Is wear starting soon? Cliffoni shuddered at the thought.
For now, Clifford sat in his office, troubled. His brows furrowed as he contemplated his next ceps. The existence of these new machines would likely change how the higher ups viewed Nana and her group. In a way, the einergence of this threat could curb the radical voices among the leadership—the same ones who’d been calling for the inmediate destruction of the war machines. With the situation escalating, those voices would have to take a backsem.
But pitting one danger against another was far from an ideal solutions
If it were up to him. Clifford would prefier for Nina and the others to live peacefully, rather than being dragged into conflict.
Just then, his
Just then, his phone rang.
Clifford paused, glancing at the screen, surprised to see it was a call from Nina.
He frowned in surprise. The clock read 3 am. Why isn’t she asleep! What could she possibly need at this hour! he thought
His nerves tightened as he answered the call,
“Hello” Nina, is something wrong?”
On the other end, a mischievous yet excited voice replied, “Clifford, the three–days are up”
“What three days!” For a moment, Clifford didn’t understand what she meant.
Her tone turned indignant. “What? Don’t tell me you forgot! You promised to take inc, Charlic, Mandy, and Gabriel to see Eric. Well, today’s the third day! Don’t even think about backing out!”
Clifford froze before recalling his promise. A few days ago, he’d agreed to take her and the others to visit Eric when he had the time. After all, when the war machines moved as a group someone had to take clurge, and he was the natural choice. Plus, he hadn’t seen Nina in a while and had been koking forward to it
But he hadn’t expected the border situation to escalate so quickly, keeping him tied up. Staying in the office until 3 am, was proof of that.
Even so, a promise was a promise, and he couldn’t afford to upset the girl.
Besides, a day off work shouldn’t be a problem
The new machines weren’t strong enough to pose a serious threat, at least not to Susan. The border would be fine for now. And if all the war machines were gathering, it might be a good chance to discuss the border situation with them.
“Clifford, why aren’t you saying anything? You’re not thinking of bailing on us, are you? Let me tell you right now–if you don’t take up, we’ll just go by ourselves!”
Her determination snapped him out of his thoughts. He chuckled, exasperated. “Why are you so impatient! Did I say I wasn’t going! Bür really, it’s only three in the morning. Why are you up so early! Were you planning to leave now?”
“Of course! I
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I’m even planning to make it in time for breakfast at Eric’s place!”
Clifford nearly dropped his phone. ” Breakfavi“”
“Yep!” she replied cheerfully.
Clifford became speechless.
The journey from the Woods residence to Eric’s was several hundred miles. The initial plan was to collect them in the morning, reach by afternoon, share dinner, and then secure a hotel for the night. However, Nina had plans to surprise Eric by arriving for breakfast.
Ridiculous. Yet, coming from her, it somehow made perfect sense.
“Was I being manipulated! Clifford sighed, torn between resignation and amusement
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Chapter 217
“Clifford, if you’re going, hurry up and get over here to pick me and Charlie up. I still need to call Mandy and Gabriel and wake them up. Oh, I’ll get Charlie up too. Gotta ga—bye““
Before he could reply, she hung up
The exhausted man stared at his phone, speechless.
In the past three days, he’d barely gotten eight hours of sleep combined. Now, at i am, after working non–stop, he was being roped into playing chauffeur for a group of war machines.
If there were a prize for overworking oneself, even farm animals would have to how to
Grumbling internally, he stood up and, feeling vengeful, decided to drag someone else into his misery. He dialed his assistant, Tyrone.
“Yes, Mr. Snee?” Tyrone’s groggy voice answered
“What are you doing?” Clifford demanded.
“Uh… sleeping?”
Clifford’s tone turned sharp. “How can you sleep at a time like this?
“What! But it’s three in the morning”
“So? If your boss is still awake, why should you get to sleep? Hurry up!”
Before Tyrone could protest, Clifford hung up.
Tyrone stared at his phone in disbelief, then let out a long, frustrated sigh.
meet me at the Divisions now!
“Mr. Snee, you’ve truly mastered the art of being unreasonable,” he grunted to himself.
And so, thanks to Clifford’s and Nina’s antics, the group arrived outside Eric’s apartment building by 7:30 am
“We’re here! Woohoo! Nina cheered, practically bouncing with excitement.
Clifford stood beside her, his smile indulgent.
Behind them, however, stood a group of disgruntled war machines and a sleep–deprived Tyrone, all radiating resentment.
Ugh. I can’t stand these crazy people anymore! they grunted angrily to themselves
Chapter 218
