Surviving the Death Hunt-Chapter 57: Common Goal

The room felt eerie, thick with tension. Scar stayed quiet, wondering what Purple wanted to discuss. The unsettling smile he’d caught on her face moments ago only added to his confusion.

He occupied a chair beside Purple’s bed. She hadn’t looked at him once since he’d come in.

Originally, he’d wanted to visit her, provide some company. She was injured because of him, after all. When Julien decided to rest, Scar knew it was his responsibility. But sitting here now, he questioned whether he should have come.

After a long silent stretch, Purple sighed and spoke:

"Luccy is around to keep an eye on you, correct?"

Scar furrowed his brow.

It seemed random, but yes, Luccy was deployed by Dain, the man hunting Scar. Her job was surveillance: monitor Scar’s development until Dain could return from his mission to eliminate him.

Hmm.

"Notice anything strange? Dain has an Inheritance on the level of a god, maybe higher. He’s a Founder of Magic. He can leave Scarlet Kin territory and reach the academy in days, and no one would object. He could kill you whenever he wanted... yet he chooses to toy with you."

Scar got it.

Dain was too arrogant, convinced he could kill him anytime, so he was toying with him. The word "arrogant" fit perfectly because Dain could actually back it up. At this moment, one snap of Dain’s fingers would end everything.

Scar frowned.

’There’s something off about this girl. I can’t shake the feeling that she’s up to something... though I don’t know what.’

After all, Purple had never shown concern for Scar’s well-being, even when he’d pleaded for assistance. So this was... odd.

Exhale.

Purple locked eyes with Scar, her expression filled with genuine concern.

"Has a single one of your predecessors ever stood a chance against the Ruler of Zeus?"

He didn’t answer immediately, though his hesitation didn’t show. He’d never wanted Purple and Julien knowing his history, but that ship had sailed. And trusting Purple was impossible, she’d sacrifice him without blinking if it benefited the Vey name.

But then, nothing about her seemed like someone with ulterior motives. And besides, Scar had already told her the difficult part. Nothing was truly worth hiding now.

"Not really. They were all killed. The longest survivor was Kendrick, the first to wield it, and he lasted just two years."

Purple’s face softened with understanding. She collected her thoughts and finally spoke:

"I suspect Dain wants to test whether you can fight back. You’ve already survived his first attack, and he believes you’re the only one among your predecessors capable of resisting. He wants to kill you while you fight."

A soft smile tugged on her lips.

"This is just a theory. It’s also possible that Monic is simply that powerful, leaving Dain no choice but to fight. He’s been battling that monster for over six months, after all."

Ha!

"I have a plan. Regardless of the circumstances, it could turn the odds in your favor. You’ll survive for now, and if you play your cards carefully, you might even outlive Kendrick. Maybe end the hunt."

Finally, something caught Scar’s attention. He leaned in, practically glowing with interest—metaphorically wagging his tail like an excited puppy.

Time was the key.

Given time, he could uncover his Inheritance’s history, strengthen himself under Arthur’s guidance, and perhaps even discover how to end the hunt forever.

The Ruler of Zeus didn’t pass through succession. It was selective and it chose who it wanted, on its own terms. But with that much time, the reach wasn’t impossible. Scar could end the hunt.

Words weren’t necessary. His eagerness told Purple everything she needed to know.

"For starters, you need to rejoin the Rover family."

Noticing Scar’s excitement fading, Purple immediately clarified, unwilling to lose his interest.

"Your feelings don’t matter. The Rovers never abandon their own. Arthur, whose strength is beyond question, and Alex, ranked 25th among the top Moon Killers, will make certain you’re protected."

Scar exhaled.

She had a point. Just hours ago, his cousin Amber had explained why his father abandoned the Rover family. It came down to love and freedom versus heritage and duty, nothing like the violent drama he’d envisioned.

Yet that didn’t make the decision easier. Leaving Isaac’s surname behind felt wrong, the man had raised him, after all. Not until he’d avenged his death.

Hmph.

"That alone won’t suffice. Alex is a Moon Killer and nowhere near the strength of a God Killer like Dain. Arthur is the only threat, but after decades of retirement, he’s sluggish. In his late eighties or early nineties, he can only do so much against Dain."

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

"But don’t think Arthur’s gone. Have you noticed he’s been aging backwards? From the tales I’ve heard, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s holding something in reserve."

Realization struck.

Now that he thought about it, days had passed since he’d last seen his uncle, but he remembered clearly: Arthur’s wrinkles had disappeared within days and his presence had changed too, as if he were growing younger. There was clearly more to Arthur than anyone knew.

"But even so, the Rover’s protection can only go so far. That’s why I say you hurry and join the Moon Killers. The authorities will be watching you, and unless you do something outrageous, Dain will struggle to kill you without appearing to be the villain."

Scar’s eyes sparked.

"I s’pose you are right. No... I know you are right."

Moon Killer status came with benefits. So long as he upheld the rules and served humanity’s interests, whichever base housed him was duty-bound to ensure his safety.

So if Dain came for him, he’d have to go through an entire base. Sure, Dain could probably kill them all, but the backlash wouldn’t be worth it. Not for someone in his position.

But it wouldn’t be simple.

The fastest path to Moon Killer status was awakening his Emotional and Protector States, yet for someone who barely grasped his Inheritance, that was like scaling a waterfall in a leaky boat.

His realistic option was slow, steady practice to expand his power reserves and control. Still time-consuming.

"Right now, just let Luccy follow you. Don’t interfere; attacking or fighting her would be dangerous for you."

Scar couldn’t be more grateful for her help, but that lingering feeling that Purple was up to something got the best of him.

"Why help me now? I asked against Adisa, and you said no without blinking. What’s different this time?"

Silence stretched between them after his words... the kind of silence that could suffocate an elephant.

"What the heck are you talking about? I refused to help because apparently, jumping into suicide wasn’t on my to-do list."

Another silence stretched.

"Well, now that I think about it, you and I both want Adisa gone. I guess I’ll pitch in."

Before Scar could let his thoughts be known, Purple’s expression darkened.

"Let’s hunt Adisa... together."