Contrary to Reece's worried expression, Azure was not even a bit startled nor worried. In fact, the bluebird looks confident about Hugh's response to his plan.

"I plan to tell him tomorrow and I know he will always follow me. After all, he likes me more than his grandparents."

"Hmm..."

'... Is he saying the truth?'

Haa...

Someone sigh loudly.

'What?'

Daniel sigh, Reece was sure he heard it right. It is Daniel. Or was he just imagining things?

However, Daniel spoke at that moment.

[Yes.]

Finally, Daniel confirmed Azure's plan will work. Though there is a slight annoyance in his voice.

However.

'That was a very short response coming from Daniel.'

It is not the usual him.

Anyway.

'Why did you not tell me earlier?'

[... I thought you will figure it out by yourself. Please remember that this is your job and is not mine. You have to work hard as well.]

Reece was taken back by the blunt voice. He was sure that Daniel's voice sounded annoyed too.

However, he will not deny what Daniel said to him.

'Fine... I'm sorry.'

[Appolgy accepted.]

Finally giving up asking and worrying, Reece sigh deeply and messed his fluffy bright pink hair as he smirks at Azure.

He has nothing to say anymore.

"Your intelligence is rather frightening."

Of course, the plan itself was only average and is not really something you can consider astounding. However, the fact that Azure was working alone while hiding the fact that he was also a mutant deserves praise.

Not to mention, this bluebird has never really studied this world's technology so it was all self-taught.

'Oh. Let us not forgot his manipulative and sharp tendencies.'

"So you knew I was no idiot?"

Nonetheless, Azure does not really look so surprised as he still keeps on smiling.

"Of course, I've noticed the moment my eyes meet yours."

Though it was actually Daniel who informed him, they are one anyway so Reece thought it was fine to take credits.

"Those are eyes belonging to someone who noticed others worthy. Still, do not worry too much as I am not offended or anything."

Smile.

Azure smiled and it was warm.

"Thank you for your benevolence, Reece."

"... It was nothing."

Reece's voice was low as he avoided Azure's smile.

A few moments later, Reece, who was still awake, watch Azure who has quickly fallen asleep from exhaustion. He has no time to rest from arriving so it's not surprising he was this tired.

Reece was truly scared of Azure nonetheless.

As far as Reece knows, escaping and slaughtering the Long Fangs Birds Tribe has been on Azure's mind for 11 years now, and only recently has he began his preparation. Also, he has decided to become close to Hugh the moment he was born so Azure could easily manipulate him.

Azure has studied everything.

From which tribes were the nearest, how to dismantle the signal of attack to other tribes that probably take a year or two to study considering he does not know inventing. And getting closer to Hugh Ibrahim so he could use him and just everything.

Even if Reece was quite intelligent when he was still alive, he will not be able to wait for this patiently just to perfect his revenge and escape. After all, Reece's biggest weakness is his laziness and impatient personality.

Anyways.

Morning came pretty quickly the moment Azure has fallen asleep. But Azure must be used to it as he manages to wake up the moment the sun came out.

'How many hours did he slept?'

Reece asks Daniel as he was not able to count. He was too busy thinking to do the counting.

[Approximately 6 hours.]

'6 hours, which means a total of 16 hours. The night of yesterday seems pretty long.'

As it was already morning, Reece was waiting for Azure to go back after he took a bath and eat free breakfast for food hunters. Reece, who has nothing to do and is floating in circles, ask Daniel to locate all the remaining emergency alarm that only the higher-up knows.

[Azure is coming back. So let us check the alarms and find a way to dismantle them after you visited 'Hugh Ibrahim.']

Daniel said but Reece was now frowning as he realizes something.

"Why do I have to go with them again?"

He doesn't get why he has to go back to that hell again. Hugh Ibrahim's prison cell—is hell.

The Lion Mutant and his threats are so scary that Reece was completely traumatized.

"Seriously, why do I have to come with the bird?"

Would Azure not be enough to convince Hugh Ibrahim to run wild and escape with him after getting their revenge on the tribe? Reece has just determined that he was not really needed in today's talk.

It was because Reece was not really paying attention to everything that he only realizes this now.

[You being there would make things easier.]

"How exactly?"

How would it make things easier if he was there or not?

[The 'Lion Mutant Hugh Ibrahim' would not be completely convinced of killing his family and 'Azure' was well aware of that fact.]

"But you agreed earlier? You said Hugh listens to Azure?"

Is Daniel lying now? Reece still remembered how Daniel assured him that Hugh listens to the Snake Mutant Azure.

But instead of answering his question, Daniel continued.

[Which he decided to bring you with him by disguising it as a meeting to discuss his plans. In fact, 'Azure' had already figured out that you are the type who is easy to fool and use. In addition, he knew you were not sincere with your promise.]

"... He notices that?"

Azure has already noticed how Reece was so nonchalant but is not actually thinking of doing what he said. Because there is no sincerity and Azure must have already been used to it. He has to deal with it his whole life that he could now tell immediately.

And the bluebird must have already clued in that Reece is the kind who will not keep his promise to help and one that would run away.

"He's so smart, damn it."

Reece felt like cursing Azure who was acting nice to him and Daniel who played along.

[Quote. 'A hero will stand and protect the weak.' If someone will say you are being hunted for being a rare species of higher existence, a hero will come to rescue you.]

What Daniel said was unrelated. However, Reece clearly understands it.

"Don't tell me..."

Reece recalled his conversation with Daniel.

'Do not worry as Hugh Ibrahim has taken likings to 'cute and weak beings.' He does not bring them harm and instead, takes care of them and grants them protection.'

'Ah, so Hugh Ibrahim has an unexpectedly soft side for the weak.'

Azure was actually planning on deceiving both Hugh Ibrahim and Reece by saying the birds want to capture Reece! And he wants to do it without a script because he wanted Reece to not be able to deny his claims as Hugh was still stronger than Reece!

Of course, Reece could not do anything but agree if Azure says that without him knowing. Because he was scared of both Hugh and Azure.

"That shrewd bastard!"

Azure really is sharp and intelligent.

Daniel then confirmed it.

[That is right. 'Hugh Ibrahim' will choose to protect you.]

Reece felt a headache.

This time, it feels more real rather than imaginary.

"I am going to get fooled... Why did you not tell me?"

All this time, Azure must have been acting nice but is already aware of Reece's thoughts. Besides, rather than getting angry at Reece's insincerity, the bluebird decided to take advantage of him instead.

[You were not taking this seriously in the first place. Truthfully, I was waiting for you to realize that but you seem too comfortable.]

Daniel sounded disappointed. This was the first.

Reece fell into silence.

He really did not care whether he was doing great or not until just now. Daniel must want him to realize that as well, which is why he did not say anything.

"I won't deny that."

Now Reece realizes this must be something that is missing.

Hardship and challenges.

He barely encountered those when he was still alive and now that he is dead, he still thinks the way he did when he was alive. That he does not need to worry because there is always someone who will solve his problem for him.

"Ha!"

Reece sighs deeply as he massages his head.

"It was my mistake."

It was all his mistake.

This was his job, but he completely relied upon Daniel that the voice even decided to test him if he could really do this, which ends up as a disappointment.

Reece felt embarrassed.

"But I could do better."

He was determined.

Reece was now determined to do this because he was doing this for his family anyways.

Although he does not like it at first, being forced to do something he does not like, he will not deny he enjoys doing this a tiny bit. Because it was the first time he talks to someone who does not find him difficult.

"I will show you I'll succeed. Then I will be able to rest in peace."

This time, however, Reece was grinning. Far from his dejected face just moments ago.

[...]

Although he did not say anything, Daniel felt oddly proud of Reece who knows how to admit his mistakes. But felt more peculiar seeing Reece grinning.

Daniel thought that grinning face looks extremely ugly.