F/VoH Ch 138: Wait a Moment

There was a slight unease in Amanda's eyes, but the determination burning behind them could not be hidden.

Ryan, who had been standing quietly until now, finally spoke. His voice was low yet full of certainty, like the rumble of thunder echoing in the distance. “First... we will gather all information and evidence regarding the crimes committed by the nobles,” Ryan said, looking straight at Amanda. “Every act of corruption, abuse of power, and cruelty they have committed must be clearly documented. There is no room for error.”

Amanda nodded slowly, but Ryan's gaze was not finished. “Second, we will spread that information—all the evidence—to as many parties as possible. Ordinary people, merchants, even those who work within the palace. We must ignite the fire of anger in their hearts. An angry populace will be the fuel for the chaos we need.”

Ryan paused for a moment, allowing the words to sink in. Amanda bit her lower lip, trying to digest the seemingly simple plan, but one that carried significant consequences.

“Third,” Ryan continued, this time his tone was slightly sharper, “when the chaos reaches its peak, we will use that moment to act. The nobles who have caused the people to suffer will be our primary targets. When the uproar occurs, we will hunt them down one by one... and end them.”

Cheonghee, who had been silent until now, nodded slightly, showing her support. Meanwhile, Arash simply stared at Ryan with a mixed expression of approval and caution.

“And that’s not all,” Ryan continued, his gaze growing colder. “We must also seek out the nobles who secretly despise the current King’s rule. They are the key to opposing the kingdom's main power. If we can gain their support, we can create a rift among the nobles themselves. They will stop their loyal peers to the King, while we will focus our attack on the capital.”

“The capital?” Amanda asked, her voice almost a whisper.

“Yes,” Ryan replied without hesitation. “The Royal Palace is where everything will come to an end. There, we will kill the King... and the Heroes who stand by his side.”

The room fell silent. Only the soft sound of their breathing could be heard. Ryan's plan sounded like a dream too grand, but every word he spoke felt like an unshakeable carving in stone.

“However,” Ryan added, breaking the silence, “though it sounds easy, this is a difficult task. It will require time, patience, and sacrifice. There is no room for error. We must start with small steps—gathering evidence of the nobles' crimes. Then, we spread their wickedness, allowing hatred to grow in the hearts of the people. That is the first step.”

“I understand... Then, it’s time for me to go. I need to devise a plan for the next steps,” Amanda said, her face showing unwavering determination. Amanda began to turn, preparing to leave the room.

“Wait a moment.”

Ryan's cold voice stopped Amanda in her tracks. Amanda turned with a confused expression. “Huh? What is it?”

Ryan looked at Amanda with a sharp gaze, as if he could see deep into her thoughts. “Are you sure you want to leave right now, knowing there are still some infiltrators in the rebel forces?”

Amanda was taken aback. Ryan's words hit her like a hard blow, shaking her awareness. “Ah?” Amanda murmured, confusion and guilt mixing on her face. In the busyness and pressure she felt, Amanda had completely forgotten the very dangerous internal threat.

Ryan stood calmly, moving closer to Amanda. “First, after you return, have the high-ranking officials in the rebel forces sign the Magical Contract. It will seal their loyalty. If they turn out to be infiltrators or attempt to betray us, the contract will kill them on the spot.”