“It’s been a whole night, and you’re still sulking?”
The next morning, Darnell woke up early and took the downcast Tia out for breakfast.
“Come on, eat up. It tastes really good.”
Tia, dressed in her usual long clothes and with her hair tied up, looked more disheveled and weary than the previous day. Darnell noticed that the once fierce warrior now had a touch of femininity about her, but it seemed her confidence had softened too, lacking the firmness of before.
Tia didn’t touch the food. “I’m not hungry.”
“Are you feeling resentful?”
Darnell sighed and began to eat. “Even though you lost, what’s there to be upset about?”
“Besides, although you lost, you’ve already showcased Phoenix Squad’s formidable combat strength. Even in defeat, you earned respect. Garrett and the others are now acknowledging the power of your team.”
In last night’s battle, Tia and her squad had been completely wiped out, and the break room and dormitory remained in the hands of the Brigade of Light. Despite suffering heavy losses, victory still belonged to the Brigade of Light.
But everyone knew that the Brigade of Light’s victory was largely a matter of luck.
If Tia had just been a bit more careful or had one more squad member with her, the victory would have gone to Phoenix Squad. Both sides felt a twinge of disappointment.
“I saw their attitude, and I believe the Brigade of Light will no longer underestimate us.”
Tia lightly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, revealing her delicate face. “I just think I could have done better. If I had been a little more cautious, not only could I have won, but I could have also made my team proud.”
“It could have turned last night’s battle into a legend, but now it feels like a thorn in my side.”
A failure that came so close to success stung the most.
In recent days, Tia had thoroughly explored all of Woodsea-from the grand buildings to the tiny sewer systems, from the living villagers to the graveyards of the deceased. She had meticulously noted nearly a hundred vulnerabilities and shortcomings of the Brigade of Light, thinking victory would be easy, only to lose at the last moment.
Tia had been so frustrated that she nearly ripped her blanket apart last night.
“You need to change your mindset,” Darnell said. “In this world, most things don’t go as planned. Why chase perfection?”
“On the surface, you did lose, but everyone knows the truth, including the Brigade of Light. You essentially won, which is why they feel awkward celebrating.”
He took a sip of his milk before adding, “Moreover, last night’s near miss isn’t entirely a bad thing. Don’t think of it as a failure.”
“Instead, view it as a sword of Damocles-always reminding you to stay humble and cautious in your future endeavors. That way, you’ll be more careful in your actions and missions.”
“On the upside, losing last night’s competition was better than losing to your enemies in the future, wasn’t it”
A spark of realization flickered in Tia’s eyes as if something had clicked inside her.
Darnell took on the role of a mentor, determined to alleviate Tia’s gloom. “Trust me, you gained more from last night than you realize.”
“No wonder Woodsea hired you as a security consultant. With your silver tongue, even enemy commanders could be persuaded to defect to your camp,” Tia commented.
“I’m just trying to comfort you. Otherwise, why would I say so much?”
Tia exhaled a long breath. “Actually, you’re right. Last night can serve as a wake-up call, reminding me to tone down my arrogance-helpful, not harmful.”
“If I can’t even overcome a setback like last night, how can I face future challenges?”
She suddenly had clarity.
“I’ve discussed things with Noemi and Garrett.”
Darnell pulled out a key and handed it to her. “You’ll have an independent space to establish Phoenix Squad. After your impressive performance last night, the Brigade of Light dares not and feels too embarrassed to assimilate you and your team into their group.”
“Your leadership skills surpass Garrett’s. With freedom and power, you’ll have far better development than staying with the Brigade of Light.”
Tia paused, surprised. “Is that appropriate?”
Darnell opened his phone and displayed a map. “With this map in hand, no one will question it.”
“Good morning, Tia.”
Just then, Garrett’s towering figure appeared. He cheerfully pulled up a chair and sat next to them before addressing Tia.
“Tia, the break room in Building A is now available. Phoenix Squad can move in anytime. The dormitory on the third floor will be completely cleaned by noon.”
As Tia looked slightly taken aback, Garrett added, “You can move in this afternoon. I’ve also installed iron doors along both sides of the third-floor hallway.”
“This way, those little rascals won’t be able to sneak a peek at you as they pass by. Your privacy will be protected.”
“Garrett, we lost last night. Why should you move out?” Tia’s expression was complicated. “You should stay. We’re willing to accept defeat.”
“Everyone knows our victory was merely a stroke of luck. Phoenix Squad is willing to accept defeat, but the Brigade of Light can’t afford to be arrogant.”
Garrett was always broad-minded. “We all know we’re a ragtag group. Compared to you, we’re lacking in more ways than one. Last night was a humbling experience for us.”
“But we’ll definitely strive to improve, and next time we get a chance, I’ll give it my all to win against you.”
“And you’re right. We can’t let you ladies move into that spooky place, can we?”
Tia wanted to say more, but Garrett waved his hand decisively. “Even though you’re a woman, seeing your style from yesterday, you’re not one to dither. It’s settled.”
“Oh, and I have one more request-if you and your squad have the time, could you train the Brigade of Light? Teach us some marksmanship…”
He seemed a bit embarrassed. “We’ve been stuck in outdated thinking and could use some fresh perspectives.”
Tia didn’t waste words and patted Garrett on the shoulder, agreeing, “Alright, I’ll devise a plan for you.”
Darnell smiled in satisfaction. “Good, harmony is key. Everyone unites and works hard! That’s how my company will thrive.”
Garrett and Tia both chuckled. “Boss, it’s time to invest in security funds.”
Darnell instinctively clutched his wallet.
“Boss, boss, finally found you!”
At that moment, several people walked in from outside-a member of the Brigade of Light leading Jefferson and others. Jefferson, as if seeing a long-lost family, rolled and half-knelt beside Darnell.
With a face full of grievance, he spoke, “Boss, our potential big client, Luis, is in trouble.”
“Luis?”
Darnell thought for a moment before slapping his forehead. “Oh, I remember him now!”
He recalled the middle-aged man he had met at the University of Whiteville, the CEO of Red Star Manufacturing Corporation, with a fortune in the billions. He had once sought the Brigade of Light for close protection and even offered a million-dollar annual salary.
However, Darnell had been busy dealing with Roberto at that time, and the risk associated with that mission was somewhat high, so Darnell hadn’t received him. Instead, he had Jefferson act as an intermediary to decline his offer.
To hear his name again today was unexpected.
Darnell looked at Jefferson and asked, “What happened to him?”
Jefferson quickly replied, “He’s been kidnapped by someone. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of one billion dollars.”
Darnell stared at him in curiosity. “What does that have to do with us?”
“His wife, Mrs. Egerton, wants to see you.”
Jefferson extended a hand. “She said if you save her husband, you’ll get five hundred million.”
Darnell slammed the table. “This matter definitely concerns us!”