Chapter 532 Severed Paths, Shifting Loyalties
Avery’s heart was in turmoil.
But for their sake, he had to draw a line.
“That’s right. I am trying to cut ties with you. From now on, your path is yours, mine is mine. Don’t meddle in each other’s lives again.”
“Captain, how can you say that?” Steven protested, his voice trembling. “Didn’t you say we’d stick together? Even if you’re struggling now, we could’ve faced it as a team!”
How could he throw them away so easily?
“Don’t act on impulse, Captain. Whatever you’re facing, we can figure it out–together.” Steven looked around at the wreckage of the day, imagining what else might lie ahead. Today was bad. But what about tomorrow? Or the next time?
“Enough. Leave now. Or I won’t be so polite.” Avery raised his wolfbone dagger, the threat in his voice unmistakable.
“Captain!”
Steven couldn’t believe it. Even if they disagreed, this was too far. It hurt more than anything.
“Tessa, let’s go.” His voice cracked with disappointment. He never thought they’d come to this.
Tessa gave a silent nod.
“Avery, you don’t have to say anything more. We’ll leave.” She knew he was hurting.
But she didn’t agree with what he was doing.
They were only being honest with him–friends who genuinely cared. There was no need for this cold rejection.
Without another word, Tessa led the others out.
Avery watched them go, their backs growing smaller in the distance
His chest ached.
How had it come to this?
And now, all he had left was regret.
But what good was regret?
It changed nothing.
After they left, members of the Wolfborn Corps stepped forward.
“Avery, honestly… they were right. You’re not suited to lead the corps. If things keep going like this, we’re headed for disaster.”
Yeah,” another added. “I’m going to speak with the old Captain about this. You’re not cut out for it
Avery exhaled, heavy. “Don’t worry. I’ll become the leader this corps deserves.”
No one was born for this, right?
If he worked hard enough, maybe he could become what they needed.
+8 Pearls
“Avery, some things are inborn. You just don’t have the instinct. That girl earlier–Tessa–she’s got it.”
That crushing combat power, her unshakable composure, and brutal decisiveness–that’s the kind of leader they needed.
“Don’t get any ideas about her,” Avery said firmly, frowning. “She has nothing to do with the corps.”
He didn’t want to drag Tessa into the bloodstained world of mercenaries. He just wanted her to live the life she loved–peaceful, free, untouched.
No one should interfere with that.
But no matter what Avery said, the others had already made up their minds.
In their eyes, Tessa was exactly the person to lead the Wolfborn Corps into the future,
They didn’t argue with Avery anymore. Instead, they all headed straight to Xavier.
They relayed every detail of the incident that had just unfolded
“Captain, we’ve watched Avery grow up. We know him better than anyone. He’s just not fit to lead the Wolfborn Corps.”
Truthfully, they’d all known this for a while.
But out of respect for Xavier, no one had dared speak it aloud.
Today had changed that. Today, it had to be said.
And something had to be done.
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