Chapter 220: The Crisis Is Far from Over
Chapter 220: The Crisis Is Far from Over
Irving's explanation, along with the recent events, made Sophia question her own judgment.
Naturally, Irving seized the opportunity to press his advantage.
"I understand your concerns, and I know you mean well. However, I need you to realize one crucial thing: our crisis is far from over.
In fact, we are about to face an even more formidable challenge. During this brief period of calm, we must act quickly.
If we waste this fleeting moment of safety, we may find ourselves in a situation where no remedial actions are possible. Do you really want us to fall into a crisis that is even more severe than the last one?"
Faced with Irving's words, Sophia found herself at a loss for how to respond.
Deep down, she still had not accepted Irving's plan, but she could no longer think of any valid reasons to oppose him.
After a moment of hesitation, Sophia slowly replied, "I can support your plan, but I need you to provide a very detailed outline. Only then can I be sure that your plan isn't just a spur-of-the-moment idea."
Irving readily agreed.
"Of course, that's not a problem at all. In fact, I've already prepared a detailed plan!"
With that, Irving took Sophia by the hand and led her away.
"I need to discuss the detailed plan in the safest location possible. So you must come with me to my home," Irving explained to Sophia.
She nodded.
She understood that a detailed plan needed to remain confidential, so she didn't find anything inappropriate about Irving's approach.
After Irving and Sophia left, a shadow slowly emerged from the darkness of the spot they had just vacated.
The figure was completely black, and aside from a humanoid outline, it bore no other distinguishing features.
After lingering for a moment, the black silhouette dissipated into a wisp of smoke.
This shadowy figure was clearly a member of the Night Blades.
The ability to conceal oneself within the shadows was a signature dark magic skill exclusive to the Night Blades.
Despite Irving and Sophia's extreme caution, they remained unaware of the Night Blades member's presence.
Had Irving and Sophia discussed the detailed plan in their original location, the Night Blades would have been able to learn all of Irving's strategies.
Irving's caution ultimately provided him with a certain advantage.
When Irving and Sophia returned to his home, Wendy was anxiously searching for him.
Upon seeing Irving, Wendy rushed over, her voice tinged with worry. "Where on earth have you been? Why didn't you tell me when you left?"
Before Irving could respond to her two questions, Wendy's gaze fell upon Sophia.
Wendy and Sophia had never met before, so they both felt a bit out of place in each other's presence.
As Wendy and Sophia assessed one another, Irving finally found an opportunity to answer Wendy's questions.
"I went to see our allies," he explained. "I'm about to relocate the shelter to a new place, and I need their assistance in the process. I intended to inform you before I left, but you looked so peaceful asleep that I didn't want to wake you."
After Irving finished answering, Wendy remained silent, still focused on observing Sophia.
It then dawned on Irving that he needed to introduce the two women.
He turned to Wendy and said, "This is Sophia. She is the heiress of the Green family in Starling City, which is currently under her jurisdiction.
Sophia is also my ally. She has provided me with significant help during previous operations, and her involvement is crucial for this shelter relocation."
Upon hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Wendy's face.
Irving then introduced Wendy to Sophia.
"This is Wendy. She was once my adversary, but after some persuasion, she chose to become my friend. She doesn't have any other place to stay right now, so she's temporarily living in my home."
After Irving finished the introductions, Wendy and Sophia exchanged smiles and shook hands.
Although they appeared peaceful on the surface, Irving could tell that neither woman was particularly fond of the other.
However, he thought that as long as Wendy and Sophia didn't clash in front of him, their relationship didn't need to be too cordial.
"Now that everyone is acquainted, let's not linger in the doorway. We have a lot to discuss, so please come inside," Irving said as he led Sophia into the living room of his home.
Wendy soon realized what was happening. She took some fruits and drinks out of the refrigerator and placed them in front of Sophia and Irving.
"Is what you two are discussing related to me? If not, I'd like to go shopping at the mall," she said.
In truth, Wendy wasn't very concerned about the shelter relocation plan.
Although she had become involved in the shelter game, her shelter was attached to Irving's. As long as Irving's shelter was successfully relocated, Wendy's would follow suit.
Irving nodded.
"While this does have some relevance to you, you don't need to know the details of the plan. So, you can feel free to do other things."
After hearing Irving's response, Wendy smiled at both him and Sophia, then left the room.
Once Wendy departed, Sophia finally felt less awkward than before.
"Now you can share your detailed plan, right? There's no one here monitoring us in your home, is there?" Sophia glanced around at Irving's house and asked him.
Irving nodded and then took out a document.
"In this document, I've outlined everything we need to do over the next seven days. The parts that concern you are actually just the final few days."
As Irving spoke, Sophia quickly began to skim through the document he handed her.
In Irving's plan, the first four days involved preparations for both the new shelter's location and the current one that needed to be relocated.
The preparations included clearing out enemies from different areas and establishing defensive measures at the new shelter.
These tasks were primarily the responsibility of the Green Ivy Group led by James and the Ocean Group led by Benjamin. After all, both groups had a substantial number of personnel at their disposal.
Moreover, these tasks required manpower but were not overly dangerous.
However, in the last three days, Irving's plan took a much more perilous turn.
Irving aimed to relocate the designated shelter to the new location one by one within those three days. During this process, he would undoubtedly encounter attacks from the Night Blades.
Sophia's role was to accompany Irving and, when necessary, engage in combat with the Night Blades' operatives.
After reviewing Irving's detailed plan, Sophia's expression shifted between hope and concern.
Although Irving's plan was indeed very thorough, she felt that the risks involved were still quite high.
"Is this all there is to your plan? If that's the case, I don't think I can support it. It still seems too dangerous," she replied.
Sophia's words left Irving feeling quite helpless.
"Even if my plan is very dangerous, can't you at least offer me some help?" Irving said, his frustration beginning to show.
To him, it seemed that all the other allies were supportive of his plans, but Sophia was the only one continuously finding excuses not to back him.
Sophia's expression remained largely unchanged.
After everything that had happened, she had become incredibly calm.
She could even accept the betrayal of her subordinates, so Irving's words wouldn't easily throw her off balance.
"It's up to others to support your plan. I need to ensure its success before I can agree to it," she replied, a statement that Irving found difficult to counter.
After thinking it over, Irving ultimately decided to reveal the weapons he possessed.
When the Staff of Calamity was placed in front of Sophia, her last flicker of doubt vanished.
The Staff of Calamity was immensely powerful, and if Irving could wield it effectively, he could suppress even the strongest members of the Night Blades in battle.
"Since you have such a powerful weapon, I believe the chances of your plan succeeding are quite high. I'm willing to support your plan!"
With Sophia's agreement, Irving finally relaxed.
"Actually, I have more than just this powerful weapon. I have also received enhancements specifically for myself.
I can now defeat two Elders of the Night Blades in a direct confrontation, as long as they face me fairly. If the Night Blades resort to scheming, then I might not be at my strongest."
To Sophia, this statement seemed rather pointless.
"The Night Blades will definitely scheme. Since I don't have much to do in your plan over the next four days, I'll take it upon myself to investigate what their plot is. If we can uncover their plans, your chances of success will increase significantly.
Even if we don't find anything, it won't harm us."
Irving readily agreed with Sophia's suggestion.
"You're absolutely right! Then I'll leave the task of uncovering the Night Blades' schemes to you! I believe you can definitely find out what they're up to!"
After reaching this agreement, Sophia left to carry out her investigation, while Irving chose to rest at home for a while.