Chapter 349 The Villain Lady Arrives 178
At that moment, Alice's words were like warm sunshine, penetrating the haze in everyone's heart and allowing them to regain their former beliefs and dreams. However, in this seemingly harmonious atmosphere, an undercurrent was quietly surging. Rek'Sai, Bruno, Leah, and Taric, their eyes flashed with a subtle cunning, which was the ember of their endless desire for "Tears of the Stars", quietly rekindled deep in their hearts.
Rek'Sai was the first to break the silence, with a meaningful smile on his face, his voice was unusually gentle: "Alice, you are right, we were indeed blinded by greed.
But now, I am willing to reform and fight alongside you. " He said as he slowly moved forward, each step seemed so sincere, as if he was really moved by Alice's words. However, the moment he got close to Alice, his fingers quietly slid to the quiver on his waist, ready to launch a surprise attack at the critical moment.
Seeing this, Bruno also pretended to be emotional and echoed: "Yes, Alice, your wisdom always illuminates our way. From now on, I, Bruno, swear to follow you to the death and fight for peace!" His words were loud and clear, but there was a hint of cunning in his eyes. His muscles were tense, ready to swing his battle axe at any time to cut off any obstacles that prevented him from getting the gem.
Leah seemed more subtle. She smiled gently, with a bit of charm and calculation in her smile: "Alice, your decision gives me hope. I am willing to let go of the grudges of the past and protect this power with you." As she spoke, she slowly approached, her fingers gently stroking the hidden weapon on her waist, as if she was adjusting the best angle of attack.
Tariq remained calm on the surface. He whispered, "Alice, you have always been a beacon in our hearts. Now, let us sail towards a bright future together." His words were full of power, but the hand holding the sword was trembling slightly, which was a reflection of his inner struggle and desire.
Alice was unaware of all this. She was still immersed in joy and hope. She slowly handed the "Tears of Stars" to everyone, with a gleam of trust in her eyes: "Let us work together to create a miracle with this power."
However, at this moment, Rek'Sai suddenly attacked! He flashed and pounced on Alice like a cheetah, and the arrow instantly flew off the string, aiming directly at the gem in Alice's hand. But Alice's reaction was faster. She had already been prepared, and she easily avoided the attack by turning her body to the side. At the same time, the gem in her hand emitted a dazzling light, forming a solid shield, completely blocking Rek'Sai's attack.
"You!" Alice was shocked, but also filled with anger and disappointment. "Rek'Sai, you actually betrayed us!"
Rek'Sai sneered and advanced instead of retreating. He knew very well that there was no way out at this moment and could only fight to the end: "Alice, don't blame me, blame yourself for being too naive. In this world, only power can decide everything!"
Bruno saw this and stopped pretending. He roared and swung his axe at Alice like a storm. Leah and Tariq followed closely behind him. The three of them launched a fierce attack together, trying to seize the "Tears of the Stars" when Alice was too busy to take care of it.
Alice's heart trembled, but she did not panic. She knew that she had to remain calm and wise at this moment to resolve this crisis. She quickly chanted a spell, and the light around the altar gathered again, forming a complex magic circle that tightly trapped the four people.
"Do you think I'm really defenseless?" Alice's voice was cold and firm. "I've seen through your disguise a long time ago, but I just didn't want to believe it. But now, it's time for you to pay the price for your greed!"
The light in the magic circle became stronger and stronger, and the four people felt powerful forces surging in their bodies, making them unable to move at all. They were terrified and began to struggle and shout frantically, but it was all in vain.
"Alice, let us go! We can negotiate terms!" Rek'Sai finally realized that his situation was not good and began to beg for mercy.
"Conditions? What qualifications do you have to negotiate conditions?" Alice sneered, "You have already lost your qualifications as partners, and even more so, your faith in light and justice."
At this moment, Estella stood up. She walked to Alice, with complex emotions flashing in her eyes: "Alice, maybe we can give them a chance to reform. After all, they were once our partners."
Alice was silent for a moment, and finally nodded: "Okay, Estella. But after this time, they must prove their change with their actions."
As she spoke, Alice waved her hand gently, and the light of the magic circle gradually dissipated. The four people collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath, as if they had walked through the gates of hell. They looked at each other, their hearts filled with fear and regret.
"Alice..." Rek'Sai spoke first, his voice trembling and uncertain, "Thank you for not killing us. From now on, I am willing to spend the rest of my life to make up for my mistake."
Alice's gaze stayed on Tariq for a long time. It was a complex and profound gaze, as if to penetrate his disguise and reach the deepest part of his soul. There was a subtle tremor in her voice: "Tariq, why...?"
Tariq lowered his head, his long hair covering most of his face, making it difficult to see his expression. But Alice could feel his body trembling slightly due to nervousness, a mixture of fear, regret and struggle. He was silent for a long time before he slowly spoke in a low and hoarse voice:
"Alice, you have always been the person I cherish most. But... the meaning of 'Tears of the Stars' to me is far beyond what you can imagine."
Alice's heart sank suddenly. She had never thought that her friendship with Tariq could be so easily surpassed by a treasure. A trace of confusion and pain flashed in her eyes:
"Tariq, we grew up together and have been through so many ups and downs together. I think the trust and friendship between us are irreplaceable. Could it be that all of this is not as good as a gem?"
Tariq raised his head and his eyes met Alice's. His eyes, which had once been full of tenderness and determination, were now filled with complex emotions.
"Alice, you don't understand. This gem not only represents power, it is the only hope for my family's revival. My people have guarded a secret for generations, that is, the 'Tears of the Stars' can open the door to the ancient ruins, where the lost glory and power of our people are hidden. I...can't give up this opportunity."
Alice felt mixed emotions when she heard this. She understood Tariq's loyalty and responsibility to the family, but she also couldn't accept him betraying her. She took a deep breath and tried to keep her voice calm:
"Tariq, power and glory are important, but without the light and justice in your heart, what is the meaning of these? You and I both know that true power comes from the purity and tenacity of the heart, not from external things."