Villain Ch 162. Just A Coincidence?
The truth about how they knew why he was in that restaurant lingered at the tip of their tongues, but the girls hesitated. Admitting that they had delved into Allen's past without his knowledge made them feel like a bunch of crazed stalkers. Shea, with the help of Brad, her trusty assistant, had investigated Allen. They had uncovered details about Allen's past and ex, the person who had caused him to move to this city in the first place. They had even managed to find past photos from Sophia's social media accounts.
So, the moment they saw Sophia and Elio at the restaurant, they knew how severe the problem was. The fact that he remained calm, unflinching in the face of his past tormentors, sent a chill down their spines. Allen's ability to analyze the situation, to be aware of the presence of CCTV cameras, and to approach the situation with logic rather than blind rage, struck them with both awe and fear. It was a rare trait, the ability to hold one's emotions in check when confronted by the very individuals who had shattered him in the past.
Jane and Zoe's explanation hung in the air, Allen couldn't help but cast a skeptical glance at each of them in turn. It all seemed too coincidental, too perfectly aligned. Yet, he couldn't deny the fact that he had just experienced a mind-boggling coincidence himself, encountering two people from his past in the most unexpected of places. Perhaps there was more to this encounter than mere happenstance. Maybe the threads of fate were intricately woven, bringing them together for a reason.
"I see," Allen responded, his voice tinged with a mix of acceptance and unease. "Coincidences can be both fascinating and terrifying at the same time," he added, contemplating the strange turn of events. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something amiss, that the pieces of the puzzle were not quite fitting together as they should.
Alice interjected with a suggestion. "Well, since we're all here, why don't we grab some lunch first? I know this amazing restaurant nearby. It's my absolute favorite," she offered, her eyes filled with enthusiasm. She hoped that by diverting their attention to something more enjoyable, she could help alleviate the weight of the recent turmoil that had gripped them all. Though Allen didn't say anything, the girls could sense the tempest of emotions brewing within him.
Allen couldn't help but crack a small smile at Alice's attempt to lighten the atmosphere. "Sounds good to me. I could use a meal after everything that's happened," he admitted, his hunger finally making itself known amidst the chaos of his thoughts.
With Alice leading the way, the group embarked on a short walk to the nearby restaurant. The bustling city streets surrounded them. Laughter and chatter echoed through the air as people went about their day, lost in their own stories.
As they arrived at the restaurant, a sense of warmth and coziness enveloped them. The exterior exuded an inviting charm, with rustic wooden panels and twinkling fairy lights adorning the entrance. It was a hidden gem amidst the concrete jungle.
Alice approached the server with a beaming smile. "Hi! We were wondering if you have a private room available," she requested. Being a regular of the restaurant, she knew that her request wouldn't go unnoticed.
The server, recognizing Alice, reciprocated the smile. "Of course, Alice! We have just the perfect room for you and your friends. Follow me," she said, leading the way through a maze of tables and booths. The scent of delectable aromas filled the air, teasing their senses and further whetting their appetites.
They were ushered into a secluded room, adorned with soft lighting, plush seating, and a table set with pristine white linens. The atmosphere exuded an intimate ambiance, offering a respite from the outside.
They sat down and ordered. Soon, the aroma of mouthwatering dishes wafted through the air, tantalizing their senses as the waiter set down plates of steaming delicacies before them. The table was adorned with an array of vibrant, enticing colors—a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Amidst their lunch, they engaged in lively conversation. The clinking of cutlery against plates provided a rhythmic backdrop to their exchange of stories and insights.
The topic naturally gravitated toward Elio's guild, discussing their strengths, weaknesses, and the optimal strategies to exploit their vulnerabilities. Allen outlined potential attack plans, taking into consideration their formation and the most effective ways to unsettle them. Their goal was clear: to seize the advantage in the forthcoming battle.
Vivian's eyes widened in disbelief as she processed Allen's revelation. "Wait, you're telling us that this Mac guy and his team have devised individual counters for each of us?" Her voice carried a mixture of shock and admiration. She had underestimated Elio's strategic prowess, not expecting him to possess such meticulous planning skills.
Allen's expression turned serious as he confirmed Vivian's question. "Yes, that's exactly what he told me. Each member of his team has deliberately chosen a different class. Their level is ranging from 45 to 50 and they are already preparing to select their second class, all with the aim of ensuring that they can handle us effectively in battle," he explained, his tone laden with concern. "Including in case they have to engage us in one-on-one confrontations," he added. He discovered this when Elio asked him about which second class he would take later. Since they mentioned the topic, he decided to find out what their plan was.
The girls exchanged glances, their foreheads creasing with disbelief. Jane's voice quivered with disbelief as she voiced their collective concern. "They intend to face us individually? That's... that's insane," she exclaimed, struggling to comprehend the audacity of Elio's plan.
Allen nodded solemnly, his eyes filled with a resolute determination. "That's the information I managed to gather," he affirmed, taking a deliberate bite of his remaining meatball. The taste of the savory dish mingled with his tongue.