chapter358

The helicopter's landing gear slowly dropped. As it hovered close to the ground, the rush of wind pressed the grass flat, turning everything around into a swirling sea of green.

The cabin door hadn't even opened before more than twenty soldiers in black surrounded the helicopter, guns at the ready.

Their leader aimed his rifle right at the door, voice icy. "We don't have any dealings with Lydora. What are you doing here at Mount Gemspire, showing up without warning?"

Mount Gemspire wasn't just a mountain anymore. In the past three years, it had become a name that meant something big in the Triangle-a group, a force to be reckoned with. No one came here uninvited. If you tried to force your way in, you might not make it out alive.

The cabin door swung open. Lydia stood above them, looking down at the man with the gun pointed at her.

"I know I'm not invited. I'm here for an herb. If you agree, name your price. I'll take it and leave."

Everyone below stared, caught off guard. The person stepping out was a young woman. For a second, no one said anything.

One of them frowned. "Kid, this isn't a place for you. Every herb here is worth a fortune. There's no way you can afford it."

That was Damien, the head of Mount Gemspire's defense. No one got past him without permission.

Potato rolled his eyes, voice sharp. "Seriously, open your eyes. This is our boss, the leader of Lydora. You think we can't pay for a single herb? Who do you think you're talking down to?"

Damien's face twisted in surprise.

This girl was the leader of Lydora? No way.

Lydora was famous in the Triangle. Damien had been stationed here for three years, and all he'd ever heard was that their leader was mysterious and impossible to pin down. No one ever said she was a girl.

He scoffed. "You'll say anything to get what you want. What do you take us for, little kids? You'd better explain why you're really here, or don't blame us for what happens next."

At his signal, every soldier cocked their guns. They weren't bluffing.

Potato and the others did the same, snapping into position in front of Lydia, ready for anything.

Lydia's face went cold, her presence almost electric. She didn't care that they were outnumbered or that this was enemy territory. If things went south she wasn't convinced Damien's guys would walk away unscathed.

"Believe me or don't. I told you, I'm here to buy an herb. Get whoever's in charge out here. Let's talk about a price."

Her patience was just about gone.

Damien still looked doubtful, but there was no denying her confidence. She didn't seem like the type to back down. Could she really be the leader of Lydora?

"How do I know you're really their boss?"

If she was he'd have to show some respect. Everyone knew Lydora's people were wild, fiercely loyal, and always had each other's backs. The boss had warned him not to pick a. fight with them if it could be helped.

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But Lydia didn't care about any of that. She lifted her chin, eyes flashing "Why should I prove anything to you? Whether you

believe me or not is your problem."

Damien's jaw tightened.

"If you won't prove it, then I'm afraid this is where your journey ends today."

Lydia just smiled, cold and sharp. You really think having more people means you've already won?"

There were only six of them. They hadn't come here to back down.

Damien hesitated. Lydia and her group didn't look nervous at all, and that uncertainty made him pause. Maybe they really were from Lydora.

"So you say you're here for an herb. Which one?"

If it was something minor, he could probably let it go and still save face.

But Lydia didn't hesitate. "Vision Rejuvenation Grass."