Magnus appeared unconcerned about the missionâs high stakes. Instead, he warmly gestured Claudette to join him at the cabin window, treating the operationâaffecting millions and countless disaster victimsâas a mere game. Meanwhile, Mackenzie and the others were eager as Quintus swiftly set the plan in motion.
âHey! Are they actually taking action now?â A crowd had formed around the lake, growing restless. They observed the helicopter circling overhead, showing no apparent signs of the search starting, while some appeared ready to doze off.
However, Anthony was pacing anxiously, his anxiety mounting as he worried that even Mackenzieâs help might not be enough to retrieve the supplies.
His anticipation was palpable as he witnessed the helicopter and boats.
operating in unison, each vessel pulling enormous nets. âYeah! This must mark the beginning of the salvage!â he exclaimed, nearly leaping in joy.
Ken and Lenore shared a glance, wondering how Magnus was confident that the supplies were in that specific area.
Vroom! The engines thundered, intentionally pushed to their limits, creating ripples on the lakeâs surface.
âWhatâs happening?â The previously bored residents of West End perked up, stretching their necks to get a better view of the lake. A few even waded into the water, their faces lit up with curiosity.
The four boats closed in on a central point, appearing unconcerned about a potential collision. Just as the nets were about to converge, an unexpected sight emergedâcarp started leaping out of the water!
mazed, people murmured, âWow! Whatâs happening?â
Yet, the real spectacle beginning. More and more carp jumped, creating a stunning display with everyone scrambling to take photos and videos in awe. âThis is incredible!â
Upâin the helicopter, Claudette couldnât resist joyfully smiling as she took in the breathtaking view up close.
âItâs an honor to make a princess smile,â Magnus spoke, adjusting his glasses with a grin.
Curious, Claudette asked, âBut whatâs causing this?â
Laura and the rest leaned in to listen, eager to hear more. Mackenzie knew the science behind it, but she let Magnus explain without interrupting.
agnus revealed with a wink, âItâs simple. I told you I want to see you smile, agnus and these carp were eager to help. They must think, just like I do, that youâre at your best when youâre happy!â
Congratulations!
âAwwâ¦â Claudetteâs face flushed pink as she hurried over to Laura, caught between flattery and shyness. Since her memory loss, sheâd felt more vulnerable, almost like a shy young girl. Yet, her awareness recognized that Magnus didnât seem like the gallant knight; rather, he carried the essence of a charming, mischievous âbig bad wolf.â
âMagnus! You really have a way with words, but donât fill Claudetteâs headith sweet talk!â Laura teased, pulling Claudette protectively to her side.
Magnus only chuckled, then strolled over to Mackenzie. âIâd say itâs almost certain the supplies are down thereâthe lakebed is blocked, making the carp jump out.â
Mackenzie nodded, getting his point. She turned to Quintus, asking, âWell, whoâs up for a dive? Take a light down there and check the lakebed.â
âIâll go!â Rhett offered, but before he could act, Quintus snatched a communicator, discarded his jacket, and dove straight into the water.
âWow!â Loxi gasped, surprised by his bold move.
âHeâRhettâs Jaw clenched, his prido stinging. He reflected, Iâm the King of phanim from Dark Night Island, and someone dares to overshadow me like this? Incredible!
Watching, Hattie smiled at Mackenzie. âYou really command attention now. Youâre a natural leader!â
Mackenzie chuckled. âOh, stop it, Hattie. I may be the Allianceâs commander, but weâve only tackled smallâtime trouble so far. The real pressure is still on.â
âSo, whatâs next after we recover the supplies?â Hattie asked.
Mackenzie shook her head. âThereâs not much we can do if the enemy keeps hiding.â
Hattie cast a quick look at Magnus, who deliberately averted his gaze, showing clear disinterest in becoming involved. Ultimately, he needed to hurry back to Zovince to recruit Emmanuelâs help with Maxwell after assisting salvaging the supplies. Staying in West End wasnât part of his plans.
Mackenzie shared a glance with Hattie, who wore an unusual expression as though she was gearing up to direct some energy on Magnus. She gave Mackenzie several knowing looks, signaling, Watch this!
Hattie walked over to Magnus, exhaling dramatically. âMagnus, Mackenzie is my dearest friend. I want to be here for her, but I have too much to manage back in Zovince. If only I had your skills for handling it all.â
Catching her drift, Magnus sighed. âHattie, Iâve got my own urgent matters in Zovince, and I need to stay close to you.â
Hattie pressed, âWhat about Claudette? Isnât she your priority?â
âWellâ¦â Magnus hesitated, thrown off guard. He had always given in to Hattie; and this time was no different. For a moment, he struggled to find the right words.
Hattie didnât give him any room to wiggle out. âNo excuses, Magnus. With your help, Mackenzieâs people could dismantle the West End gang fast. Plus, youâve got two big benefits waiting if you stay here.â
Before Hattie could press further, Magnus flashed a quick smile and added,
âFirst, I get to stay close to Claudette, and second, itâll keep me safer.â
âExactly,â Hattie responded with a knowing look, recognizing that some issues are better kept private.
Magnus considered her words, a faint smile hinting he understood. He thought, Taking Maxwell down would be much easier if Iâm outside Zovince.
Staying away would keep suspicion off me and reduce the risk of retaliation.
Letâs face itâif I plan to eliminate Maxwell, heâs probably plotting the same for me.
âIâll consider it,â Magnus replied, feigning reluctance. Still, Hattie knew that he was already leaning toward helping whenever he said those words.
Just then, Quintus surfaced, his voice booming across the lake. âWeâve found it! The supplies are here!â
Despite not using a megaphone, his shout was loud enough for those in the helicopter to hear him clearlyâand the crowd by the lake also caught every word.
âThe supplies have been found!â Excitement spread through the crowd as the news echoed around the lake.
Anthony was so relieved he chuckled, wiping away a tear. âMackenzie actually did it! Isnât she incredible?â he asked Ken and Lenore.
Ken and Lenore just smiled, nodding as the crowd cheered, flattering
Mackenzie as the most decisive and remarkable leader in all of Changea.
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