This is just a precaution

How to describe a passage of time as being long...

Although it was only a brief period, Miss Ruei seemed to have traversed an endless expanse, her consciousness gradually fading under the ambiguous sway of either pain or pleasure, ultimately descending into profound darkness.

Using a feather to tickle one's sole may not sound like a severe punishment, but only those who have truly experienced it understand that the terror of this punishment rivals that of needles being inserted between one's fingers.

There are two kinds of torment: one borne purely from agony and the other from a combination of stimuli.

Especially after the use of drugs to heighten bodily sensitivity, few can withstand this ordeal.

Even though Miss Ruei nearly lost consciousness several times, she remained steadfast, refusing to betray her friends. This loyalty greatly pleased Jonas.

After all, loyalty signifies a future devoid of betrayal... a quality Jonas deems even more significant than capability.

Moreover, Jonas' original plan wasn't directed towards Yudora Ruei herself, but towards her friend...

Indomitable friendship always proves the most exploitable lever; once one side yields, the other is not far behind.

Jonas reined in his wandering thoughts and glanced at the now completely unconscious girl with a lingering blush on her face, shaking his head helplessly.

Part of the girl's garment was dampened by sweat, and there were inexplicable stains beneath the chair.

The intensified version of Tickle, enhancing bodily sensitivity, is not something ordinary individuals can endure. To persist until now, even Jonas began to admire Miss Ruei's willpower.

He rose to his feet and dialed Smuel's communication device.

Approximately two minutes later, the door to the room opened, casting a faint light into the dim space.

Smuel stood respectfully at the doorway, his gaze involuntarily drifting into the room, where he beheld Yudora Ruei, now plunged into unconsciousness, a hint of unease flickering in his heart.

Having heard of Mr. Jonas Veting's ruthless and unscrupulous nature, Smuel only truly grasped this upon witnessing his methods.

However, the more Jonas lived up to his reputation, the better it was for Smuel. After all, the greater his methods, the higher the likelihood of realizing Smuel's "plan."

With such an ally, one could rest assured.

"Mr. Smuel, delivering this Miss Yudora to the Alt Corporation for disposal should pose no issue," Jonas implied.

Smuel discerned the underlying meaning: this Miss Yudora Ruei was to be taken away... a highly perilous endeavor for the Titanium Crystal Gang.

For if they were to breach the agreement at this juncture, all blame would fall upon the Titanium Crystal Gang.

Smuel hesitated momentarily before, with a determined air, he smiled and said, "Certainly, you may dispose of her as you see fit."

It was a risky move, but fortunately, Smuel bet correctly.

Jonas showed no inclination to depart; after all, he wished to witness not Feld District descending into chaos once more. He chuckled and then inquired, "What I instructed Mr. Smuel to do..."

"Has been executed," Smuel interjected.

Then, with a hint of hesitation, he asked, "I wonder, what are your plans next?"

"Next?" Jonas chuckled, then replied, "Next, all that remains is to watch the drama unfold."

With the prerequisites already arranged, what happens next is of no concern to Jonas.

The eventual outcome will depend entirely on the "power of friendship."

.........

After two days of fruitless searching, the Earth Gang's actions became increasingly aggressive.

Undoubtedly, the most likely culprit behind such deeds was the Hummingbird Gang. It was also on the day prior to the incident that a conflict arose between the Earth Gang and the Hummingbird Gang over issues of trade and cooperation. The conflict stemmed from the Earth Gang's delivery of goods during which they delivered only one-third of the agreed amount.

This action was immediately perceived by the Hummingbird Gang as an attempt to abscond with the money, and during the ensuing standoff, someone, it's unknown who, fatally shot the Hummingbird Gang's trade representative.

Subsequently, the conflict escalated, and both sides directly engaged in combat.

The fighters of the Hummingbird Gang were noticeably superior, forcing the Earth Gang's members to retreat.

Unfortunately, during the retreat, the Earth Gang fell into an ambush and suffered heavy losses.

By the time this news reached Eitra, the matter had already concluded.

Though instinctively sensing something suspicious about the incident, the Hummingbird Gang members concluded that the Earth Gang, relying on their strength, intended to engage in treachery.

Meanwhile, the Earth Gang members, having lost a group of their comrades, attributed the incident to a setup by the Hummingbird Gang, aiming to frame them and seize their goods.

Furthermore, with the Earth Gang's recent peak in power over the past few years, its members had become somewhat arrogant. The previous Hummingbird Gang might have been able to contend with them, but the present Hummingbird Gang lacked that capability.

Thus, the second conflict ensued.

This time, Earth Gang members, without informing Eitra, launched a surprise attack on the Hummingbird Gang, inflicting heavy losses upon them.

This attack pushed the situation to irretrievable depths.

It was precisely at this moment that Yudora Ruei's clinic was attacked, and even she herself went missing.

Naturally, the Hummingbird Gang became the primary suspects, but when Eitra demanded explanations from the Hummingbird Gang, they were expelled instead.

Clearly, the Hummingbird Gang had no intention of settling the matter peacefully, thoroughly infuriating Eitra, who had previously been somewhat hesitant.

The conflict between the two sides escalated, resembling a prelude to a full-scale war.

.........

Meanwhile, in the Aphrodite District.

The door of a black sedan opened slowly.

Jonas stood beside the car, his lips curling into a knowing smile upon seeing the several girls alighting from the vehicle.

Ricky's gaze was somewhat complex, while Shigure looked resigned to her fate of working against her will.

Upon seeing Jonas, Esny's cheeks flushed slightly, her eyes betraying a mixture of anticipation and joy.

How does that saying go...?

Some people, upon seeing the one they love, are inclined to engage in activities they cherish.