Chapter 12: A Sinister Scheme to Seize Fate

Selena sat atop the jagged rocks of the deserted island, her ice-blue eyes gazing over the endless sea. Her shoulder wound had healed, and she polished her flintlock until it gleamed in the dim light. The small boat remained hidden in a seaside cave, while Finn and Lina gathered around a campfire with their eight surviving men. A wild rabbit roasted over the flames, its scent mixing with the salty breeze. The flickering firelight reflected their exhaustion—but also their resolve.

Grey Mist City was lost.

They were only ten against an army.

But Selena refused to accept defeat.

Finn lowered his head and muttered,

"Miss… how do we turn this around?"

Lina clenched her dagger, her knuckles white.

"I want to kill my way back in, but they're too strong!"

Selena smirked, standing up.

"Charging in blindly is suicide. I have my own way. If I lack fate's favor, I'll steal it from others—let them pave my path forward."

Her eyes narrowed as she murmured,

"System, scan for fate-bound protagonists in the Karsas Federation."

[Scan complete: Karsas Federation detected, 300 miles from the island. A chaotic region composed of multiple alliances. Fate-bound protagonist detected: 'Son of Dawn' Alan. Fate Value: 1000. Age: 24. Born in poverty, now a borderland lord of the Federation. Possesses 'Turn the Tide' talent. Highly charismatic and driven by justice. Leads the 'Dawn Army.']

Selena's lips curled into a cold smile.

"Son of Dawn, Alan. A protagonist with 1000 Fate Value, strong morals, and a hero complex. Perfect."

She turned to Finn.

"Three days. Get the boat repaired—we set sail for the Karsas Federation border. I will abandon my name, 'coincidentally' meet Alan, and steal his fate to rebuild my power."

Finn hesitated.

"Miss, what if the enemy is still chasing us?"

Selena's voice was as sharp as a blade.

"Then let them come. I'll turn their hunt into my game."

Three Days of Preparation

The survivors worked tirelessly.

Finn led the sailors in repairing the boat, reinforcing the hull and coating the bottom with oil to waterproof it. They disguised it as a merchant vessel with tattered sails.

Lina set three trap zones at the island's entry points—buried gunpowder, tripwires, and concealed spikes—ensuring that any pursuers would pay in blood.

Meanwhile, Selena opened her System Storage and retrieved an aristocratic gown—deep blue with gold embroidery, lined with silk. She activated Phantom Disguise and transformed her appearance, changing her black hair to golden waves and her ice-blue eyes to emerald green.

Her new identity: Lady Alice Roland, a noblewoman on the run.

Selena's plan unfolded.

"Finn," she ordered, "you will be 'Black Blade,' leading three men as mercenaries hunting me for an alleged family treasure. Lina, you will be 'Shadow Crow,' my loyal bodyguard, traveling with me.

"When we reach Karsas, you will ambush my carriage. I will cry for help. Alan will rescue me."

Finn grinned.

"I do look the part of a rogue."

Lina twirled her dagger.

"And I can play the over-loyal guard."

Selena chuckled softly before adjusting her tone into a trembling, delicate whisper.

"My lord, please save me—I am so frightened~"

She sneered.

"Men love playing heroes. Alan won't escape me."

Setting the Stage: A Damsel in Distress

On the third morning, the boat departed.

Selena donned her gown but deliberately tore the hem, smeared dust across the fabric, and tangled her hair to appear disheveled.

Finn and his men dressed as mercenaries, donning black armor and false insignias. Lina and the others wore tattered uniforms, hidden blades strapped beneath their sleeves.

"Finn," Selena instructed, "when you attack, shout, 'Alice Roland! Your family has rebelled! Hand over the treasure!' Don't push too hard—leave me a way out.

"Lina, fall down when you defend me. Look helpless."

Lina scowled.

"Miss, I'll make it look good."

Selena smiled sweetly, her eyes glinting with malice.

"Make it dramatic."

Two days into their voyage, Lucien's ships found them.

Arrows rained down.

Selena growled,

"Finn, head for the reefs!"

Their boat weaved through the jagged rocks. She drew her flintlock, coated bullets with 'Serpent's Kiss,' and fired five times.

The poison-tipped rounds exploded into the enemy archers.

Men collapsed, clutching their throats, vomiting blood.

The pursuing ship smashed into the rocks.

Selena sighed, feigning innocence.

"Oh dear, that was so frightening~"

The Perfect Encounter

On the fourth day, they reached Karsas.

Abandoning the boat, Selena's group took a broken-down carriage and traveled along a desolate road near the Federation border.

Selena adjusted her posture, adopting the graceful poise of a noblewoman. The wind swept her hair, giving her a fragile yet alluring presence.

She whispered,

"Lina, get ready to cry out. When the carriage jolts, fall dramatically."

Lina nodded, gripping her hidden dagger.

"I'll make it convincing."

As they rounded a bend in the road, Finn and his 'mercenaries' charged from behind.

Swords gleamed.

"ALICE ROLAND!" Finn bellowed.

"YOUR FAMILY HAS FALLEN! SURRENDER THE TREASURE!"

Lina jumped out, slashing at them, her hidden blade cutting only air.

The mercenaries clashed swords with her men. Blood packets burst on impact.

Lina screamed and tumbled onto the dirt road.

"Miss! RUN!"

Selena gasped, stumbling out of the carriage.

Her gown ripped further, revealing pale skin beneath. She collapsed to the ground, emerald eyes wide with fear, lips trembling.

"Help me!" she cried, her voice soft and pitiful.

"They killed my father! I have nowhere to run! Who will save a wretched soul like me?"

A cloud of dust rose.

The sound of galloping hooves echoed.

A golden-haired knight in light armor, eyes as blue as the sky, rode at the head of fifty cavalrymen.

Alan.

He raised his sword.

"Stop this at once!"

A single slash forced Finn back. The mercenaries 'reluctantly retreated.'

Finn growled.

"Hand over the treasure!"

Alan leaped from his horse, extending a hand to Selena.

"Miss, do not fear," he said gently.

"I am Alan, leader of the Dawn Army. No one will harm you under my protection."

Selena let herself tremble, clutching his arm.

"My lord, I am Alice Roland," she whispered.

"My father was slain by traitors. They want my family's last heirloom. These are my only loyal guards… Please, I beg you, help me…"

She leaned against him, her voice quivering.

"I have nowhere to go. If you do not save me, I… I may as well die here~"

Alan's justice flared.

"Miss Alice, you are under my protection now. No harm will come to you."

The Net Begins to Tighten

That night, Alan set guards outside Selena's tent, personally ensuring her safety.

Selena wept softly.

"My lord, I have suffered so much… Without you, I…"

She let a tear slip down her cheek, her sleeve slipping just enough to reveal delicate skin.

Alan clenched his fist.

"The Roland family was noble and loyal. I will see your enemies brought to justice."

Selena smirked inwardly.

"System," she whispered.

"Analyze Alan."

[Analysis complete: Son of Dawn - Alan. Fate Value: 1000. Special Traits: Tactical Leadership, 'Turn the Tide.' Weaknesses: Overtrusting, Emotionally Driven. Recommended Strategy: Gradual Manipulation via Emotional Influence.]

Selena laughed silently.

Too easy.

She lowered her gaze, her voice honeyed.

"My lord, if it weren't for you… I would not be alive…"

Alan's trust took root.

Selena spoke sweetly by day, plotted in shadows by night.

The hunt for his fate had begun.