By the time Pete tried to stop the robed figure, it was too late. The vehicle continued speeding along the treacherous mountain road, and no one knew where the next bombing would strike. If their luck ran out, they'd be blown to pieces instantly. The rough terrain made the ride unbearably bumpy, leaving everyone pale and sickly.
The robed figure chanted under his breath, rhythmically shaking a bronze bell. The eerie, constant sound was ignored. Pete was utterly exasperated. How had things spiraled into this chaos? This was nothing like he'd imagined! Based on his calculations, Stephan wouldn't dare act recklessly with Caleb's life at stake. With the child as leverage, Pete was confident Stephan would tread carefully.
Instead, they were trapped in a relentless bombing. The other party showed no regard for anyone or anything; no mercy was shown. Was Stephan not afraid of Caleb being tormented to death? Pete gritted his teeth, pulling out his phone to call. Before he could dial, Johanna, pale from the jarring ride, shouted, "There's a helicopter coming!"
Pete immediately spotted a helicopter approaching, heading straight for them. His face turned ashen. Abandoning his attempt to stop the robed figure, he urged, "Hurry! They've locked onto us; if we don't act now, the next strike will hit us directly!" The robed figure's chanting intensified, his movements with the bell becoming increasingly precise. A low, rhythmic hum accompanied his words: "Come to Mount Farstone and meet me, Felicia. Come meet me!"
The Heart Eater within the bell was activated. Simultaneously, the twin venomous creature within its other host stirred, seizing control. The feedback came quickly. Under the influence of the venomous creature, this method of control had never failed. The robed figure sighed in relief, declaring, "It's done. Felicia will be here soon. She has already received my command. Now, let's see if Stephan dares to bomb us again!"
Indeed, Stephan ceased the bombardment. From the helicopter, he had spotted Felicia and Imogen on the same mountain peak. Another bombing would risk injuring them, so Stephan had no choice but to hold back. A minute passed, then another. Pete finally exhaled.
The robed figure, however, radiated smug confidence, his tone dripping with arrogance. "Felicia will be here soon. What's your next move, Pete? Don't forget our agreement."
"Relax, we have the same goal. I haven't forgotten," Pete replied, keeping the car moving. He wasn't about to let them stop, fearing a sudden bombardment from above. The robed figure crossed his arms, waiting with unwavering confidence.
What none of them knew was that when the bronze bell rang, Felicia, already on Mount Farstone, froze. Her body reacted instinctively, and she immediately instructed Scarlet to tie her up. Scarlet's expression was grim as she hesitated, but eventually complied, binding Felicia tightly. Felicia braced herself, expecting to lose consciousness under the bell's influence, but to her shock, nothing happened.