QT: Against My Will-Chapter 532 - 8.49- Have Some Conduct - War Of The Wickeds

After more than a month, the mines were finally repaired, and the recruits were able to return to the barracks. The cramped and dirty conditions of the mines provided barely enough space to move, let alone sleep. The same bunk beds that they used to complain about now felt like luxury.

Each task they were assigned came with a point system, and they had to collect a certain number of points to advance to the next rank.

Points were given to the recruits based on their performance in their respective divisions; vying for a higher rank and the privileges that came with it.

Gaining points for the 7th Special Operation Force was especially challenging since it required recruits to secure points from others, who had to willingly give up their own points.

It was no secret that Shina Night had accumulated the most points so far, and one didn’t even have to guess that.

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Elera left the military barracks, the sounds of training soldiers ringing in her ears. She rolled her eyes as Shina Night passed by the field, the atmosphere buzzing with admiration as though royalty had just graced them with her presence.

She couldn’t comprehend why everyone was so captivated by Shina’s charm, and she couldn’t help but wonder if there was something wrong with her for not feeling the same way. Shina didn’t even possess the beauty Silvia once had.

Had everyone gone completely blind because of the world plot?

She walked for a while until she reached a secluded area on the outskirts of the base. It was a quiet and secretive place, shielded by the dense forest that surrounded it.

Victor was already there, his posture confident and expectant.

"Be quick," she instructed.

"I want to apologize..." Reaching out instinctively, Victor attempted to place a comforting hand on her shoulder, but she rebuffed him with a swift motion.

Drawing back, she warned, "Have some conduct."

Victor met her gaze, unwavering, "I never intend to overstep, Elera," he replied, his voice firm yet gentle.

Elera turned to face him, her eyes cold. "What is there to apologize?" she asked, her voice low and controlled, "Instead, I should thank you for not revealing my secret, shouldn’t I?" she said sarcastically, her anger simmering just beneath the surface.

Life had a way of throwing curveballs when least expected. During the military check-up, the revelation hit her like a freight train: she was pregnant. In a moment of panic, she begged the doctor to keep it a secret. The doctor, however, refused.

Despairing and with time running out, Elera’s mind raced. She needed a confidante, someone with influence, someone who could maneuver through the bureaucracy of the military with finesse. And only one name echoed in her thoughts: Victor.

Nathaniel would have been a good choice too, but they were not that close... Why would she get him into unnecessary trouble?

Victor’s expression hardened at Elera’s words. "Don’t be ridiculous, Elera," he said, his tone harsh. "You’re in the military, for God’s sake. You can’t be a soldier and be pregnant at the same time. It’s too reckless."

Elera felt a surge of anger at Victor’s words. "I know that," she spat back, "But what choice do I have now? I can’t just magically make the baby disappear. You know what will happen if I leave the military, right? They’ll accuse me of treason, and I’ll face arrest!"

She confronted Victor, her voice laced with emotion. "And have you considered what would become of the baby in that scenario? I’m just a beta. They would simply snatch the child away from me and confine it to an incubator, deprived of the love and care it deserves! So, what do you suggest I do?"

"Elera, I know we’ve agreed to open our relationship and that you are in a difficult situation, but I have to ask - am I the father?" Victor asked, a worried frown etched on his forehead, "If you say it’s mine, nobody will dare to touch you and that child."

Did anyone understand how rare it was to come across someone like Victor? Every other man Elera encountered seemed so inferior in comparison. But would she give him the satisfaction of knowing the truth?

Elera sighed, feeling conflicted, "No. It’s just someone I met during work," she lied, her voice barely above a whisper. "We were both caught up in the moment, and I never thought it would lead to this."

"Why don’t you simply consider abortion? After fulfilling your military obligations, you can always conceive another child." Victor’s words cut through the air, his voice tinged with what seemed like the most logical thing.

Elera’s anger boiled over, and she took a step towards him, her voice rising in fury. "How dare you even suggest such a thing?" she yelled at the inhuman thing he just spewed out, "This is my body, my child, and I will do whatever I think is best for us. You have no say in this."

Victor took a step back, taken aback by Elera’s fierce response. He realized the gravity of his suggestion and how it had hurt her, "Forgive me," he said, his voice earnest, "I just want you to know that I respect whatever you choose to do, but are you sure the child is not mine?"

Would she let him have that leverage over her once more?

"I’m seeing someone now. It’s best if we keep our distance," she said, hoping he would read between the lines, "And just to clear any doubts, it’s Nathaniel."

"Nathaniel? That Nathaniel?" Victor repeated, his tone incredulous. But then he began to laugh, a deep, genuine laugh that came from deep within him. "I’m sorry, Elera. It’s just that... Nathaniel? Really?" he said, his voice laced with amusement.

Elera knew it was a risk to mention Nathaniel’s name, but she couldn’t think of anyone else who could affect Victor’s confidence, "Well, yes, Nathaniel," she replied, trying to sound composed despite the rising color in her cheeks.

"What changed, Elera?" Victor asked, he inquired, his words dripping with a sinister edge, "I thought you had a preference for the villains, not the virtuous male leads. I remember you said the villains are far more exhilarating...is it no longer true?"

Victor’s expression grew somber as he continued, "Do you think that now the female lead is out of the picture, an extra like you will have a chance with the male lead?"

"I never said I have a chance with him. The female lead is not dead...she..she is..." Elera’s face fell and she took a step back, ’Did he say extra?!’ She crossed her arms tightly over her abdomen, her body language defensive. Her eyes narrowed as she glared at him, "Who are you?!"