Reboot: Mechanic

Chapter 319 Retreat in Shame

While Jonas Hill was amused by Theobold's capability, back in the Iron Sentinel, the trio continued to watch the unfolding events. 

The streets of Gearits City were also buzzing with renewed respect for Commander Theobold. 

And Mary was concerned about the possible ramifications of Theobold's reversal.

"I fear after this incident, Theobold's position would be strengthened, which makes him even more dangerous," Mary said quietly. 

Shi Tian shook his head. 

"Not just that," he responded calmly. "I think Theobold had long known about our little ploy and was playing along all for this very scenario." 

"It can't be, right?" Vanessa suddenly interrupted and gasped in shock. "What kind of man would Theobold be if he had such foresight? Like, how would he know there would be a dense area filled with strange energy and that we would discover it?" 

Shi Tian rubbed his temples softly, seemingly pondering rapidly. 

He was recalling all the things that had happened previously and connecting them all with this newfound information.

His brows were knitted tightly, and Vanessa wanted to say something else but was stopped by Mary. 

Seeing the current Shi Tian reminded Mary of the time when he would be thinking heavily to come up with a deduction or solution. 

A few minutes later, Shi Tian was starting to sweat profusely, seemingly horrified by something.

"What is it, Nathan?" Mary swiftly retrieved a small napkin and wiped some of his sweat, asking in concern. 

Taking a deep breath, Shi Tian gently took the small napkin to wipe the sweat himself. He then glanced at Mary and Vanessa with a somewhat pale face. 

"Do you remember when the evolved Gilaso variant arrived at the camp?" 

Both Mary and Vanessa nodded their heads in response. 

Of course, they would remember that incident. It had caught them completely by surprise when it suddenly appeared out of nowhere without any warning.

The only saving grace of that incident was that there weren't any deaths aside from some injuries due to the monster's unexpected energy wave attack when it was about to die. 

"That evolved Gilaso variant nearly caused my eardrum to erupt," Vanessa exclaimed, touching her ears and feeling blessed that she didn't lose her hearing ability.

After all, Vanessa was directly on the battlefield as compared to Mary and Shi Tian, who were inside the Iron Sentinel. With the immaculate features of the Iron Sentinel, it was able to nullify most of the energy wave attacks, providing them to receive minimal damage. 

"My condolences, Vanessa, but that's not my point." Shi Tian said, understanding her pain. 

"What I mean was how did the evolved Gilaso variant able to avoid all detection and snuck attacks on us?" 

"Well– I mean…" Vanessa was stumped, clearly unable to answer his question. 

Meanwhile, Mary caught on to his point and exclaimed, "You suspect that it was done by Theobold, which is why it would explain why none of the detection worked." 

Nodding his head, Shi Tian turned his attention back to the screen. "If I'm not wrong, Theobold will soon use that evolved Gilaso variant as an excuse to kick Damon down a notch, thoroughly shattering his reputation." 

Sure enough, Shi Tian's deduction was soon revealed to be correct when Theobold began to use that as context to explain his difficulty and feeling depressed about being accused as a traitor. 

Such actions made the citizens sympathize with him further and brought Theobold's reputation and honor to a new height. 

As for Damon, he was now outright being blasted for being an insidious person and trying to smear dirt on an honorable commander. It was a total loss for Damon as he could only retreat in shame, unable to defend himself.

Regarding word games and deviousness, Theobold was clearly superior to Damon, who didn't think his plan clearly. 

"I'm afraid Damon's position as commander will be in jeopardy now," Mary muttered softly. 

"It can't be that serious, right?" Vanessa was astounded by how easily one could lose their commander position.

"If it was under normal circumstances and conditions, then Damon at best might be reprimanded and forced to apologize publicly. But what is the current state of Gearits City?" Shi Tian asked her, wanting her to utilize her brain more to come up with an answer herself. 

After pondering for a while, Vanessa seemed to have been enlightened.

"Right… Gearits City is now under a state of emergency, so for this situation to happen. Damon has essentially made himself the target of all the hate and frustration." She clasped her hands. 

Unfortunately, Shi Tian was far from happy despite knowing about the outcome. "I doubt that's the end either." 

"What do you mean?" Vanessa raised an eyebrow in confusion.

Wasn't the curtain beginning to close with Theobold thanking the spectators for their trust and belief in him now? 

Instead of replying, Shi Tian flashed a bitter smile toward Mary, who subsequently nodded her head.

"It seems like we were being played as chess pawns the entire time." Mary crossed her arms and said sorrowly. Having been used to doing whatever she wanted in the past, being used like a pawn gave her a bitter taste in experience. 

"I'm sorry, but am I the only one that doesn't get what the two of you are thinking about?" Vanessa was completely dazed. She doesn't understand the dynamics of relationships much or the events that correlate with each other.

Though it wasn't surprising for her to not know when it was quite obvious she was a spoiled woman, who didn't have to scheme much aside from gaining a business deal. 

Shi Tian's expression was gloomy as he realized how pathetic he was. 

"This Theobold really played me like a fiddle. The elite soldiers he sent were indeed elite, but definitely not the best. Otherwise, they wouldn't have lost to me." Shi Tian muttered softly. 

"I'm sure Theobold has a thorough analysis of each of us now and is ready to retaliate if we directly go against him."

"It's a good thing we got rid of the rigged IC chip early, or else we would have been screwed even more," Mary added, having realized the culprit of the rigged IC chip was none other than Theobold.