Reboot: Mechanic

After giving Robert Cook the most deadly injuries that a man could ever receive, he fainted on the spot, white foam popping out of his mouth.

As for Cyrus and the other soldiers, they had all unconsciously clamped their legs together, realizing their precious manhood was still safe and intact. 

"Thank the lord that it's still there," Cyrus patted his chest lightly, feeling a cold chill running down his spine. 

No matter how long he had served in the military or experienced many life-and-death situations, this kind of injury would still haunt a man.

The only possibility that a man would not be affected after seeing such a scene was that they aren't a man.

However, there was actually another possibility and it might be the fact that they could remain calm and collected rather quickly.

When Shi Tian first saw Vanessa raising her leg and kicking the vulnerable part of Robert Cook, his body jolted slightly. Though it was only for a very brief moment and he managed to remain composed.

"Even if there was a way to recover, I'm sure the incident today would be traumatic for him, so you should have vented enough, right?" Shi Tian turned to her and asked.

Vanessa nodded her head, clasping her hands a few times. 

Seeing blood leaking out from the lower part of Robert Cook, she was satisfied with this venting. 

Although she would have preferred Robert Cook dead, this was good enough for her. 

After all, Cyrus' presence meant that she would not be able to kill Robert Cook unless she decided to go against him and Theobold, which was technically impossible.

The two of them both required each other's assistance, and it wasn't beneficial either to have Robert Cook dead and then have to face the consequences. 

It simply wasn't worth the effort. 

"Yeah, we can return now," Vanessa said, stretching her arms.

Shi Tian could see the sense of accomplishment in Vanessa's eyes as they turned to leave the scene. 

He understood the weight of her frustration and anger, and while he didn't necessarily condone her methods, especially stomping on the man's most vulnerable spot. He acknowledged the cathartic release it had provided her.

As they walked back towards the apartment complex, Vanessa's expression gradually softened, and she let out a deep breath.

"It's a good thing you knew about this, Nathan," Vanessa said calmly. "But don't expect a thanks from me since I'm sure you wanted to teach Robert Cook a lesson as well and was using me to help you achieve that." She added. 

Shi Tian shrugged his shoulders. "Wasn't expecting a thanks anyway. This was beneficial to the two of us, so I guess it's a win-win situation." He said, not minding about being caught by her. 

Vanessa was no fool and he didn't treat her as one either. 

It didn't take long enough for her to realize this was his intention now that the anger and frustration contained within her had vanished. 

"Hmph, you are really a shrewd person, Nathan. Using me wasn't enough but you even involved Commander Theobold's soldiers to work for you. Aren't you afraid of their retaliation?" She snickered coldly. 

Her meaning was crystal clear, given that Cyrus was probably detaining the unconscious Robert Cook now and bringing him to the military prison in which Theobold would judge him.

Since Robert Cook was a knowing party and could have prevented the tragedy in the Horology Restaurant, added to the fact that he was no longer useful, Theobold would surely impose judgment upon him. 

Robert Cook was not like Vanessa, who held a bargain of being able to suppress the current rampant monster wave.

Meanwhile, Shi Tian met Vanessa's gaze with a calm expression. 

"I believe in taking calculated risks, Vanessa. As for the soldiers, they're loyal to Commander Theobold and his orders. If they decide to retaliate against us, they would be going against their own commander's wishes. It's a fine line for them to tread." He explained, reminding her that they were supposed to be protected, but not apprehended or harmed. 

Vanessa raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by his response. "And what if Commander Theobold finds out about your manipulation?"

Shi Tian didn't even flinch at that notion. "If he finds out, I'll explain my intentions and reasoning honestly. The ultimate goal is to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice. I believe that's a goal even Commander Theobold would support."

Vanessa seemed to assess his words carefully. "You're not just a mindless fighter, Nathan. You think things through." 

Shi Tian chuckled. "Well, there's more to me than just fighting. And in our current situation, strategy and intellect are just as important as strength."

Vanessa clicked her tongue in response.

"Indeed, you're definitely more than just fighting. You're a shameless person who would take advantage of other's plight whenever you could." She said coldly, subtly reminding him how he scammed her money when she was in a dire state. 

Shrugging his shoulders, Shi Tian didn't bother replying to her. It was her fault anyway to be that easily scammed, and not his.

There were no regrets in his actions. 

"Anyway, you can just head upstairs first. I'm going to pick up something." Shi Tian said, outright ignoring her remarks. 

"What's the point of heading upstairs first?" Vanessa rolled her eyes. "You have the keycard, so I'll still be waiting no matter what unless you are willing to give me the keycard." She added.

  Shi Tian pondered for a few moments before nodding his head. 

"You're right about that. Then I guess you might as well help me pick up some packages as well." He said, clearly not going to hand her the keycard. 

Who knows if she would attempt to lock him out or not open the door for him when he returned? 

With her unpredictable personality, the possibility was there that she might do it for laughs. 

"Tsk, what a stingy man as always." Vanessa pouted, feeling that it was a shame that her motive might have been noticed by him.