“If you're not afraid of a three-way dogfight, let him come and meet me!” exclaimed Anthony.
Thalia frowned when she heard that. This is indeed a problem.
Then, Anthony looked her in the eyes and said earnestly, “I understand your concerns, Thalia, but you're fretting about nothing. I told you about this matter myself, but you wouldn't be aware if I didn't, would you?”
“You—”
“I told you because I treat you as a friend and also to let you know that no matter what team I set up, it will not pose a threat to Darknetz. Heck, it will even be of great help to Darknetz in the future!” he enunciated while keeping his gaze fixed on her.
Thalia had to admit that the sincerity in his expression made her waver.
“So what if I believe you? You still need Kyle and everyone in Darknetz to believe you,” she uttered.
“We'll discuss this matter later. Let's talk about the situation at hand.”
“What's the situation at hand?” she asked.
At that moment, Anthony took a piece of paper from his pocket. “These are the plans I made. You must know a lot of people since you've traveled far and wide. Please have a look and see if anyone meets the criteria here.”
Thalia finally understood the boy's intention and scrutinized him with narrowed eyes. “You didn't tell me because you treat me as a friend. You are clearly asking for my help!”
“It's precisely because you're my friend that I asked for your help. Otherwise, I won't be able to trust you and feel at ease, can I?” he reasoned.
He never failed to persuade her.
Thalia gave him a look before lowering her gaze to study the piece of paper that was filled with details about Anthony's requirements.
However, after seeing all the criteria he listed out, she frowned. “What's with these weird requirements? Adept at using poison? Disguise? Why is deception one of them? What are you trying to do? Form a super elite team?”
After hearing her mocking question, he replied, “That's right. I want to form a team that can do anything.”
Thalia swept a curious gaze over him, sizing him up. “Sometimes I wonder what's in that head of yours!”
“Just tell me. Is there anyone you know of or are acquainted with that meets the criteria written here?” he inquired.
She withdrew her gaze, turning her attention back to the paper. “Con artists are easy to find. They are practically everywhere.”
“I'm looking for the real deal, a master of deception, a true con artist. I won't settle for anything less!” Anthony said firmly.
Thalia looked at him and thought about it seriously. “I did meet one in the past who duped me and several of my friends...”
Anthony's eyes immediately lit up when he heard that.
“It's just that I don't have the person's contact details,” she continued.
Her words rendered him speechless, and he instantly deflated.
Thalia noticed his reaction and curled her lips into a faint smirk. “I do know someone who is good in disguise, though.”
Anthony fixed his gaze on her, not daring to show too much anticipation.
She returned his stare and, upon seeing him completely unfazed, continued, “That person used to work for a prominent thieving family, assisting them with disguises. However, he was later betrayed by his friends and apprehended. He stopped doing this job after he got out of prison and now wanders around the border all year, taking up some small businesses.”
After hearing that, Anthony said with conviction, “This is exactly the kind of person I want. Do you know him? Introduce him to me.”
“I do know him, and he's in the neighboring country, which isn't too far away. But after being betrayed by his friends, he vowed never to join another team. It's not going to be easy to convince him to join you,” Thalia said straightforwardly.
Anthony's eyes narrowed slightly. “He probably felt bitterly disappointed after being betrayed by his friends.”
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