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The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean) novel Chapter 1177

Neera understood. Her expression turned grave, and she could not help feeling nervous.

Each one of these people appear to be somebody one does not simply provoke.

It became apparent to her that the competition for district presidency was even harsher and more brutal than she had imagined.

Dressed in traditional attire of dark red, Finnley stroked his beard while assessing the situation at hand.

“These are all tough fellows, with skills that are not to be underestimated. By comparison, it seems we're a bit at a disadvantage.”

Listening to his ramblings, Neera became even more nervous.

She took a deep breath, telling herself that she could not display the slightest hint of fear.

The battle was about to begin, and she had to face it whether she liked it or not.

Chad shrugged. “There's nothing we can do about it. After all, the Gordon family has been passive for so long, and we're certainly not as powerful as the others. However, there's no need to be pessimistic. Our family isn't one that others can walk all over. We'll just have to trounce any opponent that we encounter,” Avery told Neera, inclining his head.

“Given the resources of these families, it's likely they will not be fighting alone once inside the dense forest. There's also the possibility of them joining forces, so watch out for that. The Jennings family and the Logan family, especially, are close allies and the likelihood of them teaming up against the rest is very high. Remember to be cautious. Additionally, there are a few forces from Lordsworth Estate you need to pay special attention to, one of which is the Osborn family.”

As he spoke, he indicated toward the northwest direction with his chin.

Neera looked over and saw a sea of black bodysuits. Each man bore a badge on the left shoulder, marked with their engraving “Osborn”—likely a family crest.

The man standing at the forefront commanded particular attention. At first glance, he exuded the aura of one who had long held a position of power. His stony face, on which a smile rarely appeared, was intimidating.

The Osborn family came from a long, ancient line of fighting arts practitioners. However, over a hundred years ago, they pledged allegiance to the Lordsworth Estate, becoming a top-tier power under its rule. Its patriarch, Diego Osborn, was a rare fighting arts prodigy seen once in a century in his family. Due to his immense strength, he became the second-in-command in the Osborn family. His fierce and formidable reputation was common knowledge in the region governed by Lordsworth Estate.

“The family to the right of the Osborn family is the Fisher family, who is on good terms with the Osborn family...”

Neera took note of each one as she observed the forces when suddenly, she saw a familiar face.

It was Caleb.

“Isn't that the Medicina family? Aren't they doctors? Why are they participating in the contest for district presidency?”

Avery followed her gaze. “Though the Medicina family has been devoted to the healing arts for generations, they are just as strong in the fighting arts,” she explained. “They are a formidable force indeed.”

“I see...” Neera nodded.

Caleb caught sight of her. Despite the distance between them, he gave her a friendly smile.

Neera returned the smile, politely nodding in acknowledgment.

Unexpectedly, Stella, who was not far away, happened witness to this scene. Her expression darkened instantly.

She remembered the disadvantage—twice in a row—that Neera had subjected her to.

She, a lowly outsider, dares to sit at the head of her family's table and even dares to compete with me. The nerve!

What infuriated her even more was how Caleb, who always acted so high and mighty around everybody else, chose to side with that despicable woman.

Accustomed to being the center of attention, pampered and adored by all, she could not tolerate such unequal treatment.

Thus, she turned to her left where the head of the Logan family, Howard, was standing.

“If you encounter anyone from the Gordon family after entering Mount Cloud, find a way to detain them, especially Neera. She must not escape!”

Howard craned his neck, squinting as he sized Neera up.

“That woman is the new head of the Gordon family. What a pity. I couldn't make it to the last meeting because something had come up at the last minute, or I could have seen her tactics. The fact that she could embarrass you is quite amusing, Ms. Jennings.”

Stella scowled, clearly displeased. “What tactics could she possibly have? She's just good at talking with her backers around. Hey, whose side are you really on?”

Howard turned and smiled at her. His beady eyes especially captivating.

“I'm on your side, of course. I was just making a joke, why so serious? Don't worry, I'll help you. We'll split up once we're in the dense forest, and I'll find a way to make contact if there's any news, so you can decide what to do when the time comes.”

Stella huffed, “That's more like it.”

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