Chapter 443 - 321: Power Struggle
Although Keith Preston was part of the Pro-Joyce Faction, he wasn’t one to act recklessly.
For instance, with everyone currently vying to guard The Citadel, he was clearly outnumbered and isolated. So, he conceded. He relinquished his claim on guarding The Citadel in exchange for placing his most trusted subordinates by Leo Joyce’s side. He even exploited the other factions’ mutual distrust by suggesting each party send representatives to jointly supervise the situation...
One could say he was just as adept at the power-balancing tactics Leo Joyce was known for, and he used them to ensure Leo Joyce’s personal safety.
After he left, Claire Chapman dismissed Maisie Joyce. The first words out of her mouth were, "That man is no simple character. I think he’s capable enough to be the City Lord of Southreach."
Marcus Monroe’s lips twisted into a mocking smile. "Impossible."
"Why not?"
Marcus Monroe didn’t answer directly. Instead, he countered with a question of his own. "Don’t you find it strange? I was in Southreach for several years, yet I’ve never once met the man."
His reminder made it click for Claire Chapman. "Oh, right! I keep forgetting you used to be based in Southreach! By all rights, you should have met him, shouldn’t you?"
"Exactly. Even though he’s a division commander, I wasn’t exactly a nobody back then. The Hunting Parties often ran missions with the Southern Army. But Keith Preston never once joined us. His fatal weakness lies in his superpower."
Claire Chapman looked puzzled. "Is his superpower weak? That doesn’t seem right. I just sensed his aura, and he should be at least Seventh Rank or higher."
"His rank is genuine, but unfortunately, his superpower... it’s Petrification. Full-body Petrification."
Claire Chapman stared blankly for a moment, then burst out laughing.
"Hahaha! That’s hilarious! So he’s basically hiding in a turtle shell. That’s just... No wonder he never goes out to fight! If he got attacked, would he use his superpower or not?!"
’If he doesn’t use it, he can’t just let himself be killed. But if he does, he turns into a stone man in front of everyone. Sure, it would save his life, but for a division commander, that’s beyond humiliating!’
At first, Claire Chapman found it hilarious, but the more she thought about it, the less she could laugh.
Marcus Monroe, on the other hand, chuckled softly. "Figured it out?"
Claire Chapman rubbed her nose, embarrassed. She nodded, her tone growing serious. "That man, Preston... he’s incredible." ’With a superpower that’s so impractical, he’d be nothing more than a living shield in a Hunting Party. And yet, he became a division commander... His strength may not lie in martial prowess, but he absolutely cannot be underestimated!’
Marcus Monroe hummed in agreement.
"He didn’t get to his position on intellect alone. His greatest asset is his immense financial backing. They say he’s never short on Crystal Cores. His soldiers, especially his trusted confidants, are all cultivated with his supply of them. Combine that with his knack for managing people, and the loyalty he commands is naturally very high. So, he himself might not be personally fearsome, but he’s not an easy man to deal with. I think that’s one reason the other factions don’t want to completely burn their bridges with him. And, of course, he’s sensible enough to be flexible."
Claire Chapman thought for a moment. "You’re right. A man like him isn’t suited to be the City Lord, but he’s the perfect choice for a right-hand man." Then, another thought occurred to her. "Do you think he genuinely wants to get Leo Joyce back?"
"It seems that way for now. As far as I know, Leo Joyce treated him very well, giving him a hefty cut of Southreach’s tax revenue. Still, it’s hard to say for sure. People’s hearts are fickle. We can only wait and see."
"Right. It looks like the situation with Leo Joyce will drag on for a while. But I doubt Harborcrest Base can wait much longer. Keith Preston didn’t say a single word about it tonight, though, as if he couldn’t care less. Is he really not afraid of Zombies overrunning the city?"
Marcus Monroe rubbed the bridge of his nose. "It’s not that he isn’t worried. It’s just that given the current situation, he probably doesn’t dare move his men out of Southreach. If he did, and the other factions were determined to make a move against him, he wouldn’t be able to protect himself."
Claire Chapman was stunned for a long moment. Suddenly, she slammed her hand on the coffee table, enraged. "Damn it! All these people care about is their power struggles! We’re facing a crisis that could wipe us all out, and they’re still busy with their infighting!"
Marcus Monroe was silent for a moment before saying, "Alright, let’s get some rest. Tomorrow, I’ll figure out a way to meet with the Deputy City Lord."
’He knew the Deputy City Lord, Colin Koenig. In fact, they were fairly well-acquainted.’
’Back then, the man had shown great admiration for him, even trying hard to recruit him, but Marcus had ultimately decided to return to The Dead City. Years had passed. He couldn’t be sure if Colin Koenig was still that same rigorous yet genuine person he once knew. But the stalemate in Southreach couldn’t continue. Someone needed to step up and mediate, someone with enough influence... He could only hope that Colin Koenig hadn’t let the current situation go to his head.’