?Chapter 1169:


    Marissa looked steadily into Aelfric’s eyes. In his gaze, she saw defeat and surrender. She offered no words offort. Instead, she simply said, “Aelfric, your time is running out.”


    Although he had anticipated his impending death, hearing it verbalized still wounded Aelfric. Sorrow engulfed him, but he responded calmly, “I’m aware.” He prepared for Marissa to mock and degrade him as a form of vengeance.


    But to his surprise, she said, “I can save you.”


    Aelfric looked up at her sharply. “What did you just say?”


    Marissa gave a small smile and said, “My father and I have developed a vine. I’ll give it to you at no cost.”


    Aelfric stared at her, confused. “Why?”


    He had attempted to end her life on multiple asions. Shouldn’t she despise him?


    “Our mentor deeply cares about you,” Marissa replied calmly. “You’ve been with him since you were five. He’s practically your father. If you die, he’ll be heartbroken. And if he’s heartbroken, I won’t be at peace.”


    At these words, Aelfric’s eyes welled up, nearly spilling tears.


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    Dennis, puzzled by their exchange but catching Marissa’s offer to save Aelfric, was delighted. “Miss Nash, can you truly save my brother?”


    Marissa nodded. “Come with me.”


    She then turned and headed towards a nearby lounge. Without hesitation, Dennis swiftly wheeled Aelfric to follow her.


    In the lounge, Marissa prepared a syringe and approached Aelfric. She nced at Dennis and instructed, “Show his shoulder.”


    Dennis hesitated. “You’re not going to harm Aelfric, are you?”


    “Dennis, don’t be so rude.” Before Marissa could speak up, Aelfric sharply scolded Dennis. “Miss Nash won’t harm me. Dennis, follow her instructions.”


    Dennis, ever obedient to Aelfric, quickly adjusted his cor to reveal his shoulder.


    After administering the vine, Marissa warned Aelfric, “Your condition is quite serious. You need to take five doses of this vine to fully manage your illness. Make sure you return to me in exactly one month for your next dose.”


    “Understood,” Aelfric nodded submissively. He then instructed Dennis, “Dennis, please leave us. I need a moment alone with Miss Nash.”


    Dennis left the room.


    With the door shut, tears began to form in Aelfric’s eyes once more. If he had the strength, he would have knelt before Marissa.


    He looked at her and said in a raspy voice, “Chief instructor, thank you.”


    Marissa replied withposure, “You are no longer part of the Doomsday Base. You don’t need to call me chief instructor.”


    Aelfric bit his lip in embarrassment. “I address you as chief instructor as a way to repent for the past. I used to call you that without sincerity. Now, I mean it. I’m calling you on behalf of my former self.”


    Marissa simply smiled, choosing not to respond further.


    “How is our mentor?” Aelfric asked.


    “You know him, still the free spirit. He relishes good wine and fine clothes, lives carefree, and is in good health.”


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