Marcus Monroe finally agreed.

Paige Summers was a stubborn girl, and it was rare for her to show any weakness in front of him. He didn’t hold out for long before nodding helplessly.

Of course, this decision was not made without careful consideration.

He knew the extent of Paige Summers’s strength, and Claire Chapman would be there too. He could send a couple of his own men to help, so there shouldn’t be any major problems.

He might be fond of her, but he would never look down on her, much less try to trap her in a small, sheltered world.

What he hoped for was for them to walk side by side!

Besides, Paige Summers’s concerns were reasonable.

Knowing the importance of Levi Young and Nadia, protecting them meant protecting Paige Summers’s rear guard.

He understood the trust she placed in him, and it brought him a deep sense of joy.

Seeing that he had agreed, Paige Summers breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Marcus Monroe had always been a calm and measured person, so she felt at ease entrusting this matter to him.

The matter of leaving the city was thus settled.

Claire Chapman was responsible for contacting and coordinating the mission, while Paige prepared her things and informed Blake Morrison of the news.

Blake Morrison very much approved of her decision. You couldn’t make good weapons by locking yourself away and reinventing the wheel. Getting more hands-on experience out in the field would be highly beneficial. However, he still took the time to explain the various factions involved in the upcoming operation. He warned her to be as careful as possible, reminding her that as a Superpower User hired by The Government, she should do her best not to offend the military. If she had any grievances, she should bear with them while on the mission—there would be plenty of opportunities to settle the score later.

Paige Summers agreed to everything.

They usually worked together on Artifact Making like partners, but at other times, Blake Morrison very much acted like an elder, taking good care of her.

She always accepted the kindness of others with a grateful heart.

Because Blake Morrison intentionally kept Zephyr Mercer in the dark about this, he didn’t show up to make unsolicited comments, which was a great relief to Paige Summers.

As for Wendy Lowell, while Paige Summers was still hesitating, she had already heard the news and showed up at her door. Before she could even get a word out, tears started streaming down her face. "Paige, I heard them talking about this mission to Norgate. It’s very dangerous! Please, listen to me this once—can’t you just not go?"

Paige Summers was silent for a moment before saying, "I’m sorry."

She could somewhat understand Wendy Lowell’s concern for her daughter. But she had her own principles. Once she made a decision, she wouldn’t easily change it, nor was she someone who could be swayed by tears.

Of course, Wendy Lowell didn’t give up that easily and went on and on... until Paige Summers could no longer hide her irritation, at which point she trailed off dejectedly.

"Don’t be angry. I’m just... I’m just worried. No matter what, you’re a girl..."

Paige Summers replied bluntly, "In this era, there’s no real difference between men and women. In fact, women have to be even stronger to protect themselves. I don’t know if you understand, but more than danger, I’m afraid of being forced into a situation where I’m perpetually sheltered by others. That would be the most painful thing for me! Living like this, relying on my own strength to survive and get what I want—I find it fulfilling, and it makes me happy. So, please, don’t say things like that anymore."

Hearing this, Wendy Lowell fell silent for a long time before giving a slight nod.

"Well, then... take good care of yourself. This... you must take this. I have to go." She hastily placed a heavy bag under the table and then rushed off, as if afraid of being followed.

Paige Summers didn’t even have time to see her out before the door was closed. She had no choice but to helplessly open the bag, only to discover it contained at least thirty-odd Crystal Cores—and they were all Seventh Rank!

’She really went to great lengths...’

However, so many Seventh Rank Crystal Cores were incredibly valuable, and she didn’t want to accept them.

Just as she was pondering how to return them, Frederick Lowell came looking for her.

Paige Summers’s head was starting to ache.

But a headache was a headache; she couldn’t simply refuse to see him. The moment she stepped outside, he blocked her path.

Fortunately, Frederick Lowell hadn’t come to persuade her not to go. On the contrary, he was there to encourage her.

"Young people should get out there and explore. As they say, you broaden your horizons by seeing more of the world. But you still need to be prepared..." As he spoke, he took a box from his car and stuffed it into her hands.

Paige Summers naturally refused and quickly tried to push it back.

But Frederick Lowell and Wendy Lowell were father and daughter, after all, and their style in these matters was identical. He forced it into her hands, immediately got back in the car, and the driver took off.

And just like that, they were gone in the blink of an eye.

Paige Summers truly didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

But Frederick Lowell’s gift was truly a generous one. It was a bottle of Antidote and a bottle of Power Enhancement Potion.