They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System
Chapter 337: Did We Really Just… Lose Him?

Chapter 337: Did We Really Just… Lose Him?

Abuchi, who had been silent this whole time, stared at the ground, his mind racing with the same bitter thoughts. They had come this far, and yet, here they were, trapped, with no way to save their friends, no way out.

It was so unfair that because of his status he got to live while they would all be killed. He never knew things would end up like this. If he had known, he would have embarked on this mission alone.

But…

How?

How did King Eglon know about them coming to Purlit and even set a trap for them?

It didn’t make sense.

It didn’t make sense at all.

But then, before anyone could think further, something unexpected happened.

John, normally calm, composed, spun around. His fist swung with all his might and slammed into Abuchi’s jaw.

The sound of the punch echoed through the room like a thunderclap, shocking everyone into silence.

Abuchi’s jaw hurt like hell but he didn’t retaliate.

“You’re a selfish friend,” John growled, his voice raw with anger, eyes blazing with frustration. “You brought us all here, putting everyone in danger just to save your fiancée. You didn’t even think about us, did you? It was always about her! What about us? What about your friends?”

John’s breathing was heavy, chest rising and falling with every word, his fists shaking at his sides.

“You don’t even know what you’ve done! It wasn’t just your fiancée in danger! It was your little sister too. And now, you’ve put your three friends in danger. You’re the worst friend I’ve ever had!”

The silence in the room was deafening. Everyone stood frozen, unsure of what to do next. Even Abuchi, who had just taken a punch from his closest friend, stood there motionless, stunned. The words were still hanging in the air, but no one could seem to react.

It was Ekene who broke the silence. Stepping forward, he grabbed John by the shoulders and held him back. His grip was firm, yet the urgency in his voice was undeniable.

“Dude, stop it!” Ekene exclaimed, his voice low but insistent. “What are you doing? This isn’t the time for us to fight each other. We need to stick together!”

But even as he spoke, Ekene’s words seemed almost too weak to undo the damage already done. The tension in the room only grew heavier as John stood there, seething with anger, his chest heaving with each breath. He clearly wasn’t done.

Yet, before the situation could escalate any further, Abuchi spoke up, his voice rough as he wiped the blood from the corner of his lips with the sleeve of his jacket. The motion was casual, but his eyes were cold, empty.

“You’re right,” Abuchi said quietly. His voice was steady, but there was a deep sorrow behind the words. “You’re right, John.” He glanced at the others, the faces of Ruth, Karen, and Nnenna now crowding around him, panic written all over their expressions.

“I don’t mind if you all hate me,” he continued, shaking his head at them. “I failed you. I endangered your life,” he said, turning his gaze toward Ruth. His words were heavy with regret, raw with the weight of his actions.

He took a slow, steadying breath before meeting Nnenna’s eyes. “And I never realized what a great sister you are. I’ve put you through hell for the past ten years.”

The room seemed to shrink as he said this, his words cutting through the air like a knife. The guilt in his voice was palpable, a burden that seemed almost too much for him to bear.

“I deserve this,” he added quietly, his eyes downcast. He wasn’t speaking to any one person in particular, but to everyone around him, including himself. It was a silent admission, an acceptance of everything he had done wrong. He couldn’t take it back now.

Before Abuchi could speak again, John suddenly shouted, interrupting the moment. “Guard! I have some information that will be useful to King Eglon,” he said, his voice firm and urgent. “I need an audience with him.”

The words hung in the air like a weight. A cold chill ran through the room as the others processed what he had just said. Abuchi’s eyes widened, but he didn’t speak. The shock from his previous admission was still fresh, but John’s sudden betrayal, no, deal, felt like a punch to the gut.

Ekene was the first to recover, his expression darkening. “What are you doing?? How can you do this?” he demanded, his voice trembling with disbelief. “How can you betray us like this?”

John’s gaze flickered briefly towards his friend, but there was no sign of regret in his eyes. “I’m trying to save my life. There’s nothing wrong with that,” he said, his tone flat. It was cold, calculating, as if the friendships they once shared meant nothing more than a mere distraction now.

The guard opened the prison door, and without another word, John was escorted out of the cell. The others watched, speechless.

Ekene’s jaw clenched as he turned away, unable to look at John any longer. Ruth, Karen, and Nnenna all stood frozen, shock evident on their faces, unable to comprehend what had just happened.

Abuchi stood in silence, a storm of emotions swirling inside him. Betrayal. Sadness. Disappointment. But more than anything, guilt. He had never expected this from John.

But… He didn’t really mind. Anything that would save at least one of the friends who risked their live for him, was okay by him.

Even if it was betrayal.

The door slammed shut behind the guard and John, cutting off their last glimpse of him.

“Did we really just… lose him?” Ruth finally whispered, her voice breaking.

Ekene’s eyes narrowed in frustration. “We didn’t lose him. He chose to walk away. And now he’s going to play the game for his own survival.”

Abuchi didn’t say anything. The pain of the heavy punch still stung.