"I'll do what's necessary to make it convincing, but don't doubt my abilities, Zimnur." Zimnur raised a conciliatory hand. "Of course, of course," he simpered. "I have complete faith in your prowess, Zoya. And when the dust settles, I'll swoop in to save the day, emerging as a hero in the settlers' eyes." He couldn't hide the greedy glint in his eyes as he spoke. With a dismissive grunt, Zoya pushed herself off the worn wooden bench they had been occupying and rose to her full, imposing height. "Save your sordid speeches, Zimnur," she snarled. "I have work to do." As she stalked away, her long, white coat billowed dramatically behind her, leaving Zimnur alone to relish the prospect of the fame and power that awaited him once their plan had reached its devious conclusion.
As the trees thinned, she found herself standing at the edge of the new settlement. Taking in the layout, she plotted the perfect location to stage her attack - a place that would draw the attention of the Neko lookouts and set the plan in motion. With a calculating glint in her eyes, Zoya disappeared into the depths of the Worth Woodsea, her mind abuzz with the impending theatrics. She would become the phantom bandit, orchestrating chaos for the sake of another's ambition. The stage was set, and the threads of deception were woven. The new settlement was about to be thrust into a conflict orchestrated by a duo of cunning minds, and the echo of their scheme would reverberate through the shadows of the forest.
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