[ there was a need for both, the part that included manipulation and tricks, and the straight-forward tenacity that Scott was currently offering. if they have to trick the team, he'd be the first to volunteer, because right now it felt like they were fighting a losing battle. ]

It would be preferable. Having someone who owes a debt from the inside without being outright harmed? We're fighting against Zymandis as the multiverse collapses around us, we can't afford to continue as we are. We'll lose.

[ then, a sigh. ]

Audentes can be myopic at times like this.