One hour and thirty minutes ago, inside Sir Gallant’s mansion, King’s sharp instincts told him something was off. Gallant had lied about his whereabouts before speaking to them. Instead of confronting him immediately, King and Gil feigned their departure and hid, waiting for Gallant to return to wherever he had been.


    Their patience was rewarded. It didn’t take long before Gallant made his way back to his hidden torture chamber. Moving silently, King and Gil followed.


    Inside, they found Bernard Sylvester—restrained, beaten, and barely conscious.


    Gil smirked. “I guess following you was the right decision after all.”


    Gallant’s face paled. “Wha—What are you doing here?”


    “Isn’t it obvious?” Gil replied. “We never trusted you.” He gestured toward Bernard. “And now everything makes sense. No wonder August Magnus is here.”


    The mention of August’s name made Bernard lift his head, his eyes filled with sudden urgency.


    “August is here?”


    King stepped forward, his voice devoid of emotion. “Yes. But unfortunately for you, he won’t be alive long enough to save you.”


    It was then that they devised a strategy—one designed to turn any potential rescue attempt into a trap. They were certain someone would come for Bernard, but who exactly remained uncertain.


    To execute their plan, Gil used his ability to create a perfect clone of himself. While the clone would accompany King to the Underground, the real Gil would stay behind, hidden within the mansion, waiting for the rescuers to arrive.


    Their gamble paid off. Adrian and Emily had walked straight into their trap.


    Before parting ways, King gave his partner a final warning.


    “Gil, don’t underestimate that kid. Even now, I can feel him getting stronger.”


    Gil grinned. “Don’t worry, I won’t lose. Besides, I have to be around to help you achieve your goal.”


    And with that, their plan was set in motion.


    Adrian and Emily moved cautiously through the dense forest, the tension thick in the air. Then, without warning, a metallic clank echoed around them. In an instant, a massive chain wrapped around the forest, sealing them inside.


    Adrian’s eyes narrowed.


    “This isn’t good,” he murmured.


    Emily’s hand twitched as she tapped into her ability, analyzing the energy surrounding them.


    “His Trinket is controlling this chain,” she whispered. “If we want to escape, we have to defeat him.”


    A shadow moved from the trees, stepping into view.


    Gil Hunter.


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    "It’s a good thing I trusted King’s hunch," he said, lazily swinging his enormous chain. “Otherwise, we never would have figured out that Bernard Sylvester was here.”


    Adrian’s grip on his weapon tightened. “Who are you?”


    “Gil Hunter,” he answered. “World Federation soldier.”


    Gil smirked and took a step forward. “Even though I’m ranked lower than King, don’t make the mistake of underestimating me.”


    Without hesitation, he lashed his chain toward them. The massive blade at the end cut through the air, seconds away from decapitating them both.


    Adrian reacted instantly.


    Activating his Trinket, he enhanced his physical capabilities and brought up his dagger, using the flat of the blade to block the strike. Sparks flew as metal clashed against metal. Gritting his teeth, Adrian pushed back with immense force, sending the chain recoiling.


    Gil whistled, impressed. “Not bad. King told me you were using a borrowed Trinket before. But now… you have a real one.”


    He spun the chain effortlessly, its movements fluid and deadly.


    “Tell me,” he said, “why are you fighting for a criminal like August Magnus?”


    Adrian exhaled, his expression calm and unwavering.


    “Because he made me dream.” His voice carried no hesitation. “By sharing his goals and ambitions, he gave me purpose. He trusted me. And through this journey with him, I’ve achieved my dream—to travel the world on an adventure.”


    A slow smile spread across Adrian’s face—the same carefree, confident grin August always wore.


    Something about his words struck a chord in Gil. A memory surfaced—one from three years ago.


    At the World Federation headquarters, Gil Hunter had just graduated from the academy at the top of his class. His performance had earned him an assignment with an elite partner—someone who had graduated years ahead of him despite being younger.


    Gil had expected a disciplined, commanding officer. Instead, when he entered the meeting room, he found a boy lounging on a couch, eyes shut, completely unbothered.


    Gil’s first thought was simple.


    This guy gives off smug energy.


    Suppressing his irritation, he stepped forward.


    “Hello there. I’m Gil Hunter, your new partner.”


    No response.


    Gil’s eye twitched. This little brat.


    Irritated, he swung a punch, aiming straight for King’s face.


    But before the attack could land, King casually raised his hand and caught Gil’s fist mid-air, stopping it effortlessly.


    “That’s a rude way to wake someone up,” King said, finally opening his eyes.


    “Wait—you were sleeping?!” Gil demanded.


    King tilted his head. “When did you get here?”


    "...Are you seriously telling me you didn’t even notice me walk in?"


    "Yeah, I was asleep."


    Gil sighed, withdrawing his fist. "Fine. I’ll introduce myself again. I’m Gil Hunter, your new partner."


    King leaned back. "Cool. But forget what they told you about following my orders. We’re partners. Equals."


    Gil blinked, caught off guard. Most high-ranking soldiers would’ve seized the opportunity to assert dominance. But King wasn’t like most soldiers.


    Over time, their partnership grew.


    One night, sitting around a campfire, they shared stories of their pasts.


    Gil spoke of his family—his mother, his brother, and the friends he had left behind to become a warrior strong enough to protect them.


    King listened. Then, after a moment, he spoke.


    "That’s amazing. Unfortunately, I don’t have a life outside the World Federation. My people were killed."


    Gil frowned. “I’m sorry.”


    “There’s no need to apologize,” King replied, his voice calm. “The ones who should apologize are those responsible.”


    “Who?”


    “New Pegasus.”


    Gil’s entire body tensed. “Them?! They’re criminals only the highest ranks in the Federation can combat. How the hell do you plan to take them down?”


    “I don’t care what it takes,” King said, clenching his fist. “I will take them down.”


    Gil almost laughed. It was impossible. New Pegasus was feared across the world. But King didn’t waver. His conviction was absolute.


    Then, King extended his hand.


    "Alone, I might not be able to defeat them. But with you—my partner—my chances are much higher. Please, join me."


    That moment changed everything for Gil.


    He had joined the Federation to protect his loved ones, and taking down the world’s greatest criminals would be a huge step toward that goal. More than that—his friend was asking for his help.


    How could he say no?


    With a grin, he shook King’s hand.


    "Alright. Let’s take those bastards down."


    Snapping back to the present, Gil looked at Adrian, his grip tightening on his chain.


    He couldn’t deny it—Adrian reminded him of himself.


    A dreamer. Just like King.