ã€ŠThe Cipher: Locks and Keysã€‹


 Chapter 1:The Unveiling of Shadows - A Seed of Hope

    CHAPTER 1:The Unveiling of Shadows - A Seed of Hope

    Lockey''s eyes glazed over, his mind drifting back through the fog of time. Images flickered, a disjointed montage of his fifteen years on Earth, as he began to share a glimpse into his past.

    "When I was five, I lived a life devoid of joy, an existence marked by hardship and struggle". As whispers of an inexplicable phenomenon swept through the halls of Celestial Phoenix Elementary-"tales of children wielding extraordinary power through locks and keys¡ªthe world around me was consumed by a feverish obsession."

    His voice, cool and dispassionate, betrayed no hint of remorse as he continued his backstory.

    "For some, the emergence of these unusual abilities sparked a cruel hierarchy. Bullies, drunk on newfound power, tormented their less fortunate peers, while others fled the school, fearing for their safety in a place where rules had been cast aside. Yet I persevered, undeterred by the taunts and jeers of his classmates."

    "Perhaps you''re questioning why I didn''t escape or attempt to protect myself; after all, my parents seemed indifferent to my well-being in the school."

    As Lockey delved deeper into his story, his gaze seemed to drift off into the distance, as though he were lost in the memories of his past. The air around him grew heavy with the weight of his experience, and a palpable sense of introspection hung over the room. It was almost as if he were reliving the emotions and struggles of his younger self all over again.

    "On one fateful day, a group of boys, fueled by arrogance and malice, descended upon me, I was Helpless and outnumbered, I endured a vicious assault, until something within him shattered. Rage boiled over, and in a moment of raw, primal fury, I grasped a nearby stone and brought it crashing down upon the ringleader''s skull. Again and again, he struck with desperate ferocity, until all that remained was a grisly testament to the terror that lay dormant within.

    ".

    As the weight of Lockey''s words settled upon the room, a chill seemed to creep in through the walls, an uneasy quiet descending upon the space.

    "In the wake of the grisly incident, I found himself incarcerated in a juvenile detention center. For three agonizing days, I languished in the bleak confines of the facility, a shadow of his former self. Yet even as his parents paid for his release, Lockey found himself longing for the suffocating darkness of the cell¡ªan odd solace compared to the cruel reality that awaited him at home.

    "

    "Desperately seeking an escape from the unrelenting boredom of my existence, I scrawled my thoughts and emotions upon the walls, but to no avail. The void within Me remained unfilled, the elusive happiness forever beyond his reach."

    As Lockey''s words painted a vivid picture of his despair, he clenched his fists, the memories of his isolation and anguish resurfacing with a vengeance. His eyes narrowed, the depths of his torment laid bare for all to see.

    "My younger brother Luck basked in the glow of my parents'' favour, an object of adoration and admiration. The stark contrast between the brothers was undeniable¡ªone treated as an outcast, the other as a veritable prince, if not a god. In a household where I felt increasingly isolated, struggled to find my place."

    He chuckles softly as he continued

    "Each day, the sight of his brother''s smile sickened me, a bitter reminder of the chasm that separated us. Yet, curiously, I harboured no resentment toward him. Despite Luck''s idyllic life nestled in the warm embrace of our parents, while I suffered in cold isolation, I couldn''t bring myself to begrudge his brother''s happiness."

    With a deep sigh, Lockey proceeded to delve further into his story, his voice carrying the weight of his experiences as he continued his heartfelt account.

    The doorbell''s chime echoed through the room. His parents opened the door, welcoming an unfamiliar figure, dressed in a maid''s attire.

    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    "Good day, Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood," the woman greeted them with a polite smile. "I''m the new maid you hired to take care of the children."

    As Lockey watched his parents exchange pleasantries with the maid, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of unease creeping in. The secrets he harboured were growing heavier by the day, and now he had one more person to hide them from.

    Lockey''s gaze caught the woman''s attention as she peered through the doorway. Their eyes met, and she offered him a warm, reassuring smile. Embarrassed and unsure how to respond, Lockey felt a slight blush rise to his cheeks before hastily retreating from her view.

    "Don''t pay much attention to him," his father, Lloyd, remarked dismissively to the new maid. "He''s a disappointment and a disgrace, not worthy of being part of this family." The disdain in his voice was evident, and his disappointment in Lockey was palpable.

    Lloyd led the maid toward Luck''s room, the favoured child whose needs she was expected to prioritize. "You are to attend to his every need, and nothing must befall him," he instructed her firmly. The maid nodded obediently as Mr. Lloyd exited the room, leaving her to carry out her duties.

    As Lockey''s parents departed for their four-week holiday, they left Luck in the care of the maid, once again disregarding Lockey''s existence. The maid, determined to bridge the divide, clapped her hands twice to gain the boys'' attention. "What would you both like to do for the whole four weeks until your parents return?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine interest.

    "Just leave me alone," Lockey snapped, his voice tinged with bitterness. "I''d rather they never come back." He stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Luck, equally uninterested, followed suit, declaring, "This is boring."

    Left alone, the maid grappled with how to handle the tense situation. Making her way to Lockey''s room, she noticed the walls were covered in a chaotic blend of numbered counts and disturbingly violent drawings. Her heart ached for the boy who felt so isolated and misunderstood.

    Gathering her thoughts, she stepped closer to Lockey''s artwork, examining the intricate details. With a gentle knock on the door, she called out, "Lockey, may I come in? I''d love to hear the stories behind these drawings. Your talent is truly remarkable."

    Her genuine admiration for his artistry caught Lockey off guard. For a moment, he hesitated, unaccustomed to such kindness. As he warily opened the door, their eyes met, and he saw a glimmer of understanding in her gaze.

    "I''m here for you, Lockey," she said softly, her words laced with sincerity. "Your feelings matter, and I want to help you navigate this difficult time. Together, we can find a way to make the most of these four weeks."

    The maid''s heartfelt words resonated within Lockey, offering a small spark of hope in the darkness that had consumed his young life.

    In her presence, Lockey felt the first stirrings of a bond he''d never known before, an affection both gentle and unwavering. It was a foreign feeling, and yet, with each passing day, he found himself craving the solace he found in her presence. When at last he mustered the courage to asked "Uhm ¡­ miss, what ¡­ your... name"

    A soft smile graced her lips as she replied in a tender voice, "Yuki Emilia. But you can call me Emilia."

    Our connection deepened with each passing day, Lockey''s once solitary world blossoming under Emilia''s nurturing care. But fate, it seemed, had other plans.

    Upon their return from holiday, Lockey''s parents were greeted with tales of the past four weeks from Luck. The air grew tense as they learned of the time Emilia had spent with Lockey. With furrowed brows and clenched jaws, Lockey''s father, Mr. Lloyd, summoned Emilia to face their scrutiny.

    "What was your number one order?" Mr. Lloyd bellowed, his voice trembling with restrained fury.

    Emilia replied, her voice steady despite the weight of their disapproval, "To take care of Luck''s every need."

    "Then why," Mr. Lloyd roared, "did you abandon Luck for that wretched child?"

    "You are no better," Emilia retorted, her voice rising in righteous indignation. "All you do is favour one child while ignoring the other''s desperate need for love. You have created a rift in this family, fostering an environment of jealousy and neglect. Lockey is a gem that you''ve tossed aside, blinded by your misguided favouritism."

    Her voice trembled with emotion as she continued, "How can you call yourselves parents when you so callously turn a blind eye to the pain you''ve inflicted? You''re the worst kind of parents I''ve ever encountered¡ªunworthy of the precious lives entrusted to your care."

    Drawing a deep breath, Emilia drove her point home. "Lockey deserves so much more than the scraps of attention you throw his way. Your actions are shaping his world, and right now, it''s a world of hurt and loneliness. How can you live with yourselves, knowing the damage you''ve caused?" As she takes her leave leaving a message in a letter to Lockey

    Reading the letter Bereft and alone once more, Lockey retreated into the cold comfort of his scribbled words, the memory of Emilia''s warmth a bittersweet echo in the darkness.

 Chapter 2: Shadows Of Deception

    Lockey''s eyes glazed over, his mind drifting back through the fog of time. Images flickered, a disjointed montage of his childhood, as he continues to share more glimpse into his past.

    One fateful evening, a sober air settled over the house as Lockey''s father, Llyod, brought home a mysterious guest.

    The doorbell rang, and Lloyd moved to open the door. "Hello there, Mr. Lloyd," the woman greeted, her white coat hinting at a medical profession "Hello Mrs Katherina", Llyod Greeted back.

    From the hushed whispers and furtive glances exchanged between his parents and the stranger, Lockey knew something was amiss. An unsettling feeling churned in the pit of his stomach, his fury mounting with each muffled word.

    Overhearing the conversation between his parents and the doctor made Lockey furious.

    "An we have a deal", Llyod said with a justification on his face.

    Luck walks in and asks, "What''s happening here, Mom? Dad, who is this woman?" His mom replies with a smile, "Oh, it''s nothing. The doctor is here to examine you, that''s all."

    Disgust twisted Lockey''s features as he turned his back on them, retreating to his room. "I always knew they were never good parents," he seethed, his eyes burning with a fiery rage. "How could they do such a thing?"

    His anger reached a fever pitch, his vision tinged with red as he struggled to control the storm brewing inside him.

    That night, a darkness settled within Lockey''s heart, and he resolved to put an end to it all, the suffering and lies. As he steeled himself, a key materialized in his hand, transforming into a blade¡ª a close inspection, it reminder him of the kid life he''d taken.

    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    The door creaked open, Lockey moving closer as thunder sounded. His eyes looking like one who thirst to see his enemies falling at his feet has he moved closer.

    Lockey''s mother stirred, her eyes widening in terror as the cold metal pressed against her throat. With a single, swift motion, he silenced her forever.

    Lloyd''s eyes darted to the gruesome scene¡ªhis wife''s lifeless body and Lockey, standing above her, hands stained with blood.

    "What have you done, you wretched child?" Lloyd cried, his voice trembling with fear as beads of sweat dripped down his face.

    Lockey stepped closer, his icy gaze fixed on his father. "Don''t come near me," Lloyd begged, his voice shaking with terror. "Stay away from me, you son of the devil!"

    Lockey remained unmoved by his father''s pleas for mercy. "I''m used to it," he whispered coldly, his words laced with venom as he leaned closer to Lloyd''s ear. "Those words are what I hear every day. Maybe I won''t hear them anymore if I silence you, too."

    The chilling sound of the knife slicing through the air punctuated Lockey''s words In the doorway, Lockey''s brother bore witness to the carnage, horror etched upon his face. "Why?" he choked out through sobs, his gaze locked on Lockey''s dispassionate figure. But Lockey offered no response, the weight of his actions settling like a heavy cloak upon his shoulders.

    Lockey covered in the blood of his parent looked to the doorway to see his younger brother standing.

    Lockey''s brother bore witness to the carnage, horror etched upon his face. "Why?" he choked out through sobs, his gaze locked on Lockey''s dispassionate figure. But Lockey offered no response, the weight of his actions settling like a heavy cloak upon his shoulders.

    "Hands in the air!" one of them shouted, his voice trembling at the sight of the scene wondering if a kid could actually do this.

 Chapter 3: The Strangers hand

    The cold, metal bars slid open, and Lockey stepped out of his cell, the confines of juvenile detention releasing him back into the world. Five years had passed since the night that changed everything, and now, at seventeen, Lockey found himself adrift in a sea of uncertainty.

    He stood tall at 5''7, his green hair now a deeper shade of emerald, his demeanour burdened by a haunting melancholia. The past weighed heavily upon him, his life devoid of joy and contentment. The faces of his parents haunted his dreams, their voices echoing in the silent corridors of his memories.

    As Lockey attempted to readjust to life outside the cold walls of the detention centre, despite the gravity of his actions, Lockey remained unrepentant. He bore the consequences of his choices with a steely resolve, the memory of his parents'' blood on his hands serving as a haunting yet affirming reminder of the path he had chosen. Days turned into months, and months into years, as Lockey forged a new life for himself. Yet, he remained a prisoner of his past, the scars of his actions etched deep into his soul. Now, ten years after that fateful night, Lockey stood alone, his green eyes gazing solemnly into the distance, the shadows of his past forever lurking in the corners of his mind.

    "You''re free to go," the guard announced, the cell door swinging open. Lockey stepped out into the world, "It has been 5 year and this is how the world looks" an uncertain future looming before him. With nowhere to go and no one to turn to, he found himself wandering the streets, struggling to survive.

    "I wish I was still in that damn prison," Lockey thought bitterly, his teeth chattering from the biting cold. "At least I had a roof over my head, food in my belly, and a semblance of peace while at the juvenile prison" as he wished he could go back.

    Months passed, and Lockey''s hope dwindled. With each frigid night spent huddled in doorways and each empty day spent looking for scraps, his resolve weakened. The cold seeped into his bones, numbing his limbs and his spirit.

    As he lay shivering beneath a tattered blanket, Lockey''s despair grew. "Maybe it would be better to just give up," he mused, the thought of death offering a twisted comfort. "Maybe then, I''ll finally find the peace that eludes me."

    Amidst the haze, a figure began to take shape¡ªa stranger with an outstretched hand and a compassionate gaze. With a sharp intake of breath, Lockey wiped his eyes and focused on the man before him, perhaps in his early fifties, who offered him a lifeline "Come with me," the man said, his voice gentle yet firm, with no choice, I took his helping hand and followed him.

    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    I blinked my eyes open, finding myself in a cosy bed. Confused, I felt the soft mattress and pinched my arm, just to be sure I wasn''t dreaming or, you know, dead.

    "Hahaha, you''re a funny one!" came a voice from my left. I turned to see an old geezer, probably in his fifties, laughing away like he''d just heard the world''s best joke.

    "You saved me... but why?" I asked, genuinely confused.

    "Couldn''t let a kid like you die on my watch," he said, chuckling again. "I don''t have much space, but the house is yours when I kick the bucket. And trust me, with my cancer, that won''t be long!"

    "So, you saved me to be your heir?"  I asked, my confusion growing by the second. This guy definitely needed a check-up from the neck up.

    He offered me food, shelter, and his only bedroom. "You sleep on the bed, I''ll take the couch," he insisted, laughing again. "It''s your house now, kiddo!"

    I didn''t argue. "Hey, Laughing Face,"  I started, "what would you do if a fairy granted you extra years?"

    He gave me a confused look. "Hahaha, there''s no such thing as fairies!"

    Awkward silence.

    "Never mind," I said, wondering if the cancer had affected his brain, too.

    Some day''s later, the old geezer condition worsened

    Like he''d predicted, the old guy''s time was almost up. He lay on the bed as I stood beside him in case he needed anything.

    "Hey, I never asked your name," he said, his voice shaky. "Can''t die without knowing my heir''s name, right?"

    "Lockey," I replied, "and no last name. I ditched it a while back. But what''s the name of the man giving me his house and stuff?"

    "Albert," he replied, straining to speak.

    After a moment of silence, he whispered, "I know you''re that kid from the news five years ago. The one who..." He trailed off, coughing. "I don''t need to know everything, but remember this: be a good person, keep a calm mind, and a pure heart. Even if others aren''t so nice."

    I stayed quiet, unsure what to say. "Cough... cough... Farewell, kiddo!" Albert laughed one last time before, well, you know... kicking the bucket.

    I gave him a proper burial, and in the short time I stayed with him, I already started missing his psychopathic laughter.

 Chapter 4: Whispers of Fate and Shadows of Discovery

    As Lockey walked through the bustling city streets, the memories of his past began to fade into the background. The cold wind that had once chilled him to the bone now felt like a gentle reminder of the present, nudging him forward on his journey. He no longer dwelled on the past, but instead focused on the here and now¡ªon the possibilities that lay before him.

    As Lockey strolled through the vibrant city streets, a striking poster seized his attention, causing him to come to an abrupt halt. The poster promoted a renowned educational institution, Fair Tail Guild, that opened its doors to students from all walks of life¡ªwith one proviso. Only the top five scorers in the entrance exam would earn admittance, granting them a full scholarship and access to the school''s exceptional resources.

    Lockey couldn''t help but smirk at the name. "Fair Tail Guild... sounds more like an elementary school than a high school," he muttered under his breath, amusement tingeing his words.

    His interest piqued, and he continued reading. As his gaze landed on a note at the bottom of the poster, his eyes widened in surprise. "Everyone is accepted, even those who possess unique powers." A surge of excitement coursed through him. "Now that''s interesting," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with newfound enthusiasm.

    Lockey''s eyes locked onto the peculiar key he had summoned, a mix of curiosity and apprehension washing over him. "I''ve always wondered if I was the only one with these strange powers," he mused, his voice barely above a whisper. The thought of others like him existing in the world brought a sense of comfort and belonging, but also a renewed sense of caution.

    As he pondered the possibilities, Lockey couldn''t help but feel a twinge of suspicion towards the Fair Tail Guild. A school that not only accepted but also embraced those with unique abilities seemed almost too good to be true. What if there was a hidden agenda at play? And what of the others with powers¡ªcould the humans in that school trust them?

    Amidst his concerns, Lockey found himself reminiscing about his days in elementary school. He couldn''t help but wonder if any of the kids he had once known, the ones who had also possessed unusual abilities, would be at Fair Tail Guild.

    With a wary yet determined resolve, Lockey held the mysterious key tightly in his hand. No matter the uncertainties that lay ahead, he was resolved to uncover the secrets behind his powers and carve a path towards understanding¡ªeven if it meant facing the enigmatic Fair Tail Guild and its powerful students head-on.

    As the sun rose, casting a golden hue over the city, Lockey felt the weight of the day settle upon his shoulders. The burden of his past mingled with the possibilities of the future, and he knew that the choices he made today would forever alter the course of his life.

    Today marked the day of his high school entrance event¡ªa pivotal moment in his life, fraught with anticipation and uncertainty.

    As Lockey traversed the bustling city streets, he navigated a sea of faces, each one lost in their own thoughts and struggles. To the world, he was just another anonymous youth, his extraordinary power hidden from prying eyes. His hands burrowed deep into his pockets, the soft fabric brushing against the secret scars of his past, and his eyes remained transfixed on the weathered concrete beneath his feet.

    Lockey prepares for the school event at one of the most popular schools in Atherium as he leaves the house. The bus arrives, and Lockey boards and takes a seat by the window. Gazing outside, he observes the world around him: children playing happily at the park, couples embracing each other lovingly. The sight stirs a sense of bitterness within him. The bus eventually reaches the school, where Lockey is scheduled to take the entrance exam.

    As Lockey approaches the examination hall, he''s taken aback by the sheer number of people gathered for the entrance exam. He estimates roughly 200 potential students, which speaks to the school''s popularity.

    The hall falls silent as the school''s headmaster, Golder, takes the podium to deliver a speech. Golder announces that "Welcome young ones'' as you have all read, scholarships will be awarded to the top five who get''s the highest in the examination" with a smile on his face, causing a stir among both students and parents alike. "I am very surprised to see this many students". Lockey can sense the tension and anticipation in the room, as securing one of the coveted scholarships would be a significant accomplishment considering the number of students present.

    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    As the presenter discussed the entrance exam, a hand shot up in the crowd. "What happens if you''re not part of the top 5?" the attendee inquired, voicing a question that had been on many minds.

    The presenter nodded, acknowledging the concern. "Well, it''s ultimately your decision if you still wish to study at our esteemed institution or pursue other options."

    As the attendees processed the response, a murmur rippled through the crowd. The prospect of having to make such a crucial choice added an extra layer of pressure to the already high-stakes exam.

    "If you do choose to study here without a scholarship," the presenter continued, "all fees would be paid by you or your parents."

    With this information, the attendees exchanged concerned glances. For many, the dream of attending the prestigious Fair Tail Guild seemed to hang in the balance, making the entrance exam more daunting than ever.

    As Golder concluded his address and stepped away from the podium, the weight of the opportunity at hand settled upon the crowd, creating an atmosphere thick with anticipation and pressure. Attendees exchanged nervous glances, and hushed whispers filled the air as they contemplated their prospects.

    "So, our fate rests on this exam," one anxious attendee murmured to another. "That''s a lot of pressure."

    For Lockey, the days leading up to the exam held a different sort of significance. Confident in his abilities and his remarkably high IQ, he chose not to study. He was certain that his intellect would secure him a spot in the top five¡ªor so he hoped.

    "Well, I believe in my abilities, I think I can make it without putting in any extra effort."

    "After all, my main purpose is not the school but rather those with abilities like mine."

    Instead, Lockey found himself captivated by a mysterious, aged secret passage " he''d discovered hidden deep within the recesses of his home. "I wonder if Old Man Albert knew about this strange book." this well-kept secret. As he carefully turned the delicate pages, Lockey felt a strange connection to the cryptic passages, which only fueled his curiosity further.

    "This book seems to hold secrets that could change everything," Lockey mused, tracing his fingers over the faded script. "I wonder if Albert knew about its existence all along."

    As the day drew to a close, The city streets, now bathed in the golden glow of twilight, seemed to mirror the mixture of anticipation and uncertainty that filled his mind.

    Upon arriving at his doorstep, Lockey noticed a faint light seeping through a small crack in the floorboards of his room. Curiosity piqued, and he carefully lifted the loose boards, revealing a hidden passage beneath.

    Lockey descended into the secret chamber, feeling as though he were on the cusp of a life-altering discovery. As his eyes adjusted to the dim light, Inside the tome, there were lot of books, but one seemed to interest Lockey as it was older than the other books in the tome.

    Living the tome and securely closing it with the book in his hand, He couldn''t shake the feeling that Old Man Albert might have known about this well-kept secret.

    The book appeared to be at least 50 years old, its contents filled with intricate drawings of keys and padlocks¡ªimages reminiscent of the ones that appeared in Lockey''s hands whenever he willed them to. He summoned his key, examining it closely. As he assumed a fighting stance, the key transformed into the same dagger he had used on the people he called his parent.

    "Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I''d be holding this very same dagger again," he mused, a blend of awe and a strange sense of justice colouring his words. Years had passed since he had last held the blade¡ªthe same one that had brought a fateful end to those who had once wronged him.

    As if to test the passage of time, he drew the blade across a nearby glass, its sharp edge slicing cleanly through the fragile material with ease. The shattered pieces fell to the ground, a stark reminder of the dagger''s deadly potency.

    "Incredible," he whispered, his eyes fixated on the weapon in his grasp. "Its edge remains as sharp as ever." The past may have shaped him, but it no longer held sway over his life. Now, with the dagger in hand, he felt a renewed sense of strength¡ªa power that lay not within the weapon but within himself.

    As he delved deeper into the book, Lockey found that he could somehow comprehend the strange writings within, even though the symbols were completely foreign to him.

    As Lockey dove further into the cryptic pages, he discovered that he could somehow decipher the peculiar script, despite its unfamiliarity. The symbols, though foreign, seemed to speak to him in a language he instinctively understood.

    Upon reaching the final page, Lockey''s gaze fell upon a card that fit perfectly within its confines. Intrigued, he drew it out, examining it more closely. "Why does this look so much like a bank card?" he wondered aloud, perplexed by the object''s familiarity.

    However, this was no ordinary card. It bore symbols, each imbued with a deeper meaning: a plus sign, a heart, and other enigmatic markings. As Lockey studied them, he couldn''t shake the feeling that these symbols represented something profound¡ªperhaps life and vitality, or the forces that sustained them. The card was not just a mystery; it was a puzzle begging to be solved.

    Exhausted from his efforts, he hid the book in a secure place. Night gave way to morning, and Lockey prepared himself for the journey to the school that sounds more like an elementary school than High school.

 Chapter 5: Shadows of the Unknown

    Lockey''s mind was filled with questions about the mysterious card he had discovered, its symbols weighing heavily on his thoughts. The previous night''s revelations left him with an unsettling sensation that clung to him as he prepared for the journey to school.

    Standing at the bus stop, Lockey couldn''t help but feel a sense of isolation amidst the happy faces that surrounded him. Their cheerful expressions seemed to mock his own despair, and he longed to escape the relentless cheerfulness. As the bus arrived, he quickly boarded, grateful for the refuge it provided. Settling into a seat, he pulled his jacket collar up, attempting to block out the view and focus on the enigma that lay within his grasp.

    Upon arriving at the school, Lockey made his way through the entrance, A tall, slender man with a white mustache  greeted the students, instructing them to find their names and class numbers on the screen. As a large green screen lit up, Lockey scanned the information, his gaze landing on his own details:

    GREEN SCREEN:

    First Name: Lockey          Second Name: Unknown          Age: 15          Height: 5''7"          Class: 1A

    With a deep breath, Lockey steeled himself for the day ahead, his mysterious past and newfound powers hanging heavily over him. "Hopefully I get what I cam here for" he muttered under his breath, stepping further into the unfamiliar world of the Fairy Tail Guild High School.

    With a deep breath, Lockey steeled himself for the day ahead, his mysterious past and newfound powers hanging heavily over him. "Hopefully, I get what I came here for," he muttered under his breath, his resolve unwavering as he stepped further into the unfamiliar world of the Fairy Tail Guild High School.

    As the clock struck the hour, the exam frenzy began, and students filed into their respective classrooms. Lockey settled into his seat, watching as the exam papers were distributed. The invigilator announced the start of the test, and the room filled with the sound of shuffling papers and nervous whispers.

    Lockey glanced at the questions, eyebrows raised in surprise. "Seriously?" he mumbled under his breath. This exam was as easy as stealing candy from a baby, or in his case, unlocking doors with keys.

    The invigilator announced that they had three hours to complete the test. Lockey raised his hand, drawing the teacher''s attention. "Yes? How can I help you?"  the invigilator asked, peering at Lockey over their spectacles.

    "I''m done," Lockey declared.

    The invigilator looked at him in disbelief. "I''m sorry, I didn''t quite catch that," they said, adjusting their glasses.

    Too cool for repetition, Lockey stood up and marched to the front of the class, slapping his completed paper onto the teacher''s desk. The entire class erupted in a cacophony of whispers, and Lockey could sense their disbelief as he leaves the class, smirking. Who needs three hours when you could do the thinking yourself, right?

    After acing the exam with a speed that would make Usain Bolt envious, Lockey bolted straight for home, not bothering to stick around for the aftermath. Just as he was about to disappear into the distance, a voice called out to him, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps. "You''re amazing!" the person panted, skidding to a halt beside Lockey. "Finishing the exam so quickly? That''s incredible!"

    Lockey, never one for small talk, left without a word, leaving the guy with a bewildered look on his face. Even his smile was kind of weird, Lockey thought as he continued on his way.

    Just as he was settling into the sweet solitude of his walk home, Lockey''s phone buzzed with a notification. He glanced at the message, his curiosity piqued. "Come check your results tomorrow," it read. Lockey couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow¡ªthat was quick. Never in his wildest dreams did he expect to get his results so soon after writing the exam.

    "A fresh start,"  I thought as I poured a cup of tea and settled into my favourite armchair. "Let''s see what this day brings." I aimlessly flipped through the TV channels but couldn''t find anything that piqued my interest. The nagging feeling that I was forgetting something lingered, yet I couldn''t put my finger on it. Suddenly, it dawned on me¡ªthe results! How could I have forgotten something so important?

    I glanced at the clock¡ª10:30 AM. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks as I stared at my phone, displaying the arrival time of 9:30.

    I hurriedly dressed and rushed out the door to catch up with my bus.

    As I entered the hall, I could feel the weight of everyone''s gaze upon me. Their whispers filled the air, "He''s the one." Curiosity turned to understanding as I spotted a large screen¡ªundoubtedly the place where our results would be displayed, but why were they out in the open for all to see?

    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    I scanned the board, searching for my name among the list. Starting at the top, I finally found it, occupying the highest spot. "I guess that explains the stares," I thought to myself, understanding now why everyone''s attention was fixed on me.

    Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and fellow students¡ªI stand before you to announce the top five exceptional students who have demonstrated remarkable dedication, resilience, and academic excellence throughout the year. Their scores not only serve as a testament to their individual achievements but also inspire us all to strive for greatness in our own endeavors.

    Without further ado, let us reveal the names and scores of our distinguished scholars:

    Lockey  ¨C 100%,          Rina Rouge¨C 97.5%          Adam Viscount¨C 96.8%          Isabella Garcia ¨C 96.2%          Ethan Brown ¨C 95.7%

    A resounding round of applause for their outstanding performances!

    "In recognition of their incredible accomplishments, I am thrilled to announce that each of these exceptional students will be awarded full academic scholarships to pursue their dreams at the prestigious universities of their choice. We have no doubt that their passion for learning and unwavering commitment to excellence will continue to propel them forward on the path to success." Mr Golder announced with excitement.

    "As we celebrate their achievements, I would like to invite our top five scholars to attend a special meeting , where they will have the opportunity to connect with esteemed alumni, mentors, and industry leaders who will share valuable insights and advice for their future endeavours."

    "Before we conclude today''s event, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and congratulate the entire attendee class who failed the exam. Your tireless efforts, perseverance, and growth throughout your time here have laid the foundation for a brighter future. As we mark the end of your time at our esteemed institution, may you embark on your next journey with the knowledge that you will always be a part of our family."

    "As we close this chapter, let us remember the friendships we have forged, the lessons we have learned, and the memories we have created together. To our exceptional top five scholars and the entire graduating class¡ªwe wish you all the best as you venture into the world, making your mark as future leaders and innovators." As he ended his speech

    Thank you all for being a part of this momentous occasion, and congratulations once again to our outstanding top five achievers. Here''s to a bright and promising future for us all

    As instructed by the headmaster, the selected students gathered in a room. Lockey found himself lost in thought, mulling over the strange events that had brought him to this point. A familiar voice broke through the quiet murmur of the crowd.

    "Hey, you remember me?" the voice inquired, stirring recognition in Lockey''s mind. He turned to face the speaker, a hint of disappointment surfacing as he recognized the kid from the day before. Choosing not to engage, Lockey remained silent.

    "I''m Adam," the boy continued, undeterred by Lockey''s lack of response. "You must be Lockey, right?"  He paused, anticipating an answer, but Lockey refused to give him the satisfaction.

    The room buzzed with hushed whispers, the tension growing as some students began to question the results of the exam. "Is it even  impossible to get a perfect score,"  one muttered. "He must have cheated." Adam studied Lockey''s face, concern etched in his features. "Don''t let them get to you," he offered, attempting to diffuse the mounting tension. "They''re just upset that you took the top spot."

    Lockey could feel Adam''s gaze boring into him, hoping for any sign of acknowledgment. "I guess you''re not the type to open up to strangers," Adam said with a resigned sigh, an enigmatic smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "But I won''t give up that easily."

    The top five scholars, including Lockey and Adam, were given a tour of the school, exploring the vast halls lined with ancient tomes and wise tutors. Adam continued to trail Lockey, desperate for a conversation. "Aren''t you excited for  school to start?"  he inquired, only to be met with Lockey''s resolute silence. "Guess you''re still not in a talkative mood, but I won''t give up just yet,"  Adam said with a smile, his persistence unshaken.

    As they wandered the corridors, Lockey couldn''t shake the unsettling sensation of someone glaring at him with malevolent intent. "Hey, you!"  a furious voice called out, causing Adam to flinch, mistakenly assuming he was the target. "Not you, idiot!"  the enraged student barked. "I''m talking to Mr. Perfect over there."

    Lockey turned to face the confrontational student, whose eyes burned with anger and disgust. "How the hell did you manage a perfect score on that exam?"  he hissed, a menacing grin spreading across his face. "Tell me the truth¡ªdid you cheat?"

    Unfazed by the accusation, Lockey chose not to dignify it with a response. He merely turned his back on the agitated student, prompting an even more furious reaction. "Did you just turn your back on me?"  he seethed, his anger mounting with each passing moment of Lockey''s silence.

    Adam, noticing the volatile situation, cautiously intervened. "He can''t actually speak," he explained, a shiver running down his spine. The belligerent student, his eyes narrowing, replied, "I see. Well, if he can''t speak, then he can at least show respect." He glared at Lockey, expecting submission. "Why don''t you bow in apology for disrespectfully leaving my side before I was finished talking?"

    Sighing with annoyance, Lockey finally broke his silence. "This is pointless," he stated flatly.

    A stunned silence filled the room. The angry student, taken aback by Lockey''s sudden willingness to speak, narrowed his eyes. "So, he can talk," he muttered.

    Adam, attempting to mitigate the rising tension, found himself caught in the crossfire as the enraged student refocused his anger. "I guess I''ll just have to deal with you both, since you''re clearly best friends,"  he growled.

    Word of the confrontation spread rapidly among the other new students, drawing a crowd of curious onlookers. Whispers filled the air, some acknowledging the reputation of "the great Ethan," while others noted that two of the top five scholars were involved.

    Gazing coolly at the fuming Ethan, Lockey''s frustration mounted as he considered the possibility of missing his favourite television show. With a sense of urgency, he approached the tall, slender student.

    Lockey swiftly stepped forward, grabbing Ethan''s wrist and twisting it behind his back. He leaned in close, his voice low and dangerous. "If you value your reputation, I suggest you back down," Lockey hissed, exerting just enough pressure on Ethan''s wrist to make his point clear. "I''d hate for rumours to spread about how the great Ethan was bested by a silent newcomer."

    Ethan, his eyes wide with surprise, attempted to wrench his arm free. However, Lockey''s grip remained firm, a clear demonstration of his resolve. After a tense moment,

    Ethan relented, his anger dissipating into a scowl. "Fine," he spat, stepping back and massaging his sore wrist. "But don''t think this is over."

    As the crowd began to disperse, Adam stared at Lockey in awe. "I knew you had it in you!"  he exclaimed, a mixture of admiration and relief flooding his voice. Lockey simply nodded, his thoughts already turning to the enigmatic events that had led him to this moment

 Chapter 6: Fateful Encounters and Hidden Identities

    The first day of school arrived, and the air buzzed with excitement as students swarmed the halls of Fairy Tail Guild High School. Lockey found himself caught up in the whirlwind of activity, navigating the sea of faces both familiar and new. He attended one class after another, each teacher providing an overview of their subjects and expectations for the year.

    As he made his way to the final class of the day, Lockey was surprised to spot a familiar face seated near the window¡ªit was Adam Viscount, his classmate from the special meeting. Adam noticed Lockey as well and gave him a friendly wave, motioning for him to take the empty seat beside him. With no other seat, Lockey sat beside Lockey.

    As the class dragged on, Adam leaned over to Lockey and whispered, "Don''t you find these classes utterly boring?" He didn''t expect a response, but to his surprise, Lockey replied, "Who knows?"

    Adam''s face lit up with excitement and happiness. "I knew I could break those shackles!" he exclaimed. Lockey, taken aback by his enthusiasm, asked, "What shackles are you talking about?"

    With a grin, Adam clarified, "The shackles that prevent you from speaking. I just knew there was more to you than meets the eye." A faint smile played on Lockey''s lips. "I always knew you were a weird one," he said, amused by Adam''s quirky demeanour.

    Just as Lockey began settling into his new routine, trouble stirred once again in the form of Ethan and his gang. Their menacing presence cast a dark shadow over the vibrant atmosphere as they stalked the school grounds, searching for Lockey. With each passing day, their taunts grew bolder, their threats more vicious.

    One afternoon, Ethan and his cronies surrounded Lockey in the courtyard, their menacing presence casting a dark shadow over the peaceful afternoon. Lockey took a deep breath, steeling himself for the confrontation he knew was coming. Just as the tension was about to reach its peak, Lockey''s eyes narrowed with determination, and he clenched his fists, ready to defend himself.

    However, before Lockey could make a move, a commanding voice cut through the tense atmosphere, drawing everyone''s attention.

    "That''s enough!"

    The crowd parted to reveal Rina Rouge, the school''s senior president of the first year, her striking red hair flowing behind her as she approached the scene. Ethan and his gang exchanged nervous glances, recognizing the authority in her voice.

    "Ethan, if you continue to harass other students, there will be severe consequences," Rina warned, her gaze steely and resolute. "Now, leave get out of here before I report you to the headmaster."

    With Rina''s authoritative presence, Ethan and his gang had no choice but to flee, their bravado deflating in the face of a formidable opponent. "Will get you soon Lockey, you can hide under authority." Ethan said before leaving the scene

    "Are you okay?"  Rina asked, turning her attention to Lockey. Her voice was laced with concern, though her expression remained fierce.

    As Ethan and his gang dispersed, Lockey couldn''t help but wonder why Rina had intervened in the first place. Confident in his ability to take on each of the bullies single-handedly, he questioned the need for assistance. He turned to Rina, his expression a mix of gratitude and bewilderment.

    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    "There was no need for your help," Lockey said, his tone tinged with a hint of pride. Rina''s eyes widened in surprise, clearly taken aback by his response.

    "Lockey, please don''t mind him," Adam chimed in, trying to diffuse the tension. "He''s just a bit headstrong sometimes. Thank you for stepping in, President Rina."

    Rina''s shock began to dissipate, replaced by a hint of amusement as she regarded Lockey with newfound interest. "I can see that, and you could call me Rina", she replied, her lips quirking into a small smile. "But you have to understand, it''s my duty as senior president to ensure everyone''s safety."

    "I can see" Lockey said has he left, Adam following

    "Your point is duly noted," Lockey acknowledged, his voice tinged with a mix of understanding and lingering pride. With a slight nod, he turned to leave, his thoughts consumed by the missed opportunity to confront the bullies on his own terms. Adam, sensing the tension in the air, followed closely behind, offering Lockey a supportive pat on the shoulder as they made their way out of the courtyard.

    Rina watched them go, her gaze contemplative, as she pondered the enigmatic to them who seemed so determined to handle things on his own. Despite the brief encounter, it was clear that Lockey''s presence at Fairy Tail Guild High School would bring with it an air of intrigue and a sense of change that would not soon be forgotten.

    As Lockey and Adam made their way through the bustling halls. Adam, being the more light-hearted of the two, tried his best to lift Lockey''s spirits by cracking jokes and sharing amusing anecdotes. Though Lockey appreciated his friend''s efforts, he couldn''t shake off the feeling that there was something more to the mysterious card and his newfound powers.

    "Is something weighing on your mind?" Adam inquired, a hint of concern etched on his face as he observed Lockey''s pensive expression. "You seem preoccupied with your thoughts. " Lockey, momentarily absorbed in his own musings, wondered if Adam had a story of his own that he might be willing to share. "What''s your story like, Adam?" Lockey asked, breaking the silence.

    Adam''s face fell, his eyes clouded with sadness, and Lockey feared that he might have crossed a line by asking such a personal question.

    "I apologize if I''ve touched on something too sensitive," Lockey said, genuinely remorseful.

    Without hesitation, Adam reassured him, "No, no, it''s alright. It''s just... a difficult subject for me. But it''s fine. I''ll share my story with you." He nodded, signalling his willingness to open up to Lockey.

    Adam took a deep breath, preparing himself to share a part of his past that he had kept hidden from most of his peers. "Well, my real name is Baek Viscount," he began, a hint of vulnerability in his voice. "But growing up, everyone would always laugh at my first name. They''d make fun of it and call me names like ''bacon'' or ''bake.'' I got tired of being the butt of everyone''s jokes, so I decided to go by Adam instead."

    Lockey listened attentively, empathy washing over him as he considered Adam''s story. "So, you don''t like your name either?" Lockey asked, a frown creasing his forehead.

    "No, that''s not it," Adam clarified. "I actually love my name. It''s unique, and it reminds me of my family''s heritage. But I just couldn''t handle the constant teasing anymore."

    Lockey pondered Adam''s words, a sense of conviction settling within him. "You know, if I were in your shoes, I''d still stick to it," he said. "I mean, the name Baek Viscount has a nice ring to it¡ªit sounds regal and powerful. Much more so than Adam Viscount, no offense."

    Adam looked at Lockey, a mixture of surprise and gratitude in his eyes. "None taken. And thanks, Lockey. I appreciate you saying that. Maybe one day, I''ll feel comfortable enough to go back to using my real name."

    With that, the conversation gradually shifted to lighter topics, but a newfound sense of understanding and camaraderie had been forged between the two.

    "By the way, why did you ask about my story in the first place?"

    "Uh, whether you''re as much of a bacon enthusiast as I am," Lockey joked, trying to lighten the mood. "Can''t blame me for wanting to bond over our shared love of the world''s most perfect food, right?"

    "I should''ve known. You''re something else, Lockey."

 Chapter 7: The Crimson Intruders: A Battle of Wits and Might

    Lockey''s morning routine had become a familiar dance, with each movement a carefully orchestrated step designed to maintain the illusion of normalcy. As he donned his school uniform, he couldn''t help but feel the weight of unanswered questions pressing down upon him. The mysteries surrounding the key and its connection to those who possess similar power taunt him with their silence.

    Stepping out into the crisp morning air, Lockey made his way towards the school grounds, the first traces of sunlight painting the sky with hues of pink and orange. Lost in thought, he nearly collided with a fellow student before realising it was Adam¡ªor rather, Baek.

    "Hey, Adam," Lockey greeted, his voice cool and composed.

    Baek turned to face him, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Actually, it''s Baek now," he corrected with a smile. "I figured it was time to embrace my real name."

    Lockey nodded in acknowledgment, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Suits you," he said simply.

    As they continued walking, they were joined by a third student, whose presence was as subdued as the morning mist. Lockey couldn''t help but notice the easy camaraderie between Baek and the newcomer.

    "Lockey," Baek said, "this is Marco, my childhood "

    "What a reunion!" Lockey commented, his voice tinged with a hint of irony.

    Marco offered a reserved smile, his demeanour quiet yet attentive. "Nice to meet you, Lockey," he said, extending a hand in greeting.

    As they made their way to the cafeteria, the atmosphere was filled with an unspoken understanding.

    As the trio settled into their seats, the air in the cafeteria seemed to grow heavy with anticipation. A hush fell over the room as Rina Rouge and Isabella Garcia, the senior president and vice senior president, made their grand entrance. Their presence commanded attention, and the students'' gazes followed them with a mixture of awe and curiosity.

    Whispers spread like wildfire among the tables, echoing the same question: "What are the senior president and vice doing here?"

    To everyone''s surprise, Rina''s gaze landed on Lockey''s group, and a warm smile graced her lips. She waved at them, causing an uproar of hushed murmurs and raised eyebrows. The unusual gesture left many wondering about the connection between the esteemed leaders and the enigmatic newcomers.

    Rina and Isabella took their seats, an air of authority surrounding them even as they engaged in casual conversation. As they chatted, Baek leaned in, eager to share what he knew about the senior leadership.

    "You know, Rina and Isabella are part of the five scholar students in school, including me" Baek explained, his voice tinged with admiration. "The senior president and vice senior president were chosen based on their intelligence, leadership skills, and dedication to the school''s values."

    A wave of shock washed over Marco and Adam as Isabella added, "What''s even more surprising is that Lockey was initially selected to be the senior president, with Rina as vice. But he rejected the offer."

    Marco and Adam exchanged glances, their expressions mirroring the disbelief that rippled through the cafeteria. The revelation cast a new light on Lockey, who remained quiet throughout the exchange.

    As the lunch hour came to a close, the students began to make their way back to their respective classrooms. The buzz of conversation echoed through the halls, with many discussing the surprising revelation of the budding friendships between Lockey''s group and the senior president and vice senior president.

    Lockey and Baek found themselves seated in their next class, while Marco joined Rina and Isabella in theirs. The atmosphere was abuzz with anticipation, as if the school itself could sense that something monumental was about to unfold.

    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    Amidst the drone of the teacher''s lecture, "Strange, I can feel a strange presence outside," Lockey''s senses prickled with an inexplicable awareness. A strange presence seemed to lurk just beyond the school''s walls, setting his nerves on edge. A feeling of impending danger settled in the pit of his stomach, and he found it difficult to focus on anything else.

    Outside, a mysterious figure dressed in a crimson hood, emblazoned with a blood-red symbol on the back, lifted a key into the air. "I shall begin." With a deliberate movement, they assumed a posture akin to opening a door, and a palpable wave of energy rippled through the air.

    A dark, impenetrable barrier enveloped the school, trapping everyone inside and preventing any outsiders from breaching its boundaries. Panic spread like wildfire among the students as they realized they were confined within the shadowy enclosure.

    The sense of dread escalated as three more figures in red hoods shattered the glass of the school''s entrance, their voices ringing out with urgency. "Find him at all costs," one of them commanded, their tone leaving no room for failure.

    The school''s alarm system blared to life, a disembodied voice instructing everyone to gather in the school hall for safety. Intruders had breached the school''s defences, and the students'' lives were in danger.

    Lockey, having anticipated such a perilous situation, quickly deduced that these intruders possessed powers similar to his own. His instincts screamed at him to act, and he knew he couldn''t afford to hesitate.

    Meanwhile, Baek frantically scanned the room for his friend, only to find that Lockey had vanished. His heart raced as he feared for Lockey''s safety, unaware of the unfolding events beyond the classroom walls.

    Rina and Isabella, with the safety of the students as their top priority, ushered the remaining students towards the school hall. Their unwavering determination to protect the school was a testament to their leadership and strength.

    However, their efforts were soon hindered as one of the intruders made his way towards the pair. Rina, undeterred by the threat, turned to Isabella and commanded her to protect the remaining students while she confronted the assailant. Isabella nodded, summoning a red key, prepared to defend those under her care.

    The intruder, a rotund man with a tongue that extended to unnatural lengths, introduced himself with a menacing grin. "My name is Glutton," he announced, his voice dripping with malice. "And my mission is to take you down first."

    Rina steeled herself for the impending battle, her resolve unshakable in the face of danger. Unbeknownst to her, Lockey was also preparing to engage in his own confrontation.

    As two more intruders burst into Lockey''s classroom, they were met with an unexpected scene¡ªLockey, casually seated with his legs crossed, a sly grin playing on his lips. "I''m surprised you didn''t run," one of the intruders taunted, their tone laced with arrogance.

    Lockey chuckled, his amusement genuine. "Run? Do you know how thrilled I am to see you guys? I''ve been itching for some answers, and I guess I''ll get them once I''m done with you two."

    The intruders, taken aback by Lockey''s nonchalance, readied themselves for the battle to come.

    Glutton, the first intruder, launched his elongated tongue at Rina with astonishing speed, intending to restrain her. "Gross!" she exclaimed as she deftly dodged the grotesque attack. Rina''s key transformed into a weapon bearing a mix of black and red hues, and she initiated a powerful technique called laser slashes. The battleground suddenly resembled a high-security vault, crisscrossed by a web of lasers.

    Despite the onslaught, Glutton remained confident. "I let my guard down," he admitted, "but I don''t think my abilities can counter hers." Undeterred, he pressed on, forcing Rina to switch to a defensive stance as his tongue attacks grew in strength and speed. However, he managed to land a solid hit, catching her off guard.

    Just as Glutton prepared to deliver a finishing blow, Marco swooped in, saving Rina from the impending impact. "Are you okay?" he asked, concern etched on his face. Glutton, his plans thwarted, sneered, "So a small fry has joined the battle."

    Marco''s fury was palpable as he released his own key, which transformed into an unclassifiable weapon. With a fierce battle cry, he unleashed a devastating attack called Bazooka, and the resulting explosion obliterated everything in the room.

    As the smoke cleared, Marco and Rina were astonished to see Glutton still standing, seemingly unscathed by the destructive impact. "Was that really a Bazooka?" Glutton taunted with a cunning smile. "Playtime is over." Uttering the words "Level Up," Glutton''s form became slimmer, his tongue still extended but now demonstrating a marked difference in his fighting style.

    Glutton launched himself at Marco and Rina with newfound speed, forcing them to counter with their own techniques. Rina utilised her laser slashes, while Marco unleashed a barrage of bullets with his machine gun bullet technique. The room filled with smoke once again, but when it cleared, Glutton was nowhere to be found.

    Hiding in a corner, Glutton nursed his wounds, his voice tinged with frustration. "I didn''t know that weapon kid had a trick like that up his sleeve," he muttered as he fled to recover, his plans for dominance temporarily halted.

 Chapter 8: Hidden Objectives

    Lockey found himself facing off against the remaining two intruders. Their menacing auras filled the room as they prepared for a showdown.

    Lockey''s calm demeanour never wavered as he analysed his opponents, his mind racing to devise a strategy.

    The first intruder, a lithe woman with a weapon that seemed to shift between solid and liquid states, stepped forward. "I am Mira," she introduced herself, her voice as elusive as her weapon. "I hope you provide a better challenge than your friends."

    The second intruder, a towering man with a heavy, mechanical weapon, let out a deep laugh. "I''m Titan,"  he boomed, his weapon gleaming in the dim light. "Don''t worry; we''ll make sure to break you before we take you down."

    Lockey''s lips curved into a smirk, his confidence unwavering. "Big words for someone who hasn''t seen my full power," he retorted, his own weapon materialising in his hand. "Let''s see if you can back them up."

    As the three combatants circled each other, the tension in the room became palpable. Each fighter knew that victory would require their utmost skill and determination. Lockey''s mind raced, formulating a plan that would exploit his enemies'' weaknesses while capitalizing on his strengths.

    With a burst of energy, Lockey lunged at Mira, his weapon slashing through the air with precision. Taken aback by his speed, Mira narrowly dodged the attack, her weapon shifting forms in her hands. As Lockey engaged Mira, he kept a wary eye on Titan, anticipating the brute''s next move.

    Titan, seeing an opportunity, charged at Lockey, his heavy weapon poised to strike. Lockey, sensing the attack, quickly evaded and redirected his momentum, using Titan''s brute force against him. The sound of metal on metal echoed through the room as their weapons clashed.

    As the battle raged on, it became clear that Lockey was more than capable of holding his own against the formidable intruders. With each passing moment, his confidence grew, and he knew that victory was within reach.

    The stage was set for a climactic battle, with Lockey and the two intruders engaged in a high-stakes game of skill, determination, and cunning. Each fighter knew that only one side could emerge victorious, and they were willing to give everything they had to ensure their triumph.

    Lockey, having evaded Titan''s initial attack, quickly assessed his opponent''s abilities. Noticing the hardened skin and the brute force behind Titan''s movements, Lockey knew he had to adapt his strategy to overcome this formidable foe.

    Titan, growing impatient, charged at Lockey once more, his hardened fist aimed at Lockey''s head. However, Lockey''s agility allowed him to swiftly sidestep the blow, causing Titan''s fist to crash into the wall behind him. The impact shook the room, sending debris flying in all directions.

    Titan, noticing Lockey''s strategy, attempted to back away, but Lockey was already in position, launching a rapid-fire succession of precise strikes. While the cuts did not penetrate Titan''s hardened skin completely, the constant barrage of blows wore down the brute''s defences, leaving him vulnerable to more powerful attacks.

    With each strike, Lockey''s confidence grew, and his movements became more fluid and calculated. He knew that he was gaining the upper hand, but he remained vigilant, aware that Titan could still turn the tide at any moment.

    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    Titan, now wary of Lockey''s agility and precision, paused to study his opponent. "You''re faster than I expected," he grumbled, cracking his knuckles. "But I''ll break you yet."

    Lockey smirked, his confidence undiminished.

    As Lockey engaged Titan in close combat, Mirage observed the fight, waiting for an opportunity to join the fray. Sensing a moment of vulnerability, she lunged at Lockey from behind, her weapon shifting forms mid-strike.

    Lockey, anticipating the attack, quickly sidestepped, causing Mira''s weapon to barely miss its mark. "You''ll have to do better than that, Mira," Lockey taunted, his smirk still firmly in place.

    Enraged, Mirage redoubled her efforts, launching a flurry of attacks in tandem with Titan. The combination of Mirage''s speed and Titan''s strength proved to be a formidable challenge for Lockey, but his unwavering focus and determination kept him in the fight.

    As the battle raged on, Lockey saw an opening in Mira''s defences. With a powerful strike, he managed to disarm her, sending her weapon skidding across the floor. Seizing the opportunity, Lockey delivered a swift kick to Mirage''s side, knocking the wind out of her and effectively removing her from the fight.

    With Mira defeated, Lockey turned his full attention to Titan. The brute, now enraged by the loss of his partner, charged at Lockey with reckless abandon. Lockey, maintaining his composure, used Titan''s own momentum against him, landing a decisive blow that sent the hulking figure crashing to the ground.

    With both opponents defeated, Lockey wasted no time in securing them. As he prepared to interrogate the pair, an unexpected presence filled the room. Before Lockey could react, chains materialized from the shadows, ensnaring him and rendering him immobile.

    "You are coming with me, Mira, Titan," a voice called out from the darkness. "Change of plans. The fool Glutton was not able to take down Rina. We''ll do that right."

    Lockey, impressed by the covert attack, couldn''t help but smile. "Attacking your enemy from the back is not too manly," he chided.

    The mysterious figure stepped forward, revealing himself as Cassian. "I am Cassian," he declared. "Let''s see your worth."

    Despite his current predicament, Lockey remained confident in his abilities, eager to face this new challenge head-on.

    As Cassian prepared to face Lockey, he issued a command to his fallen comrades. "Mira, Titan, gather yourselves and depart for Rina''s location. We''ll handle things here." Without hesitation, the pair obeyed, disappearing into the shadows as they set off on their new mission.

    With the battlefield now cleared, Lockey and Cassian squared off, their eyes locked in a battle of wills. "Cutting versus chains, huh?" Lockey mused. "This should be interesting."

    The two warriors clashed, their powers pushing against one another in a relentless exchange. Cassian''s chains snaked through the air, seeking to ensnare Lockey and render him helpless, while Lockey''s precision strikes sliced through the air, severing the chains as they attempted to bind him.

    As the battle raged on, it became clear that neither combatant was gaining the upper hand. Each fighter''s abilities seemed to perfectly counter the other''s, resulting in a stalemate that left both Lockey and Cassian exhausted and on the verge of collapse.

    Just as it seemed the battle would continue indefinitely, a third party interrupted the fight. A nervous voice called out from the shadows, "Cassian, Mira, Titan, Glutton, do you copy?" Receiving no response, the voice continued, "This is Jang. Do you copy?"

    As Jang questioned the mysterious figure about bypassing the barrier, another voice chimed in from the darkness. "Why don''t you tell your friends the WCM are here?" The source of the voice, a member of the WCM named Yuri, stepped forward, a confident grin on his face.

    Jang''s nervousness intensified. "How did you get past the barrier?" he asked with a mixture of curiosity and concern. Yuri shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh, you mean the barrier? We just got past it."

    Jang''s surprise was evident. "But how is that even possible?"

    Turning the conversation to more pressing matters, Yuri inquired, "What''s the situation on your side?" From the shadows, a new figure emerged, his identity still cloaked in darkness. "The situation is not too serious," he reported, his voice calm and composed. "The students are safe, but the enemy''s main objective remains unknown."

    This mysterious individual, known only as "Specter," possessed an uncanny ability to blend into the shadows, making him the perfect operative for covert missions. His cool demeanour and unwavering focus made him a valuable asset to the WCM, and his presence brought a sense of reassurance to the tense situation.

    As the group continued their discussion, a sense of urgency hung in the air. With the barrier compromised and the enemy''s motives still unclear, the stakes had never been higher.

 Chapter 9: Fractured Memories, Fractured Fates

    Yuri''s gaze fixed on Specter, the enigmatic figure who''d emerged from the shadows. Sensing the weight of the mission ahead, Yuri knew they needed Specter''s unique skill set. "Specter," Yuri addressed him, "we need you to investigate the enemy''s movements and uncover their true objective. Your expertise in covert operations is crucial to our success."

    Specter nodded, his eyes glinting with determination. "Understood," he replied, his voice steady. "I''ll gather the information we need."

    While Specter pursued his investigation and Yuri coordinated their defences, Lockey and Cassian''s battle raged on.

    The clash of their powers echoed through the darkness, neither combatant gaining a decisive advantage. Cassian''s chains sought to ensnare Lockey, but the skilled warrior deftly avoided the restraints, his precision strikes severing the chains in a flurry of motion.

    As the fight wore on, Cassian saw an opportunity to turn the tide in his favour. Feigning exhaustion, he allowed Lockey to draw closer, only to unleash a powerful strike that caught Lockey off guard.

    The force of the blow sent Lockey staggering, and in that moment, Cassian capitalized on his opponent''s vulnerability, delivering a series of relentless attacks that ultimately brought Lockey to his knees.

    With victory in his grasp, Cassian prepared to take Lockey captive when Specter emerged from the shadows.

    Surprised by the sudden arrival, Cassian hesitated, allowing Specter to intervene. "Is the green-haired one your objective?" Specter inquired, his curiosity piqued.

    Cassian glared at Specter, his annoyance palpable. "It''s none of your concern," he snapped.

    Specter shook his head, his voice calm but unwavering. "I can''t allow you to go free." In a flash, he retrieved his communication device, relaying his findings to Yuri. "This is Specter. The enemy appears to be targeting specific students within the school. I''ve located one of the members of the Red Blood organization."

    Yuri''s voice crackled through the device, acknowledging Specter''s report. "Understood. Backup will be arriving shortly."

    Cassian''s eyes widened in surprise, his expression hardening as he realized the extent of their knowledge. "So, you know about the Red Blood," he muttered, his mind racing to reassess his strategy in light of this revelation.

    Meanwhile, Mira and Titan navigated the corridors in search of Glutton and Rina''s location. Upon discovering Glutton, battered and bruised, they wasted no time in questioning him. "Where is Rina''s location?" Mira demanded, her impatience evident.

    Glutton, his pride wounded by his failure, begged for one more chance to prove himself. "I can handle it," he insisted, his voice desperate. "Please, give me one more chance to complete the mission."

    Mira scowled, unimpressed by his pleas. "What can someone as fat as you do? You can''t even handle a single mission."

    Stinging from Mira''s insult, Glutton relented, divulging Rina''s location. "You''ll find them on the fifth floor," he muttered, his eyes downcast in defeat.

    Rina and Marco, now in a safe location, ponder the enemy''s objective. Marco breaks the silence, "I wonder why the enemy is after you." Rina''s brow furrows in concentration, "The logo... I''ve seen it before, but I can''t remember where."

    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    Sensing Marco''s curiosity, Rina changes the subject. "So, you also possess power similar to mine?" she asks, eager to learn more about her newfound ally. Marco nods, a hint of mystery in his voice. "Yeah, it''s a long story."

    Rina and Marco''s conversation is abruptly interrupted as Mira and Titan, both members of the Red Blood organization, make their entrance. Mira''s body shifts into a liquid state, allowing her to seep through the cracks in the room before solidifying in front of Rina. Her voice is cold and demanding, "Rina, we''ve come to bring you back to the Red Blood."

    Titan stands at the ready, his skin hardening into an impenetrable Armor. His eyes lock onto Marco, recognizing him as a potential threat. "You''re not taking her anywhere," Marco retorts, his powers flaring to life in anticipation of a fight.

    Before either side can make a move, two new figures join the fray - Pinnochi and Lee, members of the WCM. Pinnochi, a master of poisons, skillfully wields his poison-laced daggers, striking at Mira and Titan with lethal precision. With a single scratch, he can inflict a range of debilitating effects on his targets, leaving them vulnerable and disoriented.

    Lee, armed with his trusty guns, provides covering fire, pinning down Mira and Titan as Pinnochi circles in for the kill. "Seems like you two have bitten off more than you can chew," Lee taunts, his voice filled with confidence.

    As the battle rages on, it becomes clear that Pinnochi and Lee''s arrival has turned the tide in Marco and Rina''s favour. Despite their best efforts, Mira and Titan find themselves outmatched by the unexpected reinforcements.

    Sensing defeat, Cassian''s voice echoes from a distance, ordering Mira and Titan to fall back. With a final glare at Marco and Rina, the Red Blood operatives disappear, their exit marked by a puff of smoke.

    Pinnochi and Lee introduce themselves to Marco and Rina, their earlier intensity giving way to a more relaxed demeanour. "Looks like we arrived just in time," Pinnochi remarks, his daggers vanishing as he offers a hand to Marco.

    Lee holsters his guns, a smirk playing at the corner of her lips. "All in a day''s work for the WCM."

    With the Red Blood operatives in retreat, the WCM takes control of the situation. Turning their attention to Lockey and Rina, they request their cooperation for an interrogation. Rina, familiar with the organization, agrees without hesitation. Lockey, still unsure about their intentions, reluctantly follows suit.

    As they are escorted to the WCM headquarters, Lockey can''t help but voice his curiosity. "Who are these guys?" he asks Rina, his brow furrowed in confusion.

    Rina offers a brief explanation, "They''re the World Cyphone Management. They gather people with key and lock-type powers like us." Lockey''s mind races with questions, but he remains silent, a sense of cautious optimism washing over him.

    Upon reaching the interrogation room, Lockey and Rina are greeted by Specter and Yuri. Specter introduces himself as a 1st division officer, while Yuri reveals his position as a 0 division officer. "We''d like to ask you a few questions," Yuri begins, his tone professional.

    "Do either of you possess any ancient objects or artifacts?" Rina shakes her head in response. Specter turns his piercing gaze toward Lockey. "You emit a strong energy. Is there anything you''d like to share?"

    With a faint smile, Lockey decides to test the waters, hoping to gain some insight into his own mysterious key. "I''ve got nothing except for this strange key," he admits, holding up the object in question.

    Yuri steps forward, acknowledging Lockey''s curiosity. "We''re aware of the keys and locks. They contain unique powers, but their origins remain a mystery to us."

    As the interrogation concludes, Lockey and Rina are dismissed. Making their way through the WCM facility, Lockey suddenly comes face to face with a familiar figure - Lee. Their eyes meet, and a brief moment of surprise passes between them.

    "Well, well, look who it is," Lee remarks, his tone a mixture of amusement and curiosity. "Never thought I''d see you here, Lockey."

    Lockey responds with a small smile, cautious but intrigued by their unexpected reunion. "Seems we''ve both been caught up in this crazy situation," he muses

 Chapter 10: Fragments of a Dream

    After the passing of Old Man Albert, Lockey found himself reflecting on the life he had built under the guidance of his mentor. As the chosen successor, Lockey knew that he had big shoes to fill. The weight of responsibility settled on his shoulders, but he was determined to honor Albert''s legacy by living a good life.

    One fateful day, as Lockey walked the bustling streets, he stumbled upon a young boy who appeared lost and helpless. It was Lee, a five-year-old with a troubled past and an uncertain future. Recognising the fear and vulnerability in Lee''s eyes, Lockey couldn''t help but offer a helping hand.

    "Hey there, little guy," Lockey said with a gentle smile. "You look like you could use some help. What''s your name?"

    Lee, timid and wary, looked up at Lockey. "I''m Lee," he replied softly. "I don''t have anywhere to go."

    Moved by Lee''s plight, Lockey kneeled down to meet the boy''s gaze. "Well, Lee, I can''t just leave you here all alone. Why don''t you come with me? I''ll make sure you''re safe and have a warm place to stay."

    As days turned into weeks, Lockey provided Lee with shelter, food, and the support he desperately needed. Their bond grew stronger as Lockey became a mentor and father figure to the young boy. One evening, as they shared a meal together, Lockey inquired about Lee''s dreams for the future.

    Lee hesitated for a moment before replying, "I''ve always wanted to be a detective, like those people who solve mysteries and help others."

    This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    Lockey nodded, recognising the glimmer of determination in Lee''s eyes. "I can see the passion in you, Lee. You have a good heart and a keen mind. I''m sure you''d make an excellent detective one day."

    As the years went by, Lee''s dream became a reality when he received an admission letter from a prestigious detective school. Though it was bittersweet, Lockey knew it was time for Lee to embark on his own journey.

    "I''m so proud of you, Lee," Lockey said, embracing the young man. "Remember, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Keep your heart true and your determination strong."

    Back in the present, Lockey and Lee sat together, reminiscing about the past and catching up on their lives. "So, you really did achieve your dreams," Lockey said with a warm smile.

    Lee nodded, gratitude and pride filling his voice. "After I completed my course at the detective school, the WCM approached me with an offer to join their team as a high-ranking investigator. I couldn''t pass up the opportunity."

    As the conversation drew to a close, Lockey rose from his seat, preparing to leave the WCM premises. "It''s been an honour seeing you again, Lee. We''ve come a long way, and I know we''ll continue to make our mark on this world."

    Lee stood, extending his hand to Lockey. "I owe so much to you, Lockey. Thank you for everything. I hope we''ll cross paths again."

    ¡°A friend of yours¡±, Pinnochi asking with curiosity, ¡°Yh, without him, I wouldn''t have gotten this far¡± Lee replied

    Lockey''s kindness and generosity played an instrumental role in Lee''s success. As they continue on their respective paths, the impact of their shared past remains, a testament to the power of friendship and the importance of nurturing dreams, no matter how fleeting they may seem.

 Chapter 11: The Power Within

    Following their encounter with Lockey and Rina, Cassian, Mira, Titan, and Glutton return to the Red Blood hideout.

    An air of tension fills the room as they enter.

    As they approach the shadowy figure of their leader, Cassian kneels in submission. "I have gathered intelligence, Lord Rades," he says, his voice trembling.

    Lord Rades, his face concealed by darkness, slowly raises his head. "Is he part?" he asks, his tone cold and calculated.

    "From the power he possessed, I am certain he is one," Cassian confirms, his confidence growing as he shares the details of their encounter with Lockey.

    Lord Rades leans forward, his interest piqued. "And the girl?"

    "She seems to be living well and strong," Cassian replies, a hint of frustration in his voice.

    A sly grin spreads across Lord Rades'' hidden face. "You may leave," he says, dismissing Cassian and the others with a wave of his hand.

    Having returned home after the intense interrogation at the WCM headquarters, Lockey found himself lost in thought. He couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to his past and his powers than he had initially realised.

    Lockey''s gaze fell upon the mysterious book he had hidden away. With a sense of determination, he picked it up and began examining its contents once more. "I can understand the language, but it doesn''t seem to make sense to me," Lockey muttered to himself, his frustration growing.

    Setting the book aside, he turned his attention to the mysterious green card that accompanied it. As he held the card in his hand, he couldn''t help but wonder about its significance and the connection it might have to his past.

    Suddenly, his mind flashed back to the interrogation, recalling the moment when a WCM member had asked him, "You emit a strong energy. Is there anything you''d like to share?"

    Lockey pondered the meaning of those words, "I wonder what he meant by energy," he mused, lost in thought.

    As he lifted his key in the air, he couldn''t help but think of Rina''s revelation. "To think Rina has the same key I do, just with different designs," Lockey whispered, marvelling at the connection between them.

    Curiosity filled his mind as he wondered if Marco and Baek might also possess similar keys. "Rina said something about Marco having one. I wonder if Baek has one too," Lockey thought, his frustration mounting as he struggled to piece together the mystery.

    Realising that he wouldn''t find the answers he sought through mere contemplation, Lockey sighed, "Thinking won''t get me anywhere." With a resigned shrug, he decided to put his pondering aside for the night. "Guess it''s already too late. I need to get some sleep," he muttered, preparing for the challenges that awaited him in the days to come.

    As the sun rose on a new day, Lockey found himself back at the Fairy Tale Guild, preparing for another day of school. He moved through the halls with a sense of determination, still grappling with the questions that had plagued him the previous night.

    Unknown to Lockey, the eyes of his fellow students were fixed on him as he walked. Whispers filled the air, and it was clear that his presence had stirred up an atmosphere of curiosity and unease. "They look like they''ve seen a ghost," Lockey thought to himself, feeling the weight of their gazes.

    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    As he continued through the school, Lockey heard a faint voice calling out to him. "Lockey, over here," the voice whispered. Recognising Baek''s voice, Lockey followed the sound until he discovered his friend hiding under a table.

    Confused by Baek''s strange behaviour, Lockey asked, "Why are you hiding under the table? Did yesterday''s attack leave you in shock?" Baek, sweating and clearly anxious, replied, "It''s not the event, but the other students."

    Lockey looked around, finally noticing the eyes that were fixated on him. "I see. So what?" he asked, still not fully grasping the situation.

    Surprised that Lockey hadn''t yet realised the reason behind the students'' behaviour, Baek got up from the table and explained, "They''re curious about you, Lockey. They''ve heard whispers about your powers and want to know more."

    As the realization dawned on him, Lockey couldn''t help but feel a sense of unease.

    As Lockey walked through the school, the murmur of students'' voices followed him like a swelling tide. Snippets of conversation reached their ears: "I heard he defeated those intruders," "What kind of power does he have?" and even "Is he a God who came down to earth to save us?"

    Lockey couldn''t help but feel uneasy about the attention and speculation. He didn''t enjoy being the subject of such intense curiosity and scrutiny.

    Suddenly, Lockey was called to the headmaster''s office.

    Upon reaching the door, Lockey knocked tentatively. A voice from within called out, "Enter." They stepped inside, finding themselves in the presence of the vice headmaster.

    Entering the office, he met Rina, and Marco

    "Take a seat," the vice headmaster said, gesturing to the chairs before his desk. "As you may have all noticed, most of the students have found out about your powers."

    Lockey, curious about the school''s stance on this development, asked, "Wasn''t it indicated that everyone is welcome here?"

    The vice headmaster replied, "It was, but you never told us you belonged to that class. We would have placed you in a different section had we known." He paused before continuing, Marco interrupting, "Now, how do you plan to solve this problem? Everyone is asking me lots of questions, like a pack of journalists."

    Marco, visibly anxious, exclaimed, "What do you intend to do?"

    The vice headmaster answered calmly, "We are going to isolate you from the rest of the students in a special class. Right now, we have only confirmed the three of you, but there''s a possibility that other students may possess powers as well."

    Lockey, seeking to understand the school''s decision to accept people with powers, inquired, "Why did this school decide to accept people with power status in the first place?"

    The vice headmaster replied, "Well, it was all Mr. Golder, the headmaster''s plan." Before Lockey could ask any further questions, the vice headmaster concluded the meeting. "You are now dismissed."

    As the trio left the vice headmaster''s office, Lockey found himself curious about the origins of their mysterious keys. He turned to Rina and Marco, hoping to find answers to the questions that had been plaguing him.

    Rina hesitated for a moment before sharing her story. "Well, it''s quite a long story, but to cut it short, it was after both of my parents died," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "I could feel a change in my body, as if something was awakening inside me. I first came into contact with the key when a kid made fun of my friend. It just manifested out of nowhere, and since then, I''ve always kept it close."

    Lockey listened intently, his eyes filled with empathy as he tried to comprehend the depth of Rina''s experiences. "I can''t imagine how difficult that must have been for you,"

    Marco chuckled nervously, breaking the tension that had settled over the group. "I really don''t remember how I got mine, to be honest," he admitted, running a hand through his hair. "What I do remember is a shop robbery. The sound of gunfire made my heart skip a beat, and I eventually passed out. When I woke up, I felt different¡ªmaybe because I was in a dumpster at the time."

    Lockey and Rina exchanged amused glances before bursting into laughter. "That''s one way to awaken your powers, I suppose," Lockey said, grinning.

    As their laughter subsided, the three took a moment to appreciate the strange circumstances that had brought them together.

 Chapter 12: Veiled Motives, Dark Alliances

    The sun rose over the city, casting warm rays of light through the window and onto Lockey''s face. He stirred, waking up to a new day filled with both promise and uncertainty. After taking a few moments to gather his thoughts, Lockey got out of bed and began his morning routine.

    As he stepped outside and made his way to school, Lockey couldn''t help but notice the subtle changes in the world around him. Each day seemed to bring new discoveries and challenges, pushing him to grow and adapt in ways he never could have imagined.

    Upon arriving at school, Lockey meets Rina, Baek, Isabella, and Marco.

    He noticed Rina, Baek, Isabella, and Marco huddled together, engaged in a hushed conversation. As he approached the group, he could sense an air of excitement and intrigue surrounding them.

    "What are you guys talking about?" Lockey asked, genuinely curious about the topic that had captured their attention.

    Marco looked up, meeting Lockey''s gaze, before explaining, "We were discussing the idea of forming a cult organisation."

    Lockey''s brow furrowed in confusion. "Do you even know what a cult organisation is?" he questioned, his tone laced with concern.

    Rina and Marco exchanged glances before nodding in unison. "We''ve been doing some research," Rina admitted. "It seems that many people associated with cult organisations possess great power due to their keys and locks."

    Marco chimed in, "We thought it could be a way for us to harness our abilities and protect one another from potential threats."

    Lockey listened intently, his suspicion of cult organisations growing as they continued to discuss the subject. "What made you guys think about that?" he asked, directing his question primarily at Rina, who had apparently initiated the conversation.

    "It was Rina''s idea, to be honest," Marco confessed. "And I felt it was a good one."

    Lockey''s gaze shifted to Rina, who offered a sheepish smile in response. "I just thought it would be a way for us to stay connected and help each other grow," she explained. "But I want to hear your thoughts on it too, Lockey."

    Lockey sighed, considering their proposal. "I''m still not sure about this whole cult organisation thing," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "It seems like there could be some dangerous consequences, and I''m not convinced it''s the best way for us to harness our powers."

    They exchanged glances, disappointment evident on their faces. However, they respected Lockey''s opinion and knew that his concerns were valid.

    "We don''t have to make a decision right now," Marco reassured them. "Let''s keep discussing it and exploring other options as well."

    As the school day came to an end, Lockey found himself lost in thought while making his way home. The discussion about forming a cult organisation earlier in the day still lingered in his mind. "It is suspicious that they would bring up such a topic," he mused, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. "When researching what the World Cyphone Management Organisation does, I first came across cult organisations. From what I read, the WCM captured them because they used their powers to create imbalance in society, mostly against humans without power."

    He paused, recalling the details of his research. "The WCM described them as dangerous to society, as they pose a threat to humanity." Lockey''s eyes darted back and forth, reflecting his deep contemplation. "Why would they want to form such an organisation?"

    Nearing his house, Lockey couldn''t help but notice the signs of a break-in. Sensing the intruder still nearby, he decided to pursue them. As he turned the corner, he spotted a man at the bus stop, suspiciously dressed in black with a hood and a nose mask.

    Lockey approached the man, tapping him on the shoulder. "You can''t fool me by hiding your face. In fact, you look more suspicious this way," he said, his voice tinged with suspicion.

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    The intruder slowly turned his face and removed the nose mask, revealing deep purple hair and a deceiving smile. "I didn''t expect you would notice," he said with a grin.

    "What do you want from me? Where are you from?" Lockey asked, his tone firm and unwavering.

    "Relax, buddy," the man said, placing a hand on Lockey''s shoulder.

    Lockey, in no mood for jokes, quickly removed the man''s hand. Seeing Lockey''s resolve, the intruder realised he was not one for games. "I am a member of the WCM. I just came for an investigation. Are you happy now?" he explained.

    Lockey sensed that the man hadn''t fully disclosed his purpose. "What are you investigating for?" he asked, his eyes locked onto the intruder.

    "I see, so you haven''t noticed," the man replied cryptically.

    Lockey''s brow furrowed, "Noticed what?" he asked, his gaze intensifying as he searched for answers.

    The man sighed, realising he had to reveal more information. "Guess I have no choice. Your house is emitting a strange energy, so I decided to investigate what you''re keeping in your house, but couldn''t find anything."

    Changing the subject, the intruder introduced himself. "Anyway, I''m Pinnochi. You may not know me, but your friends do. And before I forget, Lee told me to greet you," he said with a smile as he prepared to leave. "See ya."

    Upon returning home, Lockey cautiously entered his house, his senses on high alert. First, he meticulously scanned his surroundings for any signs of surveillance, such as hidden cameras or listening devices. His suspicion of the WCM and their investigation into his life had left him wary and vigilant.

    Lockey''s thoughts raced as he searched. I really want to check if the book is still there, but I feel like I''m being watched, he mused silently, his mind churning with uncertainty.

    Realising he couldn''t risk exposing the book''s hiding place, Lockey decided to reach out to Lee  for answers. He knew he couldn''t keep this up forever. Since Lee works at WCM, I may at least ask some questions about the investigation, he thought.

    Lockey found himself at a quaint restaurant, seated by the window as he anxiously awaited Lee''s arrival. Soon enough, Lee spotted Lockey and made his way over. "Hey Lockey, I had to rush over when I heard you needed me," he said, noticeably altering his voice.

    "Yes, how is your work going?" Lockey asked, acknowledging Lee''s altered tone with a nod.

    "It''s going well, to be honest," Lee replied with a smile.

    "In order not to waste your time, I''ll just go straight to the point," Lockey began. Before he could continue, Lee scribbled a message on a piece of paper: Your clothes have a mic on them. Lee then proceeded to locate and remove the microphone from Lockey''s attire, swiftly destroying it.

    "So that''s why you changed your voice tone," Lockey observed.

    Lee nodded. "You may continue; this way, our conversation can''t be tapped."

    Lockey leaned in, his voice low. "Why were the WCM investigating my place?"

    Lee''s expression grew serious. "They simply believe that you possess something old, or maybe ancient. I won''t ask what it is."

    Lockey''s brow furrowed, not particularly surprised by the revelation. "I see," he muttered, questioning if it could be the mysterious book or the enigmatic card.

    Amused by the WCM''s suspicions, Lockey pressed on. "One more thing: could you tell me more about cult organisations?"

    Lee considered the question. "From what I know, they''re like the bad guys in a comic. They aim to prove their superiority over normal humans by going to extreme lengths, such as assault or killing. That''s what the WCM mostly says about them."

    Lockey''s lips curled into a satisfied smirk. "I see; it''s the same as the research I did." He then lowered his voice, asking, "What happens if I join or form a cult organisation?"

    Lee''s gaze intensified. "Then the WCM would be more cautious of you, and their suspicion would greatly increase. I advise you not to take such action. If you want to, you must first address the suspicion of the WCM''s higher members."

    Lockey nodded, feeling content with Lee''s response. "That would be all. Nice seeing your face again, and thanks for the info."

    Lee smiled warmly, "Anytime, Lockey. Remember, be cautious and keep your secrets close. We never know who''s watching."

 Chapter 13: Whispers in the Dark

    The next day at Fairy Tale Guild High School, Lockey found himself immersed in his thoughts as he walked through the bustling halls. The mysterious investigation from Pinnochi weighed heavily on his mind, and he knew that his decision would have far-reaching consequences.

    As he turned a corner, Lockey nearly collided with Rina, who seemed equally lost in thought. "Oh, Lockey!" she exclaimed, quickly regaining her balance. "I''ve been meaning to talk to you."

    "I have a lot on my mind, Rina," Lockey replied, his brow furrowed.

    "It''s about our conversation the other day... about forming a cult organization," Rina explained, her tone cautious. "Have you given it any more thought?"

    Lockey hesitated, considering the invitation in his pocket. "I''ve been thinking about it, yes," he admitted. "But there''s more to it than just our discussion."

    Rina''s eyes widened with curiosity. "What do you mean?"

    Lockey raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Are you saying you don''t know what a cult organization is?"

    Rina sighed, her expression turning solemn. "You see, my parents belonged to a cult organization, but that was also what killed them."

    Lockey''s eyes widened in shock. "Then why do you want to join a cult organization? You know, even if we form one, we would be enemies with the WCM."

    Rina looked down, clutching her arm as she hesitated. "You also seem to be hiding some secrets."

    Lockey stared at her, his face turning serious. "What made you think that?"

    "The other day, I was following you and noticed you speaking with that purple-haired guy that saved us," Rina confessed, trying to remember his name.

    Rina continued, her voice filled with uncertainty. "Are you like a spy in the WCM?"

    Lockey¡¯s expression remained serious, a hint of worry in her eyes. "So you were spying on me?"

    Rina with a serious look also "That''s not the question," he replied, his grin fading as he noticed Rina''s concern.

    "I''m not a spy for the WCM," Lockey explained, his voice turning somber. "It''s quite the opposite, actually." Rina''s gaze intensified as she focused on Lockey''s words. "You see, the WCM is suspicious of me. They believe I possess something they want."

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    Rina''s eyes widened, and she reached out to touch Lockey''s arm. "What do they think you have?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Lockey sighed, deciding it was best to change the subject. "Forget about it. I need to go." He gave Rina a reassuring nod before heading home.

    As he arrived at his house, Lockey cautiously opened the drawer where he kept the mysterious book. "I need to hide this thing somewhere else. There''s no doubt that this is what they''re looking for." Just as he was about to secure the book in a new hiding place, the door creaked open.

    Lockey, caught off guard but not letting his guard down, turned to see Rina standing in the doorway. "What the hell are you doing here?" he asked, surprised. "Let me guess, you followed me again?"

    Rina, unsure of what to say, replied, "I guess so." Her eyes caught sight of the book Lockey was holding in his hand. "Woah, so it''s in your possession?"

    Lockey, surprised by her recognition of the book, questioned, "You know anything about the book?"

    Rina seemed confused but intrigued. "Not sure myself, but my brother always talked about the book a lot. He says it''s called ''Cyprus'' and holds the answers to all questions."

    Still not clear, Lockey pressed, "So what do you mean by ''answer all questions?''" Rina, also seemingly confused, admitted, "Not sure myself, but my brother always mentioned the book''s ability to provide solutions to any problem."

    Lockey raised an eyebrow. "And how did you know it was the book?" Rina explained, "The way it is written... it doesn''t seem to be from this world, like a supreme being wrote it."

    Intrigued by this new information, Lockey asked, "Could you take me to your brother?"

    Rina shook her head sadly. "Sorry, but my brother and I parted ways a long time ago. I haven''t seen him since."

    Rina apologized, "Sorry for following you. I just wanted to know where you lived." She turned to leave, her footsteps echoing in the hall.

    Lockey gazed at the book with even more curiosity, the weight of its secrets heavy in his hands. He knew he had to keep it safe.

    As Lockey prepared to eat, a flash of red light caught his attention. Upon closer inspection, he discovered a hidden camera. "Damn, it''s a spying cam," he muttered. Realizing he had let his guard down, Lockey knew he needed to hide the book somewhere far away. He carefully wrapped it in a cloth and placed it in a small chest, which he then concealed within a hidden compartment in his closet.

    The scene shifted to a dark figure observing Lockey''s actions through a screen, their face obscured by shadows. As the figure stepped forward, their identity was revealed ¨C it was Pinnochi. "So it was with him all this time," Pinnochi mused, his lips curling into a sinister smile. "No surprise."

    Lockey carefully picked up the book, feeling the soft leather cover beneath his fingertips. He knew the risks he was taking by protecting it, but the potential power and knowledge it held were too great to ignore. With a deep breath, he steeled himself for the task ahead, knowing that he would need to find a secure and secluded location to hide the ancient artifact.

    As he gazed out the window into the night, the city''s twinkling lights taunted him, each one a potential hiding place. Lockey understood that the journey ahead would be fraught with danger, but he was determined to protect the book at all costs. With a silent vow to keep its power out of the wrong hands, he prepared to venture into the darkness, the book''s secrets weighing heavily on his shoulders.

 Chapter 14: A New Menace

    The sun pierced through the curtains, casting a warm glow on Lockey''s face as he stirred from his slumber. His eyes fluttered open, a sense of urgency and purpose flooding his mind as he remembered the events of the previous day. He quickly rose from his bed, determination etched on his features.

    Lockey ventured out into the bustling city streets, weaving through the crowd with a list of supplies etched in his mind. The aroma of fresh bread and pastries wafted through the air as he made his way to the market, his senses heightened by the knowledge that he was being pursued. He cautiously perused the various stalls, the clinking of coins and the murmurs of haggling filling his ears as he gathered the items he required.

    As Lockey finished his shopping and started back home, a familiar voice called out to him from the shadows. He spun around, his eyes scanning the alleyway until they landed on the figure of Pinnochi.

    Lockey''s gaze hardened, his muscles tensed as he considered the danger before him. "What does a WCM want with me this time?" he thought, his mind flashing back to the hidden cameras he had discovered in his house.

    Pinnochi stepped forward, a twisted grin on his face. "Relax, I''m not here to arrest you or anything," he said, his eyes gleaming with a hint of madness. "I''m here to make a deal."

    Lockey narrowed his eyes, his hand gripping the bag of groceries tightly. "So, what is it you want from me?" he asked, his voice cold and steady.

    Pinnochi''s grin widened, his eyes dancing with amusement. "Well, if the boss knew, I''d say hand over the book. But since he doesn''t, I''ll make my own deal." He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I''ve been spying on you ever since we met, and now, I''ve finally seen what we wanted."

    Lockey''s impatience grew, his jaw clenching in frustration. "I get your point, so stop dragging the conversation back and forth."

    Pinnochi chuckled, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "I simply want a one-on-one battle. I''ve heard how strong you are from the likes of us. If you win, I''ll clear your case, meaning you''ll be free from WCM investigation. But if you lose, you have no choice but to surrender the book."

    Lockey considered the offer, his mind weighing the risks and benefits. After a moment, he nodded in agreement. "Then I accept."

    As the two adversaries faced off in the secluded alleyway, the air crackled with tension. Lockey assumed a defensive stance, his trusty dagger gleaming in the dim light. Pinnochi mirrored his opponent, his own weapon dripping with an array of lethal poisons.

    With a sudden burst of speed, Lockey lunged forward, his dagger slicing through the air with precision. Pinnochi deftly dodged the attack, his maniacal laughter echoing off the walls as he retaliated with a series of swift strikes. Lockey''s reflexes were razor-sharp, his dagger intercepting each poisoned blade with a resounding clang.

    The battle raged on, each fighter pushing their limits as they exchanged blows. Pinnochi''s attacks grew increasingly desperate, his eyes darting to the precious book concealed within Lockey''s coat. Lockey could sense his opponent''s impatience and capitalized on it, feigning exhaustion before launching a powerful counterattack.

    His dagger sliced through Pinnochi''s defences, a shallow cut forming on the WCM officer''s arm. The poison within his blade seeped into the wound, causing Pinnochi to stumble back in shock. Lockey pressed his advantage, his movements a blur as he unleashed a relentless barrage of strikes.

    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    With one final, powerful slash, Lockey sent Pinnochi''s dagger clattering to the ground. The WCM officer sank to his knees, his strength sapped by the very poison he had intended for his foe. Lockey stood over his fallen opponent, his breathing heavy but triumphant.

    "I believe you have a deal to uphold," Lockey said, sheathing his dagger as he retrieved the book from his coat. Pinnochi glared up at him, a mixture of hatred and grudging respect flashing in his eyes as he nodded in agreement.

    Pinnochi, his voice laced with a mix of resentment and admiration, addressed the victorious Lockey. "Well, you have won, so I must keep my promise. But be careful; you may be free now, but that doesn''t mean you aren''t still a suspect."

    Lockey had emerged victorious, securing his freedom from the WCM and protecting the book. As he vanished into the night, the shadows seemed to whisper tales of his triumph, the echoes of his battle fading into legend.

    As the sun rose on a new day, Lockey''s life began to return to some semblance of normalcy, though the shadows of his recent experiences still lingered in his mind. The Fairy Tale Guild resumed their usual activities, their bonds strengthened by the trials they had faced together.

    The hall''s door creaked open, revealing Lockey''s silhouette as he stepped into the room. A small smile tugged at his lips as he took in the familiar sight of his friends, his eyes meeting Adam''s as he offered a nod of acknowledgment. "It''s good to be back," he said, his voice steady despite the weight of his recent experiences.

    Adam''s face brightened upon seeing Lockey, his hand raised in greeting as he called out to his friend. "You weren''t in school for a day," he observed, a hint of concern colouring his tone. Lockey''s gaze softened as he approached the group, his hands tucked into his pockets. "I just had some things to take care of," he explained, his voice low and measured.

    Marco''s booming voice interrupted their conversation as he burst into the hall, causing Adam to wince and gesture for him to lower his volume. "Keep your voice down, Marco," Adam chided, his eyes scanning the room to ensure no one else had been startled by the intrusion.

    Lockey raised an eyebrow at Marco''s dramatic entrance, his curiosity piqued by the latest news Marco had brought with him. "Did you hear about the killing of teenage girls?" Marco asked, his voice now reduced to a more manageable level.

    Adam nodded solemnly, his gaze meeting Lockey''s as he shared the rumors circulating in the city. "There are rumors that it was actually a cult organization called Chrono Lux," he revealed, his voice laced with concern.

    Lockey''s interest grew as he absorbed this new information, his mind flashing back to his own encounters with the mysterious cult. "I see," he murmured, his tone contemplative. "Do any of you know anything about this Chrono Lux?"

    Marco and Adam exchanged glances, both shaking their heads in unison. "Not really sure myself," Marco admitted, "but they are really bad."

    Lockey''s gaze grew distant as he considered this new threat to the city and the potential danger it posed to his friends. "I see," he murmured, his tone contemplative. Though his curiosity was piqued, he found himself hesitant to involve his friends in yet another dangerous endeavour.

    Adam and Marco exchanged glances, their concern for Lockey evident in their eyes. Despite their unspoken desire to investigate the mysterious cult, they respected Lockey''s decision and refrained from pushing the matter further.

    In the days that followed, Lockey occupied himself with various tasks, delving into personal studies and assisting the Fairy Tale Guild with more mundane matters. Though the spectre of Chrono Lux lingered in his thoughts, he chose not to act upon his suspicions, wary of the risks involved in investigating such a powerful organization.

    As time passed, Lockey''s friends noticed a change in his demeanour. His once unwavering determination had given way to quiet contemplation and introspection. It was clear that his recent experiences had left a lasting impact on his outlook.

    The members of the Fairy Tale Guild continued their daily routines, their bond of friendship and loyalty forged stronger in the face of adversity. Though the mysteries surrounding Chrono Lux remained unsolved, they focused on the immediate needs of their community, trusting that Lockey would speak up when the time was right.

 Chapter 15: Friends Lost and Found

    Lockey strode through the corridors of the Fairy Tale Guild, his brow creased with concern. The absence of Adam, Marco, and Rina weighed heavily on his mind. As he entered his first class, his eyes immediately darted to Adam''s empty seat, a sense of dread settling in his stomach.

    Lockey muttering to himself  "Adams not in today? It''s not like him to miss class without any notice."

    As the class came to an end, Lockey made his way to Marco''s classroom, hoping to find Marco.  He scanned the room, noticing Marco''s absence.

    Stepping out into the bustling hallway, Lockey caught sight of Isabella and walked up to her. "Isabella," he began, "Marco isn''t in class today. Have you seen him?"

    Isabella frowned, her brow furrowed with concern. "No, I haven''t seen Marco at all today. It''s strange for him to miss class." Curiosity crept into her voice as she continued, "Rina also didn''t come today. I wonder why."

    Lockey''s concern deepened, his thoughts racing. "Did she come to class yesterday?" Isabella shook her head, a puzzled expression on her face. "No, she didn''t. I thought she might be with you." Lockey shook his head, his brow furrowing. "Why would she be with me? I''m not her guard."

    With a nod of gratitude, Lockey turned to leave, his mind filled with worries as to where they would be. "Thanks for the info," as he left.

    As Lockey continued his search for Adam, Marco, and Rina, he found himself growing increasingly desperate for any leads. Returning to his quarters in the Fairy Tale Guild, he discovered an envelope slid under his door. The parchment was rough and worn, as if it had changed hands multiple times before reaching him.

    Curiosity mingled with caution as Lockey carefully unsealed the envelope, revealing a letter written in a hurried, almost frantic script. The sender claimed to have information about his missing friends and urged Lockey to meet them at a specified location in the city.

    Despite the potential risks, Lockey knew he couldn''t ignore the lead. With the letter securely tucked away, he made his way to the designated meeting spot¡ªa dimly lit alleyway far from the bustling streets of the city.

    Lockey surveyed the alley, his gaze settling on a hooded figure leaning against a wall, their face hidden in shadows. As he approached, the figure straightened and spoke in a hushed voice, "I''m glad you came, Lockey. My name is Lucien, and I have information that could help you find your friends."

    Lockey regarded Lucien warily, uncertain of his intentions but desperate for any clues about Adam, Marco, and Rina. "How do you know about my friends, and what do you want in return for this information?"

    Lucien lowered his hood, revealing a face etched with worry. "I am a member of Chrono Lux, and your friends are Okay. If you follow, I will lead you to your friends."

    With no other leads to follow, Lockey had no choice but to trust Lucien, at least for now. "Alright,Lucien," he said, his voice tinged with caution, "let''s go, But if this is a trap, you''ll regret it."

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    Lucien nodded, a determined look in her eyes. "I understand. Now, let''s go meet your friends"

    As Lockey followed Lucien deeper into the city''s labyrinthine alleys, his mind raced with questions. He was still uncertain about trusting a member of Chrono Lux, but with his friends'' safety on the line, he knew he had no other choice.

    Finally, they arrived at the hidden entrance to Chrono Lux''s secret hideout. Lucien led Lockey through the dimly lit corridors until they reached a large, bustling room where guild members gathered, their conversations filling the air.

    Suddenly, Lockey heard a familiar voice call out, "Hey Lockey!" Turning, he saw Adam waving him over, a sandwich in hand. Lockey walked over, relief evident on his face. "Glad you guys are safe."

    Marco looked up from his game, grinning. "We knew you''d find us. We were worried about you, though."

    Lockey''s brow furrowed in confusion. "Isn''t Rina with you guys?" he asked, concern laced in his voice.

    Adam, his mouth full of food, shook his head. "Nope, not with us," he managed between bites.

    Curiosity piqued, Lockey pressed on. "How did you guys even end up here in the first place?"

    Marco swallowed his mouthful before responding. "We were investigating. We knew you were probably going to investigate, so we decided to butt in and try investigating ourselves."

    Adam chimed in, waving his sandwich for emphasis. "Yeah, but then we found this base and tried to escape... and got caught." He shrugged sheepishly.

    Lockey sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It wasn¡¯t my problem to butt in a cult matter so why should I care;  But that still doesn''t explain what happened to Rina."

    Marco exchanged a glance with Adam before answering. "We¡¯ve been here all day. We haven''t seen or heard from her since yesterday."

    Lucien, who had been silently observing the exchange, gestured toward the door. "Our leader would like to speak with you, Lockey."

    Lockey sighed, steeling himself for the encounter, he began to follow Lucien.

    As they entered the room, Lockey was surprised to see a young boy, appearing no older than fifteen or to put it right, the same age as Lockey, sitting at the desk. His blonde hair framed a youthful face, yet his posture carried an air of authority beyond his years.

    "So, you''re the leader of Chrono Lux?" Lockey asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

    The boy looked up from his desk, his piercing golden eyes fixing Lockey with a serious gaze. He rose from his seat, his posture stiff and commanding. "Nice to meet you," he said, his voice surprisingly mature for his youthful appearance. "I am Glacier, the leader of Chrono Lux."

    As quickly as his serious demeanour had appeared, it melted away, replaced by a warm, almost childlike smile that seemed entirely at odds with his position as the leader of a secretive organization.

    "I hope you''re ready for a long discussion, Lockey," Glacier said, his tone shifting to one of amusement as he leaned back in his chair, lacing his fingers behind his head in a carefree manner. "I can answer your questions, but obviously, you''ll need to answer mine first."

    Lockey agreed, a mixture of curiosity and caution filling him as he prepared to engage in a dialogue with the enigmatic leader of Chrono Lux.

 Chapter 16:Veil of Secrets

    Lockey took a deep breath as he prepared to engage in a dialogue with Glacier, the enigmatic leader of Chrono Lux. The room around them seemed to quiet down, as if the very air was holding its breath in anticipation of the exchange that was about to take place.

    Glacier''s ice-blue eyes met Lockey''s, his gaze piercing yet calm. "So, Lockey, I believe it''s your turn first. What would you like to know?"

    Lockey hesitated for a moment, his mind racing with questions about his friends'' disappearances, the role of Chrono Lux in the city, and the mysterious Rina. Finally, he settled on a question that had been nagging at him since he first received the enigmatic letter.

    "Who sent me the message that led me to meet Lucien?" Lockey asked, hoping that uncovering the source of the note would shed light on the tangled web of mysteries surrounding him.

    Glacier smiled, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his lips. "Ah, yes, the note that brought you to our doorstep. That was a carefully orchestrated plan, designed to draw you into our world."

    Lockey leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "But why me? What does Chrono Lux want with a student like me?" His gaze intensified, reflecting the seriousness of his question.

    Glacier''s smile faded, his expression growing somber. "Because, Lockey, you are like us, and we believe you will be instrumental in our mission." His tone grew more serious as he continued, " But first, I need you to answer a question for me. The key, how did you get it?"

    As Glacier asked the question, he leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk, and steepled his fingers, his mannerisms an odd mix of the playfulness.

    Lockey''s heart skipped a beat as he recalled the bizarre sensations he had experienced on how he got the power. He hesitated, uncertain of how much to reveal. "It''s a long story..."  he trailed off, his eyes darting to the side as he searched for the right words.

    "I''m all ears," Glacier responded, his voice tinged with a mixture of patience and curiosity. He relaxed back into his chair, a reassuring smile playing on his lips as he waited for Lockey to continue.

    ¡°I killed the former wielder of the key. In my elementary school. And since then i got the power of the key¡±.

    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Lockey¡¯s words hung in the air like a heavy fog. The room seemed to shrink around them as he finally admitted the dark truth that had been gnawing at him for years. Glacier¡¯s eyes widened, a glimmer of excitement flashing across his features.

    ¡°It¡¯s different from how we got ours,¡± Glacier murmured, his voice low but filled with intrigue. ¡°Interesting.¡±

    Lockey could see Glacier''s mind whirring, piecing together this new information. The enigmatic leader of Chrono Lux leaned back, steepling his fingers as if weighing Lockey''s confession against something deeper, something hidden.

    Lockey took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves after the confession. ¡°Now that I¡¯ve answered your question, I¡¯d like to ask mine.¡± His voice was calm but firm, with a hint of the determination that had carried him this far.

    ¡°What do you really want with me? And what¡¯s the endgame of ChronoLux?¡±

    Glacier¡¯s playful demeanor evaporated, replaced by a cold seriousness. He leaned forward too, his gaze sharp and unyielding as he met Lockey¡¯s eyes.

    Glacier leaned back in his chair, his ice-blue eyes narrowing slightly as he studied Lockey. The once playful smile had faded, replaced by a more guarded expression. He seemed to be weighing his words carefully, as though he was holding back a secret that he wasn¡¯t ready to share.

    ¡°Someone like you... it¡¯s interesting how you came to hold such power,¡± Glacier mused, his voice calm and measured. ¡°But as for me, I¡¯m just laying low, waiting for the right time to act. There¡¯s someone I need to hear from first before I can make any big moves.¡±

    Lockey''s eyes narrowed, curiosity piqued by Glacier''s cryptic response. "Who are you waiting for?" he asked, his voice tinged with eagerness. The idea of someone powerful enough to influence Glacier, the leader of ChronoLux, intrigued him.

    Glacier''s expression remained neutral, but a flicker of something¡ªperhaps amusement or perhaps regret¡ªpassed through his eyes. ¡°Unfortunately,¡± he said, his tone polite but firm, ¡°that¡¯s not something I can share with you. Not yet, anyway.¡±

    Lockey frowned, frustrated by the lack of information. ¡°Why all the secrecy? What¡¯s so special about this person that you can¡¯t even mention their name?¡±

    Glacier leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk and clasping his hands together. His gaze softened, as though he was trying to reassure Lockey without revealing too much. ¡°It¡¯s not about secrecy for secrecy¡¯s sake. It¡¯s about timing. When the time is right, you¡¯ll know everything you need to.¡±

    Lockey felt a surge of frustration but kept it in check. He knew pressing Glacier further wouldn¡¯t yield any results. Instead, he shifted his approach. ¡°I¡¯ve heard a lot of rumors about ChronoLux¡ªabout your supposed connection to dangerous factions, about your involvement in the chaos around the city. What¡¯s true and what¡¯s just talk?¡±

    Glacier¡¯s expression relaxed, and for the first time during their conversation, he allowed himself a small, genuine smile. ¡°Those rumors? They¡¯re mostly false, Lockey. We¡¯re not the villains some people make us out to be. We¡¯ve just had a bit of fun at the expense of the WCM¡ªWorld Cyphone Management. They¡¯re so uptight, always trying to control everything. Stirring the pot, causing a little trouble for them? That¡¯s just our way of pushing back.¡±

    Lockey remained silent, processing Glacier¡¯s words. He seemed sincere, but Lockey couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that there was more to Chrono Lux than Glacier was letting on. Still, the leader¡¯s relaxed demeanor made it hard to believe that they were the malevolent force the rumors suggested.

    Seeing that the discussion was reaching its natural conclusion, Glacier stood up from his chair, signaling the end of their conversation. ¡°We¡¯ll meet again, Lockey,¡± he said, his tone carrying a note of finality. ¡°There¡¯s more to discuss, but for now, take what you¡¯ve learned and think about it. The world is changing, and you¡¯re going to be a part of that change whether you like it or not.¡±

    Lockey nodded, accepting Glacier¡¯s words even though he still had more questions than answers. As Glacier walked towards the door, Lockey found himself wondering what role he was truly meant to play in the unfolding events. Glacier paused at the doorway, glancing back one last time. ¡°Until next time,¡± he said with a slight wave, before disappearing into the dimly lit corridors of Chrono Lux¡¯s hideout.

    Lockey stood there for a moment longer, a mix of anticipation and unease settling over him. He knew this was just the beginning.

 Chapter 17: Underneath the Mask

    Lockey stepped out of the Chrono Lux hideout, the cold night air brushing against his face as he pulled his hood up, concealing his deep green hair in the shadows. The streets were quiet, only the distant hum of the city serving as a reminder that life continued outside the tangled web of secrets he¡¯d just stepped out from. His expression remained calm, composed, almost unreadable, yet beneath that exterior, his mind was a storm of conflicting thoughts.

    Glacier¡¯s words echoed in his head, the cryptic hints and unanswered questions gnawing at him like a persistent itch he couldn¡¯t quite reach. ¡°Someone like you... interesting how you came to hold such power.¡± The way Glacier had spoken, so casually yet with a hidden intensity, made Lockey¡¯s skin crawl. He hated it¡ªhated the way people seemed to know more about him than he knew about himself, and hated even more how powerless it made him feel.

    He walked with measured steps, his expression cool and detached, but inside, frustration simmered just below the surface. Glacier¡¯s refusal to divulge who he was waiting for, the vague reassurances that Lockey would know in time¡ªit all felt like a deliberate play, as if Glacier was toying with him. The thought made Lockey clench his fists inside his pockets, the cool metal of the key he carried pressing into his palm.

    Why me? The question had been gnawing at him for a while, and Glacier¡¯s answers, if they could even be called that, hadn¡¯t provided the clarity he sought. Instead, they had only deepened the mystery, adding layers to an already convoluted situation. Lockey¡¯s eyes narrowed as he gazed ahead, his steps slowing as doubt crept into his mind. Was he just a pawn in someone else''s game? Was Glacier genuinely interested in him, or was there another motive, something darker, hidden beneath that calm, almost playful exterior?

    Lockey shook his head slightly, trying to dispel the doubts. He didn¡¯t need anyone; he had survived this long on his own, relying on no one but himself. Yet, despite his usual aloofness, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of something¡ªwas it curiosity? Or perhaps a reluctant interest in Glacier¡¯s words? Whatever it was, he pushed it aside. Emotions had no place in his world, not now.

    But as he walked through the darkened streets, a single thought lingered, unshakable: Who can I trust in all of this? The question hung in the air, heavy and unanswered, much like the city¡¯s silence around him.

    Lockey continued his walk, his thoughts still tangled in the recent conversation with Glacier when he heard footsteps approaching. He glanced up to see Marco and Adam, his two closest companions, heading his way. They looked relieved to see him, but Lockey¡¯s expression remained calm, almost indifferent, even though a part of him was glad they were safe.

    ¡°Lockey,¡± Marco greeted him, a hint of a smile on his face. ¡°Glad to see you in one piece.¡±

    Lockey nodded curtly, his tone cool. ¡°Yeah. You two heading out?¡±

    Adam, who was usually the more reserved of the pair, gave a brief nod. ¡°Yeah, we were just about to leave. You?¡±

    Lockey shrugged slightly, his gaze shifting to the side, avoiding direct eye contact. ¡°I¡¯ll be out soon enough.¡±

    Marco hesitated for a moment before speaking again, his voice carrying a hint of concern. ¡°Did you find anything about Rina? Any leads?¡±

    Lockey¡¯s eyes flickered with a brief flash of emotion, quickly masked by his usual composed demeanor. ¡°No,¡± he replied flatly. ¡°Nothing yet.¡±

    Marco sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. ¡°She¡¯s been gone too long. It¡¯s like she vanished without a trace.¡±

    Lockey¡¯s expression hardened, his voice taking on a sharper edge. ¡°She wouldn¡¯t just disappear. There¡¯s something more going on, and I¡¯ll find out what it is.¡±

    The tension between them was palpable, but Lockey¡¯s words held a determination that even Marco couldn¡¯t deny. Before the conversation could go any further, a familiar voice broke the silence. Canon, another member of their group, approached with a casual wave. ¡°So, you guys are leaving already?¡±

    Marco nodded. ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ve been here long enough.¡±

    Marco gave a small smile, though there was a wistfulness in his eyes. ¡°I wish we could come here more often, you know? There¡¯s something about this place...¡±

    Lockey¡¯s response was immediate, his tone cold and dismissive. ¡°They¡¯re cultists, Marco. Coming here too often, getting too close¡ªany association with them could cost you. Don¡¯t get too comfortable.¡±

    Marco¡¯s smile faltered, replaced by a more serious expression as he considered Lockey¡¯s words. Adam, sensing the shift in mood, placed a hand on Canon¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Lockey¡¯s right. We need to be careful. We¡¯re already walking a fine line.¡±

    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    Lockey¡¯s gaze turned steely, his voice calm but laced with a subtle intensity. ¡°I¡¯m still not in the clear myself. The WCM is still investigating me. Every step we take here, every interaction, it¡¯s all being watched.¡±

    Marco and Adam exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of Lockey¡¯s words sinking in. The reality of their situation was sobering, and it was clear that even their brief involvement with Chrono Lux had already placed them under scrutiny.

    ¡°Guess we should keep a low profile then,¡± Marco muttered, his usual bravado dimmed by the seriousness of the situation.

    Lockey gave a curt nod. ¡°Exactly. We don¡¯t need any more attention on us than we already have.¡±

    With that, the conversation reached its natural end. There was nothing more to say, nothing more to do but part ways for now. Lockey, ever the solitary figure, turned away first, his steps deliberate and measured as he walked off into the night. Marco and Adam followed suit, each heading in a different direction, their paths splitting as they left the shadowy presence of Chrono Lux behind.

    As Lockey walked alone, his mind remained sharp and focused, his expression unreadable. The city¡¯s darkness seemed to swallow him whole, but even as he disappeared into the night, there was a quiet determination in his stride. Whatever lay ahead, whatever challenges or mysteries still awaited him, Lockey would face them on his own terms.

    Lockey awoke early, the first rays of sunlight barely piercing through the thick curtains of his small, cluttered room. His routine was as methodical as ever¡ªshower, dress, grab a quick bite¡ªbut his mind was far from settled. Last night''s conversation with Glacier lingered in his thoughts, casting a shadow over his usual stoic demeanor.

    He pulled on his dark hooded sweatshirt, the deep green fabric contrasting sharply with the pale tone of his skin. His cargo pants, a muted gray, fit comfortably as he tied his boots. Lockey paused for a moment, staring at his reflection in the mirror. His green and black eyes were unreadable, calm, yet there was a flicker of something deeper beneath the surface¡ªdetermination, perhaps, or a quiet resolve to uncover the truth.

    Lockey slung his bag over his shoulder and left his apartment, heading towards Fairy Tale High. The city''s morning light was weak, the shadows still long as he navigated through the streets. He moved with purpose, his expression as cold and composed as ever, masking the turbulence of his thoughts.

    Fairy Tale High was already buzzing with the usual morning chaos¡ªstudents chatting in the halls, teachers preparing for their first classes¡ªbut Lockey paid it no mind. His focus was singular, his path direct as he walked through the corridors.

    As he approached his locker, Lockey''s sharp ears caught a familiar voice. Marco and Adam were up ahead, engaged in a hushed conversation with someone whose voice he couldn¡¯t quite place. He slowed his pace, moving silently until he could overhear snippets of their discussion.

    ¡°¡­worried sick, man. We didn¡¯t know where you were!¡± Marco¡¯s voice was tinged with relief.

    ¡°Yeah, we thought something might¡¯ve happened,¡± Adam added, his tone just as concerned.

    Lockey¡¯s gaze shifted, and there she was¡ªRina. She stood with her back to him, her posture slightly tense, as if the weight of their concern was pressing down on her. When she turned slightly, Lockey could see the exhaustion etched into her features, the dark circles under her eyes that hadn¡¯t been there before.

    Rina glanced over and caught Lockey¡¯s gaze. There was a moment of surprise in her expression, but it quickly morphed into something more guarded, more distant. Lockey¡¯s instincts told him not to press her, not here, not now. Whatever had happened yesterday, it wasn¡¯t something she was ready to talk about.

    Lockey nodded curtly, his usual cold demeanor firmly in place. Without saying a word, he turned and headed towards his classroom, leaving the conversation and the questions unasked. He wasn¡¯t one to pry, especially when the answers might reveal more than he was prepared to deal with.

    The day dragged on, the usual lessons and assignments passing in a blur. By the time the final bell rang, Lockey was more than ready to leave the confines of the school. He walked down the front steps, heading towards the city¡¯s edge, where the noise of the day would finally fade into the quiet he craved.

    But as he reached the gates, he heard a voice call out his name.

    ¡°Lockey!¡±

    He paused, turning to see Rina hurrying to catch up with him. Her expression was a mix of determination and something else¡ªsomething that made Lockey¡¯s guarded instincts flare up.

    ¡°Hey,¡± she said as she reached him, slightly out of breath. ¡°How have you been?¡±

    Lockey¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, his tone flat. ¡°Not bad. Went through the usual grind at school. You?¡±

    Rina hesitated, as if weighing her words. ¡°I¡¯ve been... alright. Just dealing with some things.¡± Her voice was casual, but Lockey could hear the strain beneath it.

    He kept his gaze on her, his expression unreadable. ¡°And where were you yesterday? Marco and Adam were worried.¡±

    Rina looked away for a brief moment, her fingers fiddling with the hem of her jacket. ¡°I was just... taking care of something. Nothing important.¡±

    Lockey¡¯s eyes sharpened, his voice taking on a more pointed edge. ¡°Taking care of something? You were missing for hours, and that¡¯s all you have to say?¡±

    Rina shifted uncomfortably, a slight frown creasing her forehead. ¡°Yeah, it was personal. Nothing you need to worry about.¡±

    Lockey¡¯s gaze remained steady, his Kuudere demeanor slipping just enough to let a hint of suspicion creep into his voice. ¡°You smell of blood.¡±

    Rina froze, her eyes widening in shock. The mask she¡¯d been wearing cracked, and for a split second, there was something raw and vulnerable in her expression. She quickly composed herself, but Lockey had already seen enough.

    ¡°Lockey, I...¡±

    He cut her off, his voice cold. ¡°You need something?¡±

    Rina swallowed hard, her earlier confidence visibly shaken. ¡°No, I just... wanted to see how you were.¡±

    Lockey nodded slowly, his expression giving nothing away. ¡°Then we¡¯re done here.¡±

    Without waiting for a response, Lockey turned and walked away, leaving Rina standing alone at the school gates. His mind was racing, but outwardly, he remained as calm and composed as ever. Whatever Rina was hiding, he knew he couldn¡¯t trust her¡ªnot yet. And until he got to the bottom of it, he would keep his distance, watching and waiting for the truth to reveal itself.

 Chapter 18: A Dangerous Game

    Lockey sat in his usual spot near the back of the class, the morning¡¯s lessons fading into background noise. His mind, however, was anything but quiet. His brief encounter with Rina yesterday had left a sour taste, the smell of blood still lingering in his thoughts. He hadn''t pressed her further, not yet, but the doubt had taken root. Whatever Rina was hiding, it was clear that it wasn¡¯t something simple.

    As the day dragged on, Lockey¡¯s cold demeanor kept everyone at a distance. It wasn¡¯t until lunch that he finally saw Rina again. She was sitting by herself in the corner of the cafeteria, her eyes downcast, lost in thought. Her usual energy seemed drained, a stark contrast to the girl who usually held her own in any conversation.

    Something was wrong.

    Lockey knew it. And it was time to find out what.

    The final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. Rina slipped out of the classroom unnoticed, her movements precise and deliberate, avoiding the crowded halls. Instead of heading home, she took an unusual route, one she rarely used. This path was discrete, a narrow alley tucked between two large buildings, shadowed by overhanging fire escapes. It twisted through the city in ways most people wouldn¡¯t bother to notice¡ªperfect for someone who didn¡¯t want to be seen.

    At the end of the alley, Rina stopped. A man stood there, his identity hidden beneath a long black cape with a hood that cast shadows over his face. His presence was unnerving, but Rina showed no sign of fear as she approached.

    "Complete the job before dawn," the man said in a low, gravelly voice, before turning and disappearing into the darkness.

    Without a word, Rina turned on her heel and left, the weight of the task settling on her shoulders.

    Hours later, night had fully descended upon the city. Rina moved through the shadows, dressed in a black outfit that blended seamlessly with the night. Her destination loomed ahead of her¡ªa tall building, sleek with a fa?ade of glass and steel, its reflective surface gleaming under the sparse light of the moon.

    She approached silently, eyes sharp as she surveyed the perimeter. The building appeared heavily guarded, but that didn¡¯t deter her. Moving swiftly, she disabled the first security guard with a precise, silent strike to the neck, rendering him unconscious before he even had time to react.

    Another guard patrolled nearby, his steps echoing in the stillness of the night. Rina darted behind him, her movements a blur of efficiency. With a small flick of her wrist, a thin beam of laser-like energy illuminated briefly from her hand, cutting through the air. The guard dropped without a sound, the life fading from his eyes as the smell of scorched fabric filled the air.

    With the outside guards dealt with, she moved toward the entrance. A quick swipe of a stolen keycard granted her access to the building, and she slipped inside.

    <hr>

    Rina made her way through the dimly lit corridors, her footfalls barely audible against the polished floors. The building''s interior was modern and sterile, a maze of offices and rooms that all looked the same. But she knew where she was headed¡ªthe top floor. Her target was waiting.

    Finally, she reached the door at the end of a long hallway. Without hesitation, she pushed it open and stepped into the room.

    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Inside, her target was seated at a large mahogany desk, illuminated by the soft glow of his computer screen. He looked up from his work, startled but composed. His eyes locked onto Rina¡¯s figure, and he immediately knew something was wrong.

    "Who sent you?" the man asked, his voice calm, but his hand subtly moved toward the drawer where a weapon was likely stashed.

    Rina¡¯s face remained expressionless, her voice cold and detached. "I have no questions to answer."

    Without giving him another chance to react, she raised her hand, and a bright beam of concentrated light erupted from her palm. The laser sliced through the air, striking the man directly in the chest. His body jolted backward, the force of the impact sending him crashing against the wall. Smoke rose from the charred hole in his torso, and within seconds, he was dead.

    Rina lowered her hand, the remnants of the laser beam still glowing faintly around her fingertips. She turned and left the room without a second glance, her mission complete.

    <hr>

    Unknown to Rina, Lockey had been watching everything from a distance. His eyes narrowed as he saw her take down the guards with precision and efficiency. He followed her into the building, keeping out of sight as she completed her mission.

    Lockey knew the situation could spiral out of control if the World Compliance Monitoring (WCM) agency got involved. With their eyes already on him, Rina¡¯s association with him could drag him deeper into trouble he didn¡¯t need.

    Once Rina was gone, Lockey moved quickly. He wiped the surveillance footage, removed any trace of Rina¡¯s presence, and ensured the security guards wouldn¡¯t remember a thing. His actions were calm and calculated, every step taken to erase the evidence.

    The WCM couldn¡¯t find anything. They wouldn¡¯t. Not as long as he had a say in it.

    Lockey walked away, his face unreadable as always. But deep inside, he couldn¡¯t help but feel the weight of what he had just done¡ªnot for himself, but for Rina.

    Lockey sat at the small wooden table, spooning cereal into his mouth with little enthusiasm. The apartment was silent, save for the faint hum of the refrigerator and the soft tapping of rain against the window. He chewed absently, staring down at the half-eaten bowl. Just as he was about to take another bite, he sensed something off.

    His eyes narrowed slightly. Without turning, he spoke, his voice cold and steady. ¡°How did you get in? Trying to rob me?¡±

    From the shadowy corner of the room, a figure emerged. The dim morning light from the window barely illuminated their face, but Lockey recognized them immediately.

    A familiar voice broke the tension. ¡°Seen you somewhere before, haven¡¯t I?¡±

    Lockey slowly put his spoon down, his expression hardening. ¡°Lucien.¡±

    The figure stepped into the light, revealing the young lady with sharp features and an air of casual confidence. She smirked. ¡°You¡¯ve got a good memory, Mister Lockey. I¡¯m here to deliver a message.¡±

    Lockey leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. His eyes flicked up and down Lucien¡¯s frame, piecing together the connection. "You''re the one who told me about Adam and Marco¡¯s whereabouts."

    Lucien nodded, his smirk widening. "Guilty as charged."

    Lockey¡¯s expression remained cold. ¡°What does Golden Boy want from me?¡± he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he referred to Glacier.

    Lucien stepped forward, his hands casually tucked into his coat pockets. "Well," she began, "he would like to offer you a mission."

    Lockey raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp and skeptical. ¡°A mission?¡± he repeated, his voice tinged with suspicion. ¡°What makes you think I¡¯d even consider it? Nothing in this world is done for free.¡± His lips curled into a smirk as he leaned forward, meeting Lucien¡¯s gaze with a strange intensity.

    Lucien chuckled softly. "Yes, Lord Glacier is very much aware of that." Her tone shifted slightly, becoming more serious. ¡°Which is why he wants you to... keep the reward of the Mission.¡±

    Lockey frowned, the confusion clear on his face. "Keep what?"

    Lucien shrugged, an air of mystery still hanging about him. ¡°If you want to know the full details, here¡¯s the location.¡± He reached into his coat and pulled out a small, folded piece of paper, sliding it across the table.

    Lockey stared at it for a moment before picking it up, the address scribbled hastily on it.

    ¡°We hope to get in touch sooner rather than later,¡± Lucien added as she turned toward the door, the smirk returning to his face. ¡°You know how the world works.¡±

 Chapter 19: A Dangerous Game 2

    Lockey stood outside his apartment, hands tucked into the pockets of his dark coat as the rain drizzled lightly, dampening the streets. His mind was already drifting to the address Lucien had given him, thoughts buzzing with skepticism and curiosity. It wasn¡¯t the first time Glacier had made an unexpected request, and Lockey had learned not to trust that anything Glacier offered was straightforward.

    As he approached the location, it became clear this was different from the last time. The tall, run-down building loomed in front of him, its broken windows and decaying structure giving off an eerie feeling. Lockey hesitated at the entrance, his eyes narrowing before stepping inside.

    The abandoned building was dimly lit by flickering lights, casting long shadows that danced across the cracked walls. Dust swirled in the air as his boots crunched over the debris-littered floor. As Lockey moved deeper into the building, he saw a familiar figure leaning against a wall, cloaked in a black hooded cape.

    Lucien, now fully illuminated by a faint light, smiled slyly. The black hood concealed much of her face, but her sharp features and calculating eyes were unmistakable.

    "I''ll lead the way," she said in a low voice, her tone lacking any real warmth. With a quick nod, she turned and began to lead him down a narrow corridor, her footsteps silent against the concrete floor.

    They descended into the building''s lower levels, navigating through an underground tunnel that twisted and turned, lit only by the occasional flickering bulb overhead. The deeper they went, the colder and more silent the space became, with the distant sound of dripping water echoing in the distance. Eventually, they reached a large, steel door at the end of the tunnel. Lucien knocked twice, and the door groaned open.

    Inside, Glacier stood in the center of the room, his back turned to them as he observed something on the far wall. The moment Lockey entered, Glacier turned around, his face splitting into a smile that seemed to barely hide something darker.

    "Knew you''d come," Glacier said with a grin, taking a step forward.

    Lockey rolled his eyes and crossed his arms, unimpressed. "Get on with it."

    Glacier¡¯s smile faded, and his face became serious, as though flipping a switch. He walked toward Lockey, his presence filling the room with a commanding air. ¡°I need you to steal a particular key, Lockey. It''s called the Beta Vault, one of the 8 Universal Vaults.¡±

    Lockey blinked, tilting his head slightly, confused by the abrupt shift in conversation. "Okaaayyyy¡­" he replied, drawing out the word in genuine confusion. ¡°And why exactly should I steal this? And don¡¯t tell me the reward is that I get to keep it.¡±

    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    Glacier shook his head and sighed, walking to a nearby table and resting a hand on its surface. "Calm down. It¡¯s not really stealing, more like retrieving. The Vault isn¡¯t in anyone¡¯s possession right now, but it will be soon. And trust me, I don¡¯t want the wrong hands grabbing it first."

    Lockey frowned, still not fully understanding. His curiosity got the better of him as he pressed on. ¡°What¡¯s this vault stuff anyway? What am I actually retrieving?¡±

    Glacier''s expression shifted to one of careful explanation. "There are three objects that give us power in this world, and they''re all connected to the Cipher. The first one is the Key, which you already possess. The second one looks like a small Rubik''s cube, but it''s a Vault. And the last one is a Lock, which looks like a padlock. Each one has its own abilities.¡±

    Lockey leaned back, raising an eyebrow. "So this Beta Vault is supposedly power itself?"

    Glacier nodded. ¡°Yes, but it''s classified as a Universal Vault, which makes it far more powerful than your average Vault.¡±

    As Glacier continued to explain, he dropped subtle hints, foreshadowing larger revelations. ¡°There are only 20 Universal objects, Lockey, and only 10 are currently in possession of anyone. Among those 10, you and I already have one each.¡±

    Lockey wasn¡¯t particularly interested in the Vault¡¯s history. His mind drifted to the next task at hand. ¡°So, what else is there to know?¡±

    Glacier smirked. ¡°First off, the Vault is located in a place full of traps. Not just any traps, but ones designed to keep even the most skilled thieves out.¡±

    He pulled out a map and unrolled it on the table, pointing to a remote location¡ªThe Cavern of Winds, an ancient cave system buried deep in a mountainous region. The caverns were notorious for their shifting passages, making it easy for those unfamiliar with the terrain to get lost forever.

    ¡°Due to the complexity of the traps, you¡¯re going to need some help,¡± Glacier continued, looking up at Lockey.

    Lockey raised an eyebrow, his arms still crossed. ¡°And who¡¯s supposed to help me?¡±

    Just then, a voice echoed from the shadows. "You¡¯ve got to be kidding me."

    Lockey turned to see Pinnochi, his arms folded and an annoyed look plastered across her face. He stepped into the light, her irritation clear. ¡°I never signed up for this, Glacier. Why do you keep dragging me into this mess?¡±

    Glacier chuckled. ¡°Because, Pinnochi, you¡¯re the best at what you do. And let¡¯s face it¡ªyou owe me.¡± He winked, but Pinnochi wasn¡¯t amused.

    Pinnochi groaned, rubbing his temples in frustration. "If the WCM finds out about this, I¡¯m pretty much cooked. You know that, right?"

    Glacier waved a hand dismissively. ¡°No worries. No one will know, and that¡¯s precisely why I need you on this job.¡±

    Pinnochi rolled his eyes and shot a glare at Lockey. ¡°You better not screw this up, Lockey.¡±

    Lockey shrugged, glancing at the map. ¡°So we¡¯ll be traveling out, huh?¡±

    Glacier nodded. ¡°Yes, you¡¯ll be heading to the Cavern of Winds. It''s treacherous but the Beta Vault is hidden there.¡±

    Lockey stared at the map for a moment before looking back up at Glacier. "Why don¡¯t you just do this yourself?"

    Glacier¡¯s eyes darkened as he took a step toward Lockey, his voice dropping. ¡°Because,¡± he said, his tone dead serious, ¡°I have someone else to deal with.¡±

    Pinnochi, who had been standing impatiently, finally let out a loud sigh. "Yeah, yeah, can we just get on with it? I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m spending my vacation like this." he shot Glacier a sharp look. "You owe me, Glacier."

    Glacier chuckled, but there was a heaviness in the air that suggested more than just a simple favor was at play.

 Chapter 20: The Vault of Wind

    Lockey stood at the window, staring at the city skyline as the sun began to dip. The weight of Glacier¡¯s request still lingered in his mind. Steal a vault. A Universal Vault. He rubbed his temple, trying to make sense of it all. Why did Glacier even care so much about the Beta Vault? And more importantly, why should he?

    Power, he thought, it¡¯s always about power. Lockey had learned enough from his own past and his dealings with Glacier to know that. But even though he felt conflicted, something tugged at him¡ªthe idea of unlocking something as monumental as a Universal Vault. He wasn¡¯t sure if it was curiosity, ambition, or just the fact that he didn¡¯t trust Glacier to handle it alone.

    As the time approached, Lockey geared up, sharpening his Key abilities in his mind, recalling every detail about the traps and dangers they might face in the Cavern of Winds. He visualized the map, thinking about the best routes and strategies. The vault wasn¡¯t going to be an easy take¡ªespecially if it was as dangerous as Glacier implied. But Lockey wasn¡¯t the type to back down.

    Pinnochi approached him, breaking his concentration. ¡°So¡­ how¡¯d you meet Glacier, anyway?¡± Pinnochi asked, his tone casual but his eyes curious.

    Lockey smirked slightly. ¡°Let¡¯s say fate.¡±

    Pinnochi scoffed. ¡°Fate, huh? Guess fate really loves you. I¡¯m older, but it feels like you¡¯ve been around longer. Don¡¯t know why Zino gave you the role.¡±

    Lockey¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Who¡¯s Zino?¡±

    Pinnochi paused mid-step, visibly surprised. ¡°You work for Glacier, and you don¡¯t know who Zino is? Luck¡¯s on you, buddy.¡±

    Lockey leaned back. ¡°I don¡¯t work for anyone. Now tell me who this Zino is.¡±

    Pinnochi sighed, shaking his head as if amused by Lockey''s ignorance. ¡°Zino¡¯s the one who brought us all together. When things got rough, he found each of us, gave us purpose. He¡¯s the reason Glacier is who he is today.¡±

    Lucien, standing near the hangar, gestured toward a sleek, black private jet. ¡°This is the aircraft that¡¯ll take you close to the location. The place is far too hidden for any airport to handle. The pilot will drop you off mid-flight, and you¡¯ll have to make your descent on foot. No parachutes.¡±

    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Lockey raised an eyebrow. Typical Glacier. He wasn¡¯t surprised by the lack of ordinary protocol.

    The inside of the jet was small, designed for speed rather than luxury. As Lockey and Pinnochi settled in, Pinnochi adjusted the straps of his gear, grumbling under his breath. ¡°Still can¡¯t believe I¡¯m risking my neck for this,¡± he muttered.

    Lockey, arms crossed, stared at him from across the cabin. ¡°You could¡¯ve said no.¡±

    Pinnochi shot him a glare. ¡°Glacier doesn¡¯t understand the meaning of ¡®no.¡¯ He forces you into everything.¡±

    Lockey smirked. ¡°Sounds like Golden Boy for you.¡±

    Pinnochi snorted. ¡°Golden Boy, huh? I¡¯m definitely calling him that from now on.¡±

    The jet flew silently over the dense forest below, the towering mountains coming into view. The pilot¡¯s voice crackled over the comms, ¡°We¡¯re nearing the drop zone. Get ready.¡±

    As the plane¡¯s doors slid open, Lockey and Pinnochi approached the edge, holding nothing but their gear and the map. Pinnochi hesitated for a moment. ¡°No parachutes, no safety nets¡ªjust like old times.¡±

    Lockey grinned and jumped, Pinnochi following behind him. The wind roared in their ears as they plummeted through the sky. The thick forest canopy raced toward them, but neither of them flinched. With a perfectly timed move, they landed gracefully, rolling to disperse the impact.

    Pinnochi groaned, getting to his feet. ¡°My legs hurt. Are you even human? You jumped from that high and landed like it¡¯s nothing.¡±

    Lockey stood straight, brushing the dirt off his clothes. ¡°Let¡¯s quit the chitchat and get this done.¡±

    Pinnochi unfolded the map, scanning it carefully. ¡°According to this, the Cavern of Winds should be located somewhere around the tallest mountain in this area.¡± He pointed in the direction of a massive peak in the distance, its snow-capped summit glowing in the fading sunlight.

    Lockey nodded, his eyes fixed on the distant mountain. ¡°That way, then.¡±

    They trudged through the dense forest, the air growing colder and the wind sharper as they neared the mountain¡¯s base. After hours of hiking, they finally reached the towering rock face. Pinnochi looked around in frustration. ¡°What the f**k? There¡¯s no cave here. This is just solid rock!¡±

    Lockey remained calm, scanning the area. ¡°You expect a legendary cavern to be out in the open?¡±

    Pinnochi scowled. ¡°Then how the hell are we supposed to find it?¡±

    Lockey moved closer to the mountain¡¯s surface, his hand brushing against the cold stone. There has to be something hidden here¡­ His eyes narrowed as he noticed a faint line etched into the rock, barely visible in the fading light. ¡°Here,¡± he said, pressing his hand against the marking.

    The mountain began to tremble, a deep rumbling sound echoing through the air. The rock shifted, revealing a narrow, jagged entrance that seemed to lead deep into the mountain¡¯s heart. Cold air rushed out of the opening, carrying with it a strange, otherworldly sound.

    Pinnochi stepped back, wide-eyed. ¡°Guess that¡¯s our way in¡­¡±

    Lockey stared into the dark tunnel. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    And with that, they stepped into the mouth of the cavern, the entrance closing behind them as if swallowing them whole.

 Chapter 21: The Endless Descent

    Lucien stood in front of Glacier, who lounged comfortably, a gaming console in his hands, the soft hum of the screen illuminating the dark room.

    ¡°They¡¯ve started,¡± Lucien began, voice steady, ¡°but there¡¯s one problem.¡±

    Glacier didn¡¯t look up, a faint smirk on his lips as if he had already predicted this. ¡°Let me guess... the cave''s radiation?¡±

    Lucien nodded. ¡°The WCM will be dispatched soon. It''s only a matter of time.¡±

    Glacier finally paused the game, his icy eyes narrowing in thought. ¡°Which team?¡±

    Lucien hesitated. ¡°It looks like it¡¯s Pinnochi¡¯s team. Team Alpha Strike. Threat containment and all.¡±

    Glacier¡¯s smirk returned, seemingly unbothered. ¡°No need to worry. Rades has decided to assist. With him backing us up, nothing¡¯s going wrong. And between Lockey and Pinnochi? They¡¯ll handle it.¡±

    Lucien shifted on his feet. ¡°Who knows... they might¡¯ve already entered the cave by now.¡±

    Lockey and Pinnochi moved through the cavern¡¯s winding passage, their steps echoed in the eerie silence. The walls around them pulsed faintly with some unknown energy, giving the place an otherworldly glow.

    ¡°What the hell¡­¡± Pinnochi muttered, his voice bouncing off the stone. ¡°This feels weirdly easy.¡±

    Lockey didn¡¯t reply, but his thoughts raced. Five minutes in and not a single trap has been triggered. Something wasn¡¯t right.

    Their path opened up into a vast chasm. At first glance, it looked like a waterfall ¡ª but there was no water, just a gaping abyss. Darkness swallowed the bottom, and the longer Lockey stared, the more unsettling it became. The sheer drop seemed endless.

    Pinnochi let out an incredulous laugh, stepping closer to the edge. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me we¡¯re supposed to jump down there.¡±

    Lockey, eyes narrowed in thought, crouched down and picked up a small stone. Without a word, he tossed it into the void, both of them listening for the sound of it hitting the bottom.

    Silence.

    No splash. No thud.

    Pinnochi crossed his arms, glaring at the dark pit. ¡°Great. First, no traps, and now this? You¡¯ve gotta be kidding me.¡±

    Lockey, still focused, felt a prickle at the back of his neck. His eyes widened slightly as he noticed the very same stone¡ªthe one he had just thrown¡ªfalling from above, looping back into the pit. He blinked in surprise, watching the stone repeat its endless fall, defying logic.

    ¡°What the¡­?¡± Pinnochi stared, then groaned. ¡°So if we¡¯d jumped, we¡¯d just come out of one tunnel only to fall right back into another. Like some cursed loop.¡±

    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    Lockey stood up, scanning the surroundings. This place wasn¡¯t what it seemed. It was messing with time or space¡ªor both. His sharp gaze fell on an odd shimmer near the cave wall, just faint enough to miss unless you were looking for it.

    Pinnochi, still frustrated, asked, ¡°So, where do we go now? This is a dead end.¡±

    Lockey, eyes narrowing, stepped closer to the shimmer. ¡°Maybe not.¡± His hand brushed the wall lightly, testing its texture. There was a faint shift, like touching the surface of water.

    ¡°A hidden path,¡± he murmured.

    Pinnochi¡¯s brows raised in surprise. ¡°You really know your way around these things, huh?¡±

    Lockey didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he turned to face the shimmering distortion, ready to see what lay beyond.

    Inside the cave, eerie symbols lined the walls, with a hall stretching deep into the shadows.

    Pinnochi hesitated, his brow furrowed in concern. ¡°Let¡¯s think this through. How do we know this thing isn¡¯t endless?¡±

    Lockey glanced around, tracing his fingers across one of the carvings before stepping forward. ¡°The moment we entered, everything became a loop. We don¡¯t have a choice but to explore it.¡±

    Pinnochi took a step back, arms crossed. ¡°You go ahead. I¡¯ll wait here.¡±

    Lockey sighed briefly, turning toward him. ¡°I wonder how you¡¯re useful at all.¡±

    Pinnochi bristled. ¡°What did you say?¡± he snapped, but Lockey was already disappearing into the dark hallway.

    Pinnochi¡¯s heart raced. Sweat formed on his brow as he heard faint whispers, his nerves on edge. ¡°It¡¯s fine... Ghosts aren¡¯t real, right?¡± he muttered, trying to shake the feeling.

    Looking around, a creeping realization struck him. He''d left the one person who seemed to understand this place. "Wait a second. He got us this far, and now I¡¯m just standing here? He probably knows how to break this curse," Pinnochi muttered to himself. Shouting after Lockey, he bolted down the hall. ¡°Hold up, dear navigator! Don¡¯t leave me behind!¡±

    Meanwhile, deeper inside the cave, Lockey moved cautiously. ¡°As expected,¡± he murmured, staring at a mark he''d scratched into the wall earlier. He¡¯d been walking in circles. The hallway looped endlessly.

    He glanced around, trying to pierce the darkness ahead and behind him. ¡°No turning back now,¡± he said, his voice calm, though his eyes betrayed concern.

    Pausing, he examined the wall more closely. There were ancient inscriptions detailing a story¡ªa man who had walked this same hallway 99 times before finally breaking free. ¡°Walking the hall 99 times¡­ In a place where time and space are distorted, by the time I break this loop, centuries could have passed.¡±

    He scanned for more clues and came across a warning. The hallway had been built to trap thieves seeking the King¡¯s treasures. "No escape for intruders," it read.

    Lockey¡¯s mind raced, formulating a plan. Drawing his Key of String, he prepared to use its cutting power. With one swift motion, he slashed through the hallway.

    For a moment, the walls seemed to ripple, but then everything paused. His attack had no effect on the stone. Instead, it triggered something worse¡ªthe death traps.

    Behind him, he heard the roar of fire rushing toward him, and in front, a swarm of deadly snakes slithered his way.

    With precise movements, Lockey unleashed a technique, cutting through everything in his path¡ªboth the flames and the snakes. The power of his Key left nothing untouched.

    As the smoke cleared, Lockey stood still, letting his breathing calm. He sat down on the cave floor, legs crossed. ¡°You can¡¯t destroy the hallway,¡± he muttered, contemplating. ¡°Breaking a loop¡­ how would that work?¡±

    Lockey pondered over potential solutions. ¡°Loops are self-sustaining, like time feeding into itself. Scientifically, it¡¯s about disrupting the pattern¡ªperhaps altering the space-time structure. Technologically, hacking the loop¡¯s mechanism. Spiritually¡­¡± He closed his eyes. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s about facing what you fear, or surrendering to the loop in order to break free.¡±

    Opening his eyes, he stood. ¡°Guess I¡¯ll have to give one of those a try.¡±

 Chapter 22: Breach of Reality

    The dense forest surrounding the Cavern of Winds was eerily silent, except for the soft hum of the World Cyphone Management (WCM¡¯s )equipment scanning for an entrance. The early morning mist clung to the trees as Yuri stood near the edge of the clearing, watching as his team worked.

    ¡°You found anything, Lee?¡± Yuri asked, his eyes narrowing in concentration.

    Lee, crouched near an ancient tree with a device in hand, stood up and wiped the sweat off his brow. ¡°Not yet,¡± he replied, his voice gruff. ¡°But once I locate the entrance, you¡¯ll be the first to know.¡±

    From behind, a hulking figure named Bono stepped forward. His voice rumbled like thunder, ¡°Isn¡¯t it funny? I¡¯ve never seen the higher-ups so curious before.¡±

    Yuri, seemingly unconcerned, shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t really care. But if the higher-ups sent both the threat and containment teams here, then whatever we¡¯re retrieving is bound to be dangerous.¡± His expression turned serious as his gaze swept over the trees. ¡°This isn¡¯t just a standard mission.¡±

    Bono nodded, his agreement evident. ¡°Indeed.¡±

    Just then, a distant rustle disturbed the silence. Yuri¡¯s head snapped toward the sound. Emerging from the shadows were figures dressed in long red capes, their presence unmistakable. The tension in the air thickened as the Red Blood Cult made their appearance, moving in with a slow, deliberate stride.

    Meanwhile, near the base of the towering mountain, Lee¡¯s hand hovered over his device. A faint signal pulsed. ¡°I¡¯ve found it,¡± he muttered under his breath, though his voice echoed in the quiet forest.

    Yuri tensed, feeling the rising friction between the WCM threat and containment team and the approaching cult. He watched as a single figure from the cult stepped forward, approaching with a confident swagger.

    The man¡¯s smirk was unsettling. ¡°You seem to be the one in charge here,¡± he said, his tone deceptively polite. ¡°I only ask one favor¡ªstand back.¡± His smile widened, tauntingly.

    Yuri remained unfazed, his expression calm. ¡°Is that a threat?¡± His eyes hardened. ¡°It¡¯s you who should leave.¡± He paused, tension crackling in the air. ¡°No, I take that back. You¡¯re the ones responsible for the attack on Fairy Tale High, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    The figure, now clearly their leader, chuckled darkly. ¡°Ah, so you¡¯ve heard of us.¡±

    Yuri¡¯s hand moved toward his earpiece. ¡°Containment team, move in. Bono, you¡¯re with them.¡±

    The containment team, already on high alert, advanced toward the entrance to the cavern, rifles at the ready. Bono, towering above the rest, nodded before following close behind. The Red Blood Cult, without a word, reacted instantly. The cult leader merely gave a subtle hand gesture, and his followers rushed toward the entrance in a red blur, trying to beat the WCM team to the cave.

    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    Surprised but maintaining his composure, Yuri turned back to the lone figure, now standing with his hood down. ¡°You¡¯re the only one left,¡± Yuri remarked, his voice filled with caution. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you plan to take on the threat team by yourself.¡±

    The man smirked, his eyes gleaming with malicious intent. ¡°I¡¯m Rades,¡± he said with a sinister grin. ¡°Leader of the Red Blood Cult¡ªand the one who¡¯s going to drain every drop of your blood dry.¡± A cold chill swept through the air as he spoke, his smile never wavering.

    Yuri¡¯s hand tightened around his weapon, his instincts screaming danger. ¡°Then let¡¯s see if you can.¡±

    Pinnochi leaned against the wall, sweat dripping from his brow as he panted heavily. "There isn¡¯t an end to this," he muttered, frustration lacing his voice. He wiped his forehead, realizing with a growing sense of dread, "We only split for a second, but now... it¡¯s like his presence isn¡¯t even here anymore." He glanced around the dimly lit hallway, the oppressive air closing in on him. "I can¡¯t even escape this hallway."

    Desperation settling in, Pinnochi instinctively placed his hand on the wall, focusing his energy. Fungus began to grow from his fingertips, spreading rapidly along the surface. He closed his eyes, linking his mind with the growth, allowing the fungus to stretch and extend through the hallway like a network of nerves. As the connection deepened, his awareness expanded, allowing him to "see" the layout.

    ¡°Back to where I started, huh?¡± He smirked, though the realization that he was indeed stuck in a loop sank in. ¡°Seems I was right. I¡¯m really looping this thing.¡±

    But through the fungus, something else caught his attention¡ªLockey¡¯s presence, faint yet unmistakable. ¡°He¡¯s still here, but it¡¯s like... he¡¯s in a different timeline. Almost an alternate dimension.¡± Pinnochi¡¯s brows furrowed in thought. "If it¡¯s an alternate dimension... couldn¡¯t Lockey just cut it?"

    He clenched his fists, frustration rising. ¡°But one thing¡¯s certain: he might¡¯ve already figured that out.¡±

    <hr>

    Meanwhile, with Lockey...

    Lockey suddenly stopped mid-stride, a strange sensation prickling at the back of his neck as though someone had just thought of him. Shaking it off, he continued down the corridor, picking up a small stone. Marking the floor at his starting point, he set off again, walking forward for what felt like five minutes. Eventually, he spotted the same mark.

    "Great," he muttered under his breath. Continuing on, he made another mark midway, then kept walking until he came back to his original starting point.

    This time, Lockey decided to walk backward instead of forward. After retracing his steps, he found the midway marking staring back at him.

    "If I¡¯m right," he paused, glancing around with suspicion, ¡°then¡­¡± He resumed walking, this time deliberately counting his steps.

    After five minutes, Lockey expected to see his starting mark but found no sign of it. Confused but intrigued, he made a new mark at what he believed was the end of the loop.

    "Walking forward or backward will always bring me to the starting point," he reasoned aloud. "Unless... I never started my journey midway." His eyes narrowed in thought, then darted toward the center of the hallway.

    Lockey stepped purposefully to the middle of the corridor, running his hand along the walls as he inspected every inch for clues. His fingers brushed over faint symbols etched into the surface, nearly imperceptible in the dim light. ¡°The reason for the hallway looping must be here... in the center.¡±

    Stepping back, he narrowed his eyes, concentrating. Without hesitation, he drew key changing into a dagger and, with a swift motion, slashed at the empty space in the middle of the hall. The air rippled, and with a sharp sound, a dimensional portal tore open, revealing the way forward.

    Lockey smirked. ¡°Guess the key was in the middle all along.¡±

    Pinnochi, still linked to his fungus network, felt the sudden shift. The hallway¡¯s energy warped, and the dimensional portal tore through reality like a flash of light. A smile crept onto his lips. "Took him long enough."

 Chapter 23: The Challenge

    Pinnochi and Lockey stood side by side at the glowing tear in the hallway, the portal now fully formed, humming softly like an unseen force calling to them.

    Lockey glanced at Pinnochi. "You ready?"

    Pinnochi, still catching his breath, managed a grin. "Do we have a choice?"

    Without another word, Lockey stepped forward and disappeared through the portal, Pinnochi following close behind. The sensation of crossing through was disorienting, like stepping through liquid air. Everything shifted, the cold and oppressive hallway behind them melting away as they passed into

    They emerged into a world vastly different from the one they¡¯d just left.

    The air was warm, filled with the earthy scent of damp soil and blooming flowers. Towering trees with silver leaves stretched far above them, their branches weaving together to create a canopy that filtered the sunlight into golden beams. It was a forest, but unlike any they had ever seen¡ªeverything glowed with an ethereal light, almost as if the entire forest were alive and aware of their presence.

    Pinnochi marveled at the sight, his earlier fatigue forgotten. "This¡­isn¡¯t what I expected."

    Lockey knelt down, brushing his hand against the soft, emerald grass. "Neither did I. But don¡¯t let it fool you. Something feels off."

    In the distance, faint whispers echoed through the trees, like wind or something more¡­sentient. Both of them stood alert, knowing that this serene beauty might hide something far more dangerous.

    Inside the cave, the WCM Containment Team moved with caution, guided by Lee, their navigator.

    Lee¡¯s voice crackled over the radio. ¡°Still no sign of the main chamber, Bono. We¡¯ve covered most of the upper levels. Whatever we¡¯re looking for, it¡¯s deeper.¡±

    Bono, leading the team, scanned their surroundings with a serious expression. His massive frame illuminated by their headlamps, he grunted in agreement. ¡°If the higher-ups want this badly enough to send us, it¡¯s dangerous. And if the Red Blood Cult''s involved, it¡¯s worse.¡±

    The team moved carefully, their footsteps echoing through the cavernous space. Bono¡¯s gaze remained fixed on the path ahead. ¡°Stay sharp. We don¡¯t know what¡¯s waiting for us deeper in.¡±

    The tension in the air was palpable as they continued their search, the looming threat of the cult hanging over them.

    A faint rustling echoed through the cave as three members of the Red Blood Cult emerged from the shadows. Their red cloaks seemed to blend with the dim lighting, each step deliberate and unsettling. The Containment Team, alert and ready, stood poised, their hands hovering near their weapons.

    From the trio, a figure stepped forward¡ªtall, composed, with a grin that didn¡¯t reach his eyes.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    ¡°Hello there,¡± he said smoothly. ¡°I¡¯m Cassian.¡±

    The team visibly tensed. Bono, the leader of the WCM Threat and Containment Unit, narrowed his eyes, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. Cassian... His mind flashed back to that day¡ªthe chaos at Ravenport, when the Red Blood Cult unleashed havoc on the city. Buildings in flames, streets drenched in panic, and Bono, deep in the fray, had barely managed to stop Cassian from slaughtering civilians. The fight had been brutal, and Bono still bore the scar on his left side from where Cassian¡¯s chains had nearly cost him his life.

    Cassian''s gaze swept over the team, before he took a few more steps closer, his movements casual but calculated. ¡°No need to be so tense,¡± he continued, his tone as light as if discussing the weather. ¡°Why don¡¯t we settle this like gentlemen? A friendly challenge.¡±

    Bono, with the weight of command on his shoulders, hesitated. His brow furrowed. ¡°So you¡¯re after the same thing?¡± he asked, his voice edged with caution.

    Cassian chuckled, an almost playful sound. ¡°Oh, not quite. You see, we¡¯re not here for that mysterious object¡­ at least not directly. We¡¯re just buying some time,¡± he said, his smile widening mischievously.

    Bono didn¡¯t respond immediately, his face tightening into a stoic mask. Silence hung in the air as the Containment Team waited for their leader''s next move.

    Cassian, sensing the tension, raised his hands in mock surrender. ¡°Relax. No one¡¯s suggesting a bloodbath... yet. I¡¯m offering a simple contest. You want the Beta Vault, and so do we. Instead of tearing each other apart here, let¡¯s see who finds it first.¡±

    Bono considered this, his mind racing. Before he could speak, Lee, his trusted navigator, stepped forward. ¡°Captain, it might be a trap,¡± he whispered under his breath, his voice laced with concern. ¡°They could be stalling us, or worse.¡±

    Bono nodded slightly, acknowledging Lee¡¯s point. ¡°I hear you,¡± he replied quietly before turning his attention back to Cassian.

    ¡°And what happens when one of us finds it?¡± Bono asked, crossing his arms. ¡°Whoever finds the Vault first just walks away with it?¡±

    Cassian¡¯s grin returned, as smooth and unsettling as ever. ¡°Exactly. No tricks, no backstabbing¡ªat least, not until after. Whoever retrieves it, keeps it. Fair and simple.¡±

    The cave fell silent once more, tension thick between the two groups. Bono remained still, his eyes locked on Cassian, trying to read any hidden intention in the man¡¯s playful demeanor. Finally, he sighed.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Bono said, though there was still a note of caution in his voice. ¡°But if we find it first, you back off. No interference.¡±

    Cassian¡¯s eyes glinted with amusement. ¡°Oh, I wouldn¡¯t dream of it.¡±

    With a final glance at his team, Bono gave a firm nod. ¡°Deal.¡±

    Cassian gestured to his companions, the trio stepping back into the shadows. ¡°Let¡¯s not keep each other waiting too long, Captain.¡±

    As they turned to leave, Lee couldn¡¯t help but murmur again, ¡°This doesn¡¯t feel right.¡±

    Bono, with a resigned sigh, replied, ¡°I know. But if it means avoiding an all-out battle, it¡¯s a risk we¡¯ll have to take.¡±

    The Red Blood Cultists disappeared, their crimson cloaks blending once more into the darkness of the cave. The Containment Team stood ready, but for now, the challenge had been set.

    As the Red Blood Cult members began to disperse, Mira, driven by curiosity, turned to Cassian. ¡°Why did we opt for a challenge instead of just eliminating the containment team?¡± Titan, also intrigued, glanced at Cassian with a questioning look.

    Cassian¡¯s expression grew serious as he considered his response. ¡°If we engaged in a direct confrontation with the containment team, we wouldn¡¯t stand a chance of winning,¡± he said firmly. ¡°It¡¯s not that we¡¯re weaker¡ªfar from it. But they have weapons specifically designed to counter our abilities.¡±

    Mira raised an eyebrow, intrigued. ¡°What kind of weapons are you talking about?¡±

    Cassian continued, ¡°Imagine we get caught in a fight and they use something like an ability-disabling weapon. It¡¯s not just about brute force. They have technology that can neutralize our powers. We¡¯d be left vulnerable.¡±

    Mira¡¯s eyes widened as she processed this. ¡°That would be disastrous. I¡¯m pretty sure they have weapons designed exactly for that purpose.¡±

    Cassian nodded, his expression resolute. ¡°Exactly. That¡¯s why we¡¯re taking a different approach. It¡¯s safer and more strategic. Plus, Glutton and Rina should have already found a way to handle the situation by now. We¡¯re playing it smart, not risking unnecessary conflict.¡±

 Chapter 24: The Beautiful Forest

    Lockey and Pinnochi stepped out of the portal and into an awe-inspiring sight¡ªa forest unlike any they had ever seen. Towering trees with iridescent bark shimmered softly, casting a tranquil glow across the landscape. The air was cool, fresh, filled with the delicate fragrance of flowers, some with petals as transparent as crystal.

    For a moment, Lockey could almost forget where they were, lost in the beauty of the surroundings. But that feeling didn¡¯t last.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a bit too perfect?¡± Pinnochi murmured beside him, eyes darting suspiciously between the trees.

    Lockey nodded slowly, a growing sense of unease gnawing at him. ¡°Yeah... it feels like the forest is watching us.¡±

    As they ventured deeper, the more the atmosphere shifted. The stillness was unnatural, and Lockey noticed something unsettling¡ªthe trees seemed to subtly turn toward them, branches leaning in their direction, leaves rustling with anticipation.

    Pinnochi glanced around. ¡°Did you see that?¡± he whispered.

    Lockey tensed. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°The trees... they moved.¡± Pinnochi raised a hand toward a nearby tree, but before he could touch it, the bark rippled as if the tree was breathing.

    Suddenly, vines shot out from the ground, slithering toward them like snakes. Lockey leapt back, narrowly avoiding one that lashed out, trying to wrap around his leg.

    "Move!" Lockey shouted, slashing with the Key of String. The vines snapped, but more took their place, writhing angrily. ¡°The forest is alive! It¡¯s reacting to us!¡±

    Pinnochi¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°It¡¯s defending itself.¡±

    Before another wave of vines could strike, Pinnochi stepped forward, his fingers crackling with dark energy. ¡°Let¡¯s see how it reacts to poison.¡±

    With a flick of his wrist, a dark green mist seeped from his hand, sinking into the earth. The vines and plants around them began to wilt, their once vibrant leaves turning brown and curling in on themselves. The forest recoiled, a low, eerie groan echoing through the trees.

    For a moment, it seemed like the poison had worked. But just as quickly as the plants withered, new ones sprouted in their place¡ªgrowing at an alarming speed, stronger and more aggressive than before.

    Pinnochi cursed under his breath. ¡°This forest... it¡¯s regenerating too fast.¡±

    Lockey slashed through more vines. ¡°Then poisoning it won¡¯t work. We need to figure out what¡¯s keeping it alive.¡±

    Pinnochi¡¯s eyes darted around. ¡°The heart... this place has a core. If we destroy the heart, we can stop it.¡±

    Lockey nodded. ¡°Then we find the heart.¡±

    Pinnochi focused hard, extending his hand toward a nearby tree. Small, pale fungi began to grow along the surface, spreading quickly as he connected with the forest¡¯s natural rhythm. It was wild, erratic, but through the chaos, he sensed something deeper¡ªa pulse, far beneath the surface.

    ¡°It¡¯s somewhere ahead,¡± Pinnochi said, his voice strained. ¡°The heart¡¯s in the center of this place. If we don¡¯t find it soon, this forest will overwhelm us.¡±

    Lockey slashed through the remaining vines, and they sprinted forward, dodging the regenerating plants that lashed out at them with renewed aggression.

    The forest groaned and shuddered around them, every tree, vine, and root seeming to pulse with energy. As they pushed forward, Lockey glanced back to see the ground they had just passed already overtaken by new growth.

    ¡°We¡¯re running out of time,¡± Lockey muttered. ¡°This place is relentless.¡±

    Pinnochi¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°We need to stay ahead of it.¡±

    Using his ability to sense the forest¡¯s movements, Pinnochi guided them toward a clearing where the trees seemed less aggressive, though the air was thick with tension. They were getting closer to the heart¡ªcloser to the source of the forest¡¯s power.

    After navigating through the tangled vines and erratic growth, Lockey and Pinnochi entered a clearing that felt different from the rest of the forest. The air was still, almost too still, and ahead of them stood a massive tree, its roots winding deep into the earth. But this tree was unlike any they had seen¡ªembedded within its trunk was a visible, pulsating heart, glowing faintly with a rhythmic beat.

    Lockey¡¯s eyes narrowed as he studied it. ¡°So, this is the heart.¡±

    The entire forest seemed to respond to his words, the trees around them groaning in unison, as if angered by their presence.

    Pinnochi smirked, his eyes locked on the glowing heart. ¡°No wonder the forest¡¯s regenerating so fast. That thing¡¯s keeping it alive.¡±

    Before they could take another step, the heart pulsed again¡ªthis time more violently. The ground trembled, and the trees around them lashed out, branches and vines moving with deadly speed.

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    Lockey was quick, his dagger flashing as he slashed through the oncoming vines, cutting them cleanly before they could reach him. ¡°Stay sharp. It¡¯s not going to let us get close without a fight.¡±

    Pinnochi nodded, a dark green mist already forming in his hands. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve got your back.¡±

    The heart pulsed again, this time releasing a burst of energy that sent the ground shaking beneath them. The vines thickened, becoming harder to cut as they surged toward Lockey and Pinnochi, regenerating almost instantly after being severed.

    Lockey slashed through another wave, his blade cutting through the thick vines with precision. But as fast as he cut, the forest regenerated, almost mocking their attempts.

    ¡°This thing¡¯s relentless,¡± Lockey grunted, stepping back to avoid a vine that nearly wrapped around his arm.

    Pinnochi raised his hand, sending a wave of poison toward the tree. The mist coiled around the roots, withering the smaller plants instantly. But the heart was resilient¡ªthough the tree¡¯s bark darkened and cracked, the heart continued to beat, and new vines grew in place of the ones that had died.

    ¡°It¡¯s regenerating faster than we can damage it,¡± Pinnochi growled. ¡°We need to hit it where it hurts.¡±

    Lockey paused, glancing at the glowing heart. ¡°The heart¡­ it¡¯s the source. We need to take it out directly.¡±

    Pinnochi nodded. ¡°Then we hit it together.¡±

    They moved in unison, Lockey slashing through the oncoming vines, clearing a path for Pinnochi to get closer. The heart pulsed violently again, sending another shockwave through the ground. This time, the branches of the surrounding trees began to whip through the air like living creatures, trying to knock them back.

    Lockey leaped to the side, dodging one of the branches as he swung his dagger, cutting through another. ¡°We need to be fast. It¡¯s only getting stronger!¡±

    Pinnochi, now close to the heart, focused his energy, releasing a concentrated burst of poison aimed directly at the glowing core. The poison seeped into the heart, and for a moment, the pulsing slowed. The forest shuddered, its regeneration faltering.

    Lockey seized the opportunity, charging forward. With one swift motion, he swung his dagger, aiming for the heart. The blade cut clean through the air and struck the heart, severing part of its surface.

    The heart let out a deafening pulse, and the entire forest seemed to scream in response. The vines and branches went into overdrive, attacking with renewed fury, regenerating faster than ever. The ground beneath them began to crack, roots surging up from below to entangle them.

    Lockey and Pinnochi fought furiously¡ªLockey cutting down the vines and roots with every swing of his dagger, and Pinnochi poisoning every inch of the forest he could reach. But no matter how much damage they dealt, the heart kept regenerating, pulsing with even more intensity.

    ¡°This thing¡¯s not going down easily,¡± Pinnochi grunted, barely dodging a thick branch that swung toward him. ¡°It¡¯s like it¡¯s feeding off the forest¡¯s energy.¡±

    Lockey slashed through another wave of vines, his breathing heavy. ¡°Then we need to cut it off. Sever the heart from the forest.¡±

    Pinnochi¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°You think your blade can do that?¡±

    Lockey didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°It cuts anything, right?¡±

    With that, Lockey charged forward, dodging the last wave of vines as he reached the heart. The ground shook violently, and the forest seemed to scream louder, the vines coming at him from all directions. But with one final swing, Lockey aimed straight for the heart, his dagger glowing with power.

    The blade sliced through the heart, cutting deep. For a moment, everything stopped¡ªthe forest went still, the vines frozen mid-attack, the trees ceasing their movement.

    And then, with a shuddering groan, the heart cracked open, its glow fading. The vines fell limp, the trees returning to their natural, still state. The forest, once alive and violent, was now silent.

    Lockey stepped back, breathing heavily. ¡°That did it.¡±

    Pinnochi walked up beside him, eyes on the now-dormant heart. ¡°Finally.¡±

    The forest was defeated, and in the distance, they could see the entrance to what lay beyond¡ªthe Beta Vault.

    Lockey and Pinnochi stood amidst the silence that followed the destruction of the forest''s heart. The once-lively trees had stilled, and the thick vines that had attacked them now lay limp across the ground like discarded ropes. Both of them were breathing hard, their bodies marked by the fight.

    Lockey leaned against the trunk of a nearby tree, wiping sweat from his brow. A cut along his arm dripped with blood, though he barely noticed. His mind was still racing, heart pounding from the sheer intensity of the battle. His dagger hung loosely in his hand, its blade stained with remnants of sap and strange, dark fluids from the vines.

    Pinnochi wasn¡¯t much better off. His usual calm demeanor was replaced with a slightly ragged expression as he rubbed a bruised shoulder. A fine layer of green mist still lingered around him, the result of his poisoned attacks on the heart. His fingers trembled slightly from the effort of controlling the poison and fending off the relentless assault of the forest. ¡°I don¡¯t know about you, but that was a lot tougher than I expected.¡±

    Lockey gave a tired smirk, flexing his hand, which still tingled from the force of his last swing. ¡°That heart didn¡¯t want to go down easy.¡±

    The forest around them had transformed drastically. The vibrant, green landscape they had entered earlier now looked drained and withered. Trees that once stood tall and proud had sagged, their leaves curling up and turning brown, as if the very life had been sucked out of them. The air, which had once carried the fresh scent of nature, was now heavy with the smell of rot and decay.

    Lockey stepped forward, surveying the damage. The ground, once teeming with grass and flowers, was now cracked and barren, with patches of dried leaves scattered like forgotten remnants of a past beauty. The forest had lost its charm, now resembling a dying land, robbed of its vitality.

    Pinnochi kicked a dead vine with his boot, watching it crumble into dust. ¡°So much for a ¡®beautiful forest,¡¯ huh?¡±

    Lockey glanced around, taking in the sight of the broken landscape. ¡°It¡¯s like the heart was the only thing keeping this place alive.¡±

    They both stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their efforts settling in. The battle had taken more out of them than either was willing to admit¡ªsmall cuts, bruises, and the throbbing ache of exhaustion now made themselves known. Both had pushed their powers to the limit to bring down the heart, and now, in the aftermath, the fatigue was hitting them hard.

    Pinnochi brushed the dirt off his jacket, muttering under his breath. ¡°We¡¯d better not have to fight another one of those anytime soon.¡±

    Lockey chuckled lightly, though it was tinged with weariness. ¡°Agreed.¡±

    Despite the damage around them, their victory was clear. The forest was no longer a threat, and ahead of them, past the dead trees and fallen vines, the path leading to the Beta Vault was now visible.

    ¡°We¡¯re almost there,¡± Lockey said, nodding toward the distant opening.

    Pinnochi followed his gaze, the hint of a grin returning to his face. ¡°Let¡¯s hope the next challenge is a bit more straightforward.¡±

    Together, they moved forward, their steps slower now, but resolute. The beautiful forest was no more, but they had survived, and the Beta Vault was within reach.

 Chapter 25: Mirrored Cave

    The WCM team pushed deeper into the cavern, their footsteps echoing off the uneven stone walls. The atmosphere around them felt tense and strange, as if the cave itself were alive, observing their every move. Bono, ever vigilant, led the way with Lee close behind, studying the path ahead with calculating eyes.

    Lee, the navigator and sharpest mind of the group, paused, squinting at the dimly lit tunnel that sprawled out before them. ¡°This area... it doesn¡¯t look like it should exist,¡± he muttered, tapping his hand against one of the walls. The reflection of his movement shimmered unnaturally in the faint light.

    Bono caught sight of the flicker, his sharp instincts immediately kicking in. "Hold up," he called out, his voice low but commanding. The team halted in their tracks.

    "We¡¯re not alone," Bono added, his tone steely. He turned, his eyes narrowing as he examined the walls more closely. The stone here wasn¡¯t just stone. It was reflective.

    The surface rippled slightly, as though it were water encased in glass, and in those ripples, Bono saw the distorted faces of his team¡ªhis own included¡ªstaring back at him with unsettling expressions.

    "Reflections..." Bono¡¯s voice trailed off as he stepped closer to the wall, his hand hovering over his heart instinctively. The reflections moved in perfect unison with them at first, but there was something off¡ªsomething wrong. The reflected figures seemed too... aware. They didn¡¯t just mimic movements; they watched.

    Lee, ever the analytical one, bent down, tracing a finger along the cold surface of the ground, then turning his attention to the walls. "This isn¡¯t just an illusion. It''s a distortion of the space we¡¯re in." He rose to his feet, his gaze fixated on the mirror-like surface. "These reflections... they¡¯re reacting to us. Something¡¯s not right."

    Suddenly, the mirrors flickered, and the reflected versions of the team began to shift, altering their expressions. The Bono in the mirror cracked a sinister smile, a cold gleam in his eyes.

    Lee frowned, stepping closer to Bono. "They''re not just reflections... they''re showing us something deeper." His voice was steady, but there was a hint of unease. "This place... it¡¯s feeding off something. Fear, maybe. Or doubt."

    Bono squared his shoulders. "Stay sharp," he ordered, glancing at his team. He locked eyes with Lee, who nodded. The navigator was right¡ªthis wasn''t a simple mirror. The distorted reflections were becoming more independent, as though they were mocking them, testing their resolve.

    Without warning, Bono¡¯s mirror counterpart stepped forward, breaking free of the wall¡¯s reflection. Its eyes gleamed with malice as it lunged at Bono, drawing a blade that mirrored Bono¡¯s own weapon.

    "Move!" Bono barked, ducking as the blade swiped past him. The mirrored version of himself was quicker, deadlier, and more aggressive than he had anticipated. As Bono stood back up, he could feel a shiver of recognition¡ªthis was not just a reflection of his body but of something deeper. A reflection of his worst instincts, the violence he had long tried to suppress.

    While Bono engaged his doubleg?nger, Lee was quick to respond, backing up to the wall and studying the reflections more closely. ¡°They¡¯re showing us our darker sides,¡± he muttered under his breath. He glanced at Bono¡¯s fight, then back at his own reflection, which remained still¡ªfor now.

    ¡°We have to find a way to disrupt this,¡± Lee called out. He reached for his pack and pulled out a small device, which began scanning the area for anomalies. "If this is a spatial distortion, there has to be a weak point."

    Meanwhile, Bono¡¯s fight raged. His mirror self fought with ruthless efficiency, countering every strike and swing. Bono grimaced as his blade clashed with the cold, metallic sound of the mirror sword.

    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Bono?¡± His mirror self taunted, speaking in a voice that was his own but twisted. ¡°Is this what you¡¯ve become? A leader clinging to orders and rules?¡±

    Bono growled, swinging his weapon with force, only to meet another perfect block. "Shut up," he hissed through gritted teeth. His mind raced. This wasn¡¯t just a fight of skill¡ªit was a battle against his own doubts and fears.

    Lee, meanwhile, was deeply focused. His device beeped, scanning the mirrors for weaknesses. He realised that while the reflections were powerful, they were also bound to the space they inhabited.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got something,¡± Lee called out. "Bono, fall back!"

    With a quick glance over his shoulder, Bono nodded, using his last bit of energy to push his reflection back before retreating towards Lee.

    Lee quickly adjusted his device, its screen flickering with data. "Bono, listen up. I¡¯ve found a way to handle this."

    Bono, panting and wiping sweat from his brow, barely had time to catch his breath. "What¡¯s the plan?"

    Lee pointed at the walls, where tiny, crystal-like formations glimmered intermittently. "These crystals are the key. They¡¯re causing the spatial distortion and creating these reflections. If we destroy them, it should destabilise the entire mirror field and weaken the doppelg?ngers."

    Bono¡¯s eyes widened as he looked at the crystals embedded in the walls. "So we shatter these things, and it¡¯ll take care of the reflections?"

    "Exactly," Lee confirmed, pulling out a small, high-intensity tool from his pack. "But we need to be careful. Each crystal is linked to the doppelg?ngers, so if we destroy one, it might create more reflections before the distortion collapses."

    Bono nodded. "Got it. Let¡¯s make it quick."

    Lee activated the tool, which emitted a focused beam. As he directed it at the first crystal, it exploded in a burst of light. The walls shimmered, and the reflections began to ripple, their forms distorting and flickering.

    The doppelg?ngers, now agitated and unstable, started to multiply, appearing more erratic and aggressive. Bono¡¯s own reflection roared, the malicious grin stretching wider. "They¡¯re multiplying!"

    "Keep focused!" Lee shouted over the commotion. "We need to hit as many as we can before they overwhelm us."

    Bono, despite the increasing number of doppelg?ngers, fought with renewed determination. He dodged and parried with skill, buying Lee the time he needed. Lee¡¯s device continued to scan and target the remaining crystals. One by one, they shattered under the intense beam, causing the reflections to writhe and fragment.

    As more crystals were destroyed, the reflections started to lose their coherence. The distorted figures became less aggressive and more unstable. The cave walls trembled, the space itself seeming to sigh in relief as the distortion faded.

    Finally, with one last powerful pulse from Lee¡¯s device, the remaining crystals exploded. The reflections disintegrated into nothingness, leaving the cavern silent except for the echoes of the team¡¯s laboured breathing.

    Bono wiped his brow, turning to Lee with a look of relief. "Nice work, Lee. I guess we can breathe easier now."

    Lee nodded, still catching his breath. "For now. But let¡¯s stay alert. There could be more surprises waiting for us."

    With the immediate threat neutralised, Bono and Lee continued their cautious advance, the cavern¡¯s eerie quiet a stark contrast to the chaos they had just endured.

    As the dust settled and the echoes of the battle faded, the remaining team members gathered, their faces etched with exhaustion and frustration. The cavern''s eerie silence was only broken by the soft murmur of their conversation.

    ¡°I... I didn¡¯t know what to do,¡± murmured one of the team members, shaking his head in dismay. ¡°We were just standing there, watching Team Leader Bono and Lee handle everything.¡±

    Another nodded in agreement, her voice heavy with regret. ¡°I couldn¡¯t get a clear shot or make any real difference. It¡¯s like we were just... in the way.¡±

    The team''s leader, Bono, was catching his breath and leaning against the wall, while Lee was busy analysing his device¡¯s readings. Despite the critical moment, a sense of relief was beginning to take hold.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be too hard on yourselves,¡± Bono said, glancing over at his team with a weary smile. ¡°We¡¯ve all had our moments. What mattered was that we managed to get through it.¡±

    Lee, still engrossed in his device, looked up and added, ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy, but we all played a part. I couldn¡¯t have done it without the team keeping the pressure off.¡±

    The murmurs of doubt shifted to words of admiration. ¡°You both were incredible,¡± one team member said, looking at Bono and Lee with newfound respect. ¡°The way Bono fought and Lee figured out the problem¡ªamazing.¡±

    Another chimed in, ¡°Yeah, you showed real strength and intelligence back there. I wish I could have done more, but seeing how you handled it... I know we¡¯re in good hands.¡±

    Bono gave a nod of appreciation, his eyes meeting Lee¡¯s. ¡°Thanks. We all have our strengths, and today showed just how important it is to rely on each other.¡±

    Lee added with a nod, ¡°We¡¯re only as strong as our team. Next time, we¡¯ll be ready.¡±

    The team members fell into a reflective silence, their previous frustrations easing as they recognised the value of their combined efforts. The battle had been gruelling, but the respect and camaraderie between them were stronger than ever.

 Chapter 26: The Vault Retrieval

    The forest loomed in an eerie silence as Cassian, Mira, and Titan emerged from the cave. Their earlier struggle now seemed like a distant memory, overshadowed by the unsettling stillness of their surroundings. The once lush canopy was now a skeletal frame, casting long shadows over a ground blanketed in lifeless leaves. Every step they took felt heavier, as if the very air was steeped in an oppressive, unnatural quiet.

    At the same time, Gluttony and Rina stepped into what was supposed to be a beautiful forest, but the scene before them was far from its former glory. The vibrant foliage was gone, replaced by a dead-looking forest. The once vibrant garden had become a macabre landscape of decay. Gluttony¡¯s eyes scanned the area with a mix of curiosity and unease, while Rina¡¯s senses were on high alert. Her intuition prickled with a sense of familiarity, as though someone she knew had recently been here.

    Meanwhile, in the heart of this forsaken forest, the WCM team, fresh from their encounter with the mirrored doppelg?ngers, moved with renewed determination. Bono, Lee, and their team had followed a trail through the dense forest, their minds still sharp from the previous battle. They pushed through the tangled underbrush, their focus unwavering as they made their way deeper into the forest. It was not long before they converged with the location that Cassian, Mira, and Titan had reached.

    Lockey and Pinnochi, navigating deeper into the forest, stumbled upon an enormous, ancient gate. It loomed before them, its surface covered in intricate patterns that seemed to pulse with an almost sentient energy. Pinnochi examined the gate, his fingers tracing the symbols, but no matter how he manipulated the mechanism, the gate refused to budge.

    ¡°This gate won¡¯t open,¡± Pinnochi muttered, frustration evident in his voice.

    Lockey, ever curious, stepped forward. Without a word, he placed his hand on the gate¡¯s surface. A soft hum resonated through the air, and to Pinnochi¡¯s astonishment, the gate creaked open with a slow, deliberate motion. Lockey¡¯s face revealed nothing but determination as he stepped through, leaving Pinnochi on the other side.

    The space beyond the gate revealed a cavernous chamber bathed in an otherworldly glow. At its center, atop a pedestal, was the Beta Vault¡ªan object of immense power that pulsed with a radiant energy. The vault itself was a sleek, metallic cube, its surface shimmering with a light that seemed to defy the surrounding darkness.

    Lockey¡¯s eyes locked onto the Beta Vault as he took in his surroundings. The chamber was vast, with a narrow, precarious bridge stretching from where he stood to the pedestal where the vault rested. The bridge looked as if it had been carved from the very essence of the chamber, suspended in mid-air and seemingly held together by nothing but willpower.

    A sense of urgency gripped Lockey as he took his first step onto the bridge. The instant his foot touched the surface, a deep rumble echoed through the chamber. The bridge began to tremble beneath him, and he could feel it shifting and swaying with every step he took.

    Lockey¡¯s heart pounded in his chest as he advanced cautiously but quickly across the bridge. The ground beneath him seemed to disintegrate, chunks of the bridge breaking away and falling into the abyss below. He could see the Beta Vault growing closer, but the bridge¡¯s instability made each step more precarious.

    Halfway across, the bridge¡¯s rumbling intensified. Lockey glanced behind him and saw the section he had crossed beginning to collapse, chunks of stone and debris plummeting into the dark chasm. Panic surged through him, but he forced himself to remain focused. The Beta Vault was within reach, and he couldn¡¯t afford to falter now.

    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    He sprinted towards the pedestal, each step a race against the crumbling structure. The bridge groaned under the strain, and Lockey could hear the deafening roar of collapsing stone behind him. With a final, desperate leap, he reached the pedestal and seized the Beta Vault. As he turned to head back, the bridge began to crumble in earnest.

    As Rina and Gluttony approached the massive door, they encountered a striking figure with purple hair standing before it. Gluttony¡¯s eyes widened in recognition.

    ¡°Lord Pinnochi,¡± he said, a note of surprise in his voice.

    Pinnochi turned to face them, his expression a mix of curiosity and amusement. ¡°You¡¯ve arrived. I see you¡¯re having trouble with this door as well.¡±

    Gluttony watched as Pinnochi placed his hand on the door, attempting to push it open. Despite his efforts, the door remained unmoved, its surface unyielding.

    Rina observed quietly. The door¡¯s resistance, even to Pinnochi, who wielded one of the 15 Universal Powers, was baffling.

    Gluttony¡¯s shock was evident. ¡°You¡¯re telling me that even you can¡¯t move the door?¡±

    Pinnochi nodded, his expression calm. ¡°That¡¯s right. It seems we¡¯re dealing with something beyond our current understanding.¡±

    Rina¡¯s curiosity was piqued. ¡°If even one of the Universal Wielders couldn¡¯t open the door, who managed to get through?¡±

    Pinnochi chuckled lightly. ¡°One of my comrades, far more qualified than I am, handled the door. But let¡¯s focus on something else for now.¡±

    Gluttony raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. ¡°Comrade? Who could that be?¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t help but notice your red hair. You must be Rades¡¯ sister. I must say, you don¡¯t look as intimidating as he does.¡±

    Before Rina could respond, a sudden rumble shook the ground. The door to the vault creaked open once more, and Lockey emerged, holding the Beta Vault in his hands. Pinnochi¡¯s smirk widened.

    ¡°Ah, I see you¡¯ve obtained the item,¡± he said, his tone dripping with satisfaction.

    Rina¡¯s eyes narrowed as she quickly pulled up her hood, trying to conceal herself from Lockey¡¯s view. Questions raced through her mind: What¡¯s he doing here? How did he get here? She remained hidden in the shadows, her caution tinged with a growing sense of unease.

    Lockey¡¯s gaze fell on the red-hooded figure, his eyes sharp and inquisitive. Pinnochi, noticing Lockey¡¯s interest, spoke up. ¡°They¡¯re here as backup,¡± he explained casually.

    As the tension in the chamber grew, another rumble shook the cave, the effects of the Beta Vault¡¯s retrieval becoming apparent. The ground quaked violently, and the cave¡¯s structure began to collapse.

    Meanwhile, the WCM team, along with Cassian, Mira, and Titan, felt the tremors and hurriedly regrouped. Bono, his expression tense, turned to Cassian. ¡°Did you get the vault?¡±

    Cassian shook his head with a rueful smile. ¡°Looks like someone else beat us to it.¡±

    As the rumbling intensified, Cassian made a swift exit. With a puff of gas, he and the other Red Blood Cult members vanished, leaving the cave to its fate.

    Outside, the mountain that had concealed the cave began to crumble. Rades stood at a safe distance, watching the destruction with an almost detached fascination.

    ¡°My, what a sight,¡± he said, a hint of admiration in his voice. With a gesture, he summoned blood into massive, sinewy arms. The blood-formed limbs reached out, carefully extracting the remaining members of the threat team, including their leader, Yuri, from the impending disaster.

    Yuri looked at Rades, puzzled. ¡°Why are you saving us? You could have just escaped on your own.¡±

    Rades shrugged nonchalantly. ¡°I just don¡¯t want to leave helpless people buried under the rocks.¡±

    Yuri¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°That¡¯s rich coming from someone who shows no shred of empathy.¡±

    As the mountain finally collapsed into nothingness, erasing any trace of its existence, the remaining members of the WCM gathered the injured. Bono, shaking his head in frustration, reported to Yuri, who was resting after his battle with Rades.

    ¡°There was a third party that took the vault,¡± Bono said, his tone flat and resigned.

    Yuri, lighting a cigarette with a resigned sigh, added, ¡°Guess I¡¯ll be yelled at now.¡±

 Chapter 27: Gathering at the Vault

    The location was one that Lockey had come to recognize¡ªthe eerie, crumbling remains of an abandoned estate, its towering arches and dark hallways stretching into shadows. The last time he was here, it was to retrieve the details of his mission, but now, the atmosphere seemed even heavier, as if the walls themselves were holding their breath.

    A loud, furious voice echoed from the far corner of the room, reverberating through the empty halls.

    "You owe me, Glacier!" Pinnochi''s voice was filled with rage, his hand gripping Glacier''s collar. "I risked my neck out there, nearly got myself killed in that deathtrap! You think I''m walking away from this without a decent compensation?"

    Glacier, calm despite the tension, raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Fine, Pinnochi. You''ll get what you want. I¡¯m not here to rob you." His voice was steady, unbothered by the heated exchange. "But this wasn''t just about you. The Beta Vault is more important than your little scuffles. We all took risks."

    Pinnochi sneered, releasing Glacier with a rough shove. "As long as I get what I¡¯m owed."

    In the opposite corner of the room, a heated discussion brewed between Cassian, the team leader of the Red Blood Cult, and Liam, the team leader of the Chrono Lux cult. The two cults had always been rivals, and now the tension was palpable.

    ¡°You know, if it were up to my team, we would¡¯ve handled this without nearly losing half our members,¡± Liam spat, arms crossed over his chest. His tone was laced with arrogance, his face set in a smug grin.

    Cassian, tall and imposing, narrowed his eyes. ¡°Handled it? Your bunch wouldn¡¯t have lasted a minute in that place. You lot are good for one thing¡ªintel gathering. But when it comes to real danger, you''re useless."

    Liam''s eyes flared with anger. ¡°Useless? If not for our information, you would¡¯ve walked into that place blind. So don¡¯t act like we didn¡¯t play a role here.¡±

    Cassian smirked, folding his arms. ¡°A role? Sure, if gathering scraps counts as contributing. But when it came down to who actually had the guts to enter the cave, it sure as hell wasn¡¯t you."

    Liam took a step forward, his voice low but threatening. ¡°Watch yourself, Cassian. We may be intel experts, but don¡¯t underestimate the Chrono Lux."

    Before the tension could erupt into something physical, the heavy wooden door at the back of the room creaked open.

    ¡°Stop this pointless bickering,¡± a voice interrupted.

    Rades, calm yet commanding, strode into the room with Lockey at his side. The room went still as all eyes turned to them. Rades¡¯s presence was enough to end the argument immediately.

    "We''re here to discuss the next steps, not squabble over who contributed what,¡± Rades said, his gaze briefly fAs Rades and Lockey entered the room, the tension shifted slightly. While the discussion between Liam and Cassian died down, the other members of both the Chrono Lux and Red Blood Cults exchanged quick glances, the topic of Lockey quickly surfacing in hushed murmurs.

    ¡°He¡¯s the one who completed the mission?¡± one of the Chrono Lux members muttered to Liam, their voice low but audible enough to catch attention.

    Liam¡¯s eyes narrowed as he looked toward Lockey, clearly assessing him. ¡°Is it true?¡± he asked, his voice laced with skepticism. ¡°He¡¯s the one who got the Beta Vault?¡±

    Cassian gave a slight, almost dismissive shrug. ¡°Guess so,¡± he replied, leaning back with his usual casual demeanor.

    ¡°Tch,¡± Liam scoffed, his expression souring as his eyes followed Lockey¡¯s every move. ¡°Lord Glacier seems to have taken a liking to him almost like there friends. It pisses me off.¡±

    Cassian chuckled, but there was a sharpness in his eyes as he gave Liam a sidelong glance. "Then do something about it," he said coolly, pushing past Liam as he moved toward the center of the room, clearly uninterested in further discussion. His words hung in the air like a challenge, but Liam didn¡¯t respond¡ªhis gaze remained locked on Lockey, a growing bitterness flickering behind his calm expression.

    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    In a dimly lit corner of the room, unnoticed by most, Rina stood quietly, her back against the wall as she observed everything unfolding before her. She had kept her distance during the chaos of the mission, but now her mind raced as she watched Lockey.

    How does he know them? she wondered, her eyes narrowing slightly. The Red Blood Cult and Chrono Lux were notorious for their secrecy, their members shrouded in layers of mystery. Even those who were close to the cults rarely knew the true extent of their reach. Yet here was Lockey¡ªa classmate and friend who, as far as she knew, had no deep connections¡ªsomehow standing in the middle of it all.

    Not just one cult... she thought. But two.

    Her fingers clenched slightly at her sides. Her brother was among those secretive people, someone she had never expected Lockey to know. And now, as she watched him interact with people like Glacier and Cassian, her mind swirled with questions.

    Who are you really, Lockey?

    Lockey placed the Beta Vault on the table, the dull hum of its energy barely contained within the secure casing. The room felt tense as the four sat, eyes fixed on the ominous artifact. It was as if the air itself thickened under the weight of what they had accomplished.

    Pinnochi, still nursing a slight scowl from his earlier outburst, was the first to break the silence. "So, what do we do with it now?" His voice carried a mix of frustration and curiosity, his fingers tapping anxiously against the table.

    Glacier leaned back, crossing his arms. He glanced at Lockey before speaking, his expression thoughtful. "Lockey, what do you think? I did promise you, after all. The vault''s power itself, it could be yours."

    Lockey, his gaze as cold and unreadable as ever, remained unfazed. "Power¡¯s not what I¡¯m after," he replied evenly. "I want to know the origin of the Keys."

    A brief smirk tugged at Rades¡¯ lips. "You¡¯re really something else," he remarked, his tone laced with amusement. Glacier glanced at him, nodding slightly in agreement.

    Rades continued, leaning forward slightly as if to drive home his point. "Then, since none of us seem too keen on keeping it, we should probably give it to Zino. The longer it stays with us, the more attention it attracts."

    "True," Glacier agreed, his voice calm but firm. "The radiation and energy it emits are far too strong. If it weren¡¯t for the barrier we¡¯ve set up around this place, we might¡¯ve already been discovered."

    Pinnochi let out a sharp exhale. "So, it''s settled. We give it to Zino, get it off our hands before someone else starts sniffing around."

    Glacier shifted his gaze back to Lockey, his expression more serious now. "Lockey," he began, uncrossing his arms and leaning forward slightly. "It might be better if you travel somewhere far, away from all of this."

    Lockey tilted his head slightly, his face still emotionless. "And by that, you mean...?"

    "It¡¯s just that your presence... it¡¯s strong. Almost like you¡¯ve either absorbed the Beta Vault¡¯s energy or are still in possession of it." Glacier¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly as he spoke. "Since you¡¯ve been with it the longest, people will sense it on you. If possible, you should stay out of sight. Because the moment someone notices, they¡¯ll come after you. Without hesitation."

    Lockey didn¡¯t respond at first, his mind calculating. Pinnochi and Rades stood up, preparing to leave, seemingly satisfied with the decision. "Alright then, see ya," Pinnochi muttered, heading towards the exit.

    Lockey, however, remained seated. His eyes fixed on the vault before flickering back to Glacier. "Wait."

    The room stilled. Glacier paused, his hand on the doorframe, looking back at Lockey. "What is it?"

    "I¡¯d like to borrow it for a while," Lockey said, nodding toward the Beta Vault. His tone was calm, but there was a quiet determination beneath it.

    Glacier raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback. "Oookay..." he replied slowly, uncertain. "At your own risk, Lockey."

    Lockey stood, moving toward the vault with a steady, deliberate pace. "I¡¯m not planning to keep it," he added, his hand resting lightly on the top of the casing. "I¡¯ll return it when I¡¯m done. No worries."

    Glacier watched him carefully for a moment before nodding. "Fine," he said, handing the vault over to Lockey without asking why he needed it. "Just make sure you know what you¡¯re doing."

    Lockey gave a small nod, taking the vault in hand before heading toward the exit. As the others left, Lockey lingered for a moment, his eyes lingering on Glacier, who gave him one last glance¡ªhalf intrigued, half concerned.

    Lockey walked through the dimly lit streets, the weight of the Beta Vault barely noticeable in his hand. His face, as always, was an unreadable mask, though his mind raced with thoughts of what he could learn from the vault¡¯s secrets.

    As he approached the familiar steps to his home, the moonlight barely cutting through the thick fog that had settled over the city, he paused.

    The night was unusually quiet, the air heavy with something unspoken.

    Lockey pushed open the door, his mind already running through the possibilities of what the vault could reveal. But for now, he had to be cautious. The attention it would attract was too dangerous. And his next moves had to be precise.

    He stepped inside, closing the door behind him, leaving the eerie quiet of the outside world behind.

 Chapter 28: Between Power and Fear

    The room was dark, save for the faint glow of the city lights creeping in through the massive window. Sir Afro stood, motionless, staring at the sprawling metropolis beneath him. His broad, muscular frame seemed even more imposing in the shadow, his silhouette reflecting against the glass. The city''s distant hum contrasted sharply with the oppressive silence of the room, amplifying the tension that hung in the air.

    Yuri stood behind him, his breath shallow. He could feel the weight of failure crushing his chest as he fidgeted with his hands. His mind raced, grasping for excuses, but he knew none would suffice. The silence dragged, pulling him deeper into the pit of dread. Sir Afro had not turned to face him, but Yuri could feel the heat of his scrutiny.

    "You failed to retrieve it," Sir Afro''s voice finally broke the silence, calm but edged with the cold bite of disappointment. "What''s your excuse?"

    Yuri swallowed hard, beads of sweat forming on his brow. He looked up, watching Sir Afro''s back remain as still as a statue, eyes still fixed on the city. A lump formed in Yuri¡¯s throat as panic clawed at his insides. He opened his mouth, but the words stuck.

    Suddenly, Sir Afro turned to face him. His cold, piercing gaze met Yuri¡¯s eyes, and the sheer force behind the stare sent a chill down Yuri''s spine. The man¡¯s towering presence seemed to suck the air from the room. The muscles in Sir Afro''s jaw tightened, his expression unreadable but fierce. Every second that passed felt like an eternity.

    Yuri¡¯s knees felt weak. He dropped his gaze to the floor, unable to meet that cold stare any longer. I¡¯m fucked, he thought. I knew I wouldn¡¯t escape this easily.

    The pressure in the room rose with each passing heartbeat. Sir Afro¡¯s voice, when it came, was more of a low growl than speech. ¡°Do you want me to repeat my question?¡±

    Yuri flinched as though struck. His hands trembled, and he quickly pulled them behind his back, trying to steady himself. ¡°W-we got overpowered," he stammered, struggling to speak over the knot in his throat. "And... there was a third party who had entered before us. I have no information on them."

    Sir Afro turned his back to him once more, gazing out at the city through the large window. His reflection flickered faintly in the glass, his powerful frame blending with the shimmering skyline. The city stretched endlessly before him, but his eyes saw nothing but failure. He folded his arms, his broad shoulders barely moving as he breathed.

    The silence was suffocating, pressing down on Yuri with a force that made his knees tremble. He wanted to leave, to escape that gaze¡ªeven if Sir Afro was no longer looking at him, he felt it.

    "And who was the second party?" Sir Afro asked, his voice low, heavy, cutting through the thick air like a blade.

    Yuri¡¯s heart raced, his mouth suddenly dry. He glanced nervously around the room as though searching for a lifeline, but none came. ¡°It¡­ it was the Red Blood,¡± he finally blurted out. ¡°Along with their leader.¡±

    A short silence followed, even heavier than the last. Yuri''s pulse pounded in his ears, each second stretching unbearably. Then, without warning, Sir Afro broke the stillness with a simple, cutting command.

    "Leave."

    Yuri hesitated for a moment, unsure if he had truly heard it, but the cold finality in Afro''s tone left no room for doubt. He turned on his heel and hurried to the door, his back still damp with sweat, eyes wide and heart pounding in his chest.

    The door shut behind him, sealing the silence once again. Sir Afro remained, unmoving, staring at the endless horizon as the night settled deeper over the city.

    <hr>

    Yuri stumbled out of the room, his breath finally catching in his throat. He leaned against the wall, heart pounding in his chest as though he''d just sprinted for miles. The tension that had gripped his entire body slowly loosened, but the faint tremor in his hands remained.

    "I can''t believe I got out of there in one piece," he muttered under his breath, wiping cold sweat from his brow. His mind raced, replaying Afron''s icy gaze and the suffocating pressure that filled the room like a tangible force. "I don''t know if the gods just decided to bless me today, or if I¡¯m stupidly lucky."

    He shook his head, the weight of the moment still pressing down on him. As expected from a hire-up, the sheer presence in that room was enough to crush an ordinary human.

    Yuri knew he wouldn¡¯t forget this feeling anytime soon.

    Afron stepped into the elevator, his expression stoic, concealing the turmoil beneath the surface. He pressed the button for the 11th floor¡ªthe last floor. The hum of the elevator was the only sound in the otherwise silent building, a mechanical heartbeat climbing through the dimly lit structure.

    The door slid open, revealing a long hallway. The air was heavy and cold, the walls seemingly closing in with the weight of silence. The only light came from a flickering bulb at the end of the corridor, casting a faint glow over the lone door at the far end. The path was unsettling, as if the hallway itself was holding its breath.

    Afron straightened his shoulders and walked forward, each step echoing against the walls. Reaching the door, he pressed a small button, a quiet chime resonating through the corridor. He waited. The silence was thick, oppressive. Then, the door creaked open, revealing a room blanketed in shadow¡ªa place where light dared not enter. Papers were scattered across the floor, and the air carried a faint, stale scent. The darkness swallowed most details, making it hard to tell where the room began or ended.

    ¡°Grand Architect, it is I, Afron,¡± he announced, his voice barely cutting through the thick silence.

    A rustle from within the black void of the room. Then, a soft, yet commanding voice responded, ¡°Shh... I¡¯m reading. I need no disturbance.¡±

    Afron hesitated. The voice sounded far too young for its title¡ªa teenage voice, chilling in its composure. He couldn¡¯t see the speaker, only sense their presence in the darkness, lurking like a shadow behind shadows.

    Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    ¡°The Beta Vault got into the wrong hands,¡± Afron continued carefully, keeping his voice low, cautious. ¡°The threat and containment team failed to get the job done.¡±

    The room went still, the pause stretching long enough for Afron to feel the weight of his own breathing.

    ¡°Weren''t you the one who personally recommended the threat and containment team?¡± The voice pierced the silence, laced with irritation. No facial expression was needed to convey the sheer contempt dripping from each word. ¡°And yet, here you are. Without the Beta Vault.¡±

    Afron swallowed, his gaze lowering to the ground, unseen in the shadow. ¡°I am sorry for my failure, Grand Architect. I will personally fix this.¡±

    Silence again. Then the voice spoke, softer this time, yet colder than the deepest winter. ¡°The only reason you¡¯re still breathing is because you are one of the Universal Wielders. Without that power, you would have been dead long before you were ever born.¡±

    The words cut deep, sending an involuntary chill down Afron¡¯s spine, as though a dagger made of ice had grazed the back of his neck. The unseen presence in the room shifted, and though Afron could see nothing, he swore the atmosphere thickened¡ªa palpable aura of hostility, as if death itself had brushed against him.

    ¡°Send Golder,¡± the voice said finally, the command ringing with finality. ¡°He will clean up your mess.¡±

    Afron flinched, his body reacting before his mind could catch up. He felt it¡ªthat overwhelming sense of dread, a pulse of menace that radiated from the voice. No, a killing intent, so subtle yet so suffocating that for a moment, Afron¡¯s heart skipped a beat.

    ¡°Yes,¡± he murmured, barely able to speak as he took a step back, retreating from the room. ¡°I¡¯ll send Golder.¡±

    Without waiting for any more words, Afron quickly left, the oppressive air clinging to him like a second skin. As the door closed behind him, he hurried back to the elevator, his steps faster than when he¡¯d arrived. Once inside, he pressed the button for the lower floors, and as the doors slid shut, he exhaled for the first time since stepping into that room.

    Alone in the descending elevator, Afron couldn¡¯t shake the unease creeping into his thoughts. How could someone so young, someone who had barely crossed into their teens, radiate such an aura of dominance and fear? What kind of being¡­ His mind drifted into unsettling places.

    He stood there, in the cold confines of the elevator, and for the first time in years, Afron felt something unfamiliar¡ªfear.

    <hr>

    The room was dimly lit, a stark contrast to the tension that buzzed in the air. Yuri stood at the front of the table, his posture tense, his eyes darting between the two rookies who had just arrived. Emma, her long black hair neatly tied back, sat calmly at one end of the table, her eyes sharp and observant. Despite being new, her confidence radiated, as if she had already measured the room. Lee, a year younger, sat at the opposite end, his usual laid-back demeanor replaced with something more reserved¡ªcarefully controlled.

    Yuri cleared his throat, his gaze flicking between them. "I''ve called this meeting because we have a new case that requires immediate attention." His voice was steady, but the weight of the task was clear. "As you may have heard, the WCM is investigating Lockey."

    Lee kept his expression neutral, though his pulse quickened at the mention of Lockey''s name. He had known something like this was coming, but the fact that he wasn¡¯t leading the investigation meant the higher-ups were suspicious. His thoughts were interrupted as Yuri turned to him.

    "You were considered for this investigation, Lee," Yuri continued, his eyes narrowing slightly, "but the case was assigned to someone else." He gestured toward Emma, who sat up a little straighter. "Emma will be handling the primary oversight. We need fresh eyes on this."

    Lee glanced at Emma, sizing her up. He had heard of her¡ªeveryone had. She was the newest prodigy, a talented rookie with sharp instincts and no shortage of ambition. But this was the first time they were meeting face-to-face.

    Emma gave a slight nod, her eyes assessing him in return. "I¡¯ve reviewed the case details," she said, her voice calm but precise. "My objective is to gather intelligence on Lockey and report back. No personal biases or connections."

    Lee felt a subtle jolt, but he quickly schooled his features. "Understood," he replied evenly, careful to hide his emotions. "I¡¯m just here to support the investigation, nothing more."

    Yuri¡¯s gaze lingered on Lee for a moment longer, as if measuring the sincerity of his words. The room grew tense, the unspoken question hanging in the air¡ªwas Lee too close to Lockey to be trusted?

    Lee shifted in his seat, recognizing the importance of this moment. He straightened, his voice firm. "As a member of the WCM, my loyalty is to the organization, not to personal relationships. I won¡¯t compromise this investigation, no matter what ties I might have had." He locked eyes with Yuri, his expression unwavering.

    Yuri nodded, seemingly satisfied with the pledge, but a glint of doubt remained in his eyes. "Good. Because this is bigger than just a personal connection, Lee."

    Emma watched the exchange, her face unreadable but clearly alert. She had heard whispers of Lee and Lockey¡¯s connection, though nothing concrete. Still, the WCM didn¡¯t deal in rumors; they dealt in results.

    "I¡¯ll make sure to keep things professional," Emma said, her voice cutting into the silence, as she glanced briefly at Lee. "This investigation is critical. We can''t afford any mistakes."

    Lee nodded, though inwardly he bristled at the implication. He wasn¡¯t here to defend Lockey¡ªhe knew better than to do that in this setting. Instead, he would listen, gather what information he could, and keep his own suspicions close to the chest.

    Yuri, sensing the tension had lessened, shifted his focus back to Emma. "You¡¯ll have full access to the resources needed. Report directly to me once you have something substantial."

    Emma stood, her black hair falling over her shoulders as she collected the files from the table. "Understood, sir." She glanced at Lee once more before heading toward the door. "I¡¯ll get started right away."

    As she left, Lee leaned back in his chair, finally allowing himself to exhale. The room seemed lighter now, but the weight of the situation had just settled fully onto his shoulders. He knew this investigation could either clear Lockey¡ªor unravel everything.

    Yuri stood up and placed a hand on Lee¡¯s shoulder. "Just be careful, Lee. The higher-ups are watching closely, and they¡¯ll be looking for any reason to doubt your loyalty."

    Lee met Yuri¡¯s gaze, his voice low but resolute. "I won¡¯t give them one."

    Lockey stared at his phone, the message from Lee blinking on the screen: ¡°Important message. Meet me at the cafeteria.¡± He arrived at the cafeteria, scanning the room until he spotted Lee, his expression tense.

    ¡°Thanks for coming,¡± Lee said, glancing around before leaning in closer. ¡°I need to talk to you about something serious.¡±

    Lockey nodded, a lump forming in his throat. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Lee hesitated, his eyes narrowing. ¡°There¡¯s an investigation happening¡­ on you. The WCM suspects you¡¯re still connected to the Beta Vault.¡±

    Lockey¡¯s stomach dropped. ¡°But I¡¯m not! I cut ties with them a while ago.¡±

    Lee studied him, relief washing over his features. ¡°That¡¯s a relief. What did you do with it?¡±

    ¡°I gave my energy back to the owner,¡± Lockey replied, his voice steady despite the chaos inside.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s a relief; it¡¯s no longer with you,¡± Lee said, his tone softening but then shifting back to seriousness. ¡°But there¡¯s more. There¡¯s a girl, a student named Emma. She¡¯s a second division officer like me. She¡¯s going to be keeping a close eye on you.¡±

    ¡°Emma huh?¡± Lockey echoed,

    ¡°She¡¯s seventeen, almost got my position, but it transferred to her instead,¡± Lee explained, the weight of the situation evident in his voice. ¡°I think they¡¯re using her to gather intel on you.¡±

    Lockey¡¯s mind focused intently. ¡°I see¡±

    Lee¡¯s expression darkened as he prepared to leave. ¡°Just be careful. The higher-ups are involved in this Vault case for some reason, and that¡¯s¡­ frightening. Keep your guard up, Lockey.¡±

    Lockey nodded, feeling the gravity of Lee¡¯s warning settle over him. ¡°I will. Thanks for the heads up, Lee.¡±

    ¡°Always,¡± Lee replied, a brief smile breaking through before he walked away, leaving Lockey with the chilling knowledge that he was being watched.

 Chapter 29: The Watchful Eye

    The sound of shuffling feet and the hum of idle chatter filled the classroom as students slowly settled into their seats. Lockey sat in his usual spot near the back, leaning back in his chair, his gaze half-focused on the window beside him. The events from his last conversation with Lee weighed heavily on his mind. An investigation? On me?

    Just as the bell rang, the classroom door swung open, and a tall, stern-looking teacher strode in, clutching a clipboard in one hand. The murmur of voices immediately died down. The teacher, Mr. Gale, set his materials down on the desk before addressing the room. "Alright, class, before we begin today''s lesson, I have an important announcement to make."

    Lockey straightened up slightly, his attention piqued. Mr. Gale continued, "We have a new student joining us today. I''d like you all to give her a warm welcome." He motioned toward the door. "Emma, come in."

    The door creaked open, and in walked a girl with long, flowing black hair that seemed to shimmer as it caught the light. Her presence alone commanded the room. She was striking¡ªevery eye turned toward her, admiration and curiosity filling the air. Lockey¡¯s breath caught in his throat. So, she¡¯s the one...

    Mr. Gale gestured for her to stand at the front of the room. Emma stood tall, her expression calm but confident. She scanned the classroom briefly before speaking in a soft yet firm voice. "My name is Emma, and I''m 16 years old. I like reading and sketching. I hope we all get along." Her tone was measured, not too formal but also not too casual. A perfect introduction that revealed little yet was polite enough to deter further probing.

    Lockey¡¯s eyes narrowed as he observed her. She didn¡¯t seem out of place or nervous. In fact, she appeared... calculated. Her entrance, her words, the way she held herself¡ªit all felt too deliberate. Interesting, he thought. She¡¯s not just here for school.

    The boys in the room whispered among themselves, admiration clear in their tones. A few nudged each other, already planning to introduce themselves after class. Some of the girls exchanged glances, though whether they were intrigued or jealous, Lockey couldn''t tell. He wasn¡¯t paying much attention to them. His focus was solely on Emma.

    She exchanged a brief nod with Mr. Gale before moving to take an empty seat near the center of the classroom. As she sat, the whispering grew louder, a ripple of excitement running through the class.

    "She''s beautiful," someone muttered from the row in front of him.

    "I heard she''s smart too," another whispered.

    Lockey remained silent, though his thoughts churned. He rested his chin on his hand, feigning boredom. So, this is who they sent to keep an eye on me, he mused. She doesn¡¯t look like a regular student, but I guess that¡¯s the point.

    Lockey¡¯s eyes lingered on her for a moment longer before returning to the window. He wouldn¡¯t do anything to stand out just yet. As far as the investigation went, he was in control¡ªor so he convinced himself. But Emma''s arrival was a reminder that the WCM was always watching.

    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Mr. Gale cleared his throat, reclaiming the class''s attention. "Alright, now that introductions are out of the way, let¡¯s get started with today¡¯s lesson. Open your textbooks to page 32."

    As the class resumed, Lockey remained alert, watching Emma from the corner of his eye. She might have introduced herself as just another student, but Lockey knew better. This investigation is only beginning, he thought, a faint smirk pulling at the corner of his lips. I need to be careful.

    He settled into his seat, his mind working. Emma¡¯s presence wasn¡¯t an immediate threat, but she could become one if he didn¡¯t play this right. He''d have to stay one step ahead of her¡ªand the WCM.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to continue today¡¯s lesson on advanced calculus,¡± Mr. Grey said, scribbling formulas onto the board. ¡°So open your textbooks to page 134.¡±

    The class begrudgingly flipped their books open. Lockey followed suit, but his thoughts were far from the black-and-white numbers scattered across the page. He couldn¡¯t stop replaying his last conversation with Lee. Was she really just here to observe? Or was there something else lurking beneath the surface of this investigation?

    Emma, meanwhile, seemed perfectly at ease, her eyes on the board as she diligently copied down the equations. But Lockey wasn¡¯t fooled. He¡¯d caught her glancing his way more than once, and he knew it was only a matter of time before she made her move.

    Lockey and Adam joined the cafeteria queue, trays in hand, silently selecting their meals. The noise of the bustling cafeteria faded into the background as they navigated through the crowd. After paying for their food, they found a corner table and sat down.

    Adam sighed, poking at his mashed potatoes. "Everyone¡¯s really going nuts because of the new student."

    Lockey raised an eyebrow, taking a casual bite of his sandwich. Who knows, he thought, momentarily surprised. Adam, of all people, seemed unfazed by Emma''s presence, despite how stunning she was.

    "Strange," Lockey mused aloud, breaking the silence. "I thought you¡¯d be one of them. Guess I was wrong about you."

    Adam shifted uncomfortably, his face flushing. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ I¡¯ve got my heart set on someone else.¡±

    Lockey nodded, unfazed. ¡°I see.¡±

    Adam frowned, clearly expecting more. "Aren''t you at least going to ask who?" he pressed, his voice tinged with disappointment.

    Lockey let out a quiet sigh, setting his sandwich down. ¡°Alright. Who?¡±

    Adam glanced around the room as if guarding a secret. ¡°It¡¯s Isabella. You know¡­ Rina¡¯s friend.¡±

    Lockey gave a noncommittal hum. ¡°I see. Good luck with that.¡±

    Adam slumped in his chair, frustration creeping into his tone. ¡°You¡¯re really boring, you know that, Lockey?¡±

    Lockey just shrugged, unfazed by the comment. He was about to take another bite when the cafeteria suddenly grew quieter¡ªsomething unusual for this time of day. A soft murmur spread through the room.

    ¡°She¡¯s here.¡±

    Whispers floated through the air as Emma entered the cafeteria, gracefully carrying a tray. Every head turned, and students from Year 1 scrambled to straighten their posture, desperate to look cool. She walked calmly through the rows, seemingly unfazed by the attention.

    Students awkwardly shuffled around, creating an empty seat near Lockey and Adam. Emma approached their table, her movements measured and deliberate. Adam''s face turned pale, his breath catching in his throat as his heart raced.

    "May I sit?" she asked, her voice cool but polite. The question sent a ripple of confusion through the room. All eyes were on them, waiting for Lockey¡¯s response.

    Lockey felt a twinge of annoyance. So this is what you¡¯re planning, he thought, his eyes narrowing. Trying to get close to me through this?

    Lockey shot her a sharp glance, his irritation barely contained. "Sorry," he said flatly, standing up. "I don¡¯t like sitting with popular people."

    Without waiting for a response, Lockey grabbed his tray. Adam, clearly shocked and unsure of what to do, fumbled with his own tray before hastily following Lockey. Together, they left the now silent crowd behind, Emma¡¯s eyes tracking their departure.

 Chapter 30: Site 22

    Emma had been watching Lockey for weeks now. At first, she was sure there was something he was hiding ¡ª some secret behavior, clue, or sign that would reveal what was really going on beneath his calm exterior. She started with the basics, observing his movements during class, at lunch, and even when he walked home. She expected to find moments of solitude where he might let his guard down, or secret meetings with suspicious individuals.

    But each day, without fail, Lockey followed the same, dull routine.

    In class, he¡¯d sit in the same seat, his eyes half-focused on the lessons, occasionally flipping through his notebook. He never showed any sign of stress or suspicion. When the bell rang, he would pack up his books slowly, almost methodically, before heading to the cafeteria.

    At lunch, it was the same thing every day. He''d grab a tray of food, find a quiet spot away from the hustle and bustle, and eat without a word. Sometimes he¡¯d sit with Adam, exchanging brief, meaningless conversations, but nothing ever felt out of place.

    Emma followed him after school too. She¡¯d trail him down familiar streets, but Lockey always went straight home, occasionally stopping by a convenience store to pick up snacks. Once inside, the lights would go on, the curtains would close, and that was it. Nothing unusual.

    It was starting to drive her mad.

    One evening, as she sat outside his house, waiting for something different to happen, she realized how absurd it all was. Was this really what the higher-ups were so interested in? Every detail, every observation was monotonous. Nothing but routine after routine.

    "Is this all there is?" she muttered to herself.

    Lockey, for his part, had been well aware of Emma''s presence since the beginning. He could sense her eyes on him during class, at lunch, even when he walked down the street. But instead of confronting her, he decided to play along, leading her on with his dull, repetitive actions. If she wanted to observe him, he''d give her the most boring routine possible.

    Occasionally, he¡¯d catch a glimpse of her in the corner of his eye, waiting for something, anything, to happen. But he''d always make sure to do nothing out of the ordinary.

    It became a game for him. He¡¯d move slower, linger longer at his locker, and sometimes take an extra lap around the cafeteria just to see if she¡¯d follow. And she always did. Quietly. Unflinchingly.

    After a few more weeks, Emma¡¯s curiosity turned into frustration. There had to be something beneath Lockey¡¯s calm demeanor, but no matter how closely she watched, all she saw was routine.

    Finally, after weeks of surveillance, Emma stood across from Lockey in the cafeteria, her face neutral, but her mind buzzing with questions. He glanced at her, then went back to eating, showing no signs of being phased by her presence.

    In her mind, she couldn¡¯t help but feel slightly defeated. All this time, all this observation, and what had she found?

    Absolutely nothing.

    Emma frowned slightly as she walked away. "He''s... interesting," she muttered, trying to convince herself that there was more to him than what she''d seen. But deep down, she wasn''t so sure anymore.

    <hr>

    Emma frowned slightly as she walked away. "He''s... interesting," she muttered, trying to convince herself that there was more to him than what she''d seen. But deep down, she wasn''t so sure anymore.

    Lockey strolled through the busy streets after school, his mind swirling with recent events. A subtle vibration from his pocket interrupted his thoughts. Pulling out his phone, he glanced at the screen¡ª a notification from Glacier. It was coded in a way only they would understand.

    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Without drawing attention, Lockey diverted his path and headed toward a quiet coffee shop nestled on the corner of the street. He entered the shop, the faint aroma of coffee and chatter filling the air, as he casually made his way to a secluded table in the back.

    Lockey entered the bustling coffee shop, his gaze sweeping across the crowd as he made his way towards the back of the room. As he walked, he felt the weight of Emma''s watchful eyes on him, but he pushed the unease aside, focusing on the task at hand.

    In the far corner, Glacier sat alone, nursing a cup of coffee. Lockey slid into the seat across from him, keeping his voice low as he greeted his friend. "We don''t have much time. Emma''s still tailing me."

    "Noted," Glacier replied, his tone serious. "Let''s talk about Site 22."

    As the two began to discuss their plans, Emma entered the cafeteria, her eyes darting around the room in search of Lockey. Disguised in a blonde wig and thick-rimmed glasses, she moved cautiously, careful not to draw attention to herself.

    Meanwhile, Lockey and Glacier had slipped through a hidden door at the back of the cafeteria, entering a dimly lit storage room. "We''ll have to be careful with this one," Lockey said, leaning against a stack of boxes. "The WCM has the upper hand, and they won''t give up the Vault without a fight."

    Glacier nodded, his brow furrowed in thought. "Agreed. But if we can pull this off, it¡¯s a win win."

    Outside, Emma continued to scan the crowd, her frustration mounting as she realized Lockey was nowhere to be found.

    Lockey leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as he regarded Glacier with a mixture of amusement and admiration. "How many hideouts do you really have?"

    Glacier smirked, shrugging nonchalantly. "It''s actually my mum''s restaurant, and this place is only accessible to me and my sister."

    Lockey raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in his voice. "Who knew you would have a sister?" He paused, quickly returning to the matter at hand. "But that''s not the main reason for our meeting, is it?"

    Glacier leaned forward, his voice dropping to a low, conspiratorial tone. "Pinnochi recently discovered that the WCM has another department¡ªcompletely different from where they conduct investigations and manage workload."

    Lockey''s eyes narrowed in thought. "A separate site for experiments on vaults, keys, and locks?"

    "Precisely," Glacier affirmed. "And its location is quite secluded."

    Lockey stroked his chin, curiosity piqued. "How did Pinnochi manage to get into a place like that?"

    Glacier shook his head, a puzzled expression on his face. "He didn''t give me the full details, so I''m not sure myself. The photo was sent by him as well; I have no idea how he pulled it off."

    Lockey''s gaze intensified. "So, what''s the purpose of telling me this?"

    Glacier leaned back, his eyes locked with Lockey''s. "Well, the WCM only takes people who have objects related to their experiments on Site 22. I''m planning on directly infiltrating the site by getting caught."

    Lockey frowned, concern etched on his face. "You''re really going to go that far?"

    Glacier sighed, running a hand through his hair. "What other means do we have? Since I''m a Universal Cipher, they would probably conduct their investigations on me at Site 22. Besides, you guy¡¯s did a lot to get the Beta Vault."

    Lockey fell silent, processing the information. "I see." He paused, a smirk playing on his lips. "Would this uncover more of the secrets of the keys, locks, and vaults?"

    Glacier nodded, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Yes, supposedly. We may learn what the Vaults are used for at the WCM."

    Lockey grinned, his mind working overtime. "Well then, why don''t we change the plan? I''ll be the one to infiltrate. How I''ll do it is up to me, but you have to promise me one thing."

    Glacier tilted his head, confusion written on his face. "What is it?"

    Lockey''s expression turned serious. "That you''ll rescue me once I''m in there. Since the whole point of the infiltration is to uncover what the Vaults are used for."

    Glacier laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. "You''re really hilarious. Okay, I''ll do my best."

    As the meeting drew to a close, Lockey hesitated, his brow furrowed in thought. "Do you give night-shifts?"

    Glacier smiled at the question, realizing where Lockey''s thoughts were headed. "Ah, yes, I see."

    Meanwhile, Emma remained at the coffee shop. Glacier approached her table, adopting a professional tone. "Would you like anything, ma''am?"

    Emma scrutinized Glacier, her gaze searching. "Well, yes, just a cappuccino." She hesitated before continuing, "Have you seen anyone with green hair, sort of tall?"

    Glacier maintained his facade, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Ah, yes, he''s doing a night-shift today."

    As Emma received her coffee, she pondered the situation. She couldn''t help but wonder why she felt a secret meeting might have taken place.

 Chapter 31: The Plan

    The evening air was still, a faint breeze rustling through the leaves as Lockey made his way to the secluded garden where he had arranged to meet Lee. The moonlight cast long shadows, but the quiet of the place didn¡¯t ease the tension building in Lockey¡¯s chest. His mind was set, and tonight, he would put the plan in motion.

    Lee was already there, leaning against the stone bench, his arms crossed as if he was trying to make sense of why Lockey had called him out here at such a late hour. As Lockey approached, Lee stood straighter, his expression curious but wary.

    ¡°Lockey?¡± Lee¡¯s voice carried a note of surprise. He didn¡¯t get called out for secret meetings in the garden often, especially not at this hour. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    Lockey got straight to the point, not one for small talk. ¡°I need to get into Site 22.¡±

    Silence stretched on the other end. Lee''s confusion and hesitation were palpable even through the phone.

    ¡°Site 22? Where did you even hear about that? Lockey, no one talks about Site 22. Hell, most WCM agents don¡¯t even know it exists,¡± Lee responded, his voice low, as though speaking about it might draw unwanted attention.

    Lockey leaned back, his eyes narrowing at the darkness in front of him. ¡°I know enough. And it¡¯s where I need to go. The Beta Vault is connected to that place.¡±

    Lee exhaled, a long, frustrated sound. ¡°I don¡¯t know anything about Site 22. All I¡¯ve heard is that it¡¯s nearly impossible to access and that only a handful of people in the organization even have clearance to enter. You¡¯re risking everything for this.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I need to make a move soon,¡± Lockey said coolly. ¡°Emma''s the key.¡±

    There was another pause, longer this time. ¡°What do you mean, Emma¡¯s the key?¡± Lee asked, his voice cautious.

    ¡°She¡¯s too close,¡± Lockey explained, his tone clinical. ¡°If she finds out anything more, I¡¯m done for. She either needs to disappear or be killed.¡±

    Lee¡¯s breath caught. ¡°Disappear or¡­be killed?¡±

    Lockey didn¡¯t flinch at the shock in his friend''s voice. ¡°Exactly. She¡¯s been following me for weeks. You know that if she¡¯s gone, her investigation goes with her. It¡¯s the only way I can make a clean break and get them to send me to Site 22.¡±

    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    There was a deep silence on the other end, and when Lee spoke again, his voice was strained. ¡°Are you sure this is the only way? I mean¡­killing her? There¡¯s no turning back from something like this.¡±

    Lockey¡¯s voice was cold, devoid of any emotion. ¡°I¡¯ve already decided, Lee. She needs to be eliminated.¡±

    Lee sighed, the weight of what they were about to do hanging between them. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll help. But¡­this isn¡¯t easy for me.¡±

    Lockey¡¯s eyes darkened as he spoke his final words before hanging up. ¡°It¡¯s not supposed to be easy.¡±

    The frustration had been building inside Emma for days. Every lead she¡¯d followed on Lockey turned up nothing. No connections to any underground Beta Vaults, no proof he was involved in anything beyond being a powerful anomaly. But something didn¡¯t sit right with her.

    That night, in her small home office, she sifted through a pile of documents, her eyes burning from hours of research. Lockey was good at hiding his tracks, but Emma was determined.

    Suddenly, a file caught her attention. She clicked through digital records on her screen. Juvenile detention.

    Lockey had been sent away as a child for killing five classmates. Emma felt a chill crawl up her spine. That was the moment his powers first manifested¡ªwhen he became a Cypher. But what made her stomach turn was the second incident.

    She scrolled further, diving deeper into the layers of Lockey¡¯s past. The next headline made her hands tremble:

    Lockey had killed them, too. But what struck her most was the mention of a younger brother¡ªa sibling who had vanished without a trace. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn¡¯t find any record of him.

    ¡°Where are you?¡± she whispered, her mind racing. Why had all traces of the boy been erased? Why was Lockey still free?

    The unanswered questions gnawed at her, and she knew she was getting closer to the truth. But there was still so much she didn¡¯t know.

    The next morning, Emma received a direct order to skip school and report to WCM Headquarters. Her stomach was tight with nerves as she prepared her findings. She hadn¡¯t been able to crack everything open, but she had enough to raise alarms.

    In the sparsely decorated meeting room, she sat across from Yuri, a high-ranking WCM operative who always gave off an air of authority and cold precision. She slid the file across the table.

    ¡°Everything I¡¯ve found on Lockey,¡± she said, her voice steady. ¡°He was sent to juvenile detention for killing five classmates, and later, he killed his parents. I couldn¡¯t find anything about the Beta Vault in connection with him, but¡­¡±

    ¡°But?¡± Yuri leaned forward, eyes locked on her.

    ¡°He might be a Universal Cypher,¡± Emma said slowly. ¡°The energy he emits¡­it¡¯s unusual. He fits the profile. But again, no concrete proof. Just theories based on what I could gather.¡±

    Yuri was silent for a moment, flipping through the file. ¡°If he¡¯s a Universal, that changes things. We can¡¯t let him roam freely. Keep digging, Emma. We need more than guesses and old files.¡±

    Emma nodded, feeling the pressure build. ¡°Understood.¡±

    As she left the room, a weight settled in her chest. Her investigation was coming to an end, but something told her it wasn¡¯t over¡ªnot by a long shot.

 Chapter 32: The Elimination

    Emma arrived home late, her body weary from the long day of investigation. After a frustrating lack of progress, she¡¯d submitted her report on Lockey to the higher-ups, a report that left her with mixed emotions. She sighed as she prepared her nightly tea in the kitchen, the steam rising slowly, soothing her. Relief washed over her¡ªher investigation would end in a week, and then she could leave Lockey''s unsettling presence behind.

    But as she moved through her quiet house, something felt off. The air carried a tension, a presence she hadn''t felt before. She froze mid-step, her eyes darting around. A subtle noise¡ªalmost too faint to catch¡ªalerted her that she wasn¡¯t alone. Reaching for the nearest knife from her set, she cautiously moved toward her living room.

    A figure sat casually on her couch, cloaked in shadows with their hood pulled low. The red and black ambiance surrounding the scene reflected the danger lingering in the air. The figure''s finger pressed lightly against his lips¡ªa hauntingly calm gesture for silence.

    Emma¡¯s heart raced, her mind whirling. ¡°Who... how did you find me?¡± she demanded, recognizing Lockey¡¯s presence as he stood up, his eyes gleaming in the dim light.

    Lockey took a slow step toward her, his gaze unwavering. ¡°I followed you,¡± he replied simply.

    ¡°For what?¡± she asked, trying to steady her voice. Her grip tightened on the knife.

    Lockey approached closer, his eyes narrowing as he loomed over her, pushing her back until she was cornered against the wall. He leaned in, his breath hot against her face. ¡°To get rid of you,¡± he said with a dangerous smirk.

    Emma¡¯s hands shook as she held the knife out in defense. The charisma she once had faded, replaced by a look of terror. Lockey chuckled darkly, stepping back for a moment to observe her. ¡°Where is your fire now, Emma? You¡¯re scared of me, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Emma remained silent, her thoughts spinning. Her once tenacious resolve felt small in the face of Lockey''s cold, predatory aura.

    ¡°You should have stayed out of this investigation,¡± Lockey said, his smirk widening into a twisted grin. His eyes flicked over her trembling form, feeding off her fear.

    And then, the name of her investigation¡ªthe Beta Vault¡ªfell from his lips.

    Her eyes widened, the shock paralyzing her as a vision of the vault flashed before her. ¡°So... it was with you all along...¡± she whispered, dread pooling in her stomach.

    Emma''s grip on the knife faltered as her mind raced. "What are you going to do now? Kill me?" she asked, voice strained with the rising panic.

    Lockey tilted his head, a playful yet menacing grin crossing his lips. ¡°Yes... but not yet. There¡¯s someone who wanted to see you first.¡±

    The sound of footsteps echoed behind her, and Emma turned her head slowly, her breath catching as she recognized the familiar figure standing in the doorway.

    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    "Lee?" Her voice cracked with disbelief. "You''re... you''re siding with him?"

    Lee, dressed in dark clothes, stood silent, his face shrouded in a stormy expression. His profile was cold, distant, as though weighed down by the storm brewing inside him . He couldn¡¯t meet her eyes, his internal struggle reflected in the somber air around him.

    Emma¡¯s heart sank. ¡°You... after all this time?¡± she whispered, feeling utterly betrayed. Tears welled up in her eyes as she saw the truth of the situation.

    Lockey grinned and nodded toward Lee. ¡°He¡¯s decided you deserve a choice.¡±

    Lee spoke, his voice soft but firm, laced with guilt. ¡°You can either be killed... or kidnapped.¡±

    Emma¡¯s breath caught in her throat. The room seemed to close in around her, the tension thick with uncertainty. What would she choose?

    Lockey grinned and nodded toward Lee. ¡°He¡¯s decided you deserve a choice.¡±

    Lee spoke, his voice soft but firm, laced with guilt. ¡°You can either be killed... or kidnapped.¡±

    Emma¡¯s breath caught in her throat. The room seemed to close in around her, the tension thick with uncertainty. She finally gave her answer, though the specifics of her choice were left unsaid.

    Lee took a deep breath and stepped toward Emma, avoiding her fearful gaze. He held a small syringe, filled with a clear liquid, his hand trembling slightly. Emma¡¯s lips parted, a question forming, but before she could speak, Lee swiftly injected the liquid into her arm.

    Emma gasped, her eyes widening as the drug took effect. Her body went limp, her consciousness fading fast as her legs gave way beneath her. As she slipped into unconsciousness, her body slumped against Lee''s arm. He caught her, gently lowering her to the floor.

    The weight of the decision crushed Lee, and he looked down, avoiding Lockey¡¯s gaze. The room felt suffocating, the guilt gnawing at him from the inside.

    ¡°I feel like a bad person,¡± Lee muttered quietly, his voice barely audible. His face contorted with emotion, tears brimming in his eyes.

    Lockey placed a hand on Lee¡¯s shoulder, offering a rare moment of empathy. ¡°It¡¯s not like you did anything wrong,¡± he said, though his words felt hollow, devoid of comfort.

    The room remained silent as the tension simmered.

    The next morning, Yuri sat at his desk, drumming his fingers anxiously. Emma was late¡ªshe never missed her morning report. His unease grew with each passing minute. After an hour of silence, he decided to take action.

    He arrived at Emma¡¯s house by mid-morning, a sense of dread building in his chest. As he neared the front yard, he noticed the house¡¯s door slightly ajar. A group of concerned neighbors had gathered, whispering among themselves. Some claimed they had heard odd noises the night before, but no one had acted on it.

    Yuri¡¯s heart raced as he stepped through the doorway, his eyes immediately drawn to the disarray within. The living room was untouched, but there was an eerie stillness in the air. He made his way to the kitchen and noticed Emma¡¯s mug of tea, still warm but untouched, sitting on the counter. The knife she had pulled out for defense lay discarded on the floor.

    Panic surged through him. ¡°Emma!¡± he called out, his voice trembling. He scoured the house, searching every room, but there was no sign of her. It was as if she had vanished into thin air.

    Outside, more people began to gather. Yuri quickly contacted the WCM, sending out an alert. Investigators soon flooded the house, combing through every inch for clues. The air buzzed with tension as they sealed off the area with caution tape, ensuring no one could interfere with the scene.

    A few agents examined the discarded knife, while others dusted for prints or questioned the neighbors. But nothing concrete came up. It was as though Emma had simply disappeared, leaving no trace behind.

    As Yuri stood amidst the chaos, the realization hit him hard. Emma was gone, and this wasn¡¯t just an ordinary disappearance. Something felt deliberately orchestrated, as if someone had planned every detail. His thoughts drifted to Lockey, the strange aura around him, and the unsettling reports Emma had shared. The more he considered it, the more certain he became¡ªLockey was involved.

 Chapter 33: The net close In

    Lee successfully provoked the World Containment Management (WCM) into focusing on Lockey. The WCM believes Lockey may be involved in the disappearance of Emma and the mystery of the Beta Vault. Lee informs Glacier of the WCM''s imminent arrival, leaving them little time to prepare. Although Lockey remains unaware, the net is closing in.

    Lockey''s eyes fluttered open, the sunlight from the cracked blinds painting stripes across his room. For a moment, he lay still, allowing the warmth of the light to soak into his skin, but his mind was already alert. He could feel it in the air¡ªsomething was coming. There was an undeniable charge, a tension that made the silence of the morning seem almost too quiet.

    Bzzt¡ªbzzt. His phone buzzed on the nightstand.

    Lockey picked it up, eyes narrowing when he saw the caller ID: Lee.

    ¡°Morning.¡± His voice was still rough from sleep as he answered, swinging his legs off the bed.

    ¡°You might want to skip breakfast today,¡± Lee said on the other end of the line, his tone steady, unbothered by the chaos he was surely about to drop. ¡°WCM''s moving faster than we thought. They''ll be at the school by noon¡ªmaybe sooner.¡±

    Lockey sat up fully, one eyebrow lifting. "Faster, huh?" He paused, letting the weight of that information settle. It wasn''t unexpected, but the speed caught him slightly off guard. ¡°Guess it¡¯s time to make things interesting.¡±

    There was a brief silence on the other end before Lee chuckled. ¡°I figured you¡¯d say that. You always did like stirring the pot when things got boring.¡±

    Lockey stood, stretching out the stiffness in his muscles. He felt the familiar pulse of his Key deep inside him, the Key of String, humming like a barely audible frequency just beneath the surface. ¡°They¡¯ll want answers. They¡¯ll get a show.¡±

    ¡°Be careful, though,¡± Lee added, but his tone still lacked concern. ¡°You may have a Universal Key, but that doesn¡¯t mean WCM will play nice.¡±

    Lockey smirked, staring out the window, watching the city move in its usual humdrum routine, completely unaware of the storm that was brewing. ¡°I wasn¡¯t planning on them playing nice.¡±

    Lee gave a small sigh, not out of worry but more out of understanding. ¡°I¡¯ll keep an eye on things from here. You know what to do if things go sideways. Glacier and Pinnochi will handle the backup.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± Lockey¡¯s tone was sharp, cutting, much like the dagger he could summon at will. ¡°I¡¯ll see you soon.¡±

    The call ended, leaving Lockey alone in the quiet of his room once again, but the atmosphere had shifted. His pulse quickened, not out of fear, but out of the anticipation of what was to come. The WCM thought they were going to corner him at school¡ªinterrogate him, pressure him into slipping up. But they underestimated him.

    Lockey wasn¡¯t just some high school teenager. He was a Universal Cipher, and today, the WCM would learn exactly what that meant.

    Lockey moved through his morning routine like it was any other day. The small town surrounding Fairy Tale High stirred to life as he made his way toward the school. He blended into the crowd of students¡ªjust another face in the sea of bodies. But his mind was elsewhere, already calculating his response to the WCM¡¯s imminent arrival.

    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Each step toward the school felt like one closer to the inevitable confrontation. He had the upper hand¡ªthey thought they were in control, but Lockey knew better. He wasn¡¯t going to be caught off guard, nor was he about to let their so-called authority intimidate him.

    As he approached the entrance, a different scene awaited him.

    In front of the school, security guards stood dressed in all black, their appearance closer to military soldiers than typical school personnel. Black combat gear and heavy equipment gleamed in the morning sun, a stark contrast to the usual relaxed vibe of the school. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife, and their eyes locked onto any student that came too close.

    Inside the school, the signs of heightened security were subtle but unmistakable. A few more agents dressed similarly lingered in the halls, their presence quiet but unsettling.

    Students murmured to each other as they passed, their voices hushed, confused by the sudden shift in the atmosphere.

    "What''s going on here?" one asked under his breath, clutching his backpack tightly.

    "I dunno, but it feels serious," another replied, looking around nervously.

    Lockey pushed through the crowd, unfazed. This was exactly what he¡¯d expected, maybe even counted on. He made his way into his classroom, slipping into his usual seat at the back of the room near the window. The soft light from outside filtered in, illuminating his face as he gazed out with a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

    The tension was brewing¡ªjust the way he liked it.

    ¡°Lockey!¡± a voice called out, breaking his thoughts.

    It was Adam, standing next to his desk, looking uneasy. ¡°Today sure seems strange. I wonder what¡¯s wrong.¡±

    Lockey gave a small shrug, leaning back in his chair. ¡°Who knows," he said, the smirk still playing on his face, "but I like it.¡±

    Adam blinked, his confusion evident. He glanced at Lockey, unsure of how to respond. "He sure is weird," Adam thought to himself, before turning back to his own desk.

    As the murmurs of students continued to fill the air, a sudden announcement interrupted the tension. The voice of the school principal, Mr. Golder, echoed through the intercom, his tone firm yet laced with concern.

    "Attention, students and faculty," he began. "This morning, our school has been placed under the supervision of the World Control and Management Organization due to a high-profile investigation."

    Murmurs grew louder, echoing through the halls and classrooms as students exchanged glances, their curiosity now piqued. Mr. Golder continued.

    "In order to ensure everyone''s safety and minimize disruption, we ask for your full cooperation during this time. Classes will proceed as normal, and we urge you to remain calm and focused on your studies."

    As the initial shock subsided, Mr. Golder''s voice took on a sterner edge. "However, we also wish to remind you that any acts of defiance or attempts to interfere with WCM operations will not be tolerated."

    Just as the announcement concluded, the classroom door creaked open, drawing the attention of Lockey and his classmates. An imposing figure stepped inside, clad in a pristine black uniform. The WCM agent''s gaze swept across the room, eventually settling on Lockey.

    "Lockey," the agent called out, his voice resounding in the now-silent classroom. "Please gather your belongings and head to the principal''s office. There are some personnel who would like to speak with you."

    As Lockey began packing his belongings, Adam leaned in, concern etched on his face. "I hope you''re not in any trouble, Lockey," he whispered.

    Lockey paused for a moment, glancing at Adam with a sly grin. "Well, who knows," he replied, an air of mystery hanging in his words.

    With a final nod to Adam, Lockey made his way out of the classroom, his footsteps echoing through the tension-filled hallways.

    Lockey flashed a quick smirk at the agent, an unspoken challenge dancing in his eyes. "Of course," he replied coolly, grabbing his backpack and making his way towards the door. A mixture of curiosity and concern painted the faces of his classmates as they watched him leave.

    As Lockey walked down the hall, each step resonated in the tense atmosphere, drawing him closer to the impending confrontation. The stage was set, and the players were in motion. The secrets of Site 22 and the fate of the Vaults were on the line, and Lockey was about to take center stage in a high-stakes game of subterfuge and deception.

 Chapter 34: Unleashed

    A brief flashback to Chapter 33 reminded us of Lockey''s defiant smirk as he left the classroom, escorted by the WCM agent. His footsteps echoed in the empty hallway, leading him towards the principal''s office. The air around him was heavy with anticipation and tension, but Lockey remained unfazed.

    The agent knocked on the door, announcing, "I have brought Lockey."

    A muffled response came from inside, "Bring him in."

    As Lockey entered the room, he saw two individuals¡ªone was the school principal, Mr. Golder, and the other was a WCM personnel, who introduced himself as Yuri. The agent guided Lockey to a chair and secured a lie detector around his arm.

    Yuri cleared his throat, "Lockey, we have some questions for you. If you answer truthfully, you''ll be free to go. We apologize for any inconvenience."

    Lockey flashed a faint smirk. "I''ll answer your questions truthfully. There''s no need for a lie detector anyway."

    Yuri began the interrogation, "Do you know anything about Emma''s disappearance?"

    Lockey replied, "Oh, Emma, the new student... We never were on good terms, so maybe."

    The lie detector beeped green, indicating a true statement.

    Yuri, with a serious gaze, asked, "What do you mean by ''maybe''?"

    Lockey, leaning forward in his chair, said, "I''m not directly involved in her disappearance, so how do you expect me to reply with a ''yes''?"

    Again, the lie detector beeped green, confirming the truth in his words.

    Yuri calmed down and continued, "Are you associated with any cult, specifically Red Blood or Chrono Lux?"

    Lockey''s face turned serious. "I''m not associated with the cult; I just happen to know them."

    Once more, the lie detector beeped green, signaling Lockey''s honesty.

    Yuri, growing increasingly agitated, concluded, "So, you still happen to know them."

    The second WCM personnel in the room, Bono, whispered to Yuri, suggesting they ask Lockey about the cults, as little was known about them, and they posed a threat to society.

    Yuri nodded, inviting Bono to take over the interrogation.

    Lockey observed the shift in questioners, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Oh, so you''re switching the interrogation?"

    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    Bono nodded. "I would like to ask if you know the hideout of either of the two cults?"

    Lockey''s face became expressionless. "Well, you see, they migrate a lot, so how do you expect me to give you a location? If I gave you their last location, they might not even be there anymore."

    The lie detector beeped green again.

    Yuri took control of the interrogation once more, assuring Lockey that only two questions remained.

    Lockey, stifling a yawn, said, "Glad we''re wrapping this up. I didn''t get good sleep last night since I was clearing out the trash."

    Yuri eyed Lockey suspiciously and continued, "You seem to be a Universal Cipher. How did you acquire one of the Universal Keys?"

    Lockey paused, memories of a dark past surfacing in his mind, and with a flash of pain in his eyes, he replied, "I can''t remember. I just defended myself, and then it manifested."

    Yuri''s eyes narrowed as he prepared his final question, "Are you in possession of the Beta Vault?"

    A momentary silence enveloped the room.

    Lockey smirked. "Yes. Why do you ask?"

    Yuri, his voice filled with authority, explained, "We need you to return it to us as it is essential in preserving the balance of¡ª"

    Lockey abruptly interrupted, "I''m afraid that won''t be possible. The Vault and I have an understanding. You''ll have to come up with a more compelling reason than that."

    Yuri, his curiosity piqued, asked, "How did you get your hands on the Beta Vault?"

    Lockey shook his head, clicking his tongue. "Tch tch tch, you said only two questions remained. That''s a third, so I''m not answering."

    Yuri''s expression hardened. "Since you have the Beta Vault in your possession, we''ll continue our investigation at the headquarters."

    Lockey sighed inwardly, a bit disappointed. "So they wouldn''t take me to the second site after all this. Well, that leads me to my Plan B."

    Directing his gaze towards Principal Golder, Lockey called out, "Sir Chairman."

    The room erupted in surprise and shock, all eyes wide.

    Lockey continued, "Why are you surprised? I only called you based on your authority."

    Golder finally spoke, "Only 0 Division officers know my role in the WCM. How did you know that, Lockey?"

    Lockey replied nonchalantly, "Well, that''s because I was given information from someone who could even know the identity of the Grand Architect."

    Weapons were suddenly pointed at Lockey as Yuri demanded with a mix of caution and suspicion, "Who the hell are you, Lockey?"

    Lockey slowly stood up, a strange expression on his face¡ªnot quite a smile, but something different, almost as if he was relishing the chaos about to unfold. "I intend to cause a lot of trouble from here on out, so do your best in containing me."

    Activating his Key, Lockey launched himself at Chairman Golder. The impact shook the room, prompting the other WCM security personnel in the area to spring into action.

    The once-quiet interrogation room was now a whirlwind of confusion and panic. Lockey''s sudden aggression had caught everyone off guard, and the WCM agents scrambled to contain the escalating situation.

    As Lockey clashed with the WCM personnel, his true abilities began to surface. His mastery over the Universal Key was evident as he unleashed a powerful wave of energy, knocking his opponents back. Yuri and Bono exchanged worried glances, realizing they had severely underestimated Lockey.

    When the dust settled, Lockey was nowhere to be seen. The WCM team, realizing they had been outmaneuvered, was instantly dispatched for a full search. The chaos and confusion in the room were palpable, as the agents knew they were dealing with a formidable opponent.

    The interrogation had turned into a full-blown confrontation, and the aftermath would echo through the halls of the WCM for years to come. Lockey''s escape only added to the uncertainty and tension, leaving everyone to wonder about the true extent of his powers and intentions.

 Chapter 35: The After Math Begins

    Chaos erupted through the school as the emergency announcement echoed over the loudspeakers. The message was brief, but the urgency was unmistakable: "All students, evacuate immediately." The atmosphere shifted instantly as teachers scrambled to organize the evacuation, pushing the students to head towards the main gates. Despite their commands for calm, murmurs and speculation rippled through the crowd.

    ¡°Is this real? What¡¯s happening?¡± ¡°I heard it¡¯s because of that green-haired kid!¡± ¡°Wasn¡¯t Lockey called to the office just before all this started? Do you think it has to do with him?¡±

    Amid the sea of panicked students, Adam spotted Marco, Rina, and Isabell near the courtyard. Swiftly weaving through the commotion, he reached them. His face betrayed his anxiety. ¡°Guys, I think Lockey¡¯s in some serious trouble.¡±

    Marco frowned. ¡°Why do you say that?¡±

    Adam quickly recounted Lockey¡¯s sudden call to the office and the strange occurrences that followed. ¡°This is bigger than any of us thought,¡± he said, glancing at the chaos unfolding around them.

    Rina, always determined, clenched her fists. ¡°We can¡¯t just stand here. We have to help Lockey. He might need us.¡±

    Adam¡¯s eyes widened at the suggestion. ¡°Are you out of your mind? Going up against the WCM? That¡¯s suicide, Rina. We could get caught up in something we don¡¯t understand.¡±

    Marco nodded in agreement, a cautious tone in his voice. ¡°He¡¯s right. We don¡¯t know what we¡¯re dealing with here. We could make things worse.¡±

    Rina sighed, backing off but not fully conceding. ¡°Alright, fine, but I¡¯m still going to talk to my brother. He might know something. He¡¯s been acting strange since Lockey showed up.¡±

    As the group made their way towards the school gates, Rina couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that her brother knew far more than he was letting on. The situation was spiraling out of control, and the answers were slipping through their fingers.

    <hr>

    In the now-abandoned school, silence reigned. Dust filled the air as Lockey walked through the darkened corridors, his steps echoing in the stillness. His chest tightened with a mix of regret and defiance. ¡°This is how it ends,¡± he muttered to himself, his voice barely audible in the quiet. He once felt exhilaration at the idea of wielding such power, but now the weight of it crushed him.

    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Lockey paused, glancing out the broken windows. ¡°If this is my last stand,¡± he whispered, a sly grin creeping onto his face, ¡°I might as well go out with a bang.¡±

    As he prepared himself for what was coming, the distant sound of footsteps reached his ears. The WCM agents were closing in. Clad in black and equipped with advanced weaponry, they moved with precision, ascending the stairs to his location.

    Lockey tensed as a shadow flickered in the corner of his vision. Without hesitation, the agents launched their attack. Bolts of energy shot through the air as they closed in on him, their weapons humming with deadly power. The corridors were lit with brief flashes as Lockey countered, his Key clashing against the WCM¡¯s tech in a deadly dance of destruction.

    One by one, Lockey cut through the agents, his movements swift and lethal. But just as the last of the initial team fell, reinforcements arrived¡ªan elite squad known as the Vanguard. They moved with cold efficiency, throwing tiny smoke bombs that filled the air with a thick, toxic cloud.

    Lockey¡¯s breathing quickened as he covered his nose, his mind racing. WCM smoke¡­ designed to weaken Ciphers. His thoughts blurred as the Vanguard closed in, their gas masks shielding them from the very smoke choking him. Desperate, Lockey gathered the strength to unleash his Key, cutting through the dense smoke with a powerful slash that obliterated everything in its path. Only a handful of the Vanguard remained.

    Seizing the opportunity, Lockey dashed to the top floor, searching frantically for an escape. The halls stretched before him like a maze, each exit sealed or blocked. There was no way out.

    Then, a footstep echoed behind him. Spinning around, Lockey¡¯s eyes widened as a towering figure emerged from the shadows¡ªa hulking man with an afro, his massive frame dominating the corridor.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re Lockey,¡± the man growled, his voice low and menacing. ¡°Your journey ends here.¡±

    Lockey¡¯s eyes narrowed, defiance burning within them. ¡°You think you can kill me? I don¡¯t know what your plans are for the Beta Vault, but if I die, you¡¯ll never get what you¡¯re after.¡±

    With a grunt, Lockey shifted into a defensive stance, readying himself for the inevitable fight. The man, Afron, studied him with a cold, calculating gaze.

    ¡°You¡¯ve never faced a Cipher of my level before,¡± Afron observed. ¡°This is your first real battle.¡±

    Lockey stiffened as he felt an invisible force press down on him. His knees buckled under the weight, and he gasped, struggling to speak. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re a Cipher, too?¡±

    Afron smirked. ¡°The Gamma Vault chose me,¡± he said simply, before moving with lightning speed.

    Before Lockey could react, he felt the sharp sting of a syringe piercing his neck. His body grew weak, his vision swimming. As he collapsed to the floor, consciousness slipping away, he realized that for the first time, he had been utterly defeated.

    <hr>

 Chapter 36: Torture of truth

    Lockey¡¯s eyes fluttered open, a sharp jolt of awareness coursing through him. His limbs felt heavy, restrained, as if weighed down by the oppressive atmosphere of the room. Blinking, he found himself in an unfamiliar setting, the sterile chill of his surroundings sending a shiver down his spine. The room was stark, dominated by the minimalist design and the dull gray tones that swallowed any warmth.

    The table in front of him was cold and metallic, the two folding chairs placed symmetrically across from one another like opponents in an unseen battle. The lights overhead hummed faintly, casting a harsh fluorescent glow that illuminated the center of the room, leaving the corners draped in shadow. Lockey''s mind raced, but his body refused to respond, his wrists bound tightly to the chair beneath him. It wasn¡¯t just any chair. The faint buzzing sound confirmed his suspicion¡ªan electric chair, designed not to kill, but to inflict pain.

    ¡°Ah, you¡¯re finally awake,¡± came a familiar voice.

    Lockey turned his head slowly, the motion strained. Standing near the door, arms crossed, was Yuri. The man who had interrogated him earlier. His casual demeanor contrasted sharply with the grim setting.

    ¡°You,¡± Lockey muttered, his throat dry. ¡°You were the one questioning me before. What was your name again... Ah yes, Yuri.¡±

    Yuri smiled faintly, almost amused. ¡°Glad you didn¡¯t forget me.¡±

    Lockey¡¯s gaze shifted from Yuri to the chair beneath him, the straps tight across his chest and arms. ¡°Congratulations,¡± Yuri continued, his tone light, almost playful, ¡°you¡¯ve been brought to the torture room. That chair you''re sitting in... well, it has a little kick to it.¡± He moved closer, his voice lowering. ¡°You won¡¯t die from it, not with what you are. A Cipher can endure far worse. But it¡¯s going to hurt.¡±

    Lockey¡¯s frustration boiled beneath the surface, his voice sharp. ¡°Didn¡¯t you ask all your questions already?¡±

    Yuri¡¯s smile faded, his expression hardening. He glanced at Lockey¡¯s restrained form, tapping a finger against the table absentmindedly. ¡°Well, yes... but not until you showed us you know more than we initially thought.¡±

    He pulled out the chair across from Lockey and sat down, his posture relaxed despite the tension in the room. ¡°I don¡¯t have much time. The higher-ups want results, so why don¡¯t you save us both the trouble and tell me what you know? Make this easier for everyone.¡±

    Lockey met his gaze, silent, his jaw set in defiance. The moments stretched between them, the hum of the lights the only sound. Yuri, unperturbed, leaned back, waiting. Time ticked by in agonizing slowness.

    <hr>

    One Hour Later

    Yuri exited the room, his steps heavy with frustration. His hand ran through his hair, ruffling the perfectly styled strands as he let out a low sigh. He looked back toward the interrogation room, his eyes narrowing in thought. Lockey hadn¡¯t budged, hadn¡¯t broken, not even after the volts had been cranked higher with each passing minute.

    "He may look like an ordinary teenager," Yuri muttered under his breath, "but physically, that''s all it is. How do I even explain this?"

    As he paced the hallway, the faint sound of footsteps drew his attention. He looked up to see Pinnochi approaching, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. ¡°Looks like someone isn¡¯t happy,¡± Pinnochi quipped, stopping a few feet away. ¡°Let me guess¡ªyou didn¡¯t get anything out of him?¡±

    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    Yuri slumped into a nearby chair, running a hand over his face. ¡°I kept increasing the volts. Thought he¡¯d break eventually, but nothing. He just sat there.¡±

    Pinnochi glanced toward the interrogation room, his eyes landing on Lockey, still strapped to the chair inside. Through the glass window, Lockey appeared calm, unnervingly so, as if the entire ordeal had been nothing but a minor inconvenience. ¡°What a pain,¡± Pinnochi said, shaking his head. ¡°Good luck getting him to talk.¡± He waved dismissively as he turned to leave. ¡°I¡¯m off. Have fun with the higher-ups.¡±

    Yuri grunted in response, his mind already racing. ¡°I¡¯ll have to report to Sir Afron... hope I don¡¯t get punished for this.¡±

    The weight of failure hung over him like a dark cloud, the looming presence of the higher-ups pressing down on his every move.

    Yuri let out a long sigh before pushing himself off the chair. His footsteps echoed lightly in the dim hallway as he made his way toward Sir Afron¡¯s quarters. He wasn¡¯t looking forward to this conversation, especially after his failure in the interrogation room. The further he walked, the heavier his steps felt, as if the weight of Afron¡¯s looming presence was already pressing down on him.

    Arriving at the large, ominous door, Yuri hesitated for a moment. He straightened his jacket, took a deep breath, and knocked firmly. ¡°It¡¯s me, sir,¡± he called out, his voice betraying none of his inner anxiety.

    The door opened with a mechanical hum, the sound unnatural and smooth, its edges disappearing into the walls as if the room itself had swallowed them whole. Yuri couldn¡¯t suppress a small grimace. I¡¯ll never get used to that, he thought, stepping inside.

    The sight that greeted him was a stark contrast to the sterile environment of the interrogation room. The air was heavy with the scent of alcohol, the dim lighting casting a soft glow over the plush furniture and lavish decor. Sir Afron sat sprawled on an ornate bed, a half-empty bottle of whiskey in one hand, while the other lazily draped over the shoulder of one of the women lounging beside him. Several others flitted around the room, laughing softly, clearly enjoying themselves.

    Yuri felt a wave of discomfort, his presence here suddenly feeling out of place. He shifted awkwardly. ¡°Did I... come at a bad time?¡±

    Afron chuckled, his voice slurred slightly from the alcohol. ¡°No, no,¡± he waved dismissively, clumsily setting the bottle down on a nearby table. He stood from the bed, his shirt half-buttoned and wrinkled, his eyes glassy but sharp beneath the haze of intoxication. ¡°Always time for business.¡±

    Yuri watched as Afron approached him, stumbling slightly but recovering with a chuckle. ¡°So,¡± Afron drawled, his words dripping with drunken amusement, ¡°what did you get out of the brat?¡±

    Yuri shifted, his discomfort deepening. ¡°Well, you see... he didn¡¯t say a thing. Even after I cranked the voltage to its maximum, he didn¡¯t waver. Honestly, sir, he¡¯s unlike anyone I¡¯ve tortured before. It¡¯s as if he feels nothing.¡±

    Afron¡¯s expression darkened, the sloppiness of his demeanor fading momentarily as he took a step closer to Yuri, his face mere inches from his subordinate''s. His breath reeked of whiskey, sharp and overwhelming. ¡°Do you understand the situation we¡¯re in right now, Yur?¡±

    Yuri swallowed, his throat suddenly dry as Afron¡¯s tone grew more serious, more threatening. ¡°Yes, sir,¡± he responded quickly, trying to remain composed. ¡°I understand.¡±

    Afron¡¯s eyes narrowed, his hand coming to rest heavily on Yuri¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Then understand this. I don¡¯t care what you have to do, but the next time you come to me, you¡¯d better have results. I want information out of him, no excuses.¡± He squeezed Yuri¡¯s shoulder tighter, his grip painful. ¡°Is that clear?¡±

    Yuri nodded stiffly, the pressure from Afron¡¯s hand becoming unbearable. ¡°Yes, sir. I¡¯ll do whatever it takes.¡±

    Afron released him, stumbling back toward the bed, his expression reverting to its earlier drunken carelessness. ¡°Good,¡± he muttered, waving Yuri off dismissively. ¡°Now, get out. I have... more pressing matters to attend to.¡± He flopped back onto the bed, one of the girls giggling as she draped herself over him.

    Yuri didn¡¯t wait for any further invitation to leave. He turned on his heel and swiftly exited the room, the door sealing shut behind him with the same unnerving smoothness. As he walked down the hall, he couldn¡¯t help but let out a breath he didn¡¯t realize he¡¯d been holding.

    He¡¯d have to figure out a way to break Lockey... or it would be his neck on the line next.

 Chapter 37: Breakthrough

    Previously: Afron, frustrated by Yuri¡¯s lack of results in extracting information from Lockey, demanded that Yuri find another way to break him. Despite Yuri¡¯s efforts in torturing Lockey, the boy hadn¡¯t revealed anything of value. Afron¡¯s warnings echoed in Yuri¡¯s mind¡ªthere wouldn¡¯t be a second chance. As Yuri left Afron¡¯s chambers, he knew he had to change tactics before time ran out.

    <hr>

    Yuri stepped out of Afron¡¯s quarters, his frustration and unease growing with each passing second. The cold hallway felt suffocating, as though the weight of Afron¡¯s demands hung over him like a lead curtain. I need to get something out of him, Yuri thought, running a hand through his hair. Torture wasn¡¯t getting him anywhere¡ªLockey had proven more resilient than any prisoner before him.

    He exhaled sharply. ¡°Guess it¡¯s time to move to the next phase,¡± he muttered under his breath. His steps quickened as his mind raced. Honestly, he mused, I never thought things would turn out this difficult. His thoughts felt disjointed, too rapid to follow, and he grimaced. This wasn¡¯t going to be easy.

    <hr>

    Meanwhile, Lockey sat slumped in the corner of his small, sterile cell. The torment he had endured had left him weak, both physically and mentally. His skin was pale, and beads of sweat clung to his forehead. His breathing was shallow, each inhale a reminder of the electric volts that had coursed through his body earlier. His limbs ached as if they''d been stretched to their breaking point, and his mind was foggy from the constant strain.

    The door creaked open, pulling Lockey from his dazed state. His eyes slowly tracked the figure entering the room. Pinnochi, slightly disheveled, stood in the doorway, a faint sigh escaping his lips.

    Lockey¡¯s voice was hoarse. ¡°The fact that you¡¯re here means I¡¯m in Site 22.¡± His words came out strained, but he tried to keep his tone steady.

    Pinnochi¡¯s brow furrowed as he crossed his arms. ¡°Wasn¡¯t the plan for Glacier to forcefully attack Site 22?¡± he asked, ignoring the comment.

    Lockey, cautious, glanced up at the small security camera mounted in the corner of the room. ¡°There¡¯s a camera. Won¡¯t they hear you?¡±

    Pinnochi waved a dismissive hand, clearly unbothered by the potential consequences. His movements were clumsy, as though he was too confident in his approach. ¡°Relax, do you take me for a fool?¡±

    Lockey gave him a long look, his expression half-amused, half-exasperated. You think you aren¡¯t, his face seemed to say, but you do act like one.

    Pinnochi tilted his head, catching the subtle shift in Lockey¡¯s demeanor. ¡°What, you actually think I¡¯d be that careless?¡± His voice carried a note of indignation, though his actions betrayed his usual lack of caution.

    Lockey sighed, shaking his head slightly. ¡°Never mind,¡± he muttered, letting the tension ease between them. After a beat, he added, ¡°The plan was changed. Besides, the chances of success were pretty low, if you ask me.¡±

    Pinnochi scratched the back of his neck, nodding as though the change of plans had been news to him. ¡°Oh, I see.¡± He took a step closer, his posture casual, yet there was a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. ¡°Nice job keeping it under wraps.¡± He paused, then, with a mischievous glint, added, ¡°Anyway, you might want to move on to the next phase yourself. If you keep staying quiet like this, you¡¯ll be stuck in this square room for quite some time.¡±

    Turning to leave, Pinnochi waved lazily over his shoulder. ¡°See ya.¡±

    Just as he reached the door, he stopped and glanced back. ¡°Oh, almost forgot.¡± His tone was offhand, but the underlying message was clear. ¡°Once you¡¯re out of here, they¡¯ll probably take you to a cell. I¡¯ll try to find time to discuss the next stage and the routes with you... once I¡¯ve located the objective.¡± He shrugged. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t take too long.¡±

    Lockey leaned forward, curiosity laced with caution. ¡°How long would that take?¡±

    Pinnochi hesitated, his fingers drumming against the door frame as though in thought. ¡°Not sure. We¡¯ll just have to see. But... I do know one thing.¡± He glanced back over his shoulder, his face serious for the first time since entering the room. ¡°The location I¡¯m sensing is more powerful than the Beta Vault. That¡¯s all I know.¡±

    Without another word, Pinnochi slipped out, the door hissing shut behind him. Lockey was left alone in the room again, the weight of Pinnochi¡¯s words hanging in the air like a thick fog.

    Yuri left Lockey¡¯s cell behind, his mind whirling with thoughts of how to break through the boy¡¯s impenetrable resolve. He¡¯d tried every method he could think of, but nothing had worked. His footsteps echoed down the long, cold hallways until he found himself at the door of the lab.

    He entered the room, the familiar scent of chemicals and antiseptics filling the air. The space was wide, clinical, and sterile¡ªan experimental lab designed for precision. Glass cabinets lined the walls, each filled with vials and containers of varying shapes and colors. Metal tables held an assortment of strange devices, and a low hum filled the room as some equipment worked on its mysterious tasks.

    Yuri¡¯s eyes scanned the space. He had always been uneasy in this room, as though it was filled with too many unknowns, too many things he couldn¡¯t fully understand. But there was one person here he was looking for, and sure enough, her voice soon echoed from the far side of the lab.

    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    ¡°What brings you here?¡± a soft but sharp feminine voice called out.

    Yuri moved forward, weaving through the tables and machinery until he spotted her. Serena was hunched over a large steel counter, carefully mixing a set of chemicals with intense focus. She didn¡¯t even glance up from her work.

    ¡°Miss Serena,¡± Yuri greeted her, trying to hide his unease. ¡°I¡¯m glad to see you.¡±

    Serena barely acknowledged his presence, too absorbed in her task. Her hands moved deftly as she combined liquid into vials, her concentration unbreakable.

    ¡°Why are you here, Yuri?¡± she asked, her voice almost disinterested, though there was a flicker of curiosity beneath it.

    Yuri hesitated, watching as she worked, before finally speaking. ¡°I¡¯d like... some medicine.¡±

    Serena¡¯s hands paused for just a second, a signal that he had piqued her interest, but she didn¡¯t look away from her mixing. ¡°What kind?¡± she asked smoothly, continuing to stir the chemical mixture.

    Yuri sighed heavily, the tension in his shoulders giving way as he leaned against one of the metal counters. ¡°Do you have anything that could make someone spill everything I ask them?¡± His voice was edged with frustration, but also desperation.

    Serena finally paused and stood upright, leaving her chemicals aside. She turned toward him, her eyes narrowing slightly, as though she was trying to read his mind. ¡°You, of all people, struggling to get the truth out of someone? That¡¯s a surprise.¡± Her words dripped with mild sarcasm, but there was a playful undertone too.

    Yuri crossed his arms, exhaling in defeat. ¡°I¡¯ve tried everything, but nothing works on him. I need to wrap this up before I¡¯m the next one getting interrogated.¡±

    Serena¡¯s eyebrows arched. ¡°Afron breathing down your neck again, huh?¡± She swiveled in her chair, moving across the room with the smooth glide of its wheels. Reaching a large cabinet filled with vials and tubes, she inspected the labels carefully.

    ¡°He¡¯s worse than ever,¡± Yuri admitted, following her movements with weary eyes. ¡°I¡¯ve had my share of tough ones, but this is different. I really want this done so I can live another day.¡±

    Serena chuckled softly, her voice a strange mixture of sympathy and amusement. ¡°Poor soul,¡± she muttered as she reached for a small glass vial. The liquid inside was a pale blue, faintly glowing under the light. She returned to Yuri, the vial pinched between her fingers.

    ¡°This should do the trick.¡± She handed it to him, her eyes gleaming with confidence. ¡°It¡¯ll last about seven hours. Once you give it to him, he won¡¯t be able to resist answering anything you ask.¡±

    Yuri took the vial, his fingers brushing the cool glass as he turned it over in his hands. ¡°And that¡¯ll buy me another day?¡± he asked, half-joking, but Serena¡¯s response was serious.

    ¡°More than that,¡± she said, leaning back in her chair. ¡°It¡¯ll spare you the trouble of needing anything else for now. You¡¯re welcome.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Miss Serena.¡± Yuri gave her a nod of gratitude as he pocketed the vial. He turned and began walking toward the door, his footsteps heavier but his heart slightly lighter.

    As he left the lab, he couldn¡¯t help but feel relieved. Having a special connection with someone like Serena¡ªa key figure in the creation of chemicals and medicines used in Site 22¡ªwas a stroke of luck. She was one of the higher-ups in the hierarchy, and her work was essential to the inner workings of the facility. It paid to have allies like her.

    Glancing down at the vial, Yuri smirked. ¡°This should do the trick,¡± he muttered to himself, his pace quickening as he made his way back to the investigation room. His mind was already racing ahead, planning his next move.

    Yuri stood at the door of the interrogation room, his hand resting on the handle as he took a deep breath. He glanced down at the vial in his pocket, feeling its weight. This was it¡ªthe key to breaking through Lockey¡¯s stubborn defenses. He¡¯d come too far to let this slip now.

    With a twist of his wrist, the door clicked open. The room was exactly as he left it: cold, dim, and oppressive. In the center sat Lockey, restrained to the chair, his head lowered but eyes still alert, watching Yuri as he stepped inside. The air between them crackled with tension.

    Yuri¡¯s eyes glazed over Lockey, sizing him up for this second round. ¡°You ready for round two?¡± His voice carried a hint of mockery, as though he was already certain of victory.

    Lockey remained silent, his mind drifting back to the conversation with Pinnochi. The weight of it still pressed on him, but he masked it behind a wall of stoic calm. His body ached from the torment he had already endured, but his will hadn¡¯t been broken. Not yet.

    He sighed, breaking the silence. ¡°I¡¯m tired myself... so let¡¯s just get this over with.¡±

    Yuri smirked, running his hand through his hair in that casual way he always did when things were going according to plan. He stepped closer, pulling out the vial that Serena had given him, holding it up to the dim light so the liquid shimmered faintly. ¡°Alright then, since you¡¯re so cooperative, why don¡¯t you open wide for me?¡±

    Lockey¡¯s gaze narrowed, but he remained still, his lips tightly sealed. Yuri¡¯s patience, however, had worn thin.

    With a sudden, forceful movement, Yuri grabbed Lockey by the jaw, fingers digging into his skin. Lockey grunted, resisting, but the restraints held him firmly in place. Yuri¡¯s other hand popped the cap off the vial, and before Lockey could react, Yuri tilted his head back, forcefully pouring the liquid into his mouth.

    Lockey thrashed in his seat, trying to resist, but Yuri was relentless. His grip was firm, unyielding, as he pinched Lockey¡¯s nose shut, forcing him to swallow the chemical.

    The liquid burned as it went down, sending a cold shiver through Lockey¡¯s body. His vision blurred instantly, the edges of the room fading to black. It was like being submerged underwater, every sound muffled, every thought clouded. His mind, once sharp, now felt distant¡ªhis body heavy, sluggish, as if sinking into a dark abyss.

    Yuri stood back, watching with a detached sense of satisfaction. His hand slid through his hair again, brushing it back as he admired his work. ¡°It works fast, doesn¡¯t it?¡± He said, his voice almost conversational. ¡°Now... let¡¯s see how cooperative you really are.¡±

    Lockey¡¯s head lolled forward, his once-defiant gaze now glassy and vacant. His breathing was shallow, and his limbs felt numb. A fog seemed to settle over his thoughts, making it hard to focus. He was aware of Yuri¡¯s voice but couldn¡¯t grasp the meaning behind the words.

    Yuri leaned in close, his voice low, smooth. ¡°You won¡¯t be able to lie, Lockey. You¡¯ll tell me everything I want to know.¡±

    Lockey tried to focus, to push through the haze, but it was no use. The drug had taken hold completely, leaving him feeling like a puppet, his strings cut. His mind was drifting, and the will to fight was slipping away, second by second.

    Yuri grinned, his confidence growing. ¡°Shall we begin?¡±

 Chapter 38: The Final Push

    Previously: Afron, frustrated with Yuri''s failure to extract information from Lockey, issued a final warning. With time running out, Yuri realized that his usual methods of torture were ineffective. Seeking a new approach, Yuri visited Serena in the lab, where she gave him a potent serum designed to make anyone confess their secrets. Meanwhile, Pinnochi secretly visited Lockey in his cell, offering vague hints about a new objective more powerful than the Beta Vault.

    Armed with Serena¡¯s serum, Yuri returned to the interrogation room. After a tense confrontation, Yuri forcefully administered the drug to Lockey, leaving him dazed and unable to resist further questioning. As the drug began to take effect, Yuri prepared to break Lockey¡¯s silence once and for all.

    The room was dimly lit, the air thick with the stench of blood and sweat. Yuri stood over Lockey, his breath steady but his expression cold and clinical. Lockey''s body hung limp from the chains that held him upright, every muscle twitching with the pain of the hours-long torment. His shirt, once clean, was now soaked in his own blood, torn from the repeated cuts and gashes inflicted by Yuri''s relentless interrogation.

    Yuri wiped his hands methodically, using a white cloth that quickly turned crimson as he cleaned Lockey¡¯s blood from his fingers. Each wipe was slow, deliberate, a routine he had grown accustomed to. His face betrayed no emotion, just a quiet satisfaction with his handiwork. Tossing the blood-soaked cloth aside, he glanced at the empty bottle that had been part of his latest experiment¡ªa chemical concoction given to Lockey to weaken his resolve, provided by Miss Serena. Yuri lifted the bottle, inspecting it as if admiring the precision of its design.

    "Thanks to Miss Serena, I think I have another day to live," he muttered to himself, twirling the empty bottle between his fingers before setting it down carefully on the table beside him. The room felt unnaturally silent after so many hours of Lockey¡¯s screams, the faint sound of Yuri¡¯s breath now filling the space.

    Lockey, though still conscious, was barely aware of his surroundings. His head slumped forward, eyes half-closed, as he hung from the restraints. His mind, once sharp and full of defiance, was now muddled by pain and exhaustion. His body trembled involuntarily, struggling to stay upright, his spirit not entirely broken but dangerously close. He twitched slightly as Yuri moved closer, though the response was reflexive, a mere shadow of the fighter he had once been.

    Yuri crouched down in front of him, studying Lockey''s battered face with curiosity. He tilted his head, almost in admiration. "Even after being fed such a potent chemical, you still tried as hard as you could not to say everything you knew," he said softly, the edge of amusement creeping into his voice. "I really envy you, you know. To be able to hold out for this long... it''s impressive."

    Lockey didn¡¯t respond. His lips were cracked and dry, his breathing shallow. But Yuri wasn¡¯t looking for a reply. He lingered in his squatting position for a moment, his eyes locking onto Lockey¡¯s distant gaze. A slight smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, not of joy but of something darker¡ªan appreciation of the strength he saw in the broken man before him.

    Slowly, Yuri stood up, dusting off his trousers in a casual motion, his eyes never leaving Lockey. There was no hurry in his movements, no sense of urgency as he began to walk toward the door. The torture session had lasted long enough for today, and he knew Lockey would need time to recover before their next encounter.

    He paused just before stepping out of the room, his hand resting lightly on the doorframe. Glancing back one final time at the lifeless form of Lockey, Yuri¡¯s voice dropped to a whisper, though the words carried an unmistakable weight.

    "Rest up, Lockey. You¡¯ll need all the strength you can muster. Tomorrow¡¯s going to be even worse."

    And with that, he left the room, the heavy door closing behind him with a soft click, leaving Lockey in the suffocating silence of his own pain. The scene was far from over, and both men knew it.

    Yuri stepped out of the torture chamber, letting the heavy metal door shut behind him with a resounding clang. The hallway outside was cold and sterile, the opposite of the grim scene he had just left behind. A slight shiver ran down his spine, not from the chill, but from the adrenaline slowly seeping out of his system. He rolled his shoulders and started making his way down the dimly lit corridor. His destination was the Crucible, a lab where some of the most volatile chemical mixtures and bio-weapons were developed¡ªperfect for someone like Miss Serena, the organization¡¯s lead chemist.

    ¡°Besides,¡± Yuri muttered to himself as he walked, ¡°I don¡¯t even have the courage to go to his room now¡­ not even when he¡¯s drunk and having the fun of his life.¡± He shook his head, grimacing at the thought of facing that volatile man in anything less than peak condition. Just the idea of it made his stomach churn.

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    With a resigned sigh, Yuri turned a corner, quickening his pace as he approached the lab. "Just thinking about it makes me cringe," he murmured, reaching the entrance of the Crucible. He pulled out his access card, sliding it through the scanner with a smooth motion. The door hissed as it unlocked, opening slowly to reveal the sprawling lab.

    Inside, the Crucible buzzed with energy. Complex machinery hummed softly, and shelves lined with glowing vials of various chemicals stretched to the ceiling. At the center of it all, surrounded by an assortment of tubes, burners, and chemical concoctions, stood Miss Serena. Her focus was intense as she mixed yet another set of experimental compounds, her hands moving with the precision of a master craftsman. Her long auburn hair was tied back into a tight bun, and her lab coat bore a few fresh stains from the day''s work.

    ¡°You¡¯re always busy,¡± Yuri called out, stepping further into the room. He took in the sight of Serena meticulously measuring a bright purple liquid into a flask. ¡°Do all higher-ups work like this, or is it just you?¡±

    Serena didn¡¯t look up immediately, her attention still on the task at hand. She adjusted the intensity of a small flame beneath one of the beakers before finally turning to face him. She lifted her safety goggles off her face, setting them aside. Her gaze was sharp, but there was a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

    ¡°You¡¯re back,¡± she said evenly, wiping her hands on a nearby cloth. ¡°How was the chemical? I¡¯m sure he kept on answering all the questions you asked him.¡±

    Yuri sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°It worked¡­ but I wasn¡¯t able to get everything in full. The information I have should be enough to spare me another day, but if I¡¯d had two or three more doses, I think that would have made him spill everything he knew.¡±

    ¡°Two or three more?¡± Serena arched an eyebrow. ¡°Interesting. Just one of the chemical dosages should have been enough. Giving him any more would have killed him.¡±

    Yuri¡¯s lips curled into a small, humorless smile as he shook his head slightly. ¡°You don¡¯t seem to understand. He may look like just an average teenager, but trust me¡ªgive him a dozen of those things, and he¡¯d still be clinging to life.¡± He crossed his arms, thinking back to the way Lockey had fought against the effects, his spirit refusing to break even as his body begged for release.

    Serena leaned back, eyeing Yuri thoughtfully. ¡°It¡¯s called Thanatol,¡± she said, referring to the potent chemical that made Yuri¡¯s interrogation easier. ¡°I¡¯m quite interested in this person you¡¯re talking about. Is he the one in possession of the Beta Vault?¡±

    ¡°Yup.¡± Yuri nodded, his gaze drifting to the table filled with more vials and containers. He picked up one, examining the swirling liquid inside. ¡°I¡¯m trying to get as much information as possible out of him. I¡¯ll continue my investigation tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid what you¡¯ve gotten out of him is all you¡¯ll get to report.¡± A low, commanding voice cut through the room.

    Yuri stiffened, his fingers freezing around the vial. The voice was unmistakable. He turned slowly, and his eyes landed on an elderly man standing in the doorway¡ªa figure that emanated both authority and an unsettling presence.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you,¡± Yuri said, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. He released the vial gently and stood straighter. ¡°I almost didn¡¯t recognize you, Sir Techno.¡± His tone was respectful, though laced with a hint of wariness.

    Sir Techno stepped into the room, his presence almost filling it. His hair, a striking white, was meticulously groomed, and his curled mustache added to the air of sophistication he carried. A black monocle sat firmly on his left eye, enhancing his sharp gaze as he looked Yuri over. The dark suit he wore was impeccable, and though age was visible in the lines on his face, his movements were sure and confident, reflecting the power he held within the organization.

    ¡°How are you doing?¡± Yuri asked casually, raising a brow. ¡°Hope that back of yours doesn¡¯t hurt.¡± He smirked slightly, an attempt to lighten the tension.

    Sir Techno¡¯s eyes narrowed dangerously. ¡°You stand before a member of the higher-ups, and yet you show such disrespect?¡± His voice was cold. ¡°You¡¯ve completely lost it, haven¡¯t you, Yuri?¡±

    Yuri immediately straightened, hands dropping to his sides. ¡°I got carried away because it was you, Sir Techno,¡± he replied hastily, trying to recover his composure.

    The old man held Yuri¡¯s gaze for a long, tense moment before speaking again. ¡°I¡¯ve sent a team to bring him over. Your interrogation ends today.¡±

    Yuri¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°What? But I¡ª¡±

    ¡°You cannot break him yet, not until we¡¯ve done a complete experiment on him.¡± Sir Techno¡¯s tone was final, brooking no argument.

    Yuri clenched his fists, frustration simmering just beneath the surface. But he knew better than to challenge the man in front of him. "I see¡­¡± He forced his expression into a semblance of calm, glancing toward Serena for support, but she merely sighed and turned back to her work.

    Techno, however, had already shifted his attention back to his own project, pulling out a set of tools and various compounds. ¡°I believe you have somewhere to be,¡± he said dismissively, his focus no longer on Yuri.

    Yuri nodded stiffly, taking a deep breath to steady himself. ¡°Yes, I do.¡± He turned toward Serena, his expression softening slightly. ¡°Thanks again, Miss Serena.¡±

    She waved a hand lazily in his direction. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± The door shut behind him, the sound reverberating through the room as she glanced over at Techno, who was already engrossed in his work.

    ¡°You were kind of harsh on him,¡± she murmured, watching the elderly man with a hint of concern.

    Techno didn¡¯t look up. ¡°It won¡¯t do to show him kindness all the time,¡± he said evenly, his voice calm but firm."Sometimes, a firm hand teaches a steady lesson" . We are much higher in status compared to him, and we shouldn¡¯t act like we are the same when it comes to hierarchy.¡±

    Serena sighed quietly, shaking her head as she returned to her own task. The Crucible was silent once more, save for the hum of the equipment and the faint clinking of glassware.

 Chapter 39: The Traitors Game

    Previously: Lockey endured relentless torment at the hands of Yuri, whose cruel interrogation methods intensified with each passing moment. Despite the overwhelming pain and the chemicals coursing through his veins, Lockey¡¯s resilience shone through as he fought to protect his secrets. Yuri, bloodied and frustrated, contemplated his next move, realizing that he needed more time to extract crucial information.

    Meanwhile, in the lab, Serena and Yuri discussed the effects of the chemical they had used, revealing the delicate balance between torture and survival. The introduction of Sir Techno added a layer of tension, as his authority loomed over Yuri''s plans. As Yuri prepared to face Afron and report his findings, the stakes continued to rise, leaving Lockey''s fate hanging in the balance.

    At the Door of Sir Afron¡¯s Base...

    Yuri paused at the entrance, staring at the heavy steel door in front of him. He took a deep breath, wiping the sweat from his brow. This is it. He had to tell Afron about Lockey¡¯s interrogation¡ªwhat little progress he had made. The weight of failure hung on his shoulders, but he couldn¡¯t afford to crumble now.

    With a sharp exhale, he swiped his access card and the door slid open with a mechanical hum. Inside, the scent of expensive liquor still lingered in the air, a reminder of the debauchery that had taken place hours earlier.

    Yuri¡¯s gaze landed on Sir Afron, who was buttoning up his shirt, clearly recovering from the indulgence of his earlier activities. His movements were sluggish, and he winced slightly, pressing his fingers to his temple.

    Afron groaned, catching sight of Yuri. ¡°Took you long enough,¡± he muttered, rubbing his head as if nursing the aftermath of a drunken headache. He stretched, the stiffness in his muscles evident. ¡°Ugh, what a blast,¡± he added, with a half-hearted chuckle, reaching for the half-empty glass on the table.

    Yuri forced a smile, masking his nerves. ¡°It would be an honor to join you next time, Sir,¡± he said with a stiff bow, though the very idea made his stomach churn.

    Afron waved his hand dismissively. ¡°Enough pleasantries. What have you got?¡±

    Yuri straightened, choosing his words carefully. ¡°He isn¡¯t in possession of the Beta Vault, Sir. It turns out he¡¯s already passed it on¡ªto a cult we¡¯ve been monitoring for possible connections.¡± Yuri''s voice was steady, but inside, his anxiety brewed. He needed to present the information clearly¡ªany slip-up could be fatal.

    Afron raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. ¡°And which cult might that be?¡±

    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    Yuri took a breath, glancing at the floor before answering. ¡°The ChronoLux, Sir.¡±

    Afron stiffened slightly at the mention of the name, the tension palpable. He took a moment, then asked, ¡°ChronoLux, huh? Any leads on their whereabouts?¡±

    Yuri shifted his weight, trying not to appear too uncertain. ¡°Unfortunately, no precise location, Sir. They¡¯re nomadic¡ªconstantly moving. Even our best scouts haven¡¯t been able to track them down.¡± He rubbed the back of his neck, wondering if that excuse would be enough to satisfy Afron.

    Afron crossed his arms, leaning back slightly as he processed the information. His expression was unreadable, but Yuri could sense the displeasure in the air. ¡°Very well then,¡± Afron said finally, his voice low. ¡°You may leave.¡±

    Yuri hesitated, his feet rooted to the spot. Now or never. His pulse quickened as he struggled to find his voice. ¡°Sir¡­ there¡¯s something else.¡± His heart pounded in his chest as Afron¡¯s cold gaze fell on him.

    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Afron¡¯s tone was sharp, slicing through the silence like a blade.

    Yuri swallowed hard, summoning the courage to speak. ¡°The ChronoLux¡­ they might know about the whereabouts of the¡­ Grand Architect.¡± His voice faltered, the weight of the words hanging in the air.

    Afron¡¯s expression darkened. He stared at Yuri, unblinking. The silence stretched on, oppressive and thick. Yuri felt his skin prickle with anxiety, his mind racing. What have I done?

    Afron remained motionless for several seconds, his face betraying nothing. Then, finally, he spoke. ¡°The Grand Architect, you say?¡± His voice was calm, almost too calm, and it sent a chill down Yuri¡¯s spine.

    Yuri shifted uncomfortably, the tension unbearable. Why is he so quiet? His mind raced, wondering if he¡¯d made a grave mistake. ¡°Yes, Sir,¡± he stammered, trying to maintain composure. ¡°Based on what I¡¯ve gathered, they know more than we think.¡±

    The silence that followed was suffocating. Yuri fought the urge to fidget, his nerves fraying by the second.

    Afron¡¯s voice finally broke the stillness, low and menacing. ¡°You suspect an insider, then?¡± He didn¡¯t look at Yuri, his gaze fixed on the floor as if contemplating something far more sinister.

    ¡°Yes, Sir. Someone close. Possibly someone in Division 0 or 1.¡± Yuri¡¯s mind flashed through the faces of his colleagues, but he couldn¡¯t pin down anyone specific. ¡°A rank 2 or below wouldn¡¯t have access to this kind of information.¡±

    Afron¡¯s cold stare turned to Yuri. ¡°Find out who the traitor is. If you fail¡­¡± His eyes narrowed, the threat clear in his tone. ¡°Your head will pay the price.¡±

    Yuri¡¯s heart sank. He bowed deeply, his voice barely a whisper. ¡°Understood, Sir. I will find the traitor.¡±

    Afron¡¯s glare lingered for a moment before he turned away. ¡°You never finish a task to my satisfaction. Now leave.¡±

    Yuri stood there, frozen for a second too long. I have to say something, or he¡¯ll¡­ He mustered up a final statement, his voice tight. ¡°Lockey is likely in the experimental lab now, Sir. My interrogation ends here, as per Sir Techno¡¯s orders.¡±

    Afron¡¯s expression twisted into something darker, more dangerous. ¡°You never do enough.¡± His cold eyes pierced Yuri¡¯s very core. ¡°Investigate who the traitor is. If you fail, it¡¯s your head.¡± Afron¡¯s voice was ice, leaving no room for argument.

    Yuri, paralyzed, nodded. ¡°Yes, Sir.¡±

    With that, Yuri turned on his heel and left the room. The door closed behind him, and outside, Yuri ran a hand through his hair in frustration. He exhaled heavily, glancing around the dark corridor. Where do I even start? The weight of the task bore down on him.

 Chapter 40 : The Fall

    Previously: Yuri, having extracted vital information from Lockey through relentless torture, presented his findings to Sir Afron. He revealed that Lockey no longer possessed the Beta Vault and had already handed it over to the Chronolux, a mysterious cult organization. Afron, unimpressed by the incomplete information, pressed Yuri for more, especially regarding the potential traitor within their ranks. The tension between them grew as Yuri wrestled with Afron¡¯s cold demand, all while questioning his own survival amidst the pressure. Now, Yuri stands outside, contemplating his next move, knowing failure could cost him everything.

    Afron sat back in his chair, staring at the empty room, frustration radiating off him. His hands gripped the armrests tightly, his knuckles whitening as he seethed. Once again, Yuri had failed to meet expectations. The information about the Chronolux had barely scratched the surface, and now a new problem loomed¡ªan insider, possibly more dangerous than Lockey himself.

    He pushed the chair back abruptly, the sharp screech of metal echoing across the room. Rising, Afron strode over to the cabinet by the wall, sliding it open with more force than necessary. Inside were the standard formal robes of his rank. He snatched them off the hanger, his movements stiff with irritation.

    "Useless¡­" he muttered under his breath, tugging the long sleeves of the dark robe over his arms. ¡°Every task¡­ incomplete. Every lead¡­ a dead end.¡±

    He glanced at his reflection in the polished glass of the cabinet, adjusting the heavy collar. There was no room for mistakes now. The Grand Architect awaited his report, and Afron had nothing substantial to show¡ªjust speculation, fragments of truth.

    His jaw tightened, and he took a deep breath, smoothing his appearance before turning towards the large metal door. The weight of the conversation ahead settled on his shoulders, but it was unavoidable. He had no choice but to face the one person who could see through every excuse, every misstep.

    With a swipe of his hand, the door slid open silently. Afron stepped into the corridor, his pace brisk and determined as he walked towards the restricted communication chamber. A faint tremor of unease flickered inside him, quickly replaced by steely resolve.

    Today, failure wasn''t an option.

    <hr>

    Afron entered the dimly lit communication room, the hum of technology surrounding him. The glow from multiple holographic screens cast eerie shadows across his sharp features. It was an intimidating space, designed for high-level discussions, where failures were often met with severe consequences. The room was sterile, futuristic, filled with maps, data feeds, and encrypted channels. A large central chair sat in the middle like a throne, commanding the space.

    He adjusted his collar, straightening the formal robes of his rank, and took his seat at the main console. The tension in his body was palpable. He had delayed this report long enough.

    With a deep breath, he initiated the call. The screen flickered to life, but as usual, it remained black. A deep, mechanical voice came through, distorted, almost as if it was designed to mask the true identity of the speaker. Afron stiffened.

    ¡°Why have you contacted me through the communication room?¡± The voice resonated, cold and inhuman.

    Afron¡¯s eyes narrowed as he kept his composure. "I¡¯ve come to give you details so far on the Beta Vault," he responded, voice firm but betraying a slight tension.

    ¡°My question wasn¡¯t about the details, but why you couldn¡¯t visit me face-to-face.¡±

    Afron barely held back a scoff, his hand clenching the armrest beneath the console. Face-to-face? In his mind, he cursed the absurdity of the statement. How am I supposed to meet someone I¡¯ve never even seen? He quickly masked his thoughts with a neutral tone. ¡°I¡¯m at Site 22, quite far from headquarters.¡±

    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    There was a momentary silence before the voice returned. ¡°Proceed.¡±

    ¡°We haven¡¯t been able to gather much on the Beta Vault. What we do know is that it¡¯s now in the hands of the Chronolux,¡± Afron reported, keeping his voice level.

    ¡°Then why haven¡¯t you taken action?¡± The voice was sharper now, commanding. It made Afron tense, a reminder of the Grand Architect¡¯s superior authority. He could feel the weight of every word as though the voice itself held power over him.

    ¡°We¡¯ve yet to locate them,¡± Afron replied, ¡°They move frequently, making it impossible to track them down.¡±

    ¡°Is that all?¡± the Grand Architect inquired coldly.

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s all,¡± Afron responded, though he knew that wasn¡¯t what the Architect wanted to hear.

    The voice changed its tone, colder, more accusing. ¡°One of your fellow Hire-ups informed me that my location has been compromised. How do you intend to solve this?¡±

    Afron¡¯s mind raced. Who could have revealed such sensitive information? He stifled the urge to panic. The Grand Architect¡¯s words felt like an indictment.

    ¡°Not only do you slack off and enjoy yourself,¡± the voice continued, relentless, ¡°but you also have no idea of the whereabouts of those who could attack me at any moment.¡±

    Afron¡¯s back straightened as he took a deep breath. ¡°I will do better next time,¡± he promised, voice low, trying to maintain his composure.

    A chilling silence followed before the Grand Architect responded. ¡°Well, unfortunately for you, this is the end of your journey.¡±

    Afron flinched, heart racing. He couldn¡¯t believe what he was hearing. The end? His mind scrambled for a way out. ¡°But¡­ you still need me! Without me, you won¡¯t be able to achieve the main goal.¡±

    For a moment, there was only silence on the line. Then, the Grand Architect spoke again, voice colder than before. ¡°I thought so myself. But now, things have changed. You know why? I can simply replace you.¡±

    A wave of dread washed over Afron. It wasn¡¯t fear he felt¡ªno, it was something worse. A deep, sinking realization that his life was now hanging by a thread. He opened his mouth to argue further, but before he could speak, the voice cut him off.

    ¡°I leave the rest to you.¡±

    The line went dead just as Afron turned, his heart sinking when he saw a familiar figure standing in the shadows near the door.

    ¡°Techno,¡± Afron muttered, eyes narrowing.

    Techno stepped forward, arms crossed behind his back, a casual grin on his face. ¡°Hope you¡¯re doing well, Afron,¡± he said with a mocking tone.

    Afron chuckled darkly, but his mind was already calculating his options. ¡°If I can win against Techno¡ªkill him¡ªwould I get another chance, Grand Architect?¡±

    Silence. And then, finally, a voice through the speakers. ¡°Maybe.¡±

    Afron¡¯s brow twitched in annoyance. ¡°It would be an honor if I could hear a yes or no answer, Grand Architect.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m aware. I said ¡®maybe¡¯ because your chance of surviving is one in a thousand. Besides, I never told you to fight him.¡±

    Confusion flashed across Afron¡¯s face. What does that mean?

    Techno broke the silence, stepping closer. ¡°You¡¯re a lively one, Afron. Underestimating me because of I look old?¡± He grinned, his demeanor shifting as his body subtly tensed.

    ¡°Looks can be deceiving, young man,¡± Techno said with a smirk.

    Without warning, the ground beneath Afron shifted. He manipulated the gravity around Techno, aiming to crush him under the force. But Techno reacted instantly, summoning an array of weapons from his body, firing them in Afron¡¯s direction.

    The fight escalated quickly, both men using their abilities in a deadly dance. Afron hurled gravitational waves, attempting to throw Techno off balance, but the older man was too quick, his weapon creations adapting to every change in force.

    Then, in the midst of the chaos, a strange sound filled the air¡ªbeep... beep... beep...

    Afron paused mid-attack, realizing the beeping sound was coming from beneath his robes. His eyes widened. A countdown¡­

    He chuckled grimly. ¡°So, this is how the game is played,¡± he muttered under his breath.

    Techno gave him a cold look, his smirk now gone. ¡°Do you know why I¡¯m the left hand of the Grand Architect?¡± he asked, voice devoid of the earlier humor. ¡°It¡¯s because the lives of the other Hire-ups¡ªexcluding the right hand¡ªare in my hands.¡±

    Techno¡¯s smirk returned just as the final beep sounded.

    And then, Afron¡¯s world went black.

    <hr>

    The room fell silent, except for the low hum of the machines. Techno glanced down at the lifeless body of Afron, his head now a mangled mess on the floor. With a calm expression, he turned to leave.

    ¡°Golder will take over finding the Chronolux. Don¡¯t forget to clean this mess up,¡± .

    Techno pulled at his mustache ¡°Understood,¡± .

    ¡°Very well then.¡±

 Chapter 41: The Trap Closes

    <h2>Chapter 41: The Trap Closes</h2>

    Previously: Yuri''s interrogation of Lockey had yielded troubling information¡ªLockey no longer held the Beta Vault, instead, it had been handed over to the elusive Chronolux cult. Despite this, Sir Afron was unsatisfied, sensing a traitor within their ranks and demanding more from Yuri. With pressure mounting, Afron prepared to report to the Grand Architect, knowing failure could mean dire consequences. However, the Architect was unforgiving, reprimanding Afron for his lack of results and hinting at a larger conspiracy. Techno, the Architect¡¯s left hand, soon confronted Afron, initiating a deadly fight. But as Afron unleashed his gravity powers, he was blindsided by a hidden bomb planted on him by Techno. With the final beep, Afron¡¯s life was snuffed out, leaving Techno in charge of cleaning up the mess and passing the torch to Golder, who would now be responsible for locating the Chronolux.

    Lockey''s POV

    I knew from the start this mission was never going to be easy. There was always a catch with missions like this, always a layer I¡¯d miss until it was too late. But I was ready, or at least I thought I was. Ready for whatever they¡¯d throw at me, whatever cruel tricks they had hidden up their sleeves. That¡¯s what I kept telling myself.

    But lying here now, trapped in this cold room, strapped to a bed like some helpless experiment, I wasn¡¯t so sure anymore.

    I couldn¡¯t understand much of what was happening, but I could feel it. Every pinch of the needle, every cold slice from their machines. They didn¡¯t need to tell me what they were doing¡ªI could feel the invasion of my body with each bisection, every unfamiliar device digging into my flesh. The worst part was the silence. I couldn''t scream. Couldn¡¯t fight back. All I could do was let them.

    The gas mask was suffocating. My breath hitched beneath it, each inhale feeling more like drowning than relief. Blurred figures, hazy white coats, moved around me, murmuring words I couldn¡¯t quite make out. I blinked hard, trying to focus, trying to understand, but everything remained indistinct, like watching a nightmare unfold through thick fog.

    I¡¯d been blind. Arrogant. Maybe I thought I was untouchable, that I had it all figured out. But now, I was realizing just how little I truly knew. There were too many things I hadn''t seen coming, too many mistakes made because I believed I was above it all.

    A figure stepped into the room. Her presence shifted the air instantly. Even through the haze, I noticed the change in the others¡ªthe way they straightened up, how they called her "Ma¡¯am" the moment she entered. The figure drew closer. ¡°How¡¯s the operation been going?¡± The voice was calm, controlled. She radiated authority. Miss Serena.

    One of the lab techs¡ªa faceless shape in the blur¡ªanswered nervously, ¡°We¡¯ve administered eleven doses of Hypnolysin.¡± They gestured vaguely toward me. ¡°But he¡¯s still not losing consciousness. We don¡¯t even know if he feels pain at this point.¡±

    Serena¡¯s voice sharpened slightly. ¡°Yuri was right. He¡¯s quite intriguing.¡±

    I struggled to focus on the sounds around me, but they were distant, like I was underwater, hearing only muffled echoes. Their conversation continued, but the words blurred into one another. All I could make out was Serena¡¯s cold, analytical tone.

    ¡°Were you able to extract his Universal Key?¡± she asked, her question cutting through the fog of my mind.

    ¡°Well...¡± the tech hesitated. ¡°Something¡¯s off. Every time we try to draw it out, the machine fails. It gets to a certain point, but then... it just stops.¡±

    ¡°Interesting.¡± There was a pause, the weight of her gaze pressing down on me even though I couldn''t see her clearly. "We¡¯ve never had this issue with Universal Lock ciphers. They¡¯ve always cooperated.¡±

    Another tech spoke up, uncertain. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s how Universal Keys work. They could be bonded more deeply with their chosen user. It¡¯s possible the key won¡¯t let go.¡±

    Serena¡¯s voice grew thoughtful. ¡°That would make sense... but it doesn¡¯t in this case. Based on the intel we have, this key didn¡¯t choose him. He killed the previous wielder. That¡¯s how he got it, according to our sources. There¡¯s no reason for the key to form a bond with someone like him.¡±

    Meanwhile, everything around me became increasingly distant. The sounds, the voices, they all started to blur together into a maddening hum. It was so noisy, but I couldn¡¯t make sense of any of it. I turned my head slightly, vision swimming as I tried to focus. Through the fog, I caught a glimpse of a woman with blonde hair in a lab coat, standing under the harsh overhead light. Was that her? Was that Miss Serena?

    The room felt heavy. The gas I was breathing filled my lungs with pressure, making each inhale feel more suffocating than the last. My mind was clouded, the buzzing in my head growing louder, as though I was trying to make sense of voices far too small to hear. Tiny whispers that faded in and out, just out of reach.

    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    I couldn¡¯t hear what they were talking about anymore. They were right there, but it was like I was trapped inside my own head, cut off from reality, struggling to stay conscious.

    The air shifted again as Serena snapped out of her thoughts. ¡°Stop the procedure,¡± she ordered, her voice cutting through the haze with sharp finality. ¡°We¡¯ll pause for now. I¡¯ll submit my report later. You may all leave.¡±

    Her command was met with quick responses. "Yes, ma''am," one of the techs muttered as they began to pack up, their equipment clicking and whirring as they powered down. I could feel them moving around me, detaching things, undoing the restraints, but my mind was already sinking deeper into the fog. They were leaving, but the weight of the room still pressed down on me.

    Serena was the first to exit, her heels echoing faintly in the hollow space, followed by the rest of them. The doors slid shut, and I was left alone. Alone with my thoughts, my pain, and the sinking realization that I had underestimated all of this.

    And for the first time in another part of the facility, Yuri sat in front of a large board covered in notes and markers. His eyes fixated on a particular name, a subtle tension building in his chest. On the board, a number of names were scribbled, each one linked to information about the mysterious ¡°Grand Architect.¡± But as Yuri stared at them, his instincts told him most of these people had little to offer.

    He lifted a pen and marked one of the names: Bono.

    ¡°Bono... He¡¯s got a little information, sure, but nothing useful about the deeper operations at WCM. Hell, he¡¯s never even been to Site 22.¡± Yuri scratched Bono off the list with a sigh.

    Running a hand through his hair, he leaned back in his chair. ¡°What was I even thinking, putting his name on here?¡±

    His eyes drifted to another name: Julie. He hesitated, fingers resting lightly on the marker. Julie. She had been working overseas for a while, an agent whose loyalty was never in question. Yuri tapped the marker against the board, thinking about the consequences of her return. If she found out about her sister¡¯s disappearance, it would only spell trouble.

    ¡°No, I can¡¯t afford to bring her into this,¡± he muttered under his breath, marking her off the list as well.

    Yuri¡¯s thoughts narrowed down to just two names left¡ªPinnochi and Specter. The seriousness in his expression deepened. It was down to these two. The chances were high. One of them had ties to Chronolux, or perhaps... both.

    He looked over the board again. Specter, his senior, and Pinnochi, his junior¡ªthe one he had personally trained. The weight of suspicion was almost too much to bear.

    ¡°Dammit,¡± he cursed, frustration boiling beneath the surface. If it¡¯s one of them... this isn¡¯t going to be easy.

    Just as he was lost in thought, the door creaked open, and Pinnochi stepped in casually.

    ¡°Oh my, is Sir Afron breathing down your neck again?¡± Pinnochi said with a playful smile.

    Yuri sighed heavily, sinking deeper into the couch. ¡°Yeah, something like that.¡± He rubbed his temples as the weight of his responsibility bore down on him.

    Pinnochi¡¯s gaze drifted toward the board, his smile fading as he took a closer look. His attention sharpened when he noticed his own name among the few left standing.

    ¡°So, you suspect Specter... and me?¡± Pinnochi asked, his tone more serious now. He stepped closer to the board, studying the web of names and connections.

    Yuri stood up from the sofa, his face tense. ¡°There¡¯s an allegation that someone has been feeding information about the Grand Architect to a certain cult. I¡¯ve been tasked with finding out who that person is.¡±

    The two stared at each other, the air between them thick with unspoken tension.

    ¡°And you think I¡¯m that person?¡± Pinnochi asked, his smile gone, replaced with a sharp edge. ¡°You¡¯re telling me my chances are higher than anyone else¡¯s. You really suspect it¡¯s me?¡±

    Yuri exhaled slowly, struggling to keep his voice steady. ¡°Believe me, I don¡¯t want to think it¡¯s you. But... something tells me it is.¡±

    Pinnochi crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing. ¡°What makes you so sure?¡±

    Yuri held his gaze. ¡°Don¡¯t take it the wrong way. Your chances are higher because I believe you were part of the third party that was in the cave during the mission. If it wasn¡¯t you, then it¡¯s Specter.¡±

    Pinnochi stared at Yuri for a moment, then shrugged. ¡°You¡¯ve really got it all figured out, huh?¡±

    Yuri shot him a weary look. ¡°Look, why did you come here, anyway?¡±

    Pinnochi smiled faintly, though it didn¡¯t reach his eyes. ¡°I can¡¯t seem to remember anymore. Seeing my name on your suspect list kinda threw me off. I¡¯ll be taking my leave now.¡± He turned toward the door, pausing briefly. ¡°Do your best to find the traitor. Just... don¡¯t jump to conclusions.¡±

    With that, Pinnochi left the room, the door clicking softly shut behind him. Outside, he allowed himself a small, knowing grin.

    Yuri, Pinnochi thought to himself. He¡¯s sharper than I gave him credit for. There was no way Yuri would have guessed that the real source of the leak came from the third division. Glad Glacier gave Lee that assignment and not me.

    Pinnochi glanced down at the access card he had swiped from Yuri''s desk earlier, his fingers tracing the edges of the card. This is what I really came for.

    Pinnochi made his way through the dimly lit corridors, heading toward the experimental lab. As he reached the door, he was about to swipe the access card when he heard a voice from behind.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve seen your face around here. What brings you?¡±

    Pinnochi turned slowly, his heart skipping a beat as his eyes met the sharp gaze of Sir Techno. The man was imposing, his very presence radiating authority. Pinnochi felt the weight of his stare and immediately sensed the danger of this encounter.

    To think I¡¯d run into him here... and what¡¯s with this pressure?

    Pinnochi froze in place, tension creeping up his spine as Sir Techno¡¯s eyes bore into him. There was no easy way out of this situation a long while.

 Chapter 42 : In the Depth of Remembrance

    Previously: Pinnochi found himself under suspicion, with Yuri investigating him as a potential traitor. The tension escalated as Pinnochi confronted Yuri, though neither openly accused the other. But as Pinnochi walked away, it became clear that he was playing a deeper game¡ªstealing an access card from Yuri¡¯s desk. As he made his way to the experimental lab to further his mission, he was suddenly intercepted by the imposing figure of Sir Techno, leaving Pinnochi with no easy way out.

    Pinnochi¡¯s heart raced. "Tch, I was careless," he muttered to himself. How do I get out of this situation now? The sudden jump from a casual stroll to a direct encounter with Techno felt like a punch to the gut. He needed to act fast.

    "Pinnochi." Techno¡¯s voice sliced through his thoughts. The towering figure stared at him, unreadable.

    Pinnochi swallowed, his mind scrambling for an excuse. "I was just..." He hesitated for a fraction of a second, then forced a smile, trying to look nonchalant. "I was just taking a stroll and came across the experimental lab. Never been inside before, so I was curious to see what kind of work goes on in there."

    Careful, too many words. Pinnochi¡¯s internal alarm blared. His posture remained still, but tension coiled inside him like a spring ready to snap. His eyes flickered nervously, gauging Techno¡¯s reaction.

    Did he buy that explanation? he wondered. The silence was crushing. Techno¡¯s gaze remained locked on him, expression hard to read.

    After what felt like an eternity, Techno simply nodded. "Very well then," he said, voice devoid of any suspicion. "You may enter."

    Pinnochi blinked, startled by the unexpected approval. What? That was easier than I thought. His surprise barely registered on his face, but his fingers twitched involuntarily.

    As he followed Techno, Pinnochi¡¯s eyes wandered, trying to avoid further scrutiny. That¡¯s when he noticed it¡ªthe strange item in Techno¡¯s hand. His breath caught for a moment, recognition flashing through his mind. No way... is that what I think it is?

    He hadn¡¯t seen one of those in years. His father''s hands used to hold similar objects back when Pinnochi was just a child.

    Techno noticed his sudden attention and raised an eyebrow. "Do you know anything about this, young man?"

    Pinnochi froze, the question catching him off guard. He shifted uncomfortably but forced himself to stay calm. "Uh... my father used to bring things like that home all the time," he said, carefully measuring his words. "But I never fully understood what they were."

    His mind raced. Was that enough to throw him off?

    Pinnochi¡¯s gaze lingered for a moment before he responded, almost in approval. "If I¡¯m not mistaken, that¡¯s a voltage regulator."

    Techno hesitated, then nodded, his voice a little more confident this time. "You¡¯re right."

    A subtle smile appeared on Techno''s face. "Impressive." He opened the door to the experimental lab, the sound of the mechanical lock clicking open echoing in Pinnochi''s ears. "Shall we?"

    Pinnochi followed him inside, his eyes darting around the room, trying to absorb every detail. This is it... the experimental lab. His senses were heightened, but at the same time, his mind was elsewhere¡ªtrapped in the shadows of his past.

    The scent of chemicals in the air, the hum of machinery, and the sterile atmosphere of the lab brought memories flooding back¡ªmemories Pinnochi had buried deep.

    He had been much younger then, barely able to understand the world of technology his father lived in. The lab had a similar smell¡ªthe scent of progress, his father used to call it. But to young Pinnochi, it was the smell of distance. His father always brought strange devices home, much like the one Techno held now, but he never explained them. The machines were a barrier, a wall that separated him from a father who was always too busy to talk, too engrossed in his work to see his son watching from the shadows...

    Flashback

    The sterile smell of the lab faded into the familiar scent of his childhood home¡ªa blend of metal and oil, chemicals and dust. The basement, where his father always toiled away, felt more like a forbidden sanctuary than a part of their house. Pinnochi, just a child back then, would often watch from the doorway, his eyes wide with curiosity and confusion.

    ¡°Pinnochi, come back here!¡± his mother¡¯s voice echoed down the stairs one day as he lingered by the basement door. ¡°Leave your father to his work.¡±

    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    But Pinnochi couldn¡¯t tear himself away. He didn¡¯t understand why his father always spent so much time down there, locked away from the world. To him, it was like his father was hiding¡ªhiding from him, hiding from his mother, hiding from life itself.

    The tension in the house had always been thick, but when his parents finally separated, it snapped like a tight string. His mother called his father¡¯s work an obsession, something that had consumed him. She said she couldn¡¯t stay any longer with a man who seemed more interested in his inventions than in his own family.

    Pinnochi was dragged into a courtroom, where his future was decided. "Who would you like to stay with?" the judge asked, his voice monotone, as if the question was as trivial as choosing between two flavors of ice cream.

    Pinnochi had made up his mind long before that moment. Deep down, he always wanted to stay with his mother, to escape the cold, distant shadow of his father. But as the words formed on his lips, something else took over. ¡°I want to stay with my dad.¡±

    The courtroom fell silent. His mother¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief, her hand flying to her mouth. "No, your honor, he¡¯s been threatened! He doesn''t mean that!" she pleaded, but it was too late.

    Pinnochi never understood why he said it. Maybe it was the hope that, somehow, his father would become the parent he needed. Maybe it was curiosity, a burning desire to understand the man who had always remained a mystery.

    Living with his father was strange, almost like living with a stranger. His father rarely spoke to him. He provided the necessities, food, clothes, shelter¡ªbut love? That was an entirely different matter.

    One day, after weeks of feeling invisible, Pinnochi¡¯s curiosity won out. He descended the stairs to the basement, his heart pounding with every step. His father, hunched over a table, didn¡¯t even notice him at first.

    ¡°What... what are you doing, Father?¡± Pinnochi stammered, barely able to find his voice.

    His father paused, then turned, his eyes flickering with surprise. ¡°Why the sudden interest?¡± His voice was dry, but there was a warmth to it that Pinnochi hadn¡¯t heard in a long time.

    Pinnochi hesitated, but then the words tumbled out in a rush. ¡°It¡¯s just... you¡¯re always so focused on your projects. You forget about me sometimes.¡± The vulnerability in his own voice startled him.

    For the first time in what felt like years, his father smiled and placed a hand on his head. ¡°Once I finish this project... my final project... I promise, I¡¯ll have more time for you.¡±

    Pinnochi¡¯s heart swelled with hope. "Promise?" he whispered, looking up into his father''s eyes.

    ¡°Promise,¡± his father replied, his voice soft and reassuring.

    <hr>

    From that moment on, things changed. Pinnochi¡¯s father began to teach him about science, about energy, and most importantly, about the project he was working on. It wasn¡¯t just a machine¡ªit was something far greater. His father had a vision: limitless energy, a source of power that could change the world forever.

    Pinnochi listened, wide-eyed and eager to learn, absorbing every word his father said. They worked together day and night, their bond growing stronger as they tinkered and built, shaping the future of energy.

    One night, they sat on the rooftop of their home, looking up at the stars. Pinnochi, still young but now full of wonder, asked, "If there¡¯s limitless energy, how will it change the world?"

    His father gazed at the night sky, his voice filled with conviction. ¡°It will change everything, Pinnochi. Poverty, wars over resources, the constant struggle for power¡ªit could all end. We could create a world where everyone has what they need, where no one suffers.¡±

    Pinnochi¡¯s eyes gleamed with excitement. ¡°I can¡¯t wait until you finish it, Father.¡±

    His father smiled, but behind that smile was a weariness that Pinnochi didn¡¯t recognize at the time.

    Years passed, and on Pinnochi¡¯s 11th birthday, they finished the project. The Limitless Energy Machine was complete. To Pinnochi, it felt like the greatest gift in the world.

    But that same day, there was a knock at the door.

    When Pinnochi opened it, he saw men in suits, their faces stern and unyielding. His father appeared behind him, his face darkening at the sight of the men.

    ¡°How may I help you?¡± his father asked, though the tension in his voice was palpable.

    ¡°We believe you are in possession of government property,¡± one of the men said, stepping forward. ¡°We¡¯re here to search your home.¡±

    His father¡¯s face twisted in anger. ¡°You can¡¯t just barge in here¡ªthis is my work!¡±

    The men didn¡¯t listen. They pushed past him, storming the house like locusts, their eyes scanning every inch, every corner. When they reached the basement, one of them called out, ¡°Sir, you need to see this.¡±

    Pinnochi watched in horror as they seized the machine¡ªtheir machine. "No!" he screamed, rushing forward, but one of the men grabbed him, holding him back.

    His father tried to stop them, too, but they were stronger, more ruthless. One of the men sneered. ¡°We can¡¯t let this continue. We¡¯re wiping you both out.¡±

    Pinnochi¡¯s father fell to his knees, pleading. ¡°Take me, but spare my son! He knows nothing¡ªhe¡¯s just a boy!¡±

    The man hesitated for a moment, then smiled coldly. ¡°Very well.¡±

    A gunshot rang out, echoing in Pinnochi¡¯s ears. He watched as his father crumpled to the floor, lifeless. In that moment, everything Pinnochi had known¡ªthe hope, the love, the future they had built together¡ªwas shattered.

    He memorized the face of the man who pulled the trigger, his heart filled with vengeance.

    Pinnochi blinked, pulling himself back to the present. His breath came in shallow bursts, and his hands were clenched into tight fists. The weight of the past settled heavily on his shoulders.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Techno¡¯s voice cut through the haze of memory.

    Pinnochi straightened, his expression hardening. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± But deep down, he knew something had shifted. That memory... it stirred something long-buried within him. For a moment, he nearly forgot where he was, lost in the echoes of the past. The pain, the anger¡ªit all came rushing back. His father¡¯s voice, his final moments.

    Pinnochi¡¯s heart clenched, reminding him why he was really here. He hadn¡¯t just stumbled into this. He had a purpose¡ªa mission.

    He almost smiled, but it was the kind of smile born from a dark resolve.

    Not until he made them all pay.

 Chapter 43 : The Double Agent

    Previously:As Pinnochi delves deeper into the shadows of Site 22, secrets of the Strong Vault beckon. Meanwhile, Yuri grapples with his investigation, unaware of the impending storm surrounding him.

    Yuri was engrossed in his investigation, the glow of the screen illuminating his furrowed brow. Suddenly, a call blared through the silence, causing him to flinch at the urgency in the voice on the other end.

    ¡°Yuri, report to Sir Afron¡¯s office immediately.¡±

    His heart raced, unease creeping in. What now? Did the old man¡¯s patience finally run out? He pushed away from his desk, the chair scraping against the floor as he stood up, an instinctive clenching of his fists betraying his agitation.

    Standing before the heavy door of Sir Afron¡¯s office, Yuri took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever awaited him. Get a grip, he thought, pressing the button. The door slid open, revealing an unexpected scene.

    As he stepped inside, the stark contrast of the office hit him like a cold wave. Instead of the usual chaos of Sir Afron¡¯s workspace, everything seemed oddly subdued.

    ¡°Sorry, I think I¡¯ve entered the wrong office,¡± he stammered, taken aback.

    From the corner, Chairman Golder looked up from a stack of paperwork, a smirk playing on his lips. ¡°You didn¡¯t enter the wrong office, Yuri. I¡¯m in charge now, and this is my domain.¡±

    Yuri blinked, disbelief washing over him. ¡°Eh? Then what happened to Sir Afron?¡±

    Golder leaned back in his chair, his tone cool and dismissive. ¡°To put it simply, he¡¯s been dismissed from his duties.¡±

    Yuri¡¯s brows raised in surprise, but a flicker of relief crossed his face. ¡°Was this because of me, sir?¡±

    ¡°Oh no, you have nothing to do with this,¡± Golder replied, his voice laced with condescension. ¡°He simply couldn¡¯t handle the situation properly. What a pity.¡±

    Yuri nodded slowly, the weight of this new reality settling in. Sir Afron was a lot to deal with; now I¡¯m stuck with Chairman Golder. I must be cursed. Why can¡¯t it be Miss Serena. He masked his thoughts with a feigned smile.

    ¡°Ehm, so you sent for me, sir?¡± he asked, trying to maintain composure.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Golder replied, leaning forward, his eyes sharp. ¡°How is your investigation going? I want you to finalize everything in three days. We have a big fish to catch. If you can¡¯t expose a single traitor among us, how do you expect to dismantle an entire organization? Don¡¯t mess this up.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll have my report ready in three days,¡± Yuri responded, his voice steady despite the underlying tension.

    Golder¡¯s demeanor softened slightly. ¡°Also, Bruno will be joining you in your investigation to expedite the process.¡±

    Yuri paused, his heart sinking. ¡°Oh, I see,¡± he replied, surprise flickering across his face.

    As Yuri turned to leave, he couldn¡¯t shake the relief at Sir Afron¡¯s absence. Glad he¡¯s not in charge anymore. I bet the Grand Architect has already dealt with him. A sigh escaped him as he walked down the corridor, his thoughts tangled with guilt. If I had completed the task sooner, maybe he¡¯d still be here.

    He chuckled softly, shaking his head. ¡°Just kidding,¡± he muttered to himself. ¡°I feel like the freest man alive.¡±

    However, as he ran a hand through his hair, a shadow loomed over his newfound freedom. Bruno¡­ I hope he doesn¡¯t give me a hard time.

    Hahaha! Techno¡¯s laugh echoed through the lab, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he observed Pinnochi working. "Not only do you know what all this machinery is called," he said with a smirk, "but you sure know how to use it well."

    Pinnochi wiped his hands on his pants, a small smile forming. ¡°Well, I give the credit to my father. I learned most of it from him.¡±

    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Techno raised a brow, his voice dropping in curiosity. "Your father, huh? What¡¯s his name, young man? I could use someone like him on my team." He folded his arms, leaning against a console, waiting for the answer.

    Pinnochi¡¯s fingers tightened around the tool he was holding, his face shadowed by an unreadable emotion. He shrugged slightly, the weight of his words heavier than he expected. "Well¡­ he died a while back. I never got to know his name. I just called him Father."

    Techno¡¯s amused expression softened, though the change was subtle. He stood straight, tilting his head as if searching for the right words. "I see. I can¡¯t imagine the trauma you must¡¯ve gone through, especially at that age. Hopefully, your mother was there to comfort you."

    Pinnochi¡¯s jaw tightened at the mention, but he remained silent, his hands steady as he adjusted the last machine. Don¡¯t let it show, he reminded himself.

    Techno clapped his hands suddenly, shattering the tension. ¡°Well, why don¡¯t you wrap that up? We¡¯ll continue tomorrow.¡±

    Pinnochi clenched his fist, muttering a quiet, ¡°Aye,¡± as Techno turned on his heel, striding out of the lab without a second glance.

    Hours later, Pinnochi leaned back, exhaling in frustration as the last piece of equipment clicked into place. He glanced at the clock, then at his trembling hands. I had to meet with Sir Techno¡­ and I wasted the entire day doing his work.

    He clenched his fists again, the frustration building, before shaking his head. Can¡¯t afford to get stuck here. There''s more to do.

    Pinnochi pulled Yuri¡¯s access card from his pocket, holding it up to the light as if it would somehow give him the answer. I¡¯ve managed to pinpoint the location of the mysterious Vault based on the energy readings¡­ but does Yuri¡¯s access card have clearance for every room in Site 22? He scowled, fingers tapping the side of the card. If not, I¡¯ll need to find someone with even higher authority.

    His mind raced as he slipped the card into his pocket. Looks like I¡¯ll have to sneak there now. He tapped the card lightly against his lips as if the gesture would bring luck. ¡°Hope this works,¡± he whispered, kissing it and sliding it back into his jacket.

    With a quick glance around the lab, Pinnochi grabbed a few more items and headed for the door. The faint hum of machines was the only sound as he slipped out of the experimental lab, his steps silent but purposeful.

    Pinnochi moved quietly through the hallway, his steps barely audible as he hugged the shadows. He paused for a moment, pressing his back against the wall, glancing down the corridor. Almost there. The dim lights overhead flickered as he crouched low, peering around the corner. His eyes narrowed as he focused on the slight hum in the air.

    It¡¯s here, he thought, feeling the familiar thrum of energy emanating from behind a heavy door just ahead. That¡¯s the Vault. No doubt about it.

    With a quick, silent movement, he pulled out Yuri¡¯s access card and slid it through the panel. The machine blinked once¡­ then flashed red: ACCESS DENIED.

    "Tch. What now?" Pinnochi muttered under his breath, glancing around. His fingers tapped the edge of the card, his mind racing for alternatives.

    Just then, the sound of voices floated from around the corner. Pinnochi stiffened, slipping into the shadows. Two women, dressed in white lab coats, approached, their soft conversation echoing through the quiet hall.

    ¡°Did you hear something?¡± one of them asked, her brow furrowing as she slowed her pace.

    The second woman glanced around, scanning the hallway. ¡°I don¡¯t see any signs of anyone,¡± she replied, tilting her head. ¡°What makes you think someone¡¯s here?¡±

    Their footsteps grew louder, but before they could round the corner, silence fell like a shroud. Both women stopped, straining their ears.

    The first woman¡¯s voice was shaky now. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± she called out, her nerves apparent.

    A low, eerie voice drifted from the darkness. ¡°Meeee¡­¡±

    The first woman gasped, her knees buckling as she collapsed to the floor, unconscious from terror. The second woman froze, her eyes wide as she dropped to her knees, trembling. ¡°P-please¡­ don¡¯t hurt me! I-I¡¯m begging you¡­ angel of death, please spare me!¡±

    Pinnochi stepped out of the shadows, stifling a laugh. ¡°Angel of death? Is that what you think I am?¡± He looked around, then back at her with a smirk. ¡°Oh¡­ you mean me!¡±

    The woman shook, her hands pressed together in a pleading gesture. ¡°Please¡­ I¡¯ll do anything, just don¡¯t hurt me!¡±

    ¡°Hurt you? No, no,¡± Pinnochi said, crouching down in front of her. ¡°Hurting women¡­ now that would hurt my pride.¡± He reached out, and the woman flinched, thinking he was about to strike her. But instead, he plucked the access card from her lanyard, inspecting it with a casual glance. ¡°This is all I need.¡±

    He stood, flicking the card between his fingers. The woman looked up at him, trembling, tears streaming down her cheeks.

    Pinnochi sighed, crouching again, wiping the tears from her face with the back of his hand. ¡°Oh, did I make you cry? I¡¯m sorry.¡± His tone was soft, almost gentle, but as he spoke, a faint, purple mist began to swirl from his lips. ¡°But I¡¯ll need you to forget everything you saw, which means¡­ you¡¯ll have to go to sleep now.¡±

    The woman¡¯s eyes widened, panic flashing across her face as the mist grew thicker. She inhaled sharply, then slumped to the floor, unconscious, just like her companion.

    Pinnochi stood, dusting off his hands. ¡°I guess this will do.¡± He looked down at the two women, one knocked out from fear, the other from the gas. With a shrug, he pocketed the second access card.

    He stepped up to the door, swiping the card through the panel again. This time, a soft beep filled the air, and the light blinked green: ACCESS GRANTED.

    A smile crept across his face as the door hissed open. "Now then, let¡¯s dive into the real deal."

 Chapter 44: The Gathering

    Rina stormed into Rades¡¯ room, the door slamming behind her.

    Cassian, caught off guard, rushed after her. ¡°Hey! I told you not to enter!¡± he yelled, his voice echoing off the marble walls.

    Rades, sitting calmly at his desk, glanced up with a raised eyebrow. ¡°Let her be, Cassian,¡± he said, his voice cold but firm. ¡°And mind the way you speak to my sister.¡±

    Cassian hesitated, his expression stiffening before he bowed slightly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Lord Rades,¡± he muttered, backing out of the room.

    <hr>

    The room fell silent as Rina stood there, her arms crossed, eyes narrowed in frustration. Rades shifted in his seat, leaning back and regarding her with an amused smirk.

    ¡°You usually don¡¯t show up unless you¡¯re given a mission,¡± he remarked, his tone casual. ¡°What brings you here?¡±

    Rina¡¯s eyes flicked to the floor for a moment before she spoke, her voice sharp. ¡°I want to know what happened to Lockey.¡±

    Rades chuckled, the sound low and condescending. ¡°Who knew my cold, heartless sister, consumed by revenge, could be worried about someone?¡± He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. ¡°Is he by any chance... your boyfriend?¡±

    Rina¡¯s face flushed slightly at the question, but she quickly masked it with a glare.

    Rades stood up, walking slowly toward a small table in the corner where a tea set was arranged. ¡°Ah, by your expression, I take it that¡¯s a yes,¡± he teased, pouring himself a cup of tea. His movements were slow and deliberate, his eyes never leaving Rina¡¯s face.

    Rina clenched her fists, the tension thick in the air. ¡°That¡¯s not why I¡¯m here,¡± she snapped. ¡°I just want to know what happened to him.¡±

    Rades sipped his tea, the steam curling from the cup. ¡°I wasn¡¯t given the full details. If you¡¯re still interested, ask Glacier,¡± he said, nonchalantly. ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯s already planning something.¡±

    Rina¡¯s lips thinned as she turned on her heel, her cloak swishing behind her as she headed for the door without another word.

    Rades chuckled softly, setting his cup down. ¡°Oh dear... she didn¡¯t even say goodbye.¡±

    Liam approached Glacier, bowing slightly as he stood at the door.

    ¡°Master Glacier, those two classmate of Lockey have been outside for about three hours,¡± Liam said.

    Glacier raised an eyebrow, though he wasn¡¯t entirely surprised. He let out a sigh and leaned back in his chair. ¡°Three hours, huh? I have to admire their dedication. Fine, bring them in.¡±

    Moments later, Marco and Adam were escorted into Glacier¡¯s quarters. They shuffled forward nervously, exchanging uneasy glances. The room was dimly lit, and Glacier¡¯s imposing presence added weight to the already tense atmosphere.

    Glacier eyed them both, his expression unreadable. ¡°It¡¯s you two. What¡¯s the matter now?¡±

    Without a word, Marco and Adam dropped to their knees, heads bowed low in a pleading gesture. Marco spoke up first, his voice shaky. ¡°Big Brother¡­ something terrible has happened to Lockey.¡±

    Glacier blinked, a flicker of confusion passing over his face. ¡°When the hell did I become your big brother?¡± He yelled. ¡°And besides, aren¡¯t we the same age?¡±

    Marco¡¯s head shot up, his eyes wide with surprise. ¡°Wait¡­ what? You¡¯re the same age as us?¡±

    Glacier raised an eyebrow. ¡°Do I look old to you?¡± He gave them a pointed look, arms still folded, leaning slightly against his desk.

    Marco, scratching the back of his head awkwardly, stammered. ¡°No, no! It¡¯s just¡­ you¡¯ve accomplished so much at such a young age. Man, I¡¯m jealous!¡±

    Glacier smirked, clearly amused. ¡°Well, if you¡¯re that envious, how about working under me?¡± He glanced at Marco, waiting for his response.

    Before Marco could enthusiastically accept, Adam elbowed him hard in the ribs, snapping him out of his daze. ¡°Focus, Marco!¡±The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    Adam straightened up, his face serious as he looked Glacier in the eye. ¡°We¡¯re not here for that. We need your help to save Lockey. We can¡¯t do it alone.¡±

    Glacier¡¯s expression softened slightly, though his voice remained steady. ¡°Saving Lockey was always part of the plan. But you two can head home now. I¡¯ve got it under control.¡±

    Marco and Adam exchanged a glance, hesitant but determined. ¡°Then¡­ can we at least follow you?¡± Marco¡¯s voice trembled with hope.

    Glacier looked between the two, his tone hardening just a bit. ¡°I won¡¯t stop you, but understand this: the chances of you surviving are slim. If you come along, it¡¯s at your own risk.¡±

    Marco¡¯s face lit up with excitement. Before Glacier could react, Marco threw his arms around him in a tight hug.

    Lucien, standing guard near the door, snapped forward, her eyes flashing with a cold glare. ¡°Get your hands off Master Glacier if you want to keep all four limbs.¡±

    Marco froze, his face paling as he quickly let go. ¡°Y-Yes ma¡¯am,¡± he stammered.

    Adam nodded furiously beside him. ¡°We¡¯re sorry, we¡¯re sorry!¡±

    Just then, the door swung open with a loud bang, and Rina barged in, her expression fierce. Liam hurried in after her, panting. ¡°Master Glacier, I tried to stop her¡ª¡±

    Glacier waved him off with a chuckle. ¡°No worries, Liam. They¡¯re all a stubborn bunch.¡±

    He turned his gaze to Rina, his smile fading slightly as he regarded her with understanding. ¡°I assume you¡¯re here because you want to help save Lockey. Am I right?¡±

    Rina nodded silently, her determination clear in her eyes.

    Lucien clapped her hands sharply, signaling the end of the discussion.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, please step out for five minutes. We¡¯re making some preparations.¡±

    Rina, Marco, and Adam glanced at each other before reluctantly standing up. They exchanged a few silent gestures, then headed for the door, the tension still lingering in the air. Lucien watched them closely, her eyes firm as they left the room.

    <hr>

    Outside, the air was thick with an awkward silence.

    The corridor felt unusually quiet, the kind of quiet that pressed down on your chest. Rina crossed her arms, glancing at Marco and Adam, who avoided her gaze. The tension hung in the air like a heavy blanket until she finally broke the silence.

    ¡°How do you two know about ChronoLux?¡±

    Adam shuffled on his feet, clearly nervous. He wasn¡¯t good with words, and situations like these made his anxiety worse.

    ¡°Well, uh, it¡¯s... w-we kind of just... found this place... coincidentally...¡± Adam stammered, his voice shaky, as he rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact.

    Rina narrowed her eyes, clearly not buying it. She shifted her stance, arms crossed tightly, her gaze locked on Adam.

    ¡°You don¡¯t expect me to believe that, do you?¡±

    Adam flushed under her intense scrutiny, his face growing red. He fumbled with his words again, hands twitching as if searching for something to hold onto.

    ¡°N-no, really! It¡¯s t-the truth... We were looking for you... and... well, that¡¯s how we found the place...¡±

    Rina blinked in confusion, her frown deepening.

    ¡°Looking for me?¡±

    Marco finally chipped in, crossing his arms but with a more casual air than his nervous friend.

    ¡°Yeah, you disappeared from school, and there were all these rumors flying around. We figured ChronoLux might¡¯ve had something to do with it, and we just stumbled onto their hideout.¡± He shrugged, but his tone was laced with seriousness. ¡°Besides, Lockey was already taking action, and we felt we had to join him.¡±

    Rina¡¯s expression softened for a moment, her thoughts drifting as she blushed slightly at the mention of Lockey being worried about her. She quickly snapped out of it, though her face still held a faint tinge of pink. Adam noticed but wisely chose to keep quiet, still fidgeting awkwardly beside Marco.

    <hr>

    Just then, Lucien¡¯s voice echoed from the door.

    ¡°You may now enter.¡±

    As they stepped back inside, the atmosphere had completely shifted. The messy room, once littered with snack wrappers, controllers, and signs of casual disarray, had transformed into a serious, well-organized meeting space. The walls now bore maps and charts, and the central table was clear, as if preparing for a strategic discussion.

    Marco¡¯s jaw dropped as he scanned the room in disbelief.

    ¡°Is this the same place we were in five minutes ago?¡± he muttered, astonished.

    Adam, less sure but still intrigued, nodded slightly.

    ¡°I... I think so.¡±

    They took their seats at the long table, joining Rina and the other members of ChronoLux. The tension in the room built as they all settled in.

    <hr>

    Glacier, sitting at the head of the table, received a call on his communication device.

    He sighed in relief, recognizing the name that popped up.

    ¡°Finally,¡± he muttered to himself, ¡°Pinnochi.¡±

    He answered the call, his voice calm but his posture stiffening slightly.

    ¡°The fact that you¡¯ve called means you¡¯ve managed to locate the Vault, right?¡±

    There was silence on the other end for a few long seconds. The air in the room became thick with anticipation. Everyone glanced at one another, tension rising. Glacier¡¯s grip on the device tightened slightly as he leaned forward, waiting.

    Then, Pinnochi¡¯s voice came through the line¡ªhesitant at first, then full of frustration.

    ¡°Glacier...¡± He paused, then continued with a sharp edge to his tone.

    ¡°HOW MANY LIVES DO YOU THINK I HAVE, huh? I SWEAR, IF I DON¡¯T MAKE IT OUT IN ONE PIECE, MY SPIRIT WILL COME BACK TO HAUNT YOU. HEAR ME?!¡±

    The room went silent for a bit before Glacier let out a nervous laugh, trying to lighten the mood.

    ¡°Ah yes, just thought you were the right man for this job... you know, being so capable and all.¡±

    Pinnochi¡¯s voice shot back, sarcastic and biting.

    ¡°Right, like I¡¯m some sort of secret agent or something!¡±

    Adam, who had been sitting quietly, stifled a laugh, his hand quickly covering his mouth. The other members of ChronoLux exchanged knowing looks, but no one dared break the tense atmosphere with a full laugh.

    Glacier cleared his throat, his tone turning serious.

    ¡°Anyway, what¡¯s your report? You called for a reason, right?¡±

    Pinnochi''s voice dropped, all humor gone.

    ¡°Three things you need to take note of... It¡¯s not just an observation¡ªit''s a revelation.¡±

    The air in the room grew thick with anticipation as everyone leaned in slightly, their eyes glued to Glacier, who sat frozen as Pinnochi continued.

 Chapter 45: The Revelation

    Previously: Rina barged into Rades'' room, demanding to know what happened to Lockey. Despite Cassian''s initial protest, Rades allowed the confrontation, teasing his sister about her sudden concern for Lockey. As tension grew between them, Rina pressed for answers, but Rades deflected, suggesting she ask Glacier if she truly wanted to know more.

    Meanwhile, Marco and Adam pleaded with Glacier to join his mission to rescue Lockey. Despite their earnestness, Glacier warned them of the dangers they¡¯d face. As they prepared, Rina unexpectedly joined the group, and the situation escalated when Pinnochi called in, revealing critical discoveries about the Vault¡ªbut not before venting his frustration, claiming he was risking his life.

    <u> </u>

    As the doors slid open, Pinnochi stepped into a bustling lab filled with white-coated figures, the atmosphere a blend of clinical sterility and eerie silence. The hum of machines droned softly, while scientists moved around, engrossed in their tasks. Before blending in, Pinnochi noticed a spare lab coat hanging on a hook nearby. He quickly slipped it on, glancing at the name tag: Mr. Gareth.

    Perfect. Adjusting the coat to fit, he straightened his posture, adopting a facade of professionalism. With measured steps, he moved deeper into the lab.

    Rows of glass tubes lined the walls, each one containing distorted human figures¡ªlimbs twisted unnaturally, organs suspended in murky liquid. Bodies floated lifelessly, preserved in eerie stillness. Some specimens were nothing but severed limbs or malformed body parts, as if experiments had gone horribly wrong.

    Pinnochi¡¯s stomach churned. This place is worse than I imagined¡­

    ¡°What the hell is going on here?¡± he muttered under his breath, a wave of nausea rising. It wasn¡¯t just gruesome¡ªit was abhorrent. It¡¯s like a graveyard of failed creations¡­

    Suddenly, a soft voice broke through his thoughts.

    "Mr. Gareth? Mr. Gareth!" A feminine voice called out, and Pinnochi felt a light tap on his shoulder. He turned to see a woman with short, brown hair and wide eyes, studying him with slight confusion.

    Flustered, Pinnochi glanced down at the name tag on his borrowed coat. "Oh, uh, yes! Sorry, I got... lost in thought."

    "We need you in Room 5," she said with an unsettling smile. Pinnochi nodded, pretending to understand.

    "Right. I''ll be there."

    The door to Room 5 hissed open. Inside, a large metal table occupied the center, fitted with restraints. Surgical tools were neatly arranged on trays, glinting under the harsh lights. The air was thick with the metallic tang of blood, and at the far end of the room, a row of cells stood ominously.

    Figures huddled in the cages¡ªmen, women, even children, all chained and silent, their eyes wide with fear.

    Pinnochi¡¯s heart pounded. What is this place?

    ¡°You¡¯re to dissect and remove the organs from each of these bodies,¡± the woman said matter-of-factly, gesturing to the table. Her tone was calm, almost bored, as if discussing a routine procedure.

    His eyes widened. ¡°What the hell¡ª¡± he blurted out, unable to contain himself.

    ¡°Is there a problem, Mr. Gareth?¡± she asked, her smile thin, almost mocking.

    Pinnochi forced himself to smile back, despite the revulsion curling in his gut. ¡°No, it¡¯s just¡­ this room stinks, you know?¡± he said lightly, trying to sound casual.

    Her grin widened, eyes glinting with a hint of madness. ¡°Unfortunate, isn¡¯t it? But they¡¯ll be disposed of soon enough¡ªonce they¡¯ve served their purpose, of course.¡±

    His expression faltered. ¡°Served their purpose?¡± Rage simmered beneath his skin. But he had to keep his cover. ¡°I see¡­ so this is human trafficking,¡± he murmured, feigning a detached curiosity. ¡°You traffic men, women, and children, and use their organs¡­ for what, exactly?¡±

    The woman¡¯s gaze sharpened. She took a step back, her hand inching toward a panel on the wall. ¡°You¡¯re not staff, are you?¡± she accused, her voice low and dangerous.

    Pinnochi moved without thinking. A flash of purple¡ªhis key transformed into a dagger, its blade glinting ominously. ¡°If I were you, I wouldn¡¯t take another step,¡± he warned softly, his tone ice-cold.

    The woman¡¯s eyes widened, but she didn¡¯t stop. Instead, she laughed¡ªa high, unnerving sound. ¡°Did you think a dagger would scare me?¡± she taunted, inching back slowly, one step at a time.

    Pinnochi¡¯s patience snapped. ¡°I told you not to move,¡± he growled. In a blur of motion, he lunged forward, driving the blade through her hand just as she reached for the button.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    She screamed, her voice shrill, but he clamped a hand over her mouth, muffling the sound. Blood dripped from the wound, staining the sterile floor.

    ¡°Now,¡± he whispered harshly, his grip tightening. ¡°Start talking.¡±

    The woman glared up at him, defiance burning in her eyes. ¡°Like hell I will.¡±

    Pinnochi smirked. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll make you.¡± With a swift motion, he locked the door, flipping the sign to read Operation in Progress. ¡°Based on your role here, I¡¯d guess you have access to files¡ªlots of files.¡±

    She spat at him, the bloodied spittle landing on his coat. ¡°Go to hell.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m already there,¡± Pinnochi retorted, voice chillingly calm. ¡°The stab I gave you? It¡¯s laced with a slow-acting poison. You¡¯ll start talking eventually.¡±

    Her face paled, the bravado wavering.

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± he continued softly. ¡°Ever heard of the Dark Fang? One of the top three on the WCM¡¯s wanted list?¡± He leaned in closer. ¡°He hacked into Site 22, retrieved classified information, and sold it for 111 million dollars. But what no one realized was that he never acted from the shadows.¡±

    Pinnochi¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Because it was never about hacking. It was about this¡ª¡± he gestured to his blade. ¡°This little baby pulls secrets straight from the soul.¡±

    The woman¡¯s expression twisted in shock. ¡°You¡¯re¡­ him?¡±

    ¡°Why do you think I¡¯m here?¡± he whispered. ¡°To play nice?¡± His gaze hardened. ¡°You¡¯re done. People like you deserve to rot.¡±

    She let out a deranged laugh. ¡°And you¡¯re any better? You work for the very people involved in this! You¡¯re no different from us!¡±

    Pinnochi¡¯s smile vanished. ¡°I¡¯ve committed many sins, but I¡¯ve never sunk this low.¡±

    He tightened his grip on the dagger, voice dropping to a lethal whisper. ¡°Playtime¡¯s over. Start talking.¡±

    Pinnochi wiped his blade clean, stepping over her lifeless body. People like her don¡¯t deserve to live. His gaze shifted to the cells, where the captives watched him, eyes filled with confusion and fear.

    Pinnochi snapped back to the present, his eyes focusing on the display in front of him. The connection remained stable as Glacier¡¯s voice came through, crackling slightly.

    "Alright, listen up," Pinnochi said, the tension clear in his voice. "There are three things I managed to uncover, and believe me, they¡¯re unsettling." He paused for a moment, the awkwardness of the distance evident in the brief silence. "First, these Universal Vaults... they''re impossible to use for ordinary humans. So they created artificial humans, merged with the Vaults themselves. That¡¯s who the Hire-Ups really are."

    Glacier''s voice broke through with a snort.

    "How¡¯s that even possible? Creating an artificial human? What are they doing¡ªraiding some underground lab?"

    Pinnochi¡¯s tone turned cold.

    "They¡¯re probably using human body parts. Trafficking, experimentation¡ªwhatever it takes to build these ''perfect'' beings."

    The line crackled with Glacier¡¯s dry laughter.

    "Human trafficking? People could just sell parts if they wanted. It¡¯s disgusting, but it¡¯s not exactly illegal anymore."

    There was a brief silence. The other members on the call, Adam, Marco, and the Chronolux team, listened in. The weight of what Pinnochi was saying began to sink in, but no one interrupted yet.

    Pinnochi continued, the anger in his voice building.

    "One thing¡¯s certain: they¡¯re using limitless energy to power these experiments. It¡¯s why they can even access the Universal Vaults in the first place." He clenched his fist, the device in his hand shaking. "And I¡¯m not letting them exploit my father¡¯s creation like this. Not again."

    Glacier¡¯s voice softened, but only slightly.

    "Who knew limitless energy would be used for something so twisted, huh?"

    Pinnochi¡¯s frustration peaked.

    "I don¡¯t care what they think they¡¯re doing¡ªI''ll stop them all."

    The call went momentarily silent as Pinnochi caught his breath, trying to regain control.

    "Now, the second problem..." Pinnochi¡¯s voice came through once more, "Site 22 doesn¡¯t have a fixed location."

    Glacier''s confusion was audible, even without seeing his face.

    "What do you mean no fixed location? I was counting on you to figure that out, Pinnochi."

    Pinnochi snapped, his irritation evident even over the call.

    "I¡¯ve told you before, Glacier, I don¡¯t know everything! Do I sound like I¡¯ve got all the answers?" His voice wavered as he tried to stay calm. "I¡¯m not your golden hamster you can shake for clues!"

    Glacier''s laughter rang through the speaker.

    "Right, right. So, how exactly did you find Site 22 in the first place?" His tone was mocking, clearly enjoying poking at Pinnochi.

    Pinnochi¡¯s voice lowered.

    "That¡¯s the thing¡ªI don¡¯t remember. I just ended up there. The details are fuzzy."

    Rina''s voice came through softly, her tone questioning but firm.

    "That doesn¡¯t make sense. There has to be something that triggered it."

    Pinnochi didn¡¯t respond immediately. His mind raced as he tried to piece together the fragments of his memory, the silence stretching on the line. Glacier, sensing the tension, filled the gap.

    "Well, at least we should try to get Lockey out of there," Glacier said, his voice playful again. "How long do you plan to keep him stuck in that place, you stone-hearted freak?"

    Pinnochi¡¯s temper snapped.

    "DO YOU THINK I¡¯M PLAYING HERE? I¡¯M TRYING MY BEST, YOU UNGRATEFUL HAMSTER!" His voice boomed through the call, vibrating with anger.

    "Alright, alright," Glacier¡¯s voice rang out with mock surrender. "Calm down. And the last problem?"

    Pinnochi took a deep breath, speaking into the device.

    "This one¡¯s personal. The WCM suspects me of working with Lockey to get the Beta Vault. They think I¡¯m the traitor."

    Glacier¡¯s voice dripped with mock innocence.

    "Well¡­ weren¡¯t you?"

    Pinnochi''s growl could be heard clearly over the line.

    "I should just hand myself over to Yuri, right? Since I¡¯m such a traitor!" His sarcasm bit through the speaker, his frustration spilling over. "Is that what you want me to do, Glacier?"

    Lucien¡¯s voice finally broke the silence, calm but firm.

    "We¡¯ll figure it out. We always do."

    Pinnochi exhaled sharply.

    "I¡¯m working on locating Site 22, that¡¯s why I haven¡¯t left yet. The moment I leave, I forget almost everything about it. But once I¡¯m back in, the memories return."

    Glacier''s voice lightened again.

    "So, how long is this gonna take?"

    Pinnochi sighed deeply.

    "Three days. In three days, we¡¯ll be ready. Even if we can¡¯t retrieve the Vault itself, we¡¯ll get the information we need."

    Glacier chuckled.

    "Three days. Got it. Guess we better start packing."

    Pinnochi leaned back in his chair, the weight of his mission heavy on his shoulders.

    "Three days to stop them from using limitless energy, clear my name, and locate Site 22. Quite the to-do list." His voice carried a hint of exhaustion, but the resolve remained unshaken.

 Chapter 46: Under Pressure

    A tall, muscular figure stepped into the room. His boots clicked sharply against the cold floor, announcing his presence. He paused briefly, scanning the dimly lit room before locking eyes on the investigation board. The wall was cluttered with papers, pinned maps, and red strings connecting faces and locations¡ªclearly, this was Yuri¡¯s work.

    Bruno crossed his arms, a slight smirk playing on his lips. So this is where I¡¯ll be working on the case, he thought, his gaze drifting to Yuri, who sat nearby. Without hesitation, Bruno approached, his heavy footsteps betraying his confidence.

    "Looks like you¡¯ve been digging deep, Yuri," Bruno remarked casually, resting his hand on Yuri¡¯s shoulder as he surveyed the board. "I wonder why they called me in then."

    Yuri¡¯s eyes narrowed in disgust, shrugging off Bruno¡¯s hand with a sharp movement. "Take your hand off me, Bruno," he muttered, barely containing his irritation. He stood up, straightening his posture as tension crackled in the air between them.

    Bruno¡¯s grin widened. "Oh dear, did I get on your bad side already?" He raised both hands in mock apology. "Sorry about that, but now we¡¯re in this together, so don¡¯t slack off, Yuri."

    The air grew heavier as the two men stood facing each other, neither willing to back down. Their animosity was palpable.

    Yuri, clearly annoyed, gestured toward the board. "It¡¯s all there. I don¡¯t need to explain anything to you." He turned to walk out, but Bruno¡¯s voice stopped him in his tracks.

    "So, it¡¯s settled then. Pinnochi¡¯s the culprit." Bruno¡¯s tone was nonchalant, as if the matter was already closed.

    Yuri paused mid-step, his back still facing Bruno. Slowly, he turned, his expression cold and unreadable. "I never said Pinnochi was the culprit," he corrected. "He¡¯s only on the list because he wasn¡¯t around the day of the mission. So who told you to jump to conclusions?"

    Yuri''s gaze was sharp, cutting through the room with precision. He gave a serious face, waiting for a response.

    Bruno raised an eyebrow. "I saw it clearly," he countered, pointing to the board. "Based on the options there, it has to be this Pinnochi guy. Anyway, what makes you think someone like Spectre, a Special Division, would commit such a crime, Yuri?"

    Yuri¡¯s eyes glinted with a mix of amusement and irritation. "You said it yourself," he began, "because he¡¯s part of a Special Division, he¡¯s the only one who¡¯d have access to that much information about WCM, excluding the Hire-Ups."

    "Oh, really? Stop dreaming, Yuri," Bruno snapped back, taking a step closer. His voice lowered, filled with venom. "Why would a Special Grade officer do that? Even if he did, how do you expect to find proof against someone who could wipe away any trace of evidence?"

    Bruno closed the distance between them, his presence now imposing. "But sure," he continued, his voice oozing with calculated malice. "Let¡¯s say Pinnochi did it. I can manufacture evidence to back it up. I mean, don¡¯t you want to climb up the ranks? A little promotion never hurt, right?"

    Yuri smirked, seeing right through Bruno¡¯s intentions. "Ah, I see. So, it¡¯s all about that promotion, huh? How long have you been stuck as a First Division officer, Bruno?" Yuri mocked. "I suppose you¡¯re dying to wear that Special Division badge."

    Yuri''s smirk deepened, his words dripping with sarcasm. "Don¡¯t worry, Bruno. A patient dog eats the fattest bone, right? Even if it takes you ten years, you¡¯ll get that shiny promotion eventually."

    Bruno¡¯s face twisted in anger, his fists clenched tightly. "How dare you talk to me like that!"

    Yuri remained unfazed, his tone light and casual. "Aren¡¯t we the same rank?" he asked, cocking his head slightly. "There¡¯s no need for formalities."The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Without waiting for a response, Yuri turned toward the board. He picked up a marker, his movements slow and deliberate, and scribbled something down. The tension in the room thickened with every stroke of the marker.

    Bruno¡¯s rage boiled over. "What the hell are you doing?" he shouted, storming toward Yuri. His eyes flared as he saw his name added to the list of suspects.

    Yuri, calm as ever, leaned back and glanced over his shoulder. "Oh, I just remembered you weren¡¯t part of the team that went on the mission either," he said with a smirk. "So, it¡¯s either Pinnochi¡­ or Bruno. I¡¯m excited to see which one of you is guilty."

    With that, Yuri tossed the marker onto the table and strode out of the room, leaving Bruno seething in his wake, fists trembling with fury.

    Lockey opened his eyes, his vision blurry as the familiar white ceiling was now black, dotted with mold. His head throbbed, his body weak. Slowly, his surroundings came into focus¡ªThis isn''t the interrogation room, he thought, feeling an unease settle in his chest. His eyes widened as he recalled Pinnochi mentioning a cell. ¡°The cell,¡± he murmured, feeling the realization sink in.

    He sat up, groggy and disoriented, on a filthy bed. Glancing around, he noticed he wasn''t alone¡ªtwo women shared the same cell, both staring at him.

    ¡°You''re awake,¡± one of them said, her tone dismissive. ¡°Hard to sleep on such a dirty bed, but I guess men are men, always accepting what¡¯s given to them.¡± The other woman giggled mockingly, their eyes gleaming with amusement.

    Lockey barely acknowledged them, scanning the room, trying to orient himself. His gaze settled on his wrist¡ªa restraint, preventing him from accessing his Key. His mind, though foggy, noted every detail. The two women continued to observe him, whispering and laughing quietly.

    Heeey, Lockey. A voice echoed in his head, startling him. Confused, he closed his eyes. I must still be messed up from the drugs, he thought.

    No, you¡¯re fine. I drained the effect from you, the voice insisted, clearer now.

    Lockey frowned, rubbing his temple. ¡°I see¡­ so that¡¯s why I¡¯m hearing things¡­¡± His voice sounded strained, exhausted. ¡°I think I need more rest before I lose it completely.¡±

    The voice sighed, frustrated. It¡¯s me, Pinnochi, you fungus. I attached a bacteria to your brain that allows us to communicate telepathically. You hear my thoughts, and I hear yours.

    Lockey groaned internally. You could¡¯ve mentioned that earlier. I¡¯m barely functioning as it is. I feel sluggish and I can¡¯t think straight.

    Pinnochi¡¯s voice returned in his head, more lighthearted. So, how long do you think you can last? Three more days of this hell?

    Lockey scratched his head, his energy drained. Judging by how you''re talking, I¡¯m guessing things went south?

    Yeah, Pinnochi confirmed, we aborted the Vault retrieval, but we¡¯re trying to steal the data from Site 22 instead. The problem is, I still don¡¯t know where Site 22 is. It¡¯s like no one working here, aside from the higher-ups, knows.

    Lockey massaged his temple, sighing in frustration. I¡¯m not used to this telepathic stuff. It¡¯s giving me a headache.

    The women giggled again, one of them calling out. ¡°You bored already? Maybe we can help lighten your mood.¡±

    Lockey ignored them, focusing on the conversation in his head. So you don¡¯t know where Site 22 is... But I remember the location, at least parts of it. It¡¯s a bit fuzzy, but it¡¯s there.

    Really? Pinnochi¡¯s voice sounded surprised, excited.

    Lockey winced, rubbing his temple harder. Stop yelling in my head.

    Sorry, sorry, Pinnochi replied, his tone more subdued. What do you remember?

    Lockey strained, his memories jumbled from the torment he¡¯d endured. It was like¡­ coordinates. The place doesn¡¯t move, but it¡¯s hard to find because¡­ well, think of it like a bus stop. The building stays still, but something¡ªmaybe a transport¡ªmoves to take people there. It wasn¡¯t a bus, though. It was like¡­ a tube. It sucked us up like we were being abducted by aliens or something.

    Pinnochi¡¯s voice returned thoughtfully. A tube, huh? That¡¯s something we can work with. Do you remember anything else?

    Lockey paused, piecing together the hazy fragments of his memory. 16:16. I remember someone saying that time. Something about not missing it, like it was crucial. I also heard them mention identical times¡ªtimes like 03:03, 10:10.

    Identical times, Pinnochi mused. Interesting. What day was it when you last remember?

    Friday, Lockey replied, closing his eyes in exhaustion.

    Perfect, Pinnochi¡¯s voice chirped. In three days, it¡¯ll be Friday again. If we time this right, we could use that tube to our advantage. But we still need to find where the tube shows up.

    There was a brief silence before Pinnochi broke it. I¡¯ll find out before the three days are up. Just hang in there.

    Lockey let out a weary sigh. Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ve got my own business to take care of too.

    As the cell fell back into uneasy quiet, the chapter ended, leaving both Lockey and Pinnochi with an uncertain plan and the clock ticking down.

 Chapter 47: Secret Beneath the Surface

    Previously: Yuri¡¯s sharp intuition led him to suspect that someone within their team was guilty of sabotage. His calm demeanor masked the tension in the room as he toyed with Bruno, hinting at his suspicion. As Bruno fumed, Yuri confidently left, leaving an air of uncertainty hanging over the group.

    Meanwhile, Lockey, weary from his torture, found himself awakening in a dark, unfamiliar cell. He soon realized he wasn¡¯t alone¡ªtwo imprisoned women mocked his presence. Confused and weak, Lockey heard a familiar voice in his head: Pinnochi, using a strange bacteria to communicate telepathically. Together, they began piecing together a way to locate Site 22 and plan their escape, but time was running out, and uncertainty loomed.

    The door hissed open as Pinnochi stepped into the tech lab. He paused, scanning the room, feeling the familiar hum of machinery and blinking lights around him. He tightened his grip on the project tools in his hand. The weight of the task wasn¡¯t the issue¡ªit was the constant pressure from the higher-ups. A quiet sigh escaped him as his thoughts drifted to the job at hand.

    No time for secondary tasks, he mused, sliding over to the workstation. But turning down a request from a Hire-up¡­ that¡¯s practically suicide. He settled into the chair, flicking through various schematics on the screen. His fingers danced quickly across the keyboard, but his mind wandered.

    I still haven¡¯t pinpointed Site 22¡¯s exact location, Pinnochi thought, his brow furrowing. And there¡¯s the investigation on me¡­ I wonder how that¡¯s going. He worked in silence, the soft whir of the machines surrounding him like white noise, almost comforting in its predictability.

    The door opened again with a soft whoosh, and Sir Techno entered, his usual calm yet scrutinizing presence filling the room. Pinnochi felt the older man''s eyes on him.

    ¡°You¡¯re early today," Sir Techno said, glancing at the screen in front of Pinnochi. "I wasn¡¯t expecting you for another hour.¡±

    Pinnochi gave a faint smile, not looking up from the screen. ¡°I decided to get an early start. I¡¯ve got a lot on my plate, so I thought I¡¯d knock out your project before tackling my other tasks.¡±

    Sir Techno raised an eyebrow but said nothing, taking a seat at his own workstation. The silence that followed wasn¡¯t uncomfortable, but there was a weight to it¡ªeach man absorbed in their thoughts, though the air between them buzzed with unspoken tension.

    Pinnochi¡¯s eyes flicked over to Sir Techno, watching as he meticulously adjusted some wiring on a separate project. If I asked him about limitless energy¡­ how would he react? Pinnochi mused. No, I can¡¯t just blurt it out like that. Too suspicious.

    His mind played out the scenario.

    "Oh, Sir Techno, by the way, do you know anything about limitless energy?"

    He shook his head slightly, dismissing the idea. That¡¯d only raise red flags. There¡¯s no way I can bring it up that bluntly. Another thought came to him.

    "You know, my father always dreamed of creating limitless energy¡­ and he actually did. Do you know anything about it?"

    Pinnochi bit the inside of his cheek, shaking his head again, this time a bit more visibly. No, that¡¯s worse. Too obvious.

    ¡°You seem lost, Pinnochi,¡± Sir Techno¡¯s voice cut through his thoughts. ¡°Is there something bothering you?¡±

    Pinnochi snapped back to reality, blinking as he tried to cover his lapse in concentration. ¡°Oh, no¡ªjust¡­ thinking about something my father used to say. About limitless energy.¡± He couldn¡¯t believe he had let that slip. Great, now he¡¯s going to think I¡¯m prying.

    Sir Techno hummed in response, adjusting the angle of his glasses. ¡°And what exactly were you thinking about?¡±

    Pinnochi felt a knot of unease form in his stomach. Here¡¯s the chance, he thought, trying to keep his expression neutral. He glanced around the lab, as if gathering his thoughts.

    ¡°Well, every time I walk through Site 22, I can¡¯t help but wonder¡­ this entire place, the weapons, the machines, everything¡ªit¡¯s all powered by something. Something that never runs out. It got me thinking¡­ could we be using limitless energy here?¡±

    The room fell silent.

    Pinnochi felt the weight of his own words hanging in the air, his heartbeat quickening slightly. What did I just do? The silence stretched, and Pinnochi¡¯s mind raced. Was it something I said? Did I overstep?

    Sir Techno leaned back in his chair, his gaze more intense now. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± He finally broke the silence, tapping a finger on his chin thoughtfully. ¡°Not even the top technologists here have thought that far ahead. You really do have a sharp mind, Pinnochi. Your father certainly made a genius out of you.¡±

    Pinnochi¡¯s shoulders eased slightly, though he kept his outward composure. Sir Techno continued, ¡°As for your question¡­ let¡¯s just say, yes, we do have access to a form of limitless energy. We even have the blueprint, but creating a second version has been¡­ let¡¯s say, practically impossible. There¡¯s always something missing in the process.¡±

    Pinnochi¡¯s voice turned more serious. ¡°May I¡­ see it, Sir Techno? My father created one, but after the government seized it, I never got a chance to even lay eyes on it again.¡±

    He could feel his pulse quickening again, but this time, it wasn¡¯t fear¡ªit was the thrill of getting closer to something crucial. I¡¯m so close to retrieving what¡¯s mine, he thought. But I need to play it cool.

    Sir Techno¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°And if it really is your father¡¯s creation¡­ what do you intend to do with it?¡±

    The silence returned, heavier this time. Pinnochi clenched his jaw slightly, forcing himself to stay calm. He couldn¡¯t afford to slip up now.

    ¡°I¡¯d just like to see it¡­ as a way of connecting with him. To reflect on his work, and maybe, finally say my goodbyes.¡±Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    There was a flicker of something in Sir Techno¡¯s eyes¡ªrecognition, perhaps¡ªbut he nodded. ¡°Very well. Once we finish up here, I¡¯ll take you to see it.¡±

    Pinnochi felt a surge of triumph, though he kept his face neutral. Inside, though, he was shouting: Jackpot. With a fake but grateful smile, he nodded. ¡°Thank you, Sir Techno.¡±

    Yuri sat rigidly before Sir Golder¡¯s desk, his eyes fixed on the polished mahogany surface as he slid the file across. The weight of the investigation so far rested heavily on his shoulders, but he kept his posture steady.

    Golder, without looking up, reached for the document. His fingers lingered for a second on the edge of the folder as though contemplating the information within. With a deliberate pace, he opened it and skimmed the contents. The quiet flipping of pages filled the room, the only sound between them as the air thickened with anticipation.

    Then, without warning, Golder chuckled¡ªlow and almost sinister. The sudden sound broke the silence like a crackle of electricity.

    "Bruno was supposed to be your partner in this investigation," Golder finally spoke, his eyes sharp and unreadable. He tapped the paper. "But what do I see here?" His voice was a mixture of amusement and authority as he leaned back in his chair, one eyebrow raised. "Not only is Bruno not listed as a suspect¡ªyour name is."

    Yuri remained still, his jaw tightening at the mention of his own name. He expected this confrontation. Golder¡¯s laughter had hinted at this very moment, but it still struck a nerve. He gathered himself before speaking.

    ¡°I like where this is going,¡± Golder¡¯s grin widened. "Now, Yuri, why is Bruno on this list at all?"

    Yuri¡¯s eyes flickered with intensity as he met Golder¡¯s gaze. Breaking his brief silence, he spoke with calm resolve. "Bruno has had three accusations leveled against him at the WCM. Rape, drug smuggling, and even forging his own rank." He leaned forward slightly, his voice harder now. "I still wonder how he¡¯s a member, let alone trusted. He¡¯s reckless, irresponsible, and honestly¡ªhe pisses me off. I believe he could be involved in selling information. The chances are high."

    Golder tilted his head, a satisfied glint in his eye. "Very well then." He glanced down at the file again. "And what about Pinnochi and Specter? You¡¯ve added them here as well."

    Yuri didn¡¯t hesitate. His voice remained steady, but his expression was focused. "Pinnochi wasn¡¯t present during the raid. He was on holiday, yes, but I can¡¯t ignore that. He¡¯s a part of my team, and I can¡¯t turn a blind eye, holiday or not. As for Specter," Yuri exhaled deeply, "he¡¯s a ghost. He operates in the shadows, always secretive. I¡¯ve barely communicated with him, but every time I have, I¡¯ve had the sense that there¡¯s a lot more going on behind the scenes. He moves in ways that raise too many questions."

    Golder sat silently for a moment, observing Yuri. Then, slowly, a small nod of approval. "I see. You¡¯ve got clear reasons for each of these names." He leaned forward, folding his hands on the desk. "If I may ask, what do you think are the chances of one of these individuals being the actual culprit?"

    Yuri¡¯s gaze turned serious, his voice measured. "Bruno, 70%. Pinnochi and Specter, they share the remaining 30%, split 15% each. But," he continued, "I don¡¯t base everything on pure numbers. There¡¯s still a 30% chance that Bruno isn¡¯t involved at all. And an 85% chance that either Pinnochi or Specter is guilty. We can¡¯t rule out the possibility of more than one suspect."

    Golder raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. He leaned back in his chair, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Impressive. I like the way you think, Yuri." He reached into his drawer and produced a small, polished badge, sliding it across the desk. "Take this. It¡¯ll grant you access to investigate Specter. Show him the badge¡ªhe¡¯ll have no choice but to answer your questions. "

    Yuri nodded as he took the badge, feeling the weight of responsibility settle further on his shoulders. "Yes, sir."

    Suddenly, Golder¡¯s expression darkened, his demeanor more serious. "There¡¯s more. A member of the science department was found dead. Written in her blood¡ª''Dark Fang.''"

    Yuri tensed, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. "I heard about that, but I didn¡¯t realize Dark Fang had infiltrated Site 22."

    Golder¡¯s fingers drummed on the desk, his eyes narrowing. "He¡¯s one of the most dangerous criminals we¡¯ve ever faced. Not only did he steal 111 million, but he sold crucial information to foreign powers¡ªFrance, England. He¡¯s a ghost, hard to pin down. If he¡¯s here, we¡¯re dealing with a high-level infiltration."

    Yuri leaned forward, his voice low and intense. "Then why can¡¯t we search Site 22 thoroughly? He¡¯s dangerous, but surely we can catch him now?"

    Golder¡¯s gaze sharpened. "Do you think someone who managed to hack and steal from Site 22 five years ago would let himself be caught so easily? Don¡¯t be na?ve. He¡¯s probably disguised as a staff member. We¡¯ve been searching for him for five years without success."

    Yuri stood, determination coursing through him. "I understand, sir. I¡¯ll continue the investigation."

    Golder gave a short nod, his gaze hard. "Good. The higher-ups will handle the larger issues. You focus on your task."

    Yuri turned to leave, the weight of Golder¡¯s words pressing down on him. "Yes, sir."

    As Yuri walked down the dimly lit corridor, his mind churned. His footsteps echoed softly, each one accompanied by the growing unease in his chest. Who was Dark Fang? And how did it all connect to his investigation? He shook the thought from his mind, trying to stay grounded in the task at hand. First, Specter. Based on his reactions, I¡¯ll know where to place him.

    Just then, a voice broke the silence. "Thinking so hard you didn¡¯t even notice me coming, huh?"

    Yuri stopped, turning to see Pinnochi standing there, arms crossed and smirking. "Overworking dulls the senses."

    Yuri¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but his eyes sharpened. "What brings you here, Pinnochi?"

    "Oh, nothing." Pinnochi shrugged casually. "Finished a task for Sir Techno and thought I¡¯d wait here. Saw you passing by."

    Yuri nodded curtly, already preparing to move on. "Excuse me, I¡¯ve got an investigation to get back to."

    But as he started to walk away, Pinnochi called out again, his tone lighter, more curious. "By the way, do you remember how you got here?"

    Yuri paused mid-step, his brow furrowing slightly. He turned back. "What do you mean by that?"

    Pinnochi¡¯s gaze flickered with something unreadable as he hesitated, weighing his next words. Maybe I can get something out of Yuri... but I shouldn¡¯t push too hard.

    "It¡¯s just," Pinnochi began, rubbing the back of his neck, "ever since I got here, it feels like I¡¯ve had dementia. No matter how hard I try, I can¡¯t remember how I arrived at Site 22. Makes me wonder if I¡¯m losing it, or if that¡¯s just... normal."

    Yuri let out a slow breath, glancing at Pinnochi with a faint, tired smile. "You¡¯re not supposed to remember. That¡¯s how the portal works. You enter it, and once you¡¯re here, memories of your previous location fade. It¡¯s the same when you leave¡ªeverything about Site 22 fades from memory." He paused for a moment. "Though it is strange you¡¯re even aware enough to think about it."

    Pinnochi¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. "Strange? What do you mean by that?"

    Yuri¡¯s voice softened, his gaze turning thoughtful. "Most people don¡¯t even question how they got here. It¡¯s just... interesting that you would."

    Pinnochi let out a small chuckle. "I suppose that¡¯s just me."

    "Suspicious or not, it¡¯s better to stop wondering," Yuri replied, his tone sharp. He began to walk away once more, but Pinnochi¡¯s next words made him stop.

    "By the way, where exactly is Site 22? It¡¯s okay if it¡¯s confidential not to say, you could say am just curious"

    Yuri sighed, rubbing his temples in frustration. "West Port."

    Pinnochi raised an eyebrow. "You mean the seaport?"

    "Yes," Yuri replied, his tone growing colder. "There¡¯s an alleyway there. Leads to a portal, but not directly to Site 22. It leads to a transport station. That¡¯s all I can tell you." He hesitated, narrowing his eyes. "Not because I¡¯m withholding information, but because I don¡¯t remember what happens next myself. Maybe that¡¯ll stop your curiosity for now."

    Pinnochi smiled faintly, watching as Yuri walked away. "Thanks for the info," he said softly, his voice lingering in the empty hallway as the chapter closed.

 Chapter 48: Dark Return

    Previously: Amid growing tension, Yuri submitted his investigative report to Sir Golder, suspecting certain colleagues within WCM. But Golder¡¯s unexpected response set Yuri on edge, questioning his intentions and loyalty. With Bruno¡ªonce Yuri''s assigned partner¡ªemerging as a prime suspect, Golder handed Yuri a badge granting him authority to question elusive figures, including Specter. Yuri¡¯s distrust toward his team deepened, especially after Golder warned him of the Dark Fang, a legendary figure who once infiltrated Site 22, leaving chaos and secrets in his wake.

    Meanwhile, Yuri¡¯s silent but determined resolve led him to confront Pinnochi in the dimly lit corridors. Their conversation revealed shared unease and an unspoken curiosity about the true nature of Site 22. Pinnochi¡¯s strange amnesia hints at hidden manipulations at play. Yuri left with answers that only raised more questions, and as Pinnochi pondered Yuri¡¯s words, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that darker forces lurked behind every locked door in Site 22.

    ¡°Ready, Pinnochi?¡± Sir Techno asked, his gaze fixed on Pinnochi¡¯s expression.

    Pinnochi nodded subtly, and they both stepped into motion, their footsteps echoing softly in the hallway.

    As they walked, Sir Techno glanced over, studying Pinnochi. ¡°What was your father like?¡± he asked, breaking the silence with a question as casual as it was unexpected.

    Pinnochi paused for a moment, his eyes flickering with memory. ¡°He dreamed of the impossible,¡± he replied, a faint, reminiscent smile crossing his lips. ¡°That was the best part of him¡ªhe didn¡¯t let anything feel too far away.¡±

    ¡°Interesting,¡± Sir Techno murmured, nodding. ¡°Was he a scientist, by any chance?¡±

    Pinnochi shrugged, the smile lingering as he thought. ¡°I don¡¯t really know if he was an official one¡­ but I classified him as one.¡± He added a quiet chuckle, as if his father¡¯s image still held mystery even for him.

    Sir Techno¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°Unfortunate that you don¡¯t know even your father¡¯s name.¡±

    Pinnochi¡¯s gaze dropped, his expression hardening. The realization of how much he didn¡¯t know cut deeper than he¡¯d admit. ¡°Since learning the Hireups aren¡¯t even human¡­¡± he thought to himself, ¡°it gives me chills.¡± Then, with a smirk, he added, ¡°But I¡¯ll give you credit. You all do a pretty good job acting human.¡±

    Soon, they reached what appeared to be a dead end. Pinnochi examined the wall, his brow furrowing. ¡°A dead end?¡± He turned to Sir Techno, who stepped forward with calm assurance.

    ¡°Step aside,¡± Techno said, placing his hand firmly on the wall. The solid surface shifted, parting smoothly to reveal what looked like an elevator entrance, concealed within the concrete.

    In Pinnochi¡¯s mind, surprise registered quickly, followed by intrigue. ¡°So, this is one way in,¡± he mused, absorbing the sight. Never would he have guessed such a hidden passage existed.

    ¡°Alright, step in,¡± Sir Techno prompted.

    They entered the hidden elevator, the walls surrounding them with an unsettling silence. Moments later, the doors slid open again, revealing a massive door, taller and more imposing than anything Pinnochi had expected.

    As they stepped out, Sir Techno gestured to the door ahead. ¡°Alright, this is it. Beyond that door is the heart of Site 22. I¡¯ll give you two minutes. Take care of whatever you need to do.¡±

    Pinnochi let a faint smile cross his face. ¡°Very well, then.¡± As the door groaned open, he took a slow breath, stepping into the unknown with cautious confidence.

    Now inside, Pinnochi let his eyes rest on the expansive machine before him, a marvel of intricate gears, screens, and endless wiring humming with power. He placed his hand on its cold, polished surface, tracing its edge as if reconnecting with an old friend. A faint smile crossed his face. "Never thought I¡¯d see you again this soon."

    His thoughts shifted darkly. "Still... to be here this easily, no resistance, no interference¡­ almost feels too good to be true. But that doesn¡¯t matter now.¡± His fingers tightened slightly on the metal. "Time to spice things up¡­ make this a little darker."

    The door slid back open, and Pinnochi stepped out, a faint smile lingering. ¡°That felt good,¡± he said with a chuckle, half-joking. ¡°I think I can actually sleep well tonight.¡±

    Sir Techno gave a careful nod, eyeing him with interest but also caution. "Without a doubt, he¡¯s his father¡¯s son," he mused. "If I can harness him properly, we might accomplish what we¡¯ve failed to do for so long. I¡¯ll keep him close¡­ at least until he¡¯s no longer useful."

    Yuri stood in awe, gazing up at the massive structure before him. "Site 54," he thought. "One of the seven main sites of the World Cyphone Management¡­ who knew I¡¯d get to see it up close." He took in the guards posted at every entrance, their stances rigid, watchful. "Getting in is no easy feat¡­ and getting out must be just as tough."This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    As he entered the building, Yuri approached the reception desk and handed the receptionist an access card¡ªa privilege granted by a Hire-Up. The receptionist inspected the card, scanning it with a practiced motion.

    ¡°Purpose of visit, sir?¡± she asked politely.

    ¡°I¡¯d like to speak with Specter,¡± Yuri replied, his tone even.

    The receptionist noted his request, offering a polite nod. ¡°Very well, sir. But before you proceed, we¡¯ll need to scan you for any items.¡±

    Yuri sighed, rolling his eyes slightly. ¡°Wasn¡¯t I already searched before coming in?¡±

    ¡°Just a precaution, sir,¡± she replied, her tone unwavering.

    After the thorough scan, the receptionist gestured for him to continue. Yuri exhaled sharply, muttering under his breath, "What a hassle." But he proceeded onward, his mind set on the task ahead.

    At the door of Specter¡¯s office, Yuri paused briefly, then stepped inside. The room was chaotic, papers scattered across every surface, some spilling onto the floor. Yuri ran a hand over his head, letting out a resigned sigh as he spotted Specter slumped over his desk, fast asleep amidst the clutter.

    Carefully, Yuri brushed aside a stack of papers from the chair in front of him and sat down, crossing one leg over the other. ¡°You can stop pretending to be asleep now.¡±

    Specter cracked one eye open, slowly straightening up with a yawn. ¡°You know, you could at least knock. Where are your manners?¡±

    Yuri raised an eyebrow, glancing around the disorganized office. ¡°Well, maybe you could clean this place up first.¡±

    Specter shrugged, casually waving a hand. ¡°It¡¯s my office; I¡¯ll keep it however I like. Besides, I don¡¯t usually get visitors, so why bother?¡±

    ¡°Not sure if you¡¯re aware,¡± Yuri began, ¡°but the whereabouts of the Grand Architect were leaked, and as it stands, anyone could be a suspect¡­ even you, so¡ª¡±

    Specter cut him off with a lazy wave. ¡°You want to investigate me, right? Sure, sure, go ahead and get it over with. I¡¯d like to get back to my nap.¡±

    Yuri gave him a long look, his thoughts racing. Specter¡¯s part of the Special Division, one of only three. He¡¯s known for his ¡®blank mind,¡¯ meaning he hardly thinks, and he¡¯s terrible at hiding his emotions. If he¡¯s lying, I¡¯ll know¡ªno lie detector needed.

    With a sigh, Yuri continued, ¡°Alright then, just one question. I can¡¯t stand the smell of paper piling up around here anyway. Did you have anything to do with leaking information about the Grand Architect¡¯s location?¡±

    Specter grinned, shaking his finger. ¡°Me? I may deal with the data flowing in and out, but that doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m responsible.¡±

    The lie detector beeped, scribbling ¡°true¡± on the screen.

    ¡°See?¡± Specter shrugged with a lazy smile. ¡°Told you.¡±

    Now Specter leaned forward, a glimmer of seriousness breaking through his carefree demeanor. ¡°So, when did the 1st Division start hearing about someone as classified as the Grand Architect?¡±

    Yuri met his gaze, slightly taken aback. Who knew he could look so serious? ¡°I was only assigned this investigation by a member of the High-ups.¡±

    Specter chuckled, leaning back with a sly grin. ¡°The fact that they gave you this case means your chances of joining the Special Division are high.¡±

    Yuri shrugged, glancing around at the messy office. ¡°Not sure I want ¡®hectic¡¯ jobs like yours.¡±

    Specter smirked, throwing up his hands. ¡°Hectic? Who told you we do ¡®hectic¡¯ jobs?¡±

    Yuri gestured around the room, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Maybe your environment speaks for itself.¡±

    Yuri¡¯s thoughts wandered as he studied Specter. I am genuinely curious about this ¡®Grand Architect,¡¯ but how can I bring it up without him clamming up or dismissing me? Still, he decided to go for it.

    ¡°Hey, Specter¡­ who is the Grand Architect?¡±

    Specter laughed, his carefree attitude in full display. ¡°You¡¯re investigating him, and you don¡¯t even know the basics?¡±

    Yuri rolled his eyes. ¡°You said it yourself¡ª1st Division isn¡¯t supposed to know classified information. So how would I?¡±

    Specter shrugged again, still smiling. ¡°Even I don¡¯t know much. Just that he¡¯s the one pulling the Hire-Ups¡¯ strings. They take his orders, then pass them down to us. It¡¯s kind of funny, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Yuri leaned in, intrigued. ¡°So he¡¯s not at the top?¡±

    ¡°Not quite.¡± Specter shook his head. ¡°I know he¡¯s the founder of it all, but the highest rank? Even I¡¯m not sure. Strange, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Well, I guess that¡¯s enough about the Grand Architect,¡± Yuri said, standing up. ¡°One more thing. Turns out Dark Fang is back.¡±

    Specter¡¯s eyes widened in shock, his usual casual demeanor slipping for a moment. ¡°Dark Fang? That guy disappeared about three years ago! Robbed the government and even the WCM blind. Who the hell pulls off something like that?¡±

    With a wave of his hand, Specter leaned back, his carefree attitude returning. ¡°Not that I really care, anyway.¡±

    Yuri gave him a sharp look. ¡°Oh, weren¡¯t you the one assigned to that case back then? But it looks like even you couldn¡¯t catch him.¡±

    Specter straightened, his pride flashing in his eyes. ¡°Who said I couldn¡¯t catch him? I almost had him, this close.¡± He held his fingers a fraction apart. ¡°Then he vanished without a trace. But if he¡¯s back, I¡¯ll catch him for good this time.¡±

    Yuri chuckled, leaning back. ¡°You think Dark Fang would be dumb enough to make the same moves as before? You¡¯re kidding yourself if you believe that.¡±

    ¡°Maybe,¡± Specter replied, his eyes narrowing slightly, ¡°but we know his target is data, and Site 54 holds some of the most valuable. If he¡¯s planning anything, I won¡¯t stray too far. I¡¯d hate to end up like the last person Dark Fang stole from.¡±

    Specter¡¯s tone shifted, his expression growing unexpectedly serious. ¡°You know, Yuri, Dark Fang isn¡¯t the only one who¡¯s tough to track down. Why¡¯s everyone so focused on him when there are so many other paths to follow?¡±

    Yuri¡¯s eyes widened, caught off guard. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Specter leaned forward. ¡°Ever thought about Chronolux? They stole data from HQ once, and I¡¯d bet they knew something about the Beta Vault¡¯s whereabouts before we even got any info on it. And what about the Red Blood Cult? They terrorized Atherium City once. Yet no one investigates them. Everyone¡¯s hung up on Dark Fang and the Vault when there are other dangerous players out there. You remember Z, right? He¡¯s worse than Dark Fang, but the Hire-Ups aren¡¯t even batting an eye at him.¡±

    Yuri¡¯s face turned serious. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because the Grand Architect doesn¡¯t want to act on them yet. Who knows what goes on in the Hire-Ups¡¯ heads.¡±

    With a sigh, Yuri straightened, glancing once more at the disorganized room. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m heading out. Try cleaning up this place sometime, you slob.¡±

    Specter smirked, waving him off. ¡°What are you, my mom? I decide how I want my office. Besides, it¡¯s not like anyone inspects it.¡±

    Yuri chuckled, heading for the door. ¡°Alright, see you around¡ªonce I¡¯m in the Special Division.¡±

    Specter grinned. ¡°And see you once I¡¯ve retired.¡±

    As Yuri stepped out, he thought, I¡¯ve got all the information I need. Now I know exactly who to deal with.

 Chapter 49: The Quite Revolt

    Previously: Yuri and Specter shared a tense conversation that revealed the return of Dark Fang, a notorious criminal with a knack for evading capture. Despite Specter¡¯s nonchalant attitude, Yuri prodded at his past failures to capture Dark Fang, hinting at the mysterious figure¡¯s skill. Specter, however, brushed it off, confident he¡¯d have another shot now that Dark Fang is back. As Yuri left, the unresolved tension left Specter contemplating the organization¡¯s priorities, unresolved threats, and his potential role in future events.

    The heavy metal cell door slid open with a grating sound. A guard tossed three plates of food inside. ¡°Here. Eat up.¡±

    Lockey barely glanced at the plates as they clattered to the ground. His thoughts flashed back to the cold meals in juvenile detention. It¡¯s no different here, he mused, eyes darkening with memories.

    Across the cell, two young women snickered. ¡°Hey, you,¡± one of them called. ¡°You¡¯ve been quiet for two days straight¡ªmissing your mama?¡±

    Lockey¡¯s jaw tightened. And now I have these two little nuisances testing me, he thought.

    The girls giggled, one leaning in with a smirk. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Sorrow mode or something?¡±

    Lockey shot them a cold, calculating look as he rose to his feet. The temperature in the room seemed to drop, tension freezing the air. He took a slow step forward, his gaze locked on theirs. Neither girl could move, caught in his stare. Their smiles faded, replaced by growing dread. One girl opened her mouth to speak, but the other quickly covered it, eyes wide with caution.

    Lockey broke his gaze, turning toward the cell door, inspecting the locks and looking for any potential escape routes.

    The girls exhaled shakily. ¡°Why did you cover my mouth?¡± one whispered, fear creeping into her voice.

    The other replied, her tone just as shaky, ¡°Didn¡¯t you feel that? He was¡­he was serious. He wasn¡¯t threatening us. It felt like¡­he¡¯d actually do something if we kept pushing. Like he¡¯s done it before.¡±

    Both girls stole a glance at Lockey, who shot them a brief, ice-cold look over his shoulder. They immediately looked away, hearts racing.

    They could be useful, Lockey thought, assessing them. I can break out of here, but this restraint keeps me from using my Key¡¯s power.

    Without looking at them, he said, ¡°Hey, you two.¡±

    The girls shivered but responded cautiously. ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Your names?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Finn,¡± one said quickly, and the other added, ¡°Quinn.¡±

    Finn and Quinn, Lockey noted internally. That says plenty.

    ¡°Good. Now, what can you do?¡±

    The two shared a glance. ¡°Anything you want us to do,¡± Quinn replied.

    Lockey¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. ¡°Anything, huh? Cipher users, then?¡±

    ¡°Yes, we are,¡± they both said in unison, voices guarded.

    ¡°Your abilities,¡± he demanded, voice flat.

    ¡°Mind control,¡± Finn muttered. ¡°Illusions,¡± added Quinn.

    Well would you look at that, Lockey thought, the hint of a smirk tugging at his lips. Ideal skills for a situation like this.

    ¡°But these restraints block us from accessing them,¡± Finn admitted, gesturing to the metal bands on her wrists.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Lockey stared at her blankly. ¡°You think I didn¡¯t notice?¡±

    Finn¡¯s face flushed, and Quinn looked away. Lockey¡¯s eyes were unreadable, but his voice was coldly instructive. ¡°Guess you¡¯ll be useful anyway,¡± he muttered.

    ¡°Do you have a plan, Master?¡± Quinn asked hesitantly.

    Master, he thought, the word tasting strange. I¡¯ll pretend I didn¡¯t hear that.

    ¡°Yes,¡± he replied flatly. ¡°I¡¯ll be using your powers to the fullest. If either of you slack off, it won¡¯t end well for you.¡±

    Both girls visibly shivered. ¡°Understood,¡± they said in unison, wary but obedient.

    Lockey took a moment to think. The guard always has the key to these restraints in his back pocket. They only feed us once a day, passing the food through the cell door without stepping in. To get him to enter, I need a reason.

    His eyes flicked to Finn and Quinn. ¡°There¡¯s only one way to make that happen.¡±

    Lockey¡¯s voice was clinical. ¡°Option one: create an ¡®accident¡¯ to force them inside. A chokehold or two should do the trick.¡± no no ¡°That¡­sounds like murder.¡±

    ¡°Option two,¡± he continued ¡°is poison. I have a connection to Pinnochi¡ªhis blood can release a poisonous bacterium. If I could use that on them, it would just take a bit of patience.¡±

    He glanced back at the plates of untouched food on the floor. It¡¯s been served, but not eaten yet.

    A gleam appeared in his eye. Jackpot.

    After some time, the two girls finished eating, even helping themselves to Lockey¡¯s untouched share. Lockey observed them in silence, his expression unreadable. To be fair, he thought, I¡¯ll give them this¡ªthe poison isn¡¯t lethal. I¡¯m not heartless enough to kill someone with untapped potential.

    Still, he mused, the effects should be kicking in¡­ about now.

    Finn suddenly doubled over, her face twisting in pain. She clutched her stomach, fingers pressing hard against her abdomen. ¡°Quinn¡­¡± she gasped, her voice barely a whisper. Quinn''s face filled with alarm as she knelt down beside her, hands trembling.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Finn!¡± Quinn called out, voice tight with panic as Finn¡¯s breaths grew shallow and uneven.

    ¡°Stay with me, sis,¡± Quinn whispered urgently. Her eyes darted to the cell door. ¡°Help!¡± she shouted, hoping someone was close enough to hear.

    The heavy metal door creaked open a fraction, just enough for a guard to look in, his face set in a mask of boredom.

    ¡°What now?¡± he asked, voice dripping with irritation.

    ¡°Please,¡± Quinn begged, ¡°my sister needs help. She¡¯s in pain¡ªshe needs medical attention! It¡¯s the food; you must have done something to it!¡±

    The guard glanced at Finn, who writhed on the floor, clutching her stomach with a pale face. He shrugged. ¡°She¡¯ll be fine. Probably just some indigestion. We¡¯ll get her medicine if she¡¯s still in pain in an hour.¡±

    ¡°Fine?!¡± Quinn¡¯s voice cracked in disbelief. ¡°She¡¯s clearly suffering! You did something to the food we ate, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    The guard laughed, a dry, careless sound. ¡°Who cares? You¡¯re both just test subjects. Bound for a miserable end anyway.¡± He tapped his watch idly, signaling he was done with the conversation. ¡°Like I said, if she¡¯s still in pain later, we¡¯ll do something.¡±

    From his corner of the cell, Lockey observed the exchange with cold intensity, his expression never shifting. Just as the guard turned to leave, Lockey cleared his throat, his voice commanding as he called out.

    ¡°At the very least,¡± Lockey said, his tone laced with deadly calm, ¡°you could still give her medicine. Isn¡¯t that a basic courtesy?¡±

    The guard scoffed. ¡°I¡¯m just a guard. You¡¯re nothing but test subjects. If you need a medic, call one yourself and don¡¯t waste my break time you fucking pigs¡±

    Quinn¡¯s face was flushed with rage. She pounded the floor, her frustration boiling over. ¡°They don¡¯t even care about us¡ªthey¡¯d let her suffer without lifting a finger!¡±

    Lockey¡¯s gaze flicked to her, expression still as cold as ice. ¡°Raising your voice won¡¯t achieve anything,¡± he said with quiet, steely resolve. ¡°The only way to handle people like that is not with words, but with action.¡±

    He moved to where Finn lay and pulled out a small vial he¡¯d managed to conceal. He uncorked it and held it to her lips, his voice softening slightly. ¡°This will help ease the pain. Drink it slowly.¡±

    Finn took a shaky sip, the relief almost immediate. Her breathing grew less strained, and she managed to nod weakly. Quinn, overwhelmed with gratitude, looked at Lockey with wide eyes. ¡°Thank you,¡± she whispered, voice thick with relief.

    ¡°No need to thank me,¡± he replied, his voice clipped. ¡°Just remember to stay useful.¡±

    He paused, watching the guard disappear down the hall, then flexed his hand, holding something small and metallic. His lips curved into a faint smirk. It didn¡¯t go exactly as planned, he thought, but even the most careful guard can be outmaneuvered.

    Lockey glanced at Quinn and extended his hand, showing her the small, glinting key. Her eyes went wide, and she let out a small gasp.

    ¡°How¡­?¡± she stammered, staring at the key as if it were a lifeline.

    ¡°No more questions. Take it.¡± He held out his wrist, the restraint still locked in place. ¡°Remove it. I¡¯ll need your powers.¡±

    Quinn swallowed, her fingers trembling as she unlocked his restraint. ¡°Yes¡­yes, Master,¡± she whispered, voice filled with awe.

    With his restraints finally off, Lockey allowed himself a fleeting smile, his eyes sharp and calculating as he turned his attention back to the cell door.

 Chapter 50: The Silent Strike

    The dim, flickering light of the cold steel corridor bathed their faces, shadows stretching and warping as Lockey stood in the center of the room. His sharp gaze darted between the two, Quinn and Finn, calculating the risks, the odds, the cost of failure.

    Lockey took a slow, steady breath before speaking. ¡°Alright. Here¡¯s the plan.¡± His voice was low but carried the weight of authority, honed from countless encounters with danger. ¡°Quinn, you stay here. I¡¯ll need your illusions to keep the guards convinced that we¡¯re still in our cells.¡± His eyes locked on hers, unflinching. ¡°If even one of them notices something¡¯s wrong, the entire operation collapses.¡±

    Quinn nodded firmly. ¡°Understood.¡± Her voice was quiet, but there was no hesitation.

    Lockey¡¯s gaze lingered on her for a moment longer. His thoughts churned like storm clouds. Quinn¡¯s illusions are perfect for this, but relying on them means leaving her here alone. If she falters, even for a second¡­ He shook off the thought. There wasn¡¯t room for doubt.

    His eyes shifted to Finn, who stood silently,

    Lockey debated the choice. Quinn¡¯s finesse might be more useful in navigating Site 22¡¯s labyrinth of surveillance, but I can¡¯t risk her leaving the cell block. The cameras will catch it immediately.

    Lockey turned back to Quinn. ¡°Keep the illusions steady. Make it look like we¡¯re here¡ªbreathing, moving, sleeping if you have to. If a guard even suspects something¡¯s off¡­¡±

    ¡°They won¡¯t,¡± Quinn interrupted, her voice firm. ¡°I¡¯ve got this, Master. Just focus on getting us out of here.¡±

    The sterile chill of Site 22 seeped into every corner, the hum of distant machinery and faint clanging of boots creating a symphony of unease. The reinforced door slid shut behind Lockey and Finn, sealing them into the shadowy corridor.

    Lockey moved silently, his every step precise and calculated. His sharp gaze scanned the area, his mind already mapping escape routes and potential threats. Finn followed close behind, her movements fluid but shadowed by a faint edge of anticipation.

    ¡°So,¡± Finn whispered, her voice barely audible over the ambient hum. ¡°Where do you have in mind, Master?¡±

    Lockey halted abruptly, turning just enough to glance over his shoulder. His dark eyes glinted, sharp as the edge of a blade. ¡°What¡¯s with this Master thing?¡± he said, his voice low but dripping with disdain. ¡°It¡¯s irritating.¡±

    Finn hesitated for a moment, then smirked. ¡°It¡¯s what Quinn and I agreed on. We look up to you, you know. You don¡¯t bend, you don¡¯t break. You¡¯ve got this power that makes even the most dangerous people second-guess themselves. That¡¯s something worth admiring.¡±

    Lockey¡¯s expression didn¡¯t soften, but his lips quirked into a brief, humorless chuckle. ¡°Is that so?¡± His voice was dry, almost mocking. But then, like a switch, his face hardened again, his tone cutting through the air like a knife. ¡°You can drop the pretense, Finn. I¡¯ve already seen through you.¡±

    Finn tilted her head, her smirk deepening. ¡°And what exactly have you seen?¡±

    Lockey turned away, striding forward with unrelenting focus. ¡°Let¡¯s continue using each other until we escape this place. That¡¯s what you¡¯re really after, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Finn¡¯s eyes gleamed, and under her breath, she whispered with a menacing smile, ¡°With pleasure.¡±

    The corridor stretched ahead, the harsh glow of the overhead lights painting every surface in shades of white and gray. The hum of security cameras was faint but ever-present, their mechanical gaze sweeping the area with cold precision.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    Lockey raised a hand, and the faint shimmer of a taut, invisible string glinted between his fingers. With a swift motion, he slashed through the air. A faint ping echoed as the nearest camera fell limp, its swivel mechanism severed cleanly in two.

    ¡°Impressive,¡± Finn murmured, her voice tinged with genuine admiration.

    Lockey didn¡¯t respond, his eyes fixed ahead. He moved with an unshakable confidence, as though the labyrinthine corridors bent to his will. ¡°Stay close,¡± he ordered.

    They ducked into a side hallway, Lockey slicing through another camera¡¯s feed with surgical precision. Finn pressed a finger to her temple, her brow furrowing in concentration.

    ¡°Two guards ahead,¡± Finn said softly, her voice taking on a distant, almost ethereal quality. ¡°I¡¯ll handle them.¡±

    Lockey paused, his sharp gaze shifting to her. ¡°Quietly.¡±

    Finn nodded, stepping forward. She didn¡¯t speak, but her eyes seemed to glint with an unnatural light as she locked onto the approaching guards. Their movements slowed, then stopped entirely.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± one of the guards muttered, his voice shaking.

    ¡°Nothing you need to worry about,¡± Finn replied, her tone sweet but laced with malice. She raised her hand, and the guards turned stiffly, their expressions blank, marching away in perfect unison.

    Lockey observed with an impassive expression. ¡°Efficient.¡±

    Finn shot him a sly smile. ¡°I try.¡±

    Lockey stopped at an intersection, glancing down both corridors. He raised a hand, signaling for Finn to wait.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Finn asked, her voice hushed.

    Lockey didn¡¯t answer immediately. Instead, he tilted his head, as if listening to something only he could hear. Then, without warning, he turned sharply to the left.

    Finn blinked, jogging to catch up. ¡°Where are we going?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s someone I need to deal with before we leave,¡± Lockey said, his voice cold and devoid of emotion.

    Finn¡¯s curiosity piqued. ¡°Care to elaborate?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lockey replied bluntly, his pace quickening.

    Finn chuckled under her breath. ¡°You¡¯re just full of surprises, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Lockey didn¡¯t dignify her comment with a response. The look in his eyes was enough¡ªdark, calculating, and entirely unyielding.

    The sterile hum of the surveillance room was broken only by the faint crackle of static on the monitors. One guard leaned forward, his brow furrowed as he cycled through the camera feeds.

    ¡°Something¡¯s off,¡± he muttered, squinting at the screens. The hallways were eerily empty. ¡°What the hell? Where are the guards on duty?¡±

    He slammed his hand on the console, trying to reset the feed. Panic began to seep into his voice as he barked into his radio, ¡°Unit 17, report your position! Unit 17¡ª¡±

    A faint sound behind him made him freeze. Slowly, he turned. His breath caught in his throat as his eyes landed on the lifeless bodies of his two surveillance partners sprawled on the floor.

    Standing above them, bathed in the dim glow of the monitors, was Lockey. His posture was relaxed, almost casual, but his eyes were sharp, gleaming with predatory intent.

    The guard stumbled back, nearly tripping over his chair. ¡°You¡ªyou! How the hell did you get out?¡± His voice cracked as realization dawned. ¡°The keys! Where are my keys?¡±

    Lockey stepped forward, his movements deliberate. From his pocket, he dangled the ring of keys, the metal glinting under the harsh light. ¡°You mean these?¡± His voice was calm, almost mocking. A faint smirk played at the corners of his lips. ¡°Thanks for the loan. They made planning this escape much easier.¡±

    The guard¡¯s face twisted in anger and fear, his hand twitching toward the emergency button on the wall. ¡°You¡¯d better get back to your fucking cage,¡± he snarled, though his voice wavered. ¡°Once you¡¯re here, there¡¯s no hope of getting out alive. Be a good boy and get lost before¡ª¡±

    ¡°Or what?¡± Lockey interrupted, his smirk deepening.

    The guard¡¯s bravado crumbled as he edged closer to the button, his movements jerky and desperate. ¡°Or¡­ or I¡¯ll¡­¡± His voice faltered under Lockey¡¯s unflinching gaze.

    Lockey tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as they locked onto the guard¡¯s trembling hand. ¡°Do you know the difference between a pig and you?¡± His voice was soft, almost conversational, but laced with cold malice.

    The guard froze, confusion and terror flickering across his face.

    ¡°You,¡± Lockey said, his smirk curling into something darker, ¡°got killed by one.¡±

    In a blur of motion, the air around Lockey shimmered faintly. The guard didn¡¯t even have time to scream as his hands were severed cleanly at the wrists. Blood sprayed across the room as his severed hands hit the floor with a sickening thud.

    The guard staggered back, clutching the stumps of his wrists as he let out a guttural scream. His legs buckled, and he crumpled to the floor, writhing in agony.

    Lockey stepped closer, his expression calm, almost clinical, as he watched the man¡¯s futile attempts to stop the bleeding. ¡°Screaming won¡¯t help,¡± he said coldly. ¡°You should¡¯ve thought of that before trying to press that button.¡±

 Chapter 51: A Glimpse Behind the Curtain

    Lockey and Finn moved in tense silence through the dimly lit hallway. The oppressive air of the underground facility clung to them like a second skin. The faint buzz of flickering lights and the distant hum of machinery were the only sounds accompanying their footsteps.

    Finn broke the silence first, her voice cutting through the gloom. ¡°You know,¡± she began, glancing at him with a sly grin, ¡°I¡¯m surprised you even had a heart back there. Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d care about the guard not helping my sister.¡±

    Lockey¡¯s gaze flickered to her, his expression as cold as the concrete walls around them. ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong,¡± he replied, his tone clipped and unyielding. ¡°I didn¡¯t care about your sister. I got pissed because he dragged me into it.¡±

    Finn laughed, her voice echoing faintly down the hallway. ¡°You mean when he called us pigs, right? Guess that really got under your skin. Had to teach him a lesson, huh?¡±

    Lockey didn¡¯t respond, his jaw tightening as he quickened his pace.

    Finn rolled her eyes but changed the subject, her curiosity getting the better of her. ¡°So, aren¡¯t we supposed to be finding an escape route out of here? Because this,¡± she gestured to the seemingly endless corridor, ¡°doesn¡¯t scream ¡®escape¡¯ to me.¡±

    Lockey¡¯s eyes met hers, his expression devoid of humor. ¡°Did you think I knew the escape route?¡± he asked flatly. ¡°If I did, I would¡¯ve left this place long ago.¡±

    Finn stopped in her tracks, her voice rising in frustration. ¡°Then where the hell are you going? You should¡¯ve said something earlier! What was all that planning for, huh?¡±

    Lockey halted as well, his gaze sharpening. ¡°So you knew.¡±

    Finn smirked, crossing her arms as she leaned slightly toward him. ¡°Of course, I knew. Did you take me for a fool? A guard wouldn¡¯t poison an inmate without good reason. It didn¡¯t take me long to figure out it was you.¡±

    Her voice dropped, and her expression turned dangerous. She stepped closer, her eyes narrowing. ¡°The only reason I let that slide was simple¡ªI figured I could use you to get I and my sister out of this place.¡±

    The murderous glint in her eyes was unmistakable now, her stance coiled like a predator ready to strike.

    Lockey didn¡¯t flinch. He met her gaze with calm indifference, ¡°No need to be so uptight,¡± he said, his voice laced with a faint, mocking edge. ¡°Your time will come. Even if it takes years.¡±

    He turned on his heel and continued walking, his shadow stretching long against the dimly lit walls.

    Finn clenched her fists, her patience snapping. In a blur of motion, she lunged at him, a pen in her hand aimed directly for his throat.

    Lockey¡¯s reaction was swift. Without turning fully, his hand shot up, intercepting her strike. The pen stopped inches from his neck, his grip ironclad around her wrist.

    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± he said, his voice low and deadly, ¡°test me.¡±

    Finn¡¯s breathing was ragged as she stared at him, her free hand trembling with suppressed rage. ¡°You¡¯re more trouble than you¡¯re worth,¡± she hissed, her voice dripping with venom.

    Lockey¡¯s grip tightened for a brief moment before he let go, his cold gaze lingering on her. ¡°If you¡¯re done playing around, we¡¯ve wasted enough time.¡±

    He resumed walking without another word, his silhouette vanishing further into the dimly lit hallway.

    Finn stood there for a moment, the pen still clutched tightly in her hand. Her lips curled into a faint, bitter smile. ¡°You really do know how to get under someone¡¯s skin, don¡¯t you?¡± she muttered before following him into the darkness.

    Lockey and Finn walked in silence, the long dimly lit walkway stretching endlessly before them. Each step echoed faintly, swallowed by the oppressive air of the corridor. The silence between them wasn¡¯t companionable but tense, like the calm before a storm. Neither of them spoke until they reached the end¡ªa cold, featureless wall loomed before them.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    Finn scoffed, her frustration bubbling over. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me we walked all this way just to hit a dead end.¡±

    Lockey didn¡¯t respond. His gaze lingered on the wall, his cold expression unchanging. In his mind, he thought, This is where the energy I¡¯ve been sensing stops.

    Before Finn could prod him further, the faint sound of footsteps echoed down the corridor. Someone was coming.

    Lockey¡¯s eyes narrowed, his voice low and urgent. ¡°Quick, hide.¡±

    Finn twitched her lips in irritation, gesturing around them. ¡°And where exactly do you expect us to hide? Inside the walls?¡±

    Lockey clicked his tongue in frustration, his patience clearly wearing thin. ¡°Shut up and hold on tight,¡± he said sharply.

    Before she could argue, he grabbed her wrist and, with a fluid motion, leapt upward. Using his dagger as an anchor, he lodged it into the ceiling with precision. Finn clung to him, gritting her teeth as they pressed against the shadows above. The faint flickering of the overhead lights provided just enough cover.

    A figure emerged from the darkness, walking with purpose toward the dead end. His long dark coat was tattered, and his face was obscured by a mask, leaving only his piercing, calculating eyes visible. The way he moved was deliberate, his steps neither hurried nor hesitant.

    The figure stopped at the wall, raising a gloved hand. He pressed his palm against the cold surface, and a faint mechanical hum reverberated through the air. He input a series of commands, his movements swift and practiced. The wall hissed, splitting apart to reveal a hidden passage. Without hesitation, he disappeared into the opening, and the wall slid shut behind him, sealing the secret passage once more.

    Lockey waited a few moments, ensuring the figure was gone. He then released his grip, landing lightly on the ground with Finn.

    Finn brushed herself off, exhaling sharply. ¡°That was close,¡± she muttered before narrowing her eyes at the now-sealed wall. ¡°But who the hell was that? There¡¯s no way he¡¯s from this place.¡±

    Lockey¡¯s gaze lingered on the wall, his expression unreadable. He, too, had questions. That energy¡ªit was coming from him, he thought. Who is he? And why does it feel... familiar?

    Finn stepped toward the wall, placing her palm against its cold, unyielding surface. She frowned, frustration flashing across her face. ¡°It¡¯s not opening for me,¡± she muttered, slamming her fist against it in irritation.

    Lockey, calm and unbothered

    moved beside her. He placed his hand on the exact spot where the masked figure had pressed moments earlier. The wall shuddered, emitting a low hum, and began to slide open¡ªbut only slightly, revealing a narrow pinhole keypad embedded within.

    Finn¡¯s lips curled into a faint, confident smile. ¡°Leave this to me.¡± Without waiting for a response, she stepped forward and began inputting the password with quick, precise movements.

    With a soft hiss, the second metal door slid open, revealing a dimly lit passage beyond. As they walked through, Finn smirked, glancing sideways at Lockey. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask how I knew the code?¡±

    Lockey didn¡¯t break stride, his tone flat and uninterested. ¡°Glad you weren¡¯t totally useless.¡±

    Finn scowled, the sharpness in her voice unmistakable. ¡°Isn¡¯t there anything like a compliment in your dictionary?¡±

    Lockey shrugged nonchalantly, his expression unreadable. ¡°Maybe I don¡¯t own a dictionary.¡±

    The two continued forward, stepping into a vast, sterile room filled with rows of shelves that stretched endlessly like the aisles of a grand library. Instead of books, the shelves were lined with neatly arranged files and folders, each labeled meticulously.

    Lockey paused, his sharp eyes scanning the room as a strange energy tugged at his senses. The energy I¡¯ve been pursuing... I can sense it again.

    Without a word to Finn, he moved to one of the shelves and pulled out a file. Flipping through the pages with cold efficiency, he scanned the contents. His brows furrowed slightly as he pieced together the information. ¡°Experiments,¡± he said aloud, his voice low but clear. ¡°These are records of experiments conducted here at Site 22. Different kinds. Both failures... and successes.¡±

    Finn tilted her head, peering over his shoulder. ¡°So, what are we talking about? Freaky science projects or¡ª¡±

    Her voice cut off as a figure stepped out from behind one of the rows. The sound of footsteps was faint but deliberate.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d actually make it in here,¡± the figure said, their voice distorted by the same mask-modulator they¡¯d used earlier.

    Lockey¡¯s eyes widened slightly¡ªa rare crack in his composed demeanor. He immediately summoned his Universal Key, the weapon materializing as a sleek, razor-sharp dagger in his hand. His stance shifted, ready for battle.

    I didn¡¯t even sense him, Lockey thought, the realization unnerving him for a brief moment.

    The figure, now fully visible in the dim light, was the same masked individual from earlier. They stood tall and unmoving, their presence exuding an unsettling calm.

    Finn¡¯s hand drifted toward her side, her fingers brushing against the pen she¡¯d kept tucked away. ¡°Friend of yours?¡± she asked Lockey, her tone sharp with sarcasm.

    Lockey didn¡¯t respond, his dagger gleaming as he tightened his grip. His cold eyes locked onto the masked figure, his voice low and dangerous. ¡°Who are you? And why are you here?¡±

    The figure tilted their head slightly, as if amused. ¡°You¡¯re asking questions when you¡¯re the intruders. Bold.¡±

    The tension in the room thickened, the air seeming to hum with anticipation. Lockey¡¯s grip on his dagger tightened, and Finn¡¯s smirk faded as her expression turned deadly serious.

    The figure took a step closer. ¡°Let¡¯s see if you¡¯re as dangerous as the files say, Lockey.¡±

 Chapter 52: Lockey Vs Dark Fang

    The dimly lit hallway stretched out like an endless void, each flickering bulb casting long, twitching shadows against the cracked walls. Lockey stood still, his dagger held loosely at his side, its edge catching the faint light and glinting ominously. The Masked Figure, as Finn would soon recognize him¡ªhovered at the other end, an air of malice emanating from his hunched posture.

    Lockey tilted his head slightly toward Finn without breaking his gaze on the figure. His voice was cold and clipped, carrying a quiet command. ¡°Leave.¡±

    Finn hesitated, her wide eyes darting between the two. ¡°But¡ª¡±

    ¡°If you stay, you¡¯ll only get in the way. Go.¡± Lockey¡¯s tone brooked no argument. He adjusted his grip on the dagger, the faint outline of thin, shimmering threads beginning to ripple in the air around him.

    Finn nodded reluctantly, retreating a few steps but staying close enough to watch. Her fingers twitched nervously as she bit her lip.

    The Masked Figure chuckled, a deep, raspy sound that seemed to crawl under the skin. ¡°So quick to dismiss her,¡± he said, his voice distorted by the mask¡¯s modulation. ¡°You should worry more about yourself, boy.¡±

    Lockey didn¡¯t respond, but his narrowed eyes gleamed with quiet intensity.

    Dark Fang raised a gloved hand, releasing a faint mist into the air. It was colorless, odorless, and almost undetectable. ¡°Breathe deeply, won¡¯t you?¡± he taunted.

    Lockey wasted no time. He lunged forward, his dagger slicing through the air with surgical precision. The threads¡ªso thin they were nearly invisible¡ªrippled outward, cutting through the hallway in wide arcs. The mist dispersed instantly as though cleaved apart by an unseen blade.

    Dark Fang stepped back smoothly, his hands weaving intricate gestures. ¡°Impressive,¡± he murmured. ¡°But how long can you keep up?¡± Another wave of mist poured from his hands, spreading in unpredictable patterns.

    Lockey didn¡¯t flinch. His movements were fluid, almost mechanical, as he sliced again and again. The threads danced around him, shredding the air and neutralizing the invisible viruses. His voice, steady and unbothered, broke through the sound of slashing. ¡°Finn.¡±

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Her voice was small, but her excitement was growing.

    ¡°Who is he?¡±

    Finn¡¯s eyes widened in recognition, and a spark of awe lit her face. ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± she gasped. ¡°That¡¯s Dark Fang! He¡¯s a legend! The most infamous villain of all time! He stole 111 million dollars¡­and government secrets! Sold them to foreign powers¡± Her words tumbled out in a breathless rush.

    Dark Fang chuckled darkly, pleased by her reaction. ¡°Quite confident of you,¡± he said, his tone dripping with amusement. ¡°To think you¡¯d carry on a conversation while fighting me. I must give you that.¡±

    Lockey¡¯s jaw tightened, but he didn¡¯t lose his focus. The threads of his power wove a protective web around him, cutting through anything that approached. ¡°I asked for facts, not fanfare,¡± he muttered, his irritation barely veiled.

    But Finn was too enraptured to notice. ¡°He¡¯s a master infiltrator! A thief! He¡¯s¡­amazing! Do you have any idea how hard it is to pull off what he did?¡±

    Dark Fang took advantage of Finn¡¯s distraction. With a flick of his wrist, he released a new virus. This one was faster, more insidious, and carried a paralyzing agent. The mist shot toward Lockey like a silent predator.

    Lockey¡¯s eyes narrowed. He didn¡¯t need to see the virus to know it was there. The threads responded to his will, expanding outward in a wide arc. The mist vanished as quickly as it had appeared, split into harmless particles.

    Dark Fang¡¯s posture shifted slightly, a glint of irritation breaking through his calm fa?ade. ¡°Interesting,¡± he muttered. ¡°You can cut even what you can¡¯t see. But can you keep it up when your body begins to fail you?¡±

    The villain raised both hands this time, releasing a concentrated burst of viruses designed to attack the nervous system. Invisible tendrils snaked through the air, seeking Lockey¡¯s lungs.

    Lockey responded with a sudden burst of speed, his dagger slicing through the space between them. The threads expanded into a dazzling web, cutting through walls, air, and even the ground beneath their feet. Chunks of the corridor collapsed, the sheer precision of his cuts leaving jagged edges behind.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°Enough games,¡± Lockey said, his voice sharp as his blade. He lunged again, this time closing the distance between them.

    Dark Fang barely evaded, the edge of his coat catching on the threads and tearing cleanly. He raised a hand to summon another wave of mist, but Lockey was relentless, his blade a whirlwind of slashes.

    From the sidelines, Finn¡¯s excitement was tempered by awe and anxiety. ¡°He¡¯s¡­he¡¯s actually holding his own against Dark Fang,¡± she whispered, her voice trembling. ¡°But how?¡±

    ¡°Focus,¡± Lockey snapped, his voice cutting through her thoughts. ¡°If you¡¯re staying, make yourself useful. Otherwise, shut up.¡±

    Finn¡¯s cheeks flushed, but she nodded, forcing herself to stay quiet. Her eyes darted between the two combatants, torn between admiration for her idol and growing respect for her unlikely ally.

    Dark Fang let out a low growl, his playful demeanor slipping. ¡°You¡¯re more trouble than I expected,¡± he admitted. ¡°But let¡¯s see how you handle this.¡±

    He clapped his hands together, unleashing a dense, swirling cloud of mixed viruses and bacteria. The air around them shimmered with unseen danger, the temperature dropping as the fight reached a critical point.

    The battle intensified as Lockey¡¯s dagger traced arcs of light through the air, threads slicing through particles so small they shouldn¡¯t even register. Yet, his instincts guided him, his kuudere demeanor unwavering despite the invisible threat around him.

    <hr>

    Dark Fang observed Lockey from a safe distance, his expression unreadable behind the mask. The air shimmered faintly as new waves of viruses were released, invisible yet lethal. Lockey moved through them like a ghost, every subtle motion of his dagger obliterating the pathogens.

    ¡°How?¡± Dark Fang muttered, voice low and sharp. His mind raced. He can¡¯t see them. He shouldn¡¯t even sense them. Yet, he cuts them¡­

    Lockey¡¯s voice cut through the tension, cold and sharp. ¡°Is this all you have? Spreading invisible death and hoping I fall?¡± His steps were measured as he approached, his blade dragging lines of deadly threads through the air.

    Dark Fang stepped back instinctively. ¡°Confident, aren¡¯t we? Speaking so freely to someone like her during our fight,¡± he said, gesturing towards Finn, who was watching the battle with wide-eyed awe. "I must give you that."

    ¡°Dark Fang!¡± Finn cried out, her excitement boiling over. ¡°You¡¯re really him! The one who stole over a hundred million dollars, broke into high-security government sites, and sold classified data to foreign powers. You¡¯re a legend! Your infiltration skills, your strategy¡ªit¡¯s amazing!¡±

    Lockey paused mid-step, his head tilting slightly toward her. ¡°Finn,¡± he said with the faintest trace of irritation. ¡°Shut up.¡±

    Finn didn¡¯t seem to register his tone, continuing to gush. ¡°I mean, to pull off all that without getting caught! You¡¯re like a shadow. The way you¡ª"

    ¡°Finn.¡± Lockey¡¯s voice dropped an octave, icy. ¡°Move.¡±

    The authority in his tone finally broke through her awe, and she scampered back reluctantly, still muttering about Dark Fang¡¯s feats under her breath. Dark Fang chuckled, though the sound was hollow.

    "Quite the fan you¡¯ve got there," Dark Fang said, raising a gloved hand as if to wave. ¡°But I¡¯m afraid her praise won¡¯t help you. You¡¯ve been impressive so far, but I wonder how long you can keep it up.¡±

    <hr>

    The fight resumed. Dark Fang spread his hands, releasing a concentrated wave of microscopic viral agents, this time designed to infiltrate through minor abrasions on the skin. The air around him shimmered faintly as he advanced, watching Lockey¡¯s movements carefully.

    Lockey¡¯s dagger slashed downward, and the faint shimmer was gone. Dark Fang grimaced beneath his mask, his movements becoming sharper, more calculated. He leapt back and released another wave, but the outcome was the same. Each motion of Lockey¡¯s blade rendered the invisible attack useless.

    ¡°It¡¯s no use,¡± Lockey said, his tone detached but final. ¡°No matter how small they are, no matter where they¡¯re aimed, they¡¯re already cut.¡±

    Dark Fang¡¯s mind raced. He¡¯s not reacting to sight or sound. It¡¯s as if he¡­ senses them, like an animal relying purely on instinct. He spoke aloud, though his tone carried a grudging respect. ¡°Spreading the virus won¡¯t work, will it? You¡¯re cutting it before it even reaches you.¡±

    There was no answer, only the faint sound of Lockey¡¯s boots scuffing against the ground as he closed the distance.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Dark Fang muttered. ¡°Let¡¯s change the game.¡±

    <hr>

    With a sudden motion, Dark Fang pulled off one of his gloves, revealing his bare hand. The skin was mottled purple and black, pulsating faintly as though alive. He lunged forward with startling speed, closing the gap between them in an instant. Before Lockey could fully react, Dark Fang¡¯s hand brushed against the exposed skin of his forearm.

    Lockey leapt back, his movements precise and controlled, but there was a flicker of hesitation in his expression. He stared at his arm, then back at Dark Fang.

    ¡°What did you do?¡± Lockey asked, his voice still calm but edged with suspicion.

    Dark Fang¡¯s chuckle was low and sinister. ¡°You¡¯re fast. You¡¯re skilled. But you made one mistake.¡± He flexed his fingers, the purple hue of his hand slowly fading. ¡°Even though my airborne viruses couldn¡¯t reach you, I have other ways to infect. A touch is all it takes.¡±

    Lockey¡¯s vision wavered. The world around him began to blur, colors bleeding together and outlines becoming indistinct. He took a step forward, but his footing faltered for the briefest moment.

    ¡°Losing focus, are we?¡± Dark Fang¡¯s voice was smug now, his confidence returning. ¡°That¡¯s what happens when the virus enters directly through the skin. This particular strain attacks the optic nerve. Soon, you won¡¯t even know which direction I¡¯m coming from.¡±

    Lockey¡¯s grip tightened on his dagger. He didn¡¯t respond, his expression as cold and composed as ever, though his movements were slightly less sharp.

    <hr>

    In the distance, Finn¡¯s voice rose in alarm. ¡°Lockey! Are you okay?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he replied curtly, his tone leaving no room for argument. But in his mind, a single thought echoed: I can¡¯t afford to let this go on.

    The battle raged on, Lockey¡¯s swings still slicing through Dark Fang¡¯s viral attacks with precision despite his blurred vision. But the advantage was shifting, and Dark Fang knew it.

 Chapter 53: Unmasking

    The air was thick with tension, each passing second making Lockey¡¯s vision blurrier. He swung his dagger instinctively, cutting through the invisible viral threats as if guided by an unseen force. Each movement was precise yet laborious, his kuudere nature masking the mounting frustration within.

    Lockey staggered slightly, his sight now so impaired that Finn¡¯s figure was barely distinguishable in the dim light. His grip tightened on the hilt of his weapon as his thoughts raced.

    I know this energy. I¡¯ve felt it before¡­ but where? he mused, his voice low and hoarse. ¡°Who are you, really?¡± he murmured, too quiet for anyone but himself to hear. His gaze locked onto Dark Fang¡¯s masked silhouette. It¡¯s the mask... It¡¯s throwing me off. Even though your personality seems different, I can¡¯t shake the feeling that I know you.

    Dark Fang¡¯s voice carried a dark amusement, his mask hiding the smile Lockey could almost sense. ¡°You¡¯re faltering, Lockey. Soon, even your instincts won¡¯t save you.¡±

    Lockey sighed, his exhaustion starting to seep through. ¡°I can¡¯t fight like this anymore.¡± His tone was icy yet tinged with reluctant resignation.

    Dark Fang tilted his head, his posture smug, knowing he was gaining the upper hand.

    <hr>

    Lockey¡¯s gaze shifted toward Finn, who had been watching the battle with nervous energy. ¡°Make yourself useful,¡± he ordered brusquely, his voice sharp.

    ¡°Uhm¡­ I¡¯m to your left, not your right,¡± Finn replied, hesitating. Her attempt to correct him came with an edge of defiance.

    Lockey clicked his tongue in irritation. ¡°Shut up and just tell me where he¡¯s coming from.¡±

    Finn scowled, crossing her arms. ¡°So I haven¡¯t been useful at all? Is that what you¡¯re saying?¡±

    Lockey¡¯s patience wore thin. ¡°Stop whining and focus. Just do your job and don¡¯t mess this up.¡±

    Finn¡¯s irritation flared briefly, but she bit back a retort, knowing she needed him to get them out of this situation. ¡°Fine,¡± she muttered under her breath, shifting her focus to the battle. I¡¯ll help¡­ for now.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    <hr>

    Dark Fang moved swiftly, releasing a fresh wave of airborne viruses designed to disorient Lockey further. Finn¡¯s voice cut through the chaos. ¡°Three o¡¯clock, close range¡ªdodge!¡±

    Lockey reacted instantly, pivoting to avoid the attack and slashing cleanly through the unseen threat. He stepped forward, blade slicing again as Finn called out more directions. ¡°Above you! Backstep now!¡±

    With Finn guiding him, Lockey countered and evaded with newfound precision. Dark Fang, visibly annoyed, muttered to himself. ¡°That girl¡­ She¡¯s predicting my every move. It¡¯s like she¡¯s reading my mind.¡±

    His irritation boiled over. ¡°If she¡¯s the problem, then I¡¯ll eliminate her first.¡±

    <hr>

    As Dark Fang lunged toward Finn with unsettling speed, she shouted in alarm, ¡°He¡¯s coming for me¡ªstraight ahead!¡±

    Lockey surged forward without hesitation, his blade flashing as it met Dark Fang¡¯s side. The masked figure grunted, retreating as a fresh wound blossomed across his torso. The wound began to heal almost instantly, the torn skin stitching itself back together.

    Lockey¡¯s icy gaze didn¡¯t waver. ¡°Healing won¡¯t save you,¡± he said coldly, his voice cutting through the air like his blade. This time, his focus shifted entirely to Dark Fang¡¯s mask. I need to see who you really are.

    Dark Fang, sensing Lockey¡¯s intent, smirked beneath the mask. ¡°If I can¡¯t eliminate her, I¡¯ll just make you lose more than your sight. Your hearing will go next.¡±

    He removed his second glove, his hand now fully exposed, pulsating with the same eerie purple hue. Finn¡¯s warning came quickly. ¡°Lockey, don¡¯t let him get close!¡±

    <hr>

    The battle resumed with a tense rhythm, Lockey stepping back to maintain distance while launching precise long-range slashes. Dark Fang grew increasingly aggressive, his movements erratic yet calculated. Finn¡¯s voice never faltered, guiding Lockey through the onslaught.

    ¡°There¡¯s an opening¡ªstraight ahead!¡± Finn shouted, her voice sharp with urgency.

    Lockey didn¡¯t hesitate. With a burst of speed, he lunged forward, his blade aimed at Dark Fang. As their bodies collided, Lockey grabbed the mask and slammed Dark Fang¡¯s head into the wall with force. The mask began to liquefy, evaporating into a silvery mist that seeped into Dark Fang¡¯s skin.

    Finn gasped. ¡°What just happened? That was¡­ weird.¡±

    Lockey panted, exhaustion evident in his expression. ¡°What¡¯s the color of his hair?¡± he asked, his voice still calm but tinged with suspicion.

    Finn tilted her head, inspecting the unconscious figure. ¡°Eggplant.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Lockey replied, clearly confused.

    ¡°You asked for the color, and I¡¯m telling you. It¡¯s eggplant.¡±

    Lockey let out a heavy sigh, his frustration peeking through. ¡°Be more precise. Something close to eggplant.¡±

    Finn huffed, crossing her arms. ¡°Purple. It¡¯s purple.¡±

    Lockey leaned back against the wall, resting his head as he caught his breath. ¡°We¡¯ll wait for him to wake up.¡±

    Finn nodded, still marveling at Dark Fang¡¯s unmasked appearance. Who is he really? she wondered, glancing between Lockey and the unconscious figure.