ã€ŠDiabolistã€‹


 From void profound 1

    Eva moved slowly through the darkened mansion, her steps deliberate and quiet. The wraiths'' screeches echoed through the halls, a haunting symphony of rage and hunger as they scoured the house for any sign of human life. Despite the noise, Eva remained calm, her measured pace unbroken.

    She halted abruptly at the faint sound of movement behind a nearby door. Tilting her head, she listened intently. There. A muffled shuffle confirmed what she suspected: she had found her rescue target.

    Pushing the door open, Eva scanned the room. It appeared empty at first glance, but the faint sound of breathing led her to a large wardrobe. Her fingers grazed the handle as she slowly pulled it open, revealing a teenage girl huddled inside. The girl''s face was streaked with tears, and she clutched her phone tightly. On the screen, a livestream played, its cheerful chatter an odd contrast to the oppressive darkness of the mansion.

    "What are you doing?" Eva asked, her voice calm but curious.

    The girl flinched at the question, quickly wiping her tear-streaked cheeks with trembling hands. "I thought... I thought I was going to die," she stammered, her voice small and shaky. Her eyes darted to the phone in her hands, and a blush crept up her cheeks. "So I... I just wanted to see him one last time."

    Eva''s gaze flicked to the phone. The screen displayed a streamer mid-broadcast, accompanied by a flood of animated gifts and comments. Among them were messages from the girl: I love you and Remember me when I''m gone.

    The girl noticed Eva looking and hugged the phone to her chest, her blush deepening. "Please don''t tell anyone," she mumbled, barely meeting Eva''s eyes.

    Eva gave a faint nod, her expression unreadable. "Come on," she said, turning to leave. The girl hesitated, then scrambled to her feet and followed.

    "So, where do we go now?" the girl asked, sticking close behind Eva.

    Eva shrugged nonchalantly, her calm demeanor unshaken by the chaos around them.

    The girl studied Eva, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Are you a guy or a girl?" she blurted, unable to tell through the illusion that cloaked Eva''s true form.

    "Neither. I''m a robot," Eva replied flatly.

    The girl''s eyes lit up. "Really?"

    "No," Eva said, glancing over her shoulder. "I''m a root."

    "Oh. That''s cool too," the girl said, her tone brightening as they moved deeper into the shadowy halls.

    Roots were mysterious beings with incredible powers that were too strong for them to control on their own. To handle this power, they joined with humans, creating a bond where the human, called a diabolist, could use and control the root''s abilities.

    But not just anyone could become a diabolist. No one knew why some people were chosen and others weren''t. In fact, no one understood where the roots came from or how they got their powers. The roots themselves never explained.

    Some people thought roots were demons, while others believed they were aliens. But the truth was something nobody knew.

    The girl grabbed Eva''s hand tightly as a wraith''s screech echoed nearby. A moment later, the creature rounded the corner, its eerie form coming into view.

    The wraith looked almost human, but its body seemed to melt and drip as if it were made of wax. Its feet hovered above the ground, though it moved them as if walking. It let out another piercing screech before charging toward them.

    Without hesitation, Eva scooped the girl into a princess carry and bolted in the opposite direction. The girl gasped but quickly wrapped her arms around Eva''s neck, clinging tightly.

    As they turned a corner, another wraith lunged at them. Eva didn''t slow down. With a swift, effortless kick, she sent the creature flying into the wall before continuing her sprint down the dark hallway.

    ***

    Downstairs, Jane sprinted through the dim hallways, the wraiths'' screeches growing louder as they closed in on her. Digging into her duffle bag, she pulled out her C.A. gun¡ªshort for Capture Alive gun¡ªa device she''d designed herself to trap wraiths without killing them.

    Skidding to a stop, Jane spun around to face her pursuers and pulled the trigger. A swirling vortex shot from the barrel, and the wraiths were sucked into the gun with a flash of light. Lowering the weapon, Jane panted and slipped it back into her bag.

    "I guess you don''t need my help," Peter''s voice called from behind her.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Jane sighed, looking up to see him leaning casually against the wall. "Did you at least find the girl?" she asked, brushing a strand of hair out of her face.

    Peter shook his head, his expression turning serious. "No, but you''re not hurt, are you?"

    "I''m fine," Jane replied, adjusting the strap of her bag. "I can''t reach Eva, though. She must''ve turned off her earpiece again."

    Peter chuckled. "Eva always does that. You should be used to it by now."

    Jane shot him a glare. "Did you at least find the leader?"

    "Yeah," Peter said, scratching the back of his neck. "But I ran into him, and, uh... I think I lost him."

    As if on cue, an earsplitting screech echoed through the mansion, making the walls tremble. Jane raised an eyebrow. "What was that you said? You lost him?"

    Peter laughed nervously. "Well, maybe not completely."

    Jane sighed, pulling another gun from her bag. This one looked far more dangerous than the C.A. gun¡ªit was her I.K. gun.

    "Back to back," she ordered. The two stood with their backs against each other, eyes locked on opposite ends of the hallway. The air around them seemed to grow heavier as they prepared for the wraith leader to make its entrance.

    The sound of countless screeches and pounding footsteps filled the air, sending shivers down Jane''s spine. She and Peter turned toward the noise, tense and ready, when suddenly Eva appeared around the corner. She was carrying a teenage girl in her arms, running with urgency etched on her face.

    Before they could even feel relief, a swarm of wraiths flooded the hallway behind her, their twisted forms moving fast. Peter''s eyes widened at the sheer number, but he didn''t hesitate. He sprinted toward Eva, determination blazing in his gaze.

    As they reached each other, Peter pressed his forehead against Eva''s. In an instant, a brilliant flash of light engulfed them, forcing Jane and the girl to shield their eyes. When the light faded, what remained was a single figure: a tall, bare-chested man with long, snow-white hair and piercing blue eyes, his body radiating a soft, pure glow. He held the teenage girl in a steady princess carry, his expression calm and unreadable under the shimmering illusion that masked his face.

    The teenage girl stared in awe, unable to see the details of their merged form through the illusion but utterly captivated by its grace and presence. "Amazing," she whispered, clinging tightly to the man''s neck.

    Jane, on the other hand, could see everything. She had witnessed this transformation countless times, but it never failed to leave her stunned. The beauty of their merged form was otherworldly¡ªwhite hair as radiant as moonlight, glowing blue eyes that seemed to pierce through the darkness, and an aura of power so pure it felt almost divine.

    Peter''s original brown hair and green eyes, and Eva''s black hair and striking blue eyes, always gave way to this extraordinary appearance. The reason for their merged form''s ethereal look was as much a mystery as the roots themselves, but Jane couldn''t deny its breathtaking beauty.

    "Focus, Jane," she muttered to herself, shaking off the awe as the wraiths screeched louder, closing in.

    Peter smiled softly as he set the teenage girl down gently on her feet. Turning to face the approaching wraiths, he raised a hand. A surge of black fire erupted from his palm, roaring through the hall and incinerating the creatures in an instant.

    "Wow," the girl whispered, her wide eyes filled with awe.

    The ground trembled with heavy thuds, each step like an earthquake. Jane and the girl turned toward the sound as Peter glanced back over his shoulder. "You should step back a bit. It''s about to get a little hot," he warned.

    Jane grabbed the girl''s hand, pulling her several steps away, just as the leader of the wraiths appeared.

    The monstrous creature bent the corner, its hulking, grotesque form filling the hallway. It had two heads with warped, misshapen faces, and a bloated body that quivered with every step. Its presence was overwhelming, radiating malice.

    "Found you," it growled, its voice deep and guttural, rumbling like distant thunder.

    One of its mouths opened wide and let out an ear-piercing screech. A torrent of smaller wraiths poured forth, flooding the corridor and charging toward them.

    Peter didn''t flinch. He raised his hand again, releasing another wave of black fire that swept through the hall, incinerating the wraiths instantly. But when the flames subsided, the leader remained untouched.

    "That won''t work on me, boy," the creature sneered, both heads speaking in unison.

    Peter smirked, unfazed. "Really? In that case, I''ve got something special just for you."

    He brought his palms together, and as he slowly pulled them apart, a brilliant white flame flickered to life between his hands. It burned intensely, brighter than anything Jane or the girl had ever seen, its heat palpable even from a distance.

    The leader of the wraiths recoiled slightly, its tone shifting to unease. "What is that?"

    Peter didn''t answer. With a sharp thrust, he sent the white flames surging forward. The fire engulfed the creature, its massive form disintegrating into ash in seconds. The hallway fell silent except for the faint crackle of fading flames.

    "Oh my gosh, this is the coolest thing ever!" the teenage girl exclaimed, quickly tucking her phone back into her pocket after filming the entire fight. Her face lit up with excitement. "I can''t believe I got that on camera!"

    "Let''s get you out of here," Jane said, her tone firm but kind.

    They led the girl out of the dark, crumbling mansion and back into the safety of the town. Waiting anxiously in the town square were the girl''s parents. The mother''s face lit up the moment she saw her daughter, and she ran forward to embrace her tightly, tears streaming down her face.

    The father approached Peter and Jane, his expression a mix of relief and gratitude. "Thank you so much for bringing her back," he said, his voice shaking.

    As the family reunited, it became clear what had happened. The girl had argued with her parents and stormed off, deciding to stay in their abandoned mansion without realizing it was infested with wraiths. When her parents discovered where she''d gone, they''d immediately hired the best diabolists they could find to rescue her and eliminate the threat.

    "I''ve already made the payment," the father added, nodding to Jane and Peter.

    Jane gave him a curt nod. "Then our business here is done." Her voice was professional, but there was a hint of satisfaction beneath her calm exterior.

    Peter stepped forward and raised his hands. A soft, glowing light began to surround them, intensifying until it became blinding. When the light faded, the diabolists were gone, leaving only the family in the quiet square.

    The girl clung to her mother, glancing back at the empty space where her rescuers had been. "They were amazing," she whispered. Her parents said nothing, just holding her close as the realization of her safety finally sank in.

 From void profound 2

    They reappeared in a secluded alley, the faint glow of their teleportation fading around them. Peter placed a hand on his forehead as he and Eva separated, their forms splitting with a shimmer of light. Stretching his arms, Peter glanced at Jane, who was already checking her bank account on her phone.

    "Yup, he paid in full," Jane confirmed with a satisfied nod. She removed her necklace, and Peter and Eva followed suit, unfastening the simple chains from their necks. The necklaces held the illusion spells that kept others from clearly seeing their faces, forms, or even hearing their true voices. Though the magic worked less effectively when Peter and Eva merged, leaving people able to perceive their form but not their face, it was still a handy disguise.

    "Great. I want to sleep so bad," Peter muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

    The trio began their walk back to the hotel, the quiet of the night broken only by their footsteps.

    The moment they stepped into the hotel lobby, the eyes of nearly every man in the room snapped toward Eva. It was something they were all used to by now¡ªEva''s beauty was impossible to ignore. With her wavy black hair, piercing blue eyes, flawless pale skin, and soft pink lips, she was stunning in a way that often made taking her out feel like a burden. Heads always turned, and attention always followed.

    Not that Jane and Peter were unattractive¡ªthey were far from it. Jane''s natural blonde hair, streaked with bold blue and red highlights, gave her a striking, rebellious charm. Peter, with his tall, lean frame and perfectly sculpted muscles, exuded an effortless confidence. But standing next to Eva, even their good looks seemed almost ordinary.

    "Miss Eva, I cleaned your room," a young male attendant said shyly, his cheeks tinted red.

    Eva gave him a polite smile, her expression unreadable, before stepping into the elevator with Peter and Jane. As the doors closed, Jane crossed her arms and huffed. "We''re in a suite, yet they only cleaned your room. Must be nice to have admirers everywhere," she grumbled.

    Peter chuckled, shaking his head. "Jealous much?"

    Jane shot him a glare but didn''t respond.

    When they entered their suite, Eva immediately started toward her room.

    "Stop right there, Eva," Jane commanded, her tone sharp.

    Eva paused mid-step, rolling her eyes before turning to face her. "What now?" she said, her voice laced with feigned innocence.

    "You can''t keep acting out on missions," Jane snapped. "How do you expect us to communicate when you turn off your earpiece? I could have died today."

    Eva raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smirk. "Could have? I was hoping for almost died."

    Jane''s face turned red with anger. "You¡ª"

    "Okay, that''s enough," Peter cut in, stepping between them. "Eva, go to your room."

    Eva stuck out her tongue at Jane like a petulant child before retreating to her room and closing the door behind her.

    Jane turned to Peter, her frustration boiling over. "She keeps acting out because you keep pampering her."

    "She''s being childish. Just treat her like a child," Peter replied with a shrug.

    "She''s not a child," Jane shot back. "She''s intentionally going against me."

    "Because you''re always nitpicking everything she does. I turned my earpiece off for a while today, too, but you''re not mad at me." Peter''s tone was calm but firm, his green eyes meeting Jane''s with quiet intensity.

    Jane stiffened, her fists clenching at her sides. What was she supposed to do? Admit that her frustration wasn''t just about Eva? That it had everything to do with her own feelings for Peter? How Eva''s casual closeness with him made her blood boil? How she hated that she couldn''t do the same?

    "I''m not defending her," Peter continued, oblivious to Jane''s internal struggle. "I''m just saying you should handle it like you would with a child."

    "She''s not a child," Jane repeated, her voice quieter this time, before turning and walking away, her footsteps heavy with tension.

    Peter let out a long sigh, rubbing his face in exhaustion. "Women," he muttered under his breath, slumping onto the couch.

    Peter remembered the first time he met Eva.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    *** Flashback ***

    They were just kids then¡ªa group of twelve, led by Michael, Peter''s fifteen-year-old brother. Peter, only ten at the time, had been the youngest.

    The group had decided to explore an abandoned house rumored to be haunted. It was in the bad part of town, a place they knew they shouldn''t have gone, but the thrill of the dare had lured them in. When they arrived, the house loomed over them like a shadowy specter. Its cracked windows and sagging roof gave it a menacing presence.

    "Okay, let''s go in," Michael said, stepping forward with the confidence of someone trying to impress his friends.

    Jane, who was also part of the group, grabbed Michael''s hand and pulled him back. "Even if there''s no ghost in there, the building looks like it could collapse any second," she warned, her voice laced with worry.

    Peter frowned at her words. At ten, he was eager to prove himself, especially to Jane. He''d had a crush on her back then, but Jane only seemed to have eyes for Michael. "I''m sure the building''s fine," Peter said stubbornly.

    Jane turned to him, her expression sharp. "Fine, then you go in," she challenged, still holding on to Michael''s arm to stop him from charging ahead.

    Peter puffed out his chest, determined to look brave. "I will!"

    Michael sighed, freeing himself from Jane''s grip. "No, I''ll do it."

    Peter shook his head. "No! I said I''ll go!" He wasn''t about to lose his chance to impress Jane.

    Without waiting for anyone to stop him, Peter walked toward the house. His heart hammered in his chest as he stepped inside. The air was thick with dust, and the faint scent of mildew made his nose wrinkle. Shadows clung to the corners of the room, and every creak of the old wooden floorboards felt deafening in the eerie silence.

    Peter wanted to turn back, but his pride pushed him forward. He''d barely made it past the living room when the floor gave a loud, splintering crack beneath his feet. With a startled yelp, he plunged through the rotten boards, landing hard in the basement below.

    He groaned as he pushed himself off the cold, dusty floor, rubbing his sore arm. The dim light filtering through the cracks above barely illuminated the basement. Cobwebs hung in thick curtains, and the stale air carried the metallic tang of rust.

    Peter''s face burned with embarrassment. Jane had been right¡ªthe house really was falling apart. He was about to call for help when a faint sound broke the silence.

    A shuffle.

    He froze, his breath catching in his throat. Slowly, he turned toward the source of the noise. Suddenly, as if by magic, a flame flickered to life in the darkness, illuminating a single candle on a rickety table.

    And then he saw it.

    Peter''s heart leapt into his throat as his eyes locked onto a figure standing just beyond the candlelight. It was his height, its entire body cloaked in long, unkempt hair that fell past its shoulders. The creature''s face was obscured, save for a pair of piercing blue eyes that glowed faintly in the dim light, staring at him without blinking.

    A scream tore from Peter''s lungs, echoing through the basement.

    "Peter!" Michael''s voice rang out, muffled but frantic, as he called from somewhere above.

    Relief flooded Peter, though his voice trembled as he yelled back, "Michael! I''m down here!"

    Michael''s hurried footsteps creaked overhead, and soon Peter could hear him searching. "Are you okay?" Michael shouted.

    Peter tore his eyes away from the creature for only a second, then snapped them back. It hadn''t moved, but he wasn''t about to let it out of his sight. "I''m fine," he called, his voice shaky. "But there''s... there''s something in here with me."

    "I''m coming! Hold on!" Michael''s voice was firm, trying to sound reassuring.

    Peter heard Michael moving away, his footsteps retreating. Panic bubbled in his chest. "Wait! Don''t go! I''m scared!"

    Michael''s voice carried back, calm and steady. "Don''t be. Remember what Mom always says¡ªeveryone has a guardian angel. You''re not alone down there, Peter. Your angel is with you."

    Peter swallowed hard, his heart hammering. He kept his eyes on the strange figure, his fingers gripping the dusty floor as if bracing for an attack. He didn''t feel safe, but Michael''s words clung to his thoughts like a lifeline. A guardian angel.

    Michael''s hurried footsteps echoed above as he ran through the house, searching for another way into the basement. Peter didn''t dare take his eyes off the creature, his heart pounding as he stayed frozen in place.

    A few minutes later, Michael''s voice called down, "Peter! The door to the basement is jammed¡ªit won''t open! I''m going to get Dad."

    "What?!" Peter''s voice cracked with fear.

    "Don''t worry! I''ll run as fast as I can. Do you trust me?" Michael asked.

    Peter hesitated, his gaze darting nervously between the creature and the hole above. His lip trembled as he bit down on it. "Okay¡­ but hurry!"

    "I''ll be back soon, I promise!" Michael shouted before his footsteps receded into the distance, leaving Peter alone in the oppressive silence.

    Peter''s fear intensified in the stillness, his body trembling. Every sound, no matter how faint, made his heart race. Then, the creature moved.

    Peter flinched violently, backing up against the crumbling wall. But the creature didn''t come toward him. Instead, it shuffled over to the lit candle, holding another candle in its small, dirt-streaked hands. Carefully, it leaned forward and lit the new wick just as the first candle sputtered, its flame almost extinguished.

    In that moment, Peter noticed something he hadn''t before. The creature wasn''t a monster. It had small, thin arms and hands¡ªlike a child''s.

    Peter''s fear lessened, replaced by a mix of curiosity and cautious determination. Summoning every ounce of courage, he took a shaky step forward. The figure didn''t move, its glowing blue eyes fixed on him as he approached.

    "Hi," Peter said, his voice soft but steady. "My name''s Peter. What''s yours?"

    The figure hesitated, then spoke in a quiet, almost hesitant voice. "They call me Eva."

    "Oh¡­" Peter said, blinking in surprise. "You''re a girl?"

    Eva nodded slightly.

    "Where are your parents, Eva?" Peter asked gently.

    "I ran away from my dad," Eva replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

    "Is he¡­ is he a bad person? Did he hurt you?" Peter''s brow furrowed with concern.

    Eva shook her head firmly. "No. Dad is super nice."

    "Then¡­" Peter began, choosing his words carefully, "he''s probably really worried about you."

    Eva''s glowing eyes looked away, focusing on the flickering candlelight. She didn''t respond, hugging her knees tighter to her chest.

    Peter didn''t press her further. Instead, he sat down a few feet away, giving her space but showing he wasn''t going anywhere.

 From void profound 3

    "How''d you get here?" Peter asked, breaking the silence.

    Eva didn''t answer, her glowing blue eyes flickering to the candle''s flame.

    Peter shifted awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. "Um¡­ I was trying to impress Jane. She likes my brother. I can see why¡ªMichael''s not scared of anything."

    "That''s a lie," Eva said quietly.

    "Huh?" Peter blinked, caught off guard.

    "He was scared when he heard you scream," Eva said, her voice soft but certain. "He was really scared."

    Peter chuckled nervously. "That''s because he''s my brother. He''s worried about me. But he''s not scared of anything else." He paused, his gaze dropping to the dusty floor. "I wish I was like him."

    Eva turned to him, studying his face. "Do you really want to be like him?"

    Peter hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. He''s strong. He''s brave. I''d do anything to be like him."

    "I can give you that," Eva said, her voice steady now.

    Peter raised an eyebrow, unsure if she was joking. "Really? How?"

    "I''m a Root," Eva said simply.

    Peter''s eyes widened. "What? Seriously? And you¡­ you chose me?"

    Eva nodded once.

    "Wait." Peter leaned back, skeptical. "I don''t have to sell my soul or anything, right?"

    Eva''s expression remained calm. "A soul can''t be sold. It always belongs to its owner. Only its fate can be shared."

    "So¡­ you''re not going to take it?" Peter asked cautiously.

    Eva shook her head.

    "I don''t need your soul. I don''t want it," Eva said calmly. "All you have to do is help people."

    Peter''s eyes lit up. In his mind, he suddenly saw himself as a superhero, saving the day. "Okay, I''ll do it!" he said eagerly.

    Then a thought crossed his mind. "Wait¡­ does that mean you''ll have to follow me everywhere I go?" he asked, tilting his head.

    "Not everywhere," Eva replied, her voice soft but clear.

    Peter frowned slightly as he glanced at her long, wild hair. "Well, we''re definitely going to have to give you a haircut," he said, brushing her hair aside to reveal her face.

    He gasped. Her face was smudged with dirt, but even so, it was strikingly beautiful. Her bright blue eyes seemed to glow, pulling him in like nothing he''d ever seen before.

    "Woah," Peter breathed, leaning in closer to get a better look.

    The moment his forehead touched hers, a bright flash of light filled the room. When Peter opened his eyes, Eva was gone. But he felt it¡ªan incredible surge of power coursing through his veins.

    Looking down, he realized his shirt was gone, replaced by a bare chest and floor-length white hair. He glanced at his hands, flexing them in amazement. "So¡­ this is a merge," Peter murmured, his voice filled with wonder.

    He rose to his feet, feeling stronger than ever. Glancing up at the hole he had fallen through, he crouched slightly and leaped effortlessly, clearing the gap in a single bound.

    *** Flashback ends ***

    Eva lay on the bed, her eyes fixed on her phone as she downloaded the streaming app the teenage girl had been using earlier. Curious about the platform, she opened it and began registering for an account.

    "Username?" Eva muttered to herself. After a moment of thought, she typed in Aviva, completing the registration process with a satisfied nod.

    Once inside, Eva began scrolling through countless videos, her expression blank as she flicked past dance challenges, cooking tutorials, and livestreams of people chatting about their day. She continued browsing for nearly an hour until one video caught her attention.

    It was from a new creator named justalex. The man on screen had messy black hair, warm brown eyes, and a naturally attractive face. He wasn''t doing anything extraordinary¡ªjust sitting in his room, casually talking about his favorite movies¡ªbut there was something about his easygoing demeanor that made Eva pause.

    A small smile tugged at her lips as she tapped the heart icon to like the video and quickly hit the follow button. Without thinking, she typed a comment:

    "You are so good-looking."

    Satisfied, Eva watched the video again. And again. She replayed it several times, her smile lingering each time Alex laughed or smiled at the camera.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    For a moment, the stoic and composed Eva seemed like just another girl finding a moment of lightness in her day.

    <hr>

    Elsewhere, Alexander was settling into bed in his small apartment. The glow of the city lights seeped through the blinds, casting faint streaks of light across the room. Just as he pulled the blanket over himself, his phone buzzed on the nightstand.

    "It''s probably not about my video," he muttered, trying to ignore the nagging curiosity bubbling up inside him.

    He rolled onto his side, facing away from the phone, determined to get some sleep. But no matter how much he tried, his thoughts kept drifting back to it. What if it is?

    After several minutes of tossing and turning, Alexander gave in with a sigh. "It won''t hurt to check," he said, reaching for the phone and unlocking it.

    A notification from the streaming app popped up on the screen:

    1 new like. 1 new comment. 1 new follower.

    His heart leapt, and his eyes widened. "Yes!" Alexander shouted, punching the air in excitement.

    He sat up in bed, a huge grin on his face. This was his very first follower, and the joy he felt was indescribable. It wasn''t just a small milestone¡ªit was validation, a sign that someone out there had noticed him.

    He opened the app to see the comment. His grin grew even wider when he read it:

    "You are so good-looking."

    Alexander laughed nervously, feeling a bit flustered but undeniably proud. "Well, this is a good start," he said to himself, his excitement still coursing through him.

    For the first time in weeks, Alexander fell asleep with a smile on his face.

    <hr>

    The next day, they returned to their hometown, arriving in the warm afternoon sun. As soon as they stepped into the town square, the three parted ways. Peter headed straight home, eager to see his family.

    The moment he walked through the door, he was engulfed in a tight hug by his twelve-year-old little sister, Ruth.

    "Peter!" Ruth squealed, clinging to him like a koala.

    Peter laughed as he picked her up. "Missed me that much, huh?"

    "Honey, Peter''s home!" his father, Mr. Davis, called from the living room.

    "Alright, Ruth, let go. Give him some air," Mrs. Davis said as she gently pulled her daughter away.

    "No way! It''s been forever since I''ve seen my favorite brother!" Ruth protested, holding on stubbornly.

    "I thought I was your favorite, Besides he''s been gone for like two days" Michael teased, descending the stairs.

    "Nope. You''re her favorite when I''m broke. I''m her favorite when I''ve got money," Peter joked with a grin.

    "Don''t listen to him," Ruth said, finally letting go and standing firm. "You''ve always been my favorite brother."

    "Give him some space, everyone," Mrs. Davis chided with a smile. "He just got back from his trip."

    "Let me get you some water!" Ruth said, dashing into the kitchen before anyone could stop her.

    "They act like we don''t do anything around here," Michael muttered with a grin.

    "Wait till you''re married¡ªit gets worse," Mr. Davis said with a laugh.

    Mrs. Davis shot him a sharp look. "Excuse me?"

    The brothers chuckled nervously, exchanging a knowing glance.

    Mr. Davis owned a mechanic shop, and Michael, his eldest son, had recently graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. He now worked alongside their father, helping to modernize and expand the family business.

    As Peter settled into the living room, Mrs. Davis leaned forward with a knowing smile. "Peter, do you remember those repairs I mentioned last time?" she asked, adding a subtle wink.

    Peter nodded, immediately catching the hidden meaning. "Oh, those. Yeah, I''ll send the money for them."

    "And don''t forget my shoes!" Ruth chimed in, returning with a glass of water for Peter.

    "Repairs? And Ruth, you don''t need new shoes," Mr. Davis said, frowning slightly.

    Mrs. Davis shot her husband a pointed glare, silencing any further objections.

    Ruth ignored the exchange and turned to Peter with a hopeful look. "Hey, the girl you tutor¡ªdoes she have a younger sibling? I could tutor them too!"

    Peter chuckled as he sipped his water. "Nope, she''s an only child."

    The truth was, Peter hadn''t told his family about his life as a diabolist. Being devout Christians, his parents were unlikely to accept it. Instead, he had crafted a convincing cover story: he worked as a private tutor for a temperamental rich girl. Sometimes, she requested his company on trips to ensure her studies wouldn''t be interrupted. It wasn''t ideal, but it kept questions to a minimum.

    "Peter, you''re so lucky. I wish I had a job like that," Ruth sighed dramatically.

    Peter smiled but said nothing, quietly thankful his family hadn''t probed deeper into his work.

    <hr>

    Jane stepped into her family home, greeted by silence except for the faint sound of the television. Her older brother glanced up briefly from his show before returning his attention to the screen, offering no more acknowledgment.

    Her family was what some would call above average¡ªwell-off but still striving for more. They were all obsessed with breaking into the elusive circles of the elite, tirelessly working to elevate their social status. Everyone except Jane.

    This made her an afterthought in her own home. Her lack of interest in their ambitions had long since placed her in the shadows, and her family had stopped noticing her altogether. But Jane didn''t care anymore. She had Peter now, and his friendship filled the void left by their indifference.

    She climbed the stairs to her room, closing the door behind her with a quiet click. Sitting on her bed, she pulled out her phone and opened her banking app. The screen lit up, displaying a balance of over twenty million dollars, all earned from her missions.

    Jane smirked, a mix of pride and defiance flickering across her face. She didn''t need her family''s love or acceptance. She had carved her own path, and it was one they could never control.

    <hr>

    Eva placed her bags on the bed in her house, the same dilapidated structure Peter had found her in years ago. The exterior remained untouched, but the interior had transformed drastically. What was once a dark and dusty ruin was now a cozy, modern space.

    She was about to lie down when something popped into her mind.

    "Right, Goldie," Eva muttered, getting back up. She left the house and began walking down the street.

    After a few minutes, she arrived at her destination¡ªa run-down building where five thugs sat outside, playing poker on a battered table.

    One of the men looked up and spotted her approaching. His face turned pale.

    "El Diablo," he whispered, his voice trembling.

    "Ah, not this again," said the second thug, rolling his eyes. "I''m not falling for it this time."

    The third thug, sitting beside the first, lifted his head. The moment his gaze landed on Eva, he froze, terror flashing in his eyes.

    The second thug laughed. "You''re playing along too? I''m not buying it. I''m finally winning, and you guys are pulling this crap? I don''t care if she''s actually behind me¡ªthis game isn''t ending."

    The fourth thug, oblivious, chuckled as he studied his cards. But when the fifth thug glanced up, his reaction was the same as the others. He dropped his hand of cards and stammered, "S-She-Devil..."

    Eva stopped a few feet away, crossing her arms as her icy blue eyes swept over the group.

 From void profound 4

    Eva tilted her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "So, I''m a she-devil now, huh?" she asked, her voice calm yet unsettling.

    "Oh, crap," the fourth thug muttered as he toppled backwards off his chair.

    "Miss Devil¡ªI mean, Miss Eva!" stammered the third thug, trying to compose himself. "We''ve been taking real good care of your demon dog¡ªI mean, your pet, Goldie."

    Eva stood silently, her piercing blue eyes scanning the group. After a long, tense pause, she simply said, "Thanks."

    The thugs visibly relaxed. "No problem!" the third thug replied quickly, before barking orders to the others. "Someone, go get her demon¡ªI mean, her pet!"

    "I got it!" blurted the fourth thug as he scrambled to his feet and rushed inside the house.

    A moment later, Goldie, a golden retriever, came bounding out, tail wagging furiously. The dog spotted Eva and bolted toward her, leaping up with uncontained excitement.

    Eva crouched slightly to pet Goldie, her expression softening. "Good girl," she murmured. She straightened and turned to leave, Goldie trotting beside her.

    "Till next time," Eva said over her shoulder.

    "Bye-bye! Please don''t come back," the first thug muttered under his breath as he slumped in his chair, relief washing over him.

    <hr>

    Goldie dashed around the house, her tail wagging like a propeller. Her excitement filled the air, making the old house feel alive. Eva watched her with a small nod, a rare sense of peace settling over her. For the first time in weeks, she felt like she was truly home.

    She pulled out her phone and opened the streaming app. A notification lit up her screen¡ªJustAlex had posted a new video. This time, he was attempting to act out a viral voiceover. It wasn''t perfect¡ªhis delivery was a little stiff¡ªbut there was something different about him. His eyes held a spark, a quiet determination that hadn''t been there before.

    Eva''s lips curled into a bright smile as she liked the video. She typed out a quick comment: Damn, you look good.

    Then she rewatched the video. Once. Twice. By the third time, her smile had grown wider, her cheeks lightly flushed.

    Meanwhile, Goldie sat patiently by the bed, her bright eyes fixed on Eva. She let out a soft whine, her tail thumping against the floor. This was their usual playtime, and Goldie was eager to get started.

    But Eva didn''t move. Thirty minutes passed, and she was still glued to her phone, replaying the same video.

    Goldie finally had enough. She glared at the device, letting out an annoyed whimper, her patience wearing thin. But Eva, lost in the screen, paid her no attention.

    The retriever let out a low huff, clearly offended. What could be more interesting than me?

    Goldie had had enough. With a sudden burst of determination, she lunged for Eva''s phone, trying to snatch it with her mouth. Eva yanked the device away just in time and slowly turned to face Goldie. Her expression was blank, but her voice carried a sharp edge.

    "I see now why they call you demon dog," Eva said flatly.

    Goldie tilted her head, her tail wagging cautiously as though trying to gauge whether Eva was truly upset. Without another word, Eva stood, grabbed her jacket, and headed for the door. Goldie barked happily and trotted after her.

    They walked all the way back to the thugs'' rundown house. Eva didn''t bother knocking politely. She pounded on the door with enough force to make the wood rattle.

    "Who the fu¡ª" thug 1 began angrily, opening the door. His expression changed instantly when he saw Eva. "Oh! Miss Eva. H-how can I help you?"

    "I need you to take care of Goldie for the night," Eva said, her tone brooking no argument.

    "What?!" thug 1 exclaimed in horror. His face drained of colour.

    "Thank you," Eva said curtly, ignoring their protests as she turned to leave.

    Goldie tried to follow, her golden fur brushing against Eva''s leg. "Stay," Eva commanded. Her voice was calm but firm, leaving no room for disobedience.

    Goldie whimpered and cried, her ears drooping as she watched Eva walk away without looking back.

    Thug 2 leaned out cautiously. "What''s taking so long?" he asked thug 1, who hadn''t moved an inch. Then he noticed Goldie. The dog sat at the doorstep, growling softly, her sharp teeth gleaming in the dim light. Both men froze.

    Meanwhile, back at her house, Eva slipped onto her bed, phone in hand. She opened the streaming app again and saw Alex''s video still on her screen. Her lips curved into a faint smile as she hit play.

    And so, the night passed with Eva replaying the same video, utterly absorbed, while Goldie terrorized the thugs from their doorstep.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    <hr>

    The next morning, Peter woke up early, laced up his sneakers, and went for a run. The crisp air and quiet streets helped clear his mind. Afterward, he took a quick shower, dressed, and grabbed his bag, ready for another day at the university.

    Michael was already waiting in the car when Peter stepped outside. "Took you long enough," Michael said with a smirk as Peter got in.

    The drive to the university was uneventful until they reached the entrance. As Peter was about to get out of the car, Michael glanced at the fuel gauge. "Wait. I''m out of fuel."

    Peter gave his brother a flat look. "Really, dude?"

    "Yes, really," Michael replied, keeping a straight face that Peter didn''t buy for a second.

    "You don''t need fuel money, Michael," Peter said, annoyed.

    Michael raised a hand, feigning innocence. "I''m just saying, you wouldn''t want me stranded, would you?"

    Peter sighed and stepped out. "Fine. I''ll send it to you," he said, adjusting his bag.

    "And Peter," Michael called out as Peter shut the door, "the PS5 just came out."

    Peter paused mid-step, turned back, and flipped Michael the middle finger.

    As Peter walked away, he was too distracted muttering curses under his breath to notice where he was going. He took a few steps backward to glance at Michael, who was laughing as he drove off, and¡ª

    Thud.

    Peter collided with someone, nearly knocking them over.

    "I''m so sorry," Peter said quickly, turning to apologize to the person he''d bumped into. His words trailed off when he saw her.

    She was stunning¡ªa dark-skinned girl with striking features and an aura that left Peter momentarily speechless. She looked equally surprised.

    "Hi, I''m Peter," he said awkwardly, offering a crooked smile.

    "Mercedes," she replied, smiling back.

    Before Peter could say anything else, Jane appeared out of nowhere, her arms crossed and a scowl etched on her face. "And I''m Jane," she said curtly.

    "And I''m Alan," chimed in Alan, a redhead with freckles and brown eyes, grinning as he slung an arm around Jane''s shoulders.

    Mercedes blinked, a little taken aback by the sudden introductions. "Nice to meet you all. I''ve got a class, so¡­ later," she said, flashing a polite smile before walking off.

    As she disappeared into the crowd, Alan let out a low whistle. "Damn, she''s fine, right, Jane?" he teased, giving Jane a playful nudge.

    Jane''s glare could have melted steel. Peter chuckled as he gently removed Alan''s arm from Jane''s shoulder. "Dude, stop," Peter said, shaking his head.

    Jane huffed and turned on her heel, walking off without another word.

    Peter watched her go, confusion written all over his face. "What''s her problem?" he muttered. Then, almost as an afterthought, he asked, "Could she be¡­ jealous?" A hopeful smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

    Alan snorted. "You wish. She''s probably just racist or something."

    Peter rolled his eyes. "She''s not," he said firmly, though secretly, he hoped jealousy was the answer.

    <hr>

    Mercedes was walking to class when her friends caught up with her, their voices bubbling with excitement.

    "Girl, you were just talking to Peter!" one of them exclaimed, practically bouncing with energy.

    Mercedes raised an eyebrow. "That''s the Peter you guys are always going on about?"

    "Uh, yeah!" another friend chimed in. "Isn''t he so hot?"

    Mercedes allowed a small smile to curve her lips. "Yeah, he is."

    "God, I want a piece of him," one of her friends said dreamily.

    "Don''t make it weird," Mercedes said, chuckling but shaking her head at the comment.

    As they walked, Mercedes found her thoughts drifting back to Peter. She couldn''t help but hope they''d run into each other again soon.

    <hr>

    Jane scowled all the way to the lab, her frustration radiating like a storm cloud. The other students instinctively stepped aside, unwilling to cross her path when she was in one of her moods.

    She made her way to her private corner in the lab, a space she''d claimed for herself, and pulled out her tools and equipment. Several devices she used during diabolist missions were damaged, and she needed to fix them.

    "He looks at every pretty thing that walks by," Jane muttered under her breath, her fingers twitching as she inspected a torn wire.

    Grabbing her soldering iron, she began to work, her thoughts churning. "Like I don''t even exist," she mumbled, her frustration making her movements jerky.

    As she carefully pressed the iron to the wire, a quiet question slipped out. "Aren''t I pretty too?"

    "You are," a voice answered casually.

    Jane froze. She didn''t need to look up to know who it was. "Mind your own business, Derrick," she snapped, her irritation flaring.

    Derrick, the teaching assistant, leaned on the edge of the workbench next to her. "What''s got you all worked up this time?" he asked, his tone light but probing.

    Jane bit her lip, debating whether to confide in him. "Do guys... look at other girls even if they already like someone?"

    Derrick tilted his head, thinking. "Yeah. It doesn''t mean anything, though. Just like if you saw a guy with a great body and looked¡ªit doesn''t mean you like your crush any less."

    Jane frowned, her soldering iron still in hand. "So it''s meaningless?"

    "Yup. Completely. So stop stressing about it," Derrick said with a grin, pointing at her work. "Because right now, your soldering looks like a bird''s nest."

    Before she could snap at him, Derrick ruffled her hair and walked off.

    Jane sat there, her mood slightly lifted. She glanced down at the wire she''d been soldering and grimaced. It was a mess.

    <hr>

    Peter settled into his seat as the lecturer walked into the classroom, setting down his notes on the desk. "I hope your assignments are coming along well, considering the reports are due tomorrow," the lecturer announced.

    Peter froze. His stomach dropped. "What assignment?" he whispered urgently to Alan, who was seated beside him.

    Alan leaned over and whispered back, "Suggest a new product and write your market entry strategy."

    "When was it given?" Peter hissed.

    "Four weeks ago," Alan replied nonchalantly, as if that should have been obvious.

    Peter''s eyes widened in panic, and he turned fully to Alan, his voice barely a whisper. "How did I not know about this?"

    Alan shrugged. "You were off on your tutoring trip, remember?"

    "Why didn''t you tell me?" Peter asked, his whisper edging on a hiss.

    Before Alan could reply, the lecturer cleared his throat loudly. Peter turned back to see the entire class staring at him, and the lecturer''s eyes bore down on him like twin lasers.

    "Since you two seem to find it appropriate to hold a conversation during my lecture," the lecturer began, his tone icy, "I''m assuming your report and PowerPoint presentation are ready. I look forward to seeing your work tomorrow, Mr. Davis and Mr. Andrews."

    Peter''s face turned pale. "Tomorrow?"

    "Wait," Alan interjected, his voice weak, "wasn''t the presentation supposed to be next week?"

    The lecturer''s stern expression didn''t waver. "For interrupting my lecture, the two of you will present tomorrow. Consider it a lesson in punctuality and respect."

    Peter slumped in his chair, his mind racing. He had just found out about the assignment, and now he had less than a day to complete it and prepare a presentation. He was doomed.

    "Great job, Peter," Alan muttered sarcastically under his breath.

    "Oh, shut up," Peter shot back, his mind already frantically trying to come up with a plan to salvage the situation.

 From void profound 5

    Eva jogged along the path with Goldie bounding happily beside her, his tongue lolling out as he kept pace. Her earbuds blasted music, and she lost herself in the rhythm of her run.

    She slowed to a stop when she spotted an ice cream truck parked ahead, its service window open. The sight made her sigh in frustration. He''s back.

    Eva walked toward the truck, Goldie obediently sitting at the edge of the sidewalk. Circling around to the back door, she pushed it open without knocking.

    Inside, Arram sat cross-legged in a corner, a tub of ice cream in his hands. He froze mid-scoop, looking like a child caught sneaking cookies from the jar. Slowly, he lifted his head, his blue eyes meeting Eva''s.

    "Arram," Eva said, her tone sharp.

    "Eva!" Arram greeted, flashing a sheepish smile. "Want a bite?" He held the tub toward her like a peace offering.

    Eva rolled her eyes and plopped into a nearby chair, crossing her arms. "Why are you here again?"

    "To sell ice cream?" Arram replied innocently, his voice full of mock sincerity.

    "By eating it all and giving the rest away?" Eva shot back, arching an eyebrow.

    Arram chuckled, his smile widening as he set the tub aside. "How else am I supposed to see you?"

    "I don''t want to see you," Eva countered without hesitation.

    Arram rested his chin on his hand, tilting his head as he gazed at her with that same infuriatingly charming smile. "You say that, but here you are."

    Arram smiled softly, his gaze drifting away. "Have you seen the news?" he asked, breaking the silence.

    Eva got up and walked to the small fridge inside the truck. Pulling out a tub of ice cream, she pried it open with practiced ease. "What news?" she asked, taking a spoonful without looking at him.

    "The Atlantian Legacy has conquered another country," Arram said, his tone casual.

    Eva froze mid-scoop. Her grip on the tub tightened slightly. "Is that so?" she asked, her voice calm but laced with tension.

    "Yes, but¡­" Arram continued, leaning back against the wall, "there were little to no casualties."

    Eva set the ice cream down, her movements slow and deliberate. Without a word, she walked to the door.

    Before she could open it, Arram''s arms encircled her waist, holding her in place. "Don''t leave," he said softly. "I don''t get to see you often."

    Eva''s eyes hardened. She grabbed his hands and peeled them off her, her movements firm but controlled. "I told you not to touch me," she said coldly, pushing him back with a sharp shove.

    "Sorry," Arram said, his smile faltering for the first time. "I can''t help it."

    Eva didn''t reply. She opened the door and stepped out of the truck, Goldie trailing close behind her.

    As Eva walked away, Arram leaned against the doorframe, his gaze settling on Goldie. A sly smile crept back onto his face.

    "Hmm¡­ I thought that chocolate ice cream would''ve done the trick by now," he muttered to himself, his voice low and amused.

    <hr>

    Eva returned home, her expression unreadable. She fed Goldie, who wagged her tail happily, and then headed to the couch. Sinking into its worn cushions, Eva pulled out her phone.

    There was no new video from justalex. She frowned briefly but then noticed his following had grown from one to ten. A small smile tugged at her lips. "Good for you," she murmured before switching apps.

    Opening her browser, Eva typed in Atlantian Legacy news. The search results confirmed what Arram had said¡ªthey had indeed seized control of another country. Her fingers hovered over the screen as she skimmed through the details. Little to no casualties¡­ The words felt hollow to her, but she sighed and put the phone down on the table.

    Without another thought, Eva stood and undressed, leaving her clothes in a small pile by the bathroom door. She stepped into the bathroom, the cool tiles grounding her thoughts as she turned on the water.

    The soft light illuminated her back, revealing intricate, crack-like lines that ran from the center of her spine to her shoulders and mid-thigh. The markings seemed almost alive, faintly glowing as steam filled the room.

    <hr>

    Peter bolted out of his final class, determination written all over his face.

    "Want to go to the library and work on the assignment together?" Alan called out behind him, hurrying to keep up.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    "Are you volunteering to help me?" Peter asked, barely slowing down.

    "Hell no."

    "You have your answer, then," Peter quipped, not even glancing back as he picked up his pace. Alan shook his head in mock exasperation and veered off toward the library.

    Peter made a beeline for Eva''s house, bursting in without knocking. Inside, Eva was sprawled lazily on the couch, Goldie draped across her like a warm, furry blanket. Eva''s fingers moved rhythmically, stroking Goldie''s golden coat as both lay in perfect harmony.

    "There she is¡ªmy most favorite person in the world!" Peter announced, grinning from ear to ear.

    Eva''s eyebrows arched in genuine surprise, and even Goldie''s head lifted, her ears perking up. "Are you okay?" Eva asked cautiously.

    "I''m fantastic because I''m here with you, my absolute favorite friend who''d do anything for me, right?" Peter said, his grin never faltering.

    Eva tilted her head, still suspicious. "I guess so?"

    "Great!" Peter exclaimed, dropping his bag onto the floor with a thud and pulling out his tablet. He quickly tapped the screen and pulled up a file, then held it out to Eva like an offering.

    "I need a detailed report on this," he said, "and a PowerPoint. Both due tomorrow."

    Eva blinked, staring at the tablet and then at Peter. "You''re joking," she said flatly.

    Peter clasped his hands together, the picture of mock sincerity. "If you don''t help me, I''ll have to ask Jane. And you know what? She''ll be my new most favorite person in the world."

    Eva''s lips twitched as though resisting a smirk, and she finally shook her head. She pushed Goldie gently off her lap and stood, heading to grab her laptop. "I''m not doing this because I want to compete with Jane," she muttered, setting up her workstation.

    Peter flopped onto the couch, his grin now impossibly wide. "Of course not," he said, settling in to watch as Eva''s fingers flew across the keyboard.

    Within minutes, the soft clack of keys filled the room, a melody of productivity. Peter leaned back, completely at ease. He knew he''d have his report and PowerPoint ready in record time¡ªthanks to his favorite person in the world.

    <hr>

    "Yes, yes, this is good. This is really good," Peter said, his voice brimming with excitement.

    Jane paused in the doorway, raising an eyebrow. Peter was hunched over Eva''s laptop, engrossed in whatever he was reading. "What''s good?" Jane asked.

    Peter jolted upright, slamming the laptop shut with the speed of someone caught red-handed. "Jane! When did you get here?" he stammered.

    "Just now. What are you looking at?" she asked, eyes narrowing in suspicion.

    "Nothing," Peter said quickly, his tone not at all convincing.

    Eva emerged from the kitchen holding a glass of water. She glanced at Jane, then at Peter, but didn''t seem surprised by the tension. "I''ll send it to you later," Eva said casually as she took the laptop from Peter''s grasp.

    "Thank you," Peter replied, his tone laced with gratitude.

    Jane''s frown deepened as she watched the exchange. She crossed her arms. "So, what''s up?"

    Peter shifted uncomfortably. "You... Never mind."

    Jane''s eyes flicked back to Eva. "Eva, charge up my gadgets," she said, tossing her duffle bag toward her.

    Eva caught it mid-air with a scowl. She unzipped it and began unloading various devices, setting them on the table. "You could ask nicely," Eva muttered under her breath.

    As Eva transmitted energy into the gadgets, Jane took out a small medical kit. "I''ll need blood samples from you," she said, her tone businesslike.

    "Again?" Peter groaned.

    "Yes," Jane replied, pulling out a syringe and a few blood tubes. "I think you should be able to channel more power from Eva, but I''ll need to check the results to confirm."

    Peter''s eyes widened at the sight of the oversized syringe. "Can''t you get smaller ones?"

    "Unless you want me to prick you multiple times," Jane said, smirking.

    Peter sighed in defeat and extended his arm. Jane smiled, amused by his hesitation, and expertly drew the blood. The full syringe filled three tubes with ease.

    Jane then turned to Eva, who stared back at her with a matching frown. Neither broke eye contact as Jane handed the blood tubes to Eva.

    Eva sighed and placed her hand over the tubes. With a faint glow, her energy seeped into the blood, illuminating the vials with a faint, otherworldly hue.

    "All done," Eva said, handing them back.

    Jane inspected the tubes, her frown softening. "Good. I''ll analyze these tonight," she said, packing up her equipment.

    "I checked your step counter, Eva. You were short by twenty thousand," Jane said as she carefully placed the tubes into her bag.

    "I got distracted," Eva replied flatly.

    "Double the steps when we return," Jane ordered.

    "When we return? Where are we going?" Peter asked, raising an eyebrow.

    "We''ve got a high-paying mission offer, and I think we should take it," Jane said, her tone resolute.

    "No," Peter and Eva said in unison.

    "What?" Jane asked, incredulous.

    "I have a presentation tomorrow. Plus, we just got back from a mission yesterday. My family will get suspicious if I disappear again," Peter explained.

    "And I''m tired," Eva added without hesitation.

    "Okay, we''ll go the day after tomorrow," Jane said, as if that solved everything.

    "Still no," Eva replied.

    "I wasn''t asking you," Jane said, narrowing her eyes.

    "I don''t care¡ªstill no," Eva shot back, her glare intensifying.

    "Jane," Peter interjected, "Eva needs to recharge. And I need to attend class and spend time with my family."

    "But it''s a very high-paying mission," Jane argued, her voice carrying a note of urgency.

    Peter hesitated, tempted. "How much are we talking about?" he asked.

    Eva promptly smacked the back of his head.

    "Right, sorry. Still no," Peter corrected himself, rubbing the spot where Eva had hit him.

    Jane turned her glare to Eva, and Eva met it with equal intensity.

    Peter''s eye twitched as he watched the silent standoff between the two. "Would you two stop that?" he said, exasperated.

    "Tch," Jane muttered, looking away first.

    Eva followed suit, rolling her eyes as she turned her attention back to the gadgets.

    "I''ll be heading out soon. I could walk you home if you''d like," Peter offered, a hopeful smile on his face.

    "No need. I''m going to work on the samples," Jane replied, her tone casual and distracted.

    Eva glanced between the two of them and resisted the urge to facepalm. "Hopeless," she muttered under her breath.

    It was painfully obvious to Eva that Peter wanted an excuse to spend more time with Jane. It was equally obvious that Jane had no clue. Eva wasn''t about to spell it out for her, either.

    "Oh," Peter said, his disappointment barely hidden. "Then I guess I''ll see you tomorrow."

    "Yes," Jane replied matter-of-factly, already heading downstairs to her lab, her focus entirely on her work.

    Eva watched her disappear, then turned back to Peter. "Best of luck with your presentation," she said.

    Peter nodded, his smile returning slightly. "Thanks," he said before leaving the house.

    Once the door closed, Eva picked up a ball. Goldie''s ears perked up instantly, and the golden retriever jumped to its feet, barking excitedly.

    "Let''s go play," Eva said with a small smile.

    Goldie dashed out of the house, tail wagging furiously, with Eva following at a leisurely pace.

 From void profound 6

    Peter stopped by the mall on his way home to buy the PS5. As he swiped his card, he realized he had hit his self-imposed spending limit for the month. Setting that limit had been one of his smarter decisions¡ªit had allowed him to save up fifteen million from his diabolist missions.

    Carrying the PS5, Peter headed home. When he stepped inside, he found his entire family seated in front of the TV, their faces tense and filled with worry.

    "This is the most recent country to be taken over by the Atlantian Legacy," the news anchor said gravely. "This leaves everyone wondering: which country is next? Is it ours?"

    "Oh, God help us," Mrs. Davis whispered, her hand covering her mouth in dread.

    "We now cut to a message from the president," the anchor continued.

    The room fell silent as the president appeared on the screen. He began a speech designed to calm the nation, reassuring the people of their safety. But toward the end, his tone shifted.

    "Despite our best efforts, I must call upon all hidden diabolists," the president said. "The Hoods, the Mask, the Shifter, and all other unknown diabolists¡ªwe need you. Please come forward to help your country."

    Peter''s heart sank as the weight of the words settled in the room. He glanced at his family and saw their fear mirrored on their faces.

    Peter reassured himself silently. If the time came, he would step forward to help¡ªbut exposing his identity as a diabolist wasn''t something he was ready to do.

    "It''s okay, honey. We''ve got the Hoods, remember?" Mr. Davis said to his frightened wife, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

    The Hoods. That was the nickname the public had given to his group¡ªhim, Jane, and Eva. Peter suppressed a smile at how little his family knew about their son''s secret life.

    Wanting to change the tense atmosphere, Peter tapped Michael on the shoulder. "I got the PS5," he said, holding up the box.

    That did the trick. "That''s my brother!" Michael grinned, jumping to his feet.

    "Peter, did you send the money for... you know, the thing?" Mrs. Davis asked, her voice softer now.

    "Yup," Peter replied, ruffling her hair affectionately. "And I added a little extra for Ruth."

    Mrs. Davis''s face lit up as she walked off with Ruth to check the money. Michael grabbed the PS5 and bounded upstairs, eager to set it up.

    "Good job," Mr. Davis said, his tone low but filled with approval. He knew exactly what Peter had done¡ªdeliberately distracting the family from the ominous news.

    Peter nodded back, the quiet acknowledgment between father and son saying more than words ever could.

    *** Another country ***

    In a grand but chaotic conference room, men in tailored suits paced back and forth, their faces etched with despair. The weight of impending doom pressed down on them, and the air was thick with tension.

    The heavy oak doors swung open, and a woman in a sharp navy suit entered. Her expression was grim, and the room fell silent.

    "Well?" one of the ministers asked impatiently, his voice cracking under the strain.

    The woman shook her head solemnly. "They refused the job."

    A collective groan swept through the room as the men slumped in their chairs or buried their heads in their hands.

    "Increase the offer," one of them said desperately. "Double it¡ªno, triple it. Pay them whatever they want! We need the Hoods now!"

    "Enough!" an elderly man at the head of the table bellowed, slamming his cane against the polished floor. The room quieted as everyone turned toward him. His weathered face, lined with years of leadership, was steely with determination. "Our president has fled like a coward, and now we, the ministers of this nation, are running around like headless chickens. Where is our pride?"

    "What do you suggest we do, then?" another man asked, frustration seeping into his voice.

    The old man''s gaze swept the room, piercing through their despair. "We declare martial law. Summon every diabolist in the country. Assemble our forces. We will not go down without a fight!"

    His voice reverberated through the room, igniting a flicker of resolve in the eyes of those present.

    "And the Hoods?" another minister asked hesitantly.

    "Keep trying," the old man said firmly. "Contact them, and any other diabolists willing to stand with us. We cannot afford to give up hope."

    The ministers exchanged uneasy glances but nodded. They had a plan now¡ªfragile as it was¡ªand it was better than succumbing to despair.

    <hr>

    Peter stood at the front of the class, steadying his nerves as he began his presentation. His voice was confident, and his points were clear, each slide reinforcing his arguments. The lecturer''s eyes flicked between Peter and the printed report in his hands, his expression neutral but focused.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    "Thank you," Peter said, concluding his presentation with a polite nod.

    The class erupted into applause, some more enthusiastic than others. Even the lecturer gave a subtle nod of approval, though he tried to mask his reaction.

    "Fuck, I should''ve gone first," Alan muttered under his breath, shooting Peter a mock glare.

    "Mr. Davis, please come to my office after your classes are over," the lecturer said, closing Peter''s report. "Mr. Andrews, you''re next."

    As Alan trudged to the front, Peter returned to his seat, puzzled by the lecturer''s request. Why would he want to see him?

    Alan''s presentation began, but Peter''s mind wandered. Thoughts of his report and the unexpected summons filled his head. Still, he couldn''t help smirking as Alan stumbled through a few slides.

    After that class ended, the day continued with a string of lectures that left little room for Peter to dwell on the mystery. It wasn''t until all their classes were finally over that he made his way to the lecturer''s office.

    When Peter stepped inside, he froze. Standing next to the lecturer''s desk, deep in conversation, was Mercedes.

    Her eyes darted toward him, and for a split second, she seemed just as surprised to see him as he was to see her.

    Mercedes looked genuinely surprised to see him. "Peter?" she said, her voice laced with curiosity.

    "Hi," Peter replied awkwardly, offering a small wave.

    The lecturer cleared his throat, drawing both their attention back to him. Peter quickly straightened, his casual demeanor shifting to one of focus.

    "I wasn''t aware you knew him," the lecturer said, eyeing Mercedes.

    "Oh, we became acquainted recently," Mercedes explained with a polite smile.

    "I see." The lecturer adjusted his glasses and turned his gaze to Peter. "Mr. Davis, please take a seat."

    "Yes, sir," Peter said, quickly moving to sit across from the desk.

    The lecturer clasped his hands together, fixing Peter with a stern expression. "Mr. Davis, ever since I began teaching your class, you''ve stood out as the most unserious student in the room."

    Peter flinched at the blunt statement. "Sorry, sir," he muttered, lowering his head.

    "I''m not done yet," the lecturer said sharply.

    "Sorry," Peter muttered again, his tone quieter this time.

    "You''ve frequently taken leaves of absence, and when you are present, you''re inattentive and disruptive. I was quite certain you were going to fail this class," the lecturer said, each word carrying the weight of judgment.

    Peter braced himself, feeling the sting of the criticism.

    "But today has proven me wrong," the lecturer continued, his tone softening slightly.

    Peter''s head snapped up, his eyes wide with surprise. "Really?"

    "Your report was the best I have read in my years of teaching," the lecturer said, leaning back in his chair. "Your ideas are brilliant, and your presentation wasn''t bad. You clearly understand and have a passion for business, which is why I''m recommending you to intern at J and K."

    Peter blinked, momentarily stunned. "What? Really?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

    J and K was one of the largest corporations in the world, renowned for its exclusivity. Internships there were typically reserved for the children of the wealthy elite¡ªthose who had connections and influence.

    The lecturer nodded. "It takes place over the summer break. So, are you interested?"

    Peter nodded rapidly, struggling to contain his excitement. "I am! But¡­ how?"

    "My father is looking to scout talented students to train for the company," Mercedes interjected, stepping closer. She handed Peter a form. "I''ll just need your name, email address, and contact number."

    Peter eagerly took the form and quickly scribbled down his details, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and gratitude.

    Mercedes smiled warmly as she took the form back. "I guess I''ll see you around then," she said, offering a small wave before leaving the office.

    Peter watched her go, still in awe of what had just happened.

    "What are you waiting for? Get out," the lecturer said curtly, snapping Peter back to reality.

    Peter jumped to his feet. "Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. I won''t let you down," he said earnestly before hurrying out of the office.

    <hr>

    Jane''s experience in class was worlds apart from Peter''s. As a renowned genius in the electrical engineering department, she had long since earned the respect¡ªand wariness¡ªof her lecturers. None of them bothered forcing her to attend lectures or focus on the material. After all, Jane had usually mastered the syllabus long before they taught it.

    She sat at the back of the lecture hall, scrolling through her phone openly as the professor droned on about circuit designs she''d learned¡ªand improved upon¡ªyears ago. Nobody found her behavior odd. It was simply Jane being Jane.

    Opening the website she had built for her group''s commissions, Jane navigated to the job request page. The site was a masterpiece of cybersecurity, its constantly changing IP address ensuring no one could trace it back to her.

    Her sharp eyes landed on a familiar request¡ªthe same mission she''d rejected because Eva and Peter didn''t want to go. This time, however, the payment had increased significantly, from five hundred thousand to one million.

    Jane''s brows furrowed as suspicion crept into her mind. A sudden jump like that was far from normal. She rejected the request again with a decisive tap, her fingers moving with precision and purpose.

    "Who''s trying to bait us?" she muttered under her breath.

    She leaned back in her chair, recalling the last time they''d fallen for such a setup. It had been a government trick¡ªa high-paying mission designed to lure them into a trap. Escaping had been nothing short of a nightmare.

    Since the Atlantian Legacy had become a looming threat, the government''s desperation to recruit them had only grown. That was why Jane strongly suspected this sudden offer was yet another trap. She sighed heavily and tucked her phone into her bag, leaning back in her chair.

    Jane''s thoughts drifted to Eva, her enigmatic partner and Peter''s root. Even among roots, Eva was a unique case¡ªso much so that Jane often wondered if even Eva herself knew the full extent of her power. In the global rankings, the Hoods held the number five spot, a position Jane knew they could easily surpass if Peter could channel more of Eva''s strength. If that ever happened, they wouldn''t just climb the rankings¡ªthey''d claim the top spot, undisputed.

    But the mystery surrounding Eva always gnawed at her. Online theories about the Hoods'' root were endless, and Eva''s secrecy only fueled the speculation. Some theorists claimed Eva once belonged to the powerful Norton family, while others tied her to the ancient and elusive Aimar lineage. Both families had ties to roots dating as far back as the 1960s, but Jane didn''t have the resources¡ªor connections¡ªto verify any of it.

    Jane rubbed her forehead, her thoughts swirling. What was Eva hiding? And why was she so determined to keep it from them?

    Peter, as usual, didn''t seem to care. He never questioned Eva''s past or the way she deftly avoided discussing it. To him, Eva''s presence was enough. He trusted her without hesitation, his easygoing nature shielding him from the deeper questions that kept Jane awake at night.

    But Jane couldn''t let it go. Something about Eva''s past felt ominous, like a shadow hanging over their group. Jane wasn''t sure what it was, but she had a sinking feeling that whatever Eva was hiding wasn''t just personal¡ªit was dangerous. Dangerous for Eva, dangerous for Peter, and dangerous for her.

    As the lecture continued in the background, Jane''s fingers tapped anxiously on the desk. She needed answers, but Eva wasn''t going to give them willingly. And as much as Jane hated the thought, she knew she might have to find those answers herself.

 From void profound 7

    Eva sat at the rickety table, her sharp gaze locked on the poker cards spread before her. The five thugs seated around her squirmed nervously under the weight of her intense focus.

    "Explain again why I lost," Eva said, her tone as flat and sharp as the edge of a blade.

    Thug 1 closest to her, an older man with a scar running down his cheek, cleared his throat awkwardly. "Uh... we''re using the highest cards to win. You, uh, had twos and threes."

    Eva''s brows furrowed. She glanced at the cards again, her frustration barely contained.

    Thug 2, a younger guy with a twitchy smile, tried to ease the tension. "We can, uh, play again¡ªthis time using the lowest cards to win."

    Eva tilted her head slightly, considering it. Then she nodded, her expression resolute. "Fine. Let''s play again."

    The thugs exchanged uneasy glances as they reshuffled the cards. The game began, the room filled with the sounds of cards sliding across the table and Eva''s sharp focus bearing down on them like a predator sizing up its prey.

    It didn''t matter. She lost again.

    This time, her hand was unbeatable¡ªaces, kings, a full house¡ªyet somehow, she still ended up on the losing side.

    Eva''s piercing gaze swept over the thugs as they shuffled uncomfortably in their seats. Beads of sweat formed on their foreheads, and one of them, unable to handle the silence, broke first.

    "We were... secretly playing with the highest cards to win again," the thug 2 stammered, laughing nervously.

    "Yeah, yeah, exactly!" thug 3 chimed in, nodding so furiously it looked like his head might fall off. "You won, Miss Eva. Fair and square!"

    Eva''s eyes narrowed slightly. She could tell they were lying, but for some reason, the idea of "winning" satisfied her. "Good," she said simply, rising from her chair. "Let''s play again later."

    "Yes! Anytime you want, Miss Eva!" thug 4 said quickly, his relief almost palpable.

    "I have somewhere to be," Eva said, her voice still calm but with a faint undertone that kept them all on edge. She turned and walked away, her strides deliberate and measured.

    The thugs waited until she was out of earshot before they collectively exhaled.

    "Man, who knew she was so bad at poker?" thug 1 muttered.

    "It''s weird, though," thug 2 said, scratching his head. "She always ends up with the worst cards when we''re playing seven-card stud but somehow gets a royal flush every time we switch to razz."

    "It''s like God Himself doesn''t want her winning," thug 5 joked.

    The group burst into relieved laughter, the tension finally broken as they returned to their day, each silently hoping Eva wouldn''t be back anytime soon

    <hr>

    Eva stretched lazily, cracking her neck as her gaze locked onto the towering church ahead. In her hand, she gripped an envelope stuffed with money.

    Two ethereal beings flanking the church doors noticed her approach. Their translucent forms shimmered faintly in the sunlight as one nudged the other.

    "Oh, here she comes again," the first one said, rolling his eyes.

    "I wonder if she''ll break her record this time," the second replied, smirking.

    Without missing a beat, Eva suddenly bolted. She darted through the church doors at lightning speed, her movements a blur as she sprinted past the pews. In one smooth motion, she tossed the envelope into the offering bowl and pivoted on her heel.

    The pastor, mid-prayer, glanced up just in time to see her retreating form vanish out the door. Shaking his head with a knowing smile, he returned to his prayer, as unfazed as someone witnessing a routine occurrence.

    Outside, one of the beings squinted, watching Eva speed away.

    "New record¡ªsix seconds," he announced, impressed despite himself.

    His companion let out a low whistle. "She''s getting faster every week."

    The two exchanged amused glances before resuming their silent vigil at the doors, already anticipating her next visit.

    <hr>

    Alexander frowned as he ended the call with his mother, running a hand down his face in frustration. He let out a heavy sigh before glancing at the clock.

    Then it hit him¡ªhe still hadn''t uploaded his new video.

    Springing into action, he rushed to his laptop, logged into the streaming app, and quickly uploaded the clip. It was a viral dance trend, one he''d spent hours perfecting in front of a mirror until every move felt fluid and sharp. After hitting "upload," he shut off his PC and settled beside his phone, waiting.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    His fingers drummed against the table as minutes passed. No notifications.

    "She''s probably busy," Alexander muttered, trying to reassure himself.

    But deep down, he knew the truth¡ªhe''d been waiting for one person''s reaction. Aviva. Ever since she''d started following him and engaging with his content, he''d been on cloud nine, her presence an unspoken validation of his efforts.

    Suddenly, his phone buzzed. His heart jumped as he unlocked it with a mix of eagerness and anxiety. There it was¡ªAviva had left a comment.

    Dancing has never been sexier.

    Alexander bit his lip to keep himself from letting out a scream of pure joy. His cheeks burned as he read and reread her words, the corners of his mouth pulling into a wide grin.

    The video began to gain traction, racking up thousands of views and dozens of other comments, but he barely noticed. His focus was locked on Aviva''s comment, her words replaying in his mind like a sweet melody.

    In that moment, Alexander felt on top of the world.

    <hr>

    Eva sat cross-legged on her bed, her breathing slow and steady as she entered a meditative state. In her mind''s eye, she saw the outline of an angel¡ªa familiar figure she often visualized during these sessions. Its radiant glow represented her current power level, yet the light only reached the angel''s ears, falling short of its full brilliance.

    Eva exhaled and leaned back against her bed with a satisfied smile. Her energy wasn''t fully restored, but it was high enough to handle most situations.

    She grabbed her phone, planning to rewatch the latest video from JustAlex, her guilty pleasure in moments like these. But before she could press play, the door burst open.

    Peter stormed in, his face lit up with uncontainable joy.

    "Eva, you are my angel!" he exclaimed, wrapping her in a tight hug.

    Eva blinked, startled by his sudden enthusiasm. "I''m not doing another assignment for you," she said flatly.

    Peter pulled back and laughed. "I don''t need you to!"

    He sat on the edge of her bed and excitedly recounted everything that had happened that day¡ªhis presentation, the glowing praise from his lecturer, and the coveted internship offer. Eva listened, unimpressed but attentive.

    When Peter finished, he grinned at her. "Seriously, Eva, where did you learn all that?"

    Eva''s gaze shifted, avoiding his eyes. "Nowhere," she said curtly.

    Peter knew better than to push. Eva never talked about her past, and every time he tried, it only led to a dead end. Instead, he leaned forward, his tone more earnest now.

    "Could you teach me?" he asked. "I need to get better¡ªreach your level."

    "Jane teaches you," Eva replied, raising a brow.

    Jane, being a natural genius, had quickly grasped Peter''s coursework just from reading his notes. She''d taken it upon herself to tutor him so he could keep up with his studies.

    "Jane''s great," Peter admitted, "but if I want to get to where you are, I need your help too."

    Eva let out a long sigh, rubbing her temple. "Fine. Come to me if you need help."

    "I need help," Peter said instantly, his eyes sparkling with eagerness.

    Eva stared at him, deadpan. "You want to start now?"

    "Yes, please," Peter said, almost bouncing in place.

    With a groan, Eva dragged herself off the bed. "Alright," she muttered, "but don''t expect me to go easy on you."

    <hr>

    Jane entered Eva''s house, her bag slung over her shoulder, and immediately paused at the sight before her. Peter and Eva sat at the dining table, a textbook open between them, with Eva pointing at something on the page.

    "What''s going on here?" Jane asked, her brow furrowing.

    Peter turned to her with a sheepish grin. "Eva''s teaching me some stuff."

    "Teaching you?" Jane''s frown deepened as she glared at Eva. "Isn''t that my position?"

    Eva met her glare with one of her own. "Yeah, but apparently, I''m better at it," she said nonchalantly.

    "Eva''s really good at this," Peter added, trying to defuse the tension.

    Eva reached out, cupped Peter''s cheek, and gently turned his face back toward her. "Enough. Focus on me," she said with a sweet smile.

    Peter blinked, feeling like something was off but not quite able to put his finger on it. He shrugged and nodded.

    Meanwhile, Jane clenched her fists, her face twitching with barely restrained annoyance. She wanted nothing more than to march over and yank Peter away from Eva, but she forced herself to take a deep breath.

    "Fine," Jane said through gritted teeth as she pulled out a chair and sat next to Peter. "I''d like to see how you teach."

    Eva smirked, unbothered, and resumed her lesson.

    As Eva explained, Jane crossed her arms and listened intently, only to realize¡ªto her surprise and irritation¡ªthat Eva really did know more about business than she did.

    "I''m confused," Peter said, his voice breaking the brief silence.

    "What''s confusing you?" Jane asked, leaning closer.

    "This part," Peter said, pointing to a section in the textbook.

    Eva glanced at it and frowned. "How do you not understand that?"

    "It''s a bit complicated," Peter mumbled.

    "It''s pretty straightforward," Eva countered.

    "Could you explain it again?" Peter asked hesitantly.

    "What needs to be explained? This leads to that," Jane said impatiently, her voice rising.

    "But¡­ why, though?" Peter asked, feeling smaller with each word.

    "Why? Did you also question why one plus one equals two?" Jane snapped. "It just is! It doesn''t need explaining."

    "She''s right," Eva chimed in, nodding. "It''s just how it works."

    "Perhaps we should all just calm down," Peter said quickly, holding up his hands in surrender.

    Jane exhaled sharply and stood up. "You''re right. We need to calm down. You¡ª" she jabbed a finger in Peter''s direction, "¡ªare going to keep reading this until you get it."

    Eva gave a satisfied nod as she stood, joining Jane. "Exactly."

    The two of them walked off toward the kitchen, leaving Peter staring after them, dumbfounded.

    He let out a groan and muttered under his breath, "Why are they only united when it comes to attacking me?"

    <hr>

    In the kitchen, Eva and Jane stood by the sink, each sipping a glass of water.

    "Is he always this dumb?" Eva asked, her tone flat.

    Jane groaned. "Trust me, you''ve made it further than I usually do. Every time I explain something, he''s always asking, ''Why this? Why that?'' God, it drives me crazy."

    "It''s so easy to understand," Eva said, shaking her head.

    Jane sighed, leaning against the counter. "I guess we''re stuck with that idiot."

    "We?" Eva raised an eyebrow. "That''s your crush, not mine."

    Jane''s grip on her glass tightened. Her eye twitched. "If you know that, stop making moves on him."

    Eva''s lips curled into a mischievous smile. "Your pain is my happiness, don''t you know?" she said, brushing past Jane as she walked out of the kitchen.

    Jane stared after her, her fingers tightening around the glass so hard it almost cracked. "That bitch," Jane hissed under her breath.

    As her anger subsided, a thought struck her. Jane frowned and glanced toward the doorway where Eva had disappeared. For all of Eva''s apparent expertise, something didn''t add up. They had been together ever since Peter had discovered Eva, and not once had Eva gone to school or received any formal training.

    "What secrets are you keeping, Eva?" Jane murmured, her voice tinged with worry.

 From void profound 8

    A week had passed, and Peter and Alan sat in a small caf¨¦ on campus, the warm buzz of chatter and clinking cups filling the air.

    "I''m telling you, the Hoods are suspicious," Alan said, taking a sip of his soda.

    Peter raised an eyebrow. "Just because they won''t expose themselves?"

    "No," Alan said, leaning forward. "Because they haven''t decided to support the country."

    "That''s your reasoning?" Peter asked incredulously.

    "Think about it," Alan said, his tone growing conspiratorial. "The Atlantian Legacy always has undercover diabolists in every country they invade. For all we know, the Hoods could be working with them."

    Peter stared at him, slack-jawed. "That''s the dumbest reason I''ve ever heard."

    "You''re in denial," Alan shot back, crossing his arms.

    "He''s right, though," a feminine voice chimed in.

    The two turned to see Mercedes standing nearby with a small smile.

    "Sorry," she said. "I overheard your conversation and couldn''t help myself."

    "No problem," Peter said with a grin. "Though you can only join if you''re on my side."

    Mercedes laughed softly as she pulled out a chair and sat down. "Don''t worry, I am." She glanced at Alan. "You''re... Allen, right?"

    "Alan," he corrected, blinking at her dumbly.

    "Sorry," Mercedes said with a polite nod. "Think about it, Alan. If the Hoods were really working against us, they''d be quick to approach the government and infiltrate from the inside. But they''re keeping their distance. Maybe they know something we don''t and are staying away to protect us."

    Peter smirked and leaned back in his chair. "See? She gets me."

    "I''m being ambushed. Two against one¡ªit''s not fair at all," Alan said, throwing his hands up in mock defeat.

    Before Peter could respond, his phone rang. He glanced at the contact, a smile creeping onto his face as he answered.

    "Hey, Jane... I''m just hanging out with Alan and Mercedes. ...I''m at the caf¨¦, why? ...Hello? Hello?" Peter frowned as the call abruptly ended.

    Alan leaned forward, chugging the rest of his soda in one go. "What did she say?"

    "Not much," Peter said, slipping his phone into his pocket. "But I think she''s coming over."

    Mercedes tilted her head, curious but keeping her expression neutral.

    A few minutes later, the door to the caf¨¦ swung open, and Jane entered, looking like she''d rushed to get there. She scanned the room, spotted them, and marched straight to their table.

    "Jane! Back me up," Alan pleaded as soon as she reached them. "Tell them the Hoods are suspicious."

    Jane looked at him like he''d just said the sky was green. She sighed, crossing her arms. "I forgot you were stupid. How else would you come up with something that ridiculous?"

    "Wha¡ªcome on, baby, don''t do me like that," Alan said, grinning sheepishly.

    "Dude, don''t call her that," Peter said, shaking his head.

    Jane ignored them both, fixing her gaze on Peter. "Get up. We have to go."

    "Oh," Peter said, blinking before standing. "Later, guys."

    Mercedes watched as the two left, her curiosity growing. "Those two... are they together?"

    Alan shook his head. "Nope. They just work together."

    "Oh," Mercedes said, her expression softening in understanding.

    <hr>

    Jane had to constantly remind herself that Peter wasn''t hers and that he had every right to make female friends. But the thought wasn''t doing much to calm her irritation.

    "Jane, please slow down," Peter called out, struggling to keep up as she stormed ahead.

    Jane frowned, deliberately quickening her pace. By the time they reached Eva''s house, she had managed to reign in her temper, though her expression still held traces of annoyance.

    "You two merge. I''ll grab the gear for the test," Jane said curtly before heading downstairs to retrieve her equipment.

    "She seems angry," Eva remarked, watching Jane disappear down the stairs.

    "I know. She won''t even tell me why," Peter said, exhaling in exasperation.

    You''re the reason, Eva thought, suppressing a smirk as she shook her head. She stepped closer to Peter, pressing her forehead against his as they began to merge.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    A rush of power surged through Peter, and he stretched his arms with a content sigh. "Man, that feels amazing every time," he said, flexing his fingers as if rediscovering them.

    Jane returned moments later, carrying a bundle of equipment. Without a word, she began attaching electrodes to Peter and setting up her laptop. Her movements were sharp, efficient, and notably silent.

    "As per the results from the last test, you should be able to channel a bit more power this time," Jane said, her tone all business. "So, begin."

    Peter nodded, sitting cross-legged on the carpet. He closed his eyes and began to meditate, channeling power as Jane''s computer recorded the readings.

    Jane sank onto the couch, pulling out her phone while the equipment did its job. She navigated to the mission request website, her expression indifferent as she browsed through the latest postings.

    One request caught her eye¡ªit was the same one she had already rejected twice. The pay had increased again. Jane rolled her eyes and hit reject for the third time.

    Another mission offer popped up. Jane tapped on it, scrolling through the details with mild curiosity.

    "My name is Anthony Grey. I require your services to heal my sister," it read.

    Jane almost dismissed it out of habit until her gaze snagged on the payment offer.

    Six million.

    Her eyes widened slightly. That was a number she couldn''t ignore.

    Jane hesitated, glancing briefly at Peter as he meditated. Technically, she was supposed to consult him and Eva before accepting any mission. But six million...

    Her finger hovered over the screen before she tapped accept.

    <hr>

    Lying on the hospital bed was a beautiful nineteen-year-old girl, her chest gently rising and falling with the aid of machines. Numerous devices surrounded her, monitoring her vitals with quiet, rhythmic beeps. She was in a deep comatose state, her expression serene yet hauntingly lifeless.

    Seated on a couch beside the bed, her mother sobbed uncontrollably, her face buried in trembling hands.

    "I''ve contacted Legion," the father said, standing by the window, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "They said they''d send a diabolist."

    The mother''s sobs faltered for a moment. She looked up, her tear-streaked face filled with a glimmer of hope. "Are they sending the Angels?" she asked, her voice trembling.

    The father sighed deeply, avoiding her gaze. "I don''t know. They didn''t specify."

    On the couch beside their mother sat the girl''s two brothers. The older son, wearing a sharp suit, exuded an air of professionalism and maturity. He looked every bit the respectable businessman.

    The younger son, however, was a stark contrast. He wore a loose t-shirt, his arms lined with tattoos, and his hair dyed an unapologetic green. Despite looking even younger than his sister, there was a restless energy in his movements.

    The younger son pulled out his phone, glancing furtively at his family before refreshing a website on his browser. A friend of a friend had discreetly shared the link with him, claiming it was the key to contacting the Hoods.

    It was an unorthodox and controversial choice. Most wealthy and powerful families wouldn''t even consider reaching out to people like the Hoods. The proper channels, like the globally recognized Legion Organization, were far more reputable and reliable. But the younger son had always admired the Hoods, not just for their mysterious reputation but because they were ranked as the fifth strongest diabolists in the world.

    The page refreshed, and a notification appeared on the screen. His heart raced as he read the words.

    "The mission has been accepted."

    He shot to his feet in surprise.

    "What''s wrong?" the older brother asked, startled by his sudden movement.

    "The Hoods¡ªthey''ve accepted the mission," the younger son said, his voice filled with disbelief and excitement.

    <hr>

    "You did what?!" Peter exclaimed, his voice rising in disbelief.

    "Trust me, it''s an easy mission," Jane said with a shrug. "We go there, heal the girl, and come back. It won''t take longer than the weekend."

    "Jane, you were supposed to consult us!" Peter retorted, throwing his arms up in frustration.

    "It''s over the weekend! You don''t have any assignments due, and it''s six million," Jane countered confidently.

    Peter froze mid-rant. "Wait... Did you say six million?"

    "Yes," Jane confirmed with a knowing smile.

    "As in six million dollars?" Peter asked, his tone shifting.

    "Yes," Jane repeated, her smile widening.

    "Why didn''t you say that earlier?" Peter said, his frustration evaporating as he touched his forehead and undid the merge. "Eva, we have a mission," he called.

    Eva, who had been listening the entire time, frowned as she leaned against the doorway. "Is money that important?" she asked, crossing her arms.

    "Yes," Peter and Jane said in perfect unison.

    Eva shook her head, looking unimpressed. She turned to leave but suddenly stopped mid-step, her expression shifting subtly. A flicker of something crossed her face¡ªan unease Peter and Jane didn''t catch.

    Meanwhile, Jane and Peter were too busy imagining all the things they could buy. "We can''t go on the mission," Eva suddenly said, her voice cutting through their daydreams.

    "What?" Jane snapped, snapping back to reality.

    "I said, we can''t go on the mission," Eva repeated firmly.

    Jane crossed her arms, glaring at Eva. "I''ve already accepted it."

    "Then maybe you really should have consulted us first. I have plans," Eva said, her tone icy.

    "You were fine with it a minute ago," Jane shot back.

    "Well, I just remembered my plans," Eva said curtly, turning away.

    Jane opened her mouth to argue further, but Peter stepped forward, his tone calmer and more measured. "Eva, can these plans be put off?"

    "No," Eva said bluntly.

    Peter sighed, choosing his next words carefully. "Eva, this mission involves healing someone. If we don''t leave on time, that person could die. Do you want that?"

    Eva hesitated, her resolve wavering. Above all else, Eva valued helping people. She glanced at Peter and then at Jane, their expectant faces silently urging her.

    "Fine," she muttered before walking away, clearly annoyed.

    The moment Eva was out of earshot, Peter and Jane exchanged grins and slapped a high five.

    <hr>

    Peter ran home, bursting through the door to find only his mother and Ruth in the living room. Ruth glanced up from her phone, barely paying him any attention.

    "Oh, it''s just my broke brother," Ruth said with a smirk before turning back to her screen.

    Peter walked over and knocked her lightly on the head. "I''ll remember that," he said with a mock glare.

    Ruth laughed. "You''re so predictable."

    "Mom, I''m going on a trip," Peter announced, turning to his mother, who looked up from her book in surprise.

    "So soon?" Mrs. Davis asked, concern flashing across her face.

    "Yes, but don''t worry. I''ll eat well and say my prayers before bed," Peter assured her, attempting to ease her worry with a grin.

    Mrs. Davis didn''t seem convinced, her brow furrowed as she set the book aside. "You know, you don''t have to keep doing this job. We can support you until you graduate. Just focus on your grades for now. I mean, you have a real shot at J & K," she said, her voice laced with concern.

    Peter paused for a moment, his expression softening. "Mom, I want to do this while I still can," he said earnestly.

    Mrs. Davis sighed deeply, clearly still uneasy, but she didn''t press further.

    Peter leaned down and kissed her cheek. "When I come back, I''ll buy you a car, so start practicing your driving," he said with a playful smile before dashing toward his room.

    "Wait, what about me?" Ruth called out, her voice indignant.

    Peter''s laughter echoed down the hall as he disappeared into his room.

 From void profound 9

    Jane adjusted her illusion necklace before starting the video call with the client who had commissioned their mission. The screen lit up, revealing a teenage boy with striking green hair.

    "Hello, I''m the one who commissioned the mission," the boy said as soon as the call connected.

    Jane blinked in mild surprise. His appearance caught her off guard, and even more so, his young age. She quickly composed herself.

    "The payment is six million. Are you aware of that?" Jane asked, her tone professional.

    "Yes, sir¡ªor ma''am," the boy stammered. "Don''t worry, just... just heal my sister." His voice was laced with desperation.

    "Location?" Jane prompted, keeping her expression neutral.

    "I''m at Millennium Hospital," the boy said quickly. "I could arrange for a jet to pick you up," he added eagerly, his words tumbling out.

    Jane raised an eyebrow at the offer. She had to admit, the idea was tempting. Most wealthy clients preferred to avoid public association with diabolists, rushing them out as soon as the job was done. A private jet was a rare luxury she wasn''t about to turn down.

    "We''re currently near Norman. Meet us there," Jane said, her tone steady.

    "I will," the boy said, nodding fervently. His eyes shone with tears, his gratitude palpable.

    "Don''t worry. Your sister will be fine," Jane said with a calm confidence that seemed to steady him.

    The boy choked back a sob as he nodded once more. Jane ended the video call, closing her laptop with a soft click. She removed the illusion necklace and set it aside, her expression unreadable as she stood and prepared for the journey ahead.

    <hr>

    Eva filled Goldie''s bowl, watching her pet fish swim lazily toward the food. With that task done, she headed to her bed, her expression tight with worry. She could feel it¡ªthe looming weight of an episode building in her core. It was close, just a few days away, but the uncertainty gnawed at her.

    An episode in public, during a mission, or¡ªworst of all¡ªwhile merged with Peter would be catastrophic. She couldn''t take that risk. She needed to force it to happen now, in the safety of her room.

    Taking a deep breath, Eva climbed onto the bed and shut her eyes.

    She dove into the depths of her mind, pulling out a memory, one she hadn''t dared touch in years.

    A beautiful woman with flowing black hair and piercing blue eyes knelt before her, their surroundings blurred in a golden haze. The woman cupped Eva''s cheek gently, her touch cold and chilling.

    "Be strong for Mummy," the woman whispered.

    The memory fractured as Eva gasped, the warmth fading into the cold stillness of her room. It wasn''t strong enough.

    Her chest tightened. She needed something more potent¡ªsomething that would break her completely.

    Eva plunged deeper, into a darker corner of her past.

    A man loomed before her, dressed in ancient, flowing robes. His face was obscured by shadows, but she could feel his presence, heavy and oppressive. Slowly, he reached out, his fingers brushing against her face.

    "How beautiful," the man murmured, his voice soft yet chilling.

    The words echoed in her mind like the toll of a distant bell.

    That did it.

    Pain erupted from her core, sharp and unbearable. Eva''s eyes flew open as her body convulsed, yanked violently out of the memory. Agony wracked her limbs, and her breaths came in shallow, ragged gasps.

    It had begun.

    The cracks on Eva''s back spread like living veins, dark and jagged, creeping outward with malicious intent. Every inch they claimed sent waves of searing pain through her body, a torment like no other.

    Eva gritted her teeth, desperate to keep from screaming as her back arched involuntarily. Her fingers dug into the bedsheets, clutching them so tightly that the fabric began to tear beneath her grip.

    The cracks continued their relentless journey, slithering up her neck and toward her face. Each movement was agony, as though her skin were splitting apart, and her chest heaved with silent screams she couldn''t release. Her lips parted slightly, her throat straining, but no sound came out.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    Her body convulsed violently, and she squeezed the bed harder, her nails ripping through the sheets. Goldie, perched quietly in the corner, whined softly.

    For twenty long minutes, the agony persisted. The cracks moved like serpents, claiming more of her, until they suddenly began to recede, fading back into her skin. The pain ebbed, and Eva''s trembling body slowly relaxed into the bed.

    She lay there for a moment, breathing heavily, her chest rising and falling as she regained her composure. "It''s okay now, Goldie," she whispered hoarsely, brushing her messy hair back from her damp forehead. Goldie calmed at her voice, her tiny tail swishing gently.

    Eva reached for her phone, her hands still trembling slightly, and unlocked it. A notification from her streaming app lit up the screen. She opened it and saw a message from justalex:

    "Hi, this is Alex. I hope it''s a good time to talk. I''m grateful you take the time to watch my videos."

    Eva stared at the words, her vision blurring as a lump formed in her throat. Something about the message felt sincere, almost tender, as though it had been typed out with genuine care.

    Her eyes moistened, and the dam holding back her emotions broke. Silent tears streamed down her cheeks, carving paths on her pale face. For the first time that night, she let herself feel the weight of it all¡ªher pain, her isolation, and the bittersweet comfort of a stranger''s simple kindness.

    <hr>

    Alexander was getting ready for bed, but his mind kept wandering back to Aviva. He chuckled softly to himself as he slipped under the covers, finding it ridiculous how much she occupied his thoughts. He''d never even met her before, yet her presence felt so vivid in his mind.

    As he settled into bed, an unshakable sense of unease crept over him. Negative thoughts stirred within him, whispering that something bad was happening to her. He frowned, shaking his head in disbelief. You don''t even know her, he reminded himself, but the feeling lingered, gnawing at the edges of his mind.

    Unable to ignore it, Alexander grabbed his phone and opened the streaming app. He hesitated, his fingers hovering over the keyboard as he tried to figure out what to say.

    Finally, he typed: Hi, this is Alex. I hope it''s a good time to talk. Are you okay?

    The words looked silly on the screen, and self-doubt gnawed at him. She''ll think I''m weird, he thought, quickly deleting the last sentence. He replaced it with something safer: I''m grateful you take the time to watch my videos.

    Satisfied, he hit send and set the phone down, exhaling deeply. You''re overthinking this, he told himself, pulling the blanket over his shoulders.

    For a while, he just lay there, his phone silent beside him. He told himself not to expect a reply, that she was probably busy or asleep. But then, about an hour later, his phone buzzed.

    He grabbed it quickly and saw her reply: Thank you.

    Simple, but it made his heart skip a beat. Alexander blushed, grinning like an idiot as he ducked under the covers to hide his smile from the empty room. It was a small moment, but it felt meaningful¡ªenough to make him fall asleep with a lighter heart.

    ***

    Arram had his golden hair tied back in a neat ponytail as he stood in the chilly room, surrounded by tubs of colorful ice cream. His sharp green eyes scanned the containers, his lips curling into a satisfied grin as he reached the final count.

    "And... fifty. Perfect." He straightened up, wiping his hands on a towel. "Okay, these are for me and Eva."

    He carefully separated the tubs of strawberry and vanilla ice cream, sliding them to one side of the counter. Then, with a smirk, he turned to the chocolate tubs and nudged them to another side.

    "And these... these are for the beast," he said with mock reverence, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

    Arram''s movements were methodical as he prepared another batch, mixing ice cream in a silver bowl with almost too much precision. Just as he was about to seal the container, he paused, his gaze flicking to a shelf below the counter.

    "Right. Almost forgot."

    He crouched down, pulling open the small shelf and retrieving a bottle with a faded label. Rat Poison was written on it in bold, alarming letters. Arram''s smirk widened into something far more sinister as he unscrewed the cap and poured a generous amount into the bowl. The thick liquid disappeared as he stirred it, folding it into the ice cream with practiced ease.

    "And this," he muttered to himself, sealing the container and setting it apart from the others, "is for Peter."

    He wiped his hands again, satisfaction evident on his face. But as he moved to pack the containers, his brow furrowed, and he scratched his chin in thought.

    "Why do I feel like I''ve missed something important?" he mused aloud, glancing around the room as if searching for an answer.

    For a moment, the only sound was the hum of the freezer. Arram tapped his fingers against the counter, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face before he shook his head and dismissed the thought.

    "Eh, probably nothing."

    He returned to his work, humming a cheerful tune as the poisoned ice cream sat innocently among the rest, waiting for its unsuspecting recipient.

    <hr>

    The three¡ªEva, Jane, and Peter¡ªsat in the back of a taxi, headed toward the meeting point where their private jet would pick them up. Peter was practically buzzing with excitement, his knee bouncing slightly, while Jane tried (and failed) to mask her own anticipation.

    Eva, on the other hand, gazed out the window, looking utterly unimpressed. Her chin rested on her palm, fingers drumming idly against her cheek.

    Jane glanced at her, noting the slight shadows under her usually flawless eyes. "Did you not sleep well?" she asked.

    Eva turned her head slowly, leveling Jane with a glare. "I wonder whose fault that is."

    Jane''s eye twitched. "Hey, what''s that supposed to mean?"

    "Girls, please, not today," Peter groaned, already sensing the brewing argument.

    Jane ignored him. "Oh, I see. You''re saying I stopped you from sleeping? If it weren''t for me and this mission, I wonder when you would ever get to fly in a private jet."

    Eva rolled her eyes. "I shall forever be grateful, O Materialistic Queen."

    Peter buried his face in his hands. "Oh, good God."

    "Peter, are you hearing this?" Jane asked indignantly. "I was just concerned about her, and she started attacking me!"

    "I never said you were the reason I couldn''t sleep," Eva countered smoothly. "You assumed that all on your own. I''m guessing the shoe fits?"

    Jane gasped. "You bitch."

    Peter sighed heavily, sliding on his headphones because he knew the rest of the ride would be filled with bickering.

    And, of course, it was.

 The earth arose 1

    They arrived at the private airstrip where the jet was stationed. A butler greeted them upon arrival, ushering them inside and helping them settle in.

    By now, Eva and Jane had ceased their arguing. They had a long-standing agreement¡ªno matter their conflicts, they would never bicker in front of a client or an enemy.

    Jane sank into one of the plush seats, letting out a sigh of contentment as she and Peter took full advantage of this rare luxury. Peter stretched out, savoring the experience with a grin.

    Eva, watching their indulgent behavior, rolled her eyes.

    The jet took off smoothly, and before long, they arrived at their destination. As they stepped off, Jane immediately spotted the teenager who had hired them¡ªAnthony Grey.

    "I''m so glad you could come," Anthony said, his excitement evident.

    Peter and Eva, however, were too distracted by his green-dyed hair, staring at it in silent curiosity.

    Jane snapped her fingers in front of their faces. "Guys, you''re being rude."

    Peter blinked. "Sorry."

    Eva tilted her head slightly before offering a simple, "I like it."

    Anthony laughed sheepishly. "Thanks." He then gestured to the man standing beside him. "This is my older brother, Andrew."

    Andrew, appearing far more serious than his younger sibling, got straight to the point. "My sister¡ªcan you really heal her?"

    Jane met his gaze evenly. "If we can''t, we won''t take the payment. That''s how we work. Payment is always after the job is done."

    Andrew gave a curt nod. "You''ll need to wait somewhere else for a while."

    "Understood," Jane said without hesitation.

    They were led to the mansion where they would be staying. As soon as they arrived, Eva wasted no time settling onto the sofa, pulling out her phone.

    A notification popped up on her screen¡ªJustAlex had posted a new video. Without hesitation, she tapped on it and connected her earphones.

    The video played, showing Alex on a beach, effortlessly performing a viral dance with a group of people. The carefree energy of it was contagious.

    A small smile tugged at Eva''s lips as she watched. Then, without thinking, she hit replay. And again. And again.

    <hr>

    "So, what''s wrong with your sister?" Jane asked, glancing at Anthony.

    Anthony sighed. "We don''t know. We found her passed out in her apartment, and she hasn''t woken up since."

    "Were there any signs of a break-in?" Jane asked.

    Anthony shook his head. "No. The doctors said there''s nothing physically wrong with her, but for some reason, she''s still unconscious. That''s why my parents contacted Legion. They were hoping to ask the Angels to heal her."

    At that, Eva stiffened. She turned away from her phone, her attention now fully on the conversation.

    "The Angels are here?" she asked sharply.

    Anthony shook his head. "No, they didn''t take the mission. Luckily, you guys did."

    Eva visibly relaxed and returned to watching her video.

    Peter sighed. "It would''ve been nice to see the Angels, though."

    Jane silently agreed, though for a different reason. She had no admiration for them like Peter did, but as the top-ranked diabolists in the world, the Angels intrigued her. Two beings with white hair, gray eyes, and powers so awe-inspiring they were considered divine.

    More than anything, Jane wanted to ask them a question that had been nagging at her for a long time¡ªwhy did Eva, somehow, share their abilities?

    <hr>

    Andrew stood in another room, his grip tightening on his phone as he spoke.

    "What did he say?" he asked.

    His father''s voice came through the line, heavy with frustration. "He can''t heal her. Only the Angels can."

    Andrew clenched his fists. "So what now?"

    His father sighed. "We''re going to formally request the Angels to come."

    Andrew turned his gaze toward the room where the Hoods were waiting. He hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Father, the Hoods are already here. Maybe we could¡ª"

    "Don''t even think about it," his father snapped, cutting him off. "Do you want to offend Legion?"

    Andrew''s jaw tightened. "This is Anne''s life we''re talking about. We shouldn''t be worrying about what Legion thinks." Without waiting for a response, he ended the call.

    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Taking a deep breath, he walked back into the room. "Let''s go to the hospital."

    Jane studied his expression for a moment, then smiled, understanding that he had made his decision. "Let''s go."

    Peter and Eva stood up as well. "Okay," they said in unison.

    They arrived by car, stepping out and making their way into the hospital. The ride had been silent, tension lingering in the air. Once inside, they took the elevator up to the ward where Anne, the unconscious girl, was being kept.

    As they entered the room, they found Mr. and Mrs. Grey already there, accompanied by two other men. Jane immediately recognized them¡ªJustin and Chester from Legion. Justin was the diabolist, while Chester, his root, ranked tenth in the world rankings.

    Justin''s frown deepened the moment he saw them. "You invited the Hoods? Why call us if you don''t trust us to help?" he sneered.

    "I didn''t invite them." Mr. Grey''s voice was sharp with irritation. He turned to Andrew. "Show them out."

    Andrew''s jaw clenched. "No. Dad, this is Anne''s life we''re talking about. I''m not taking any chances."

    Anthony nodded rapidly in agreement. "Yeah, we just want to help," Peter added, his voice calm but firm.

    Chester, leaning casually against the wall, didn''t seem the least bit interested in their dispute. His eyes lazily swept over the group, but he remained silent.

    Eva, who had been observing quietly, finally spoke. "I like your headphones."

    Chester turned to look at her. The illusion concealing her true appearance prevented him from making out any details, so he simply nodded. "Thanks."

    Eva turned to the girl lying on the hospital bed, her eyes widening slightly at the sight. "Huh, that''s weird," she commented.

    "Why? What''s wrong with my sister?" Anthony asked, worry creeping into his voice.

    Eva tilted her head. "Oh, that''s simple. She made a contract with a rogue root, but she''s not capable of being a diabolist, so the contract backfired."

    Anthony and Andrew exchanged shocked glances.

    Justin scoffed. "We just informed their father of that. Which is why only the angels can help now."

    Peter and Eva rolled their eyes at Justin''s arrogance.

    Eva crossed her arms. "There are two options available: One, find the root and have the contract canceled, or..." She trailed off, hesitating on how to phrase her next words.

    Chester, who had been silently watching, straightened slightly, sensing the weight of her pause.

    "Or what?" Andrew pressed.

    Eva exhaled. "Or we could reduce the backlash temporarily to wake her. Pick one."

    Chester''s stance eased a fraction, satisfied with her wording.

    "In order to reduce the backlash, we need the angels," Justin insisted.

    Eva shook her head. "Not necessarily."

    She stepped forward, standing beside Anne''s bed. With a light touch, she placed a finger on Anne''s forehead. A thin stream of white energy flowed from her fingertip into the unconscious girl.

    Chester''s eyes widened slightly, his brows furrowing as he watched the display. How is that possible?

    After a minute, Eva withdrew her hand and stepped back.

    Jane raised a questioning brow, silently asking, Is she okay now?

    Eva gave her a small nod.

    "What now?" Mr. Grey asked, his voice edged with both hope and skepticism.

    Jane smiled confidently. "Just wake her up."

    At those words, Mrs. Grey rushed to the bedside, her hands trembling as she gently shook her daughter.

    "Anne, wake up. You''ve slept for too long," she pleaded.

    Anne let out a small groan, shifting slightly as if trying to get more comfortable.

    Mrs. Grey gasped, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks as joy flooded her expression.

    Mr. Grey, Anthony, and Andrew stepped closer, their faces lighting up with relief.

    "Mom, let me sleep," Anne mumbled, her voice thick with drowsiness. Slowly, her eyelids fluttered open, and she blinked in confusion at the sight of her entire family gathered around her, their expressions a mix of happiness and overwhelming relief. Her mother was outright sobbing.

    Anne frowned. "What''s going on?"

    Chester stepped forward, eyes locked on Eva. "How did you do that?"

    Eva simply pressed a finger to her lips. "Secret."

    Chester frowned, and Justin looked just as surprised. The two exchanged glances¡ªthey would have to report this to the Angels.

    Meanwhile, Mr. Grey turned back to his daughter, his relief quickly replaced with frustration. "Anne, you made a deal with a Root. What were you thinking?"

    Anne''s face turned pale as the memory hit her. "I''m sorry. I got greedy and¡­ I didn''t think it would turn out like this."

    "Where''s that damn Root now?" Andrew demanded, fists clenched.

    Anne shook her head. "I don''t know."

    Jane crossed her arms. "This fix is only temporary. You need to find that Root and break the contract before things get worse."

    Justin and Chester both nodded in agreement.

    "I don''t know where she is," Anne admitted. "I have no idea where she could be, all I know is that¡ª"

    "She looks exactly like you," Eva finished.

    Anne''s eyes widened. "How do you know that?"

    Jane and Peter also turned to Eva, curious.

    With a sigh, Eva pulled out her phone, opened the streaming app, and tapped on JustAlex''s latest video. She handed the phone to Anne.

    "I''m guessing that''s her in the background," Eva said.

    Anne''s breath hitched. On the screen, in the middle of a crowd, stood a girl who looked exactly like her¡ªlaughing with a few friends.

    "She''s there with Ellie and Phoebe!" Anne said, anger rising in her voice. "She''s trying to steal my life!"

    Andrew snatched the phone from her hands and stared at the video. "Where was this filmed?"

    Eva shrugged. "I''m not God¡ªI don''t know everything," she said, a little offended that no one seemed impressed by Alex in the video. She took her phone back, scrolling through it with mild irritation.

    "Can''t I just call Phoebe and Ellie and ask where they are?" Anne suggested.

    "No, that might tip off the Root," Andrew said firmly. "I''ll find their location."

    Peter crossed his arms. "So... are we done here? Looks like you''ve got things under control."

    Jane glanced at the Greys, waiting for their answer.

    Mr. Grey sighed, his tone much softer now. "Please, could you assist us until this is resolved?"

    Jane nodded. "You''re the boss."

    With that settled, they were led to a hotel where they would spend the night while Andrew worked on tracking down the rogue Root.

    <hr>

    In a distant location, a stunning woman with flowing black hair and striking blue eyes bit her blood-red lip in anticipation. She traced a finger over a country on the map, a smirk playing on her lips.

    "Please, Castor, let me handle this one," she purred, her voice dripping with charm.

    The man she addressed¡ªCastor¡ªchuckled, unfazed by her usual tricks. "Daeva, the boss hasn''t given the order yet," he said, his warm smile never fading.

    "Oh, come on," Daeva sighed dramatically. "I''m bored, and that one is taking forever. Let me do it¡ªI''ll be quick."

    Another woman approached from behind, wrapping her arms around Daeva''s waist and resting her head on her shoulder. She had glowing red eyes and pale, flawless skin.

    "Castor, let her go," the woman¡ªLamia¡ªmurmured. "I''ll be with her."

    Castor hesitated, rubbing his chin. "I don''t know¡­ He won''t be happy if we make a move without his approval."

    "Please," Daeva pressed, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

    Castor studied her for a moment before sighing in defeat. "Fine. But keep the casualties to a minimum. The boss wants things clean."

    Daeva beamed and grabbed Lamia''s hand. "Let''s go!" she said, practically dragging her out of the room.

    As the door closed behind them, Castor chuckled to himself. "Oh, he''s not going to like this."

 The earth arose 2

    Jane was lying on her bed, casually scrolling through the website when she noticed something. The job request she had been rejecting had new details.

    Please help us. Our country is under attack by the Atlantian Legacy. Any amount is payable.

    Jane''s eyes widened. She sat up immediately and called Eva and Peter to her room.

    Peter walked in, yawning. "What''s up?"

    Jane handed him the phone. Eva stood behind him to read over his shoulder. Jane''s eye twitched at how close Eva was standing to him, but she said nothing.

    Peter and Eva''s expressions turned serious as they finished reading.

    "What do you think?" Jane asked.

    "We should take this mission," Eva said without hesitation.

    Jane raised a brow. "Why? Won''t it make you lose sleep?" she asked, voice dripping with sarcasm.

    Eva smirked. "Don''t worry, I''ll be sure to complain when it''s over."

    They exchanged glares before Peter spoke up.

    "How are we supposed to handle something this big?" he asked, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

    Jane and Eva turned to him. Jane sat beside him. "Are you worried?" she asked.

    "A bit," Peter admitted. "What if we fail? The whole country is depending on us."

    Eva nodded, her tone calm. "It''s reasonable. The Atlantian Legacy is powerful, with thousands of roots whose abilities we still don''t know. And they''ve never failed to take over a country once they set their sights on it. Nobody would blame you if we lost."

    "Eva," Jane said.

    "Yes?"

    "Shut up."

    Eva fell silent when she noticed Peter looked even more anxious.

    Jane sighed. "I can''t promise we''ll win, but we''re not trying to take them down alone. We''re just helping. We''ll do our best, and if we fail, at least we''ll learn something about them."

    Peter nodded, though he still felt uneasy.

    "I''ll accept the mission and do some research on the Atlantian Legacy," Jane continued. "Peter, get some rest. And Eva¡­ I don''t care what you do."

    Eva rolled her eyes and walked off to her room.

    As Jane turned to leave, she gently ran her fingers over Peter''s hand. Peter froze, his face heating up.

    Once she was gone, he stared at his hand, then smiled uncertainly.

    "This means she likes me, right?"

    <hr>

    The next day, Andrew arrived to pick them up. They had finally tracked down the rogue root.

    Peter, Eva, and Jane packed their bags quickly before leaving the hotel. This time, they weren''t traveling alone¡ªMr. and Mrs. Grey, Andrew, Anthony, Justin, and Chester all boarded the jet with them.

    "Where are we heading?" Jane asked Anthony.

    "California," Anthony answered.

    Jane nodded, already thinking ahead. She had spent the entire night researching the Atlantian Legacy, while Peter had been too nervous to sleep at all. Now, both of them dozed off as soon as they settled into their seats.

    Meanwhile, Eva¡ªwho had slept perfectly fine¡ªstayed awake, watching JustAlex''s latest videos.

    The flight was quick. As soon as they landed, Andrew got a phone call. He listened for a moment before turning to the group.

    "She''s leaving the hotel," he informed them.

    Peter immediately handed his bag to Jane.

    "Got it," he said. Then he leaned his forehead against Eva''s, and in a flash of white light, the two merged.

    Justin and Chester grinned at each other before slapping their hands together, merging as well.

    Their fused form looked mostly like Chester, but fiery markings ran along his face, arms, and legs. His eyes glowed red, and his hair was now longer and spikier.

    Justin turned to look at Peter''s merged form and was caught off guard. Peter looked almost identical to the angels when they merged¡ªlong white hair and an aura that radiated power.

    "How''d you lose your shirt?" Justin asked, raising an eyebrow.

    Peter shrugged and pushed his hair back. "This always happens when we merge."

    Jane reached out, running her fingers through his long hair. "You need a haircut," she muttered.

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    Peter nodded. "I''ll remind her."

    Mr. Grey crossed his arms and gave them a firm look. "Try not to get any civilians involved."

    Peter and Justin both nodded in understanding.

    Without another word, Peter summoned the wind and lifted off the ground, soaring into the sky. Justin smirked before igniting flames under his feet and taking off after him.

    "Race you," Justin challenged before blasting ahead.

    Peter blinked in surprise before grinning and pushing himself faster. He quickly caught up, then surged past Justin, his speed cutting through the air like a blade.

    As Peter arrived at the hotel, his eyes locked onto the rogue root. He was just about to swoop down and grab her when Justin suddenly accelerated, snatching the girl and lifting her into the air.

    "Damn, he''s fast," Peter muttered as he pushed himself to catch up.

    The rogue root thrashed in Justin''s grip, twisting to look him in the eyes.

    "Release me," she commanded.

    Justin''s eyes glazed over for a brief moment before his fingers loosened.

    Realizing what was happening, Peter cursed under his breath. "Idiot!"

    The rogue root screamed as she plummeted, but Peter was faster. He dived down, catching her just before she hit the ground. Without wasting a second, he adjusted his grip and shot toward the meeting point.

    "Let go of me!" she ordered again, her voice filled with authority.

    "Yeah, that won''t work on me," Peter replied casually.

    She gritted her teeth and tried summoning a gust of wind to disrupt his flight, but Peter easily countered it, dispersing the air currents with a flick of his fingers.

    Within moments, they reached the meeting point. Peter landed smoothly and set her down before pressing his forehead to undo the merge. Eva separated from him as Justin landed beside them.

    "Damn it. You only won because I wasn''t ready," Justin grumbled, clapping his hands to undo his own merge.

    Eva smirked and took a step away from Peter. "A loss is a loss."

    Peter smirked back. "If it makes you feel better, you weren''t that slow."

    Justin shot him a glare. "Shut up."

    The Greys surrounded the rogue root, their expressions hard and unyielding. Anne stood at the front, arms crossed, glaring.

    "Hey, cancel this scam deal between us," she demanded.

    The rogue root met her eyes and laughed. "Why would I do that? This deal works out very well for me."

    "You knew she wasn''t fit to be a diabolist, yet you approached her. Why?" Mr. Grey asked, his voice sharp.

    The rogue root scoffed. "Do you have any idea how long I waited for her to be born?"

    Chester and Eva tensed at her words, their instincts immediately on high alert.

    Anne frowned. "What?"

    "You have no idea how much you owe me," the rogue root continued. "You wouldn''t even exist if it weren''t for me."

    Anne took a step back, confusion twisting her features. "What the hell is that supposed to mean? I owe you nothing!"

    "Did she save your life or something?" Anthony asked, genuinely puzzled.

    Unnoticed by most, Eva and Chester had inched closer to the rogue root. Jane, standing slightly behind, perked up as she sensed something¡ªthis root was about to reveal something important. Something about the roots themselves.

    The rogue root smirked, opening her mouth to speak. "Let me tell you, I am¡ª"

    Before she could finish, Chester grabbed her by the collar and hurled her into the air. In perfect sync, Eva raised her hand and unleashed a torrent of black flames, engulfing the root completely.

    The attack was swift, almost too smooth¡ªlike they had planned it beforehand. But there was one problem.

    Roots couldn''t control their power.

    The fire, meant to only incinerate the rogue root, didn''t stop. Instead, it grew, roaring higher and hotter. The Greys staggered back, shielding their faces from the heat as the flames spiraled out of control.

    Peter reacted instantly. He dashed forward, pressing his forehead against Eva''s, forcing a merge. The moment their forms combined, the fire vanished, snuffed out in an instant.

    Anthony exhaled sharply. "What the hell?"

    Peter touched his forehead, undoing the merge, then turned to Chester.

    Chester dusted off his hands. "Don''t worry about your sister. Now that the root is dead, she''s safe." Without another word, he walked away.

    Jane, still shaken, stared at Eva. "Why did you do that?"

    Peter turned to Eva as well. "Yeah, why?"

    Eva avoided his gaze. "No reason." Then she turned and walked off.

    Peter ran a hand down his face, sighing in frustration.

    <hr>

    Justin poured three glasses of wine and brought them over to the table where Peter and Jane sat. He took a seat, swirling the drink in his glass before taking a sip.

    "I''m guessing this is your first time seeing something like that," he said casually.

    Jane turned to him. "You''ve seen this happen before?"

    "Yeah." Justin leaned back in his chair. "Roots are real secretive about where they come from. Anytime one of them tries to spill the truth, they get taken out before they can."

    "Why?" Peter frowned. "Aren''t they all from the same place? Shouldn''t they be helping each other?"

    Jane tapped her fingers on the table. "So even the Legion diabolists don''t know where roots come from?"

    Justin shook his head and downed the rest of his drink. "Nope. Whatever they''re hiding, I don''t think it puts their diabolists in danger. But beyond that? No clue."

    Jane sat in silence, deep in thought, before rubbing her temples in frustration. With a sigh, she stood up.

    "Where are the Greys?" she asked.

    Justin raised a brow. "Why?"

    "We''re leaving," Jane replied without hesitation.

    "Wait, now?" Justin asked, surprised.

    "Yeah, we''ve got another job," Peter added.

    Justin exhaled, sounding disappointed. "Oh¡­ right."

    Peter caught the shift in his tone. "Something wrong?"

    Justin hesitated, then leaned forward slightly. "Well¡­ would you guys be interested in joining Legion?"

    "No, thanks," Jane said immediately.

    Justin let out a small chuckle. "You could at least check the place out before rejecting my offer."

    "No," Jane said flatly.

    Peter scratched the back of his head, awkwardly trying to soften the rejection. "We just prefer working on our own. But we appreciate the offer."

    Jane spotted Andrew nearby and walked over with Peter close behind.

    "The job is done. Please send the payment," Jane said, her tone businesslike.

    Andrew looked slightly caught off guard but nodded, pulling out his phone. "I''ll have it transferred right away."

    After making the call, he turned back to them. "Are you leaving so soon?"

    "Yes," Jane answered simply.

    Andrew gave a small nod. "I see¡­ Thank you for your help."

    Jane gave him a brief nod in return before turning away. Peter waved as he followed her out.

    <hr>

    Andrew walked back to his family. Anne sat in shock while their mother comforted her. Anthony, on the other hand, seemed completely unbothered, casually scrolling through his phone. Without warning, Andrew grabbed him by the collar and dragged him out of the room.

    "Hey! What the hell? Let go!" Anthony protested, struggling in Andrew¡¯s grip.

    Once they were far enough away, Andrew finally released him.

    "What was that for?" Anthony snapped, rubbing his throat.

    "I just paid the Hoods for their service," Andrew said.

    "So? Did you really have to strangle me over it?" Anthony grumbled.

    "You owe me six million. Pay up," Andrew said, his tone firm.

    Anthony froze. "Uh¡­ How about this? I forgive you for nearly choking me, and in return, you forget about the six million. Sound fair?" He forced a hopeful smile.

    "No," Andrew said flatly.

    "Too late, I¡¯ve already forgiven you," Anthony shot back, trying to slip away.

    Andrew caught him by the collar again. "I¡¯m not joking."

    Anthony groaned. "Why are you making such a big deal out of this? You have way more money than me. And weren¡¯t you the one who said we should spare no expense to save Anne?"

    "Yes, but you¡¯re the one who placed the order, not me," Andrew countered.

    Anthony shrank back. "Can I pay in installments?"

    "No," Andrew said without hesitation.

 The earth arose 3

    Jane and Peter found Eva sitting in the hotel lounge.

    "Come on," Jane said.

    Eva stood up and followed them into the restaurant. They picked the table farthest from the other customers.

    "In their last attack, the Atlantian Legacy mainly used fire users," Jane said. "But we can''t be sure they''ll do the same this time."

    Peter and Eva nodded, thinking about it.

    "I checked the situation in that country. They''re using wraiths to weaken the defenses, but no enemy diabolists have shown up yet," Jane continued.

    "So they''re waiting for the defenses to break before they step in," Peter said.

    "Exactly. But if they want the wraiths to keep coming, their diabolists must be nearby," Jane added.

    "So, what''s the plan?" Eva asked.

    "There isn''t one yet. We''ll figure it out as we go," Jane said.

    "That''s a bad plan," Eva said.

    Jane glared at her. "Do you have a better one?"

    Eva ignored her.

    "Okay, how are we getting there?" Peter asked.

    "I could teleport us," Eva suggested.

    "No!" Jane and Peter said at the same time.

    Eva''s teleportation could take them long distances, but she couldn''t control where they landed. They had tried it once and ended up in a forest, a desert, near an active volcano, and even inside a prison. It had taken them a whole week to get back home.

    Because of this, they only used teleportation when she and Peter were merged. Even then, they stuck to short distances.

    "How do you expect us to get there, then?" Eva asked, raising an eyebrow.

    "We fly," Jane said.

    "From here to that country? You have really high expectations of Peter¡­ and yourself," Eva commented.

    "Don''t worry about me. I always come prepared," Jane said, tapping her duffle bag.

    "I''m not worried about you," Eva muttered.

    "Girls, let''s focus," Peter reminded them.

    "I''m very focused. She''s the one suggesting we illegally cross the border," Eva said.

    "This is an emergency. Unless you can fix your teleportation issue, I suggest you shut up," Jane shot back.

    "Okay, let''s go," Peter said quickly, standing up before the argument could escalate.

    Jane and Eva glared at each other as they slowly got up. Peter waved his hand between them.

    "Stop that," he said.

    Eva scoffed and walked out. Jane followed, looking like she had more to say. Peter shook his head with a small smile before trailing after them.

    They found a secluded alley, far from prying eyes, before Peter and Eva merged. As their forms combined, Jane rummaged through her duffle bag, pulling out various pieces of equipment she had prepared for the journey.

    "Finally, she shut up," Jane muttered under her breath as she sorted through her gear.

    "You know she can hear you, right?" Peter said, giving her a sideways glance.

    "I know," Jane replied without hesitation. "I want her to hear everything."

    She pulled on a specially designed headgear she had built herself, fastening the straps securely. Peter sighed. He never quite understood why Jane and Eva always seemed to be at each other''s throats. Eva was usually polite¡ªor at least indifferent¡ªtoward everyone else. But when it came to Jane, the two could barely have a conversation without snide remarks or glares.

    "You''ll need to keep the wind steady to protect me during the flight," Jane reminded him as she adjusted the final straps of her gear.

    "Got it," Peter said with a nod.

    Satisfied, Jane took a deep breath before wrapping her arms around Peter''s neck. He effortlessly lifted her into a princess carry, his arms firm and steady around her. For a brief moment, Jane was grateful that her headgear hid the warmth creeping onto her face.

    Peter focused, gathering the wind beneath them. The air swirled, lifting them smoothly off the ground. With a powerful gust, he propelled them forward, soaring into the sky.

    <hr>

    Max panted heavily, his grip tightening around the shaft of his spear as he sliced through another wraith. His silvery, almost metallic skin gleamed under the dim lights of the ruined mansion, his silver mask concealing his identity.

    "Max, you have to stop. This is a lost cause," Lydia¡¯s voice echoed in his head, calm yet firm.

    "I can do this," Max muttered, his voice strained but resolute.

    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    The mansion, once a grand symbol of power, now stood as the last refuge for the remaining members of the government. They had long abandoned their offices and homes, seeking shelter within these walls. But even here, safety was an illusion.

    Max pressed forward, his boots barely making a sound against the marble floor. The air was thick with the scent of blood and decay. He steadied his breathing as the distant screeches of wraiths filled the corridor ahead. Tightening his grip, he twirled his spear once before stepping around the corner.

    The wraiths spotted him instantly. With shrill cries, they lunged.

    Max moved before they could even react. In a blur of silver, he vanished¡ªonly to reappear at the far end of the hallway. The wraiths froze mid-attack, their twisted forms suddenly motionless. A moment later, dark slashes appeared across their bodies before they collapsed into lifeless heaps.

    Max landed in a crouch, panting harder than before. He could feel the strain settling into his muscles, his energy depleting. He had been fighting non-stop, and even with Lydia''s support, his body had limits.

    "Where is the diabolist who was supposed to defend this place?" he thought. The answer was obvious. Either they had fled¡ªor they had been killed. Max knew which was more likely.

    A slow, deliberate clapping broke the silence.

    Max¡¯s gaze snapped up as a woman materialized from the shadows. Her short brown hair framed sharp black eyes that gleamed with amusement.

    ¡°It¡¯s amazing how long you¡¯ve lasted, Mask,¡± the woman said with a cruel smirk.

    Max didn¡¯t reply. His silver eyes locked onto her, his grip tightening around his spear as he braced for a fight.

    ¡°Do we really have to do this?¡± she continued, tilting her head. ¡°You could just join us¡ª¡±

    She didn¡¯t even get to finish. Max¡¯s spear shot toward her like a bolt of lightning, forcing her to sink into the shadows to dodge. When she reappeared, her eyes blazed with fury¡ªonly to widen in shock as she felt a blade pierce her from behind.

    ¡°Tch, I missed,¡± Max muttered, gripping the sword buried in her back. He yanked at it, but before he could pull it free, the woman melted into the shadows again, reappearing farther away.

    ¡°You bastard!¡± she snarled, ripping the sword from her body.

    With a flick of her wrist, she conjured jagged blades made of pure shadow and hurled them at him. Max vanished just as they reached him, leaving them to slice through empty air.

    The next thing she knew, a powerful kick smashed into her face, sending her flying backward into the wall with a bone-rattling crash.

    Max prepared to follow up, but suddenly, he felt something grab him¡ªmany hands, clawing and biting at his flesh. Yet, when he looked around, there was nothing there.

    ¡°They¡¯re wraiths!¡± Lydia¡¯s voice rang in his head.

    Max gritted his teeth. ¡°I can¡¯t see them.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s concealing them with illusions. Focus, Max!¡± Lydia urged.

    Summoning a new sword from the concrete beneath him, Max swung blindly at the unseen attackers, feeling the satisfying resistance of his blade meeting flesh.

    The woman¡¯s laughter echoed through the ruined hall as she rose from the debris, dust and shadow clinging to her like a second skin.

    Max gritted his teeth as more wraiths pounced on him, their claws digging into his flesh, their fangs sinking deep. The suffocating weight of their bodies threatened to drag him down. Then, the illusion dropped, and Max¡¯s stomach twisted¡ªhe was completely surrounded. Dozens of wraiths clung to him, their hollow eyes gleaming with hunger. Even worse, several had slipped past him, rushing toward the ministers hiding deeper inside the mansion.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± Max growled, slashing furiously with his sword. Each strike cut through the wraiths with precision, but for every one he felled, more took its place. They were endless. At this rate, he would be devoured. He knew it. Lydia knew it. And the enemy knew it too.

    ¡°Max, give me control. I¡¯ll get us out of this,¡± Lydia¡¯s voice urged in his mind.

    Max tensed, ready to relinquish control¡ª

    Then, he caught sight of something through the shattered window.

    A rain of white fire cascaded from the sky, illuminating the battlefield outside. The flames swallowed the darkness, burning wraiths to ash on impact. Max¡¯s lips curled into a smirk.

    ¡°About damn time,¡± he muttered.

    Renewed with confidence, Max moved without restraint. He let loose every ounce of his strength, carving through the horde with relentless precision. The wraiths shrieked as they fell one by one, their numbers dwindling under his blade.

    Then, without hesitation, he charged straight at the woman.

    <hr>

    Jane clung tightly to Peter¡¯s neck as he unleashed white flames, scorching the wraiths swarming the ground below. When they had arrived, they were stunned by the sheer number of wraiths infesting the area. Even with Peter¡¯s overwhelming firepower, it took time to clear the way.

    Once the outside was secure, Peter descended, landing smoothly. Jane hopped off his back, immediately pulling out her I.K. gun¡ªInstant Kill Gun. She rolled her shoulders, stretching lightly.

    ¡°You handle the wraiths inside. I¡¯ll find the diabolist responsible for releasing them,¡± Jane said matter-of-factly.

    Peter¡¯s response was immediate. ¡°What? No.¡±

    Jane arched a brow. ¡°What, do you expect me to take care of all the wraiths inside instead?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Then what¡¯s the problem?¡± she pressed.

    Peter opened his mouth as if to argue but shut it again, exhaling in frustration. ¡°Never mind.¡±

    He should¡¯ve known better. Jane always brushed off his concerns.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be careful,¡± she assured him.

    ¡°Yeah, sure,¡± Peter muttered, clearly unconvinced. Then, without another word, he shot into the mansion, fire trailing behind him as he burned through every wraith in his path.

    As Peter moved through the hallways, clearing out wraiths one by one, he turned a corner and froze at the sight before him¡ªa woman carrying a man in a princess carry.

    ¡°Lydia?¡± he said, surprised.

    Lydia turned to face him, her expression unreadable. ¡°You¡¯re late.¡±

    Peter¡¯s gaze dropped to the man in her arms, and his eyes widened. ¡°Max?¡±

    ¡°He used up all his energy,¡± Lydia said, glancing down at Max before giving a rare, small smile. ¡°He¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Peter let out a breath of relief. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±

    Max had been one of their first allies when they started out as an official diabolist group. Back then, they were all rookies, helping each other survive the dangers of their world.

    ¡°You might want to hurry,¡± Lydia added. ¡°Some wraiths made it past us.¡±

    Peter nodded and reached out, placing a hand on Max¡¯s forehead. Though there were no visible wounds, he channeled his energy into him, restoring his strength. Max¡¯s breathing eased, his body relaxing in Lydia¡¯s arms.

    Lydia met Peter¡¯s eyes. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Peter gave a brief nod before rushing ahead.

    As he sprinted down the corridor, wraiths lunged at him from all sides, but he burned through them effortlessly. Eventually, he reached a large door¡ªonly to find dozens of wraiths pounding and crashing against it, desperate to break through.

    Peter figured there were people hiding inside. After burning away the wraiths, he stepped up to the door and knocked.

    "Hello? It¡¯s the Hoods," he called out.

    For a moment, there was only silence. Then, after some shuffling and hesitant whispers, the door finally creaked open.

    Stepping inside, Peter immediately noticed how the occupants had used whatever they could find¡ªchairs, tables, even a broken bookshelf¡ªto barricade the entrance. Their wide-eyed expressions told him everything. To them, he was their saving grace.

    ¡°I¡¯m here for the job you posted,¡± Peter said, his tone firm but calm. ¡°I¡¯ll be heading back out to assist in taking down the invaders. Once I leave, make sure you barricade the door again.¡±

    With that, he turned on his heel and stepped back outside.

    For a moment, the room was completely still. Then, as if a weight had lifted, murmurs of relief broke out.

    ¡°They actually came,¡± one of them whispered in disbelief.

    The hushed excitement quickly spread, filling the room with chatter.

    ¡°Wait¡ªdidn¡¯t he tell us to barricade the door again?¡± someone suddenly pointed out.

    Realization struck them all at once. They whipped their heads toward the entrance¡ªstill wide open.

    Panic set in.

    ¡°Block the door! Hurry!¡±

    In a flurry of movement, they scrambled to rebuild their barricade, hoping they weren¡¯t already too late.

 The earth arose 4

    Jane moved cautiously, her grip tightening around the I.K gun as she followed the trail of wraiths. It didn''t take long for her to notice that they were all emerging from a single location¡ªa small, rundown shed near the edge of the battlefield. The wooden structure looked old and unstable, its door barely hanging on its hinges. Shadows flickered against its walls as more wraiths crawled out, their grotesque forms twisting unnaturally in the dim light.

    Jane exhaled slowly, raising her gun. She took down the nearest wraiths with swift, silent shots, aiming directly for their heads. Each energy bullet cut through them like a blade through paper, dissolving their forms instantly. She kept moving forward, her steps light, careful not to make a sound.

    As she reached the shed, she could hear voices from inside.

    "He almost killed me! You didn''t say he was that strong!" a shrill female voice rang out, filled with frustration and pain.

    "Oh." A male voice responded lazily, almost bored.

    "I need to heal. Help me," the woman demanded.

    There was a pause before the man''s voice came again, unimpressed. "Do I look like a human you can feed on?"

    Jane''s breath hitched. Feed on? Her mind raced. Was that why roots bonded with humans? She had always assumed the contracts were just a mystical link between a diabolist and their root, but this¡ªthis was something else. If it was true, then what about Eva? Was she doing the same to Peter?

    "Just find me one! I''m too weak to go out. What if I run into Mask again?" the woman pressed.

    There was a sigh. "Then feed on the human outside."

    Jane stiffened. They had noticed her.

    She instinctively stepped back, her finger tightening on the trigger. A split second later, the shadows shifted unnaturally, and something moved¡ªfast. The woman materialized exactly where Jane had been standing just moments ago, her body warping like ink spreading in water.

    "There you ar¡ª"

    Jane didn''t hesitate.

    She fired.

    A pure white energy bullet blasted through the woman''s skull, cutting off her words. For a moment, the woman''s body remained frozen, her eyes wide with shock. Then, slowly, she began to crumble. Wisps of darkness unraveled from her form, dissolving into the air like smoke.

    "Thank you for getting rid of her. She wouldn''t stop yapping," a male voice said casually.

    Jane''s eyes narrowed as she quickly turned, trying to pinpoint the source of the voice. But no one was there.

    Then, in an instant, something struck her wrist, knocking her gun from her hand. Before she could react, she was yanked into the air, a crushing grip tightening around her throat.

    Jane gasped, her hands instinctively clawing at the one holding her. Her legs kicked uselessly beneath her as she struggled to breathe. The man holding her had long, jet-black hair that cascaded past his shoulders, sharp green slit-like eyes that gleamed with amusement, and two curved horns protruding from his head.

    Jane''s vision blurred as she desperately tried to reach for her C.A gun. It was still inside the duffle bag slung over her shoulder, but her movements were sluggish, her strength draining rapidly.

    The man tilted his head slightly, watching her struggle with mild curiosity.

    "This feeling¡­" he muttered to himself. "Where do I know this from?"

    Then, after a brief pause, he chuckled, his lips curling into a sinister grin. "Hmm. It doesn''t matter. Yes¡­ I''ll do it slowly."

    Jane barely had time to process his words before an unbearable heat surged through her veins. It felt like her very blood was boiling inside her. Her skin turned red, burning from the inside out. She gasped, her body trembling as waves of pain crashed over her.

    Her duffle bag slipped from her shoulder, hitting the ground with a dull thud. Some of her equipment spilled out, but Jane barely noticed. She was too focused on the searing agony coursing through her body.

    Then, suddenly, the man''s expression shifted. His grip loosened. A flicker of realization crossed his face, and in an instant, he released her, staggering backward as if he had touched fire.

    Jane collapsed onto the ground, coughing violently as she gasped for air. The heat inside her veins was already beginning to fade, but the lingering pain made her limbs feel weak.

    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    The man, now several steps away, stared at her with wide eyes. His previous amusement had vanished, replaced with something close to disbelief.

    "You¡­" His voice was low, almost wary. "Why are you here?"

    Jane lay sprawled on the ground, her vision swimming and her body weak. Her head throbbed painfully, and a loud ringing in her ears drowned out all sound. She barely registered the man''s voice¡ªwhatever he had said was lost to the deafening hum in her skull.

    Her fingers twitched as she became dimly aware of something beside her. The cool metal of her C.A gun. It had fallen from her bag when she dropped, landing just within reach. Summoning what little strength she had left, she slowly moved her trembling hand toward it.

    The man, watching her struggle to breathe, stepped forward. Her skin was still flushed bright red, evidence of the agonizing heat she had just endured.

    "Hey, let''s get you some help," he said, his voice strangely gentle as he reached for her.

    But Jane wasn''t listening. Her fingers found the switch on the gun, flipping it from capture to release.

    The moment the man realized what she was doing, it was too late.

    With a weak but determined pull of the trigger, Jane unleashed the full contents of the gun.

    A dark cloud erupted from the barrel as dozens of wraiths poured out, their hollow, hungry eyes locking onto the nearest living thing¡ªthe man standing before them. These weren''t like the wraiths he had controlled. These were wild, untamed creatures with no master to rein them in.

    The man''s expression shifted from amusement to shock as the wraiths lunged at him, their screeches filling the air.

    But Jane didn''t get to see what happened next.

    The effort had drained what little strength she had left. A sharp pain ignited in her chest, as if her heart itself was burning. She could taste blood in her mouth, feel it trickling from her nose. Her breathing was shallow, ragged.

    Somewhere in the distance, a bright flash of light flickered in the corner of her vision.

    Then everything faded to black.

    <hr>

    Peter was furious. The moment he arrived, the first thing he saw was Jane lying weakly on the ground, barely conscious.

    Rage clouded his mind, and for a brief moment, he lost himself.

    The next thing he knew, white fire was erupting from his hands in a relentless torrent. He didn¡¯t think¡ªhe simply attacked. Flames consumed every wraith in sight, reducing them to ash in an instant. But the horned man managed to escape, leaping into the air just before the fire could reach him.

    As he soared upward, dark, feathered wings spread from his back, carrying him higher.

    Peter didn¡¯t hesitate. He summoned the wind and shot into the sky after him, fury blazing in his chest.

    The man looked at Peter, his expression guarded¡ªcalculated. Then, for just a second, his eyes flicked back down to Jane. There was something there. Concern?

    Peter didn¡¯t care. He hurled fireball after fireball, each one burning hotter than the last.

    The horned man clicked his tongue in irritation, condensing moisture from the air and forming barriers of water to counter the attacks. But Peter didn¡¯t let up. He was relentless, not giving his enemy a single moment to strike back.

    The man¡¯s gaze drifted to Jane again. If she died, everything would fall apart. And if that happened, Castor would kill him.

    ¡°Damn it. Kryvos, you¡¯re up,¡± the horned man muttered before swapping control with his counterpart.

    Inside Peter¡¯s mind, Eva immediately noticed the shift. The energy coming from their opponent had changed¡ªdarker, fiercer.

    If this keeps up, Jane might actually die, Eva thought, growing uneasy.

    Peter didn¡¯t realize what was happening at first. He was too focused on the fight, too caught up in his own anger. But then his opponent stopped using water and switched to fire¡ªhot, black flames that burned unnaturally.

    Kryvos smirked, his expression twisted with amusement. ¡°I¡¯d love to compete with you in firepower, but if we keep going, your little friend down there might not survive.¡±

    Peter faltered. For the first time, his anger was interrupted by something else¡ªfear.

    Eva agreed with Kryvos, though she hated to admit it. At least someone was thinking clearly, even if it was the enemy.

    Peter clenched his jaw, then turned away and dove back toward Jane. The fight didn¡¯t matter. She did.

    He landed gently beside her, lifting her into his arms. She was burning up, her body unnaturally hot. Without wasting another second, Peter channeled his energy and began healing her, pouring everything he had into stabilizing her condition.

    Meanwhile, Eva kept her attention locked on the enemy. She could sense him just as he could sense her.

    Kryvos chuckled, clearly aware of her presence. ¡°Till our next encounter,¡± he said before summoning a portal.

    With a final glance at Peter and Jane, he stepped through it and vanished.

    <hr>

    Peter poured every drop of holy energy he had into healing Jane. Eva found it unbearable to watch¡ªnot because she didn¡¯t want Jane to recover, but because Peter was wasting so much of the power she had painstakingly saved.

    It was like watching someone in a drought dump an entire basin of water just to fill a single cup.

    Eva gritted her teeth and looked away. If she kept watching, she might actually start yelling at him.

    Peter only stopped when the last of the holy energy was drained. Jane¡¯s breathing had steadied, her feverish flush fading away, but now they had no reserves left.

    It was only then that Peter remembered the enemy. He snapped his head up, scanning the area, but the horned man was gone.

    Peter exhaled sharply, frustrated. He placed a hand on his forehead and undid the merge. ¡°Scout the area. He might still be nearby,¡± he told Eva before lifting Jane and carrying her into the mansion.

    Eva sighed but didn¡¯t argue. She strolled through the dimly lit halls, her senses on high alert. The main threat was gone for now, and most of the invaders had retreated, but there were still likely a few stray wraiths left wandering.

    As she walked, she found herself drawn to a small shed tucked away at the edge of the courtyard. Something about it felt¡­ off. The air around it was slightly warped, like a ripple in space.

    Eva stepped inside and ran a hand through the empty air. A faint, lingering energy clung to the space like the fading heat of a fire long extinguished.

    ¡°This must have been where another portal was,¡± Eva murmured, her fingers brushing against the distorted air.

    Eva sighed, rubbing her temple. Things were getting more complicated by the day. The Atlantian Legacy was far more dangerous than she had initially assumed. To think they were working with those beings¡­

 The earth arose 5

    She stepped out of the shed, her thoughts still tangled, only to come face-to-face with a diabolist in a merged state. His stance was defensive, his sharp gaze locked onto her.

    "Who are you, and what are you doing here?" the man demanded.

    Eva arched a brow, unimpressed. "I''m part of the Hoods. No need to be so tense."

    "Nice try, but I''d know if the Hoods were operating here," the man shot back.

    Eva tilted her head. "Oh? And how exactly would you know that from your hiding spot?"

    The diabolist visibly stiffened, his face flushing in embarrassment. "I wasn''t hiding," he insisted, a little too quickly.

    "And I''m actually a donkey," Lydia''s voice cut in as she approached.

    The man straightened. "Miss," he greeted stiffly.

    "Scram," Lydia ordered without breaking stride.

    He hesitated for half a second before nodding and hurrying away. Eva watched him go with mild amusement before turning her attention to Lydia, who was now regarding her with scrutiny.

    "Which one are you?" Lydia asked, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly. The illusion concealing Eva''s true form made it difficult for her to tell.

    "The root," Eva answered plainly.

    Lydia''s expression shifted in recognition. "Oh, Eva." A pause. "What are you doing out here?"

    Eva folded her arms. "An idiot on my side almost got herself killed, so now I''m patrolling alone."

    Lydia chuckled. "An idiot on my side did the same."

    Eva smirked faintly. "Speaking of which, why aren''t you with Max? I thought you never left his side."

    A small smile played on Lydia''s lips. "I''ve got to make sure the area''s safe, don''t I?"

    Eva didn''t reply. She simply watched Lydia for a moment longer before shifting her gaze back toward the darkened landscape.

    <hr>

    Justin and Chester stepped into the conference room, their movements brisk yet measured. Across the long table sat two men with identical features¡ªlong white hair, piercing gray eyes, and an air of effortless authority.

    Kael leaned back in his chair, observing them with a frown. "Did you forget your manners?"

    Chester straightened immediately. "Apologies, sir."

    Justin, on the other hand, rolled his eyes. He never understood why roots showed such deference to the angels. Fear? Respect? Either way, it irritated him.

    "We think we might have found your sister," Justin said, cutting to the point.

    That got their attention. Both men sat forward, their expressions sharpening.

    "Go on," Rael prompted.

    "We''re not completely sure," Chester admitted. "The Hoods use illusions to mask their identities, so we couldn''t get a clear look."

    "But it''s most likely her," Justin interjected.

    Kael''s eyes narrowed slightly. "What happened?"

    Justin crossed his arms. "She transferred some kind of white energy into a girl, and she woke up."

    Kael''s gaze remained steady. "And?"

    Justin blinked. "And what?"

    Kael''s tone was patient but firm. "Is that everything?"

    "Oh," Justin said, scrambling for more details. "Right. Uh, in their merged state, they had long white hair, and¡­ there was this holy aura about them. Definitely different from a normal diabolist."

    "Long white hair?" Kael murmured to Rael, his fingers tapping idly against the armrest of his chair. A rare flicker of excitement crossed his otherwise indifferent expression. "It just might be her."

    Rael, however, remained composed, his sharp gaze fixed ahead. He didn''t share Kael''s optimism. "Were they paid?" he asked, his tone steady.

    "Yeah. Six million," Justin answered.

    Kael and Rael exchanged a glance, and almost simultaneously, their expressions dulled with disappointment.

    "It wasn''t her," Rael said flatly.

    Justin frowned, confusion crossing his face. "No, you don''t get it. The energy they gave off¡ªit felt just like yours. It was the same kind of holy power."

    Kael let out a slow, measured breath. "Some roots can mimic our power," he said, his voice carrying a tinge of distaste. "They gain more strength by making deals with beings known as demons."

    Chester stiffened beside Justin, his brows furrowing. "You''re saying they''re actually making deals with those beings?"

    Rael gave a small nod. "Yes. Unfortunately, they are." He leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze unwavering. "But doing so isn''t without consequence. It always leaves a mark¡ªa deformity, a corruption of some kind. That''s how you can tell them apart."

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Justin clenched his fists, scoffing in irritation. "So that''s how they did it. And here I thought they earned their way to the top five with real skill. Turns out they were just taking shortcuts, selling themselves to demons."

    Kael exhaled, unimpressed. "Yes, yes. Complain on your way out." He gave a lazy flick of his wrist toward the door.

    Chester, sensing they had overstayed their welcome, straightened his back. "Understood, sir." He grabbed Justin''s arm before he could argue further and began pulling him toward the exit.

    Justin muttered under his breath but didn''t resist. As the doors closed behind them, Kael''s fingers stilled against the armrest.

    <hr>

    Kryvos sipped his smoothie lazily, swirling the straw between his fingers as Castor vented his frustration on Darius. The room was dimly lit, casting harsh shadows on the cold, cracked stone floor.

    "Do you understand what could have happened if she died?" Castor''s voice was sharp, laced with barely restrained fury as he pressed his boot harder against Darius''s face.

    Darius groaned, his face battered and bloodied, his breath ragged. The slitted pupils of his snake-like eyes flickered with fear. "I¡ªI''m sorry, sir," he wheezed, barely managing the words.

    "Shut up!" Castor snarled before delivering a brutal kick to Darius''s ribs, sending him sprawling across the floor.

    Kryvos let out a sigh, shifting in his seat. "Castor, calm down. What matters is that she''s still alive," he drawled, tilting his cup slightly to examine its contents.

    Castor turned toward him, slow and deliberate. Kryvos barely had time to react before a sharp, searing pain coursed through his body. His limbs twitched involuntarily as a dark, creeping force gripped his insides, forcing thick, black blood to dribble from the corner of his mouth.

    "Don''t think I forgot that you''re also at fault," Castor said coldly. His gaze held a quiet menace, his presence suffocating.

    Kryvos spat blood onto the floor, his breathing uneven. "Enough, I know." His tone was still laced with irritation, though the pain in his body made his movements sluggish. He wiped his mouth, smearing dark streaks against his sleeve. "Since she''s so important, why don''t you just keep her here?"

    Castor''s eyes darkened, but his rage seemed to settle into something more calculated. "It''s complicated," he muttered. "Besides, she''s well-protected right now."

    "I''ll say," Kryvos muttered, swirling what remained of his smoothie in the cup. He glanced up at Castor with a sharp look. "Why didn''t you tell me she was around her?"

    Castor''s lips curled into a knowing smile. "Why? Were you scared?" His tone was teasing, but his gaze held a flicker of something more¡ªcuriosity, perhaps.

    Kryvos scoffed, leaning back against the chair. "Scared? Hardly. Her diabolist is weak," he said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "But that doesn''t make the situation less dangerous." His green slit-like eyes glowed faintly as he studied Castor''s reaction.

    Castor didn''t respond, nor did he seem particularly concerned. Instead, he turned his attention back to Darius, who was still sprawled on the floor, his breathing uneven. His bruised body trembled as Castor took a step toward him.

    Panic surged through Darius''s expression, and in desperation, he blurted out, "Mask wasn''t on our side!"

    Castor froze mid-step. His smile disappeared, replaced by a sharp, calculating look. "What?" His voice was low, dangerous.

    Darius swallowed hard, pushing himself up slightly. "Mask attacked and nearly killed Lorraine. But she¡ªshe was the one who actually finished Lorraine off," he said quickly, hoping the information would be enough to divert Castor''s wrath.

    A strange silence settled over the room. Castor''s expression darkened as he mulled over the information. "Strange," he murmured. "I thought we had a deal." His fingers flexed slightly at his side, a faint crackle of energy sparking around them.

    Darius let out a slow breath, believing¡ªhoping¡ªhe was finally off the hook. His shoulders slumped slightly in relief.

    Then, Castor spoke again.

    "Go and tell Melanie that you''re the reason her daughter got sent to hell. And no matter what she does to you¡­ you are not allowed to fight back. Or resist."

    The blood drained from Darius''s face.

    A cold, sinking dread filled his gut as the weight of Castor''s words settled in. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. He knew better than to beg¡ªit would only amuse Castor more.

    Kryvos took a lazy sip of his drink, watching Darius pale. "Well, that''s unfortunate," he mused, though there was no real sympathy in his tone.

    <hr>

    Eva stepped out of the shower, the warmth of the water still clinging to her skin as she quickly dressed, ensuring that the crack-like marks on her back remained covered. For an old mansion, the plumbing was surprisingly good.

    She sat on the edge of her bed, patting her damp hair dry before standing up and heading to check on Jane.

    Stepping into the room, she crossed her arms and quirked a brow. "I see you¡¯re still alive."

    Jane, who had been resting against the pillows, smirked as she sat up. "Why? Were you worried?"

    Eva scoffed. "No. I just realized I don¡¯t own any funeral outfits. Do me a favor and hold off on dying until I buy some."

    Jane chuckled. "You won¡¯t need to. I don¡¯t plan on dying anytime soon."

    Eva rolled her eyes. "At this rate, I wouldn¡¯t be so sure."

    Before Jane could respond, Peter stormed into the room, his expression tense with frustration. "Are you two seriously joking about this? She almost died!" His voice carried an edge of anger, though the concern beneath it was unmistakable.

    Eva and Jane exchanged a glance before turning back to him, unimpressed.

    "What¡¯s his problem?" Eva muttered to Jane, completely ignoring Peter.

    Jane shrugged. "No idea. It¡¯s not like he¡¯s the one who almost died." She rolled her eyes, clearly unfazed.

    Peter¡¯s fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tightening. "Jane, this isn¡¯t funny."

    Noting his frustration, Jane sighed, relenting just a little. "Alright, alright. We were joking, Peter. I¡¯m sorry for being reckless and putting myself in danger."

    "I told you this would be dangerous. We''re never splitting up on missions again," Peter said firmly, his frustration clear.

    "Peter, I made a mistake this time, but it won¡¯t happen again," Jane countered, keeping her voice level.

    Eva, sensing an argument brewing, leaned casually against the wall, fully prepared to enjoy the show.

    "So you''re saying you¡¯ll continue putting yourself in danger?" Peter pressed.

    Jane exhaled sharply. "Everything we do is dangerous. I¡¯m just saying I¡¯ll be extra careful."

    "Like you were today?" Peter shot back.

    "Point to Peter," Eva remarked from the sidelines.

    Jane gritted her teeth. "I already admitted I wasn¡¯t careful, and I already apologized. I¡¯ll take better precautions next time."

    "Negative point to Jane," Eva added with an amused smirk.

    Peter let out a frustrated sigh. "You don¡¯t have to. I can protect you."

    He paused the moment the words left his mouth, realizing how they sounded.

    "Idiot," Eva muttered under her breath.

    Jane¡¯s eyes narrowed. "Oh? So you¡¯re saying I need the protection of a man?"

    Peter groaned. "That¡¯s not what I meant. I¡¯m saying it¡¯s safer if we stick together. You know what I¡¯m trying to say."

    "No, I don¡¯t," Jane deadpanned.

    Peter stared at her, his patience thinning. "You¡ª" He stopped himself, exhaling sharply before throwing up his hands in exasperation. "Fine. You win. Go ahead and risk your life." With that, he turned and stormed out of the room.

    Eva chuckled, turning to Jane. "Nicely done. Playing the feminist card¡ªcompletely shifted the attention away from you almost getting yourself killed."

    Jane grinned smugly. "I have lots of experience with that."

    "I''m honestly surprised he didn¡¯t see through it." Eva smirked, then tilted her head. "Though... you do realize you just lost your chance to stick close to him during missions, right?"

    Jane froze, her expression shifting as the realization sank in.

    Eva shook her head. "Idiot."

 The earth arose 6

    A firm knock echoed against the door. Jane barely had time to say "Come in" before Max and Lydia stepped inside.

    Max''s gaze swept over Jane, assessing her condition. "How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice light but carrying a hint of concern.

    Jane sat up straighter and stretched her arms. "Great," she said with a small, confident smile.

    Eva scoffed from her corner. "Yeah, I bet," she muttered, arms folded as she leaned against the wall, still silently fuming about the sheer amount of holy energy Peter had burned through earlier.

    Jane chose to ignore her.

    Max, oblivious to Eva''s irritation, chuckled. "So, what''s the plan now?"

    Jane raised an eyebrow. "Plan?"

    Max gestured vaguely. "Well, they''ve retreated for now, but it''s only a matter of time before they make another move. Lydia suggested we take on another job in the meantime."

    "What about you guys?" Lydia chimed in, tilting her head slightly. "Don''t you still have classes or something?"

    Jane sighed, rubbing her temples. "Yeah, it''d be really inconvenient to lstay right now. But what if they attack again while we''re gone?"

    "That''s the tricky part," Max admitted, his usual carefree expression dimming slightly. "But we''ll keep in close contact with the ministers. If there''s any sign of another invasion, we''ll be notified immediately."

    Jane considered it for a moment before nodding. "I''ll run it by Peter first."

    "Fair enough." Max clapped his hands together. "In the meantime, how about a little exploring? This place has some cool spots."

    Jane perked up. She had spent long enough lying in bed¡ªher body craved movement. "Yeah, why not?" She swung her legs over the side and stretched lightly before standing.

    "I''ve seen enough of this place," Eva muttered, making it clear she had no interest in a sightseeing tour.

    Jane smirked. "Suit yourself." She motioned toward the door. "Lead the way."

    Max grinned and started walking, his excitement evident as he talked about the mansion''s hidden charms. Jane followed closely behind, while Lydia trailed a few steps back, moving slower than usual.

    As they turned down a long corridor, Max glanced over his shoulder and frowned. "Lydia, what are you doing?"

    Lydia didn''t immediately answer. Her fingers moved swiftly over her phone screen before she finally slipped the device back into her pocket and smiled. "Just checking the time," she said casually.

    Max raised an eyebrow but didn''t press. "Well, hurry up, then. We don''t have all day."

    Lydia nodded and quickened her pace, catching up with the group.

    <hr>

    Lamia''s lips curled into a satisfied smile as she read the message on her screen. Without a word, she lifted her gaze and met Daeva¡¯s eyes from across the dimly lit room. A silent understanding passed between them.

    Daeva, ever the picture of beauty and grace, returned the smile¡ªa radiant, almost hypnotic expression that could make anyone forget their troubles. She then turned her attention to the man slumped in the chair before them, his head buried in his hands.

    He was a president¡ªa man who had once ruled with confidence but had since fled his country in disgrace. Shame weighed heavily on his shoulders, pressing him deeper into his seat. He had abandoned his people, taking only his wife, children, and grandchildren with him, unable to imagine his nation standing a chance against the Atlantian Legacy. The burden of his choice clung to him like a second skin.

    Daeva hummed softly as she moved toward him, her steps unhurried yet deliberate. The melody was haunting, wrapping around the room like a whispered promise.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sir,¡± she purred, her voice rich and velvety, each syllable sinking into his ears like a lullaby. ¡°Your moment will come.¡±

    The man¡¯s breath hitched. His tired, bloodshot eyes lifted to meet hers¡ªand in an instant, they clouded over, as if a fog had rolled into his mind.

    ¡°You made the right decision,¡± Daeva continued, her words weaving through his thoughts like silk.

    His fingers twitched, his grip on doubt loosening. For the first time since he had fled, he exhaled deeply, as if surrendering to something inevitable.

    <hr>

    Jane, Max, and Lydia were making their way back to the room when they spotted Peter approaching from the opposite direction. His eyes locked onto Jane, concern evident in his expression.

    ¡°Are you okay? You should be resting,¡± Peter said, his voice edged with worry.

    Jane gave him a small, reassuring smile. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I just wanted to stretch my legs a bit.¡±

    Peter didn¡¯t look convinced, but before he could press further, Max snickered. ¡°Relax, Pete, she¡¯s not weak.¡±

    Peter arched a brow. ¡°Oh? And which two people were unconscious just a few hours ago?¡±

    Max¡¯s smirk disappeared. ¡°Low blow,¡± he muttered.

    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    Peter sighed. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    A brief silence settled between them before Peter spoke again. ¡°Still¡­ it was impressive how you held your own until we arrived.¡±

    Max narrowed his eyes. ¡°Are you patronizing me?¡± He scoffed but then shook his head. ¡°You know what? Doesn¡¯t matter. Thanks for coming¡ªI probably would¡¯ve died otherwise.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already scheduled a full spa week for you after we get back tomorrow,¡± Lydia added casually.

    Peter blinked in surprise. ¡°Wait¡­ you¡¯re leaving tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Oh, right, you wouldn¡¯t know,¡± Jane said. ¡°We¡¯re leaving too.¡±

    Peter frowned. ¡°We are? What about these people? What if they¡¯re attacked again?¡±

    Jane¡¯s expression softened. ¡°We can¡¯t predict when they¡¯ll strike next. It could be months from now. Or they might even shift their focus to another country¡ªmaybe even our own.¡±

    ¡°So¡­ we just abandon them?¡± Peter¡¯s voice was quiet, conflicted.

    Jane chuckled. ¡°Who said anything about abandoning them?¡± She flashed him a knowing smile.

    <hr>

    ¡°So, if you sense an incoming attack or anything even remotely suspicious, call me immediately,¡± Jane said as she handed a card with her number to the oldest minister.

    The minister took it hesitantly, his wrinkled fingers gripping the card as he frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t understand¡­ You¡¯re leaving? Is it the money? Because if it is, we can pay more.¡±

    Jane quickly shook her head. ¡°No, it has nothing to do with money. We just have something else to attend to.¡±

    A murmur spread through the room, and a diabolist scoffed. ¡°So we¡¯re supposed to rely on how fast it takes you to get here?¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t even know what kind of abilities they¡¯ll come with next time,¡± another added, frustration creeping into his voice.

    Eva crossed her arms, looking unimpressed. ¡°Big thoughts coming from someone who¡¯s nowhere to be found once the attack begins.¡±

    The diabolist stiffened, offended. ¡°Excuse me?¡±

    Eva tilted her head mockingly. ¡°Why don¡¯t you focus on your disappearing act? Or maybe pick a better hiding spot this time¡ªsince that¡¯s what you¡¯ll be doing anyway.¡±

    Max tried to suppress a laugh, but his shoulders shook as he struggled to keep a straight face.

    Jane sighed and turned to Eva. ¡°Stop.¡±

    Eva merely shrugged. ¡°No, I just find it strange how they¡¯re acting like they¡¯ll be holding the fort until we arrive. Last I checked, Mask was the only real line of defense.¡±

    Lydia nodded rapidly in agreement, while the diabolists and roots shot Eva glares of pure irritation.

    The ministers exchanged wary glances, eyeing the surrounding diabolists with unease.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Peter said, stepping in to smooth things over. ¡°What matters is that we¡¯re willing to return at the first sign of trouble to help.¡±

    The old minister exhaled heavily, nodding in reluctant understanding. ¡°I see¡­ When are you leaving? I¡¯ll transfer your payment now.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Jane interrupted before he could reach for his phone. ¡°You¡¯ll need all the money you can get to rebuild.¡±

    The minister looked stunned. ¡°How¡­ No, I can¡¯t expect you to work for free.¡±

    Even Eva raised an eyebrow, surprised. She had always considered Jane the type to chase money above all else.

    Jane simply smiled. ¡°After everything is over, and if you have money to spare, you can pay us then.¡±

    Peter turned his gaze away, but a small, soft smile played at his lips.

    The old minister hesitated, going back and forth with Jane in protest, but in the end, he reluctantly agreed to her terms.

    Watching this unfold, Max sighed in relief. Good thing I had the foresight to request payment in advance. He had already been paid.

    <hr>

    The next day, the minister arranged for a private jet to take them out of the country, but they refused. Instead, they chose to leave discreetly. The Hoods departed by air, while Mask took a car, ensuring they made multiple stops along the way to shake off any potential trackers.

    By the time they arrived home, the evening sky had darkened. Peter offered to walk Jane to her house, while Eva wasted no time heading straight home.

    As they walked, Peter hesitated for a moment before speaking. ¡°About what I said during the mission¡­ I still want you to reconsider.¡±

    Jane glanced at him, puzzled. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°Your safety,¡± Peter clarified. ¡°It really bothers me to leave you alone during missions. I know you can handle yourself, but the enemies we¡¯re facing now are stronger. I¡¯m just... scared.¡± His voice was low, sincere¡ªhe wanted her to understand how much it terrified him to see her hurt, bleeding, dying.

    Jane smiled, but it was a self-deprecating one. ¡°I know I¡¯m not as powerful as you or Eva, but I have to contribute somehow. I can¡¯t just sit back and stay away whenever things get dangerous. I don¡¯t want to be the weak link in the team.¡±

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t be,¡± Peter insisted. ¡°You¡¯d just be safer.¡±

    Jane kept her smile but didn¡¯t respond. They walked in silence the rest of the way until they reached her home.

    As she was about to say goodnight, Peter spoke again. ¡°Just so you know¡­ no matter what you do, you¡¯ll never be odd or an outcast to me.¡± He hesitated before adding, ¡°Or Eva.¡±

    Before Jane could reply, a cold voice cut through the night.

    ¡°Jane.¡±

    She flinched. Turning toward the house, she saw her father standing in the doorway, his thick brown hair neatly combed, his stern face unreadable.

    ¡°See you tomorrow, Peter,¡± Jane said softly before stepping inside.

    Peter nodded and turned to her father. ¡°Good evening, sir.¡±

    Mr. Thorne didn¡¯t even glance at him before slamming the door shut.

    Peter sighed and turned away, making his way home.

    <hr>

    Inside the house, Jane moved quickly, hoping to slip away to her room unnoticed.

    "Stop right there!"

    Her father¡¯s sharp command froze her mid-step. She flinched but turned to face him.

    "You didn¡¯t come home yesterday," Mr. Thorne said, his voice tight with disapproval. "Were you with that boy?"

    Jane¡¯s jaw tightened. "Why do you care?" she shot back.

    His eyes darkened with anger. "Don¡¯t you dare use that tone with me. I raised you better than that."

    Jane scoffed. "Yeah, right."

    "What you do is not just your business," he continued coldly. "Not while you live under my roof, eat my food, attend classes paid for with my money, and take an allowance from me. If you think age alone makes you an adult, think again."

    Her hands clenched into fists. She had saved enough to move out¡ªto buy her own place and live apart from her family. But they didn¡¯t know that.

    "Until you can do all of that without my support," Mr. Thorne pressed, "you will obey my rules and answer me with respect. Do you understand?"

    Jane swallowed back the bitter retort on her tongue. Truthfully, she was afraid of her father.

    "Yes, sir," she muttered.

    "Where were you?"

    "On a trip with my friends."

    "In the middle of the semester? Was that boy with you?" His voice edged with fury.

    "It was me, Eva, and Peter," she clarified.

    Mr. Thorne¡¯s face hardened further. "You three just decided to go on a trip in these troubling times? Without informing anyone?"

    "I didn¡¯t think anyone would notice," Jane said flatly. "No one at home ever cares about what I do."

    "Well, congratulations. That changes today." His tone was like steel. "I want a copy of your class schedule. From now on, every time you¡¯re not at home, you will report your exact location and when you¡¯ll be back."

    Jane¡¯s eyes flashed with fury. "You¡¯re going to monitor me?"

    "Yes."

    "You must be joking."

    Mr. Thorne stepped forward, his presence looming. "Am I?" His voice was ice-cold.

    Jane instinctively took a step back.

    "What¡¯s going on?"

    A tired, gentle voice broke the tension.

    Mrs. Thorne stood in the hallway, rubbing sleep from her eyes.

    The fire in Mr. Thorne¡¯s gaze immediately softened as he turned to his wife. "It¡¯s nothing, dear. Go back to bed."

    Jane didn¡¯t waste the opportunity. She turned and hurried to her room, shutting the door behind her.

    Mrs. Thorne looked between her husband and the empty hallway, frowning. "Did something happen?"

    Mr. Thorne shook his head. "No, my dear. Everything is fine." He placed a hand on her back and guided her away.