After Luth and... made the decision yesterday to subdue that dangerous individual who might exploit even a small advantage, they prepared to reapply it. The Lock Stun applied by Brady and Quinn, if properly applied, would have the desired effect. On that day, when the employees' days off were coming to an end, they chose to proceed with the stun. The result of this stun... The day before, during the perilous hours when Luth and Huldra's rage danced, there was actually another person in the room where the fight was to take place. The Assassin's Central Building has a very unique and complex structure. And each room is, in fact, like a key to the complex. It is well known that there are rooms where the Assassins sleep, rest, and eat, as well as rooms used for various purposes. Rumors that the Assassin's Central Building is not limited to complex rooms have long circulated among assassins. In short, because the rooms are separate, sometimes two rooms can be trapped, and the person in the other room can suddenly become involved in any event. Except for one person who sensed the presence of Luth and the person formerly known as Orion, who had accidentally joined Huldra's conversation and fight, the others never did. Furthermore, the terror that was about to unfold remained a subtle presence even during the hours when the fight, Brady and Clarissa, stopped at the last minute. While the trauma Brady had endured by taking Huldra to another room suppressed his triggering, it was as if Clarissa was waiting for silence within the room even as she spoke with Luth. Hours later, after Brady, Clarissa, and Orion, Huldra, had left the Assassins' HQ, Luth was still present in the room where the fight had taken place. A few minutes later, Luth suddenly called out a name, as if sensing a presence.
"Nefuel, I know you're here. If you release your presence, I will spare your life..."
"...So you noticed, huh?"
"Even though you're so quiet, it's hard not to feel your presence. Anyway, are you going to tell me why you decided to listen quietly?"
"You don't have to be so serious, Luth. I really only overheard it because the rooms were jammed."
"I only hope it's as you say. If you get involved in this, even I can't save you. The person they call 'The Scu' is truly powerful. Despite what's been done to his mind and body, that terrifying willpower still keeps him standing."
"Tell me you're just acting, Luth. You, me, and the others know the one they call "The Scum" quite well. The question you're asking me should be asked of you. What's your real purpose?!"
"...I severed my ties with him a long time ago... And you, never even try to hold me accountable."
"I'm sorry, Luth. I didn't mean to upset you or call you to account. I know I've been meddling in matters I have no business in. But he's got very little time left. What do you plan to do next?"
"I accept your apology. I can answer your question in return... Follow the rhythm, here we go."
Luth took Nefuel and left the Assassination Center. Absolutely far from those he didn't want to hear. Within seconds, they arrived at a place that felt like the center of utter gloom. A few minutes after their arrival, a presence other than Luth and Nefuel was intensely felt. For a moment, Nefuel seemed to "re-" remember the feeling of this presence. Initially, he thought it was an unusual sensation, but within seconds, he began to think otherwise. Luth looked at Nefuel, his eyes narrowed, and he smiled with satisfaction, while Nefuel thought the opposite. This sense of an unusual presence persisted for several minutes. As Luth gazed at Nefuel, he slowly unsheathed his sword. The one known as the one whose sword never leaves its sheath was now unsheathing his sword. As Nefuel stared at Luth's face and the sword with unease, the footsteps of the presence he had perceived gradually intensified, approaching them both. Then, Luth resheathed his sword and closed his eyes, listening to the rhythm of the approaching footsteps. As the footsteps gradually grew louder and faded away, a silhouette appeared from the darkness.
"...I didn't expect to see you here again, what's your name... I think it's Nefaru?!"
"Huh? Luth, what does this mean?! Who is this?! Where did you bring me?!"
"Calm, calm... I knew you'd be nervous, but I didn't expect it to be this much. Actually, he's someone you know, but... you seem to have forgotten him because of his influence."
"Are you serious?! Don't say you've forgotten who I am!!"
"Phew... It seems he forgot. It's going to be really tiring to explain it all over again... But you're worthy of being one of us, Nefuel. I want you to listen carefully to my words."
"I have no idea what either of you are talking about. And Luth, I just wanted you to answer my question. But what does all of this mean?! What are you going to tell me?!"
"That sounds a bit too scary, doesn't it, Luth? I never would have guessed it would have such an effect."
"Try to stay calm first, Nefuel. You can sit right there. I'll tell you most of the things I mentioned soon... I'll introduce you later... Even with that kind of influence, there are still those who cause us trouble. Well, actually, that's a complete understatement."
"...It would be terrible if we were subjected to such a powerful influence... But what did you mean by saying it was insufficient?"
"Right now, I'm the only one who's his equal. You know why. That's why that kid dared to mess with me... When I say incompetent, I mean as long as there are powerful people around, the influence they exert won't work."
"I understand, Luth... This is truly terrifying. I mean, even these applied effects alone won't be able to break his will. If they have no other method, what do they plan to do next?"
"There will be no need for anything later. I have no intention of intervening. But I don't want to leave it in the hands of those incompetent people. If they can't find a way, I'll have to create one."
"I remember that day of massacre like it was yesterday, Luth. I also know that you know the depths of that horrific event more than I do. It's only natural that they would suspect you. And yet you're going to help them. I think I truly love you..."
"I still remember the terrifying power he wielded even when he wasn't at his full strength. Unfortunately, I'm more than just a day of massacre. And I initially considered their suspicions of me. But it seems they're trying to suppress my power, just as we haven't seen yours since we've been here. But I appreciate the compliment nonetheless."
"You're welcome, Luth. What you've experienced, or what we've experienced, will never be forgotten. The effects of that horrific day still linger. And because of this, we will emerge victorious in our struggle. We will move from their noisy rhythms to quiet ones. We have no other choice. Also, please don't insist on seeing my power!!" she said, smiling as if his cheeks were red
"What we do will be determined later. But until we see our true victory, we can never forget the defeat. We will follow the rhythm. And hopefully, it will reveal the 'Secrets of Joy' for them. Until that day comes, we will never forget what happened. Right, Nefuel?"
"I finally got the right to speak!! You have no idea how happy I am! Anyway, these explanations of yours seem to alleviate a little despair. But you're acting really strange. I don't remember who you are, but you, Luth, aren't like yourself. Disguise... Or should I say both of you?"
"Congratulations, Nefuel. You've caught me, as always... You'll never know who I truly am. And yes, these aren't words coming from me. But some of what I said is true. You may not know him, but we can say the same for him. We'll be like this as long as we're here, Nefuel."
"I'm an expert at catching, Luth. Your fakes excite me. I've never seen you or them do this, but..."
"That's it, Nefuel. You don't bother explaining it to me, that's great. Perfect. You're seriously just like my student. Now you can turn to me for strength. Anyway, you should be satisfied that I've answered your valuable question. Let's go, preparations have already begun for that "The Scum" tomorrow..."
To Be Continued