The carriage halted before the Utility Magic Department. Edmund descended from the coachman's seat. G6 stepped out.
A footman guided the carriage away. At the entrance, Felicia stood waiting with a practiced smile.
"Welcome back, Lady Reise," she said, bowing.
G6, hands in her pockets, gave a curt nod and proceeded inside without a word. The reception staff bowed deeply as she passed.
The department was quiet, sparsely staffed, with no current trainees. It had been built by Duke William Worthon, and all its staff ultimately answered to his house.
G6 moved with silent authority toward the stairs to the private chambers—a CEO in her headquarters. Edmund and Felicia followed a respectful distance behind, like aides trailing their unpredictable leader.
They reached the sole door in a secluded hallway. G6 opened it. The moment she crossed the threshold, she sensed it—the shift in air, the disturbed curtains. She raised a hand, a clear command for the others to stay.
She entered slowly, senses sharp. The intruder, hidden across the room, took his shot the instant he had a clear line of sight—a Stone Bullet spell launched toward her.
But before his mind could register the action, the cold edge of a hunting knife pressed against his throat. G6 was behind him, a blur.
What just happened? I didn't see her move. Too fast, Zen thought, mind reeling.
"What do you think you're doing, you fucking mutt?" G6 whispered, her voice low, calm, and lethal.
She's behind me. Even with Physical Enhancement, that speed is impossible. She matched the velocity of my spell, he realized, a chill down his spine.
"I was merely... greeting you," Zero managed, slowly raising both hands in surrender.
"Do it better next time." She withdrew the knife, seamlessly returning it to the sheath on her thigh. She raised her voice. "Enter."
As Edmund and Felicia entered, Felicia's eyes widened momentarily at the sight of the other noble. Both bowed.
"This is Felicia. She handles things here." G6 settled onto a couch, draping her arms over its back. She gestured for Zen to sit across from her.
"I am quite familiar with the lady—Felicia, I mean," Zen said, correcting himself smoothly as he sat.
G6's eyebrow twitched, noting the implication.
"I see. A new acquaintance, Lady Reise," Felicia remarked. Edmund took the remaining chair.
"In any case, I have something for you and Edmund." Felicia walked to a shelf, opened a drawer, and retrieved a black jewelry box. "Rings for your convenience. I assume Sir Zen is familiar." She opened the box to reveal two plain silver bands.
"A ring with a different function? Enlighten me," Zen said, interest piqued.
"It stores an outfit. Wear it, and you can change instantly. It's called a Quicksilver Band."
"Ah, I know this tool."
"Is this what you said we'd like? Convenient," G6 commented, visibly impressed.
"Not only that," Felicia added, pride evident. "Even if you return with clothes torn, removing and replacing the ring restores them."
G6 narrowed her eyes in approval. "How does it work?"
"I will guide you. Your new outfits are prepared." Felicia turned to Zen. "Could you assist Edmund? I'll craft one for you later."
"You haven't lost your touch. Creating such tools so quickly is magnificent. I shall look forward to mine." Zen smiled. "Shall we?" he added to Edmund.
The four moved into their respective adjoining rooms.
Inside her room, G6 found her new gear laid out. "A new set?"
"Yes. I disposed of the previous one; the goblin blood scent was too set," Felicia replied. "Please put this on first."
G6 nodded and immediately began to undress, showing no self-consciousness.
"D-Do you wish for me to wait outside?" Felicia asked, cheeks flushing.
"No need. What are you shy about?" G6 responded, already removing her trousers.
She removed her brassiere. Felicia blushed and looked away. "This will just get in the way," G6 stated.
She put on the new tactical outfit. "What's this red stone on the pants and top?"
"A conductor. It links the clothing to the ring."
Once dressed, Felicia handed her the hat and sunglasses.
"Unfortunately, the ring only stores fabrics. Your eyewear must be carried separately."
"Not a problem." G6 looked at her for the next instruction.
"Now, wear the ring and channel a small amount of mana."
G6 did so. The red stones glowed, the light flowing into the ring before fading.
"That's it?"
Felicia smiled and nodded.
G6 removed the ring. Instantly, her tactical gear vanished, leaving her in only her underwear, the sunglasses still perched on her face. Felicia turned around, mortified.
"L-Lady Reise!"
"Hmm, convenient. I'll try it with clothes on." G6, unbothered, put her training clothes back on, then slipped the ring on. Her form glowed softly, revealing the disguised adventurer's outfit.
"Whoa. Fun."
"Is it to your liking?"
"Of course. Thanks." G6's eyes scanned the room. Satisfied, she gave a final nod and walked out. The signal was clear.
The two men were already waiting.
"Ready?" G6 asked.
"Yes, my lady," Edmund answered.
"Yes, Lady Reise," Zen replied.
"Let's go." G6 led the way out.
They took the back door where Edmund's horse waited.
"I'll see you both outside the walls," Zen stated. With a flicker, he vanished, using Physical Enhancement to warp through the trees.
Not bad.
Edmund and G6 executed their routine: he led the horse; she leaped onto its back, concealing herself until they cleared the palace grounds.
They stopped beneath a large tree beyond the gate. Zen was already there, waiting calmly beside G6's horse.
"Edmund," G6 began as she dismounted. "Who's been taking care of Kira?"
"My lady? Who is 'Kira'?"
"My horse." Back in my world, naming an animal bonds it to you. I need him to like me.
"I see… The footman at the department tends to him. And, my lady, that horse is male."
"I don't care. His name is Kira." She untied the lead and swung into the saddle.
Edmund laughed low at this unseen side of her. "Then Kira's status is now higher than mine."
"That's right. Kira is a beautiful guy. Shiny coat, fluffy mane, perfect physique." She stroked the horse's neck.
"Of course. Felicia mentioned he's one of the best-cared-for in the Worthon stables."
"I see." G6 turned to Zen. "Where's your horse?"
"I don't have one. I typically work on foot."
"Then you stay there. I'm not adding weight to my perfect Kira." She guided her horse toward the road.
"W-wait…" Zen gestured helplessly.
Edmund shook his head with a faint smile. "If you don't mind, Sir Zen, ride with me until we find you a horse."
"Grateful, Edmund." Zen moved to mount behind him.
Just as he settled, G6 spoke, gaze fixed ahead. "Starting now, beyond the palace, we are no longer nobles or a butler. Use our aliases."
"A roll call every time we begin. Now." G6 added. "G6 Arcadia."
"Eddie Saiden," Edmund followed.
"Zero Bergel," Zen stated.
"Let's go." G6 urged Kira forward.
Their faces were hidden deep within their hoods. They looked less like adventurers, more like mercenaries in disguise.
The steady rhythm of hooves echoed like a drumbeat toward the capital.
At the entrance, Edmund urged his horse forward, halting before G6.
"What's wrong?" G6 pulled Kira's reins.
"My lady, you intend to take a task outside again. Might I suggest we first visit a ranch to secure a horse for Zero?"
"Fine. Lead."
Edmund turned onto a side path into dense trees. They reached a secluded ranch, halting before a large warehouse.
An old man emerged, stern. "Who are you?"
Edmund pushed back his hood, smiling. "It's me, Old Man. Eddie."
The man sighed in relief. "Oh, it's you. Been a while. You three look intimidating."
Edmund laughed sheepishly. "Do we? Apologies. We're in a hurry. Do you have a horse similar to ours? For our companion."
"I see. Follow me." He led them toward stables.
G6 guided the horses to shade and leaned against a tree, crossing her arms in boredom.
Fifteen minutes later, the men returned, Zen leading a sleek black horse.
"Took too long," G6 stated, pushing away from the tree.
"My apologies. Zero was ensuring a suitable horse," Edmund explained.
"Hmm. Typical geek."
"We secured a good deal," Zen added, stroking the horse's neck. "Ten gold, two silver, three bronze. Remarkably cheap."
"Well, you're a friend of Eddie," the old man smiled.
"Ah, really?" G6's tone showed disinterest. "Let's leave." She swung onto Kira's saddle.
Zen and Edmund mounted.
"Thank you, Old Man. We'll see you again!" Edmund called.
G6 took the lead, urging Kira into a run. The men fell in behind, matching her pace.
The old man watched them disappear. "That lady… her aura chills the soul," he murmured, shaking his head.
❈.❈.❈
They guided horses along designated capital paths, securing them in an alley near the Adventurers' Guild. The three intimidating figures in long dark coats entered. The guild hall fell silent. All eyes were drawn to the strangers whose hoods concealed their faces.
"W-who are they?"
"Never seen adventurers hide like that."
"Such presence..."
A man stepped from behind the reception desk. "I assume you are G6 and Eddie?" Liam asked.
Edmund turned. "Oh, yes. How are you?"
"Well. You have company today."
"Ah, yes." Edmund gave a silent request. G6 and Zen lowered their hoods.
"Nice to meet you. Zero," Zen said, tone not friendly.
"An adventurer? I haven't seen you here."
"Registered in Tres Town. I often work outside the capital."
"I see, from the Southern Region. You spend much time in provinces." Liam smiled.
"Enough questions," G6 interjected. "Zero, you're A-Rank?"
"Yes."
"I see." G6 turned to Liam, now visibly nervous. "Oy, why no fun tasks?" She slammed her hand against the board, making Liam jump.
"B-Because we received an order from the Palace to post A through C-Rank tasks only at the desk. We judge if a party can handle them. A precaution after your last mission." Liam rubbed his head.
"Ah." G6 moved to the counter, others following. She scanned tasks on the reception wall.
Liam stepped behind the counter. "How about this?" He unpinned a task and slid it over.
"An A-Rank in Greenhill Village, the fifth village of Capital's Juris. Reports of a wolf pack deep in the mountains. They descend, disturbing the village. Growing aggressive."
"Hmm. Last village under capital jurisdiction. Nearly half a day to reach," Zen noted, hand on chin.
"Travel time varies?" G6 asked.
"Yes."
"Ah. We'll take it." She snatched the poster, shoved it against Zen's chest. "Let's go." She moved toward the door, Zen following.
Edmund offered an apologetic smile. "Thank you, Liam. Please don't mind my... niece."
"Nothing. I'm growing used to it." Liam replied.
Edmund nodded and followed.
They retrieved horses from the alley, guiding them through crowded streets to the main gate. A line had formed as the city watch checked identification and cargo.
Their turn. A guard held up a hand. "Guild cards and purpose."
Edmund nudged his horse forward slightly. "Of course." He produced his card—'Eddie Saiden'—with a calm smile. "Pest control in Greenhill Village."
The guard glanced at the card, then at G6 and Zen, who offered theirs without a word. His eyes lingered on G6's card, then flicked up to her concealed face. Unease crossed his features, but he found no fault. A sharp nod. "Clear. Safe travels."
Edmund led onto the worn dirt road beyond the walls. G6 and Zen fell in behind, silhouetted against the capital stone. The open world lay ahead.
❈.❈.❈
Beyond the walls, greenery unfolded. Edmund led, skirting villages, avoiding main thoroughfares.
They passed three villages in four hours, stopping to rest roadside under large trees.
Zen and Edmund cut thick branches for seats. Edmund retrieved a large basket from his Dimensional Vault—Tina's provision.
"Lunch. It's noon." He started a small bonfire to heat a pot of meat soup Alistair prepared.
"What's all this? Enough for five? Why a pot in your vault?" G6 asked, sitting back, bored.
"I like to be prepared for your decisions. I also have bowls and utensils." He stirred the pot. "And Alistair knows your appetite."
"Healthy appetite? I recall your first meal, you had the largest steak," Zen commented, laying out bowls and spoons on a picnic blanket.
"Shut your mouth, or you're next meal," G6 said flatly.
"Hmm, Alistair packed two large torpedo sandwiches. More than enough. Save the rest," Edmund said, closing the basket.
"Alistair takes good care of you," Zen remarked.
"The couple is fond of G6," Edmund confirmed.
"What about the strict inspection earlier? Last time, knights were relaxed," G6 asked, shifting topic.
"Hmm. Likely recent irregularities."
"And the serial killer at large," Zen added.
"Not captured yet?"
"Elusive. May wield a noble affinity."
"A noble?"
"Last year, two blood types at the scene. One victim's; the other culprit's. His blood indicates seventy-five percent commoner, twenty-five percent... special case."
"Oh? A bastard child?"
"Not necessarily. Noble blood is dominant. I suspect a forbidden spell..." Zen trailed off.
"Commoners purchasing noble blood, fusing it? Dangerous, fatal. Low success rate, could poison you," Edmund interjected.
"Or wrong chant kills you outright," Zen said.
"Can't blame them. This world's hierarchy is cruel. A noble wields designated affinity, still acquires Physical Enhancement and Utility Magic." G6 crossed her arms. "Peasants limited to two. Thirst for power, you do anything."
Edmund and Zen fell into heavy silence.
She's right… The world's treatment of commoners is unfair. Is this why the Queen trusts her? Zen thought.
"Satisfied with your lot, Eddie?" Zen asked quietly.
Edmund stared into the pot, smiling. "Of course. Confident and satisfied." He determined soup was ready. "Let's eat."
He ladled soup into three bowls, handed them out.
Their meal continued with light conversation about kingdom geography. They each had more than three bowls. Lunch and rest took two hours.
❈.❈.❈
After cleaning, they mounted and continued.
"How much farther?" G6 asked as horses ran, voice carried by Whisper of Gale.
"Halfway to fourth town," Edmund called back.
G6 and Zen rode behind, side by side.
"Edmund!" Zen's voice joined the spell. "Why not the remote pass? Shortcut, though the road is flanked by cliffs."
"Safe! No rain lately! Orders?" Edmund deferred to G6.
"The main road is lame. Whatever's faster. Hurry."
"Copy!" Edmund guided them onto a new path—a forest trail winding along a steep cliff face.
"This road is rarely used by carriages; too dangerous," Zen commented.
"Dangerous, huh?" G6 mused.
They pressed on. The road was narrow, just wide enough for a carriage.
An arrow shot across their path. Horses reared in panic. The arrow whistled past G6's ear, thudding ahead. Her mind ignited. She urged her horse forward, placing herself in front of Edmund.
"CODE RED! DO NOT LOSE YOUR HORSES!" G6 commanded, taking the lead.
What the fuck? No presence sensed.
Arrows rained from the mountains above. "DO NOT STOP!" G6 yelled.
"G6! Arrows from above! Probably bandits!" Zen shouted.
"READY YOUR WEAPONS!"
Arrows didn't cease, nor did their frantic pace.
"Do not engage! We're at a disadvantage!" G6 said while running.
At the road's end, a group of bandits waited, grinning, forcing them to halt.
"G6," Edmund whispered via spell.
"G6, perhaps—no. This looks bad. Better if you fall to the rear," Zen said, voice tight.
"Stay in position. Do not move until I order." G6's voice was chillingly calm.
A tall, large bandit emerged, hefting a massive sword.
"Oh? Only three. And loaded. Look at those coats," the leader said.
"Mercenaries?" another commented.
"Mercenaries? Horses are too fine." The leader scoffed. "Who are you? Bold to take this route."
"Adventurers," Edmund stated.
"Adventurers? A three-man party?" The leader laughed. "Loose your hoods! Or I will shoot your horses."
G6 lowered her hood. Bandits' eyes filled with excitement.
"A woman?" The leader leered. "Feast tonight! In bed! Ha!" Bandits roared.
Edmund and Zen lowered hoods, faces etched with anger.
"Who's the captain? Strong? Must be, to take this route," the leader taunted.
"I'll handle this, Lady Reise," Edmund whispered. He cleared his throat. "I—"
"I am." G6's voice is calm, low.
Lady Reise is too calm. I understand she's peculiar, strong, as the Queen claims. But this is too calm, Zen thought, observing.
"Oh?" The leader laughed uproariously. "A woman? Captain?" He turned to his group, laughed again. "Easy. Kill the men, have you later." The leader grinned, gave a vulgar gesture.
G6 slowly took off her sunglasses, tucked them into her pocket.
"I'll let you live if you let us pass," G6 said, voice beginning to fray.
This is bad. Lady Reise… Edmund thought, cold dread settling.
G6's thoughts: How long since my last kill? Amazing to add them to my body count. Show them how fast I can kill. Fun. See horror on their faces.
Echo Trace.
[Echo Trace: A skill tracing sound echoes off targets, creating a mental map of precise locations.]
She played wind up the mountainside, counting heartbeats, rustles, weight shifts.
One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six… A slow, creepy smile. Nine people up there.
"Oh, pretty lady, smiling? Excited for me?" the leader asked.
"How dare you disrespect her!" Zen moved. G6 immediately disappeared from her horse.
G6's thoughts: <
In a blink, G6 vanished. To bandits and companions, she was erased.
She reappeared silently on the cliff face, clinging to shadows. Echo Trace painted nine glowing markers. Nine heartbeats. Nine targets.
Finally. A real hunt.
Her whole being was a cold, focused stream. Predator mode.
Her heart sang with a predatory rhythm she'd missed. The itch under her skin from weeks without a kill, finally scratched.
The first bandit, nocking an arrow, never saw her. A fleeting breeze, a phantom touch at his throat, a warm, wet line. Dead before processing lack of air, body slumping. One.
The man next to him noticed his companion's stillness a second too late. "Hey, you okay—" A blade, silent, unseen, entered through the base of his skull. Two.
Panic bloomed. "Where is she?!" one hissed, spinning, sword drawn. He saw only empty cliffside and terrified comrades. Then nothing. Three.
A symphony of silence and death. She moved like a vengeful ghost, a Reaper harvesting. Stab to heart. Slit throat from behind. Precise thrust through ribs. Four... Five... Six... Seven.
The eighth turned to run, courage shattered. Two steps before a dagger, thrown with impossible accuracy, buried in his spine. He fell, paralyzed. Last sight: her boot before a final, merciful strike. Eight.
The ninth, farthest back, frantically aiming his bow at empty air. Trembling so hard he could barely nock an arrow.
"P-please..." he begged darkness.
G6 materialized before him, her grey eyes behind her shades devoid of emotion. "Please? Ha…" she sighs and smirks.
One fluid, brutal motion, her other blade swept horizontally. A wet, crunching sound. The world tilted violently for the bandit, then darkness. Nine.
…❈…
Down on the road, the bandit leader grew impatient. "Where did that wench go? Run? Search the—"
A heavy, wet thud landed between the groups, kicking up dust.
The severed head of the ninth bandit, face frozen in terror.
Silence. Absolute.
Bandits stared, bravado evaporating into pure fear. They backed away, several stumbling.
Edmund and Zen stared, blood running cold. Sweat beaded on their temples, trickled down their necks. Edmund's knuckles white on reins. Zen's mouth slightly agape, unable to form a word. The brutal efficiency, only imagined, now horrifically real.
As bandits stared in horror at the head, a figure dropped from the cliff, landing lightly as a shadow beside it.
G6.
A single, dramatic splatter of blood marred her cheek, stark against pale skin. Twin daggers in hand, covered in blood. Eyes, cold and empty, swept over remaining bandits. No anger, no hatred, no excitement. Only the calm, analytical gaze of a predator culling prey.
She didn't look at Edmund or Zen. Focus on the men before her.
Twenty-three more. The hunt continues.
The leader's fear curdled into furious, desperate rage. "You witch! Get her! Kill them all!" he roared, pointing a trembling finger.
His men, spurred by command and terror, surged forward with a collective yell.
A fatal mistake.
G6 didn't move; she flowed. A blur, a phantom woven from death.
<
<
Ten seconds.
In ten heartbeats, chaos was methodically dismantled. Not a fight; an execution. Twin daggers, dripping blood, became extensions of her will. A bandit charging left found his throat opened before his sword descended. Another, right, took a blade through the eye. A third, fourth, fifth—each fell with a single, precise, fatal strike. No clashing steel, only soft, sickening sounds of blades parting flesh, thuds of bodies hitting dirt.
In ten seconds, half the leader's men were on the ground, dead or dying in silent, twitching agony.
On horses, Edmund and Zen were frozen. Legs trembled, not from battle, but from the horrifying spectacle. Cold dread, colder than winter, seized hearts, locked muscles.
Edmund's thoughts: By the gods... This isn't combat. Slaughter. She's not fighting; harvesting. Killing style same as horde. Yet… more intense. Lady Reise… killed a… human. Like nothing.
Zen's thoughts: No... impossible. No knight, assassin, has this thirst. She's almost like… a demon. Death made flesh. That aura... suffocating. The void.
To them, G6 was no longer a woman. A nexus of terrifying energy, a dark silhouette against fading light, grey eyes glowing with otherworldly calm. Air heavy, cold, as if death took physical form.
Remaining bandits, including the leader, stumbled to a halt. Weapons fell from numb fingers, clattering. Fight drained, replaced by primal, bowel-loosening terror.
They dropped to their knees, bravado replaced by desperate, weeping pleas.
"P-Please! Spare us!"
"Surrender! Yield! Mercy!"
"Anything! Don't kill us!" the leader sobbed, forehead to dirt.
G6 stood amidst carnage, daggers loose at sides, blood pooling at feet. She tilted her head, a predator considering prey cries.
"I gave you a chance to live," she stated, voice flat, devoid of emotion, cutting through weeping. "I said I'd let you live if you let us through. You chose this."
A single, slow step forward. Boot on gravel deafening in silence.
"You thought I was just a woman. An easy target," she continued, tone laced with cold, mocking finality. "Now, look at you. Begging for a life you threw away."
Hope in their eyes died, replaced by hollow realization. Pleading stopped, replaced by quiet, broken whimpers of men knowing they were in their graves.
As G6 took another silent step, daggers ready to finish, the leader threw hands up in a final, desperate act.
"Wait! Please! A deal! Information! A secret for a fortune! Spare us, it's yours!"
G6 halted. Head tilted, predator intrigued. Cold finality shifted to sharp, analytical gleam.
"A fortune? I don't need such a thing." G6.
Those men on their knees look up to the woman standing infront of them, they can feel the coldness of her stares behind those shades.
"It is! I swear! The reason we've attacked villages... we knew! Knights sent on expeditions! Capital confident, villages unprotected! Perfect time to strike!"
G6 moved faster than he could blink. A dagger point pressed against his throat, a bead of blood welling.
"You knew this how?" she demanded, voice deadly whisper.
"Don't know who sent it! I swear! A bird! A crow! Delivered messages with schedules! Last one in my pocket!" He frantically gestured to a grimy coat. "Please, check! Truth!"
G6's gaze didn't waver, but death was paused.
Behind her, Edmund and Zen, legs unsteady, gathered courage. They slowly dismounted, approached cautiously. Edmund knelt beside the sobbing leader, searching pockets. His fingers closed around a small, tightly rolled scroll. He stood, offered it to G6.
She kept a dagger at the man's throat, took a scroll with free hand, eyes flicking down.
Sensing them behind her, G6 didn't turn. She extended her hand, scrolling between blood-stained fingers. "Edmund. Look."
Edmund took it, movements tense.
G6 kept eyes locked on the leader. "Zen. Interrogate him. Certain about the crow?"
Zen stepped forward, voice firm but layered with cold dread. "You claim a crow delivered knight expedition schedules. Swear to this? Your life depends on truth."
"Yes! I swear! On my life!" The leader sobbed, face in dirt. "Crows come every time a week prior to expeditions. Never know who sent it!"
G6 studied him for a moment, Hmm. No signs of lying.
Satisfied, G6 lowered her dagger. She glanced at Zen, a silent question.
Zen understood. "Even if we take him prisoner, it's futile. Can't use teleportation tools; reveals our location. Tying them up here is useless. No one travels this path. They'd starve."
A slow, unnerving smile touched G6's lips. Not kind. "Who said tie them up? I was going to let them go."
Bandits stared, disbelief and desperate hope warring.
"In exchange for this information," G6 continued, voice conversational, yet terrifying, "I'll let you pathetic worms crawl away." She leaned forward slightly, grey eyes pinning the leader. "But listen. If this information is fake, or a trap..."
She paused, silence heavy.
"...Wherever you hide, the deepest hole, darkest alley of the most distant city, know: I will find you. Our conversation ends differently. Understood?"
"Y-Yes, Ma'am!" Bandits cried in ragged unison.
"Tsk. Losers," G6 muttered, watching them go. "Get lost before I change my mind."
They all run, scrambling backward, fleeing into the woods.
❈.❈.❈
The last bandits scrambled into the tree line, sobs swallowed by forest. As flight faded, heavy, suffocating silence descended, broken only by faint drip of blood from G6's daggers.
Edmund and Zen stood frozen, bodies refusing to unclench. A charnel house. Bodies strewn like broken dolls, lives ended with chilling, assembly-line efficiency. But the true horror was the architect.
G6 cleaned her blades with the detached focus of a craftsman maintaining tools. No pride, no disgust. Only the flat satisfaction of a tedious chore completed. The terrifying, predatory aura that had choked the air was gone, withdrawn like a held breath. The Reaper sheathed her scythe; a woman was simply tidying up.
For Edmund, it was the confirmation of a long-held fear. This is what she is. Not a noble. A force of nature—a natural disaster wearing human skin. His loyalty now warred with a primal, instinctual fear.
For Zen, the Queen's warning crystallized into terrifying clarity. "You will have failed to perceive what is directly in front of you." He had. He'd thought her dangerous, sharp, unpredictable—a child's understanding. She was the void. The ending. And he, the Queen's hound, had been handed the leash to a hurricane.
Does Her Majesty even know this? No… Her Majesty doesn't know this kind of dark side of Lady Reise yet…
As G6 slid her spotless daggers into their sheaths, she glanced at their pale, stricken faces. "What are you two standing around for?" she asked, her voice perfectly, horrifyingly normal. "We're burning daylight. The wolves aren't going to kill themselves."
—To Be Continued…—