[EN] MLQC Chapter 21 – Peeping of Dawn

[Main Story 21-01]

I looked on with wide-eyed disbelief.

My ears rang with a buzzing from the huge blast, and my heart beat faster than it ever had.

{{MC}}: What in the… What just happened?!

The scene in front of me and the one from my vision interlaced in my mind, clearly telling me–

The explosion happened.

In the fiery glow of the explosion, the monolithic bridge instantly cracked, collapsed, and fell to pieces.

A giant, ragged crack tore open from the middle of the bridge outwards. The raging river cruelly swallowed up all the broken rocks and cars that fell down the crack.

Passerby: Run– Run!!

Screaming people finally scattered and fled in all directions, and the sound of explosions continued, one after another.

I was rooted in place, my daze and fear of the future overcoming any instinct to flee. The black umbrella fell from my hand and was swept away in the wind.

Passerby: Miss, what’re you doing just standing there?! Run!

A strange, middle-aged man pulled my arm, yanking me from my stupor.

I finally snapped to. I raised a hand and wiped away tears that had fallen at some point as I staggered among the crowd running away from the danger zone.

Everywhere I looked was chaos. Multi-car pileups blocked the roads, the ground was covered in blood, and the tragic scene had everyone worked into a panic.

Shrill screams, desperate crying, the sound of constant blasts behind me, a cacophony of sounds weaved into a tragedy of endless night.

{{MC}}: What should I do? What can I do…

I wracked my brain, but it just came up blank. My power by itself was miniscule in the face of such a catastrophe.

Suddenly, a malicious hand shoved me from behind.

{{MC}}: –!!

Before the word “help” could leave my throat, I was already careening forward, completely caught off guard. I saw myself about to fall into the rushing traffic–

In the bitter cold wind, the feel of countless car headlights on my face actually made me feel hot.

Just then, a hand reached out and grabbed my wrist, wrenching me back onto the sidewalk.

In practically an instant, a black car brushed past my arm, and my hair was disheveled by the passing wind, blocking my view of the surroundings.

I fell into a hard embrace. My mind was still confused, but my heart that almost froze with terror started to beat again.

{{MC}}: Thank you. Thank…

??: Hold tight.

A surpassingly familiar voice sounded above me.

For a moment, I thought I was having a hallucination. Why else would I be hearing Gavin’s voice?

But when I looked up, my eyes fell upon that same Gavin who had given me a warning a few short hours ago.

Still that same, familiar brown hair, flapping in the wind. Still those familiar, strong arms cradling me so securely.

At my most helpless, most perilous moment, he was still there just in time to save me from the abyss.

Except, those silent, straightforward eyes of his told me that now, I was just a stranger to him.

{{MC}}: Gavin…

My hands clutched the clothes at his chest. The rough material of the military uniform stung my hands, but I still didn’t let go.

I was afraid he would leave again. Afraid this time I wouldn’t be able to speak with him. Afraid… that I wouldn’t have a chance to see him again.

On the narrow street, the frenzied crowd ran on ahead, bumping us over and over as we stood our ground.

I could only cling closely to Gavin’s chest. In the turbulent air, I was enveloped by his familiar, clean scent.

Amidst the surging crowd, we seemed to be all alone. But the distant look on Gavin’s face quickly brought me back to the panic of the moment.

{{MC}}: What happened?

Gavin: You shouldn’t be here.

Almost at the same time, Gavin and I both started speaking.

Our eyes met, and Gavin’s were totally calm. The flickering streetlights flashed in his eyes, making his remote expression even harder to read.

{{MC}}: Why do you say that?

The commotion from the crowd easily drowned out my voice. Gavin didn’t answer, and I wasn’t sure if he’d heard me or not.

His gaze was on something in the distance. The line of his lower jaw grew tight, and although he didn’t show it, I could sense that his whole body was in a rage.

Gavin: Go!

Gavin spoke loudly in my ear, then removed his hand from my shoulder.

A gap finally appeared in the packed crowd. Gavin grabbed my wrist and pulled me in the direction opposite the crowd’s.

{{MC}}: Where are we going–

I shouted my question at Gavin. It was the only way he could hear me above the chaos.

Gavin: A safe place.

His voice was as calm as ever, even at a time like this.

The wind silently blew aside people blocking our way. I followed close behind Gavin as we finally emerged from the danger.

That suffocating, claustrophobic feeling had gone. I leaned on my knees panting. It was the depth of winter, but I’d still broken out in a full sweat.

{{MC}}: Gavin, do you know…

Before I could finish, the hand on my wrist let go.

Gavin wasn’t paying attention to me. His eyes were scanning the gridlocked road, one hand on the walkie-talkie at his hip as he turned to go.

{{MC}}: W– wait…

I unconsciously reached for him, but he dodged me easily. My fingertip only brushed a piece of his clothes.

Gavin took a glance back at me and gave a cold warning.

Gavin: Get out of here. Don’t follow me.

Having said that, he rushed off with no hesitation in his chosen direction– right for the bridge.

Fire filled the sky and smoke billowed as the bridge slowly collapsed. Everything was so terrifying, it easily evoked an instinct of fear deep inside me.

{{MC}}: Gavin! There might be more explosions!

As I took a step forward, a bolt of pain rose from an ankle which apparently I’d twisted at some point. I couldn’t keep up with Gavin.

In my fear, I wanted to call Gavin back, but he didn’t turn his head, and he soon disappeared from my sight.

[Main Story 21-03]

The night sky was now completely dark. I stood there with a bad feeling lurking in my heart.

{{MC}}: If Gavin is in danger…

I grit my teeth. I had to go after him.

The smoke grew thicker as I went. The crack in the bridge had already grown so that even the bank wasn’t safe. Chunks of collapsing rock tumbled constantly into the river.

{{MC}}: Gavin… Where are you…

I kept fighting back repeated surges of fear and despair. In this moment, my only thought was to find Gavin.

Finally, amidst the chaos, I saw that familiar silhouette.

He was standing on the riverbank, facing the leaning bridge as a violent, frenzied wind blew up from the water’s surface, making his clothes flap around wildly.

But his frame stood as firm as ever in the wind. His shadow stretched out under the firelight, all the way to my feet. I just knew that was Gavin.

The heavy worry in my heart finally fell away. Enduring the pain in my ankle, I faced the wind and my fear and walked toward him.

Walkie-Talkie: Attention! Team one is in position…

Walkie-Talkie: Team two is arriving on the scene in ten minutes…

Gavin: Copy. Awaiting orders.

The closer I got, the clearer I could hear the reports coming over Gavin’s walkie-talkie. Every word from them was a ray of hope in this dark night.

Suddenly, a faint sound of wind broke through the crashing of waves and the thudding of falling rocks. It sounded in my ear as clear as day.

I normally wouldn’t be able to hear such a delicate sound, but in this moment, it seemed to drown out all the other swelling noises.

{{MC}}: What’s…

As it dawned on me, I halted my step and almost held my breath as I looked at Gavin a few meters away– he was absolutely motionless.

But from what I could tell, under the cover of dark, countless invisible wisps of wind gathered, swirled, and rose–

In the next instant, a fierce wind hit my face. I squinted, but I didn’t want to close my eyes.

The collapsing bridge halted in its path. The constantly sagging rupture seemed held in place by some invisible hand.

The fire wavered wildly under the gusts of wind, and then was cruelly dashed to pieces and extinguished into darkness.

The sight left me in utter awe. I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

That ephemeral wind, invisible to everyone, actually held up the river-spanning, megalithic structure, giving more people a chance to escape for their lives.

My gaze returned to that figure beside the bridge. An indescribable excitement and a feeling like my blood was boiling made me forget my previous fear.

Is that you, Gavin?

I couldn’t stop myself from taking a few steps forward. Gavin finally turned his head and looked back at me with his detached yet keen eyes.

Gavin: What are you doing here?

His cold tone made my impulse-driven brain calm down. I muttered an explanation.

{{MC}}: I was afraid you’d be in danger…

Gavin: What danger could I be in?

Gavin’s merciless response left me no leeway.

Gavin: Is that your reason, or an excuse?

Gavin: I don’t understand why you keep putting yourself in danger. I don’t see any ability in you to deal with such danger.

Gavin spoke harshly, with an undisguised criticism and contempt. I felt frozen in place, both wronged and unable to defend myself.

{{MC}}: I can…

I whispered it, and then sensing that it lacked confidence, I immediately raised my voice.

{{MC}}: I’m an Evolver too. I can help!

{{MC}}: My Evol is precognition… I can see things in the future.

A hint of surprise flashed in Gavin’s eyes, but it didn’t change his attitude.

Gavin: So you foresaw an explosion? This is why you showed up nearby?

{{MC}}: …Yes.

I lowered my head, feeling much more downcast. Resurfacing feelings of guilt and regret left me almost unable to speak.

{{MC}}: I foresaw the explosion, but I wasn’t sure of the time and place… I couldn’t stop it…

Gavin: Even though I have no way of knowing if you’re telling the truth…

As I’d expected, it seemed Gavin didn’t believe what I said.

Gavin: …next time you foresee something like this, remember to stay out of the way.

{{MC}}: …Huh?

I lifted my head in surprise, not seeing the disapproval and disappointment in Gavin’s eyes that I thought would be there.

Instead, he looked at me with raised eyebrows and a faint mocking tone in his voice.

Gavin: You thought I’d tell you to put your life on the line to try to stop it?

{{MC}}: No, that’s not what I meant.

I hastily shook my head, not expecting that I’d get this kind of answer from Gavin.

Gavin: If we had to count on individual Evol to stop everything that happens, then there’d be no point in having an army.

{{MC}}: But even if the odds were one in ten thousand, I’d still hope that I could stop the disaster.

I clenched my fists to my chest and stared firmly at Gavin.

{{MC}}: So I won’t stay away!

Gavin: You–

Gavin’s voice suddenly paused. A murderous look suddenly flared up in his amber eyes.

This fearsome look was directed completely unrestrained at me. For a moment, I couldn’t even breathe.

[Main Story 21-04]

Before the fear had spread from my brain to my limbs, Gavin had suddenly moved.

Wind silently surged, and he quickly pulled me aside, sending me stumbling and nearly falling to the ground.

In the darkness, something brushed past my shoulder, passing straight through the spot where I was standing. But I didn’t see a thing. All I could feel was a chill run down my back.

Gavin fell silent, his cold gaze falling on a building in the distance.

{{MC}}: What happened?

A little afraid, I asked in a low voice. Those murky black buildings around us suddenly seemed dangerous.

Gavin: Did you get on someone’s bad side, by any chance?

Gavin looked away again, seemingly indicating that the danger had been resolved.

{{MC}}: Get on someone’s bad side…?

I froze for a moment as I thought carefully through the possibilities.

Right now everyone has forgotten me, and no one knows I have the Queen gene. Who would have something against me?

If it wasn’t Black Swan… could it be that person behind the dream world?

As I kept ruling out guesses, I shook my head blankly.

{{MC}}: I don’t know. I can’t think of anything…

Gavin: Then maybe they’re not after you, just Evolvers.

Gavin cut me off. His emotionless tone made me suddenly feel a chill creeping up my spine.

{{MC}}: Evolvers… What do you mean?

Gavin: It’s probably not good for you to know too much.

Gavin didn’t say anymore. His walkie-talkie hissed a few times, and then a new report finally came through.

Walkie-Talkie: All rescue teams have arrived on the scene. Commence rescue…

In the distance, the constant sound of sirens permeated the night– the rescuers had finally made it.

Gavin: We have to get out of here.

Gavin’s low voice called me back from my thoughts. I withdrew my gaze and found he had already walked off a ways.

The wind encircling the river finally died down. The bridge, having completed its final mission, now sagged again under its weight, letting out a giant, heavy groan.

I hurried on ahead, blindly following behind Gavin.

{{MC}}: You’re not going to wait for the rescue to finish?

Gavin: No need. Someone will handle it.

Gavin answered nonchalantly. No impact from such a disaster and a tragedy could be seen on him. He wasn’t shaken or changed at all.

Even though the Gavin of the past would get angry or feel grief, this Gavin now seemed to have cast aside these emotions and become especially estranged.

I didn’t dare dwell on the uneasiness I felt. All I could do was follow silently behind Gavin and watch as the wind pushed his figure into the deepening night.

On both sides of the street, rescuers and evacuees had formed an orderly system. The survivors seemed to have pulled themselves together and were no longer panicked and helpless.

I looked up at the large screen at the intersection playing a clip from the evening news.

Anchor: Breaking news: at about 6 p.m. this evening, an unexpected explosion occurred at the Loveland City bridge. The number of casualties is currently unknown.

Anchor: The authorities have already initiated an emergency rescue, and an investigation is being held into the specific cause of the accident. Residents are asked to avoid going outside and to remain calm.

The news anchor’s usual pleasing voice turned cold here, as all that death and grief seemed somehow transformed into the understated word “unknown”.

The curtain had just been raised on this long winter night, but for some people, it would never have an ending.

I turned away with heavy sorrow and asked Gavin in a low voice:

{{MC}}: Was this incident today something that someone had been plotting? Did you show up there because you had some clues?

Gavin: The clues ran dry.

There was no hint of resentment in Gavin’s tone, but I could definitely make out a heaviness.

{{MC}}: If I can use my…

Gavin: I don’t believe in illusory precognitions. I only believe in reality.

Before I’d finished making my proposal, Gavin cut me off like he already knew what I was going to say.

Gavin: This definitely won’t happen a second time.

As he coolly spoke, a deep gloom fell over his eyes, making me shiver.

Gavin: It’s safe here. You head out.

{{MC}}: And you?

Gavin: You don’t need to know.

He stopped and gave me a long, probing look.

Gavin: Be careful of your surroundings, and don’t go out if you can help it for the time being. No matter what your Evol shows you.

{{MC}}: Can you tell me just exactly what happened?

Afraid that Gavin would just leave again, I was already unconsciously holding on to him. In the next second, a fragmented vision appeared before me–

Cold moonlight fell on the rooftop of a tall building. A black iron net surrounded the snow-covered roof as two figures faced off.

One of them was Gavin. The other was none other than Helios.

Helios: …continue the partnership.

A prickling pain of static electricity came through my fingertips, but before I could even cry out in pain, Gavin had already thrown off my hand, so hard I had to take a few steps backward.

As Gavin turned back to look at me, his expression turned gloomy and enraged. Various emotions seethed in his eyes like a gathering storm.

It was a look I’d never seen on Gavin’s face before– cold, pained, hateful, bitter… venting out uncontrollably.

He didn’t say a word, but there was a storm in his eye that would make you tremble.

I froze there, never imagining that Gavin would have such a big reaction.

After a long time, I finally whispered an apology to him.

{{MC}}: I’m sorry. I didn’t think…

Gavin: Forget it.

His voice was hoarse, revealing a slight fatigue. But his posture was as straight as ever, and each step as he walked away as steady as ever. Not the slightest wavering could be seen.

As I watched him go, for some reason my eyes started to sting.

I clutched the front of my coat and bent over slightly. This posture seemed to be the only way to relieve the stifling feeling I felt in my heart.

Just what was it? This pain that seemed like empathy…

What on earth had Gavin been through? Just what was he hiding when he acted like nothing was the matter in front of me?

–It seemed I would never know.

Paying no more mind to that girl, Gavin turned to deal with subsequent matters.

One channel on the walkie-talkie that was always silent finally had a response. Gavin pressed the talk button, a hint of rage in his tone.

Gavin: The intel you provided was wrong.

There was a sound of static, and then another icy voice came through.

??: I know. I’ll take care of everything.

Putting away his walkie-talkie, Gavin lowered his head and saw something flashing at his feet with a thin light.

He bent over and picked it up.

A simple gingko leaf bracelet looked particularly delicate in his long-fingered hand.

Did she drop it?

Gavin held up the bracelet and looked at it under the dim streetlight. A golden gleam ran across its little leaves.

An inexplicable emotion was stirring in his heart.

Even though he didn’t think they’d ever meet again, he put the bracelet in his inner coat pocket.

[Main Story 21-07]

Finally, I wearily returned home. The key turned, and with a light “click”, the door opened.

I inwardly let out a sigh of relief. Thankfully some things in this world still hadn’t changed.

The events today had proved what that young man said– everyone had forgotten me, but the traces of my existence still hadn’t been rubbed out.

{{MC}}: Why is it like this?

I whispered my question out loud, but no one came with an answer.

Even though I was utterly exhausted, I turned on my computer.

The explosion that took place at dusk rocked the entire internet. Officials still hadn’t released a cause for the incident, leading to all kinds of rumors popping up.

I rapidly browsed all the endless hearsay and conjecture, but the sudden appearance of the words “superhuman” made me stop my mouse.

{{MC}}: What is this all about…

As I opened the post, I gasped in cold shock.

The poster exposed the illegal human experiments of that British scientist from 20 years ago.

In dense, tiny print, it brought the existence of “Evol” into the full light of the public.

He connected Evolvers with all kinds of incidents from the past and enumerated plenty of detailed “evidence”–

His final conclusion was that this explosion was also the work of an Evolver.

If I wasn’t an Evolver, I might believe him too.

The comments also went as I’d imagined, from doubt and ridicule to uneasiness and panic, like there was an invisible hand behind the scenes pulling the strings.

Some people brought up those guests with special abilities that had appeared on Miracle Finder. Others brought up the legal human experiments at Lucien’s laboratory.

Finally, one person said, “Those monsters need to be held responsible for the deaths of those people”, a sentiment which made my heart sink.

{{MC}}: Who really did do it? What is he trying to do?

{{MC}}: If it wasn’t Black Swan, who else could it be…

My hands trembled as I urged everyone in the comments to remain calm and wait for the conclusion of the official investigation.

Then, after making just a few responses, my computer screen suddenly started flashing. I shook my mouse quizzically, but I couldn’t control the cursor either.

{{MC}}: Aaah–!

On the screen, out of thin air, a line of bright red text appeared: We will find you, EVIL.

The glaring red color seemed to reveal the bare-faced evil intentions of the person causing this. It made me shudder in horror.

After several seconds, I finally reacted and pulled the power cord. My pale face reflected in the suddenly dark screen.

{{MC}}: EVIL… who is that supposed to be?

I felt like there was a large net that had been hung over me unknowingly, waiting to drop any moment.

Just then, a stab of pain more intense than before shot through my nerves. I clutched my head and rubbed my temples to try to relieve the inexplicable pain.

“You don’t know?”

A voice suddenly appeared in my mind, my own voice.

{{MC}}: What…?

“Since ancient times, humanity has always been tribal and intolerant.”

“Human evolution and human history have always been a march over the blood and bones of their fellow man.”

{{MC}}: No!

I shook my head forcefully, trying to shrug off this beguiling voice.

“Don’t resist. Don’t try to change it. Your power alone is insignificant…”

{{MC}}: Shut up!

I shouted angrily as I clutched my wildly beating heart and gasped uncontrollably.

The voice finally went away. I lay face up on the bed, incredibly soothed by the silence of the moment.

I closed my eyes, and although every cell in my body was worn out, my thoughts were still wide awake.

I forced myself and gradually sunk into sleep.

A gloomy, rainy day. Lightning flashed in the air, and the noisy mix of rain and thunder washed over the world.

I plodded down the street, surrounded by a thick reek of blood continually assaulting my nerves.

Fire, lightning, perhaps interlaced with something else.

Dense burst of gunshots rang out constantly. I watched as fighters on both sides kept falling, their blood and the rain forming little streams.

I saw the despair and unwillingness in their eyes and heard their cries and moans.

“Die, you EVILs, die!”

I turned and saw a person pull the trigger, sending a golden bullet flying at me through the night.

The next second, an intense pain started spreading from my chest.

[Main Story 21-08]

I snapped my eyes open.

There was no longer a rain-shrouded street before me, but my familiar ceiling. A white light from behind the curtain lit up the entire room.

{{MC}}: It was a dream…

I sighed in relief and felt my back soaked with sweat. The feeling of terror from my dream still lingered vividly in me, causing me to shake uncontrollably.

I couldn’t remember how it all started in the dream. All I could remember was that brutal battlefield with normal people and Evolvers slaughtering each other.

I didn’t know if this was the future I was seeing or some nightmare stemming from a deep-down fear.

–Everything starts with you. The future can be not just rebirth, but also destruction.

That voice was speaking again, but I didn’t want to listen.

I threw off my blanket and walked to the window. The snow-covered city looked particularly peaceful, as if the painful events of last night had already faded away.

But I knew it hadn’t. It was like the deepest of wounds, cut across the memory of all the city’s inhabitants forever.

I drew a circle on the fogged up window with my finger, surrounding the pure, beautiful scene outside.

{{MC}}: I will protect you.

I will follow the direction that everyone is pointing me in– I will keep going forward.

The sound of the door closing behind me made me pause for a few seconds. Without looking back, I strode away from this harbor of warmth that I could escape to.

Because of the explosion incident yesterday, the streets were desolate. Not many people were out walking.

The protestors outside of Lucien’s research center building also seemed to have dispersed for now. But the door was still closed tight, refusing entry to visitors.

Going in through the side door again, I pushed down on my hat and gripped my recorder pen in my pocket. With a deep breath, I knocked on the door of the research center.

Every detail of yesterday’s encounter with Lucien was still fresh in my memory. All of his cryptic words yesterday had been validated one by one.

But after waiting a long time with no response again, the sound of footsteps once again came from down the hall.

I looked back warily and saw it was a young teacher wearing a lab coat. He gave me an inquiring look, then saw the shut door of the lab and turned cautious.

Young Teacher: What are you doing here? Professor Lucien isn’t in the lab.

Knowing that he probably misunderstood my reason for coming, I quickly explained.

{{MC}}: I’m not here looking for an interview. I have something I need to talk to Professor Lucien about. Can you tell me where he went?

Young Teacher: You’re really not an interviewer?

He looked me over, still half in doubt, and after a few moments of hesitation he finally spoke.

Young Teacher: Professor Lucien left the research center yesterday and never came back. I don’t know where he went.

{{MC}}: I see. Thank you.

As I watched the figure in white disappear down the hall, I couldn’t help feel a bit disappointed and at a loss. If Lucien left after I came here, what did he go to do?

I didn’t know why, but I couldn’t shake my uneasiness.

I prevented the world from perishing, but did the flu incident and Black Swan’s plans really end there?

And was that explosion yesterday just an accident, or was it really the work of an Evolver like people said on the internet?

As my mind raced, I thought about my Evol ability. If I could foresee Lucien’s future, then I could learn what his next objective would be. I closed my eyes and cleared my mind of everything except one name: Lucien.

A powerful will sent a force coursing through my blood. The darkness before me quieted, then suddenly changed.

Grey and white light tore through the blackness, and then a shining, blurry scene appeared.

??: Kill her.

An ice cold voice suddenly spoke out.

In the grey, desolate scene, a man in black stood in the only spot of light, a severe look in his eye sharper than any blade.

Before him stood a figure curled up in pain. The person’s silhouette was blurred, but so familiar.

{{MC}}: Who is that?

Before I could see clearly the face of the person being attacked, the scene disappeared in a sudden flash.

Along with this came an intense pain in my brain. My temples throbbed as I grit my teeth to prevent myself from crying out.

I tried to think back over the scene. The empty grey and white building had a familiar feel. It was the old site of Ultima Bioresearch that Lucien and I had gone to before.

This place again. Every time it appeared, it was inextricably tied up with Black Swan.

Dad once mentioned in his report on Key:

The World Gene Organization established Ultima Bioresearch 70 years ago, and the Loveland City branch was established 20 years ago.

17 years ago, Key attacked the servers of Ultima Bioresearch.

This act had an affect on the gene records of all of humanity, and so when the incident was reported on, it made huge waves.

There was nothing of use left there. Why was Lucien going there again? Could it be there was something I’d overlooked?

I wracked my brain but could think of nothing. The implication of the incident 17 years ago made the whole thing feel more serious to me.

Lucien’s actions this time must have an ulterior motive.

[Main Story 21-10]

I set foot once again on the site of the old research center. Not much had changed since last time.

In the barren landscape, several tracks of footprints in the snow stretched toward that building in the distance, proving me correct.

I stepped lightly and slowed my breath as I followed the snow prints and neared the solitary structure.

The door to the research center wasn’t closed. It was wide open, and someone had shaken off snow all over the ground.

The sound of something shattering and of people’s voices came from the far reaches of the room. I went toward the sound, hearing Lucien’s voice clearly among them as I got closer.

Suddenly, an ear-splitting scream broke the silence.

Caught off guard, I jumped in fright, stepping on scattered objects underfoot and making a bit of noise.

??: Who’s there?!

A voice cried out, and almost simultaneously a sharp gaze fell upon me.

Oh no! I looked up. Behind a half-closed door, I saw at a glance everything in the main hall.

The first thing I saw was Lucien standing by a window, the cold glow from the snow lighting up his body, making him seem completely devoid of warmth and terrifyingly icy.

In the middle of the room was a woman dressed in black leather. The questioning voice just now was hers. That pair of grey eyes that didn’t seem to look alive awoke in me a deep memory of terror.

What is she doing here?!

I warily eyed this woman I’d seen before in the TV tower, a member of Black Swan.

She was more dangerous than the vast majority of Evolvers I’d encountered.

The young man kneeling on the floor was being held down by her with ease. His face was contorted and his eyes out of focus as he muttered something.

As I listened more closely, I was immediately shocked by his eerie tone.

Young Man: Evil should all die… you will all die…

His words were cut short. The person holding him impatiently lifted a hand and dealt him a stunning blow, then stood up and looked at me.

??: Now that you’ve seen…

She narrowed her eyes at me, radiating a message of danger that made me reflexively take a few steps back. I wanted to make a run for it.

But she moved even faster. A stifling, grey mist flew toward me in an instant.

Before the boundless mist reached me, I could already feel a burning pain creep over my skin.

{{MC}}: Aah!

I screamed uncontrollably, genuinely feeling the approach of death.

Lucien: Stop.

This single, cold syllable was like a life-saving gospel. The mist that was about to engulf me dissipated into nothing at his word.

{{MC}}: Phheww… phheww…

I leaned limply on the doorframe behind me, feeling nothing but joy for still being alive.

??: She saw us. You’re just going to let that go?

The one who got called off seemed to have no intention of letting me go. I looked anxiously at her and Lucien, scrambling to think of a way out of this.

But Lucien seemed already aware of what I was thinking. He stared at me as I panted with a look too grim and heavy for me to read.

I didn’t dare make a move. I just waited in panic for Lucien’s response, as if awaiting a death sentence.

As the seconds ticked by, any trace of hope in my heart slowly faded.

Lucien: I’ll handle it.

Lucien finally spoke, but his response wasn’t at all what I was expecting.

I looked somewhat hopelessly at this incredibly familiar, yet incredibly alien man as I guessed whether he wanted to kill me himself, or else… was willing to let me go?

Lucien: Artemis, take him and go.

Lucien turned an eye to the dazed man on the ground. The black-clad woman named Artemis hesitated a moment, then nodded.

Artemis: Don’t let it influence our operation, Ares.

With that, she cast an icy glare at me, and then as the air distorted around her, she disappeared with the man on the ground.

In the gloomy hall, only Lucien and myself remained.

I had countless questions on my mind, but in the end it was the one always stuck in my heart that came to my lips:

{{MC}}: Why did you save me?

Although the premonition of danger lingered near, I kept my eyes on Lucien. There was a casualness to his detached demeanor, as if I was the most insignificant of beings to him.

Lucien: Making decisions outside of the plan easily leads to complications. And you may still be of some use yet.

He spoke plainly, his tone perfectly flat. I finally saw in his eyes the meaning behind his words, but the truth was so painful indeed.

{{MC}}: Am I just… a test subject…

I didn’t know what I was still hoping for, or what answer I was hoping to hear, until Lucien once again shattered everything I thought was true.

Lucien: Is there another answer?

When he wasn’t wearing a smile and had cast off his mask of tenderness, he readily gave off this feeling of nameless dread.

Even though I thought I could face it calmly, I still felt a stabbing pain in my heart.

I seemed to have never truly understood him, whether he was Lucien or Ares.

Lucien: I’m more interested in the reason you showed up here.

{{MC}}: I…

The excuses I’d thought up were useless under his seemingly all-knowing gaze. I could only look away and shoot a question back at him.

{{MC}}: And why did you show up here? At the old Ultima Bioresearch site of all places…

{{MC}}: If I release the news that Professor Lucien appeared here, that would definitely get a lot of attention, wouldn’t it?

A look of surprise flashed in Lucien’s eyes. He walked over to the spot where the young man had fallen. A glaring trace of blood still remained on the floor.

Lucien: This is the reason you’re after.

{{MC}}: What do you mean?

I looked at him confusedly, not making the connection between what he had said.

Lucien: 17 years ago, the servers of Ultima Bioresearch were attacked by a hacker, and a large amount of gene data was leaked.

Lucien: Aside from the carriers of Evol genes, there was one, single carrier of the Queen gene.

His words were like a thunderbolt. I could feel nothing but shock.

Did the gene data really get leaked? Is that data what Lucien and that man that was caught came here for?

The more I thought, the more flustered I got, but in the end I was almost certain of my guess.

–They’re looking for the Queen!

{{MC}}: But haven’t the records and data here all been destroyed?!

I couldn’t suppress the panic and unease in my voice as I watched Lucien closely.

Lucien: You can think of it that way.

Lucien’s eyes darkened as he gave me an ambiguous answer.

{{MC}}: Why… are you telling me this?

Lucien: Because… you know more than I think.

Lucien drew nearer, not answering me. Half his body was in shadow, the other half in snow-reflected light. His black eyes flashed with an icy glow.

Lucien: The last time we met, I realized…

An unnatural smile curled upon his thin lips, chilling, cruel, and surpassingly alien.

Lucien: Just what was it that made you so sure that I wouldn’t harm you?

[Main Story 21-11]

As Lucien spoke, a boundless shadow covered me.

Before I could react, a force that I couldn’t overcome had a stranglehold around my throat.

He was so close, my whole body was practically leaning on his chest. The pungent scent of formaldehyde stung my nose.

He lowered his head, looking at me as our breaths mingled. It was such an intimate position we were in, but his hand at my neck only grew tighter.

{{MC}}: Ungh… *cough-cough*…

I struggled to get free of his hand, but an invisible membrane impeded my movements, making it impossible for me to free my restraints.

Those two black eyes inches away had not the slightest hint of affection or wavering as they silently watched my suffering and flailing.

{{MC}}: Let– let go…

Tears from the strain brimmed out of my eyes and rolled down my face.

The stifling pain made everything go faint before me, but I still saw Lucien’s expression so clearly.

Not a trace of vacillation, nor pity. Only malice and menace.

Lucien: I already let you go once.

He leaned close to my ear as he spoke in a whisper, almost giving me the illusion of tenderness.

{{MC}}: Wh–… why…

I looked despairingly at Lucien, who seemed to really want to end me, with an inexplicable grief in my heart. I had gradually lost the ability to gather my scattered thoughts.

Am I going to die?

That warm, white light already seemed to appear before me, but deep down, I wasn’t willing to accept it.

I don’t want to die… I still have so much I haven’t done… I just… got back to this world.

{{MC}}: I… don’t want…

The light in my vision continued to grow, a pure white world filled with winding black lines, like row after row of faulty code, constantly swapping and converting.

That wave I’d felt before appeared again. A transparent wave of water appeared in the air, rippling out in concentric circles and slowly spreading golden rays of light.

If this is the power of the Evol I possess…

A hole finally appeared in the membrane restricting me, and its heavy resistance started to loosen. Lucien also hadn’t increased the pressure of his hand, keeping me from suffocating instantly.

I arduously and slowly raised a hand and grasped his wrist on instinct.

{{MC}}: It can’t end like this…

I forced my eyes open, wanting to see Lucien’s face clearly as I hoarsely spat out those words with the last of my strength.

The restricting force around me receded like water, and the stranglehold around my neck loosened with it.

Lucien’s sudden movement made me stagger back a few steps, finally sitting exhausted on the floor rather than support my limp body.

Chill air once again filled my burning lungs. I held my pained chest and gasped, but a rejoicing at being alive also spread through my body.

Lucien: You are the Black Swan Queen.

I shot my head up and was met with a pair of eyes burning with a shocked, dark flame.

Lucien stood a few paces away, his back to the glow of the window, with an unreadable smile on his face. All I could make out of it was that shiver-inducing cruelty of his.

For a moment, I felt like my blood had curdled solid.

All of that just now– could it have been one of his tests…?

If our previous relationship never was, if the man before me was always just Ares from the start, if that Lucien I knew had never existed…

…then he was more dangerous to me than any darkness.

A chill permeated from the soles of my feet down to my core. Countless voices seemed to be arguing in my mind, debating over reality and fantasy, driving me to distraction.

{{MC}}: I’m not the Queen… I never have been!

I didn’t want to hear those squabbling voices anymore. I clenched my hands tight, and with my last bit of courage, I looked Lucien squarely in the eye.

{{MC}}: I’m not a test subject for you to research evolution, and I’m not a reason for you to harm others!

Lucien: You’re wrong.

Lucien put his hand back in his coat pocket. His cold expression made not the slightest change, as if he didn’t mind my resistance, as if it was all as expected.

Lucien: Evolution is inevitable, and the Queen’s gene is just a shortcut. Even bypassing you, there are still many paths leading to the same ending.

He spoke frankly and cruelly. Those scenes of misery from before the future was averted appeared again before me one by one.

The sudden virus outbreak, Black Swan forcing normal people to evolve, the miniscule number of people who succeeded and survived.

I dug my nails into my palms as my eyes reddened beyond my control. I could never forgive that way of doing things.

{{MC}}: So sacrifice is inevitable under your plan?

Lucien: The foundation of any new world and new order is based on cruel facts, without exception.

Lucien: The evolution of humanity will never stop. If they get stuck in one place, the only thing waiting for them is death.

His answer didn’t surprise me, but why did I feel so grieved to hear it?

Lucien: One person in every several thousand or even ten thousand can be born with an Evol gene, but the Queen’s existence is singular.

Lucien: Your gene can make normal people evolve. Are you curious to know why?

Lucien’s gaze had a probing look, and a fervor that I couldn’t grasp, estranged and distant, extending between us, making it difficult for me to breathe.

{{MC}}: I don’t want to know…

I kept shaking my head, afraid after all to know this answer that I’d been seeking all this time, but Lucien gave me no opportunity to avoid it.

Lucien: The Queen, herself, is the pinnacle of natural human evolution.

Lucien: If humans are creatures of nature, then it can be said that the Queen is a creature that is “impossible to exist”.

{{MC}}: What do you mean, impossible to exist…?

Lucien: That British scientist, the foremost researcher of Evol at the time, he called it– “the precursor”.

Behind all his endless words hid countless deeper meanings, but I could hardly understand a sliver of it.

Lucien: Forming a partnership with the Queen is a decent choice for us, but right now you’re too weak. And besides…

Lucien: …you can’t control it.

The surrounding air seemed to stagnate again. An invisible space had us separated from the real world.

Danger loomed thick, and this time the look in Lucien’s eyes was more serious than before. The gloom in his eyes was like an ocean vortex, devouring all light.

Every cell in my body trembled from the unknown danger. I strained to keep myself calm and distract Lucien’s attention.

{{MC}}: Lucien! What are you going to do?

Lucien: Naturally, I will imprison you, or…

His voice suddenly paused.

An infinitesimal crack widened in the air, contending silently with another force.

I fought back the dizziness the scene before me caused. Twisted white and black lines fluctuated ceaselessly, the lustrous white lights slowly swallowing up the power that was there.

I opened my sweat-lined hand, shocked that I had really succeeded.

Lucien: I didn’t think you could get that far.

{{MC}}: … I didn’t know I was able to until today.

My voice was exceptionally raspy. The lingering pain in my throat still hadn’t gone away.

{{MC}}: Ares, I’ll prove everything you’ve done with them was wrong!

Not knowing how long my untrained Evol ability could keep Lucien pinned down, I gathered my ailing body and staggered out of there at a run.

The instant the sunshine outside fell on my body, it was like entering another world.

As the girl receded into the distance, Lucien gave a low laugh and easily shrugged off the force holding his body down.

Lucien: Who knows what heights you can reach?

Lucien stood at the window, watching that figure sprinting with great effort over the snowy ground.

In an instant, that figure that was grey and white like the rest of the scenery suddenly burst into a fiery red, subsiding in the next instant to dullness.

But that streak of color lingered on his retinas, more vivid than anything.

The hand at his side tremored for a moment, but then quickly was brought under control by reason.

Lucien: It won’t be too long.

He spoke in a soft voice, not sure if he was telling himself or someone else.

(Gossip spotlight: Topic Today: Does Super Power Really Exist?)

[Main Story 21-13]

The snow had stopped at some point. My racing heart took a long time to settle back down after the intense run.

After escaping the bioresearch center, the sense of danger faded, but that heavy stone hanging around my heart still hadn’t fallen.

“You think you’re still a normal person like before?”

“You’ll be like all the other Evolvers, looked at differently by people, pushed aside, harmed, and even meet with death.”

“After all, you all are EVIL.”

A voice constantly reverberating in my brain peeled off layer after layer of the facade of peace, laying the cruel truth bare before me.

{{MC}}: This EVIL they speak of… just what is it?

The vibrating of my phone pulled me from thoughts filled with dark gloom. I realized I was at an intersection.

The city blanketed by winter snow looked exceptionally gentle, with pedestrians hurrying down the sidewalk in twos and threes.

The sky was starting to clear up, and the sunshine shone through the clouds and onto my body, but it couldn’t drive away the chill deep in my heart.

The world around me looked real, but I couldn’t help but doubt whether it was true reality, or if I was in a dream again.

{{MC}}: Can I return to the past?

Those peaceful, beautiful days, the warmth that used to be mine– was it impossible for it to come back?

{{MC}}: If I can’t return to the past, then I might as well keep going forward.

After casting aside distractions and pumping myself up, I finally remembered my neglected phone.

Upon opening it, unsurprisingly there was a message from Shaw.

Shaw: I’m in a good mood, so I’ll give you some advice: don’t go to the southeast today.

The abrupt message left me dazed. I looked up to determine which direction I was heading in, and it just happened to be the one the message warned about: southeast.

{{MC}}: Could he be near by?

I spun around, scanning the pedestrians and storefronts around me, but I didn’t discover that figure that always appeared so suddenly.

{{MC}}: How did he know I was heading southeast?

What good did it do muttering that to myself? I typed out a response to him.

Soon after, the green light lit up, and I put away my phone and continued in my original direction without much hesitation.

On the other side of Loveland City, on a snow-covered wasteland, several dozen figures were at a standoff.

A young man was surrounded by hostile forces, yet he wasn’t anxious.

He looked with relish at his confronters, who all seemed to be proceeding with extreme caution. His mouth curled up in a mocking smile.

The air seemed thick with tension as the two sides waited for things to kick off. Battle was imminent.

Just then, a cheerful beep of a phone notification suddenly cut through the silence, leaving everyone stunned.

Everyone except that young man. He casually pulled his phone from his pocket. The screen lit up with just a brief reply:

Thanks for your advice.

From the terseness of the message, he could sense the sender’s sarcasm. Shaw let out a chuckle.

Shaw: I was being totally sincere.

He put the phone away again and looked around. The muffled sound of cracking joints was heard as he rotated his wrists.

Shaw: I think it’s about time to have a little fun with you guys.

In an instant, a purple burst of electricity gathered in his palm. A storm raged on all sides, and wild currents of air collided with the electricity, emitting a crackling sound.

Thick, dark clouds assembled overhead, and the previously bright sky was suddenly thrown into deep night. This oppressive threat from nature invoked fear in the hearts of everyone.

Shaw: I’m in kind of a hurry.

The casual look in his eye gradually faded as his voice turned cold, but he still had that same air of arrogance and pride.

The next instant, the electricity wrapped around him, forming him into a phantom that dashed into the ring of enemies, stirring up wretched cries with each passing second.

The flashing lightning converged into an invisible net that blocked all incoming attacks, whether in Evol or bullet form.

He cocked his head slightly as a sharp air current left a scratch across his face.

Beads of blood rolled off into the gale winds, but he didn’t mind at all, and the smile on his face only grew more wanton.

Soon, he was the only one left standing on the snowy field.

The rain clouds departed, and Shaw put his hands in his pockets as that nonchalant look returned to his face.

He walked over to the only still-conscious person left, gave the man a kick with his toe, then bent over and looked into the man’s terrified eyes, a sardonic smile on his face.

Shaw: Speak. Which side sent you? Was it STF, or…

Shaw: Black Swan?

[Main Story 21-16]

Beginning last night, the area where the bridge explosion took place has been completely barricaded.

I originally planned to go to the bridge to check out the situation, but the sound of police sirens up ahead blocked my way.

{{MC}}: What happened?

I hurried forward, only to see the road before me completely barricaded off. One could only see the ruins of the bridge in the distance, and a smell of smoke seemed to permeate the air.

It had been over a dozen hours since the explosion, yet officials still didn’t have any news about what caused the incident.

Soldier: Please, everyone, depart from here immediately!

A guard gave another stern warning. All I could do was try to calm myself and leave with the other reporters, away from the sole place where I could get information.

As I walked the street, I still felt a lingering fear in my heart. The sounds of explosions, screams, and crying from the day before seemed to echo in my ear.

Dark brown stains appeared intermittently on the street, traces of dried blood revealing what a tragedy had taken place here over a dozen hours ago.

Then, after not long, I felt like I had gotten lost.

From time to time, I could feel someone’s gaze on me, full of an ill will that made me quicken my pace in panic.

I didn’t have time to wonder who this person following me was. I sped up, wanting only to get away to somewhere with more people.

As I turned a corner, I shot a glance back reflexively and happened to meet eyes with the person following me.

It was a ordinary man wearing a baseball cap. His appearance was unfamiliar, and the only peculiar thing about him were that pair of malice-laden eyes.

{{MC}}: Oh no…

Before I could turn away, everything went suddenly dark, and I started to suffocate as my consciousness slowly slipped away.

Who is this? I tried to stay awake, but I still slipped into unconsciousness.

??: You guys are sure it’s this person?

??: We’ve been following her for a long time. She has ties to the other one…

The sound of conversation brought me back awake, and the feel of powerlessness slowly faded as sensation returned.

I opened my eyes to discover I was in a completely unfamiliar place.

Where is this?

There was only a tiny light coming from the domed roof into the spacious structure. A faint breeze came from the darkness, as if it was hiding the breaths of countless people.

Mystery Person: You’re awake already.

Someone wearing a hoodie whose face I couldn’t see clearly walked before me, looking down at me from on high.

His voice was hoarse, unintentionally muffling what it originally sounded like, and for a moment it felt familiar to me.

{{MC}}: Who are you? Why did you take me?

I flexed my hands tied behind me and struggled to stand up as I looked at this person before me, not knowing what his goal was.

Mystery Person: You’ve already received a warning from us, Miss.

Although I couldn’t see his expression under his hoodie, I could easily hear that taunting haughtiness in his tone.

{{MC}}: Warning?

Mystery Person: Forgotten, have you? Your memory really isn’t worth much, EVIL.

Hearing that word “EVIL” alongside his cold laughter made me shiver, and I suddenly recalled that line of blood-red text that appeared on my screen.

So it wasn’t a prank after all. It was for real! So these are the people behind spreading those opinions on the internet?

{{MC}}: Just who are you people?!

Mystery Person: Us? You destroy the world. We save it.

He squatted down before me, revealing an unnerving smile underneath his hoodie.

Mystery Person: Don’t think of escaping. You just need to answer me– Are you the one they call the “Queen”?

{{MC}}: –!!

My pupils contracted sharply as my breathing and heartbeat both froze. After several seconds, I mustered an innocent look and answered.

{{MC}}: What Queen? I’m just an ordinary person.

{{MC}}: If that’s why you guys kidnapped me, then you definitely got the wrong person.

Mystery Person: You’re nervous.

He cut through my pretension immediately, then slowly stood up.

Mystery Person: But that’s no matter. Whether you’re the Queen or not, you are what we say you are.

{{MC}}: But… what’s your goal in doing this?

Mystery Person: Don’t fret, Queen. Pretty soon, everyone will know.

He watched my reaction with relish and let out a cold laugh.

Mystery Person: And then.. all you EVILs will meet with death.

He spoke in a somber tone like a hissing viper, stirring in me nightmarish memories.

–Was it him?!

I froze, but my rational brain still remembered to lower my head so he couldn’t see my sudden change of expression.

This person… was the one from my precognition! He very likely was the ringleader behind the explosion!

When I snapped back to the present, my entire back was cold with sweat.

Just who were these people? Why were they doing this?

Although I had a vague guess, I wasn’t willing to believe it, didn’t dare to believe.

My first priority was getting out of here. I surveyed my surroundings. A guard was standing in the distance, seeming to confirm that I was no threat at all.

The room was empty, the windows and doors locked. No way out, and nothing I could use. My bag and phone had been taken away long before.

The rope binding my hands got tighter the more I struggled. Unwilling to give up, I kept feeling around behind me, and suddenly my finger touched cold metal.

Helios: Good enough for self defense.

–It was the knife that Helios gave me!

Before going out, I hesitated a moment, then stashed it in my back pocket anyway, never thinking I’d actually use it.

I strained to reach the knife handle, then slowly flipped out the little blade and awkwardly worked it across the rope trying to avoid my skin.

{{MC}}: Ttsss–

A stabbing pain came from my hand. I hastily stifled my yelp and paused as I looked around. Thankfully no one noticed my movements.

*Thud–*

Suddenly, a small rock fell from the sky in front of me, taking a couple bounces before coming to a stop.

I jumped from fright and looked up reflexively. A sudden ray of light hit my eye, making me squint to see clearly.

Behind the faint golden glow, a figure in the shadows casually sat atop a high rafter, his silver hair particularly conspicuous in the dark.

Him?!

A feeling I couldn’t explain suddenly came over my heart, both of joy, but also an inexplicable disappointment.

As I thought of the detachment and elusiveness he exhibited the several times we’d met, I seemed to have found the reason for that sudden swell of emotion.

Before I had time to puzzle out the hows and whys, that person on high let out a low, sneering laugh. After a few seconds of distant eye contact, he finally started moving.

That black figure took a vigorous leap and slid down the rope between his hands crisply and silently to the center of the large hall.

Light from the domed ceiling fell on his form just right, softening each of his cold, hard lines. His silver hair shimmered in a way that you just couldn’t take your eyes off of.

Helios… I couldn’t help saying the name silently to myself.

Helios stood up in the light and glanced at me, a slight smile on his face.

Helios: Found you.

I was stunned, and my heart leapt.

That subtle smile and slight lilt in his voice gave me the illusion that he seemed happy. But when I looked at his face again, it was as indifferent as ever.

But why did he say that?

Before I had a chance to ask, Helios’s overly-ostentatious entrance had drawn the attention of the guards.

Guard: Who are you? When did you get in here?!

With the guard’s question, all the other people hidden around the building grabbed weapons and took up positions around us, completely breaking the previous silence.

Helios: You guys are too noisy.

Helios scanned the people drawing closer. He threw down the rope in his hand and kicked the first person rushing in. His tone was a tad impatient.

{{MC}}: Careful!

I screamed, but he already dodged just to the side, then he charged into the group of guards.

Helios’s movements were incomparably fast, so fast I almost couldn’t see him clearly.

He easily dodged all attacks, and each of his attacks were forceful and rhythmic.

He handled them with skillful ease, like a silver streak of light.

Time slowed way down, like a slow-motion shot in a movie as blood splattered in all directions amidst the muffled clash of flesh on flesh. He was the only lead role in this scene.

My heart beat wildly, and my blood seemed to cry out. My eyes were stuck on him, on his every move, unable to look away.

[Main Story 21-17]

When the final guard hit the ground, the man came to a halt.

The fight didn’t even last 15 minutes, and the ground was strewn with unconscious bodies.

Helios threw aside a weapon he’d taken, then bent over and picked up something off someone’s body.

After that, he finally walked over to me, surrounded by the faint smell of blood.

{{MC}}: He…

I looked up at him as he drew near, but before I could say his whole name, he strode past me, so fast it even kicked up a gust of wind.

{{MC}}: Wait!

Not expecting him to just ignore me, I hastily called after him as he was heading for the exit.

Helios halted his step, turned, and looked down at me, completely indifferent.

Helios: Problem?

{{MC}}: Um… Could you help me undo this rope?

I looked imploringly at him, gesturing to him with my bound hands.

Helios: Huh? Haven’t you almost cut through it?

His gaze fell on my hands, his tone completely flat and matter-of-fact.

{{MC}}: But…

Helios: You already put in all that effort, it’ll be undone in no time.

{{MC}}: Still…

I tried turning my wrists, but the rope showed no signs of loosening. And the pile of “corpses” around me made me feel a bit tense.

{{MC}}: Can’t you just, you know, “lend a hand”?

I intentionally put emphasis on the words “lend a hand”.

Helios laughed at this, staring at me with his hands held to his chest.

Helios: Why should I “lend a hand”?

{{MC}}: Uh… I don’t know what your objective was coming here, but it probably was to stop this group’s operation.

{{MC}}: And you probably also just heard, if I stay here, it may have an effect on your plan.

I wracked my brain to come up with a reason that would convince him.

{{MC}}: I hope you’ll help me, since I’ve been unfortunately dragged into this trouble…

Helios: Fine.

I don’t know what it was that convinced him, but Helios actually agreed.

He walked over and squatted down. When I finally shot him a glance, his grey-blue eyes were inches from mine, pure and translucent like a frozen winterscape.

Helios: Gimme the knife.

Those icy eyes looked at me, and I suddenly froze, unable to say anything.

Helios grunt and took the dagger I had clutched in my hand. Without much movement from him, the force around my wrist abruptly went away.

{{MC}}: Thank you.

I moved around my numb wrists to get the blood flowing again.

Helios didn’t look at me. With his fingertip, he lightly felt the knife blade. His eyes were faintly tender, as if what he was looking at wasn’t a weapon used for hurting people.

Helios: Decent knife.

He threw out a few words of praise, then closed up the knife and dropped it back into my hand.

I awkwardly caught it, then hesitated a moment and gave it back, thinking now was a good opportunity to return it to its owner.

{{MC}}: If you like it, I can re… give it to you.

Helios: I don’t take handouts.

Helios looked me over, coldly said those few words, then stood up to leave.

Fearing he’d leave me again, I picked myself up, grabbed my things, and hurried after him.

In the empty hall, the only sound was our footsteps, one behind the other, accompanied by a faint echo.

{{MC}}: Do you know what these people wanted to do?

{{MC}}: They… aren’t Evolvers, right? Why did they want to find the Queen?

I asked the biggest question that had been puzzling me. There seemed to have been a change in what I always thought I knew.

Helios: You ask too many questions.

Helios didn’t turn his head, and had no plans of answering my question.

{{MC}}: I’m an Evolver too. I can know the truth about stuff…

Helios: So what?

His flat tone made my giddy, uneasy chest slowly start to calm down.

Helios: You think Evol is this good thing?

He gave a cold laugh, his voice filled with endless sarcasm, but it also seemed like there was some other emotion cut off behind an impenetrable fog.

I didn’t understand what he meant, so all I could do was ask back.

{{MC}}: Is Evol not a good thing?

{{MC}}: My dad always told me, superhumans are just normal people that are just a little special, unlike the rest of us.

{{MC}}: So, I don’t understand why Evolvers would want to get rid of normal people.

{{MC}}: I also don’t understand… why nowadays people discriminate against Evolvers.

Helios fell silent a moment. He was at the end of the big hall.

Helios: Maybe what you say is right, but humanity is complicated.

Having said that, he quickened his pace and went outside. The implication in his words made my feet go heavy all of a sudden. It was difficult to take another step.

Was everything Dad thought wrong? Was everything I’d always believed really too naive?

The sunlight outside finally hit me, but I couldn’t feel an ounce of joy.

While I was feeling at a loss, a white glint of metal cut through the air.

Before my brain could react, I’d already lifted my arm unconsciously to block it.

Helios: Can’t you dodge?

There was a flash of darkness before me, and a furious voice hit my ears with a roar.

[Main Story 21-18]

*Thump–* A young man whose face I never saw clearly hit the ground in the distance with a thud. He gave a groan and then stayed down.

I sheepishly put down my raised arm and looked at Helios, who had dispatched the attacker.

Rage lingered in his cold gaze, which fell upon me as cruelly as a knife blade.

The flicker of nervousness just before seemed like my eyes playing tricks on me.

Helios: You think your hand can stop a knife?

{{MC}}: …N– no.

I whispered back guiltily.

Helios: I already warned you last time. Don’t go wandering around outside.

After all these questions and answers, Helios seemed to have exhausted his patience. He yanked my wrist and pulled me along with him.

At some point it had started snowing again, falling bit by bit on the hair and shoulders of the man in front of me, as if with gentle affection.

The air was cold, but the hand grabbing me was warmer than my own body temperature. I looked at his exposed joints, and a feeling of familiarity gradually came over me.

{{MC}}: Are you…?

I couldn’t even complete the question that I’d suddenly started blurting out. Whose name was I thinking of?

I blindly followed Helios, unable to put my finger on the emotion I was feeling.

Helios: This is as far as we go.

After we had gone a long distance, Helios finally stopped and let go of my hand.

{{MC}}: Helios…

He turned to look at me.

{{MC}}: Is this thing going to get resolved?

{{MC}}: Did you show up here for the same reason I did?

Helios: If I told you, what could you do about it anyway.

He arched his brows, but without a hint of a smile on his face. In those blue eyes overcast with grey, a silent storm was brewing.

The snow continued to fall on us, and all around was a somber stillness, so silent even our breathing seemed like thunder.

{{MC}}: At the very least I could…

Helios: You seem completely ignorant of how weak you are.

Helios cut me off with his low, growling voice. He lifted his foot and slammed it into the wall beside me, the sudden noise causing me to shiver all over.

But he didn’t stop there. He leaned in with his whole body, hemming me into the confined space he had created.

Cold air mixed with the reek of blood hit my face. My back was pressed against the icy wall. There was no more room to retreat.

Helios’s severe face loomed before me, the mockery and cruelty written so clearly upon it that the outer walls of my heart immediately crumbled to dust.

Helios: Weaklings need to learn how to survive on their own. No one will teach you that.

His unvarnished words pierced straight into my ears. I wanted to argue back against it all, but found that I couldn’t.

My body was turning ice cold, and my forced courage had evaporated. I bit my lower lip, trying to stop the tears from forming.

{{MC}}: …I don’t want to be a weakling forever.

My voice was tinged with the sound of suppressed tears. I stared back doggedly into Helios’s mocking eyes, so harsh, yet so true.

{{MC}}: I don’t want to always have to be protected by others. I don’t want to always wait until the people around me get hurt and go away before I finally learn…

{{MC}}: I don’t want it to be like this either, but… but…

I swallowed hard, on the verge of being overwhelmed by the stinging and self-pity filling my heart.

Helios: Then you’d better figure out how to get strong–

He’d dropped his sarcastic tone. Each syllable fell from his mouth with the utmost earnestness.

Helios: Use all your strength, every method you can think of. Abandon your past… even abandon yourself.

Helios: If you can’t do that, then just go back to the world you came from.

He backed off and turned to leave, this time without a moment’s pause.

Far away, the electric static of a walkie-talkie sounded.

??: What’s the situation?

Helios: That person got away.

Helios’s form quickly disappeared at the end of the street.

There wasn’t a person around. I sat at the wall clutching my knees, suppressed tears falling one by one onto the snow.

If everyone is doing all they can to get stronger and using all their strength to protect those most important to them, then can I be like them too?

Weakness, fear, hesitation, evasion… all kinds of negative emotions surged through me.

I felt trapped in a boundless darkness, with no sign of light and no way of finding the way towards the future.

In this world, everyone had left me. An indescribable feeling of loneliness came over my entire being.

{{MC}}: If I can’t do it…

All those incidents I’d been through in the past, all that beauty and good I’d felt, did it really disappear without a trace, never to return again?

I sat for I don’t know how long, until my hands and feet were ice blocks, when the vibrating of my phone suddenly broke the stillness.

{{MC}}: …Hello?

I didn’t look at who the caller was. My eyes stared blankly out at the snow wafting in the air.

Shaw: Haven’t seen you in a day, and your voice sounds pretty miserable. Seems my prediction was right as usual.

Hearing this taunting voice, I finally remembered that text warning me not to go to the southeast.

{{MC}}: You knew well in advance this would happen to me, didn’t you?

Shaw: Although I’d like to say “yes”, I’m actually not that omniscient.

{{MC}}: What should I do…

I lowered my head, burying my face between my legs and muffling my voice.

{{MC}}: What do I need to do to get back everyone’s memories, to fix the way things are now…

Shaw didn’t answer me right away. The sound of his breathing transmitted clearly over the signal.

Shaw: I can’t give you that answer. After all, the only person who can affect this world is the Queen herself. So whatever you want to do, you can do.

Shaw: Even if you want to plunge this world into chaos or have it annihilated instantly, they’re all choices within your power.

{{MC}}: I’ve never thought anything like that!

Shaw: Don’t get so defensive. I don’t care what thoughts you have.

The voice on the other end sounded listless, with an air of ambiguous temptation to it that made me instinctively fearful.

Shaw: Anyway, there’s no time for you to go on hesitating. As this world’s one and only Queen–

Shaw: I look forward to whatever future you allow me to see.

[Main Story 21-21]

I once again saw the scene of that explosion. It coiled around me like an endless nightmare.

The shaking sky and earth, the fire spreading across the dusky sky, the screaming hordes of people running away.

??: Look. Go on, look–

That raspy voice sneered.

??: This world is at its end…

The night seemed to stretch on endlessly. I fell asleep in muddled confusion, only to awaken again.

The wind howled outside the window, seemingly about to rip apart the whole world.

I reached out to feel around for my phone at the head of the bed, but as I drew back my hand I sent it falling to the floor.

A long push notification appeared on the lit up screen. As I was about to unlock the phone, my eye suddenly caught the words “Miracle Finder”.

News: Miracle Finder under fire again! Facing imminent shutdown.

{{MC}}: Shutdown?!

My hand trembled as I hastily tapped on the article link. After skimming the introduction, I jumped to the very end.

“After the bridge explosion several days ago, the internet has been abuzz with rumors of “superhumans”, leading to protests forming in the streets of Loveland City.”

“Because of its many episodes focusing on superpowers, Miracle Finder has now fallen under the spotlight of public opinion, and as of the time of this report, a large number of protestors have gathered outside of $c.”

A bad feeling arose within me. I closed the website and searched for more news.

Pretty soon, various images from on the scene appeared before me: my old, familiar office building, security guards standing at the ready, the mob of protestors…

The banners and signs held on high were full of rage, and quite a few among the participants were the family of people who had perished in the incident.

{{MC}}: How did this happen so quickly?

From the time Evolvers were exposed to the marching in the streets, only 30 hours had elapsed. This pace of development was far more severe than I imagined.

I got ready to go out as fast as I could and hurried to the office.

Not long after exiting the metro, I could hear the commotion coming from the direction of the office.

More and more people were gathering outside the building, and the security guards were struggling to cope with it. The glass doors were being pounded on and seemed about to fly open at any moment.

As soon as I’d finished calling the police, I started pacing around anxiously to find a way in to the building.

{{MC}}: I can’t let this get out of hand… Anna, Kiki, Willow, Minor…

Protestor: I know her! That’s the one–!

A woman suddenly let out a shrill scream, stirring the relatively calm crowd into a frenzy.

I reflexively got up on my tip-toes, and what I saw made my heart stop.

{{MC}}: Kiki?!

Her petite frame was being pushed by the packed crowd. I couldn’t see who did it, but I saw Kiki’s body flail as she was shoved to the ground.

As if this act had flipped some violent switch, everyone got stirred up, and Kiki was completely overwhelmed by the clamoring crowd.

{{MC}}: What now… Why won’t someone come…

I bit my lower lip till it went pale. I was on the verge of tears, but I didn’t know what to do.

{{MC}}: There’s no way!

I mustered up my courage and took a deep breath as I charged headlong into the crowd.

I shoved aside everyone in my way. I was almost out of strength when I arrived panting at Kiki’s side.

Kiki: It’s you…

{{MC}}: Let’s go!

I pulled Kiki and her tear-streaked face up and pushed for the main doors of the office. It was the only safe place.

All kinds of chaotic voices mixed with Kiki’s sobbing. Just walking a few meters was extraordinarily difficult. Finally, I had pushed Kiki to the main door.

Kiki: –Careful!

A panicked shout came, but it was already too late.

By the time I reacted, I’d already lost my balance and fell hard to the ground. My hands stuck in the melting snow, and a piercing pain spread up from my ankle.

A shadowy mob of people crowded over me like black clouds blotting out the sky, blocking my view of the gloomy sky overhead.

Every face was ferocious and terrifying, full of rage and vengeance. But I couldn’t find that person who had incited the situation to escalate.

That person who hid behind all the others. That pair of eyes, looking on quietly as the scene unfolded.

The thought made me shiver.

Protestor: You monsters–

I covered my head with my hands, waiting for the pain to come.

Suddenly, the shrill cries came to a halt.

Those arms reaching out for me also came to a halt.

I looked up in a daze, tears brimming from the corners of my eyes.

Through my teary haze, I saw a crack open up in the crowd, like a seam opening up in the endless dark, letting the light come shining through.

The person stirring up trouble and shouting fervently just now suddenly fell stifly to the ground, like a captured piece on a chessboard.

Under the gentle light, a towering figure soon appeared, pushing aside the stagnant crowd and walking up to me.

He lowered his head, his profound eyes shining into my own like stars and rippling like water.

The clouds parted, and there seemed to be light leaping amidst the snow. My heart suddenly started beating wildly.

Victor looked at me with intense concentration. A layer of thin sweat appeared on his forehead, looking out of place.

In this instant, an invisible sunlight washed over my body.

(Gossip spotlight: Major Crisis for Miracle Finder! The End to this Classic Variety Show?)

[Main Story 21-22]

My flustered heart returned once again to its original position.

I stared at Victor in a daze, not knowing why he’d shown up here. All of my despair and discouragement seemed to have found an outlet.

Victor: Can you walk?

{{MC}}: …Victor.

I muttered his name. Aside from this, there was nothing else I could think of.

Victor: Yes. Are you too scared to talk?

Victor frowned and eyed my face with a lowered head.

{{MC}}: N–…no!

I shook my head rapidly and stood myself up.

{{MC}}: Ttsss–

A forgotten pain came shooting back out of my once-again twisted ankle, making me lose balance suddenly and almost stumble.

Thankfully Victor caught me in time. His gaze fell on my injured foot.

Victor: Is it twisted?

{{MC}}: I’m alright. I just need to lean…

Before I’d finished, a heard a light “tsk” sound from Victor. The next second, both my legs were suddenly in the air as I was swept into his arms.

Just like… the first time we met.

Miniscule snowflakes and glinting flashes of light were all frozen in time.

I was completely dumbfounded. All I could do was look foolishly at Victor’s expressionless profile and let him whisk me away through the crowd.

Warmth permeated through my half-soaked clothes as I leaned on his chest. I was in complete disarray, but Victor didn’t seem to notice.

As I breathed, his faint scent as chilly as a winter’s day slowly soothed my uneasiness and worry.

Even if he had already forgotten me, it was still that same old, never-changing Victor.

We’d covered the short distance in the blink of an eye. Victor’s car was parked by the curb, the door half open, showing how much of a hurry he was in when he got out of the car.

Victor: Get in first.

I slowly eased down into the passenger seat, and Victor shut the door for me.

Soon, the sound of the car starting up was like the starting whistle of a ball game. Outside, the commotion erupted again, and the snow started falling.

But inside the car, everything was as quiet as always. The gentle sound of music circulated, and Victor steadily drove off as if he didn’t hear the shouting at all.

Just then, I finally thought of an important question.

{{MC}}: Is it okay for you to show up here?

Victor looked at me out of the side of his eye as he drove, with no change in his expression.

Victor: Not for you to worry about.

I turned and looked at the office building receding in the distance. The disturbance seemed to be getting even worse. On the far away highway, the sound of police sirens finally could be heard.

{{MC}}: Why have things gotten to this point…

When I couldn’t see the building anymore, I finally looked away.

{{MC}}: Victor, how did you happen to be here just at that moment?

Victor: I was driving by.

Victor focused on the road ahead. After giving his concise answer, his tone became more stern.

Victor: What were you doing here? Protesting?

{{MC}}: I wasn’t protesting. I was…

Victor: Playing the heroine?

Victor’s light sarcasm instantly sobered up my mind after being filled with a flood of emotions.

I drooped my head and looked at my hands on my knees. My fingers were red with cold and had black streaks on them from who knows what, making them look particularly unbecoming.

I must have looked like such a mess to Victor, not to mention I got myself into such a situation without any consideration at all.

Am I an idiot…

My eyes started welling up. I tried scrubbing at those marks on the back of my hand, but the more I rubbed the dirtier it got, until my hand was about to turn red.

Suddenly, a pack of tissues fell into my hands.

Victor: You won’t get clean like that no matter how hard you scrub.

I stared blankly at his profile, blinking to hold back tears. Then I lowered my head, pulled out a tissue, and carefully cleaned off my hand bit by bit.

The warm air from the car’s AC wooshed onto my face, and sensation slowly returned to my frozen limbs, but my heart was still like a block of ice, heavy and awkward.

Victor reached up to switch the radio away from a somber, tragic melody. Just then, the broadcast he switched to just happened to be talking about a familiar name.

Radio: Reportedly, LFG Group recently announced it will be investing $100 million dollars in HBS TV.

Radio: Does this indicate that LFG is planning to make a big push into the US market? According to experts…

*Thunk*– I turned swiftly and bumped the back of my head on the window glass, making a loud noise.

The voice on the radio stopped, and Victor gave me a strange look.

But I didn’t have the spirit to care. I was a mess of chaos inside, full shock and doubt.

{{MC}}: HBS… H-B-S… Victor, is LFG really preparing to invest in HBS?

Victor furrowed his brow, which suddenly made me realize in hindsight that my question was over the line.

Victor: Is there a problem?

{{MC}}: Why are you going to–

I started blurting out my concern, but under Victor’s cold stare, the words caught in my throat.

Right! Victor has forgotten everything related to me.

He doesn’t remember what happened while filming the HBS program, nor that the investment group behind HBS is Black Swan.

Maybe he doesn’t even know about Black Swan at all yet.

I stayed silent for a long time, trying hard to make myself calm down. When I could control my tone again, I spoke up.

{{MC}}: Have you ever heard of an organization called Black Swan?

Victor: What are you trying to say?

{{MC}}: This organization is the investment group behind HBS. It could be dangerous. Can you… abandon this investment?

Victor: The board of directors passed the decision to make this investment a month ago.

Victor answered coldly, and his face was starting to look a bit perturbed.

{{MC}}: Could you still…

The brakes screeched as the car suddenly came to a stop in the middle of the road. I lurched forward and was then pulled back into the seat by the seatbelt.

Some kind of loud noise was coming from the road up ahead.

(Breaking News: Is LFG Entering US Market after Buying Stakes in HBS?)

[Main Story 21-23]

I leaned back in the chair, my heart beating incessantly from the shock.

Unable to continue the topic of conversation just now, the car fell into a brief silence.

A blare of car horns sounded outside. Within a few short minutes, the whole street was blocked up, with no sign of moving forward.

Quite a few people started getting out of their cars to see what had happened, and a commotion slowly broke out among the crowd. Victor, sensing something wasn’t right, also undid his seatbelt and prepared to get out.

Victor: You stay in the car.

{{MC}}: Wait, I want to see what happened too.

I hastily called after Victor and clumsily took off my seatbelt.

Victor paused for a moment, but he didn’t stop me.

The moment the car door opened, the icy wind rushed in, wiping out all the warm air inside.

The snow seemed to be falling harder. I shivered a bit, pulled my coat tighter, and followed behind Victor.

This road seemed blocked up a long way. Under the gloomy sky, a red light lit up the horizon in the distance.

The confused crowd fell into an uproar and started complaining. For some reason, a panic had spread in everyone’s mind.

What happened? An incident just like the other day?

I felt a faint worry, as if an idea flitted through my mind that I couldn’t quite grasp. I suddenly felt dizzy.

Without thinking about it, I grabbed Victor’s arm and looked into his inquiring eyes. Before I could speak, the whole world started spinning before me.

Fires, explosions, car accidents, crowds… the scenes kept flashing and changing and overlapping.

My consciousness was wobbly. I gripped the object in my hand as if I was clutching a solitary piece of driftwood.

I saw a falling building, a broken bridge, collapsed stairs…

I heard a high, shrill laugh. A thin figure stood atop a high tower.

??: Such a beautiful ending.

Victor: …What’s wrong with you? Are you okay?

Victor’s voice seemed very distant, but slowly became more distinct.

I woke from my precognitions. Seeing Victor with a slightly anxious look on his face, I finally realized I was trembling all over.

That red light in the distance looked like the fire light made by the explosion that day and looked very ominous.

Thinking of the scenes I’d just foreseen, my heart sank again, oppressed by an indescribable sadness.

An isolating darkness from the depths of my heart enveloped me, and all sorts of panicked thoughts stirred around like black eddies.

{{MC}}: …Have I made a mistake?

Victor: What mistake?

Hearing Victor’s question, I finally realized I had said that aloud unknowingly, and there was no stopping the feeling of remorse once it started.

If it wasn’t for me, would any of this have even happened?

It was I who diverted the future, returned to reality, was powerless to change anything, who watched things happened over and over again–

It was all my fault!

Victor: What are you thinking!

Victor’s shout interrupted my dark train of thought. He held my arm stiffly, whirling my gaze once again onto him.

His words were like ice-cold water being poured over my head, forcing me completely awake.

With everything happening right now, I didn’t have any time to get caught up in negative emotions.

{{MC}}: …Sorry.

I sheepishly let my hand go from Victor’s forearm, leaving wrinkles in his coat.

Those disorderly scenes still lingered in my vision, making it impossible for me to disregard them as just hallucinations.

All I could do was take a deep breath and tell Victor the truth as he looked on with a complex stare.

{{MC}}: Victor, my Evol is seeing the future.

Victor didn’t speak. He looked like he was listening earnestly, and only from the look in his eyes could I see he was pondering something.

{{MC}}: I’ve seen many scenes of disasters occurring. Some have happened, some haven’t.

At this, I let out a smile. That air of unwillingness and regret took tight hold of me again.

{{MC}}: But, even if I can see what will happen, I don’t have the power to avert…

Victor: I’m not sure what you’ve been through.

Victor’s voice interrupted me. His eyes showed a look of faint concern and even surprise.

Victor: According to what you said, if those things that happened were done by people, then that means they’d been plotting a long time.

Victor: In terms of motivation, it had nothing to do with you, and it’s not something you could’ve easily stopped.

{{MC}}: But I should have! If I was a little smarter, or if I my powers were stronger…

I gripped the clothes at my chest tightly. I was losing control of my emotions and getting a bit hysterical.

{{MC}}: If someone besides me had received this power, they definitely would’ve stopped it!

Victor: But these what-ifs don’t exist.

{{MC}}: Right… they don’t exist.

The light in my eye suddenly went out. Reason told me that what Victor said was right.

{{MC}}: But even though they don’t, I still keep thinking about it over and over… it’s stupid, isn’t it?

Victor: Very.

Victor: But at least, you still have a chance to change.

Without derision, or doubt, or encouragement either, Victor calmly told me the facts.

Victor: There is no time to regret those things that already happened.

For some reason, my eyes started welling up again, but this time not in sorrow.

{{MC}}: Victor, if…

I looked earnestly at Victor, seemingly just in the hope that I’d be able to forget everything around us.

{{MC}}: If my choices can change the future, then I can prevent things from happening.

{{MC}}: …but I also might not be able to, or I may even make things worse.

{{MC}}: How should I choose? Should I try to change things, or go along with them?

This time, Victor didn’t answer me right away.

As I waited, he gave a chuckle. His pursed lips relaxed, and some other emotion started showing in his eyes.

Victor: Don’t you already know in your heart?

{{MC}}: Can I really…?

Victor: I don’t know.

Victor answered me decisively. The corners of his mouth lifted in a slight smile, and he had a hint of tenderness in his voice.

Just like the many times before now, giving me encouragement.

Victor: But I hope you can.

For a moment, I didn’t speak. His words seemed to break open a seam in the shadow that shrouded my heart, and light came pouring in.

I blinked my red eyes and finally let out a smile.

{{MC}}: I will…

I said it with a smile, and the heaviness weighing me down receded bit by bit.

The final hint of hesitation holding me back dissipated. I felt enough courage in that moment to make any decision or change.

{{MC}}: I will do it!

I nodded firmly, but Victor’s gaze had shifted to the red-tinged horizon in the distance.

Victor: No matter what choice you’re going to make in the future, you can’t act like you did today.

Compared to advice, his words also had an undertone of worry that made my heart suddenly softer.

{{MC}}: I won’t be so impulsive… Thank you for saving me today.

After these parting words with Victor, I weaved through the gridlocked cars, running away from the red horizon.

After not far, a strange impulse drove me to turn my head. I locked eyes with Victor in the distance.

{{MC}}: Victor–

{{MC}}: I promise, I will succeed!

Victor said nothing and only nodded his head lightly.

{{MC}}: Oh, and– my name is {{mc}}. It’s nice to meet you again.

Without waiting for him to respond, I turned and left without any more hesitation, heading in the direction I needed to go.

This time I won’t just wait in one spot. I must actively get back those karmic bonds from the past. I will find the truth, and I will stop the conspiracy from happening.

Not only because I bear the responsibility and the mission that should rightfully fall to the queen, but because it is what I want and what I should do.

I will save each and every person around me that has been swept up in this torrent.

Until the day when the sun shines again.

Until we meet again under the starlight.

That day, I will say once again– Hello, my name is {{mc}}.

The snow fell silently, blurring the scenery and crowds in the distance.

Victor watched as the girl ran off. It seemed like all the confusion and wavering she was tied up in had disappeared, leaving only determination.

Thinking of those last words of hers, a smile formed unconsciously on Victor’s face.

Victor: Dummy.

[Main Story 21-25]

At the intersection, the big screens of all the towering buildings lining the street flashed violently.

The ads that were playing all disappeared, and every screen went dark.

Passerby: What’s this? Power outage?

Most of the people on the street slowed their steps, looking around trying to find the cause of this change.

In less than half a minute, the interrupted signal returned, and the screens lit up one after another.

This time, all the screens were showing the same image.

Quite a few people cried out in alarm, recognizing the venue used for holding large-scale, worldwide events that appeared on the screen.

A woman wearing a black suit appeared on a podium in the center of the screen. With a severe expression, she delivered a slow, deliberate declaration into the camera.

Speaker: Recently, multiple terrorist attack incidents have occurred all over the world. Based on the methods used, it has been basically confirmed that these incidents are the acts of a single organization.

I was stunned and suddenly halted my step. Listening to the whispering of the people around me, a bad feeling quickly came over me.

Very quickly, the speaker read off over a dozen findings, and then after a pause, she raised her voice.

Speaker: We hereby announce– Evolvers actually exist.

Speaker: From this moment, all Evolvers will be temporarily put under state surveillance.

I stood on the winter street, feeling as if I’d been plunged into an icy sea.

Shaw opened a curtain. His mouth rose in a smile as he looked at the screen on the building opposite him.

Shaw: Interesting.

In the dark room behind him, a black letter with an “A” written on it sat on a white marble counter.

Gavin’s brow furrowed as he heard the sound of sirens in the distance. He took his right foot off the back of the person lying on the floor and walked out.

Blood slowly dripped from his black-gloved hand. Countless incapacitated bodies were strewn on the floor behind him.

Outside, a black SUV came to a sudden stop in front of him. A silver-haired man jumped nimbly down from the car and slammed the door shut.

Gavin: I don’t have time to hear about any failures.

Helios: Things are ahead of schedule.

Helios spoke coldly. His eyes shimmered gold as he looked gravely at the people that had appeared around them.

At some point, a group of gunmen had surrounded them.

*Tap– tap– tap*

From the quiet hallway came the sound of steady footsteps. The door at the end of the corridor opened onto a spacious great hall.

The sky outside the window was overcast. A man stood in the shadow of the wall with his back to the room.

??: Ares, how is our progress?

The man turned around. On his face he wore a mask which hid his expression, but his two eyes were filled with an insidious, ambitious light.

??: Right now the most important thing is to get news of the Queen from 17 years ago. She is now the key to our new plan.

Lucien: I will undertake this personally.

Lucien spoke without hesitation or pause. He lowered his eyelashes, hiding a flash of dark light in his eyes.

Across the ocean.

As dawn neared, the sky was half in light and half in dark. The roar of an airplane broke the stillness of the snow-covered forest.

Moments later, Victor walked into a silver and white building towering above the snowy landscape. Snow fell in tufts on his black umbrella, but not a speck touched him.

A middle-aged man walked out of the building, respectfully coming forward to say a few words to him. Victor gave a nod.

Victor: We can begin.

When those people disappeared out of sight, silence once again returned to the surroundings. On the outside of the building, a row of letters flashed with a silver light–

BLACK SWAN Inc.

The snow this winter seemed without end.

A man walked out onto a rooftop covered with snow and held out his hand, catching a snowflake falling from the sky.

The snowflake in his palm turned into an exquisite, white robin with its eager wings spread as if it was escaping a prison and flying into the sky.

He looked down from on high, surveying the city blanketed in dazzling white snow, a faint smile on his face.

??: Truly something to look forward to–

??: A long, cold winter.