As everyone gathered inside the restaurant, the atmosphere was tense, mostly due to Alex's barely contained irritation toward his master, Vito Pushkin. Seated around a large table, they shared food and wine, but Alex was silently eating his meal.
Aiden occasionally glanced at Vito, trying to figure out this old man. If he hadn't witnessed Vito's earlier skirmish with Hu Zhao, Aiden might have dismissed him as just another eccentric elder. But there was something about him—something that made him able to hide his aura completely.
Vito eventually noticed Aiden's gaze and, with a chuckle, addressed him directly, "You're Aiden, right? Eldric told me about you—your strange divine ability, Sunshine, was it? You're quick, too. Sensed me before my stupid disciple did. If I'd met you before this fool, I'd have trained you myself—made you the youngest Saint in history. After all, I'm the best trainer there is."
Aiden raised an eyebrow, not particularly impressed by the old man's boastful tone although calling his power weird felt like an insult. But before he could respond, Alex, still fuming, decided to cut to the chase. "Why are you really here, old man?"
Vito, grinning, waved a hand dismissively. "Eh? Didn't I tell you already? Eldric said you'd be coming back this way, so I came to meet you. Thought it'd be nice to see you again."
Alex scoffed, his sarcasm biting. "Yeah, right. You're the laziest bastard I know. You wouldn't travel just to greet me. Hell, you wouldn't show up even if I was dead. So why don't you spare us your lies and tell us what you're really up to?"
Vito sighed theatrically. "I really don't understand why you can't be a bit more respectful. Without me, you'd have died in the gutter somewhere, and your talent would've been wasted."
Unfazed, Alex leaned back in his chair, grinning sardonically. "And without you, maybe I'd have lived a quiet life, free from being tossed into one death trap after another. So, why are you here?"
Shaking his head, Vito gave in. "Fine, fine. I'm here because Eldric asked me to meet him before heading to the capital. There's some trouble brewing there, and I figured I'd also check in on little Lora since I've missed her."
Lora perked up, smiling at Vito. She shot Alex a smug look, as if to say, See? I'm more important than you. Alex just rolled his eyes, too tired to argue over who ranked higher in Vito's affections.
"What kind of trouble?" Alex asked, his concern starting to edge past his annoyance. "My team's captain is in the capital. If things get messy, it could complicate everything for me. I don't want to get dragged into a war."
Vito stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, I don't know all the details, but something's definitely off. Ever since Eldric left the capital to find Lora, there's been strange movement. We think someone used Lora's kidnapping as a way to lure Eldric away from the capital."
The group exchanged uneasy glances, particularly Lora, who visibly tensed. She hadn't realized the bigger consequences of her abduction. Saya, noticing her discomfort, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It's not your fault," she whispered. "None of this is."
Aiden sighed, then spoke up. "So someone wanted Eldric out of the capital. For what? To announce a royal marriage? I don't think Eldric is the type to meddle in these kind of politics"
Vito nodded gravely. "Exactly. Which leads me to think that this royal marriage is just an excuse. We still don't know why they announced it on the same that day Eldric left, but I'm convinced there's a connection. That's why Eldric wanted me to come with him—there's something going on, something bigger than just politics."
The atmosphere grew more serious. Alex, despite his earlier mood, was starting to piece things together. "Wait, you're coming with us to the capital?"
Vito chuckled. "Of course, boy. Eldric and I need to sort this mess out."
Alex shot up from his seat, visibly annoyed. "Great. Just what I needed—you tagging along."
Aiden, ignoring Alex's frustration, locked eyes with Vito. "I don't care about the royal marriage," he said flatly. "But I need to know—is the Black Market Alliance involved?"
Vito, his expression turning sharp, grinned knowingly. "Oh, they're involved. Without a doubt."
Aiden grinned back, his eyes narrowing with determination. "Then let's finish this meal and get moving. I've been itching to settle a score with a certain Lizard."
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Salazar watched as Eldric and Edvard prepared to leave the castle. The tension in the air was clear, as the duke's concern for his family was evident. "I hope the information I gave you stays confidential," Duke Admonius said gravely, his voice low with urgency. "I don't want my sister or niece to get hurt."
Eldric, shaking Admonius' hand firmly, gave a reassuring nod. "You have my word. No one will ever know this came from you. And I will personally make sure your sister and niece are safe, as agreed. Nothing will happen to them."
Admonius exhaled, relieved. He nodded his thanks as they parted ways. Eldric and Edvard left the castle quietly, avoiding any attention as they exited discreetly through a side path.
Woosh, woosh.
As they moved swiftly through the quiet streets, their expressions were dark, the gravity of Admonius' words sinking in. Edvard glanced at Eldric, his face hard. "Eldric, we both know who's behind this. No one else has the means or the motive. I had a feeling back then when you told me what happened at the flying island, but now I'm certain."
Eldric's jaw tightened as he replied, "You think so too, then? Not many can create weapons like that. He's a brilliant mind—dangerous, but brilliant."
Edvard's voice dropped, clearly knowing the name of one doing this. "It's the Dark Hand League."
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As Aiden and the others made their way back to the airship, they couldn't shake the weight of what they had learned. Just as they reached the harbor, Aiden, Hu Zhao, and Vito all suddenly halted, their senses heightened. Their eyes darted upward as they noticed six figures hovering ominously in the sky, cloaked in red.
The six figures stood perfectly still, watching from a distance as if waiting for something.
"We've got company," Hu Zhao remarked, his voice low and cautious. "Who's going to handle this?"
Aiden didn't waste time. His body pulsed with energy as he activated Sunshine, his muscles bulging and stretching his clothes to the point of tearing. With a sudden burst of speed, he launched himself toward the figures in the sky.
Lorra sighed, watching Aiden's rapid transformation. "Good thing we bought him extra clothes. He'll be naked by the time this is over."
Saya blushed at the thought, while Hu Zhao raced after Aiden. Vito chuckled, motioning for the others to follow. "Let's go. I'm curious to see how Aiden's divine ability plays out in a real fight. Seems like we've got a good opportunity."
Dian Long, sensing the seriousness of the situation, asked, "Are these enemies strong?"
Vito shrugged. "For you? Maybe. But for Aiden and Hu Zhao? This won't be much of a challenge."
With that, Aiden quickly reached the six cloaked figures, his body radiating heat and energy. He cracked his knuckles, a confident grin spreading across his face. "It's been a while since I fought someone worth my time. Let's see if you're a decent warm-up before the real fight."