"We've been seen, Lance-san" The man panicked a little bit as he stared at the person they managed to catch.
"It's fine. At least we weren't too late. I'm sorry about that, my teleportation skill has its ups and downs. And it's not always accurate." Lance muttered as he returned the two-meter lance on his back. "Thank the heavens, we weren't too late."
"You're right about that, Lance." The man wielding the Zweihander sighed in relief as he collapsed to the ground. "Had it not been for your crazy teleportation skill, we wouldn't have made it in time."
The man wielding the Zweihander sat in front of the man who was unconsciously lying on the ground. Compared to them who were wearing extravagant clothing and wielding ridiculous weapons, the individual in front of them looked like a normal person in a hoody. He had black hair, an average face, and an average build.
On the other hand, Lance, who wielded the two-meter lance, had blond hair and blue eyes with a semi-muscular build. He looked like a certain athlete who had won countless medals in Olympics under the running category. As for Zweihander, the man who wielded the zweihander (what a convenient name), he had a lion-like face with his spiky brown hair and beard. He was in the heavyweight class but his agility was not lacking either. In terms of sports, he's a veteran when it comes to Mixed Martial Arts.
"Still, is it true that they don't die when they are killed?" Lance asked, nudging at the black-haired guy who was unconscious in front of them.
"Yeah, apparently they don't. They just respawn back where they came from. Just like how we can't die, they can't die as well. Unless, of course, they do that thing." Zweihander explained a bit vaguely. He was probably mindful that someone was listening in on their conversation even though no one was. It was a force of habit and he didn't have any thoughts of getting rid of that habit.
"Then, that means... "
"Yes, that's why we have to be careful every time we're here," Zweihander said in a grave tone.
Without further ado, Zweihander picked up the unconscious men and slung it on his shoulder. And just as he did so, a few police cars could be heard, blaring their sirens as they go. Lance followed suit as he and Zweihander headed down the street, steering clear from the police cars that came speeding by.
"Rest assured policemen... there will be no murders tonight."
.....
Meanwhile, inside the certain building
"Did you see that, honey?" The man asked as he sipped a glass of red wine. He was sitting quite relaxed on his comfortable seat but somehow, his hands were shaking. "They made it just in time."
"Darling, you know we can't do this, right? There's no way they won't find out." The woman worriedly asked as she sat on the man's lap. "And also, we'll be bringing unnecessary danger to ourselves."
The man sighed as he pulled the woman close to him. Giving her a kiss on the cheeks and ruffling her hair, the man gave the woman a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I won't let that happen. And as for the unnecessary danger... they were the ones who brought it upon themselves. If we don't act, then who else will?"
There was a pause, followed by another sigh of concern. "I know you're right... but I'm afraid."
"And don't worry. As for our daughter. I found someone who can protect her. Until we solve this case, they can't afford to know that she's our daughter. I know it's only a matter of time before they find out— but when that time comes. I know that he'll be ready."
"Can he really be trusted? He's blind, you know. The only thing going right for him is his proficiency in hand-to-hand combat... nothing else." The woman mumbled, resting her head on her man's shoulder.
"That's why we're gathering everyone soon. As long as we evenly spread their future targets, the less likely they'll figure out who's manning the operation. The higher-ups aren't making a move.. and it's up to us to fix it."
Click! Click!
Ti-ring!
The husband and wife almost jumped out of their seat as the door to their house opened, followed by someone opening the lights. A small figure walked inside the living room. "Mom, Dad, I'm home." The girl casually announced as she rested on the couch. She totally ignored her mom and dad who were all over each other on a single chair.
"My daughter! What happened to your clothes?!" The man suddenly exclaimed as he noticed that his daughter had unusually tattered clothes. Aside from that, there were signs of scratched on her arms and legs.
"Are you all right, Miki?" Her mom asked.
"I'm all right. Fortunately, Yuuta was with me. We were almost caught in the mysterious explosion down the street. I was right about him! He really is extraordinary! I should've searched for him earlier rather than later."
Akiko and Daisuke heaved a sigh of relief.
.....
Second Test, Lucid Dream Server
After pumping a fist in the air, Yuuta was confident enough to test the waters of the Second Test. He is perfectly aware that he only has one chance to finish the hidden quest and that's why he didn't want to waste his one and only attempt at it.
"Let's go," Yuuta said, hastily adjusting his uniform before he confidently strode inside the building.
"Sir, I'm afraid you can't go in there." The guard on the entrance called out, extending his hand to block Yuuta's path.
Even with a tall and muscular guard blocking his way, Yuuta confidently strode forward. And then, he leaned and whispered something at the guard. "I know what you did yesterday night. Want me to tell everyone about it?" Yuuta smirked.
A drop of cold sweat dripped down the guard's forehead as he stopped short. Yuuta was spot-on!
"R-right this way, sir." The guard nervously stuttered as he let Yuuta inside the building.
"Oh, one more thing! Can you tell me where the CEO's office is?"