Meanwhile, Bison, Ivy and Killer arrived at the Vindinor headquarters. The headquarters is located in a remote island called the island of fate. It is situated in the middle of the ocean far away from the mainland. The only way to get there is through a secret portal and entrance that only the members know. It's impossible to travel by ship because the island is shrouded with thick mist and deadly waves. Once they arrived at the gates of the headquarters, they are greeted by a man wearing a tuxedo and glasses.
"Master Aethern is waiting for the three of you. Please proceed in the gathering area."
Killer: "Tsk, this is gonna get ugly. I don't wanna get scolded again."
Bison: "Ivy and I will do the talking. Just shut your mouth this time."
Killer: "Yeah, whatever."
The gates opened and they walked through a long garden pathway with different plants and trees. At the door of the manor is a girl sitting at the stairs. She has a long golden hair and was wearing a red dress with a yellow sash on her waist. On her back is a large blue scythe. She named her weapon Mela and is the only one able to talk to her weapon.
"The three clowns return. Look at this shit show Mela, what are we looking at here? Oh, and what did you say? They didn't find the alpha's core. Oh no, what a bunch of idiots."
Killer: "What did you say you little -"
Bison interrupted Killer and stepped forward,
Bison: "This is not your concern, Fey. We will only report this to Master Aethern."
Fey: "Don't worry about that, Bison. The moment you stepped in the island he knew already. But you're in luck, Master Aethern seems to be in a good mood because he has a new toy."
Ivy: "You're talking about the woman, right?"
Fey: "Oh so you were all there when she took her huh. Talk about bad luck, who knows what Master Aethern will do to her. But I don't care. We finished the mission with our group, that's all that matters."
Bison: "Are you done with small talk? We got matters to attend to."
Fey: "Of course, of course. After all, you wouldn't want the master to be waiting long."
The three went on their way inside the manor. The Vindinor manor is filled with all kinds of artifacts and statues. Paintings and artworks line the maroon walls. It was like a decorated museum. They arrived at the gathering area. It was a spacious area surrounded with windows and purple curtains. They walked towards a throne like area. There, Aethern is standing and looking out the window with his back turned. The three quickly bowed down.
Bison: "Master. It is very unfortunate, but we are not able to secure the alpha's core. When we got there the monster is already dead. We do not have any information on the whereabouts of the core as of now, as well as the slayer of the alpha."
Aethern: "I know. We have a change of plans. Eileen has arrived. You may not know her, but she was once a member of the clan, respect her like you would with me."
The three were surprised. That's why they took her. But why?
Aethern: "Fey's group got hold of the Beta's core. That made your shortcoming a little more bearable. At least we have the Beta. The power to change the age of a person whether to make her young or old! Basically immortality. But we still do not know the consequences that is why I decided to put it in the vault. Standby for additional orders. For now, do as you please."
Bison: "As you wish. Thank you master."
The three exited the gathering area.
Aethern: "Eileen... Finally. You're back. This time, I'm going to make sure you won't escape."
Back at the laboratory, Crowa is still feeling a bit dizzy. He is still feeling some aftershocks due to the procedure. It's going to take some time before he gets used to his new arm. Crowa looks at it with amazement.
Crowa: "How can I control in instantly? I mean I just merged into me that easily?
Shaki: "That's due to the compatibility of the core and your emotions. These types of monster cores feed on emotions. The core must have detected different kinds of emotions from you during the infusion, that is why it instantly fused with you with ease."
Zeek: "Shaki, what can this new arm of his do exactly?"
Shaki: "As we all know the power of the alpha is absorption. Anything it kills and eats, he gets the power of it. In your case, you can absorb the power of anyone or anything as long as you use your titanium arm to execute the killing blow."
Zeek: "That's very convenient. So, if he kills one of the Vindinors..."
Crowa: "I can get their power and weapon and get closer to Aethern!"
Shaki: "Precisely that."
Zeek: "But it's not easy unless you train hard. The Vindinors got their powers and weapon by also infusing their bodies with monster cores. We will begin training when you get some rest."
Crowa: "I'm ready anytime. When do we start?"
Zeek: "Tomorrow."
In two years, Crowa will undergo intense training under Zeek. It won't be easy, and he knows it. For he has to be ready for what's to come.