It was a ploy from the beginning.
Neither one of them wanted to fight.
They had their reservations from the onset and so it showed in how they interacted.
One was worried about causing a scene while the other knew he'd be out of his wits to consider a borrowed authority as actual strength.
Because of that, their intended fight to the death turned from one of strength to one of wits and at the moment, it seemed as though Basar had won as he muttered.
"Good morning."
If not for the bandage covering his face, a brilliant smile would accompany his greeting.
Of course, his voice was enough to tell the emotion he felt.
Alex remained poised, however. "I should have known that your Miracle was already in effect the moment I arrived in the vicinity."
Bam
The door to the study burst open as Ambrose and his men rushed into the scene.
At the same time, the area was illuminated by a golden bright light, courtesy of the Lightbringer that had already opened.
Alex remained silent as he glanced at the entrance of the newcomers.
Ambrose, accompanied by Natasha and Madeline was completely furious as he glanced at the scene in the study.
Contrary to what Alex had seen when he first arrived, Melvin had long since taken his life.
He had a horrified look on his face as he lay on the ground, the grey juices of his brain slowly pouring out from the hole in his head.
Ambrose looked over at Alex and noticing the revolver in his hand, didn't bother to say anything as he pulled up his arm and aimed the shotgun he carried at Alex.
Bang
Alex disappeared from his position and appeared elsewhere before glancing at Basar standing still in his original position.
At this moment, no one could see him as he had already distorted their vision.
Alex sighed. "... Quite unfortunate. So this is your plan?"
Basar didn't respond but Ambrose did as he bellowed.
"You bastard!... You may have hatred for nobility but there was no need to wipe out an entire house!"
As he spoke, he loaded his gun and shot again.
However, Alex dodged it the moment the bullet left the muzzle.
He would have simply stood still and allowed the bullet to pass through if he didn't already notice the curious black sheen the bullets had.
Only one metal had such a dark color in his memories and coming in contact with it would most likely kill him, regardless of what Ability he used to block.
Just as he reappeared, Natasha rushed forward and the other Enforcers also pulled out their weapons to fight as well.
At this moment, the ire of the D.O.D. was pointed at Alex.
"Are you enjoying this?" Alex asked as he narrowly avoided Natasha's blade.
Unlike Ambrose, it was harder to dodge her attacks as she moved quicker than he imagined.
With graceful movements, she tried to decapitate Alex.
Basar watched the scene with keen interest before deciding to take his leave.
As far as he was concerned, his work was done.
Taking care of a potential threat and putting off the D.O.D's investigation of the tunnels for a bit longer.
He managed to kill two birds with one stone.
However just as his image started to distort, Alex spoke again.
"Don't leave yet… the fun is just getting started."
Boom
The entire study was enveloped in pulsating black and white.
Using Nyx's authority, Alex forcibly destroyed Basar's distortion, leading to his image coming into view to Ambrose and the others.
Natasha was stunned for a moment before she realized what was happening.
"2 Evil gods."
Basar remained silent as he glared at Alex but the latter only revealed a cunning smile under his mask.
"You didn't think I would willingly enter your trap without a plan, no?"
"Bastard!" Basar exclaimed as he unleashed his full might as well.
Natasha quickly released an invisible force to protect herself while Madeline pulled out a shield made of pure Quillion and stood before Ambrose.
The other Enforcers used other means as well, barely managing to stay alive in an area currently being dominated by two fearsome beings.
For a moment, no one spoke and tension kept on building.
Considering his options, Basar wondered if his plans would remain if he killed everyone present.
He regretted staying longer than he should but he had a feeling that no matter when he tried to leave, Alex would have stopped him.
'He knew it was a trap but still entered… why?'
Basar couldn't see anything good coming out from this for Alex, however, the latter thought otherwise.
'I had an inkling things won't work as planned. Melvin is already dead and my means to get the nobles responsible for oppressing the peasants is gone… I was lucky to get Madhound and his cronies messing around when I did, so when else would I be able to get a chance to become a popular vigilante?'
A chance was before him at this moment.
Adam had said it.
It could be the government, it could be the rebels… as long as his persona was known as a beacon of hope… he would pass.
And now that his plans to use the government since it would be easier and less risky had fallen apart, it was time to change direction.
"You rebels won't get away with what you have done, mark my words." Alex began to say in a deep hoarse tone, almost as though he were close to tears.
"I swear on my title as the Hunter that I will find you for your sins and punish you accordingly."
Basar attempted to retort only to pause as a powerful gaze was cast in their direction.
Alex smiled underneath his mask. 'Perfect timing, Ana!'
Of course, he knew the act was coincidental but as long as it worked in his favor, who was he to not accept it willingly?
Meanwhile, Natasha acted upon noticing the gaze.
Rushing forward, she pulled out another blade and attempted to cut down both Alex and Basar at the same time.
Unfortunately, before she could reach them, both disappeared from the scene with Basar leaving behind a single statement laced with hostility.
"We shall meet again… Hunter."