"Sorry, I hope you don't mind...but I have a couple of questions." Barry stated.
As if knowing what he would ask, Amber gazed at him with a downtrodden expression. She also began to grip onto her blue patient gown.
"Could you tell me what you saw exactly in that incident...or if you noticed anything important--"
"No...no, no, no. I...can't," Amber interjected as she held her head. "I don't want to...remember that incident again..."
"...Sigh, you're right. That was an awful question to ask you." Barry said as he apologized. The Queen Deathbringer simply kept silent with a cold expression. "Well, Jack the Ripper is known for the lack of survivors in his...attacks. The fact that you survived him, I can tell you are special."
"...It was my god that saved me..." Amber said as she looked out the window beside her bed.
"God, huh..." Barry muttered. "Oh, yeah. My men found this at your home." He continued as he began to rummage in his pockets, which garnered Amber's attention. He then took out what seemed to be a golden locket necklace. The locket was heart-shaped.
"W-What...?" Amber uttered with a surprised look on her face. When he handed it to her, Amber proceeded to open the heart locket. It revealed two small embedded pictures of her family on each heart half.While gazing at her family's happy smiles in the pictures, she became teary-eyed. Quickly, however, she wiped her eyes when she realized.
"...Thank you for finding this," Amber said as she expressed gratitude. "I'll keep this...close to me..."
"No problem."
"...Also...I remember you saying you came to my home because of a large energy signal..." Amber continued. "That...was because my god helped me, as I said. She protected me...and gave me power..."The Queen Deathbringer looked at her with slight confusion.
"Hmm..."
"I received a blessing from god, I'm sure..." Amber continued, causing Barry's eyes to widen. "I...can help you defeat...that demon..."
After hearing her request, silence filled the room as Barry began to think.
Hmm...that energy recording was the greatest we felt in a while...and the fact that she survived Jack means that it isn't a fluke... Barry pondered. She doesn't seem to have prior knowledge of the ability she may have...so it would be reckless to reject giving her proper training...
"...Alright, fine." Barry agreed, much to the Queen Deathbringer's surprise.
"...Are you sure...?" She whispered.
"Yeah, don't worry," Barry assured. "It's best if you join the military so we can gather more information about your power."
"...Okay,"
"Also, I usually wouldn't recommend this, but due to the threat of Jack the Ripper...and possibly other S-Class criminals, you'll be put through a training course reserved for blessed humans called the 'Enlightenment Program'...as named by our monarch, the Queen."
The enlightenment program...to think this country has such different things than America... The Queen Deathbringer thought.
"It'll be far tougher than normal, but based on previous participants, you'll have a mastery over your ability much quicker," Barry said. "So, do you still think--"
"Yes, I've already decided," Amber interjected. "I'll do it."
Hearing that, Barry smirked.
"Losing my entire family because of that demon...was the worst tragedy I've experienced. But if I let myself wallow in my trauma...I won't stop that same thing from happening to other families..."
Heh, I may be right about the divine intervention, Your Excellency. Barry thought. "Alright, I understand," Barry said as he turned around and headed for the door, with the super soldier following. "Rest up. We'll pick you up later."
"...Alright,"
"Take care...I hope your god comes through for you." Barry remarked before leaving. After their departure, Amber returned her gaze to the window.
"...Of course, she will come through for me..." Amber remarked. At that moment, her eyes began to glow yellow, just as they did against Jack.
* * *
"Are you sure it's a good idea to recruit her?" The Queen Deathbringer asked. "She was only a university student before this incident...she has no combat experience."
"We've had many successful individuals that had no fighting experience before being recruited...all because they had powers of their own," Barry explained. "Besides, what type of person would I be to not give her a chance...especially after what she went through."
"Sigh..."
"Also, I'm thinking of revealing to the public that Jack the Ripper might be in the country still," Barry added, which made the super soldier's eyebrows raise in bewilderment.
"What? Why would you do that?" She asked. "You'll likely receive excessive criticism for being negligent and not stopping Jack from entering the country."
"I know, but if I don't make them aware, it'll only end up like the massive incident in America...it all started with the state hiding the criminal's escape from their incarceration."
"...Hmm,"
"And, of course, intensive surveillance by military personnel will be necessary."
"...Alright, I'll follow your lead."
* * *
As night drew near, this not only signaled a close to one day but also the peace of the citizens of England, albeit mentally. As the citizens returned to their homes from their daily activities, they received chilling news.
"Breaking News!" This is what civilians saw on their devices. "It seems that what has plagued the United States is now plaguing the United Kingdom." The news reporter, who was a male, said. "The S-Class criminal and Alcatraz's death row escapee, Jack Knight, alias Jack the Ripper, has been spotted in the country."
A citizen who was having a drink immediately spat it out upon hearing that revelation.
"What!?" The civilian uttered. These were the same reactions that other citizens around the country experienced."According to investigators, Jack Knight was responsible for the murders of the entire Moss family just yesterday." The reporter continued.
"That son of a...how dare he come to our country and commit something like that!?" A civilian said in his home as he watched the news with other members. "Monsters like that must die as painfully as possible..."
"...What...don't you mean how could our security let an atrocity like that happen...?" Another civilian argued. "If they weren't careless, that murderer wouldn't even be in our country!"
"Citizens, you are being urged to stay indoors as much as possible, and take extra precautions if you must go outdoors." The reporter said. "According to our country, this threat will be dealt with."
Staying true to his word, Barry released the news of Jack's appearance in the country. The news quickly spread, not only around England but across the world, which, of course, sparked heavy criticism by the media.
"I'm knackered...I thought it was only America that had dumb leaders...but our country somehow let JACK THE RIPPER here!" A post on social media said which garnered many likes.
There were many posts of similar nature as this - the response by society was overwhelmingly negative and cynical. To make matters worse, people from other countries globally started to fear for their wellbeing. They didn't know which country was next.
* * *
While everyone was hanging around his home, Nathan viewed the international news on his phone.
Sigh...why is everyone staying here so long... Nathan thought to himself as he surfed the internet. Don't they have homes too...ugh.
While scrolling, a news article caught Nathan's eye.
"Huh...'A Plague Spreading to England?'...huh?" Nathan said with his left eyebrow raised in confusion as he read the headlines. Getting her attention, Lilith looked over to Nathan's phone to see what he was doing.
As they read the article, a terrified look was visible on Lilith's face.
As Zack and Jack (with Olivia sitting very close to him) were watching a violent film, an angered look surfaced over Nathan's face.
"...Jack...you...liar...!" Nathan strained as he grabbed everyone's attention.
"Huh? What's wrong, mate?" Jack asked.
"You said you covered your tracks!" Nathan yelled as he showed Jack the phone display. "Then why is your name all over the news!?"
In response, everyone gasped.
"Oh? It is?" Jack inquired. "Oh well." He responded as she shrugged before returning his attention to the movie. That made Nathan even more upset, with veins pulsating on his forehead.
Although upset, he had no choice but to keep it internalized. After all, what could he do against Jack?
"Aha! Looks like this may be the start of the next mission!" The developer suddenly said, which made Charles excited.
"Yes! Finally!!!" Charles uttered.
In annoyance, Nathan grabbed his head and shook it, much to Lilith's concern.
Dammit! I'm going to get forced into another war! Nathan thought. Why the hell did Lilith and I get roped in with these maniacs!!!???
* * *
Returning to the dojo in the mountains, Sharma was listening to the news on her radio. While listening, she seemed to be having tea. In the dojo was Ryzen, once again sitting in the dark corner.
"...take extra precautions if you must go outdoors. According to our country, this threat will be dealt with."
"...Wow, that played out a lot different than I thought," Ryzen said. "I knew Jack was bloodthirsty, but wow!"
"So, aren't you going to help now?" Sharma asked. "It's the perfect time to make yourself known."
"Yeah, I've grown to my ceiling in this life, most likely," Ryzen responded. Maybe this one will be my last...hopefully. "Alright, I'm going now, Sharma."
"I told you not to call me...sigh, whatever. Remember, if you find anyone promising, carry them here." Sharma said. "I want students."
"Ah, so you're finally ready to take on some students. That's good...I'll try to get some for you," Ryzen replied before suddenly disappearing. Sharma merely continued to sip her tea.
It seems I finally got over my past, huh? Sharma thought. I hope you accomplish your goal, Ryzen...
* * *
Inside a bar, Kreuger sat around a table by himself. Most of his injuries were dealt with, as he had bandages wrapped around them. He seemed focused on the wall-mounted television, which was playing the news of Jack.
Suddenly, many of the civilians who were drinking, playing games, or communicating with each other immediately got up and left. As if hearing Jack, they were set off like fearful dogs and ran to their home.
Kreuger's expression contrasted with everyone else's. While everyone was stricken with fear, a psychotic smile was visible on his face.
"Haha, you're still in the country, Jack," Kreuger said. "That's good!"