At the entrance of the restaurant, a figure stood, a unique combination of cyborg and samurai. Wearing heavy white armor and a dark blue bodysuit with a golden collar, their appearance intimidating anyone who dared to do bad in his presence . Striking red markings adorned the armored sections. However, it was the mask that truly captivated onlookers – a completely white, two-horned helmet devoid of features or a visor, instilling fear with its faceless visage. The long red hair tied at the mane added a touch to this mysterious presence.
With deliberate and slow steps, the samurai approached the table where Eve, Vulcan, and Eliza were seated, everyone in the restaurant looking at him; knowing his importance and authority. The heavy footsteps against the restaurant's floor heightened the tension as the mysterious figure drew nearer to the trio.
Eve slowly stood up from her seat, an effort not to appear as a threat to the imposing samurai. "The White Crusader... What could a 'hero' like you want with me?" Eve's said, her words clearly holding resentment towards the hero.
"I have more than enough reasons to cut you down, 'halfbreed.' Hmph, let's go speak outside..." The White Crusader's words carried a cold authority, leaving an tension in the air.
"Alright, let's go, Eliza, Vulca—" as Eve was about to speak, she was interrupted.
"No. Only the two of us, and that's not a request; that's an order," The White Crusader said with authority, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword that was tall as he is, towering nearly six feet.
Eve exchanged a quick glance with Eliza and Vulcan, a subtle nod signaled her reluctant agreement. Wondering what the hero could want with her. The restaurant's ambient sounds faded as the door closed behind them.
"Eve Kinhana, I know you've come into contact with Mary Wildflower. I want you to tell me where she is," The White Crusader demanded.
Eve sighed, her breath visible in the cool air, "Straight to the point, hmm? While I'm wondering how you know that, I don't have to tell you anything ." She maintained a subtle smirk, challenging The White Crusader.
The White Crusader unsheathed his sword, the blade gleaming in the dim light. "This makes things a lot simpler, 'halfbreed,'" he said.
"Is that a threat, Mr. Hero? That's not very heroic now, is it?" Eve's smirk remained defiant in the face of the unsheathed sword.
"Silence. I do not wield my blade to keep people safe. I dedicate all my strength to ridding the world of evil, and you're no exception." The White Crusader's stern words cut through the tension
Eve sighed, admitting defeated, "I know I don't stand a chance against you. Fine, yes, I have met her, but I don't know where she is now. We went our separate ways."
"I'm sure you know where she must be going."
Eve raised an eyebrow, "Why do you assume that I know her every move? We hardly even know each other." She crossed her arms, challenging The White Crusader's assumption.
"Then tell me something, why did Metod attack you?"
Eve stared into The White Crusader's masked visage. "Don't play stupid; you're well aware of the rising void energy in Legis. I'm going there to investigate it."
The White Crusader stood stern. "Yes, I'm aware of that void energy. Which is why I want to find Mary Wildflower; you must've sensed void energy coming from her."
Eve stood silently for a moment. "Yes, I did sense void energy from her. If I meet her again, I'll confront her abou—" The White Crusader abruptly turned and began to walk away.
"Your assistance is no longer necessary, Eve Kinhana. Stay out of my way, and if you dare to intervene, I'll not hesitate to cut you down," The White Crusader said with a firm tone, leaving Eve with a sense of tension as he walked away, his imposing figure eventually disappearing from sight.
As Eve watched the hero walking away, she couldn't help but wonder about his sudden departure. However, her attention was changed when she sensed a faint ripple of void energy in the surrounding area.
"This feeling, it must be Mary. Damn it, I'm already drawing enough attention to me as it is..." Eve contemplated whether to get involved or not.
"I have no choice, the so-called hero will mercilessly attack her..." Eve, using her ornament, quickly ascended on top of the nearby buildings and followed the source of the void energy.
Descending gracefully from the buildings, Eve approached the supermarket where Mary's car was parked. The void energy grew stronger as she entered. Eve navigated through the aisles, searching for any signs of Mary before The White Crusader arrived.
While searching through each aisles, Eve remembered she had Bard's number. With a quick dial, she reached out to him, hoping he could pin point his location exactly.
"Hello, Eve. I'll admit this is unexpected," Bard's calm voice came through the phone. "Did you need something specific?" He continued, adjusting the glasses his glasses as if he could see her through the phone.
"There's not much time to explain, but where are you guys? I'm in the same supermarket as you," Eve said.
Bard's voice remained composed, "Ah, the tone of your voice. This must be important. We were about to check out, but head to the snacks aisle, near the back, and we'll meet you there."
"No, keep going. It's best you and the others leave as soon as possible. I'll be right there," Eve said before swiftly ending the call. Her steps quickened as she reached the checkout area.
Eve spotted Bard, Mary, and Simon were completing their purchases, she let out a sigh of relief. "There they are, hey Bard!" Eve called out as she walked up to them.
But as Eve walked up to them, Bard subtly whispered, "If this is important, tell us outside. We shouldn't cause a scene."
Eve leaned in and whispered, "The White Crusader is after you, Mary."
"Eve, is this some kind of bad joke?" Mary said, her skepticism evident in her voice.
"Let's go back to the car everyone! I already finished paying," Simon said out loudly, holding every bag. His tone acting as a subtle signal to take the conversation outside.
The group swiftly nodded in agreement, recognizing the necessity for a more private setting to carry on their conversation. Upon stepping outside, they encountered The White Crusader standing there, his long red hair swaying in the breeze.
"Mary Wildflower, daughter of the prestigious noble family of Magnolia. I stand before you as The White Crusader, and I'm here to return you to your rightful place," The White Crusader proclaimed, his authoritative voice casting an imposing aura that sent shivers down the spines of those who happened to be nearby.
Mary's eyes widened, her disbelief apparent as she looked at the hero everyone admired. "You really weren't lying, Eve."
"Man, since when were heroes so scary? Is this how bad guys feel when they got to fight him?" Simon laughed nervously.
Eve quickly sent a message to Vulcan and Eliza, urgently telling them to come to her location.
"Mary Wildflower, will you come peacefully, or will you resist?" The White Crusader's voice said with a commanding tone. Onlookers, including Mary, could feel the weight of his presence.
"I won't go willingly. What do you want with me?" she asked.
"I don't wish to create a panic here, nor expose sensitive information in public. The choice is simple: either you come willingly, or I'll have to resort to force. Make your decision swiftly," he commanded, the weight of his impatience lingering in the air as the bystanders observed the tense confrontation.
"How troublesome. We're attracting quite a bit of attention to ourselves, and this isn't ideal, especially after our encounter with Metod. We need to handle this situation carefully." Bard whispered to Eve.
"I'll do my best to stall until Vulcan and Eliza arrive," Eve said to Bard.
"Mr. Hero! This isn't a good look for you—" Before she could finish her sentence, in the blink of an eye, The White Crusader unsheathed his sword and sliced off a strand of hair from Eve, sheathing his sword again.
"Eve Kinhana, I explicitly warned you not to intervene. I strongly suggest you walk away." Despite the faceless mask, his words carried an intimidating force, striking fear even into her.
Eve nervously laughed, "You know, Mr. Hero, Vaos told me a lot about you. You have more than enough reasons to cut me down, but I also have my reasons to cut you down." She activated her ornament, causing wind-like blades to engulf her hands.
As The White Crusader was poised to unsheathe his sword, a sudden realization halted his movements. "I see... Very well, don't think I'll hold back— wait, this energy." The White Crusader's hand on his swords hilt, ready to unsheathe it. However, before he could take action, a sudden surge of void energy from behind made him pause, diverting his attention.
"This is quite the show you're putting up, 'hero'," a man with brown hair, stepped forward confidently contrasting with the tense situation. As he stood behind The White Crusader, his observant gaze hinted at a subtle amusement.
"This feeling, you're..." The White Crusader turned to face the man.
"You and the others from before may have stopped us last time, but you won't be so lucky this time," the man said, his right red eye subtlety glowing.
"Everyone in the area, evacuate immediately!" The White Crusader's authoritative voice boomed, causing everyone to start running away.
"I, Forbidden Power, will put an end to you at last..."