As Vulcan drove, Eve kept a watchful eye on Simon and Bard, her gaze shifting between them with a mix of concern and determination.
The distance to Legis grew shorter, Eve's focus remained fixed on Simon and Bard. She closely looked at their injuries, aware of the need to prevent their injuries from worsening. However, she was also preoccupied with the presence of the Forbidden that had taken control of Mary. Eve couldn't shake the nagging sense of unease. She wondered over Copy's reference to it as "the boss," pondering which of the powerful Forbidden it could be.
Breaking the silence with the clearing of his throat, Vulcan briefly looked at Eve. "Eve, how are they holding up?" he asked as he glanced back at Simon and Bard in the rearview mirror.
"It looks like when Mary woke up and the Forbidden took control, it went after his eyes first. Luckily enough, he escaped with only a scratch on one eye, but the cut seems pretty severe." Eve replied. "Simon, on the other hand," Eve continued, "I'm not sure what happened when he was teleported, but he's badly injured. There's so much void energy residue clinging to him."
Vulcan sighed, looking on the road ahead. "Well, we're nearly at Legis. Once we're there, we'll get them to a hospital."
"There's also Mary," Eve said, "I don't know what we're going to do about her. It's clear that the Forbidden that took control of her will return, and we need to be prepared for that." She paused, thinking about the implications of Mary's situation.
"Eve, there's something I want to ask you..." Vulcan said, his tone a mix of hesitation and seriousness.
"Hmm, what's on your mind, Vulcan?" Eve responded, she glanced at him, awaiting his question.
"The Forbidden we've met so far—why do they all call you 'Anomaly'?" Vulcan asked, a serious expression on his face.
Eve closed her eyes briefly as she reluctantly prepared to answer Vulcan's question. "I guess it was only a matter of time before this came up..." Her breath escaped in a sigh. "To put it shortly, Vulcan, my origins are rather complex. I'm not entirely human; in fact, I'm half human and half Forbidden. My father was a human, and my mother, well, she was Forbidden," Eve explained.
"I don't have a phantom form like them, but I have a core like them. However, I don't have what my attribute is. I would have to embrace my 'Forbidden' side, which I refuse. I don't need their power; I'll use my own," Eve asserted.
As the conversation continued, Vulcan asked another question. "I see, so that's how you can sense void energy. Here's another question, why did you want to go to Legis?"
Eve's voice quivered with raw emotion as she recounted the tragic events of her past. "My mother was killed by the Forbidden. Vaos said it was their leader who orchestrated her death." She took a deep breath as she struggled to contain her emotions. "You know, Vulcan, I always believed I was ready for this journey, but faced with the reality when the very leader of the Forbidden showed himself... I was afraid. Vaos was right, I'm not ready. Yet, despite my doubts and fears, we've come too far to turn back now. I must uncover the truth behind my mother's death and get justice for my mother."
Vulcan's voice was a reassuring warmth as he spoke, "I see, well, you already know this Eve, but I'll help you through the entire way. I won't say I understand that feeling, but I want you to know that you're not alone."
Eve's expression softened into a gentle smile. "Thank you, Vulcan, I won't forget that..."
"Hey, Eve, there's something else I wanted to mention," Vulcan interjected, his tone shifting slightly. "It's about my Ornament awakening. It seems like it might happen soon, so I won't be relying on this sword much longer, haha." He said trying to lighten the mood.
"Right, I remember you were talking about that with Bard," Eve said. "I wonder what your Ornament might manifest as. Given your high willpower, it's bound to be something related to spirit techniques."
Her smirk widened as she continued, "But let's be real, Vulcan, you're still light years away from me. So you might want to hold onto that sword a while longer."
"Ehh, give me a little more credit now," Vulcan grinned as he leaned back in his seat, "I might surprise you yet, Eve."
"Right, I should call Vaos now," Eve said as she took out her phone. "He must be wondering about us and must've met up with Eliza by now." She dialed Vaos's number and brought the phone to her ear.
When Vaos answered, his voice sounded both relieved and slightly reproachful, as if he had been waiting for her call. "Eve, I expected a call much sooner, but better late than never I suppose. How are you doing?"
"There's a lot to talk about. Here, let me explain everything that happened so far," Eve sighed.
Eve meticulously recounted every significant detail, making sure that Vaos was fully informed of the events that had happened. As she spoke, she occasionally passed the phone to Vulcan, allowing him to greet Vaos and provide his own perspective on the events. Together, they painted a comprehensive picture of the recent challenges they had faced.
"I see, so you've already met Copy and Forbidden Dream has come back as well," Vaos remarked, deep in thought. "It appears the situation is escalating. Remember to remain vigilant and keep me informed of any developments. You must proceed with caution."
"R-right," Eve stammered slightly, "We're currently on our way to Legis. Our priority is to get Simon and Bard to the hospital. After that, Vulcan and I will reassess the situation and decide on our next move."
"Understood, Eve. Remember to assess the situation very carefully before taking any further action," Vaos advised.
"I would hope so since she's training under the White Trial. Well, when she's done, tell her to call me," Eve said.
"By the way, you're already with Eliza, right?" Eve asked.
"Yes, however, she is currently training right now, so I'm afraid you can't speak with her at the moment. Although, you'll be quite surprised next time you see her; she's much stronger now," Vaos said, a hint of pride in his tone.
"I would hope so since she's training under the White Trial. Well, when she's done, tell her to call me," Eve said.
"Of course, I'll pass along the message. Take care, Eve, and keep me updated on your situation," Vaos replied.
"Thank you, Vaos. I'll be sure to keep you informed. Take care as well," Eve responded warmly before ending the call.
"That's another thing I wanted to ask. Once we arrive in Legis, what's our plan? We can't simply storm into the WWP headquarters, can we?" Vulcan asked as he glanced at Eve.
"As much as I'd like to charge in, we have to be strategic. Without knowing of the building's layout or the potential threats, it would be reckless to storm the WWP headquarters," Eve explained. "But we can turn this to our advantage. We can survey the area during the day, observing the surroundings and identifying any vulnerabilities. I doubt they'd risk a confrontation in broad daylight, especially within their own building."
"Well, I think it's a step in the right direction," Vulcan remarked thoughtfully. "And about the mana usage in battles, maybe it's time we stocked up on some trinkets or potions. After all, we've seen how quickly your mana can deplete during fights. Having a couple of potions on hand wouldn't hurt."
"Ugh, potions," Eve grumbled. "I mean, I know they're effective and all, but they taste so bitter." She let out a small sigh.
"I honestly wouldn't know; I don't use mana like you do. But hey, if it helps us to stay in one piece and keep fighting, I suppose you'll just have to smile and bear it," Vulcan replied with a grin.
"True enough," Eve chuckled, a smile on her lips. "Guess I'll have to smile and bear it, even if it means enduring that awful taste."
As the city lights began to become visible in the distance, Vulcan said, "More importantly, I think we're here, Eve. We're finally at Legis."
Eve looked head, her eyes fixed on the distant city of Legis that became visible before them. It was a sight she had long awaited, the peak of her journey and the gateway to uncovering the mysteries of the WWP headquarters. She knew that within those city limits lay the answers she sought, the truths waiting to be unveiled.
"I don't know if we're near the end, Vulcan. But it definitely feels like it," Eve said, her gaze fixed firmly on the city ahead.
As they drew closer to Legis, the weight of their journey seemed to press down upon them. Despite the uncertainty of what lay ahead, they were prepared to confront the challenges that awaited them in the city...