As Lust left, Vulcan turned his attention towards meeting with Eve. Vulcan stepped outside into the streets, his senses alert as he made his way towards the WWP building. A hint of concern for Eve's safety. He hoped that she hadn't gotten into any trouble at the WWP building, knowing all too well that it was where the enemies were.
As Vulcan made his way towards the WWP building, he braced himself for potential confrontation. However, to his surprise, the walk remained uneventful, devoid of any encounters with enemies. He couldn't shake off the feeling of unease, suspecting that the enemies might be biding their time, choosing to lay low during the day
Arriving at the towering WWP building, Vulcan paused to take in its presence. "This is the place, huh," he muttered to himself. He thought about bringing the map along for a moment, but he ultimately decided against it, deciding to leave it safely behind in the hotel room. With a resigned sigh, he began to walk around outside of the building, his gaze looking over the surroundings as he searched for any sign of Eve.
In the corner of his eye, Vulcan saw two police officers accompanying a woman with long crimson hair that was flowing over her shoulders. She was wearing a white military uniform, highlighted with golden lapels and cuffs. The uniform has a high collar with polished insignias, showing her authority. Her uniform was completed with tailored trousers and polished black boots, all perfectly maintained. Grasped firmly in her hand was a scimitar, its elegant design reflecting her presence, even though it remained within its sheath.
Vulcan didn't dwell on the sight for long, merely assuming she must be a important military officer. As Vulcan's gaze drifted towards the statue ahead, he spotted Eve. However, before he could make his way over to her, the military officer and police officers reached her first.
The military officer, her posture was firm, she approached Eve, her gaze piercing at her. "Excuse me, but are you Eve Kinhana?" she asked.
Eve looked at the military officer with a hint of curiosity. "Hmm, what could a military officer want with me?" she said.
"My name is Brian," she introduced herself, her tone firm, "I'm the Police Chief of Legis. I'm going to ask you to come with me; I have a few questions to ask you."
Eve's eyes widened in surprise. "Ah, I suppose I don't have much choice in the matter, do I?"
"None at all, and don't even think about resisting," Brian warned. "However, if you wish to make my day, then by all means, please resist," grinning as she firmly gripped her scimitar.
"I'm not stupid, I'll come along without causing any trouble. However, if it's not too much to ask, could I send a message to my parents? They'll worry if they don't hear from me." Eve requested.
"Alright, but you have one minute," Brian allowed her, her tone maintaining its firmness. "We don't have all day."
"Thank you, Officer Brian, I promise I won't take long." Eve bowed before turning her attention to Vulcan as she noticed that Vulcan was standing in the distance. Quickly, she grabbed her phone and began typing a message to him.
Eve's fingers moved quickly across the screen as she typed out her message to Vulcan, telling him to maintain his distance and avoid approaching her. They needed the ability to communicate with the others and she warned of the consequences if they were both taken in for questioning. Additionally, she relayed Copy's message about seeing Alvin in Bard's room.
Vulcan stood there, feeling a sense of helplessness over him as he watched Eve being escorted away. The scene drew the attention of passersby. Despite the urge to intervene, Vulcan knew that any action on his part could worsen the situation further. So, he remained standing still, silently watching Eve's departure.
Vulcan turned away from the WWP building, a heavy sigh escaping his lips as he thought about the situation. "I better tell Vaos about this," he muttered to himself. He took out his phone and began to call Vaos, knowing that if anyone could help, it would be him.
As Eve was escorted into a police car, she couldn't shake the feeling of anxiety. Sitting inside the vehicle, she let out a deep sigh, her thoughts uncertain about what would happen.
The two police officers took their seats in the front, while Brian sat besides Eve. At first, the drive was quiet. Eve felt tense, her mind racing with thoughts of where she was being taken. She assumed it was to a police station.
"Eve Kinhana, I have questions to ask you," Brian said, her voice calm but authoritative, breaking the silence. "Were you present at the incident that occurred at Hyacinth and Calla Lily?" Brian knew the truth, but she wanted to test Eve's honesty.
"Yes, I was indeed at Calla Lily and Hyacinth when the Forbidden attacked," Eve replied calmly, her voice steady despite the tension.
"I see," Brian nodded thoughtfully, her gaze on Eve. "And did you engage in combat with the Forbidden?"
"Yes," Eve affirmed. "I fought with the Forbidden on both occasions."
"And surely you're aware of the damage you caused, especially in Hyacinth," Brian remarked.
"Yes, I'm aware," Eve said. "And personally, I believe that given the circumstances, there was no other outcome than to accept some level of collateral damage."
"It's easy for you to say that," Brian said, frustration in her tone. "But lots of people lost their homes and were injured thanks to you. You could've let the officials deal with the situation, or rather, left Sidgroth to handle the Forbidden back in Calla Lily. And as for Hyacinth, I'm certain the science society, Regione Novem, could've dealt with the Forbidden."
"With all due respect, Officer Brian, I don't think you understand the level of destruction the Forbidden are capable of," Eve retorted calmly but firmly. "If we hadn't intervened when we did, the chaos would have been far worse."
Brian's tone grew stern as she continued, "Who do you think you are, Eve Kinhana? The new Victorious Ten? We aren't living in the past, when the White Trial and Victorious Ten were prominent. There are established protocols for handling such situations, and individuals taking matters into their own hands only create further chaos."
Realizing that arguing would only worsen the situation, Eve decided to go along with it. "I understand," she said with a sigh. "Well, though it might not change much at this point, I want to apologize for my actions. I admit I may have acted rashly and for that, I'm sorry."
"I'm also aware you've come with allies, and from what I understand, one of them has turned into a Forbidden, correct?" Brian continued with her questions.
"You must've been observing me closely, considering the extent of your questions. I'm assuming you must've started since the incident in Calla Lily, or perhaps even earlier, when the White Crusader first spoke with me," Eve speculated.
"You're quite perceptive, Eve Kinhana. To some extent, you're correct. We've been monitoring the remaining members of the Victorious Ten, considering they are among the strongest beings on Earth. For instance, Vaos and The White Crusader are currently in the White Trial sanctuary, along with the beastkin you were with back in Calla Lily, and Silene Tomentosa," Brian explained.
"I see, then those questions were merely a test of honesty, correct?" Eve asked.
"You really are perceptive, Eve Kinhana. That's correct, however, I have many more questions that don't regard to the current situation back at the station," Brian said.
"This must be the station, right?" Eve asked as the car came to a stop in front of a police station.
"That's correct. We've arrived at the station," Brian said as she opened the car door and gestured for Eve to follow her inside.
As Eve stepped out of the car, she couldn't help but let out a sigh. Nevertheless, she followed Brian into the station.
As dusk settled over the White Trial sanctuary, Vaos finished his conversation with Vulcan. He couldn't do anything but sigh. Vaos made the decision to bring Eliza's training session to a close for the day, knowing the need to inform her about Eve's situation.
"Here you go, Eliza. You've been training very diligently," Vaos said as he handed Eliza a bottle of water.
"Thank you, Vaos. The training has been intense, but it's necessary," Eliza expressed gratefully, wiping the sweat from herself.
"Also, I have some news to share with you, Eliza. Your sister has been apprehended by the police in Legis." Vaos informed.
"Taken by the police?" Eliza's expression shifted to one of concern and confusion. "Why would they take her? What happened?"
"It seems the consequences of recent events have finally reached her. What I find odd though, is the selective targeting. Why only her and not Vulcan as well?" Vaos said aloud.
"Although, regrettably, I believe I'll have to leave you once again, Eliza," Vaos said with a sigh. "I need to go to Legis as soon as possible and resolve this situation. I must ensure Eve's safety and clarify any misunderstandings."
"I understand, Vaos," Eliza replied with a nod, though disappointment flickered in her eyes. "Just promise me you'll keep me updated on what's happening with Eve, okay?"
"Of course, Eliza," Vaos softly smiled, his hand gently patting her head. "Well, why don't you take some time to rest for now? I need to go have a talk with Heine..."
Eliza nodded, watching Vaos as he left. As he disappeared from view, she sighed, feeling concern for her sister and for what might come next. She decided to find a quiet spot to sit and gather her thoughts while she waited for Vaos's return...