The sun beat down on our faces as we stood atop the nearby building, overlooking the president's castle. We were dressed in suits, a stark contrast to our usual attire.
"Seems there's no one inside," I said, opening my eyes after scanning the place.
"Really? What do we do now? We look stupid in these suits at noon... well, we already do that... but still..."
IM's words were a reflection of my own thoughts. We had planned to infiltrate the castle during the day, but it seemed that the president was not there.
"We could try again later," I suggested. "Or maybe we could find another way in."
"...or we should go to another place, a place where the strongest people who control this country reside, the Nine Dragons' residence." I suggested.
The Nine Dragons' residence was a sprawling compound located in the heart of the city. It was heavily guarded, with armed guards patrolling the perimeter and security cameras watching every corner.
"This is going to be tough," IM said. "But it's worth a shot."
I and IM were invisible. No one could see... I imagined and started using my blue blood power.
The blue blood coursed through my veins, granting me invisibility and heightened senses. I could see the guards patrolling the perimeter, their eyes scanning the surroundings. I could hear their conversations, their laughter, their fears.
With a surge of power, I slipped through the security gates and into the compound. IM followed close behind, his form shimmering in and out of existence.
We moved through the gardens, avoiding the security cameras and the patrolling guards. The compound was a maze of buildings, each one more imposing than the last.
Finally, we reached the main house. It was a massive structure, with towering walls and ornate windows. We circled the building, searching for an entrance.
On the west side, we found a small, unguarded window. With a careful movement, I pushed it open and slipped inside. IM followed close behind.
The interior of the house was just as impressive as the exterior. The rooms were filled with luxurious furnishings, and the walls were adorned with priceless works of art.
We moved through the house, our senses alert for any signs of danger. We passed through several rooms, each one more opulent than the last.
X-ray... I thought, granting it with imagination.
I looked past the wall and found nine people at the table, laughing and talking about the country.
"Hahaha, but we should make the way to that place, since... when I go there, the road is ugh..." one elderly man said.
The elderly man was clearly frustrated with the state of the roads. The other eight people nodded in agreement, their faces etched with a mixture of annoyance and resignation.
"We've been complaining about this for years," one of the women said. "But nothing ever changes."
"The government is just not interested in fixing the roads," another man added. "They're too busy lining their own pockets."
"Well, we did that also, hahahaha!" one said.
The others started laughing.
Swooosh! I and IM appeared at the table in front of them, standing there menacingly.
The Nine Dragons were confused and shocked by our sudden appearance. They didn't notice us even once, of course, as they were all just normal humans.
The Nine Dragons stared at us in disbelief, their eyes wide with fear. They had no idea how we had managed to appear in their midst without being detected.
"Who... who are you?" the elderly man stammered.
"We are who will turn the government," I replied, my voice cold and menacing.
The Nine Dragons exchanged nervous glances. They knew that we were a threat, but they were also powerless to stop us.
"What do you want?" one of the women asked, her voice trembling.
"Security!" one other yelled.
The room was filled with the sound of shouting and commotion. The Nine Dragons were scrambling to get away, but it was too late. We were already on them.
The room was an invisible barrier. The door could not be touched, and the walls could not be touched. I imagined.
The Nine Dragons were trapped in the room, their faces contorted in fear and desperation. They tried to fight back, but they were no match for our powers.
I grabbed the elderly man by the collar and lifted him off the ground. He struggled and kicked, but it was futile.
"You think you're above the law?" I demanded. "You think you can get away with anything?"
The elderly man nodded, his eyes filled with fear.
"Well, think again," I said. "We're here to hold you accountable for your crimes."
I turned to the other members of the Nine Dragons. "You're all complicit in this corruption," I said. "You will all pay the price."
"W-Wait! What do you want? W-we will do anything! We are controlling the whole country after all..." one of the elderly men with glasses asked.
I walked closer to the man and leaned my face closer. "Make me control the government."
Silence...
The room was filled with a tense silence as the Nine Dragons pondered my demand. They knew that I was serious, that I had the power to carry out my threat.
Finally, the elderly man spoke. "We can't do that," he said. "You're too young, too inexperienced."
"I have a power that no one has," I said.
Slowly, I raised my hand and imagined,
If I yelled 'come,' then a fire will appear just like I was pyrokinetic. I imagined.
"Come!" The fire appeared on my hands, showing off to the Nine Dragons.
"What is that... a trick...?" the woman asked.
I shook my head. "Magic."
The Nine Dragons stared at me in disbelief, their eyes wide with astonishment. They had never seen anything like it before.
"Magic?" the elderly man echoed. "You're a magician?"
I nodded. "I am," I said. "And I have the power to control this country."
The Nine Dragons exchanged nervous glances. They knew that I was serious, that I had the power to carry out my threat.
"But... but how can you control the government with magic?" one of the women asked.
"It's simple," I replied. "I can use my magic to influence people, to manipulate them. I can make them do whatever I want."
The Nine Dragons were terrified. They had never heard of anything like this before.
"Please, don't hurt us," the elderly man begged. "We'll do whatever you say."
I smiled. "Good," I said. "Now, let's talk about how you're going to make me the leader of this country, without making me a president..."
The Nine Dragons were reluctant to give up their power, but they knew that they had no choice. They were at my mercy.
"Okay, okay... take a chill... take a sit first..." the elderly man with glasses said.
The elderly man gestured to the chairs around the table. We all sat down, the tension in the room palpable.
"Now, let's talk about your plan," I said.
The elderly man cleared his throat. "We need to make you look like a legitimate leader," he said. "We need to convince the people that you are the right person to lead this country."
"That's easy," I replied. "I just need to show them what I can do."
I raised my hand and imagined a wave of energy spreading through the room. The Nine Dragons felt it, a tingling sensation that filled them with a sense of peace and tranquility.
"This is just a taste of what I can do," I said. "Imagine what I could do for this entire country."
The Nine Dragons were impressed, but they were still hesitant.
"We need to be careful," the elderly man said. "If we move too quickly, we could face resistance."
"We need to take things slowly," one of the women added. "We need to build support gradually."
"No," I interjected. "Take things slowly? For what? They want to corrupt more? Hell no..."
IM just chuckled, standing beside me.
"We need to strike now, while the people are still receptive to change," I said. "We need to show them that we are the only hope for this country."
The Nine Dragons were hesitant, but they could see the truth in my words. They knew that if we didn't act now, it might be too late.
"Okay," the elderly man said finally. "We'll do it your way."
I smiled. "Good. Tell the news that I am... the one who will help everyone. Tell them, 'The Unveiled.'"
***
Arriving at the WRA Company, it was still late afternoon. We went to the 20th floor and got inside. That was only Irune there.
"Oh, Xian! IM! Heyyy~" Just like usual, she was a cheerful one.
"Hey, we just finished doing things. Where's Dove?" I asked.
"Oh, Dove? She has a photoshoot with her cosplay things."
"Photoshoot? Again?" IM groaned, rubbing his temples. "She's always doing photoshoots."
I chuckled. "I guess she just likes being in front of the camera."
"Well, she's a top-tier cosplayer after all!" Irune said, chuckling.
I took off my mask and sat near the table, feeling tired even just a moment there in the Nine Dragons' place.
"Want me to make tea?" Irune asked.
"Sure," I replied, leaning back in my chair.
Irune left the room, returning a few minutes later with a steaming cup of tea. She handed it to me, and I took a sip. It was warm and comforting, just what I needed.
"Thanks," I said.
Irune smiled. "You're welcome. So, how did it go?"
I told her about my encounter with the Nine Dragons, leaving out the details of my magical powers. I didn't want to risk revealing too much about myself.
"Wow," Irune said, her eyes wide with surprise. "That was really brave of you."
"It was necessary," I replied. "We need to turn back the rule of now..."
IM sat beside me and leaned his back on the chair. "It's easy to threaten people with no power, isn't it?" he asked.
I just nodded.
"Hmm, it's good for both of you since you guys have power that can be used to attack. Well, me? I just heal..." Irune huffed and leaned on the table.
Irune was right. I and IM had the power to intimidate and coerce, while she could only heal. But that didn't mean she wasn't valuable to our team. Her ability to heal was essential, and she was always there to support us, no matter what.
"Don't worry, Irune," I said. "We all have our own strengths. And yours is just as important as ours."
Irune smiled. "Thanks, Xian."
The room fell silent as we all pondered Irune's words. It was true that our powers were different, but they were all essential to our mission.
"I should go back home..." I said, looking up at the roof.
"Well, I want to play basketball also," IM added.
"You guys still have things to do tonight, right, with Yolan and Lili?" Irune asked.
"Oh yeah, I think we just wait in here..." I said, closing my eyes on the chair.
IM got up and walked around.
The room was quiet, except for the soft hum of the air conditioning. IM was pacing back and forth, looking restless. Irune was watching him with a concerned expression.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
IM shrugged. "I'm just bored," he said. "I'm used to being on the move."
"Just go outside, IM, go play basketball but come back at night." I said.
"Alright then..." he left the room.
Now just two of us, Irune and myself, were quiet.
The silence was broken by the sound of a knock on the door. Irune got up to answer it.
A few seconds later, she returned with a worried expression on her face. "It's Dove," she said. "She needs to talk to you."
I stood up and walked over to the door. Dove was standing there, her face pale and her eyes filled with fear.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
She just gave the phone to my ears. I leaned on the phone. "Yeah, Dove?"
"Xian, I won't go to the company today after you finished doing your superhero thing. Close the company by yourself, okay?" she said on the phone.
"Yeah, yeah."
"Thanks!" The call ended.
"What did Dove say?" Irune asked, wanting to know.
"Just say if we finished the company should be closed," I replied to her question.
"Oh... anyway, I should go work! Vill will come. She just went out for a moment, okay? I'll leave you for a moment," Irune got up and took her sweater.
I watched Irune as she left the room, her footsteps fading into the distance. I was alone now, with only my thoughts to keep me company.
I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes. I tried to relax, but my mind was racing. There was so much to do, so much to think about.
I thought about the Nine Dragons, about the power I now wielded over them. I thought about the future of this country, and about the role I would play in shaping it.
I knew that this was a huge responsibility, but I was determined to do the right thing. I would use my power to make this country a better place, for everyone.
Ting! My phone got a notification.
Taking my phone from my pocket, I looked at the message from Hanna.
[Hanna: Xian Xian! Did you know? This weekend, I got an concert outside the country!]
My eyes blinked wide.
[Me: Really? Your idol group is going outside the country?]
[Hanna: Yep! And they will be in the country next to ours!]
[Me: Woah! You should tell me earlier.]
[Hanna: I just did earlier!]
I chuckled, looking at my phone and leaning my back against the chair, holding my phone close to my face.
[Me: That means I can't go to that concert 🤔]
[Hanna: Oh, right... well um, I could buy you a ticket, you know!]
[Me: No need, I'll just watch from my phone.]
[Hanna: Aww.... I wish you could just come...]
I wish I would, but I should protect this country... I thought, even though I could just make a duplicate, it was complicated that I should control it also.
[Me: Maybe next time, Hanna, okay?]
I closed my phone and got up from the chair, looking at the window. It was tall. I looked below and saw cars that looked like miniatures. I just stared in the quietness.
Creak! The door opened.
"Oh, Xian, where's Irune?" Vill asked, while she got inside and took off her jacket.
"She went out because I'm here."
"Hmm? Where?"
"I don't know."
"Oh, okay, well where's IM?" Vill asked, sitting on the sofa.
"He went to play basketball," I replied.
"Hmm... okay, so it's just us two," Vill said, smiling.
"Yeah," I said, nodding.
She sat on her desk and opened the laptop. "I have a lot to do today... I see in the future the market going down because of inflation..."
Inflation... I thought.
"What do you see in that future?" I asked curiously.
"Based on my analysis of recent economic data and current trends, I predict that inflation will continue to rise over the next few months. This will have a significant impact on the market, causing stock prices to decline," Vill explained.
"That's bad news," I said. "How can we prepare for this?"
"We need to be cautious with our investments," Vill replied. "We should avoid high-risk stocks and focus on more stable options. We should also diversify our portfolios to minimize our exposure to the market."
"That makes sense," I said. "Do you have any specific recommendations?"
"I think it would be a good idea to invest in real estate or precious metals," Vill said. "These assets tend to hold their value better during times of inflation."
"...being in this company is hard..." I said.
Vill chuckled. "What can I say? Every job is hard."
"But also... what kind of inflation? A war?" I asked.
"Ah... I didn't see it. I'm still on cooldown. Maybe in an hour again, I'll see the future and tell you." She replied while her eyes kept on the screen.
The room was quiet, except for the soft clicking of Vill's keyboard. I watched her as she worked, her face focused and determined.
After a while, she looked up from her screen. "I think I found something," she said.
"What is it?" I asked, leaning forward.
"There seems to be a lot of unusual activity in the financial sector," Vill said. "It looks like someone is trying to manipulate the market."
"Who?" I asked.
"I'm not sure yet," Vill said. "But I'll keep digging."
"How do they manipulate the market?" I asked curiously.
"There are a lot of different ways to manipulate the market," Vill explained. "Some people use insider information to make trades before the public. Others use complex algorithms to identify patterns in the market and exploit them."
"That's terrible," I said. "It's not fair."
"It's not fair at all," Vill agreed. "But it's a common practice. That's why it's important to be aware of these tactics and to protect yourself from them."
"How can we do that?" I asked.
"We need to be vigilant," Vill said. "We need to stay informed about the market and be aware of any unusual activity. We also need to be careful about who we trust."
"How about I help you? Maybe my imagination manifestation can help?" I asked.
"That could be helpful," Vill said. "You can use your imagination to visualize the market and identify any suspicious activity."
"I can also use my imagination to communicate with people," I added. "I can get information from them that they might not be willing to share otherwise."
"That's a great idea," Vill said. "We could use your abilities to gather intelligence on the people who are manipulating the market."
"I'll start right away," I said. I closed my eyes and focused on my imagination. I visualized the financial markets, a vast and complex network of interconnected systems. I searched for any signs of unusual activity, any anomalies that might indicate manipulation.
After a while, I opened my eyes. "I think I found something," I said. "There seems to be a lot of unusual activity in the offshore banking sector."
"That's interesting," Vill said. "We should investigate that further."
"I'll try to get more information," I said. "I'll use my imagination to contact people who work in the offshore banking sector."
Vill nodded. "That's a good plan," she said. "Let me know what you find out."
I smiled. "I will."
I started to imagine myself being invisible and able to go anywhere. After that, I imagined that I could see and manipulate the market, whatever they did. I saw an arrow above my head that indicated the person or company that was manipulating the market.
I started to fly and followed the arrow.
< Chapter 160 > Fin.