The room fell silent for a moment, with only Elder Kasamaki letting out a soft sigh. "Three days… I hope we can seize control of the situation before the Watchers do. Let's pray this mission doesn't come at too steep a price."
Yuko scoffed, folding her arms. Though she didn't speak again, the disdain and unease on her face were evident.
Rayl patted Yahageshii on the shoulder, his gaze resolute. "This mission isn't just about Shingin; it's about the survival and dignity of the Revolutionaries. We can't afford to lose."
Yahageshii nodded, his teeth gritted as he muttered, "Anyone standing in our way will pay the price."
Elder Kasamaki spoke softly but firmly. "Remember, no matter what happens, finding Shingin is the primary objective. The burden he carries is far heavier than we realize."
William inhaled deeply, his voice steady. "Dismissed. Prepare for action."
The others filed out one by one, leaving only Elder Kasamaki and William in the room.
"William," Elder Kasamaki said quietly, "are you truly ready to face the worst-case scenario?"
William didn't reply, his eyes closing as a cold, unyielding determination etched itself onto his face.
The morning sun filtered through the mist in a small, tranquil town, its rays casting a serene glow on the cobblestone streets. Shingin and Shizuha sat in the waiting area of a small clinic, the sterile scent of disinfectant lingering in the air. Shizuha sat quietly, her hands folded neatly on her lap, stealing occasional glances at Shingin.
"Don't be nervous," Shingin said in a low voice, though he found his own palms slightly damp. He turned to her with a reassuring smile.
Moments later, the clinic door opened, and a doctor stepped out, holding a report.
"Mr. Shingin, Ms. Shizuha," the doctor said, his tone calm but meaningful as he handed over the document. "Based on the DNA analysis, you are indeed siblings, with a match probability of 99.9%."
Shingin took the report, staring at the words for a long time without speaking. Shizuha bit her lip as if to say something, but finally whispered, "Brother…"
A torrent of emotions surged within Shingin. Fragments of his past—his mother's words, fleeting memories, and recurring dreams—finally coalesced into a clear picture. Shizuha's presence brought new meaning to his life.
"Let's go. We should leave here first," Shingin said, his voice firm but tinged with a gentle concern.
As they exited the clinic, a massive electronic screen on the street suddenly lit up. The vivid broadcast drew a crowd of onlookers, and the familiar voice stopped Shingin in his tracks.
"Good day to all citizens of the world. We are the Awakened. A group known as the Watchers…"
It was Watcher 20.
Shingin's expression darkened. Shizuha noticed the shift and asked nervously, "Brother, what's wrong?"
"Shh, don't speak." Shingin's eyes were glued to the screen.
In the live broadcast, Watcher 20 spoke confidently, their words laced with self-proclaimed righteousness. The video transitioned to footage from a surveillance camera—Shingin, Yahageshii, and Ryuosho unleashing their powers on the school rooftop. The carefully edited clip made their actions appear as deliberate acts of destruction.
Shingin's fists clenched, his teeth grinding audibly. He had never felt such rage, but his unease deepened when Watcher 20 continued speaking:
"We shall demonstrate through action that we are an upright organization. Those who attempt to disrupt global peace, regardless of who they are, will face judgment! These three students serve as a warning!"
As the words rang out, the broadcast shifted to a photograph of Shingin's mother.
"Do you think their families will be implicated? The answer is no. We, the Watchers, act only out of necessity. However, remember, such leniency is not unlimited."
Shingin's face turned pale as fury surged within him.
"They've… dragged my mother into this!" he growled, his eyes ablaze. "Those bastards—what are they after?"
Shizuha, alarmed, tugged at his arm. "Brother, what should we do now?"
Shingin took a deep breath, trying to calm his storming emotions. "We go back. Now."
"But we were supposed to—"
"No buts!" Shingin's voice rose, startling Shizuha. Realizing his tone, he softened. "Sorry, I didn't mean to yell. But we must ensure Mother's safety."
Hurrying back to their modest inn, the siblings hastily packed their belongings before setting out for the city where their mother lived.
"Brother, we need to move quickly," Shizuha urged, sensing the weight on Shingin's shoulders growing heavier.
"Don't worry. I won't let them hurt Mother," Shingin said through gritted teeth.
Yet, unease gnawed at him. He understood that Watcher 20's broadcast wasn't merely a personal threat; it was a calculated maneuver to corner anyone opposing them.
As Shingin gazed at the sky, a silent resolve formed within him: Mother, wait for me. This time, I won't let anyone harm our family.