Some time later, at headquarters…
"Are you telling me that two individuals infiltrated District 12, freed every prisoner, and vanished without leaving a single trace?" The middle-aged man muttered.
His pitch-black eyes bore into the trembling officer, cold and sharp as obsidian. The officer's shoulders shook under the general's gaze, a bead of sweat trickling down his cheek. Ash-gray hair hung to the man's neck, and a dark military cloak draped over his shoulders.
"General Krauss, we—"
"ARE YOU IDIOTS?!" Krauss roared, releasing an oppressive aura that nearly crushed the man to his knees.
Krauss: a name feared by even high-ranking Awakened. A living nightmare in the shape of a general.
"Do you even understand how many influential families are gathered on this island right now? Do you realize how important today is? And you're telling me our territory was breached and we have no information on the attackers?" Krauss growled.
"S-Sir, most of the cameras were destroyed. We lack any clear evidence. However… we believe it may be the work of that organization." the officer replied.
"…Eclipse." Krauss muttered. "But if it was them, why the hell would they warn us beforehand?"
He fell silent, thinking.
Eclipse—one of the largest, most troublesome organizations in existence. A terrorist group among Awakened, with unknown motives and impossible-to-predict movements.
"Sir," the officer continued, "all the cell doors were torn open. It looks like brute force — strong enough to override the power-suppressing systems."
Krauss's eyes narrowed.
"That child… Was he taken as well?" he asked, referring to Reyna. The boy had been imprisoned at his parents' request as punishment, though he received far better treatment than the others.
"That is currently the most recent report. Reyna is still inside the cell," the officer replied.
"So he saw everything… Force him to talk. I want every detail."
"General, we already interrogated Reyna. He claims he saw nothing beyond what we've already uncovered."
Krauss clicked his tongue.
'He's lying. He must be.'
"Reinforce security across the entire island. Proceed with the event as planned—do not allow this information to spread. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!"
'Eclipse… I will not allow you to leave this island alive.'
-
-
"Hahaha, salute," Draven laughed somewhere on the island, walking with a glass of wine in hand. His mission was complete — and his leader had likely found the boy as well.
'Get ready… the big game is about to begin.'
He glanced at the glowing lines on the map in his hand — blue veins pulsing like living arteries.
"What a beautiful Energy Vein," he whispered. "Too bad… it'll all be gone soon."
He smiled.
-
-
Moments before...
A vortex of darkness materialized in an isolated spot, depositing dozens of people onto the grass.
Rael scanned the area in shock.
"Mass teleportation… I didn't think you had that kind of ability," He said to Edward.
"I learned it recently. But it consumes… a lot of energy," Edward replied, his voice slightly strained.
"My end of the deal is done. Don't forget—you owe me."
"I know." Rael nodded, then turned toward the rescued prisoners.
"Before I remove your restraints, I need to know something," Rael said, voice firm. "I need to be sure none of you intend to harm others. If any of you are here for a serious crime—tell me now."
He didn't expect confessions from hardened criminals—but looking around, some of them were young. Kids barely thirteen or fourteen. Rael couldn't imagine children that age committing anything worthy of a place like this.
One of the men stepped forward immediately.
"I was brought here because I refused to join one of those strange organizations. I just wanted to live my life using my powers normally."
"Same for me."
"And me."
"I—um… I got into a fight and ended up destroying a building," a young man confessed nervously. "B-but I didn't mean to! They brought me here after I refused to sign with them."
Rael listened to each explanation, his expression softening slightly.
"For now, I'll free some of you. We'll talk about the rest later."
Eternium surged from his hand, forming a blade of glowing blue energy. With one swift motion, he sliced through several collars.
"Oh!"
Cries of relief erupted as the freed individuals felt their powers flowing again.
A man approached Rael, his voice trembling with sincerity.
"I don't know why you chose to rescue us… but I am deeply grateful. You've restored what little freedom we had left."
"Exactly! If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask, boy—we'll help you," a woman added, eyes shining.
Even those still collared bowed their heads. They knew that, at the very least, they would soon return home.
Rael smiled softly.
"I've met many Awakened I didn't like… but I know not all of you are the same. Wherever you go, there will always be good and bad people. I simply did what I believed was right."
"This island will become far more dangerous soon," Edward warned. "Hide, and prepare to escape during the chaos."
"Chaos? What chaos?" several asked in confusion.
"Well…"
Edward flashed a wicked smile.
"I'm sure the boy will still be around. And when he is… things will get interesting."
He didn't say more. He already knew what events were about to unfold—and he knew Rael wouldn't stand by and watch.
"If you'll excuse me… I'll be going. See you another time," Edward said, vanishing into the shadows.
Rael frowned, Edward's words echoing in his mind.
-
-
Several hours later, dawn broke across the sky. Awakened all over the island rose early, preparing for the grand event.
Inside a luxurious room…
"I hope you've reflected properly after your time in that place," a stern voice said. A woman and several servants stood behind him.
The Aoyama family—Reyna's adoptive family.
"Yes, Father," Reyna replied with a bow.
"Good. The butler and maids will prepare you for today's events."
With that, his father and the woman left.
"Reyna-sama, we will begin preparations," the butler said, calling over the maids.
'Tch… I can dress myself,' Reyna thought bitterly, but remained silent.
Reyna Aoyama. A name he despised.
His true name was Reyna Shionogi—the name his biological parents had given him before their deaths.
The maids brought out accessories and a luxurious suit, brushing his hair and adjusting every detail.
He hated the feeling, but he also knew these people had no more freedom than he did. Servants and butlers were bound to the family like property. In exchange for high wages, they surrendered their autonomy—unable to speak of anything they saw, even as a joke.
Because if they did…
"The association's events today… Do we know anything about them?" Reyna asked.
"Only surface-level information, Reyna-sama," the butler replied. "There will be a combat arena, an auction, and a banquet."
"I see." Reyna nodded, but a certain figure flashed through his mind.
'Rael…'
For some reason, that name wouldn't leave him alone. He wanted to understand who Rael truly was—and why he had done what he did.
"Was it really just… altruism?" he wondered. "Was it worth risking so much?"
-
-
"Ladies and gentlemen! Step right up! The greatest event of the year is about to begin!"
Rael walked through the bustling streets, listening to the announcer's booming voice.
Varhel Island looked completely different from the day before. Hundreds of Awakened now filled the streets, all heading toward the central district.
He had tried gathering more information from the people he rescued, but they knew little. They only mentioned that strange phenomena had been happening more frequently, increasing year after year.
'The world is changing. Adapting. More Awakened will appear over time… I need information. I can't keep walking blind.'
"What a racket."
A familiar voice echoed behind him.
Rael turned.
A young boy with blond hair stood there, dressed in elegant attire.
"Reyna…" Rael muttered.
Reyna paused, studying him closely.
"You are…"