[Phoenix Guild Headquarters – War Room]
The room was silent.
At the center stood Kelvin Nox, wrapped in shadows, his presence as heavy as ever. Beside him, Darius Valtier remained with arms crossed, calm and confident.
Both stared at the man sitting in front of them.
Zen Kagetsune.
Kelvin broke the silence:
Kelvin: "Zen, we want you to lead the mission to rescue Eliara."
Zen's eyes widened.
Zen: "…What?"
Darius spoke next, firm but composed.
Darius: "You know the Renegades' territory better than anyone. Their routes, their habits, their codes. You used to be one of them… so it's only fair that you lead this."
Zen rubbed his face.
Zen: "Tsk… Fine, fine. But they've probably already changed bases. Those psychos are paranoid. Still… I'll try."
Kelvin gave a faint smile.
Kelvin: "We trust you. But don't forget… if you step out of line, I'll cut you in half myself."
[Renegade Hideout – Unknown Location]
The walls vibrated with tension.
Nael paced back and forth, restless.
Nael: "Man… looks like Zen didn't kill those kids after all."
Suddenly, the door slammed open.
Syka stormed in, phone in hand, furious.
Syka: "That bastard betrayed us!"
She turned the screen.
A photo: Zen, wearing the Phoenix Guild uniform, standing with his heroes.
Nael smashed his fist against the wall.
Nael: "That's… that's betrayal! He'll pay for this!"
Meanwhile, Hant, lounging in an armchair, just chuckled.
Hant: "Relax, idiots. I saw this coming."
He stood up and strolled casually toward Eliara Myne, who sat bound in a dark corner.
Eliara (screaming): "Let me go, you psycho!"
Grinning, Hant placed small bombs around the hideout — one strapped to Eliara's collar.
Hant: "We'll just leave her here. Since she's what they want… she's what they'll get."
Syka stepped back in shock.
Syka: "That could kill her!"
Hant: "Maybe. Or maybe… it'll be enough to test them."
The Renegades vanished.
Eliara sobbed alone in the darkness.
Eliara (whispering): "Someone… please… save me… Ethan… please…"
[Phoenix Guild – Main Courtyard]
Ethan, Annie, Abby, Ryu, and Ryan gathered. Kane leaned against the wall, his usual reserved posture unshaken.
Ethan crossed his arms, muttering:
Ethan: "I still can't believe that idiot's with us now."
Annie nodded.
Annie: "He killed Liv… I don't know if I can trust him."
Ryan tried to calm things down.
Ryan: "Guys… maybe he really does deserve a second chance."
Nearby, Ryu lay sprawled on the ground, twitching in pain after Diana's brutal training.
Ryu (groaning): "My body… my pride… If I die, just write this on my tombstone: Here lies the Great Ryu Nox. Thank you."
Everyone laughed.
Ethan cracked a small smile.
Ethan: "Now I get why Dante's scared of Diana too."
[Stylish Entrance – The Heroic Stylist]
Darius entered with a wide grin.
Darius: "Yo, squad! Got a little surprise for ya! Straight from France, the most fabulous hero-stylist in Europe… Jean Luca!"
Abby's eyes widened.
Abby: "Jean Luca?! He's a fashion icon in France!"
An elegant man with platinum hair, dressed in an extravagant outfit, twirled glowing aura-scissors as he stepped in.
Jean Luca: "BONJOUR, my messy phoenixes! Time to turn you into undercover agents… with flair!"
💇🏽♂️ [Disguise Montage – Comedy Break]
Jean Luca inspected Kane first.
Jean: "Blond? Ugh, so last season. We go black. And these green contacts? Please! Brown is the new green."
Kane's makeover stunned everyone. For the first time… he almost smiled.
Then came the rest:
Ethan → Red streaks gone, replaced with full blond hair and bright blue eyes.
Ryu → Jet-black hair swapped for fiery red.
Annie → Golden locks transformed into an elegant brunette style.
Abby → Chestnut hair turned dark, bold makeup enhancing her look.
Dante → From blazing red to midnight goth. He complained… but secretly liked it.
Finally, Ryan.
Jean Luca grinned wickedly.
Jean Luca: "You… we go dark green. Add nerd glasses. Full-on library crush. Irresistible."
Ryan stared at the mirror.
Ryan: "This looks like… cosplay of myself."
Everyone burst into laughter.
And then…
Zen walked in.
Wearing a tight suit that showed off every muscle. He glanced at the mirror, horrified.
Zen: "Bro… I look ridiculous."
Darius tried not to laugh.
Darius: "It's so no one recognizes you, champ."
🎯 [Final Scene – Mission Time]
Fully disguised, the squad gathered outside the guild's main hall.
Darius raised his hand.
Darius: "Alright, team… it's time to rescue Eliara."
Kelvin appeared behind him, his eyes sharp as steel.
Kelvin: "And if you fail… Inavy, Diana, and I will clean up the mess."
The camera zoomed in on their faces — each carrying fear, scars… and the unshakable fire of determination.
📍 End of Chapter 54 – Disguised in the Shadows
"Sometimes, those who once hunted us… become the ones who protect us. But no fire burns forever — unless it finds something worth protecting."