Perun slowly started waking up. His vision was blurry at first, his head heavy as if something was pressing against his mind. When his sight finally cleared, he realized he was lying against Vaelor, who was sitting on the ground and holding him carefully to keep him from falling.
A few steps away stood another person. He looked old—white hair, faint wrinkles, slightly bent posture—but there was something strange about him. His eyes were sharp, and when he spoke, his voice carried an energy that didn't match his appearance. It was Alfred.
He was standing there, calmly talking with Vaelor.
Vaelor's eyes narrowed.
"Do you belong to the same union as that guy who attacked Perun?"
Alfred gave a faint smile.
"Yes. I know we've done wrong things. But we are not as bad as Arcane… and I am not going to explain that to you."
Vaelor stood up slowly, still supporting Perun.
"Your union is already on the target of the authorities. Are you planning to do something with rich people? And just as Clarence said, I'm from Special Investigation. So I'm after you."
Alfred chuckled softly.
"Oh? You can come after us if you want to step into problems. But I'm leaving now. It's too late. Take care of your friend."
He turned and began walking away, his steps calm and unhurried.
Vaelor called out to him.
"Hey! Although you are a bad person… you have a favor on me. And I will repay it."
Alfred paused for a second but didn't look back. Then he disappeared into the dim pathway of the amusement park.
Perun groaned and finally sat up properly.
"Hey, Vaelor… what happened? All the people in the amusement park collapsed… and Serin also…"
Serin was lying a few meters away. Vaelor and Perun rushed to her side. They gently shook her, calling her name. After a few tries, she slowly opened her eyes.
Her vision was unfocused. "Where… am I?" she asked in a daze.
Perun's voice trembled. "Are you alright?"
Without thinking, he pulled her into a tight hug.
"I was so scared…" he whispered.
Vaelor let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding.
"Well… I was scared too… when you both fell unconscious."
Around them, the silent amusement park began to stir. One by one, people started waking up from the ground, confused and disoriented. The strange green fog that had covered the entire park was now almost completely gone, fading into thin air like it had never existed.
After making sure Serin could walk, the three of them slowly exited the amusement park.
On the way out, Perun asked, "Who was that old person? Or… someone who just looked old?"
Vaelor hesitated. "Ah… he was some kind of doctor I'm asking him for help."
Perun had heard a part of their earlier conversation, but he chose not to question him now.
Serin looked around at the confused crowd.
"Why did everyone faint all of a sudden?"
Vaelor tried to make another excuse, but his words got stuck. He hesitated.
Before he could answer, Perun spoke on his behalf.
"It was probably because of industrial pollution. Maybe some kind of gas leak."
Serin frowned slightly. "All of a sudden? Well… I guess it can be true."
Vaelor glanced at Perun silently, knowing he understood more than he was letting on.
Kaspus Bar – Second Floor
The second floor of Kaspus Bar was dimly lit, heavy curtains blocking most of the city lights.
Ricardo was sitting comfortably on couch, one leg crossed over the other, a glass of dark whiskey in his hand. Behind him stood his men—James, Saggy, and Simpson.
Across from him sat Vice Chancellor Adolf Benzamin. A thick cigar rested between his fingers, smoke curling lazily toward the ceiling.
Adolf took a long drag and exhaled slowly.
"Our work is in good progress. There are forty-three major cities in Florith… and forty-three governors. Twenty-one are already on our side."
Ricardo's lips curved into a faint smile. "Good. And the others? Are they cooperative or not?"
Adolf tapped ash from his cigar. "What matters is that we are buying them… or threatening them. Either way, they will kneel. That's how we rule."
A moment of silence passed.
Adolf leaned forward slightly. "Well… how is the Senate work?"
Ricardo swirled his drink. "It's taking some time. But I'm thinking of bringing new people into the plan."
Adolf raised an eyebrow. "Huh? What type of people are they?"
"Travelers," Ricardo replied calmly. "They recently got authority over the Indus City seaport."
Adolf narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "Well, I have belief in you. But check their identities carefully."
Ricardo nodded. "We already did."
Saggy stepped forward and handed him two papers.
On one were the details of Arthur Conan and Raven.
Norus Library – Evening
On the other side of the city, the quiet Norus Library stood calm under the orange glow of sunset.
Inside, Caeson and Junwell were at the counter, showing a picture to Mrs. Alisa.
"Have you seen this man?" Caeson asked, holding up Alfred's photo.
Mrs. Alisa adjusted her glasses. "No… I didn't."
Caeson's tone rose slightly in frustration. "Are you sure?"
Mrs. Alisa frowned.
"Why are all people searching for these guys and making too much noise?"
Caeson stiffened. "What do you mean, all people?"
At that moment, the door opened.
Serin walked in cheerfully. "I'm back, Mom!"
Behind her came Perun and Vaelor. "Hello, Mrs. Alisa," Perun and Vaelor greeted with forced joy, after all that hectic day.
Serin looked excited, like she was about to begin her normal, peaceful evening.
But something shifted.
Caeson turned.
Perun and Vaelor looked up.
Their eyes met.
In that instant, recognition flashed between them.
Caeson's hand instinctively moved toward his Beretta.
Junwell immediately grabbed his wrist. "Wait."
Perun's posture stiffened. Vaelor's expression darkened.
Caeson whispered sharply, "We need to talk to Vaelor and Perun."
Vaelor looked ready to react, but Perun subtly stopped him.
Perun turned to Mrs. Alisa and forced a smile.
"I'm very sorry… I think we have to go. I might have left our gas on."
He waved lightly. "Hey Serin, bye. Mrs. Alisa, bye."
Without creating more suspicion, both sides stepped outside.
Empty Street – Evening
The street outside was nearly empty. The sky had turned deep orange fading into purple. Streetlights flickered on one by one.
Caeson and Junwell stood on one side.
Vaelor and Perun on the other.
The air between them was heavy.
Caeson slowly drew his Beretta, aiming it toward Vaelor.
Perun's fists clenched. Vaelor's eyes sharpened.
Junwell stepped forward quickly. "Hey, Caeson, what the matter can you tell me?"
Caeson's voice hardened. "They're the same guys who were with Lukman. They attacked me before."
Vaelor responded coldly, "It was you who attacked first."
Perun added, anger rising in his voice, "Yes. I was almost killed. You're just money-hungry, egoistic people."
Junwell raised his hand calmly. "We are not here to mess with you. We're searching for someone."
Perun studied Junwell carefully. He could tell this one was more mature… more controlled.
Caeson tightened his grip on the gun. "And I don't forget how you got me off guard."
Vaelor smirked slightly. "The other guy looked smart. So I forgot about you. But if you want to try again… just tell me."
"Hey, Caeson. I am talking," Junwell said firmly.
"But they are enemies!"
Junwell's voice turned serious. "That was the past. Not important right now."
Perun looked at Vaelor. "Hey… just let it go."
Junwell slowly took out Alfred's picture again. "If you see him… tell us."
Vaelor answered after a brief pause. "Yeah. We saw him at the amusement park. But he left."
Junwell nodded once.
After a few tense seconds, Junwell pulled Caeson back.
They turned and walked away into the dim evening.