Charlie: Wait, so you're saying these twins possess abilities?
Diego: It's what I witnessed. The instant I tried to save them, the zombies were transfigured into stone. Not cracks, not partial — complete petrification. Like sculpted statues.
Kael: So what are we supposed to do with them? We don't understand a single word they're saying.
Michael: Have you attempted asking their names?
Diego exhales slowly, aware that the responsibility falls to him. The twins trust only him. He crouches to their level, first drawing their attention. He gestures to himself and then to his companions, stating each of their names with measured clarity. Afterward, he points toward the twins and gives a small, questioning shrug.
The seemingly older twin studies him for a moment. Understanding dawns in her eyes. She points to herself.
"Tina."
Then she gestures toward her sister.
"Nina."
Diego: Now what?
Angela descends from the sky and lands beside them.
Angela: I'll give credit where it's due. We managed to defeat that Dark Knight back there. So — what about those two?
Charlie: We're not sure. But they've grown attached to us.
Angela observes the twins in silence before speaking again.
Angela: I see. And for your information, they're Quechua. That's why you couldn't understand them. If you want to communicate with them, there's a translator installed on your watches. I've got to go now. See you around.
Angela said before taking flight.
Leona: That was… enlightening.
They scrolled through the application list on their watches and located WLT, short for WorldLanguageTranslator. Diego opened the app and selected Quechua as the target language to translate from English.
Since the incident had occurred the previous night, Diego assumed the twins might be hungry. He crouched slightly and asked—
Diego: Are you hungry?
WLT: Yarqasqachu kanki?
The twins nodded. They opened the buggy's trunk and retrieved the food supply.
The Quechua people traditionally consume potatoes, wheat, corn, amaranthaceae, legumes, and meat. Fortunately, the team carried canned baked potatoes, canned beef, baked corn, and pre-cooked rice. Each container was specially engineered by the WHA to preserve warmth and freshness for days without spoilage—far superior to a conventional thermal flask.
While the twins ate, Kael and the others began discussing what should be done about them.
Leona: Our next destination is I City, right?
Diego: Two kilometers away. Yeah. Why?
Leona: Then they can stay there.
Kael: Somewhere secure, I assume?
Leona: It's the last place I ever wanted to return to on Earth—Home.
They continued riding toward I City as Leona recounted her past. At one point, they were visibly stunned.
Charlie: Wait… wait. So you're telling us that you're the runaway daughter… of the World's Top Three Richest Man in the World?!! good grief!
Leona: Yes.
Kael: Daughter of De Moreau? But his daughter's name was Evelyne.
Leona: That was my former name. I changed it.
Michael: De Moreau? The man who owns 9 casinos, thirteen luxury five-star hotels, and the founder and creator of Aetheris Corporation for Quantum Computing, Aerospace, and Advanced Biotech? Why did you run away?
Leona: I'd rather not answer that. But if you insist… I'll die with that reason.
Kael: Are you sure that's wise? I mean… you've been absent for nearly two and a half years. We're not going to press you or anything, but it's about you.
Leona:(Leans toward the window) I don't know. Perhaps… the future will tell.
Tina and Nina: Exchange a glance, confusion flickering across their faces.
After driving for some time, they came upon a small, pristine pond. Since all of them were coated in dust and grime, they decided to wash up. Michael spun strands of thread into a makeshift wall, neatly separating the boys from the girls.
Charlie: Take a peek and you're dead.
Michael: No worries. You have our word.
Kael: Oh, come on. Nobody's going to look at your fl—
Before Kael could finish, Michael swiftly clamped a hand over his mouth and shot him a sharp Don'tyoudare look.
Charlie: Go on. Finish that sentence.
She tightened her fist meaningfully.
Kael immediately realized his lifespan would drastically shorten if he completed that thought, so he amended his choice of words.
Kael: —flabby body.
Michael: …
Charlie: …
Diego: …
Leona: …
Kael: …
Charlie: Watch your tongue next time. And for the record, I am not fat. Good grief.
Leona gently bathed the twins, her movements practiced and careful.
Charlie: You do that like you've done it before. Have you?
Leona: Always. With my two younger sisters, Sophie and Chloe. They were adorable… just like these two.
Charlie: I bet they miss you.
Leona responded with a quiet nod. The twins, drawn to her gentle and nurturing nature, had grown visibly attached to her. Once they finished, they climbed back into the buggy, and before long, both girls drifted to sleep in Leona's arms.
Leona: Heh, no wonder they're exhausted. They've been through more than they should have.
Michael: So… how do you plan on approaching your family?
Leona: I don't.
Two hours later, they arrived at I City.
The second-largest metropolis on the continent stretched magnificently along the coastline, its skyline rising like a declaration of power. Known as the heart of innovation and affluence, I City stood as a monument to human ambition—boasting cutting-edge technology, opulent districts, and a thriving harbor that linked it to the rest of the world.
The affluent resided in its lavish waterfront neighborhoods, while the city itself pulsed with the promise of limitless opportunity.
Due to its strategic significance, I City was heavily fortified, safeguarded by formidable defense systems and the presence of four S-Class heroes: Carter a.k.a. UnderPressure (Rank 7), Magnus a.k.a. Cypher (Rank 6), Estridith a.k.a. QueenBee (Rank 11), and Nathan a.k.a. JadedAngel (Rank 1), whose combined strength ensured the city's security.
Even at the gates, WHA guards stood vigilant, controlling all entry and exit to prevent any threat from slipping through unnoticed.
Civilians were required to present identification to enter or leave the city. Heroes, however, were exempt; a simple display of their WHA watches granted them passage.
After successfully entering I City, they noticed several helicopters and heavy trucks advancing toward the ghost town they had just departed. The convoy moved with solemn purpose. They paused for a moment, watching in silence.
The twins turned back and saw what seemed to be the souls of their family and friends drifting in the sky, offering silent farewells. They trembled, sobbing softly as Leona drew them into her arms, comforting them as the buggy rolled forward.
Leona instructed Diego to head toward 15 Boulevard des Champs-Élysées. When they arrived, the sight before them left everyone stunned.
A grand French estate stood before them, bearing the name Château de la Sérénité. It was a multi-million-dollar residence owned by De Moreau himself.
The mansion's neoclassical façade was crafted from immaculate limestone, adorned with tall arched windows and ornate wrought-iron balconies. A sweeping cobblestone driveway curved elegantly toward the main entrance, framed by manicured hedges and sculpted gardens that spoke of legacy, wealth, and old-world refinement.The driveway leads to an imposing iron gate, secured by armed personnel and state-of-the-art surveillance systems. Towering stone pillars flank the entrance, while concealed motion sensors and powerful floodlights maintain relentless vigilance. The steep slate roof, accented with polished copper detailing, rises with quiet authority above the estate. Lush gardens envelop the grounds, meticulously landscaped, while strategically positioned security towers provide an unobstructed vantage point over every approach. Guard dogs patrol the perimeter, and reinforced steel-lined walls form an additional barrier of privacy and protection.
Behind Château de la Sérénité stands Le Palais de l'Opulence, an extravagant seven-star hotel far grander in scale than the mansion itself. The structure harmonizes classical elegance with modern sophistication, featuring expansive glass façades, towering Corinthian columns, and lavish private balconies. Encircled by ornamental fountains and secluded artificial lakes, it offers exclusive VIP suites with sweeping panoramic views of the estate. Premium amenities—including a rooftop infinity pool and discreet private dining chambers—cater to an elite clientele, while top-tier security guarantees absolute discretion. It stands as the definitive sanctuary for one of the most powerful individuals in the world.
As they drew nearer, the guards grew visibly alert, relaying information through their radios in clipped, urgent murmurs. The moment weapons were unslung and readied, Diego felt a flicker of unease and instinctively eased his foot off the accelerator, slowing the vehicle.
Leona: Don't draw unnecessary attention. Just drive through.
A guard approached their vehicle and inquired about their purpose.
Leona: Ahem.
Guard:(Flinch) Dame Evelyne?! Y–you're—?
Leona: Is there a problem, Victor?
Victor: No, forgive me, Dame Evelyne. We were not informed of your arrival. Ouvrez la porte!
The gates swung open at once, and Diego guided the buggy into the grand driveway. Victor spoke swiftly into his radio, notifying the Lady of Elegance of the unexpected guests. A housemaid hurried toward the eldest sister's chamber to deliver the news personally.
Diego parked the buggy, and the moment they stepped out, servants appeared as if conjured, efficiently cleaning and replenishing the vehicle without a single wasted motion. Without lingering, the group proceeded toward the imposing front entrance.
Leona raised her hand to knock, yet paused, hesitation lingering for a fleeting moment.
Michael: Yeah, take all the time you need. The fate of the world rests in your hands.
The others suppressed soft laughter, and at last, Leona gathered her resolve and knocked firmly upon the door. It opened—revealing no other than the eldest sister, Juliette.
Charlie:(Whispering) Five dollars if she cheap-shots Leona.
Michael: (Whispering) Ten dollars if she doesn't.
Both: Deal.
Juliette: (Sigh) Evelyne.
Leona: Juliette.
Juliette: You do know what happens next, don't you?
Leona: Yep.
Juliette moved first—swift as instinct. Her fist cut through the air and struck Leona square across the face, sending her stumbling to the floor. Without a word, Michael handed Charlie the ten dollars he owed.
Juliette: You dare show your face here after two years? In this house? You disgraced this family. You brought shame upon our home. You betrayed your own blood. Qu'est-ce qui ne va pas chez toi?!
Leona: Juliette, I hear you. But you'd better mind the way you speak to me.
Juliette: Alors, maintenant tu deviens arrogante, hein? You've grown bold, have you? Shall we settle this outside?
Leona: I wouldn't recommend it.
They locked eyes, tension coiling between them like a drawn blade.
Suddenly, a slipper flew across the hallway and struck Juliette clean on the head.
Woman: You're fighting under this roof, eh?
They turned.
It was Marie—Leona's mother.
Marie: Eve? Seigneur… My baby's home.
Leona: Hi, Mama.
Inside the mansion, they all sat—except for the maids, the guards, and the Fille d'honneur (Lady-in-Waiting).
Marie: How have you been, my dear? Look at you—nothing but skin and bones. Fetch something for them to eat.
Leona: No, no, Mama. We're actually here— (Pointingatthetwins)—because of these two. You've likely heard of the incident in the neighboring city. They are the sole survivors… and they need someone to care for them.
Juliette:(Slams the arm of the sofa) No. We will not entertain this. You cannot simply appear and deposit your burdens at our doorstep.
Leona: We can't keep them with us on our journey, alright? It's far too dangerous. I'm not asking for much—just help me keep them safe.
Juliette: Oh, is that all? Eh bien, devine quoi? Je préférerais mourir plutôt que de t'aider, traîtresse.
Marie: Juliette!(Slams the desk) Fais attention à ta langue. Show some respect to your sister. If she requires anything, she shall have it. The food from our table, the clothes from our backs—even la puissance de nos ancêtres if that is what it takes. And you boys—(Pointing at the guards)—You will treat our guests with dignity and assistance. Am I understood?
Silence answered her.
Marie: Good.
Leona: I'm sorry, Mama. I never meant to bring trouble—
Marie: No, it's alright, ma fille. This is your home—and it always will be. Besides, we have two Quechua maids, Sumaq and Tika. They can look after the twins. Also… we've just informed your papa of your arrival.
Leona: What? No, no, no—
Then the doors were suddenly flung open, and De Moreau rushed in, followed closely by her daughters, Sophie and Chloe.
DeMoreau: Où est ma fille?!(SeesLeona) Ma précieuse petite fille… te voilà…
Sophie and Chloe: Grande sœur Eve!
They hurried to Leona and embraced her tightly.
DeMoreau: Comment vas-tu, ma petite fille? Tu m'as tellement manqué.
Leona: Nggg… I'm happy to see you guys too.
They spoke for a while, and Leona introduced her friends to her father and mother. Marie instructed the housemaids to prepare VIP access cards for Kael and the others so they could stay at Le Palais de l'Opulence. Kael thanked the couple on behalf of his team, and soon De Moreau announced that a grand feast would be held that evening.
The Fille d'honneur promptly assigned chefs and attendants to oversee the preparations. After entrusting the twins to Sumaq and Tika, Leona reassured them that they were safe here. She discreetly informed the Quechua maids about the twins' abilities so appropriate precautions could be taken, and the maids nodded in solemn understanding.