I stared at the face in front of me. He smiled and stepped closer. The figures in black moved aside, allowing him to approach.
"Nyssa... You came." He reached out, cupping my cheek. Honestly, I was confused. Why was Maxson here? What did he have to do with the Black Trio? I couldn't explain what I was feeling.
Truthfully, I was afraid—afraid that what I suspected might be true. That Maxson was...
"If you're here, that means you've already made your decision." He withdrew his hand and signaled to the figures in black. In moments, we were alone.
"I haven't decided yet," I replied.
He tilted his head. "Hmm? Then why are you here?"
I clenched my fists.
"What exactly do you all want? Why... Why do you keep hurting others just to achieve your goals?" I asked calmly.
He chuckled.
"Maxson, huh?" He changed the subject, laughing. "I don't know who you're talking about, girl. But the only Maxson I know is..."
So... he wasn't Maxson? I exhaled, feeling the weight lift from my chest.
"Answer my earlier question," I demanded firmly.
"I could tell you, but I have a condition."
"What is it?"
"You already know, Ms. Nyssa."
I swallowed and looked away.
"I won't stop you from doing what you want. Use my power—whatever's special about me. I'll follow along..." I paused, locking eyes with him. My gaze sharpened unexpectedly. "But if people suffer and die because of what you're doing... I'll be the one to end you."
His expression shifted.
"You're bold..." he murmured. "But I can't promise no one will get hurt. Especially when my hands itch to wipe out those who don't deserve their positions."
"What exactly is your plan?" I asked impatiently.
He smirked and walked to the window, gazing outside.
"I'll be direct, Nyssa. I'm going to kill the leader of the most powerful clan in Hiyosko. And Captain-Commander Hios. I know he'll interfere, so he has to go." He turned back to me, his face serious. "And if the old leader of the Chen Clan gets involved... I won't spare him either." He laughed—an endless, unsettling laugh.
It was eerie because I still saw Maxson in his face. But honestly, Maxson had better manners than this cockroach-brained lunatic.
So he planned to kill the most influential people in Hiyosko. And then what? Take their place?
"You really are insane," I muttered.
---
Meanwhile, Captain Zeid's group was setting up a barrier while fighting the figures in black. While they were occupied, a woman emerged with two attendants.
"My, my. I didn't expect a visit from one of Hiyosko's finest captains," she smirked, keeping her distance.
Captain Zeid frowned.
"Are you one of the Black Trio?" he asked seriously.
The woman laughed and clapped.
"Correct!" She fanned herself. "I need to eliminate all of you so we can take Mira without interference."
Captain Zeid's brows furrowed.
"What did you say?"
The woman's eyes widened, and she covered her mouth in mock surprise.
"Oh~ You didn't know? Mira is the woman from Saido City. Wait—no. What I mean is, she's the reincarnated body of Mira. She and Mira are one and the same."
Captain Zeid stared, fists clenching.
"That explains why..." he muttered.
He drew his katana and pointed it at her.
"Then I have even more reason to save her. I'll defeat you and bring her back."
In an instant, he appeared before her.
---
"Hahahaha! I didn't know you were this good in a fight. My apologies for underestimating you," the man—who looked exactly like Maxson—laughed.
He had introduced himself earlier as Wildom. I could tell I was at a disadvantage in this fight, given his combat experience. Even though I'd trained, I'd never fought someone who was willing to kill.
He wielded a sword made of black flames.
Honestly, I felt something strange about this man. Maybe they really did need me for their plans. But I doubted he'd hesitate to hurt me.
His eyes... They felt like mirrors reflecting deep, unrelenting rage.
I still didn't understand why they wanted a "perfect world" or whatever their goal was. All I knew was—it shouldn't happen.
"I don't know if you're just missing a few screws in the head or what. But no matter the reason, I won't let your plans succeed," I said firmly.
He laughed, smirking.
"No matter what you say, what we've longed for will still happen. Equality for all and proper governance. And anyone who stands in our way will leave this world."
"Your plan sounds noble. But to achieve it, you resort to violence," I said, planting my dagger into the ground. I stood and glared at him. "Don't tell me there's no other way. There are countless options—you just chose this one."
He swung his sword and grinned.
"Sometimes, it's amusing to see the faces of those struggling and trapped in despair. Like yours, Ms. Nyssa."
In a flash, he appeared before me. His sword slashed, but I bent backward to dodge. He retreated quickly, expecting me to draw my sword. But instead, I kicked his wrist, making the flaming sword vanish. Then I struck his stomach.
He grabbed my leg and spun me midair before releasing me. I crashed into the wall.
Coughing, I collapsed onto the floor.
This is going to be tough.