After Rose shares a portion of the Heart of Flames with Joshua to restore his strength, he musters the energy to cast a mass teleportation spell, saving everyone. Rose then calls a trusted friend who runs a hospital to help with the unconscious survivors.
"Well, this is strange. I didn't take you for a philanthropist," Elise remarked.
"They're not. They're just the result of helping one person—and even that wasn't free," Rose replied matter-of-factly.
"Of course." Elise leaned back in her seat, eyeing Rose. "So, who exactly are these one hundred and four patients? That number sounds… familiar."
"Remember the Bridge Incident three days ago?"
Elise's face went pale as the realization hit her.
"What!"
"That incident! What did you do? How did you even manage that? Tell me everything."
"No need for details. Just know there's a very important guest among your patients."
"Who?"
"Adaolisa Williams."
"…"
---
Meanwhile…
"Mmh… What happened to me?" Adaolisa stirred, her voice groggy.
"I'm glad you're awake. Are you feeling alright?" Joshua asked, seated beside her.
"Strange as it sounds… I feel like I just came back from the dead," she said, her tone weighty.
After a moment, she turned to Joshua.
"Thank you."
He looked confused and tried to deflect.
"What are you talking about? You were found unconscious. Luckily, someone got you help."
Adaolisa smiled knowingly.
"Still trying to protect me, huh?"
"What do you mean—? You know what, maybe you need more rest."
"Actually… I have something to confess. Dying—or almost dying—made me realize I might not have time to waste," she said, exhaling deeply.
"What do you mean?" Joshua asked, recalling Rose's warning.
"Remember when I said I had a surprise for you? I was coming to see you, Joshua."
Joshua paused, his mind racing. Then he asked:
"Adaolisa… who exactly are you?"
---
Elsewhere...
"So you're telling me the granddaughter of George Williams—one of the Thirteen Families—is in my hospital?"
Elise's voice rose with disbelief.
"I didn't know what she looked like," Rose explained, "but that name—there's only one Adaolisa Williams, and when Joshua said her name, I realized it could be her."
"But you're not sure."
"I'm not. Let's just say I'm keeping my fingers crossed."
"So you told Joshua just to stir the pot? Damn, Rose! You almost had me convinced."
"If I'm right…" Rose said, trailing off meaningfully.
---
Back in the hospital room...
"There's a ruling body over the Defense Agency called The Board. It's made up of Thirteen powerful families. I'm from the Williams family," Adaolisa began.
"These families founded the Hunter Society a thousand years ago. Now, they've integrated into the government under the name The Defense Agency. Same goal—eliminate supernatural threats."
"My grandfather, George Williams, is the current Patriarch. My father—he died fighting a powerful supernatural before I was born. My grandfather hid me away for my protection."
She paused, eyes clouded with memory.
"So… you've known about the supernatural world all this time?" Joshua asked, reeling.
"I'm sorry. I wanted to tell you," Adaolisa said softly.
Then Joshua laughed—suddenly, sincerely.
"We lived in the same bubble and didn't know... I'm sorry too, for hiding who I really am."
Adaolisa chuckled.
"Well, not really. I've known about you for a long time."
"....?!"