Scene 1
The Mill exploded after its boss was killed. Carter and Lia were admitted to the hospital, while Ron kept visiting Dr. Thomas, learning more than ever before.
During one of their training sessions, Dr. Thomas looked up from his notes and said,
"You're almost at the level of a 9th-grade Black Sorcerer."
Ron blinked.
"What are Black Sorcerers?"
Dr. Thomas gave a small smile.
"People who can use my powers. There are only a few, including you. Never tell anyone you can use Black Sorcery. Many are after this power—and another one called 'The Dark Faith.'
"The Dark Faith is like Black Sorcery, but it's limited to offense and defense. Black Sorcery, on the other hand, can influence every aspect—mind, body, soul, even time. It's deeper, more complete... more dangerous."
"Fine," Ron said. "Then can you help me master my powers... or at least help me with the Blade of Vengeance?"
Dr. Thomas stood, arms crossed.
"Ron, your powers are still unstable. If you use them recklessly, your body won't survive. I'll find a way. But for now, let's focus on mastering the Blade of Vengeance."
"Will that be enough?" Ron asked.
Dr. Thomas looked him straight in the eyes.
"Use the Blade in combination with what I've taught you, and you'll be unstoppable. Also—don't forget teleportation. That ability alone makes you exceptional. No one in the Outer Layers of Reality even has it."
Ron nodded, then asked,
"Can you tell me about the Watchers of the Universe?"
Dr. Thomas paused.
"The Watchers... they're a powerful race that exists outside the bounds of our universe. They don't interfere. They just... observe—like we watch TV. But if one turns its gaze on you, Ron—know that your fate is no longer your own."
Scene 2
Back in Hero Town, Ron visited the hospital. First stop: Carter's room.
Carter was sitting up, enjoying his meal. Ron greeted him and sat on the couch nearby.
But Carter looked down.
"You seem off. I heard from the nurses that you and Lia were fully healed... What's on your mind?"
Carter gave a faint smile.
"We were recovered before we even got here. I think it was DA's doing. They admitted us just to be safe. But... I'm just a little dizzy. That's all."
Ron narrowed his eyes.
"You're lying."
Carter looked surprised.
Ron softened his tone.
"Hey, it's fine. But don't hesitate to talk to me if something's bothering you. I may not be able to help—but I can listen."
Ron stood to leave—but Carter suddenly spoke.
"Ron, let's talk... bro to bro?"
"Always," Ron replied.
Carter hesitated, then said,
"It's about Lia. She said she liked me. Didn't say my name—but she dropped a lot of hints. She reminded me of how I talked to her when we were in school. Those days..."
"So... what's the problem?" Ron asked.
"It's me. My past. Everyone I ever cared about... suffered. Horribly. Lia is kind. Good. She deserves better than someone cursed like me."
Ron looked at his friend with understanding.
"Carter... remember when I told you I had a wife?"
Carter looked up.
"That Dream woman... Yes you told everyone?"
Ron shook his head.
"The truth is I lied. But the moment I met her, I felt like I'd known her for centuries. We live in the same house now—different rooms. She knows I'm not from this time. She gets me. Like we're tied by fate."
He exhaled deeply.
"But you and Lia have known each other since childhood. Don't run from that. It's okay to feel loved. To feel warmth."
Carter nodded slowly.
"Ron... do you like someone?"
(Dream's face flashed through Ron's mind.)
"Why did she come to mind just now?" he thought, shaken.
"No-no," Ron said aloud. "Forget about me. But hurry up. Your whole department's into Lia. What if she moves on? What if you see her with someone else?"
Carter looked even more anxious now, clearly imagining it.
As they passed by Lia's room, Carter glanced through the window—and froze.
A man inside had caught Lia mid-fall, holding her gently.
Carter rushed inside.
"Lia!" he said, glaring at the man.
Lia blinked.
"Sir Carter? May I ask why you're here?"
The man stepped back politely.
"Ah, you must be Carter. I'm Liam—Lia's elder brother. It's an honor."
He gave Carter a teasing smirk, silently saying no need to be jealous.
Ron, standing outside, called Liam. Liam excused himself and stepped out, understanding the cue.
Inside, Carter sat beside Lia.
"I'm sorry, Lia. What you told me earlier... it shook me. But the truth is... I like you. Will you marry me?"
Lia lit up, tears forming.
"Yes! Yes!" she exclaimed, hugging him tightly.
Scene 3
Ron picked up his phone and called one of his oldest friends: Locki—nicknamed "Police" for his strong sense of justice and kindness. Fittingly, he was now the head of Hero Town Police.
"Hi Ron, how's life?" Police answered.
"Good. You?"
"Same here. What's up?"
"I need a favor. Can you look someone up for me? Name's David Degg... also known as DA."
Locki checked his phones for a while then spoke
"Ron... you sure about those names?"
Ron frowned.
"Yeah. Why?"
"There's no record of any David Degg or DA. Not in our national database... not even internationally. I checked everything. Even hacked into some high-level records. Nothing."
Ron was stunned.
"Thanks, Police. Let me know if you find anything. Bye."
"Bye."
Ron sat back, shaken.
DA doesn't exist.
He clenched his fists.
"Then who... or what... was he?"