Inside one of the Transcendent Guardians' facilities, two Faces of the Court, Vanguard and Grimmoire, were discussing a critical matter.
—So, Van— Grimmoire asked, genuinely curious— how have you decided to move forward?
—Well, Grimm, the plan is simple— Vanguard replied calmly—. First, we'll contact the families of the primary victims. Anyael Revenant and Kael Thorne's families take priority, since they're tied to the first serious incidents. After that, we'll approach the families of Grettel Morningstar and Mark Lancer. With these families as witnesses, and with the backing of both the President and the Chamber of Deputies of the district, we'll make the public announcement.
—That's… a long play— Grimmoire admitted—. But how can you be so sure the families of Anyael and Kael will cooperate?
—It seems you haven't been keeping up, Grimm— Vanguard replied—. Both families are desperate. They've gone to the prosecutor's office, the police, even the human rights commission, and still got nothing. The moment we offer even a hint of answers, they'll flock to us like moths to a flame.
—That makes sense— Grimmoire said—. But why does your plan rely so heavily on them?
—That's easy— Vanguard answered—. If you want to infiltrate a flock of sheep, you first need to act like a sheep yourself. And what better cover than surrounding yourself with sheep?
—A wolf in sheep's clothing— Grimmoire muttered—. You're a damn psychopath, Vanguard.
As he said this, a wide smile formed beneath Grimmoire's mask. If anyone could see through it, they would realize it wasn't happiness. It was satisfaction.
After that, Vanguard left. He didn't walk, nor did he activate any visible ability. His body twisted and folded in on itself like overcooked spaghetti, collapsing inward until it vanished entirely.
Outside the room stood Elara Symphony and Grettel Morningstar.
—So that's Vanguard, huh?— Grettel asked.
—That's right— Elara replied—. That's Mr. Van. Even if he looks younger than you, don't underestimate him. Among all the Faces, he's likely the strongest and holds the highest rank. Without exaggeration, he's the absolute peak of the human race.
—And that ability of his?— Grettel asked, clearly intrigued.
—That's the problem— Elara said—. I can't talk about the abilities of any Face. I can't even say whether his Aura is Ego-based or Karmic. That information is classified.
—Oh… interesting— Grettel thought, her curiosity growing—. Anyway, I'm gonna grab something to eat. I'm starving.
Before she left, Elara stopped her and asked why she hadn't interacted much with the young Lancer, given how likely it was that they'd be teammates.
Grettel simply replied that it wasn't about the age difference. After everything that had happened, it just felt… off.
On one of the urban streets of Frax City, Grimmoire and Rhys Solstice were heading straight toward Anyael's house. Both looked stressed beyond reason.
They arrived and knocked on the door. Anyael's mother, Nala Revenant, answered.
They explained that they were government secret service agents, and she invited them inside.
—Ms. Revenant— Rhys asked— is your whole family home right now?
—No, officer— she replied—. It's just me and my daughter, Yane.
Her tone was worried, and clearly suspicious.
—Why? What's going on?
—Is your husband at work?— Grimmoire asked—. And if so, where does he work?
—Well, that's not something I just tell anyone— Nala replied, gripping her phone tightly—. And honestly, you're both acting pretty suspicious.
—You're right— Grimmoire said after a brief pause—. I apologize for our attitude. It would be better to pull your husband's information from government records and bring him here as soon as possible. In the meantime, would you mind calling your daughter Yane over?
As Anyael's father rushed home, Nala offered tea or coffee to the guests, which they accepted without hesitation.
And the moment Anyael's father arrived… everything began.
Grimmoire and Rhys carefully explained, piece by piece, almost everything about the world of the Ascended and what had happened to their son. They paused often to answer questions from the confused and shaken family.
And to prove that all of this was real, Grimmoire revealed just a small part of his Bond…
Wait.
Bond?!