In Bruce's Base
Bruce had already filled Ron in on the situation. Ron asked, "So… how do we deal with this mess?"
"A while ago, before the cults and organizations got involved, I was researching the coffin incidents from decades past. I discovered something about two brothers—they possess a collection of powerful spells," Bruce explained, taking a breath before continuing.
"I read an article once about it, but people just mocked the guy who posted it, calling him a madman," Bruce spoke
"And… how can we find them?" Ron asked
"According to the article, they live on an island in Oceania, near New Zealand. But this island doesn't exist on any world map," Bruce said.
Ron's eyes widened. "It's not on the map? Why?"
"When the article was published, people searched but couldn't find any proof. That man was betting his life on the truth, though," Bruce explained.
Ron nodded decisively. "Let's take the risk."
Now – The Present
Ron watched in horror as two people chopped heads and lined them up like trophies, their eyes wide open. He thought, So… that article was telling the truth.
Peeking closer, he froze—the nearest head seemed to look right at him. He stumbled backward, making a sound.
The two brothers, cloaked and hooded, were alerted. One of them spoke sharply, "Who's there?"
Ron ducked behind a door, staying silent. Pink gas floated nearby, smelling like an expensive perfume. He focused on the brothers—one had disappeared, while the other turned back to his grim task.
Ron let his guard down, formulating a plan. Suddenly, a sharp pain hit the back of his head. Everything went black.
After almost an hour, Ron awoke, tied to a chair. The two brothers stood before him. What happened? he thought.
"Welcome, Mister," one said, sharpening an axe, several other tools neatly arranged on the table.
"Thanks… it's… nice to meet you both," Ron said, trying to mask his fear.
The other brother, one eye damaged, sneered, "I hate to tell you this, but you won't leave this place alive."
Ron glanced around. The first brother spoke, "We've been hiding here for over a thousand years. But one man found us and escaped alive."
The damaged-eyed brother continued, "We won't make the same mistake again."
Ron smiled faintly. "Do you know who I am?"
Together, the brothers shook their heads.
"Hmmm… I know you. How could you forget me?" Ron said.
"We know each other?" asked the damaged-eyed one.
"Yes… 800 years ago, I was on my way to meet you, but… something happened, and I had to sleep," Ron explained.
"Well… 800 years ago, someone was coming this way?" the other brother asked.
Ron silently thanked DA. On his way to the island, he had called DA, who confirmed that the brothers' last client was supposed to meet them 800 years ago—but never did.
The brothers untied Ron and, surprisingly, greeted him like a client. They led him through a hidden door and down a staircase.
At the bottom, Ron's eyes widened—spells and potions of all kinds were neatly arranged.
"Sir Ron, which spells and potions would you prefer?" one asked.
"Show me the manipulation spells and potions," Ron replied.
He was led to a shelf lined with golden potions and scrolls tied with golden thread. "These are all manipulation spells and potions. The top three shelves are weaker—they work perfectly on humans, curses, or any form of life. Shelves four, five, and six are strong enough to affect cosmic beings. Shelf seven… these can affect everyone, including the Watcher and his people."
Ron selected what he wanted and then asked about payment.
The damaged-eyed brother said, "Sir, we don't work with money. We want ten human sacrifices."
Ron froze. "Sacrifices? You want me to kill ten humans?"
"Not kill… we need ten humans to serve us forever," the other corrected.
Ron's jaw dropped.
"Sir, we are making an exception for you. Normally, we take ten humans per purchase. And you've bought many things from us," the damaged-eyed brother added.
Ron shook his head. "Sorry… I can't give that. Ask for something else."
The brothers exchanged glances.
"Don't judge me by my looks," Ron said, "I have very deep pockets."
One brother finally spoke. "Fine… we want ■■■■."
Ron couldn't hear them
[Fourth Wall blocked their speech]
Fourth Wall? Why is it blocking me? he wondered.
Time seemed to stop. Then it reversed to when the brothers had packed Ron's selections. He found himself asking again, "What do you want in return?"
They repeated their earlier request. This time, when Ron refused the ten human sacrifices, the brothers didn't mention it again. After long deliberation, they agreed on something achievable: a mysterious box that belonged to them but was now in Dr. Thomas's possession.
Ron agreed and promised to return in three days to collect the items.
---
Meanwhile – Late at Night
Carter returned to his department, located on a riverbank. Taking a deep breath, he turned—and froze. Boats were approaching his base—these were members of the cults and organizations. Buildings nearby were destroyed in an instant. Carter had no idea what was happening.
His team rushed out to fight back, but Carter was still processing the chaos. Suddenly, his phone rang—it was Future Lia, urging him to come to her house.
The cults and organizations had occupied every area except Hero Town and Bruce City. United, they aimed to destroy both simultaneously.
Carter flew toward his home and saw waves of attackers approaching Hero Town from every direction. Thinking quickly, he made a few calls, rallied everyone, and secured defensive positions. Protecting the town was the priority.
From the skies above, Carter observed the chaos. Dark Faith energy swirled around his hands. Jets, helicopters, tanks, and troops arrived, responding to Carter's call for reinforcements. Hero Town's defenders were everywhere.
DA stepped outside for a quick breath of fresh air. "Ah… finally, some peace…" he sighed.
Then he noticed it: a massive wave of people charging from the neighboring lands. Before he could even scream, whoosh!—his house exploded into flames.
"Wait… what?! My… my couch! My PS5! EVERYTHING!" DA yelled, waving his arms like a man possessed. Smoke swirled around him, almost giving him a hug. "Thanks, universe… really appreciate this."
The crowd swept him up like he was a ragdoll. "Hey! I was just stepping outside! I didn't sign up for a human conveyor belt!" He flailed, stumbled, and got kicked lightly in the shin. "Seriously? My foot?! Is this how people say hello now?!"
Carter launched the first attack toward the group holding DA. Seeing it, DA braced himself.
And then… BOOM