The Mill had exploded after its boss, Shukya, was killed. Carter and Lia were admitted to the hospital, while Ron spent his days visiting Dr. Thomas, learning more about his powers than ever before.
During one training session, Dr. Thomas looked up from his notes. "You're almost at the level of a 9th-grade Black Sorcerer," he said.
Ron blinked. "What are Black Sorcerers?"
A small smile formed on Dr. Thomas's face. "People who can use my powers. Very few exist—yourself included. Never tell anyone you can use Black Sorcery. Many seek this power… and one other called 'The Dark Faith.'" He paused. "The Dark Faith is limited to offense and defense. Black Sorcery can influence mind, body, soul… even time. It's deeper, more complete, more dangerous."
Ron nodded slowly. "Then can you help me master my powers… or at least the Blade of Vengeance?"
Dr. Thomas crossed his arms. "Your powers are still unstable. Reckless use could destroy your body. For now, we focus on mastering the Blade. Use it alongside what I've taught you, and you'll be unstoppable. Don't forget teleportation—an ability no one in the Outer Layers of Reality possesses."
Ron swallowed. "Can you tell me about the Watchers of the Universe?"
Dr. Thomas hesitated. "The Watchers… exist outside our universe. They observe, never interfere—like watching a story unfold on TV. But if one turns its gaze on you, Ron… your fate is no longer your own."
Back in Hero Town, Ron visited the hospital. First stop: Carter's room. Carter sat up, quietly enjoying his meal. Ron greeted him and took a seat on the couch.
"You seem off," Carter said, lowering his gaze. "I heard from the nurses that you and Lia were fully healed… what's bothering you?"
Carter gave a faint smile. "We were recovered before arriving here. DA… likely helped. They admitted us for safety. I'm just a little dizzy. That's all."
Ron narrowed his eyes. "You're lying."
Carter looked surprised, but Ron softened his tone. "It's fine. Don't hesitate to talk to me if something's on your mind. I may not fix it—but I can listen."
Ron stood to leave, but Carter called out, "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 use my name—but dropped a lot of hints. Reminded me of the way I talked to her back in school…"
Ron raised an eyebrow. "So… what's the problem?"
"It's me," Carter admitted. "My past. Everyone I cared about… suffered. Horribly. Lia is kind. Good. She deserves better than someone cursed like me."
Ron nodded in understanding. "Carter… remember when I told you I had a wife?"
Carter's eyes widened. "That Dream woman… yes, you told everyone?"
Ron shook his head. "I lied. But from the moment I met her, I felt as if I'd known her for centuries. We live in the same house now, different rooms. She understands me. She knows I'm not from this time. Like fate tied us together."
He exhaled. "But you and Lia have known each other since childhood. Don't run from that. Feeling loved… feeling warmth—it's okay."
Carter nodded slowly. "Ron… do you like someone?"
Dream's face flashed through Ron's mind.
Why now? he wondered, shaken.
"No—forget about me. Focus on her. Your whole department is into Lia. What if she moves on?" Ron said aloud.
Carter's anxiety intensified. As they passed Lia's room, he glanced through the window—and froze.
Inside, a man had caught Lia mid-fall, holding her gently. Carter rushed in.
"Lia!" he demanded.
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 a teasing smirk, silently saying, no need to be jealous.
Ron stayed outside, subtly signaling Liam. The man stepped out.
Carter sat beside Lia. "I'm sorry. What you told me earlier… it shook me. But the truth is… I like you. Will you marry me?"
Lia's eyes lit up, tears forming. "Yes! Yes!" she exclaimed, hugging him tightly.
Later, Ron called one of his oldest friends: Locki, nicknamed "Police" for his sense of justice. Now, he was head of Hero Town Police.
"Hi Ron, how's life?" Locki answered.
"Good. You?"
"Same. What's up?"
"I need a favor. Can you look someone up for me? Name's David … also known as DA."
Locki checked his records. "Ron… you sure about those names?"
"Yes. Why?"
"There's no record. No David, no DA. Nothing. National, international, high-level databases—checked everything."
Ron sat back, stunned. DA didn't exist.
He clenched his fists. Who—or what—had he really been working with?