Previous Night
Ron landed on a quiet street and dismissed the remaining traces of his armor.
He glanced at his torn sleeve.
The right side of his shirt was shredded. Blood had dried along his forearm.
He clicked his tongue.
Then he headed toward a nearby clothing store.
A small bell chimed as he entered.
"Welcome, sir," a woman greeted politely.
Her smile faltered.
Her eyes drifted to his arm — the missing sleeve, the faint streaks of blood.
For a second, confusion crossed her face.
Ron met her gaze calmly.
"Thank you," he said, as if nothing was wrong, and walked toward the men's section.
He picked a simple black shirt, a dark jacket, and new trousers.
No hesitation.
He paid for them immediately.
Inside the changing room, he removed the ruined clothes and wiped the blood from his arm using the old fabric. The wound had already begun to close.
Black Sorcery's side effect.
He changed into the new outfit and stepped out, composed as ever.
After paying, Ron left the store.
Outside, he pulled out his phone.
He searched for nearby hotels.
One stood just a few streets away.
Crown Hotel.
He booked a room.
Minutes later, Ron stood before the tall glass entrance of the building.
The lobby lights glowed warmly behind the doors.
He walked in.
The atmosphere was calm. Soft music played. The scent of polished wood and perfume lingered in the air.
Ron approached the reception desk.
And then—
He froze for half a second.
The woman behind the desk.
He recognized her.
Finian's wife…?
What was she doing here?
Ron kept his expression neutral.
He stepped forward.
"I booked a room," he said calmly.
She typed on her computer, professional and composed.
After confirming the details, she handed him a key card.
"Room 316. Eighth floor."
Ron took it.
"Thank you."
He turned and entered the elevator.
The doors slid shut.
For a brief moment, he stared at his own reflection in the metallic walls.
Different time. Same enemies.
The elevator dinged.
Room 316.
Ron entered and closed the door behind him.
The room was spacious. Minimalist. Clean.
He placed his phone on the table and lay down on the bed.
He exhaled slowly.
"Finally… some rest."
Silence filled the room.
Then—
The lights went out.
Total darkness.
Ron didn't move.
His eyes sharpened.
He felt it.
Not one.
Multiple.
Evil presences.
Watching.
The air grew heavier.
Ron slowly sat up on the bed.
"…So it wasn't random." Ron said.
The darkness didn't feel accidental.
It felt planned.
"What should I do? I don't want to cause a scene." Ron said, and laid down again. "The wedding is in two days." Ron said.
Ron thought for a moment, "I should ask them."
Ron took out his phone and dialed Akira.
"Hello" Akira said, breathing heavily, after picking up the call.
"Hello, Akira, where are you?" Ron said.
"I am in Hero Town." Akira said.
"Are you free?" Ron said
"No, I was doing something." Akira said,
"This late at night?" Ron said, then he realized.
"Sorry for disturbing. I'll call later. And if you're free come to Atliop City. Bye." Ron said and ended the call.
Then, Ron dialed another number. named "Xentan Xangle"
It rang for a while , then call connected.
"Who is it? this late." A sharp voice came.
"Hey, it's me Ron."
"Ron? Oh, Ron. how is it going." Xentan said.
"I am good. I hope you are also well. I wanted to ask you about something." Ron said.
"Yes, why not." Xentan replied.
"I wanted to ask you about the organization you once worked in The Eclipse, the organization famous for it's evil deeds." Ron said.
"Oh, It's been a while since I heard that name. But I left that organization many years ago, thanks to you." Xentan said sarcastically
Ron gave a light laugh.
"So, My information won't be useful."
"Xentan, you can tell me about Eclipse, even if it's a little. I know you were a former member but it's important." Ron said.
Xentan sighed, "Fine, but I don't know too much myself. I only know that we were assigned missions in code words. And for a meeting we were gathered in Atliop City."
"Where?" Ron asked.
"Near an abandoned school, In Atliop City." Xentan replied.
Abandoned school? Ron thought.
"It belonged to someone named Skelan, Skelen or something like that." Xentan said.
Skelen? Ron thought.
"How many people were present in the meeting?" Ron asked.
"I don't know, it was dark, only voices could be heard. From those voices I can say there were five or six or maybe more members." Xentan said.
"Okay. Thanks." Ron said.
"What are you planning? Trying to take down Eclipse?" Xentan said.
"Nah, just wanted to take something." Ron said.
"That will also be tough." Xentan said.
"I know. I remember once all of the organizations combined and attacked Eclipse but still lost. And those organizations doesn't even exists like it never existed" Ron said.
"You are smart." Xentan said.
"But, Eclipse had help." Ron said.
"What? really?" Xentan said.
"Foster, an organization at behind the scenes of literally everything. Even now when we both are speaking via phone call, they will be hearing or the call is getting recorded." Ron said.
"WHAT? Really?" Xentan said.
"Where are you? I will come and we'll talk there." Ron said.
"I am in Bar, near Cleyn Apartments." Xentan said.
"I will be there soon." Ron said. and stepped out of the bed and walked outisde.
Ron opened maps app and put the location Cleyn Apartments.
The location came and direction came on Ron's screen.
"I will kill everyone of you, for my friend Locki." Ron said into the phone.
And on the other end someone heard it.
"Tell the boss everything." A man said.
"STAGE IS SET FOR HARPER'S WEDDING"