Ric and the other soldiers began moving forward when suddenly the lights went out.
Ric - Don't move!
Ric - Team Alpha, you there? Team Alpha?
Other side of the radio - Good evening, Ric. Or should I say...the real Bloodhound? *laughs*
Rosévet - Ric.....
Ric - I hear you, sir. No need to scream.
Rosévet - I'm sorry. I thought you were shot.
Ric - Sir, whoever this is, he's coming for us and he knows who we are. Permission to advance further?
Rosévet - Negative. You will retreat with Team Bravo immediately.
Ric - But sir, Team Alpha is dead! We have to-
Rosévet - It's an order, Ric! Damn it!
Ric - Yes, sir. My apologies.
He started falling back, but then - the voice returned on the radio, speaking in a language Ric didn't recognize. Not English, nor any tongue he knew.
Rosévet - Oh god, not again.
Rosévet - Ric, drop the radio! Don't listen to it! Don't!
Rosévet - All soldiers fall back! Fall back now! Hurry!
Meanwhile, Lucas -
Huh!!! (a sudden chill running through his body)
Two hours later, Rosévet emerged from his room, his face pale with terror.
He called for Maria and Lucas, but they were already prepared - Maria clad in an S-grade military outfit, Lucas armed and ready beside her.
Rosévet - This is the fourth time. We've failed again.
Maria - I've called the priest
Lucas - (sobbing) Why, big bro? Why again?
They left a note for Lilly, explaining they were attending an important business meeting where they'd meet Ric and return within five days. Before departing, they arranged for professional bodyguards to ensure Lilly's safety.
Five days later, they returned - Ric with them. But something was off. Ric behaved strangely, laughing oddly and cursing - a far cry from his usual calm, gentlemanly demeanor. Lilly rushed to greet them, but...
Lilly - Father! You're back! Maria, I missed you so much!
Rosévet - Oh dear, calm down. It was only five days.
lurking behind Lucas ,This time...he doesn't recognize this place
Lilly - Ric! It feels like ages! I missed you! How was the trip?
Ric - Who the hell are you, woman?
Lucas - Ohhh, sorry Miss Lilly! He's not feeling well - just joking! Let me get him to his room. (he drags Ric away)
Lilly - What's wrong with him, Father?
Maria - Don't worry. He drank too much.
Lilly - Oh... Well, when he sobers up, tell him I want to talk. (though angry, something felt wrong deep inside)
Rosévet motioned for Maria to meet him privately.
Days passed before Ric finally regained himself, rushing to Rosévet's study.
Ric - Sir! Was I asleep? I apologize, Master. Please forgive me.
Rosévet - Ric, it's nothing. You were ill for days - a severe fever nearly knocked you out. I'm surprised a soldier like you fell to mere sickness! (chuckles) But you're fine now.
Ric - What about Japan? The operation?
Rosévet - Don't concern yourself. It's been handled.
Ric - I see.
Leaving the room, he found Maria and Lucas. Lucas leapt at him, crying.
Lucas - Big bro! You're really back!
Ric - Easy, Lucas! I'm still sore. And Maria...why the tears? Huh?
Maria - (flees without a word)