*Chapter 28: Searching for Kamar Taj Part 2*
*Year: 2000 - 1985*
*Location: Timeless Phantom HQ*
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*~Ilias' POV~*
The Timeless Phantom HQ buzzed with quiet activity. Agents moved with purpose—some operating systems, others analyzing mission reports.
In his office, Ilias studied a detailed briefing on Nepal and the enigmatic cult called EVOLEX. This group was as secretive as the Timeless Phantom itself, suspected to be another faction connected to Pluto.
Because of that, the Timeless Phantom maintained routine surveillance, careful not to expose their hand.
That changed when Uruk, the most reckless Apostle, sent an elite team deep into EVOLEX territory to uncover their secrets. The move stirred tensions, and now Ilias was left to strategize how to ease the brewing conflict.
As he mulled it over, a knock sounded on the door. Despite the HQ's near-impenetrable defenses, Ilias snapped to alertness.
Today, he was the only Apostle present. The rest of the agents ranged from 5th to 1st class, but none had reached the Apostle rank like him.
Becoming an Apostle wasn't straightforward. It not only required Pluto blood essence but also his Pluto's personal approval or unanimous agreement from existing Apostles. And with the Pluto blood and unanimous agreement from existing Apostle would only make you pseudo Apostle and only Pluto approval can make one a full Apostle
He pushed those thoughts aside when Jasmine entered— a 1st class agent assigned to oversee Nepal.
Seeing Jasmine, Ilias allowed himself a brief moment of ease. He had watched Jasmine grow through hardships, starting from 9th class, rising steadily through skill and determination.
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"Ilias, any progress on EVOLEX?" Jasmine asked.
"No major breakthroughs yet," Ilias replied.
"Any complications?"
"None so far," Jasmine said, pulling a pocket watch adorned with Pluto's emblem — the token given to a beggar named Tashi.
Ilias' expression grew serious as he took the watch. "Tashi, 9th class?"
Jasmine nodded.
"Good. Prepare 7th class blood serum for him. And assign 5,000 points to anyone who carries this token. It's not enough for the 9th class serum, but it will buy gadgets, intel, and keep things moving."
Jasmine acknowledged the orders. "I've completed my report. I'll return to my post."
"Stay safe," Ilias said, watching him leave.
He knew he couldn't handle this alone. It was time to convene the council.
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Elsewhere, Uruk sat alone in a dim bar, recovering after narrowly escaping punishment. He'd called it a vacation to avoid duties.
Guilt nagged at him — only because there was no one with authority to punish him properly. Otherwise, he would've paid for his recklessness.
Suddenly, his pocket vibrated. Reaching in, he pulled out a broken pocket watch, crossed swords forming an X on its face, blinking red.
"What's going on?" he muttered.
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In Mesopotamia, Princess Seraphine reviewed reports on a kingdom they had successfully infiltrated. Her vice, Lyra, managed political intelligence, much like Jasmine did for Ilias.
Suddenly, Seraphine's locket glowed red.
"It's starting," she whispered. "Is he back?"
In other distant locations, the same signal blinked to life.
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To be continued.
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A/N: sorry for short chapter starting tomorrow longer right, now I am being shout out if not I would have finished timeless phantom stage
Also I've been meaning to ask, have you been able to access chapter 28 because I've not been able to enter with my phone it ended in chapter 25
If I don't see comment I might stop posting it because I feel chapter 26 - 28 don't show