The Reunion
Blaze sat in the dark, his blade whispering against the whetstone. The house was silent—too silent.
Hospitality this rich? It reeked of a lie. Militia warriors didn't get silk sheets and hot meals. Not anymore.
A shadow moved in the doorway.
Blaze rose without a sound, slipping into the corner.
Tommy if that was even his name stepped inside, a hatchet in hand. He moved toward Sophie's bed.
In an instant, the trap was sprung.
Ace's blade flashed, severing Tommy's arm.
Eve's kick shattered his leg.
Ice's Spartan blow crushed him against the wall.
Blaze stepped forward, looking down on him.
"You're good," Blaze said evenly. "But we're better."
Tommy's tongue flicked like a serpent.
Blaze didn't hesitate—his blade came down, splitting the man's skull.
Sophie sat up, startled. "You were right, Ice. He was after me."
Blaze nodded. "Good read. And this place? It's more than a trap—it's an armory."
Sophie glanced toward a side room. "And a library. We might find something useful."
"Good thinking," Blaze said. "Ice, Ace—you're with me. We'll check the armory for gear and supplies. Sophie, Eve—search the library."
Minutes later, Blaze's voice rang out: "Militia! Take only what serves the cause."
Ace returned wearing black-and-gold leather armor, a matching sword in his hand. "Who knew this creep had style?"
Eve smirked. "Takes one to know one."
Ice came next, armored, a massive metal chain with a spearhead at the end in his hands. Sophie followed, holding a single book.
"It's about a man who changes the world," she said.
"Good," Blaze told her. "Read it. Brief us later."
Then—a sound. Footsteps.
The room stilled.
Blaze gestured, and they moved upstairs. At the end of the hall, they found a tall, snake-like man. Snake raised his blade.
"Wait," the creature hissed. "I have information."
Blaze paused. "Talk."
"Bell Hell is rising in Perfect City—because of you two."
He pointed at Sophie.
"And Thomas."
Sophie's breath caught. "You know about Edwin?"
"I know about all of you. Why you're alive. It's destiny. We've been watching—and admiring. My favorite character? Thomas."
Sophie's voice trembled. "He's alive?"
"Alive and thriving. Eden is free. Lord of Violence is dead. Some call him a savior."
Ace frowned. "How are you still alive?"
"My heart's in my chest. I can regrow a head—it just takes time."
Snake's voice was steady. "Continue."
"Thomas is becoming the one. No one saw it coming."
Sophie whispered, almost to herself, "Thomas… are you the one we've been waiting for?"
"Come," the demon said. "He's close."
They followed, Blaze warning, "If this is a trap, I'll kill you."
"I already tried," the demon said. "Failed."
Ace asked, "Why try at all?"
"Prestige. Fame. Killing Sophie would've made me a legend. But I failed—and now, I want to see how this myth unfolds."
They reached a tall neighboring house. Inside, the demon led them upstairs, then out onto the roof.
Sophie shoved him aside. "Thomas!"
He turned, shocked. "Sophie?"
She ran into his arms, holding him tight.
He hugged her back, whispering so only she could hear:
"You look beautiful."