Two days had passed since the escape plan had been executed. Now, the enemies were gathered in their usual meeting place—a darkened hall where they convened with their leader to discuss developments.
Their leader had yet to arrive, so they passed the time exchanging words among themselves. Ceasar , always one to provoke, couldn't help but mock Emilio, who now had a mechanical prosthetic in place of the arm Merrick had severed.
Caesar: "A mechanical arm, huh? Better than walking around lopsided, right, Emilio?"
Emilio (scowling): "Shut your damn mouth, you bastard."
Karaido: "But really, Emilio... how did your defenses fall apart like that? Was the guy that strong?"
"Let's just say... he was clever. But I swear—I'll get my revenge."
Warren: "It's not just him. I get the sense that our enemies this time... they're different. Or maybe the right word is exceptional."
Shiro: "You noticed something too, Warren?"
"Yes. That Luna Ribwan—Shiro and I were assigned to execute her. She used a technique I've never seen in my life."
Tatsuka: "Can you describe it for us? Remember, we weren't with you during her escape."
"I use the air element and I noticed that when she released her power—those razor winds—the particles themselves began to break down. It wasn't normal."
"Break down? You mean your own air particles were disintegrating?"
"Exactly. And remember—she uses air too."
Shiro: "Not just him. I attacked with ice and felt the same thing. The molecular structure of my attack began to unravel."
Emilio: "Never heard of such a technique before… We should investigate this further."
"Agreed."
Senko: "I noticed something strange too."
Caesar: "What was it?"
"Durbin's escape—the one who helped him used two elements."
Tatsuka: "Two?! Are you sure it wasn't someone hiding in the background manipulating the attack?"
"No. I could feel the power. I'm sure—it was the same person. He used two elements himself."
Caesar: "That's... deeply unsettling."
Emilio: "As I said—we need to dig deeper into this. Immediately."
Betty: "By the way, during our mission to execute that guy Chris—Hinami and I overheard him talking about someone attacking him with a black spider. That reeks of the National Division. They're the ones who use those outdated, cursed techniques."
Tatsuka: "So, they've grown tired of relying on ( Kuro ) and ( David ) . The involvement of the National Division is a problem. Things will get messy if they interfere."
Just then, the sound of the door creaking open silenced the room.
Their leader had arrived.
( Wong Murphy ) —leader of the Fighter Division within the Fauvism entered the chamber. A man in his late thirties , brown skinned and brown eyes and dark violet-black hair, he walked in with a heavy presence and sat in his throne-like chair.
The elite quickly briefed him on what had happened.
Murphy (coldly): "So you've failed. Spectacularly, it seems. And what excuse do you offer? You underestimated your enemies? That's pathetic. You've disappointed me."
Warren: "Forgive us, sir. But the information we received was incomplete. They told us there were only five enemies—not ten."
"Then I'll deal with the information team later. But what bothers me more is this: The National Division is on the move. That means we're in direct competition now. We must capture the ones who escaped—and fast."
All (in unison): "Yes, sir."
Murphy: "Dismissed."
One by one, the elite members filed out of the chamber.
Elsewhere, in a quiet and remote location far from the city, a small group had found temporary refuge. The modest house had only two rooms, a small reception area and a bathroom.
Inside were Liam, Rossi, Merrick's aunt ( Neruru ) , Chris's grandmother ( Masami ) and Rin. A week had passed since their rescue and they were all gathered, seated and talking.
Masami : "If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would've never believed my grandson had such powers. I always knew he was special, but this…"
Neruru : "Same here. I had no idea my nephew had such incredible abilities."
Rin: "To be honest… Liam, Rossi and I—we've known about the Stone Heirs and all of that. Merrick and Chris kept it from you to protect you."
"Yes, they told us. But we still got dragged into this in the end, unfortunately."
Just then, the front door opened, and in walked Yuna and Luna.
Yuna: "Good evening, everyone."
Luna: "Hey, everyone."
Liam: "Welcome "
" Have you guys gotten used to the new place yet?"
"Sort of… I miss my daily video games, though. This adjustment is tough."
"You'll get used to it."
"I hope so."
Masami : "As for me, I actually like it here. Quiet places suit an old lady like me just fine."
Neruru : "Same here. It's peaceful."
Rin: "I'm with Liam… It's hard. I used to be at work every day. Now, being isolated like this… I feel empty."
Rossi: "I feel the same."
Yuna (apologetically): "I'm sorry, everyone. But we have no choice. You all have to stay hidden until we take down the Fauvism."
Rin : "Then please, be quick about it."
"We'll do everything we can."
The twins sat for a while, sipping tea prepared by Masami, chatting with the others. Eventually, they said their goodbyes and returned to the Kaos Team's base.
It wasn't just them. All members of the team visited the rescued group from time to time.
Meanwhile, Merrick, Chris, Salvador and Clara were seated in the garden, discussing recent developments.
Chris: "As far as I can tell, the enemies outnumber us. We've fought some and beaten them, yes—but there's more we don't know."
Merrick: "Exactly. For instance… what are the 'Forty-Eight Slots '? And what's the difference between the Fighter Division and the National Division of the Fauvism?"
Salvador: "We need to find out—quickly."
Chris: "At least our loved ones are safe, for now."
Merrick: "True… but something's been bothering me."
"What is it?"
"Why didn't the Fauvism take Luna and Yuna's family as hostages? They would've been far more effective leverage than Liam."
Salvador: "That's a good point…"
Chris: "Exactly. It doesn't add up."
The whole Kaos Team had thought the same. Even Luna and Yuna couldn't make sense of it. Still, they checked on their parents regularly—though no one had tried to kidnap them yet… and perhaps never would.
Elsewhere, Caesar was heading into a local café. Inside, he approached a table where a man already sat.
This was ( Joey ) , a collaborator with Cesar and the Fauvism, driven by a personal vendetta. His brother—once part of the Iron Phantom gang—had been killed by none other than Jayden Durbin. And though his brother had betrayed Jayden first, Joey wanted revenge.
Joey: "Good evening, Mr. Caesar."
Caesar: "Hello, Joey. How are you?"
"I'm well. Sir… did you succeed in your mission?"
Caesar (sighing): "You mean, did I kill your target—Durbin Jayden?"
"Yes. That, and the rest."
"Unfortunately… we failed."
Joey's expression darkened.
Joey: "Damn that bastard. I hate him even more now."
Caesar: "No need to rage. We'll strike again. Our analysis shows they operate as a team—so they must have a base. If we catch even one, we can locate the others and wipe them out."
"I don't get it."
"I'll explain. Creating a base infused with Stone powers requires four people—each wielding a different element."
"You mean the four main elements?"
"Exactly."
Once built, such a base is hidden by nature itself—drawing power from the sun's fire, the clouds' water and lightning, and the ambient air. Only the four builders can detect its location—or allow someone else, Stone Heir or not, to enter.
If the Fauvism could capture just one of the builders… they could force them to reveal the location.
Joey: "You think Durbin's one of the builders?"
Caesar: "I doubt it. He worked solo, even as the Iron Phantom leader. He likely used his powers for other reasons."
"Damn it…"
"I know you want revenge fast. So do I. But we'll do it right—with a flawless plan."
"Then let's start working on one. Fast."
In a quiet, secluded spot, Wong Murphy sat alone on a bench. It was clear he was waiting for someone.
Soon, a man appeared—also in his late thirties, Fair skinned with paige hair and piercing blue eyes. Murphy stood and the two shook hands.
This was ( Yossan Endar )—leader of the Fauvism's National Division.
Murphy: "How have you been, my rival?"
Yossan: "Well enough. And you? How goes your mission to fill the Forty-Eight slots ?"
"Straight to business, I see."
"My apologies, if that bothers you."
"No. But understand—our targets are no ordinary enemies. They're professionals. Their powers are… strange. Care to elaborate?"
"You know I can't. You're still my rival."
"Sadly, true. But perhaps we can share interests. We both hunt Stone Heirs. What if we cooperate—and split the spoils?"
"I'll think about it. But keep your promise—not to harm Frodo Ribwan unless absolutely necessary."
"I know. He's an old friend of yours."
They shook hands and parted ways.
As Yossan walked among the trees, a young man with blue hair and brown eyes approached.
( David )—a powerful member of the National Division —had grown up under Yossan's care. Sometimes, he even called him 'father'
David: "So… how was the meeting with that fool, Murphy?"
Yossan: "I can read people. Murphy knows less than we do."
"He doesn't know about Team Kaos? Or that the Ribwan twins are Tominako Reed's heirs?"
"He knows fragments. Not the whole picture."
"Just as I expected. Weak in mind, weak in power."
"Don't underestimate him. We're smarter, yes—but they're stronger. You must know everything about your enemy, even if they outmatch you in one area."
"Understood, Father. So what's the next step?"
"We try to recruit Team Kaos. If they refuse… we eliminate them."
"You already know where their base is?"
"Let's say our forces are very close to finding it. While we speak… Kuro and you will handle that mission."
David (grinning): "Finally. Some fun."
"Take it seriously, David."
"Yes, yes."
Elsewhere, in a sunny garden, Merrick, Jayden, Chris, Salvador, Tristan and William were relaxing together—finally enjoying peace.
But then—Sonny appeared in front of them in a flash of teleportation. His face was pale. Panicked.
Merrick (standing quickly): "Sonny? What's wrong?"
Sonny: "Clara… they took her."
Salvador (shocked): "Took her?! Who?"
"The Fauvism —National Division."