Part 1: Life in the Mystery Village
———-
Rose Maxwell
It had been two years since I arrived in the Mystery Village.
My training with Marina had been brutal—but exciting. During that time, I learned many things that made me stronger, both mentally and physically. We spent countless hours working on my powers, learning how to stabilize them without losing control.
The last time I tried to push my power too far, I almost hurt Momo.
That memory still frightened me. The thought that I could harm someone I care about with these abilities made my chest tighten.
But Marina always told me,
"Once you understand your power, control will follow."
The more I practiced, the more I began to understand what kind of power I truly possessed.
Marina was the best teacher I could have asked for. She taught me everything she knew, but she also reminded me that her training had limits. Because of that, she invited other teachers to train me—some from outside the village and even from other clans.
She believed there was something different about me.
Something she couldn't quite explain.
She wanted to know which clan I truly belonged to.
One of my teachers was my martial arts instructor, Sanju. He was incredibly powerful. I heard he had lost his entire family during the war. Since then, all he had done was teach—so that other families would never have to suffer the way his did.
Sanju belonged to the Utopian Clan, a rare lineage of fairies and elves.
He trained me in swordsmanship and many other weapons used for self-defense. From him, I learned several forms of martial arts.
Once, I tried asking him how old he was.
He simply chuckled and said,
"Old enough."
Then he immediately returned to drilling me in Krav Maga.
The training was brutal… but strangely exhilarating.
For some reason, the more I learned, the more I wanted to explore the world and discover what else I was capable of.
After we finished our lessons for the day, I started getting ready to leave for school.
Before I could go, Marina stopped me.
She looked at me carefully before speaking.
"Today, you will catch up with an old friend," she said calmly. "When you do… bring him to me."
I blinked in confusion.
But then I remembered—Marina was an Oracle.
What she said always came true… whether sooner or later.
So I simply nodded and gave her a hug.
"Momo! Time to go to school!" I called out.
Momo had grown a little taller over the past two years. At ten years old, she rushed out of her room with her bag half open and one of her shoes barely on.
I laughed and quickly fixed it for her.
She ran over to Marina, kissed her on the cheek, and said happily,
"I'm off!"
Marina smiled and slipped a piece of bread into Momo's mouth before kissing her forehead.
"Be safe," she said warmly.
Momo and I walked out the door and through the village, greeting people along the way.
"Good morning!"
"Morning, Rose!"
"Take care, Momo!"
Soon we passed through the hidden barrier on the other side of the mountain and began heading toward school.
The elementary school sat near the base of the mountain. Normally it would take about thirty minutes to walk there, but since Momo and I weren't exactly… normal… we often ran or walked much faster than most people.
Sometimes we even turned the trip into a small adventure.
Momo always got excited when I dropped her off.
When we reached the front of the school, I gave her a hug.
"Be good. Have fun. And remember—never expose yourself, okay?"
Momo nodded seriously.
"Okay. Love you, Big Sis."
"Love you too."
I turned around and began walking toward my university, which was about seven blocks away.
"Rose!"
I stopped and turned.
Standing behind me was Jack.
He looked taller than the last time I saw him. Stronger too.
Did he have a growth spurt? I wondered.
I walked over and gently patted his head.
"How have you been?" I asked with a small chuckle.
Jack looked at me seriously.
"It's been a long time, Rose. We miss you at the orphanage."
I smiled softly.
"I'm glad you miss me… but I'm not going back."
Jack hesitated before speaking again.
"I'm not sure what's going on… but something weird has been happening at the orphanage. Mostly near my room."
My smile faded.
At that moment, Maya flashed into my mind.
"I stay away from it," Jack continued quietly. "It scares me. The other kids don't feel it… but I do."
I studied him carefully.
Really studied him.
Slowly, I used a small detection spell—something simple Marina had taught me—and scanned his body.
And then I felt it.
Power.
Weak… but definitely there.
Like something inside him was beginning to awaken.
"Jack," I said calmly, "I want to show you something after school. Would you come with me?"
His eyes widened.
"Why?"
"Because there's something you need to know."
I smiled lightly.
"But right now, we both have class. You're going to be late… and so am I."
Jack nodded slowly.
"Okay… I'll wait."
He turned to leave but hesitated for a moment, glancing back at me one last time before walking away.
I watched him disappear into the crowd.
The power inside him wasn't strong yet.
But it was definitely awakening.
Maybe this was what Marina meant.
Maybe Jack was the person she had seen.
When I picked up Momo later… I would bring him with me.
Marina would know what to do.
With that thought in mind, I continued walking toward Bright University.
As soon as I reached the entrance, I spotted Sarah Pine.
Sarah was small and petite, with black hair and warm brown eyes. She had a goofy personality, but she was incredibly smart. Her fashion sense was always unique, and somehow she always managed to make me laugh.
I considered her my best friend.
She also had a strong sense of justice—whether she realized it or not.
"Rose!" she shouted.
We both ran toward each other and hugged.
"Are you done with the project?" she asked. "You know Mr. Lee isn't easy to deal with. Honestly… I feel like he's targeting you."
I shook my head.
"I don't think he's targeting me. I think he's just trying to push me to my limits."
Sarah sighed.
"I was actually thinking about changing my major. Archaeology is getting really hard… but I don't know what else to do. So I might just stick with you until I figure it out."
We both giggled.
"Come on," I said. "Being an archaeologist is an adventure. You get to learn about the past and dig up things no one has seen in hundreds—maybe thousands—of years. It gives you an incredible sense of history."
Sarah smiled.
"Well… since it's you, maybe I'll keep trying."
We both laughed again.
"I was actually thinking about adding another major," I admitted.
Sarah blinked in surprise.
"You're not changing it?"
"No," I said excitedly. "I just want to learn more about this world. I'm going all in."
Sarah looked at me with admiration.
"You get so excited when you talk about history," she said. "It almost makes me want to do it all too."
Just then someone shouted behind us.
"Sarah! Wait for me!"
We both turned around.
It was Richard Miller, her childhood friend.
He ran up to us, breathing heavily with his hands on his knees.
"Sarah… why didn't you wait for me?" he gasped.
Sarah looked at him with a confused expression.
"Why would I wait for you? You take forever! I didn't want to miss my bestie."
Richard frowned.
"I always wait for you."
"Then you should wake up earlier!" she replied.
As they continued arguing, I chuckled.
"Hey, you two… class is starting."
We quickly went inside and took our seats.
At exactly 9:00 AM, Mr. Lee walked into the classroom.
"Attention, class," he said. "I hope you all finished your projects. This assignment is worth 84% of your semester grade."
The room went silent.
"You were allowed to work in teams or alone. If the project is not submitted by the end of the day… we will have a problem."
As he scanned the classroom, his eyes briefly landed on me.
Then he looked away and began calling attendance.
Forty minutes later, the class ended.
Before leaving, Mr. Lee added,
"Next month we will be going on a field trip. There has been a recent discovery, and I would like the archaeology department to help excavate the site."
The classroom immediately buzzed with excitement.
"That's all for today," he said before grabbing his notebooks and walking out.
Sarah and I gathered our things and stretched.
Richard, however, was still sitting with his head down.
"Are you coming to the next class?" Sarah asked.
He suddenly jumped up.
"I thought you were going to wake me up!"
He grabbed his things and hurried after us.
"Wait for me!"
The three of us were taking the same classes this semester.
Though next term, I planned to take additional courses—ones that might help the village.
Sarah didn't know about the village.
All she knew was that I lived with my "aunt."
She had never been to my house.
I think she assumed I was embarrassed about where I lived.
But the truth was the opposite.
I loved the village.
It felt like my own private world.
And maybe… one day… when the time was right…
I would bring Sarah there.
But for now—
I just wanted to enjoy my college life.
Part 2: Life in the Mystery Village
__________________
Chinese Language class ended at 1:20 p.m.
Professor Jiang Ye closed his notebook, adjusted his glasses, and looked at the class.
"Remember," he said calmly, "there will be a quiz Monday
Come prepared."
With that, he walked out of the classroom.
Sarah and I stood up to leave when Ning Yue Smith walked toward us. She looked us up and down before speaking.
"Hi Sarah, hi Rose," she said. "I wanted to know if you guys would like to join our study group for the quiz Monday ."
Sarah crossed her arms and gave her a sharp look.
"Go back and try again," Sarah said coldly. "Your attitude isn't needed here. If you really wanted to invite us, you would've come correctly. But you're standing here with that stinking attitude trying to invite us to a study group? Don't make me laugh."
I snickered quietly, trying to hold back my laughter.
Ning frowned. "Why are you being so nasty? All I did was invite you. If you two don't want to come, Richard can."
Sarah raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, so this is about Richard?"
She turned and smacked Richard lightly on the head to wake him up.
"Richard. You're invited to a study group. Are you going?"
Richard rubbed his head as he slowly lifted it from the desk. He yawned.
"Are you going, Sarah?"
Sarah shook her head. "No. Rose and I always study on our own. You just come along with us. But if you want to go with them, you're free to."
Richard shook his head immediately.
"Hell no."
He looked at Sarah seriously.
"I only follow you. Only you."
Ning looked disappointed.
"Why do you always follow her? You could do better."
Richard sat up straight.
"Sarah is my first love and my only love. I don't like anybody else. So yeah, I follow her. If you've got a problem with it, deal with it yourself."
Sarah smiled proudly. She patted Richard on the head.
"Good boy."
Then she kissed him lightly on the forehead.
"Let's go."
I watched the whole spectacle with amusement. I waved at Ning sarcastically.
"See ya."
The three of us walked out of the classroom.
⸻
Not long after, Sarah, Richard, and I arrived at a small café not too far from the elementary school where I usually picked up Momo.
Sarah and Richard adored Momo.
One day Richard even said, "I hope when we get married our baby looks like Momo. So cute and adorable. But our baby will look just like you, Sarah."
The funny thing was—they weren't even dating.
Sarah refused to date anyone until she graduated. But Richard had loved her since they were kids, and his feelings had never changed.
If any guy showed interest in Sarah, Richard would make sure they stayed far away.
"That's what you call loyal love," I always joked.
⸻
At the café, we ordered our drinks and sat near the window.
Sarah looked at my drink again and shook her head.
"What's so good about that mint mojito iced coffee?"
She hated it.
I smiled. "It's refreshing. The mint gives it a cool taste with a rich aroma. It's really good."
Sarah made a disgusted face.
"I'll stick with my mocha latte."
Richard leaned over.
"I want to taste it. Can I try?"
Sarah handed him her cup.
He took a sip.
Then his eyes widened.
"I'm ordering one."
I burst out laughing.
It was hilarious watching them act like they weren't a couple when everyone knew they basically were.
Still, I was happy for Sarah.
⸻
We had about forty-five minutes before the elementary school let out, so we studied for the quiz while speaking Mandarin together.
Eventually it was time to pick up Momo.
We packed our things and said goodbye.
I headed straight to the elementary school.
That's when I saw Jack standing near the wall… with Momo.
I wondered if they were in the same class or if she even knew who he was.
As I walked toward them, Momo suddenly ran toward me.
"Big Sis!" she shouted, hugging me. "I'm ready to go!"
Jack froze.
He stared at both of us in shock.
"You know Momo?"
I nodded.
"She's my aunt's daughter. Basically my little sister."
I ruffled her hair.
Momo pouted. "I'm a big girl now! No more messing with my hair!"
Jack looked at her and immediately started blushing. The tips of his ears turned bright red.
I instantly noticed how shy he was around her.
Momo, on the other hand, didn't even notice.
I pointed at Jack. "Momo, this is my friend from the orphanage. I used to live with him."
Momo turned slowly and stared at him.
Then she frowned.
"Are you here to take my Big Sis away from me?"
I laughed.
"No. He's coming with us."
Momo looked at me seriously.
"Is it okay?"
"Yes," I said. "Jack is good."
Jack didn't say anything. He just stood there quietly.
I grabbed Momo's hand and we started walking toward the mountain where the forest hid the path to the village.
After a while, Jack finally spoke.
"I know you're taking me somewhere… but where are we going?"
Momo answered proudly.
"We're going home. You're going to see Momo's house."
Jack looked down and kept walking.
His face was even redder than before.
I giggled to myself.
Love must be in the air.
⸻
As we entered the forest, something felt wrong.
It was quieter than usual.
Too quiet.
We had been using this route for two years and nothing had ever happened before.
I leaned down to Momo.
"Stay close to me."
Then I whispered, "Remember what we talked about. If we see danger, we run. Do you remember where to go?"
Momo nodded seriously.
"Yes. I'm ready."
Jack looked at both of us nervously.
"Is everything okay? Why are you guys talking about running?"
I sighed.
"Jack… I'm probably going to have to carry you."
He stared at me in shock.
"What is going on?"
"There's something dangerous coming our way," I said calmly. "And we'll need to run."
"I can run," Jack said quickly.
I shook my head.
"No. This is different. You won't be able to outrun it… not yet. Just trust me."
Momo suddenly took off running ahead of us.
Since she knew the path, she didn't hesitate.
Jack stared after her.
"What just happened?! Momo runs that fast?"
I smiled.
"This is just the beginning."
I picked him up and started jogging.
Then sprinting.
Then running.
Jack could barely process what was happening.
Suddenly I shouted—
"It's coming!"
Behind us, a black shadow glided between the trees.
Fast.
Too fast.
I jumped from tree to tree while holding Jack.
He was dizzy, screaming, and completely terrified.
But I focused on only one thing—
Getting us inside the barrier.
The shadow was getting closer.
Closer.
Then I saw it.
The barrier.
I pushed my speed to the limit.
The moment I crossed into it…
The shadow lost me.
It stopped outside, searching, sensing.
But it couldn't find us.
After a few moments…
It disappeared back into the forest.
⸻
I gently put Jack down.
His legs immediately gave out.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
He looked at me in disbelief.
"What… was that?"
"That," a voice said behind us, "was a shadow."
Marina stepped out from the crowd with a warm smile.
She looked at Jack carefully.
"Momo told me what happened. Are you both okay?"
"I'm fine," I said.
Marina nodded.
"Until you learn how to use light, you won't be able to fight it."
Then she looked at Jack again.
"You are a long way from home."
Jack blinked.
"Do you know me?"
Marina smiled softly.
"No. But I know of you."
She stepped closer.
"You have a long journey ahead. But in this village, we will help you become what you need to be… because someone is waiting for you."
She gently pulled Jack into an embrace and whispered in his ear.
"You are an early bird. You will learn. And I will teach you to become strong."
Then she released him.
Jack suddenly started crying.
He wiped his face in confusion.
"Why am I crying? What's happening? Rose… do you know what's going on?"
I smiled gently.
"Don't worry. It happens a lot."
"We'll talk once you calm down."
⸻
Later, Marina invited a couple in their mid-thirties into her house.
Outside, Momo and I played with the other village children.
After a while, the couple came out of the house smiling.
They looked at me warmly.
"You are truly a blessing," they said.
"We're going to the orphanage to adopt Jack."
Confused, I asked, "Did everything settle?"
They nodded.
"Yes."
Then the man spoke softly.
"Jack is our nephew. We lost him during the war. We hid him so we could escape together later… but when we returned, he was gone."
His voice trembled.
"We thought he had died."
The woman wiped her eyes.
"But miracles do happen."
Part 3: Life in the Mystery Village
__________________________
Rose looked at the couple and asked gently,
"Do you need me to guide you to the orphanage so you can get everything done?"
The couple smiled warmly.
"No," the man said. "Jack knows where it is. We'll go handle everything ourselves. We want to make sure we can take Jack home today."
Rose nodded with understanding.
"That's good," she said softly. "He needs this. Life hasn't been easy for him. When we were in the orphanage, we were all the same… but now Jack has found his family."
At that moment, Jack stepped out of Marina's house and walked toward them.
"We can go now," he said.
Then he hesitated and looked at Rose.
"What about that thing that was chasing us earlier?"
Rose smiled reassuringly.
"Don't worry. We drive cars here too, you know."
She chuckled.
"And when you come back, I'll tell you the full story about that black shadow."
Jack nodded.
He walked toward the couple and glanced back at Rose one last time.
"We'll be back."
Rose watched as the three of them walked down the path and disappeared toward the road.
Under her breath she whispered,
"You found your family… I'm happy for you."
But her smile faded.
For the first time that day, Rose felt a deep sadness.
She had always been cheerful, always strong.
Yet watching Jack reunite with his family reminded her of something painful—
Her own family was still missing.
Marina had promised she would help find them.
But it had already been two years.
And there was still no sign.
Rose quietly turned and walked back into the house.
⸻
As she closed the door, she saw Marina sitting at the dining table.
Marina's hands were folded together, her brows slightly furrowed as if she were deep in thought.
She murmured softly to herself.
"Why was the shadow on the other side…?"
"Has something shifted in the forest?"
Rose walked closer.
"Marina… is everything okay?"
Marina looked up and gave a small smile.
"I'm sorry, dear. I was just thinking."
"About the shadow changing its path."
Rose frowned.
"We'll never know unless we defeat it."
Marina shook her head slightly.
"Dark shadows do not usually look for trouble. They hunt for energy. They feed."
She paused.
"But the shadows in this forest feel… different."
Rose suddenly remembered something.
"Marina… do you remember the girl I told you about from the orphanage?"
"Maya Blackwell?"
"Yes."
Rose crossed her arms, thinking carefully.
"I wonder if she's part of the Blackwell family."
Marina's eyes narrowed.
"The Blackwells were a clan of dark arts users," Marina said slowly. "Cruel and merciless. They slaughtered anyone who stood in their way."
"But that clan should have disappeared centuries ago."
Rose swallowed.
"That's why I think Maya might be one of them."
Rose spoke again, her voice tense.
"What if she is controlling that shadow? What if she's feeding off the kids in the orphanage?"
Marina sighed.
"You may be right."
She looked toward the window.
"Jack told me something strange. He said he sometimes feels a presence there… something not human."
"A suffocating feeling," Rose whispered.
Marina nodded.
"He said it becomes stronger at night."
Rose remembered more.
"He also told me that sometimes the children forget he exists. Like he's invisible."
Marina's expression darkened.
"Mind control…"
Rose's eyes widened.
"If Maya is using mind control on the orphanage…"
Marina finished the sentence.
"Then Maya is not a child."
"She could be one of the Blackwells who has lived for a thousand years."
"And she may be hiding among the children."
Rose felt the air leave her lungs.
For a moment, everything seemed frozen.
"Maya never liked me," Rose said quietly.
"Is there a reason why?"
Marina stood up and walked toward the bookshelf.
She pulled out a thick, ancient book.
The cover had no title.
No words.
Just worn leather and age.
The book looked incredibly heavy.
Marina handed it to Rose with a playful smile.
"Well," she said with a giggle, "you like history."
"Time to read."
They both laughed.
Rose carried the book to her room while Marina headed to the kitchen to prepare supper.
⸻
Rose closed her bedroom door and began reading.
Time passed quickly.
Nearly an hour and a half later—
Knock knock.
"Big Sis!"
Momo's voice came through the door.
"Supper is ready!"
Rose lifted her head and looked at the clock.
"I'm coming," she replied.
She stood up suddenly, but her head spun.
The room tilted slightly.
She sat back down, breathing slowly.
"Okay… girl, take it easy."
After a moment she stood again and walked out to dinner.
⸻
But inside her room…
The book on her table began to glow.
A dark, eerie aura surrounded it.
Far away in the orphanage—
Maya suddenly sat upright in her bed.
Her eyes glowed faintly.
She stared toward the distant forest.
"I felt it…"
She couldn't see it.
But she knew something was there.
The book.
Her book.
The one that contained her hidden powers.
"If I had that book…" she whispered.
"I could break the curse of this place."
She raised her hand and summoned a black shadow.
"Find my book."
The shadow creature vanished instantly.
⸻
Back in the village, Rose finished dinner.
"Thank you for the food, Marina," she said.
Then she looked at Momo.
"Momo, did you do your homework?"
Momo froze.
Her guilty expression said everything.
"I… I'm going to do it now."
Rose laughed.
"If you need help, come to my room."
Momo grinned.
"Okay!"
Rose stood and headed toward the hallway.
"Stop."
Marina's voice suddenly cut through the room.
Rose and Momo froze.
Marina slowly lifted her head.
Her eyes scanned the house.
Then she looked upward.
A shadow hovered above the village barrier.
It couldn't enter…
But it was searching.
Marina instantly spoke into everyone's minds across the village.
Lock your doors. Turn off your lights. Do not move.
The entire village fell silent.
Lights vanished one by one.
Everything became dark and still.
Marina looked at Rose urgently.
"The book."
"Is it on your table?"
Rose's eyes widened.
"Yes."
She ran to her room, grabbed the book, closed it tightly, and sealed it with magic.
Outside, the shadow circled the barrier.
Searching.
Waiting.
But the book's presence had disappeared.
After a moment…
The shadow left.
⸻
Far away, Maya watched through the shadow's eyes.
All she saw were trees.
And faint magic.
She clenched her fists in rage.
"That useless creature!"
She threw books across the room.
"How can shadows feared by the world fail to find one book?!"
She screamed in frustration.
Then suddenly—
Knock knock.
Maya froze.
She quickly lay back down in bed and returned to her weak, sickly appearance.
"Come in," she said softly.
Miss Karen Watson entered the room.
"Maya, are you okay? We heard some noise."
Maya coughed lightly.
"I fell… but I'm okay. I'm sorry."
Miss Karen walked closer and touched her forehead.
"You feel cold. Should I turn on the heat? Or make you some tea?"
Maya shook her head weakly.
"No… I just need rest."
Miss Karen looked around the room suspiciously.
For a moment she thought she saw something move.
Then she sighed.
"I must be imagining things."
"Goodnight, dear."
She closed the door.
The moment she left—
Maya sat up again.
Her eyes burned with anger.
"I will find that book."
⸻
Back in the village, Marina spoke to everyone through their minds again.
"It's safe now. You may continue your evening."
Momo giggled.
"That game was fun!"
She looked at Rose.
"It's like red light, green light! Nobody moves until Mom says!"
Marina smiled.
"You did very well, Momo."
"Now get ready for bed. Shower first, then homework."
Momo groaned dramatically.
"Okaaay…"
Rose looked at Marina curiously.
"What was that?"
"Which part?" Marina asked.
"I heard you in my head."
Marina chuckled.
"Oh, that was just a mind link."
Rose blinked.
"You never showed me that."
Marina looked at her thoughtfully.
"You can hear people's thoughts already. Now you want to send messages too?"
She shook her head playfully.
"That will be very difficult for you to learn."
"You must control what to send… and what not to hear."
Rose sighed.
Marina continued,
"I'm still searching for the clan that specializes in mind abilities. They may help you."
"As an Oracle, there are things I cannot teach you myself. But I can guide you to the people meant to help you."
She gently patted Rose's hands.
"For now… you need rest."
"We'll talk more tomorrow."
Rose nodded.
But deep inside…
She sometimes wondered if Marina was hiding something.
Still, Rose knew what she had to do.
The only path forward was to become stronger.
Stronger in her power.
Stronger in her control.
And one day…
She would discover the truth behind everything.
Part 4: Life in the Mystery Village
__________________
Early the next morning, the training hall was already alive with movement.
Rose stepped onto the wooden floor, preparing for practice. As she stretched, she noticed someone familiar standing near the entrance.
"Jack?" she said in surprise. "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to go to the orphanage to sign the papers?"
Jack walked over and shrugged.
"My uncle and aunt will take me later," he explained. "They already called the orphanage director, Miss Karen. They told her I stayed at their house last night because it was too late to come back."
"And she agreed to see us today."
Rose sighed.
"Well… at least you know what you're getting into if you move here."
She gestured around the hall.
"Welcome to the training hall," she added sarcastically.
Jack actually looked excited.
After what he had seen yesterday, he was still trying to process everything.
The village.
The powers.
The shadows.
It felt like something out of a superhero story.
For as long as he could remember, he had dreamed that someone powerful would come and save him from the orphanage.
Because the orphanage never truly felt like a home.
It was just a place where children went when they had nowhere else to go.
Jack had endured years of neglect, emotional abuse, and loneliness. Sleeping on the streets had never been an option, so he survived however he could.
Rose understood that feeling all too well.
The two of them stood side by side, practicing their Tai Chi stances in silence.
Teacher Sanju watched them carefully.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
These two are determined, he thought.
They will never allow themselves to be bullied again.
His gaze moved toward Jack.
And the new one… he already understands the balance.
Teacher Sanju clapped his hands.
"Class is about to begin. Where is Momo?"
Right at that moment, Momo walked into the training hall.
She immediately spotted Rose and Jack.
Her face turned serious.
She ran straight toward them.
"I only train with Rose!" she announced angrily.
Jack instantly turned red.
"Sure, Momo," he said quickly. "You can have Rose."
Momo crossed her arms.
"All I want is Big Sis!"
Teacher Sanju laughed softly.
"Enough talking. Class will begin now."
⸻
Two hours later, training ended.
Jack collapsed onto the bench, completely exhausted.
Rose handed him a towel.
He looked up at her with admiration.
Ever since she left the orphanage, Rose had always been someone he looked up to.
In many ways, she had saved him.
Pulled him out of the darkness.
Momo smirked proudly at Jack.
"I do this every day with Big Sis," she bragged. "Big Sis teaches me everything I don't understand."
She wrapped her arms around Rose.
"Big Sis loves me."
Rose laughed and ruffled both their hair.
"Alright, alright. Time to get ready for the day."
⸻
An hour later, Jack stood beside his uncle Ken and Aunt Emma as they prepared to drive to the orphanage.
Rose pulled them aside quietly.
"I'll stay nearby," she said seriously. "Something didn't feel right last night. It's better if I follow you."
They looked confused at first, but then remembered the shadow in the forest.
Finally, they nodded.
Two warriors stepped forward beside Rose.
Nick and Wyatt.
Both of them nodded to her.
"We're ready."
The car began driving out of the forest.
Marina opened a hidden path through the trees so they could reach the road.
As they prepared to leave, Marina looked at them with concern.
"Please come back safely," she said. "Never let your guard down."
Rose nodded.
"We will."
Then the three of them ran through the forest, silently following the car from a distance.
As they moved, Rose felt it.
A presence.
The shadow.
But it wasn't moving.
It was waiting.
Near the orphanage.
⸻
The car slowly turned into the orphanage driveway.
Uncle Ken, Aunt Emma, and Jack stepped out of the car.
Rose and the others stayed hidden in the trees.
Rose checked her watch.
9:42 AM.
She whispered to Nick and Wyatt.
"Wait. I see the shadow."
The shadow saw her too.
But it didn't move.
Rose slowly lifted her eyes toward the orphanage building.
Specifically…
Toward Maya's window.
But the room was completely dark.
⸻
Inside the director's office, Miss Karen sat behind her desk.
She stared at Jack, then looked at Uncle Ken and Aunt Emma.
"What took you so long to pick him up?" she asked coldly. "Did you forget you even had a child here?"
Uncle Ken frowned.
"We've been searching for him for years. His parents passed away, and we lost track of him."
Miss Karen scoffed.
"Well, since you're here, the paperwork is ready."
She slid the documents across the desk.
"Sign here, here, and here."
She paused.
"And there is a fee."
Uncle Ken looked down at the paper.
His eyes widened.
"Ten thousand dollars?"
Jack slammed his hand on the desk.
"Are you trying to rob us?!"
Miss Karen leaned back calmly.
"That is payment for the years we took care of him. Food, clothes, school."
"We expect every penny."
Jack's anger exploded.
But Uncle Ken gently stopped him.
"Don't worry," he said quietly.
Then he looked directly at Miss Karen.
"You seem greedy for someone who claims to care for children."
His voice became colder.
"Should I call the authorities and let them see how government funding for this orphanage is really being used?"
Miss Karen narrowed her eyes.
"The clothes you wear don't match your threats."
"If you cannot pay, you may leave."
"But Jack stays here until the debt is paid."
Jack's fists clenched.
Aunt Emma suddenly stepped forward.
"Fine," she said calmly. "If you want the ten thousand, we will give it to you."
She looked directly into the director's eyes.
"But first… look into my eyes."
Her voice softened.
"Show me the contract where you are an honest and devoted director."
Her power activated.
Influence.
Miss Karen's eyes went blank.
Within seconds, she pulled out another contract from the drawer and removed the ten-thousand-dollar fee.
Uncle Ken and Aunt Emma signed the new documents.
Miss Karen signed as well.
They made copies.
"Thank you for taking care of our child," Aunt Emma said politely.
The moment the papers were secured, she released her influence.
Miss Karen blinked in confusion.
She watched helplessly as they walked out of the office.
⸻
Outside—
The ground trembled.
Jack froze.
"Something's wrong."
They ran toward the car.
But when Uncle Ken tried to start it—
A dark shadow appeared directly in front of them.
⸻
Back in the forest, Rose felt the tremor too.
"Move!" she shouted.
She and the two warriors rushed forward.
Rose looked up toward Maya's window.
And there she was.
Standing there.
Smiling.
Her grin twisted with pure evil.
Rose read Maya's lips.
"You shouldn't have come back."
"Now you're mine."
Maya raised her hand.
The shadow moved toward the car.
Another shadow rushed toward Rose and the warriors.
"Go!" Rose shouted toward the car.
"Drive!"
Uncle Ken slammed the accelerator and sped away.
Behind them, the shadows attacked.
Nick summoned lightning.
Wyatt controlled the wind.
But the shadows were too strong.
"We need to retreat!" Wyatt shouted.
Suddenly—
Both warriors were lifted into the air by their throats.
Three meters above the ground.
They struggled desperately for air.
Rose tried to use her light power.
But her training was still incomplete.
It wasn't strong enough.
From the window, Maya watched with delight.
"Forget them," she commanded the shadows.
"Kill her."
The shadows dropped the warriors.
Then one wrapped around Rose's neck.
She was lifted into the air.
Slowly rising toward Maya's window.
Rose struggled.
She kicked.
She punched.
She tried everything she had learned.
But she couldn't breathe.
The closer she got to Maya, the clearer she saw her expression.
Joy.
Hunger.
Maya wanted her power.
Rose's vision began fading.
Then suddenly—
Light exploded from her body.
A powerful burst of energy struck the shadows and Maya at the same time.
The shadows vanished instantly.
Maya was thrown violently against the wall.
Blood spilled from her mouth.
She collapsed unconscious.
Rose fell from the second floor—
And hit the ground with a heavy thud.
"ROSE!" the warriors shouted.
They ran to her side.
She was unconscious.
Without wasting another second, they lifted her onto their backs and ran toward the forest.
Toward the Mystery Village.
Part 5: Life in the Mystery Village
_______________________
As the two guards ran through the forest carrying Rose on their backs, Uncle Ken, Aunt Emma, and Jack sped ahead in their car.
They entered the hidden road leading back to the Mystery Village and quickly parked near the barrier.
All three of them ran toward the entrance, waiting anxiously for the warriors to arrive.
Moments later, the two warriors burst through the trees and crossed the barrier with Rose still unconscious on their backs.
"ROSE!" Jack shouted.
The villagers looked up in alarm as the warriors rushed toward the hospital building.
"What happened?" people asked as they ran alongside them.
Inside the hospital, doctors immediately placed Rose onto a stretcher and began checking her breathing and vital signs.
Marina saw the commotion from across the village and hurried toward the hospital.
Please, Goddess… let them be safe, she prayed silently.
The warriors spoke quickly.
"The shadow attacked us," one of them said. "Rose fell from the second floor. Please help her!"
The doctor examined Rose carefully.
After several moments, his expression grew serious.
"She needs surgery."
Without hesitation, they rushed her into the operating room.
Outside, villagers filled the hallway, whispering prayers and hoping Rose would survive.
⸻
Marina turned to the two warriors.
"Come with me."
She led them into a private room.
"What happened?" she asked calmly.
Nick was still shaking.
He was known as one of the bravest warriors in the village, but now his confidence was shaken.
For the first time in years, he felt powerless.
He explained everything—the shadow, Maya, the attack, and Rose falling from the window.
As he spoke, Marina's eyes darkened.
When he finished, she stood quietly for a moment.
Then she said firmly,
"Gather the warriors."
"A battle is coming."
At that moment, a sudden vision struck her mind.
She saw the barrier shattered.
Chaos filling the village.
War.
⸻
Meanwhile, back at the orphanage…
Three hours had passed.
Maya slowly opened her eyes in her bed.
She looked around the room and saw Director Karen Shoemaker and Director Miles Becker standing nearby.
"What happened?" Maya asked weakly, her pale face looking innocent.
Director Miles cleared his throat.
"We found you unconscious. There was blood everywhere. We didn't know what to do, so we placed you back in bed."
He adjusted his glasses.
"You've been asleep for about three hours."
Maya smiled faintly.
So Rose's power could have killed me…
She slowly pushed the blanket aside and began getting out of bed.
Director Karen rushed forward.
"You can't get up! You're sick! You coughed blood and collapsed. There may have been an earthquake."
But Maya tilted her head slowly and looked at her with cold eyes.
"Who are you to speak to me that way?"
Her voice carried a chilling tone.
Both directors stepped back as a cold fear crawled down their spines.
"We were only concerned for your safety," Karen said nervously.
Maya slowly walked toward Director Miles.
Her smile was unnatural—far too cruel for a child.
Miles backed away, trembling.
Why do I feel like I'm about to die? he thought.
Maya spoke softly.
"I pay your salaries to stay quiet."
"All you have to do is run this place and leave me alone."
Her eyes darkened.
"But now… the curse has broken."
"I can finally leave."
She paused, sensing her power slowly returning.
For centuries she had been weakened, forced to hide inside the orphanage.
But Rose's power had broken something.
The curse was fading.
Instead of gratitude, Maya felt only hatred.
She wanted Rose's power for herself.
Suddenly Maya lifted Director Miles by the throat with dark magic.
"Thank you for your concern."
She drained his life force slowly.
His body collapsed lifeless onto the floor.
Maya's appearance began changing.
She no longer looked like a sick child.
Now she looked like a teenage girl.
Still young—but stronger.
She turned to Director Karen.
"You were always my favorite."
Karen shook her head in confusion.
"What are you talking about?"
Maya laughed softly.
"I was the one giving you orders."
"Every punishment you gave those children… every cruelty… it was because of me."
Her smile widened.
"And Rose… she was my favorite."
"I couldn't control her mind, so I had you torture her."
She laughed.
"Remember when you forced her to clean toilets and shoved her face inside them?"
Karen's entire body trembled.
Maya stepped closer and gently touched her cheek.
"Are you afraid?"
Her grin was terrifying.
But Maya suddenly turned away.
"You're still useful."
She opened the window with her power.
"You're in charge now."
"I'm going to collect the rest of my power."
She looked back once more.
"Rose is still alive."
Then Maya floated out of the window and disappeared into the forest.
⸻
Back in the Mystery Village, soldiers gathered for battle.
"What's happening?" one soldier whispered.
"I heard Rose was attacked."
"Nick and Wyatt brought her back unconscious."
"They said shadows disappeared when she fell from the window."
Another soldier nodded.
"Marina saw something in her vision. Something is coming."
"We just need Rose to wake up."
Inside the hospital room, Momo sat beside Rose's bed crying.
Jack stood nearby, worried.
Uncle Ken and Aunt Emma waited quietly.
Four hours had passed since Rose left surgery.
Momo grabbed Rose's hand.
"Big Sis… please wake up."
"You still have to teach me everything."
"Please… don't leave us."
⸻
Outside the village, Maya hovered in the forest.
She licked her lips.
"I can feel it…"
Rose's power.
The closer she moved toward the barrier, the stronger it became.
But suddenly Maya froze.
There was another presence.
Ancient.
Almost divine.
She stared at the barrier and laughed.
"So this is what's protecting you."
Dark energy gathered in her hand.
She created a massive sphere of dark matter and hurled it at the barrier.
The entire ground shook.
Inside the village, Marina fell to one knee, sweating.
She was holding the barrier together while controlling the forest.
Trees and vines attacked Maya, trying to drag her down.
But Maya destroyed them easily.
Then she formed another massive sphere of dark power and launched it again.
The barrier shattered.
⸻
Inside the village, warriors prepared for battle.
Women and children were already hidden in shelters.
The hospital activated its own protective barrier.
Marina collapsed.
"I'm leaving this in your hands," she whispered.
"Rose will wake soon…"
Then she fainted.
The lieutenant caught her.
"First platoon—attack!"
"Second platoon—defensive barrier!"
"Third platoon—support!"
The battle began.
⸻
Maya descended slowly from the sky.
She grabbed the first soldier by the throat and drained his life force.
Then another.
And another.
Nothing could break her barrier.
Soldiers panicked.
"Fall back!" the lieutenant shouted.
But Maya laughed.
"No, no, no…"
"You were only the appetizer."
She grabbed the lieutenant.
"Where is my darling Rose?"
"She's my main course."
⸻
Suddenly—
A voice echoed across the battlefield.
"Let him go."
Rose stood there.
Her hair burned bright red.
Her eyes glowed golden.
Light power surrounded her body.
Maya smiled widely.
"Ah… there you are."
⸻
Moments earlier, inside Rose's mind…
She had been falling through darkness.
Then a blazing Phoenix appeared before her.
"You are the power of life itself," the Phoenix said.
"You are the awakened one."
"Our ancestors stand behind you."
"This is only the beginning of your journey."
Then the Phoenix disappeared into the sky.
Rose's eyes snapped open.
Flames burst from her body.
She stood from the hospital bed and walked outside.
Nothing else mattered.
Only the battle.
⸻
Now she stood before Maya.
Maya threw dark energy at her.
Rose raised her hand.
A barrier of light wrapped tightly around her body.
The attack struck—but did nothing.
Rose smiled.
"So that's your best?"
She formed a blazing fireball in her hand.
Then another.
Maya's expression changed.
For the first time—
She felt fear.
Rose shaped the fire into a burning sword and charged forward.
The blade struck Maya's barrier.
Cracks spread across it.
Maya screamed in rage.
"You think you can defeat me?!"
Rose didn't stop.
She struck again.
And again.
The barrier shattered.
With one final strike, Rose sliced through Maya from shoulder to stomach.
Then she drove the burning sword through her chest.
"You killed my people," Rose said coldly.
"Life for life."
She cut off Maya's head.
The battlefield fell silent.
The lieutenant stared in disbelief.
Rose turned to him.
"Where is Marina?"
"She's safe," he said weakly.
But before anyone could celebrate—
A dark mist rose from Maya's body.
It wrapped around her corpse.
And lifted it into the sky.
The shadow vanished into the darkness.
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