The officer enveloped the crowd in his white life force. Soon, the horrified looks on their faces disappeared.Darius crossed his arms and watched silently. He nodded and smiled. "You seem to be familiar with this."The officer nodded. "I specialize in cleaning up after you people, after all. You'd be able to do it with your eyes closed after a few times."Darius raised an eyebrow. "Do people like me constantly create messes like this for you to clean up?""There's no point in trying to probe me for more information. You won't get what you want. I'm used to dealing with you enlightened martial artists," the officer said calmly. He even smiled.Darius' smile widened. "It's been a while since I've last met someone as interesting as you."The officer retracted his life force and crossed his arms. "The name's Gabriel Andrews. I'm in charge of enlightened martial artists like you."Darius said, "You're a conundrum. You're polite and impolite at the same time."Gabriel smiled at that. "Well
"I know a little something about the person behind Dream Investment Group. It's something that no one else knows." Gabriel gave Darius a complicated look. "I also know there's something wrong with my body and emotions."I've prepared myself to retire and rest after this is over. I didn't expect you to give me such a surprise, though." He sat opposite Darius.The crowd had dispersed so they could talk in peace. Gabriel seemed somewhat haggard as he said, "I know bits and pieces of everything. I've never tried putting them together, though."Darius looked calm. He didn't seem surprised by Gabriel's sudden switch from hostility to anticipation. He looked at the ground as his mind raced. He didn't really know how to deal with these experiments. Their emotions seemed rather unstable.It was as if they'd been designed to deal with enlightened martial artists like himself. Darius raised an eyebrow. A small smile curved his lips but soon faded. He sat up straight. "You guys were created to de
Darius stopped and turned around to look at Gabriel. In that instant, Gabriel felt his hair stand on end. He didn't know what the look in Darius' eyes meant. He did know it didn't bode well for him, though.Darius said icily, "You're a fool, Gabriel. Who were you going to hand me over to now that you've found me?" He raised an eyebrow mockingly. He crossed his arms, looking like he couldn't wait to see what Gabriel had to say.Gabriel's expression shifted. Darius raised an eyebrow. "I guess my question's a shocker, huh? Looks like it didn't occur to you at all."Gabriel's expression shifted between awkwardness and anger. Indeed, he hadn't considered Darius' question at all. Darius put his hands behind his back and smiled. He watched Gabriel, waiting for an answer.Gabriel gnashed his teeth. Darius waited for a while but didn't receive a response. He said, "Your identity's pretty complicated, isn't it?" He held a hand up and started listing what he knew."Firstly, you're an officer wit
"It's just that you guys want me to go with you willingly. That's why you've only shown up now. Of course, there's another reason. I guessed everything on my own," said Darius. He sighed and put his hands behind his back.His gaze was cold as he looked at Gabriel. "Now, have you decided who you're gonna hand me over to?"Gabriel couldn't believe how accurate Darius' guesses were. He had to choose one of the three parties he served to swear his allegiance to. As he hesitated, Darius said, "You're a spy that the enlightened martial artists sent to the organization for the black-robed people."What I want to know is how you managed to get a job with the authorities. It's such a huge leap. I wouldn't even have thought it possible." Darius raised an eyebrow.A trace of surprise flashed in Gabriel's eyes. He didn't expect Darius to say this. Once again, Darius had accurately pinpointed the anomaly. Getting a job with the authorities had been nothing but an accident.Gabriel bit his lip as h
Gabriel moved to stand beside Darius. He asked, "What are you doing?"Darius sighed and turned to look at him. He said helplessly, "Don't you think we've wasted too much time here? If I were you, I'd track Borisin down and try to find out what happened. After that, I'd deal with this matter with Noah."Gabriel smiled at him, but it didn't reach his eyes. Darius hated the look on his face. He said, "I thought we'd achieved a sort of balance. Yet, you don't look too pleased. That look on your face is upsetting me."He put his hands behind his back. Gabriel frowned and parted his lips to speak, but Darius waved a hand to stop him. "Look, we've been at this for a while. You've said many things, but none of them are what I want to hear."He sighed. "That's why I've decided not to say another word to you until you give me a proper explanation. Or a way to resolve this, at least."Gabriel snorted. He put his hands on his hips and spat, "I wasn't gonna say anything, but you're really pushing
"Based on what the enlightened martial artists' alliance wants, I should bring you to them. I doubt things will turn out well for me no matter what I do. That's why I'm leaving the decision to you. Which would you prefer?" Gabriel asked.Darius didn't expect this of him. He raised an eyebrow and stared at Gabriel for a long time. Then, he said, "I'll be honest with you. I'm surprised by your actions. I'd like to know what you think, though. Do you have any suggestions for me?"Darius was calm, but the same couldn't be said for Gabriel. His eyes widened in astonishment. He didn't expect Darius to ask him for his opinion. And his instinct told him Darius would go with what he suggested.Gabriel exhaled and smiled. "I'd suggest we deal with the authorities first. Then, I'll take you to the enlightened martial artists' alliance. They didn't tell me much about the situation. I'm doing all of this of my own volition."Darius raised an eyebrow in surprise. He'd never met anyone like Gabriel
In the end, Gabriel sighed and raised his head. He looked tormented. "Darius, you've already made your feelings on this matter clear. Unfortunately, this is as far as my help goes."I've already decided to hand you over to the enlightened martial artists' alliance. As for what happens after that, I won't be interfering. Where you go from there and how they treat you is up to them."All I need to do is complete my mission." Gabriel put his hands behind his back.Darius sensed his determination and smirked. "You're losing your grip on your emotions again. Is your intention to kill me?" He raised an eyebrow. "Because you can't get the answer you want from me."Gabriel felt frustrated. He shut his eyes and exhaled. A few seconds later, he opened them again. He smiled at Darius. "Thanks for the reminder, Darius." He looked up at the sky."I can't control my emotions at all right now. As soon as a thought forms in my mind, it aggravates me. This is a problem I realized long ago, but I don't
Though unwilling to rain on Gabriel's parade, Darius had to curb his excitement. "I can see how excited you are, but you need to calm down. I may be willing to go with you, but it's easier said than done."I have to deal with my internship, the Reid Consortium, and West Atlantics Int'l. In other words, I'm incredibly busy. How long will a trip to the alliance take? Time is of the essence, and I can't waste too much of it on the alliance."And because of this, I can't promise I can head to the alliance with you at such short notice."Gabriel didn't expect Darius to say this. He smiled. "I'll make sure we don't take too long."Darius raised an eyebrow, then nodded. "Alright, then. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt." He smiled. "Now that we're on the same page, let's not waste more time here." He put his hands behind his back.Gabriel couldn't understand his sudden eagerness but took it in stride. He nodded. "Great. If you're agreeable, we can leave now."Darius watched him silently