Beth's POV “His Royal Badge has been destroyed, but more than that… his Life Force is barely detectable.Lucielle slowly nodded as Conrad spoke, her once-clear skin now showing wrinkles of worry from creased brows.As the Grand Mage of the Alliance, Lucielle had a lot of Spells at her disposal.One was a Spell to detect a person’s life force.Of course, there were conditions to be met for this to work, such as Lucielle’s proximity and extensive knowledge of the person in question.As such, while she could not detect the Life Force of the two Otherworlders who were missing, she could detect Brutus’ own.… And it was waning.“He’s dying. Or, at least, he’s in a very weakened state.”Upon hearing this, the students were appalled.They had been assured that the Dungeon, despite being dangerous, would be safe for them. They were also promised protection by Brutus and Lucielle.Yet…“I was able to track his location, thankfully. He’s at the very bottom of the Dungeon—the Last Floor.”Ever
Beth's POV “This isn’t how it’s supposed to go…”Adonis muttered to himself, his gaze fixed on the night sky. While he couldn’t recall every single detail from the past, this particular incident was engraved in his memory.‘The kidnapping of Billy and Alicia… it’s supposed to happen way further in the future!’Sure, a lot of things had been altered now, but he hadn’t expected such a drastic change to the original timeline.‘They’ll nearly be sold at the slave auction a few days after being captured, but thankfully the investigation was done before the auction was completed.’As a result, the Royal Knights swooped in and apprehended a lot of criminals in the Black Market and Slavery World.Unfortunately, this huge victory came with a great loss.‘Alicia’s mental state became unstable and she went insane. Billy was fine, but he was so concerned with Alicia’s health that he didn’t focus on training any longer…’Eventually, Alicia’s mental health deteriorated to the point where she even
Beth's POV As she sat on her chair, piles of Coins were arranged to form towers before her.There were quite a few Bronze Coin Towers, a couple made up of Silver Coins, and finally…… A Golden Coin Tower!Her face beamed with joy like that of a child playing with their favorite toy.Sylvia had dark ebony skin, black hair, and intense black eyes.They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, but Sylvia’s dark irises showed nothing, prompting many to call her soulless.She didn’t mind, though. What good was a soul if one couldn’t afford the pleasures of life?That was her philosophy.“Seems like no one is planning an invasion today either. What a bummer…” Sylvia sighed, resting her hand against her cheek as she gazed over her treasures.Her office was within the Warehouse Building, and it was considerably large. Since she was the Manager, it was only a given.Several panels, similar to System Panels, were floating in the air before her, thus occupying her line of sight.“Nothing out o
Beth's POV{Skill Details}[Absolute Appraisal]Tier: SAbility: Allows the user to see the Status Windows of the targets with perfect accuracy. Exception only occurs when faced with Tiers higher than the Tier of this Skill.[End Of Information]Rey's jaw dropped as he stared at the panel in front of him.‘What the heck? So she checked my Status Window and found out my name?’The girl continued to stare at him with her doll-like face, her glowing blue eyes pleading for help.‘She seems to be in an even worse state than Alicia. That means she’s been here for longer.’Instead of relying solely on the limited information he had, Rey decided to use the Skill she had used on him and uncover the truth for himself.‘It’s an S-Tier Skill, so it’s bound to consume some Mana. Still…’Rey was dying of curiosity. He had to know!‘[Absolute Appraisal].’[STATUS WINDOW] - Name: Esme- Race: Half-Elf (Human and Elf)- Class: Commoner (F-Tier)- Level: 1 (91.34% EXP) - Life Force: 2/100 {Critical}
Beth's POV “Sir Seller… are you sure this is the Item you desire? We have better items available, and I’m not sure this suits your… style.”As Aldred said this, Rey inspected the item once more, cradling it in his palm.The enchanted item in question was a ring. It had a pure white surface, with an amber crystal affixed at the top.The amber crystal reminded him of Alicia, leading him to recall a big blunder he had made.‘I completely forgot about her!’They had both exchanged glances and smiles numerous times that morning, so perhaps she had expected them to hang out.‘My mind was so swamped that I didn’t even remember her!’ Rey thought, panicking already.That was when he made a choice that, though illogical, felt deeply fulfilling emotionally."It’s not... for me," Rey replied to Aldred with a dismissive tone.He could already see Noah smirking beneath his hooded disguise, and he felt like punching his teeth out.‘So what if I got it for Alicia? It’s normal for friends to get each
Beth's POV Rey found it weird that Belle had just asked the question so casually, but after considering the fact that she freely told him hers, it had to mean they were close.Since he didn’t know the nature of their relationship, he decided not to bother with it and just listen like the busybody that he was.As he stood there, a sudden voice interrupted.“Hey Rey, do you have a moment?” Rey heard a whisper behind him he kept his attention fixed on Belle and Adonis, dismissing the voice.“You really did well with those—”“Not now! Hold on…” Rey didn’t even bother looking behind him as he kept his gaze on the two.“O-okay…”He felt a little bad for what he did, but this was a crucial moment for him.Once he heard what he wanted, he would apologize and hear the person out.Since he didn’t recognize the voice, it was probably a random student.“… Ah, I’m in Level 9 now.”‘WHAAAAAT?!’ Rey couldn’t believe his ears.“Almost Level 10 too…”‘HOW IS THIS EVEN FAIR?!’ He wanted to scream th
Beth's POV The rest of the floor exploration was a breeze for Rey.He quickly realized that when he put his mind to it, C-Tier Monsters really weren’t a threat to him.He didn’t even let them get a chance to attack before countering and destroying them, whether they were out in the open or hiding.A few managed to unleash attacks like [Ice Breath], but Rey easily countered them with his [Grand Fire Magic] or [Greater Explosion].He also considered it a waste since he already had an [Icy Breath] Skill.Since they functioned similarly and were of the same Tier, there was no real need to keep the Skill he got from the monster.By the time he arrived at what was supposed to be the Boss Room, he was already Level 25.*******“Status Window,” Rey mumbled.[STATUS WINDOW] - Name: Rey Skylar.- Race: Human (Otherworlder)- Class: Elite Enigma (B-Tier)- Level: 25 (99.19% EXP) - Life Force: 22 (+16)- Mana Level: 84 (+16)- Combat Ability: 30 (+16)- Stat Points: 9- Skills (Exclusive): [Do
Beth's POV Rey and Adonis didn’t speak another word to each other until they got to the Living Quarters.As they pushed open the door, they found everyone already gathered in the living room, just as Adonis had said.However, it wasn’t just the students there; Conrad and all four members of the Royal Council were also present, along with Lucielle.‘What’s with their faces? They don’t look so good…’ However, that wasn’t the only thing that caught his attention as he entered.He looked hard at the crowd of students before him, counting only twenty-four instead of twenty-six, excluding himself and Adonis.He didn’t see Billy in the crowd, which surprised him since Billy was always a stickler for the rules.However, much more concerning for Rey was the other person who also seemed to be absent.‘Alicia isn’t here…?!’The fact that he hadn’t seen her in the Library as well meant one thing—something had happened to her.‘What’s going on? Is she alright?’As he looked at the downcast expre
Anna's POV The world had watched Freddie Markson’s death unfold, but now, the world had moved on.His empire had crumbled, his enemies had been silenced, and those who remained knew better than to challenge the ones who had orchestrated it all. Anna and Dorian had won—not just their freedom, but the power to shape their own future.They settled into a life neither had ever dared to dream of.A Life Without FearThe estate that once belonged to Freddie was now theirs, though they had stripped it of anything that reminded them of its former owner. The rooms had been redecorated, the walls painted in lighter tones, the heavy, oppressive air of its previous life erased.Dorian had taken control of Freddie’s financial network, diverting assets, cutting ties with anyone who had been a liability. The wealth was staggering—far more than they could ever need. But it wasn’t about the money. It was about never having to run again.And for the first time in years, Anna felt safe.She spent her d
Anna's POV The world was watching.The chaos erupted within minutes.Freddie Markson was dead.The sprawling estate, once filled with laughter and murmurs of power, now buzzed with panic. Security flooded the halls, hushed conversations turning into frantic whispers as news spread like wildfire. Guests clutched their champagne glasses, some gasping, others exchanging knowing glances—men and women who had spent their lives in high-stakes deals, familiar with the consequences of power plays gone wrong.No one knew what had happened. Not yet.But they would soon.And that was why Dorian moved quickly.He had infiltrated the wedding unnoticed, slipping in through the mass of high-profile guests, blending into the sea of tailored suits and designer dresses. He had watched everything—Anna on Freddie’s arm, the way she smiled at him, the way she played her part so well it made Dorian’s blood boil. He had clenched his jaw through every toast, every scripted glance, every sickening display of
The world was watching.Hundreds of guests filled the sprawling estate, their laughter mingling with the soft notes of a grand piano. The ballroom itself was a masterpiece—vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate gold detailing, chandeliers dripping with crystals that refracted the warm glow of candlelight. Outside, the vast gardens were illuminated with soft lanterns, casting long shadows over the manicured hedges and reflecting pools. Waiters in crisp white jackets wove through the crowd, balancing silver trays laden with vintage champagne, caviar, and delicate amuse-bouches.The guest list read like a who’s who of power—Hollywood elite, Wall Street titans, political dynasties, and foreign dignitaries. They moved through the estate like chess pieces, each conversation laced with subtle negotiations and whispered alliances. Tonight wasn’t just about a wedding—it was a spectacle, an orchestrated display of power.And at the center of it all stood Freddie Markson and Anna.The cameras n
Dorian’s POVDorian woke to cold sheets.At first, he thought that Anna was in the shower or making coffee. But the apartment was silent—too silent. His gut twisted. He reached across the sheets, finding them cool to the touch.For a moment, he lay still, his mind sluggish with sleep, but then it hit him—Sophia was gone. She had taken advantage of the night and slipped out.He slept late which was what had made him wake up late as well. He knew it was futile to search for her on foot since she'd have had a wide head start. His heart pounded as he threw back the covers and sat up. The apartment was silent. Too silent. He grabbed his phone from the nightstand and dialed her number. It went straight to voicemail.He tried again. Nothing.Panic gnawed at his insides as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood, scanning the dimly lit room. Her things were still here—her shoes by the door, her jacket draped over the chair. But she wasn’t.Moving quickly, he checked the front do
The wind roared around me as the private jet touched down on a long, isolated runway. I had barely spoken since Viktor led me aboard. Part of me still couldn’t believe I had agreed to this. The USB drive he’d given me burned in my pocket, but I hadn’t dared to look at it. Not yet. Not until I knew exactly what I was stepping into.As the plane taxied to a stop, Viktor unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to me. “This is your last chance to turn back.”I met his gaze. “You and I both know that’s not an option.”His jaw tightened, but he said nothing. He stood and grabbed his coat, nodding for me to follow. The moment we stepped off the plane, a sleek black car was waiting for us, the driver already holding the door open.I slid into the backseat, my fingers curling into my lap as Viktor settled in beside me. The moment the door shut, the car moved forward, gliding through the night.The estate was massive. Iron gates loomed ahead, the emblem on them gleaming under the dim security lights.
The fear never left me. It clung to my skin, wrapped around my throat and sat heavy in my chest. I told myself I was strong, that I had survived worse, but the truth was, I was exhausted.Every night, I laid awake listening to Dorian’s steady breathing. I imagined them finding us, breaking down the door, dragging us back into the nightmare we had barely escaped. I imagined what they’d do to us.After a while I couldn’t live like this anymore. I knew what I had to do.I waited until Dorian was asleep. He always slept light, but exhaustion had finally caught up to him. It was the only chance I’d get.I moved carefully, easing out from under the blanket, barely breathing as I pulled on my coat. My heart pounded so hard I was sure it would wake him. My boots were by the door. I slipped them on, then hesitated. My fingers hovered over the doorknob.If I left now, there was no turning back.I stepped out into the night.The cold bit at my skin as I pulled my coat tighter, shoving my hands i
Anna’s POV“You need to be checked, Anna. We don’t know—”“No,” I cut him off, shaking my head. “We don’t know who we can trust.”Dorian clenched his jaw no doubt frustrated by my stubbornness but I wasn't going to back down.We were arguing once more about going to the hospital. I knew that he was right and I ought to but the facility had been relentless in hunting us down. We had no way of knowing who was still looking and who might recognize me. A simple doctor’s visit could be the mistake that led them straight to us.Instead, I focused on listening to my body, trusting what little instinct I had. The nausea came and went, and a strange sort of awareness settled in my bones. It wasn’t just me anymore.Dorian was torn. I saw it in the way his hands hovered near me, as if he wanted to shield me from everything but didn’t know how. He tightened security around us, changing our routines. No more walking the same routes, no more visits to the same markets or shops. He made sure the apa
Anna's POV The highway stretched endlessly before us so much that I wondered if it would end. The sound of the engine was the only noise we heard as we crossed another nameless border under stolen identities. Dorian kept his hands tight on the wheel, his jaw clenched. There were so many things I wanted to talk to him about but I was content for the moment with watching the road signs blur past, my fingers tapping anxiously against my thigh.Neither of us spoke because we didn’t need to. We both understood what was happening. Our old lives and everything as we had known it were gone. The facility, the experiments, Reinhardt. Everything we had run from was behind us. But the thought of them was hard to let go off.I closed my eyes, but the moment I did, flashes of the lab burned behind my lids. I remembered being trapped on the cold metal table. The scalpel in my hands and the guard’s blood seeping between my fingers.I jolted upright, gasping and saw Dorian hovering above me. "Nigh
Anna's POV "You were meant to be an experiment," Dr. Reinhardt said to me leaning over to emphasise his words.I wondered what I had done to warrant the attention of this mad German scientist. I knew though that it had to be because of Dorian mixing up with the wrong crowd.The heavy door behind Reinhardt hissed open and a guard in a black uniform stepped in and Reinhardt nodded toward me."Prepare her for transport."I yanked at the restraints with all the strength I could summon. I wasn’t going to let them win like this.The guard moved closer and just then the lights flickered.The sudden dimming made Reinhardt pause and looked up at the overhead lamps which buzzed as if it was struggling for power. Then, in a blink, red emergency lights flooded the room.A low alarm groaned through the facility and the pitch kept increasing.Something was wrong.Reinhardt’s expression tightened as he turned toward the guard. "Find out what—"~BOOM!!!~The entire room shook and dust rained down