Landon set his palm on Devon's head gently. Devon's soul had been unstable, and vengefulness had come to fill his gaze. However, with Landon's touch, his gaze slowly became as vacant as before.Purple energy swirled around him—an omen of immense fortune. That was what Aria saw. However, Devon's stabilization wasn't solely due to his fortune; Landon's innate power to suppress spirits had quelled him completely.All spirits could only yield to Landon, who was superior to them.Devon looked up, his eyes distant. "I died. Everyone else is dead too. Soren died protecting me. He was pierced through the back…""No, no," Devon muttered to himself. "There's something else, but I've forgotten. I've forgotten something really important."Aria pushed his flailing arms down. "It's okay. We'll figure it out eventually. We're going to Nymeria now."Aria's entourage finally passed inspection at the gates. Sam remained quiet throughout. Unexpectedly, he hadn't popped up to tell Blanc and Noir
Aria didn't respond immediately. After some thought, she sent someone a text message and told them to take note of the current situation in Nymeria. The existence of Krowonians here in Farshya was not out of the ordinary. Aria said, "Our people visit each other's countries sometimes now for cultural exchange and trade."Devon took some time to come to terms with how things were different now. Yet, he reacted violently. "They're not ordinary Krowonians; they're the people who were violent toward us! They're all holding guns too!""Are you saying that they're from the army?" Aria's gaze darkened. "You're both spirits, and in the same place at that?"Devon's brain was muddled. "I don't think we're in the same place. They have food and drink, and they're living quite relaxedly."It was impossible for the Krowonian spirits to have food and drink on Farshyan soil, not when they had once invaded this land. This would only happen under one condition—someone had given them offerings.Ari
"Fine, whatever you say." Dean Rutgers glared at Aria. "There's no baby formula here. If you need it, go borrow it elsewhere."Aria left immediately, as if terrified, but in reality, she was moving to take photos so she could better explain the situation to the train marshals onboard.This was because she'd noticed something unsettling. It wasn't just this carriage that felt off; there were many women with babies in their arms, and they'd all boarded at midnight. She had also noticed the tattoo on Dean's arm, a design only worn by criminals willing to risk their lives for money. This wasn't something the train marshals could handle alone.At least ten people in this carriage were under Dean's control. The middle-aged man with glasses, smoking between carriages, was in charge of keeping watch. The men playing poker and drinking were only there to distract the authorities. Their rowdiness kept attention away from the women and their babies. It was all part of a premeditated sc
"What's he saying?""As if I know what he's talking about."The passengers craned their necks to look at Dean. Soon after, another man on the train put his arm around Dean's shoulders. "We're from the same hometown. He's saying weird things because he's drunk."Bart Taggart punched Dean in the abdomen. He asked in a low voice, "What's wrong with you?""Bart, I—" Dean was just about to say something when he saw a pale-faced baby on Bart's shoulder, staring at him creepily.That baby was one of those he'd trafficked.Dean was so scared that he collapsed on his seat, muttering, "This place is haunted, Bart, it's haunted! Those little ghosts are coming for us!"Ghosts?Almost all the passengers in the carriage woke up, and pandemonium ensued.Marna and the other women with babies looked at Dean. Bart slapped a bracelet on the table with a ferocious glare. "He's gotten so drunk that he's rambling."That bracelet was a rare one. It was a thread of sandalwood beads with a special fr
"I suspect that some of them are foreign mercenaries," Aria said.The train marshal was stunned for a moment. "You've read too many of those novels, young lady. We inspected everyone onboard very strictly so foreign mercenaries couldn't have boarded the train.""Usually." Aria opened a photo on her phone. "Look at the weird position of their hands. Also, the babies in these women's arms were all drugged."The train marshal shot up instantly after seeing the photo. It was obvious that this young marshal hadn't encountered something so serious before. "I'll report this to my superiors immediately.""You don't have time to. Where is the broadcasting system? Take me there," Aria said.The young train marshal was still hesitating. According to regulations, passengers couldn't enter the driver's compartment and the broadcasting room.Noticing that, Aria made a call immediately. "Have the conductor and person in charge of train K122 issue a command to every staff member onboard. Inform
"Yeah, that was weird as hell. He was saying something about how the hospital sold them, not him, and that they shouldn't come to him. What did this hospital sell?""Sounds dangerous. It's probably some shady hospital."Carriage 6 was instantly filled with a cacophony as everyone discussed what had happened. Under such circumstances, it was normal for people to develop curiosity about current events. However, some of the passengers didn't join the conversation; they were watching where Dean was taken away to, as if waiting for an opportunity to strike. Luckily, the train stopped temporarily, giving them time to devise a plan again. Pandemonium hadn't ensued because they were exposed but because Dean had suddenly spiraled into madness. Under such special circumstances, the last thing they wanted was for their plan to unravel halfway.Meticulous preparation was necessary prior to delivering a batch of goods. Not only did they have to bribe various authorities, but they also had to
The train marshal dealing with Marna was conflicted for a moment. Had the higher-ups made a mistake? After all, not every woman with a baby was involved in this case. While the officer hesitated, Marna started crying piteously. "I'm just taking my baby back to my hometown with me. Please, sir, you can't just arrest innocent people like me!"I'm so unlucky! Oh, dear! Why did I take this train? I should've gone back one day later. My son's grandparents wanted to see him badly, so I decided to rush back. Little did I know this would happen to me!"The authorities were most wary of people like her, with kind faces and little education, because they couldn't determine her alleged innocence.Even the other passengers were vouching for her. "Is there a misunderstanding, sir? She had been holding this baby in her arms. She wasn't talking much, and she didn't board the train with these men.""Exactly, sir—"The passengers onboard tended to be kind. Whenever something like this happened,
Even the members of the organization thought Bart was the leader. They didn't know Marna's true identity. She'd thought that she could escape from this unscathed. Even if she was arrested, she had prepared an excuse—she'd claim that she was doing this under coercion. However, this wouldn't happen, not when Aria was here. She was skilled in analyzing the logic behind people's actions as well as mental profiling, and she'd noticed, way earlier on, that Bart would look at Marna first whenever he spoke.Marna looked like a woman holding a baby, someone even Bart could be aggressive toward. However, that was only the surface. She had remained calm since the arrest started, and unlike everyone else involved, she was yet to be haunted by vengeful spirits.Like Bart, she carried an item that repelled vengeful spirits, which was why they dared not approach her. Aria yanked on the length of red string around Marna's neck, and the older woman suddenly turned pale. In front of her stood a
The HR employee glanced over at Aria and spoke with a hint of cockiness. "Eden, I called your name twice. You should pay more attention next time. You can't act like this during the interview. Otherwise, you might not even complete the application."The cockier she sounded, the more convinced the students became that the scholarship program was legitimate. Their wariness gradually faded.Noticing the students' reactions, Aria walked over to the HR employee.The woman said nothing more. She looked Aria up and down, glanced at the red mark on the paper, then turned and led Aria to the innermost room—her heels clicking sharply on the floor.Aria knew she was their real target. Others had arrived before her, but they were ignored until she showed up.Inside, the interviewer was a middle-aged man. He gestured for Aria to sit. Without much expression, he asked, "Eden, will you be able to adjust to foreign cuisines? What are your expectations for your future school? What are your plans af
After entering the building, Aria discovered there were at least ten other students around her age. Some had been picked up from rural areas. All of them believed they were there for a language test in Angladian, and many were busy practicing their speaking skills.The leader gestured for his subordinates to push Aria forward. "Off you go. Try your best to nail it on the first shot."Aria walked inside without resistance. She noted that surveillance cameras had been installed in every corner, even at every hallway turn. It was clear all the students were under strict observation.She had to admit—the company was much more professional-looking than expected. If she hadn't disguised herself as Eden or known in advance that the company was suspicious, she might have believed this was a legitimate organization."Alright. Next student, come with me," called one of the HR staff.Everyone seemed busy. Employees sat at desks buried under piles of documents, each preoccupied with their ow
Those who dedicated their lives to protecting others didn't care about how people viewed them, because a greater purpose drove them.Just as Brent had said, no one would help people like them without expecting compensation. And if anyone did, it could only be the Farshyan soldiers.At that moment, the train to Janovin began to move.…Meanwhile, Aria, disguised as Eden, sat quietly in the car with her eyes closed, appearing to be asleep. She didn't react when the man sitting next to her gently tapped her arm. He leaned closer and whispered, "Sir, doesn't she seem different from usual? Do you think she's car sick or something?"The driver frowned, holding up an ID photo and glancing back at her."Maybe she's just used to us now. Probably has everything figured out by this point. Anyway, our job's just to drop her off. What happens after that isn't our concern. Once they pick her up, we'll get our money."Unbeknownst to them, Aria was wide awake, listening to every word and memor
Ordinary people understood the harshness of reality. Brent, having lived in poverty for most of his life, had been looked down on more times than he could count.Poor people like them could die unnoticed at home, and no one would care, let alone offer help without expecting something in return.If something really happened to Eden, Brent doubted he and his wife could do anything to save her. Judy was a prime example. Her father, Alec Lanez, had even given up selling bread just to look for her.Every time Alec went to the school, he was met with the same cold response."It has nothing to do with us. Your daughter ran away and refuses to acknowledge you. So why are you coming here? Peasants like you should know your place. Without us, people like you could only dream of going overseas. How filthy!"Brent had heard the school's representative say those exact words when he accompanied Alec. Both of them could only stand there, humiliated and speechless.Alec's back was sore from how m
Eden immediately opened the windows after hearing that. "Did Ms. Carver send you here? Is she in any danger? I'm really worried about her. Should I call the police? I'd feel horrible if anything happened to her."Weston remained calm and indifferent. "Calling the police will only make them suspicious. My boss is amazing, and there's nothing she can't handle. She has a plan. Right now, my priority is to bring all of you to Heartbound Hall in Janovin so your grandfather can receive treatment."The respect in Weston's voice when he spoke of Aria was unmistakable."Pack up your things and come with me," Weston ordered.Their team had already checked the surroundings and ensured nothing would go wrong. Anyone watching would think Eden's grandparents were simply collecting bottles and preparing lunch as usual, not leaving the house until the afternoon.Without wasting time, Weston picked up the elderly couple's luggage. His most important task now was to get Eden and her grandparents to
"We followed the address, so this must be the place. Sir, isn't that the girl?" It was the same group of people as before. After failing their last mission because of Aria, they were being extra cautious this time."We can't afford any more mistakes. Treat her kindly so that she won't suspect anything.""Yes, sir."When they saw a young woman in a school uniform appear right on time, they were convinced she was the right person. After all, Aria looked exactly like Eden.They rolled down the car window and waved. "Ms. Bohmer, over here."Aria looked up and recognized several familiar faces. She grabbed her bag and walked toward the car."Ms. Bohmer, we meet again," The driver greeted Aria warmly. "Let's go."The team had prepared for a difficult encounter. They'd even been authorized to use force if necessary, as long as they avoided surveillance cameras. But to their surprise, Aria simply opened the car door and got in without resistance.Aria glanced at their puzzled expression
The aged voice was filled with indifference. "It seems like she reached a dead end."Amos sneered. "I don't understand why these peasants like staying in the city. Still, it's fortunate for us. Otherwise, it'd be hard to get our hands on them.""Amos," the person cut in sharply, as if reminding him of his place.Amos only dared to speak so harshly when no one was around. If word got out, his image as the perfect secretary would be ruined.He quickly calmed down and fell silent. The caller didn't press the matter, simply saying, "You need to change the way you speak and act from now on."Since she's already agreed, give her the money. Don't treat her requests as a nuisance. The more requests they make, the less likely they are to cause trouble later."After picking her up tomorrow, send a few men to check if her grandparents need any help. Make sure everything is done properly."Amos nodded. "I understand. You always see the bigger picture. We'll continue looking after them."Poo
"I promise it won't happen again!" To an outsider, it might've sounded like Amos was talking about the cafeteria mishap. But the truth was much darker. What Amos really meant was that incidents like this could continue, just never publicly. Once the media's attention died down, they could go back to doing whatever they pleased. But for now, the performance had to be flawless.The man on the other end of the call seemed satisfied. Though his voice was flat and monotonous, there was a noticeable shift; it was now less stern."She's been manipulating the stock market," he said. "It's caused major damage to several of Luwditen's corporations. We can't let her walk free."Amos removed his glasses, a grim look on his face. "That's exactly what I told the Securities Regulatory Department. It doesn't matter who comes to plead on her behalf. Even if she's the late Mr. Barron's heir, she has to face the law."She's confessed. No one's going to let her off the hook now. You know what jail'
At first, Eden didn't understand what Aria meant. But as night fell, Aria lowered her head and started fumbling with something. When she looked up again, Eden was stunned—Aria looked exactly like her.Eden's eyes widened in disbelief. She'd only seen something like this in movies. But now, it was unfolding right in front of her. So there really was such a flawless disguise technique in the world."Aria, you…""Since I'm using your identity, I have to be you," Aria said with a soft tug of her mask, smiling. She had always been bold, yet precise. Working in the Special Missions Unit meant secrecy was second nature to her—this part was routine."Stay home and rest tonight. I'll leave first thing in the morning. Once I'm gone and the coast is clear, take your grandparents and leave."Eden opened her mouth, unsure of how to respond. She didn't even know when the people watching them would leave."My team will come get you," Aria reassured her. "What's important is that your grandparent