Paggie could barely conceal the excitement on her face. "Miss, is everything you said true?" she couldn't help but confirm.Aria nodded. "That's right. They came here first. I'm sure they had already filled you in about future events."Paggie smiled. "That's right. They told us Farshya would have airplanes and cannons that are more advanced than those outside our country in the future."When our unit saw these students, we were quite stunned. We couldn't understand some of the things they said, like mouse, laptops, and the internet. They said they got here while surfing the internet, and honestly, I don't know what they're talking about."Their clothes do seem quite fashionable. I thought they returned from overseas when I first saw them. When they said they came from the future, we all thought they weren't in their right minds from the bomb blastings."I already talked with them before you came here. I still think it's quite unbelievable they're from the future."Paggie handed a
In fact, Paggie didn't seem to be looking at Aria. Instead, she saw the future they had fought so hard to have through her. With a spirit in harmony with Heaven and Earth, all of the soldiers endeavored to improve the lives of all, preserving the wisdom of their elders and bringing forth an age of lasting peace and prosperity. As long as the new Farshya was not formed, Paggie wouldn't give up.Paggie had previously felt a bit disappointed, but not because the younger generations had forgotten them. Instead, she was concerned that their future generations, for whom the mentors had great expectations, might have grown self-satisfied and dependent on others.Were all of them like this in the future? Were they still being bullied in the future?The thought made Paggie feel uneasy until she met Aria. By then, she understood that their future generations were doing well. Their future generations were more cultured and talented, knowing more than them. Plus, they had endless confidence
"Shut up." Evander was still thinking about the tools he needed to start a fire.Benedict was still in pain but continued, "I don't mean evil. Don't you remember how afraid we were when we traveled back? It was barely an hour ago. They asked us so many questions and almost thought we were spies."She just came here and doesn't look a bit afraid, nor is she concerned about whether she can head back. She's going to pick herbs in the mountains and even ordered you guys around. Dude, can you wake up? This is a war, a part of history."It's not like we can change history. Why are we making such a huge deal out of it? It's nothing we need to care about. There is something wrong about that woman!"Evander couldn't take it anymore. He threw down what he was holding. "You're the one who has a few screws loose. Don't you think you look like a spy? I feel embarrassed enough not to be able to answer the questions just now."Dude, you're also a man. If you don't have the guts, then shut up. I
Astrid giggled. "Right. I also think you have quite a refined temperament. Miss, it was just a misunderstanding. There are only a few of us that came, but we'll do whatever you tell us to do."Aria glanced at her. "I told you to shut up and stop talking." Immediately, Astrid went silent.Aria's tactics could control those who were fearful of their own lives. She passed the knife in her hand to Evander. "Heat the blade until it turns red. Until I come back, you can help Ingrid.""Okay!" Evander didn't understand why he chose to follow her words despite her being younger than them. Aria then turned to Ingrid. "Believe in yourself. You can do it."Ingrid was not confident about her professional abilities. After all, she was still a student. Although she learned some clinical knowledge, she wasn't even placed on an internship yet. That was why she claimed she was a nursing student. However, Ingrid wanted to give it a try right now. What if she could save one martyr?Seeing Aria wa
Aria clenched the newspaper with a dark look. Barron had something he wanted to give her.When she entered the manifestation last time, she had mentioned to Barron she was from the future. Thus, the thing he referred to was most likely in the present world.However, Aria was puzzled why Warren didn't tell her that Barron left something for her. Although Warren had shown her some family heirlooms that included Barron's belongings, none of them were to be specifically handed to her.A thought suddenly popped up in Aria's mind. The Earthbound Manifestation might be related to Barron. Every item in the manifestation was there for a reason. Plus, the entrance of the Earthbound Manifestation was placed near Ian's villa. Ian had been under the ancestral's protection too.When she thought of that, she carefully put the newspaper away. Although the others didn't understand why she cherished a newspaper so much, they didn't dare to ask and continued on their work.Although there was no si
The strangest thing about Grief Peak was that one couldn't hear another's shout from the other end. The mountain only had electricity in 2017, yet some professional adventurers remained fearful of challenging it.Plus, the woods were filled with poisonous snakes, insects, leeches, black bears, and a persistent miasma that wouldn't fade. Thus, despite the numerous stories about Grief Peak, people were kept from going inside.The most famous tale about it was the Everett family's treasures. It was rumored that countless treasures of gold and silver were hidden underground in their house.There were even some weird-looking patterns in their courtyard, which might be the map to start the treasure hunt.However, none of these tales had been verified. The historical records were more credible, and archaeological findings suggested that this area was once home to a multi-ethnic kingdom known as the ancient Grief Kingdom. However, due to the terrain, it had been extremely difficult for a
When Landon entered the spot with the most spiritual energy, the crow perched on a branch and cawed twice.Their calls pierced through the mist and rang through the entire Grief Peak. It was as if telling all the unborn spirits that their true owner was back.The "king" that the evil beings referred to was pacing around anxiously."He's back? Is he really back? Did he say why he's back? Go and send him the wild yarrows in the mountain. Wait. I think he doesn't like yarrows…"The evil being who came to report saw through its king's panic and tried guessing, "Perhaps he just came back to take a look. Chaos is also here. You should know him."Of course, he knew Chaos! The latter almost devoured him back then!"Chaos likes to eat staghorns. Go and send everything we have to him. We can't let him go hungry."Although the king's requests were reasonable, none of the evil beings wanted to be in charge of sending it.A while later, another evil being came to report, "The lord seems to
Aria knew the situation was more complicated than it seemed. If Simon felt uneasy, it surely signified something bad. Although Aria didn't insist on going alone, someone had to send the herbs back.There were many injured soldiers waiting for the antibiotics, and some injuries couldn't afford to be delayed treatment. Plus, Aria couldn't disguise herself with all the herbs she had.After thinking for a moment, she took out her amethyst pendant.The twins immediately appeared. Angie still looked a bit scary despite her soft and respectful tone. "Ms. Carver, do you need our assistance?"After filling them in about the delivery of medicine, Abbie ducked behind Angie timidly. "Ms. Carver, I'm afraid we might not succeed. What if they're afraid of us?"Aria pinched their faces. "Go and find Xander. Tell him you're with me. Don't worry. A soldier like him wouldn't be afraid of you all. Didn't you say only those who did bad things would be afraid of you all?"Abbie clutched the package
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
Eden nodded. "Okay. I'll do as you say, Aria."She sent the text just like Aria instructed. Moments later, her teacher replied—everything had been arranged. A car would pick her up from home. There was no need to return to school.A cold shiver ran down Eden's spine. They knew where she lived. They'd been watching all along. Not just the school—they were everywhere.Eden didn't linger at school. Outside the entrance, the main topic of conversation was the officials' arrival for an investigation and the school's public exposure.Everyone knew the cafeteria was a mess. Students had complained countless times, but each time inspectors came, the food improved just long enough to pass the checks. Then it would all revert. It had become the norm—something they were forced to accept.Eden was no different. She just wanted to get home. She needed to see her grandparents. She feared something might happen to them next.Every step on the way home, she stayed alert, scanning her surroundings
Eden listened closely, her brow furrowing. Her teacher wasn't speaking Farshyan. School was no longer a safe place, and Eden didn't know who she could trust. Her classmates were too caught up in mocking Aria to notice anything was wrong, all assuming Eden was lucky to have been chosen.She considered calling the police, picking up her phone, but then paused. What could she even say? That there was a mole at school? Her face turned pale as she remembered how close the principal was to influential people. The authorities might not believe her, or worse, they might be involved.Despite the headlines claiming Aria had been arrested, Eden felt a spark of hope. Aria had promised she'd show up if Eden ever needed her. Taking a deep breath, Eden dialed the number Aria had given her.She didn't expect anyone to answer. But then came a cool, familiar voice. "Eden? What's wrong? Did someone give you trouble again?"Eden's heart soared. "You're not arrested! The news is fake, isn't it? I knew
Lucas gave Amos a sidelong glance. "In that case, let's do as Mr. Lune suggested—punish everyone involved."Announce to the public that Oakvale Academy will be used as a test case. We'll be conducting surprise inspections in all middle and high schools."As for why Mr. Kelsey encountered two completely different scenes during his visits—well, that's easy to explain." Lucas' gaze swept across the room. "Someone tipped off the school before your visit. If any other school received advance notice, every one of you will be under scrutiny."Though Lucas spoke with a smile, none of the seven present—including the three officials—could return it. The smile, in this context, was more chilling than rage. This was a warning. Amos, in particular, felt deeply unsettled. He had come intending to redirect Lucas' attention away from Oakvale Academy. Instead, the incident had blown up. With public attention turning toward the school, transferring Eden would soon become impossible.Still, Amo