Isaac dared not disobey Liora, approaching fearfully and calling out, "Axel, Tyler, Liora…"Tyler and Axel were about to answer when Liora stepped forward and grabbed Isaac's ear. "Isaac, I asked you to come and pick up our brothers, but you went off and flirted with a girl!"Isaac winced in pain and swatted at Liora's hand. "That hurts! I was wrong, okay?"Axel smiled, saying, "Lia, just give him a little talk. Isaac is only 14. It's normal for him to have some fun."Tyler glanced at Axel. "There you go again. Does it hurt you when you don't spoil them?"Axel thought, 'These are my younger brother and sister, though…'Liora let go of Isaac. "I'll make sure you can't get out of bed for three days if I catch you doing this again, got it?""Alright!" answered Isaac, massaging his ear.He told Tyler and Axel, "Welcome home!"Tyler nodded. "Let's go. We're taking the two of you to dinner."-Tyler and Axel called up Evan and Caroline, who were abroad, while Isaac and Liora order
Tyler and Axel gazed at Liora."What are you laughing about?" asked Tyler coldly. Liora shook her head. "Nothing. Oh, right. Are you back for good?""You could say that we'll be in Angelbay unless we're away for business trips," explained Axel."What about you?" Tyler asked.Liora lowered her gaze and fiddled with her pasta. "I won't leave unless I have a job to do. Uncle Ben passed away. I'll just be visiting his grave thrice a year."Tyler and Axel were shocked."Uncle Ben passed away last year. He had a long, good life, and he passed away peacefully. However, it was sudden."Liora felt the urge to cry when she mentioned Benjamin. She forced a smile and said, "Well, Uncle Ben was already 80 years old, so it's only normal."Tyler and Axel felt a pang of sympathy at the sight of Liora trying to hold it together. She had managed to keep such a significant matter a secret until now, not revealing anything to them.They realized that she had grown so much that she would only sh
Tyler's brow furrowed at the mention of the familiar name."Do you know him? It's the male classmate Liora befriended when she was young," said Isaac.Tyler recalled Isaac's mention. "I remember. What's the deal?"Isaac elaborated, "This guy is the problem. Mom's always fretting over Liora because of him.""Cut to the chase," Tyler urged.Isaac complied, "Chester suddenly vanished and stopped reaching out to Liora. It devastated her to the point where she loathed going to school."Realizing the gravity of the situation, Tyler remarked, "Even after all this time?"Isaac affirmed, "Yes. Dad tried to reason with her, but she's too stubborn."Tyler shifted his gaze toward the stairway. He and Axel were in the dark about this ordeal. He couldn't comprehend how Chester wielded such influence over Liora.Taking a deep breath, Tyler said, "Got it. You've got school tomorrow. Head back to your room and get some rest.""Okay."Shortly after Isaac ascended the stairs, Tyler followed su
Tyler and Axel returned to their room, having been ordered to leave her room.Axel let out a heavy sigh. "Ty, let's honor Lia's wish and refrain from discussing this further."Tyler countered, "Axel, think about it. We were shipped overseas at the tender age of six and subjected to rigorous training among those jungle-dwelling assassins. Survival itself was a daily challenge. We've never backed down, not even in the face of death."Axel fell silent for a bit. "Lia is different. She's a girl.""Do you not grasp the implication?" Tyler pressed."I do. You want Lia to confront her inner demons and triumph over them," Axel acknowledged."Exactly."Shaking his head with a smile, Axel interjected, "Ty, it's admirable to set high standards for oneself, but Lia has the right to avoid certain trials, too.""What about the future? Should she evade challenges indefinitely?" Tyler challenged.Again, Axel remained silent. "So, are you suggesting we locate Chester and introduce him to Lia?"
Isaac observed the two of them arguing with a suppressed smile."It seems like you can't win against Tyler, huh, Liora?""Shut up!""Shut up!"Tyler and Liora shouted at Isaac in unison abruptly."I—"Before he could finish his sentence, a hand landed on his shoulder. "Don't get involved in their battle, Isaac. You might end up being used as a pawn," Axel advised, appearing in tidy attire and offering a friendly reminder to steer clear of conflicts.Isaac hugged Axel's arm with a pout. "Are you dropping me off at school today, Axel?""No, I'm going to the university with Lia," Axel replied with a smile.Isaac lowered his gaze in disappointment. "It seems that I'm the third wheel here…"Axel beamed widely. "Just get used to it."-At 10:00 a.m., Axel and Tyler accompanied Liora to the university.The dean introduced Professor Mortimer Thompson, who personally escorted Liora to her lecture hall.Tyler and Axel did not accompany her this time, and Liora left with the profess
Reyna glanced at Chester, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Chester, you.--"Before Reyna could finish her sentence, Chester dashed off after Liora."Hold on, Chester!" Reyna called out, her voice echoing down the hallway. "That's the lecture hall for freshmen. What are you doing there?"Ignoring Reyna's inquiry, Chester pressed forward into the lecture hall, his eyes scanning the room for Liora.Despite the passage of 14 years, there hadn't been a single trace of Liora to be found. Yet, he was certain that the person he glimpsed earlier was her. Even with the passage of time, there was hardly any significant difference from her childhood. He could still vividly recall the clarity of her eyes.Her vehement denial only served to strengthen his belief that she was indeed Liora.Hurriedly, Chester entered the lecture hall, freezing in his tracks as he spotted the professor engaged in conversation with Liora.As Liora settled into her seat, her gaze briefly met his before she feigned
After ending the call, Liora walked to the entrance of the academic building.Soon afterward, she heard someone running behind her, followed by a voice calling out, "Hold on."Liora assumed it wasn't directed at her and continued walking until a girl blocked her path.Forced to stop, she looked at the girl whom she had briefly met that morning. She remembered clearly that the girl was with Chester, and they seemed rather close.Liora looked at her nonchalantly. "Anything?""My name is Reyna Lloyd. Let's get to know each other," Reyna said, holding out her hand.Liora glanced at Reyna's hand. "I'm not interested."Despite Liora's lack of interest, Reyna persisted, asking, "You know Chester, right?"Liora remained silent, appearing as though she hadn't heard Reyna.Reyna continued. "It's obvious you're acquainted. Why pretend otherwise?"Annoyed, Liora took a deep breath and said, "Are you bored or something?"Reyna replied, "It's not boring when it's about Chester."Liora sn
Liora remembered and asked, "Did you get a new car?"Tyler sneered and playfully flicked Liora's forehead. "You're just realizing it now?"Liora covered her forehead. "That hurts! Do you know how strong you are?""I do. Let me see if it's okay." Tyler pushed away Liora's hand with a smile.Liora leaned her forehead close to Tyler's face.While Tyler was checking her, she swiftly bumped her forehead against his."Ouch!" Tyler moaned in pain.Liora sniggered mischievously.Tyler covered his forehead. "I haven't disciplined you in a while, and you're itching for it."Liora raised an eyebrow. "I can retaliate. Don't provoke me!"Tyler shook his head in frustration. "Let's go and eat.""Sure!"-At Angelbay University, Reyna searched for Chester in the cafeteria for a while before finding him sitting in a corner.She took a seat opposite him with her food tray.Chester glanced at her before continuing to eat his lunch."How do you still have the appetite to eat? You never sp
Reese winced in pain. "Alright, ma'am. I guess I can read your mind? Be gentle!"Liora relaxed her grip at last. "Right, when are we going to that place you mentioned previously?""There's no rush. Your body isn't up for constant actions now. What if you get hurt by those harmful spirits again? I've already committed myself to you out of guilt. If it happens again, I won't have anything else to offer."Liora chuckled. "You make it sound like I'm desperate for your compensation.""What's wrong with that? I'm a strong, handsome man, and everyone loves me!" said Reese, displeased.Liora was astounded by his narcissism.She took a deep breath and said, "Reese.""Hmm?"Liora said, "In truth, I'm not the best choice to be your partner because of my profession. Those spirits may bother me from time to time. I'm the complete opposite of Isaac because of my negative physique.""What happens when you have a negative physique?""Spirits will be drawn to bother me and might cause me a lo
Reese and Isaac couldn't perceive the spirit, but they witnessed a dark mist dissipating before them.Isaac asked in astonishment, "What's happening, Lia?"Liora turned and answered, "The female spirit didn't want to move on, so her soul has been dissolved.""Dissolved? Do you mean her soul has been destroyed?" asked Reese. Liora nodded and looked around. "Uncle Kenny, please help me find the six spirits."Kenny took on the task and brought those fearful spirits in just a few minutes. Liora asked, "Do you want to choose the same option as her or come with me to Cross Chapel?""Cross Chapel!""We would have left long ago if we weren't trapped here by her threats!""She wouldn't let us go even in death. Aren't our lives worth anything?"After Fiery Red was gone, these spirits began to complain in anger.Liora was infuriated by their complaints. "How dare you criticize her! She may be responsible for your deaths, but what about you then? Do you think you bear no responsibil
"That's easy for you to say! Those who caused my death may have become spirits, but I still want to stop them from moving on!" Fiery Red barked. Liora frowned. "So, you're implying that those six students caused your death?""Why would I kill them otherwise?"Liora said, "It's time to let them go now that they've faced your revenge. Keeping them trapped is like trapping yourself. Why bother?""Allowing them to move on is letting them off too lightly!" Fiery Red roared. Liora said, "Your obsession is too strong and is keeping you trapped here. You're constantly hurting yourself with painful memories. If you move on properly, it will be a kind of liberation from your past.""Don't preach to me! I'll make it simple for you. It's either you die or my soul gets destroyed!" Fiery Red snapped. She was about to attack Liora just as she finished her sentence. Liora was planning to call out to Isaac when a figure suddenly showed up. Kenny rushed over and blasted away Fiery Red."Y
Tyler did not comment further upon hearing Liora's reply. In the evening, Isaac returned home from school to find Liora already there. He hurried over, brimming with excitement. "You're back, Lia! How are you feeling? Have you recovered from your injuries?"Isaac's smile stretched from ear to ear.Liora glanced at Isaac meaningfully and said, "Please do me a favor tonight, Isaac."Isaac nodded repeatedly. "Sure, are we heading to the campus?"Liora looked at Isaac in astonishment. "Are you not scared anymore?"The smile on Isaac's face faded slowly. "Spirits are scary, but I don't want to see you bullied by them again, Lia. I wanted to destroy those spirits on the same day after seeing you suffer. However, they told me to respect your decision, so I didn't do that."Liora caressed Isaac's head affectionately. "You've grown, Isaac. You know how to look out for me now."Isaac took Liora's hand and held her hand tightly in his own. "Lia, I've always cared about you. Next time you
Reese said, "Yes, you have been in love with her for 15 years and have invested a lot of time for her. However, haven't you noticed that Lia is a very rational person? As soon as she figures things out, she can move on immediately."Chester's breathing became irregular. He took two deep breaths shakily while staring at Reese. "Yes, she is more sensitive and rational than anyone else."Reese said, "I'm going to give you another analogy. If Lia chooses to be with me, what are you going to do?""Nothing. I said before that I'd respect Lia's choice no matter what. Similarly, you don't have to worry about anything else. I won't harbor any resentment because of love," Chester replied. Reese said, "In other words, you'll continue to be friends with Lia even if we end up together, is that right?"Chester frowned. "Lia and I are friends. If we can't be together, our relationship will remain the same as before. You like Lia, but you can't stop me from being friends with her, Reese."Reese
Reese raised his right arm and said, "My entire right arm was covered in blood at the time. I watched the removal of rotten flesh from your back with my own eyes. I couldn't sleep peacefully for days.""That's easy! Just get the doctor to prescribe sleeping pills to you. You will be able to sleep better, right?" Liora said while giggling. Reese crouched down next to the bed, smiling. "Lia, are you mad at me?"Liora was confused. "Mad at you? For what?"Reese scratched his nose. "If I didn't take you there, you wouldn't have gotten injured."Liora took a glance at him, astounded. "This has nothing to do with you taking me there. It's the ignorant spirits. I'll deal with them all once I recover!""You still want to go back there?" Reese exclaimed. "Yes, of course! Hades will be delighted if I can send the seven spirits to him," Liora said. Reese looked at the joyous smile on Liora's face, feeling guilty. "I was hoping that you'd scold me instead of talking to me so casually."
Reese sent away Tyler and the other, surging them to get some rest while he remained seated, his gaze fixed on Liora.She slept peacefully, her chest rising and falling slowly with each breath. Meanwhile, a nurse approached. Reese noticed her and hastily stood up. "Hello, nurse."The nurse asked, "How can I help you?"Reese said, "May I inquire when Liora can be transferred out of the ICU?"The nurse said, "I'm not too sure about that. It depends on the healing of her wounds and vital signs. She has the most extensive wound that I've ever seen on a girl. She might end up with scars…"The nurse opened the door and walked inside upon saying that. Reese was overwhelmed by a sense of guilt as he thought of the debt he owed to Liora. He knew he could never fully repay it in this lifetime.-Three days later, Liora was transferred out of the ICU.After learning about the incident, Caroline and Evan rushed to the hospital. They were heartbroken to see Liora lying prone on the be
Fear and worry flooded Reese's mind, making it impossible for him to sleep. He opened his eyes and looked at the sky through the skylight. Reese could not help Liora in her profession, so he wondered if he could help out in her safety. He thought about it before he grabbed his phone to text Tyler. Reese: [Can you tell me where Ms. Yelena is staying?]Soon, Tyler texted Yelena's hotel and room number. Reese: [Thank you, my friend.]Tyler sneered.Tyler: [I haven't settled the score with you over Lia's predicament.]Reese: [I'll accept any punishment you deem necessary. It was my mistake, and I'll take responsibility for it.]There was no reply from Tyler afterward.Reese did not send another text, so he started the car and drove to the hotel. -Half an hour later, Reese arrived at the door of Yelena's room. He pondered briefly before knocking on the door. Soon, he heard a response. "Coming."Yelena opened the door and was surprised to find Reese. "Are you the lad fro
Liora opened her palm. The outline of the charm was vague, but she could feel its intense energy. She took a deep breath and stood up. After sensing her movement, the spirits glanced at her. Liora turned to look at them and felt the same feeling that stopped her from leaving again!Suppressing the fear, Liora braced herself to walk out of the door.The closer she got to the door, the more intense the gloomy presence became—she felt as if her soul was being crushed. "Don't be scared, Lia!""Try to walk out, Lia! They won't hurt you!""Lia! Axel, Ty, Mr. Gates, and I are waiting for you!"Αfter hearing their voices, Liora shed tears. She gnashed her teeth and continued to stride toward the door, which seemed so close yet remained out of reach. She took a deep breath, raised her hand with the charm, and attempted to walk closer. This time, the spirits all turned to look at her. They rushed forward in unison when they sensed Liora was about to touch the door. Sensing t