"The patron didn't introduced themselves at first, but Thrill Seeker and I managed to track his location and figure out his identity—Qilin."

"Seeing there's nothing else to hide, Qilin ultimately reintroduced himself. He hired us, an unrenowned small group, to commit the greatest crime in the Underworld. That probably explains why the large sum of money he invested to us; he's literally paying for our lives, the b*stard." He growled, miffed. ​​

"Unfortunately, my lacking-in-the-intelligence-department of a partner agreed to his demands. Not for the money, but for the thrill. Hence her name Thrill Seeker, as straightforward and lazy as it is."

Without any interruptions from the three, Daunting Spirit successfully divulge what White Bird needed to know; who they really are and their purpose.

As he talk, his attention never staved off from White Bird's face. He was trying to read her expression, her eyes, searching for at least a tiny hint of what she's thinking.

Unfortunately, that sort of talent wasn't in him. It seems like an impossible feat. Is there even someone who could read this woman?

"We seek White Bird for shelter and support. Knowing Qilin, they do not take kindly to deserters. In exchange, the Thrilled Phantom would submit ourselves under your authority and provide you with everything we know about Qilin."

They're willing to be her subordinates? Hm, their proposal is surprising, but not unique. She had already received quite the number of groups who wished the same, in exchange for her support.

However, only a scarce were granted White Bird's helping hand.

"I refuse."

Thump.

Daunting Spirit should've expected this, but those two words still crawled into his mind and inflicted a negative feeling, sending waves of uneasiness at every nerve.

"May I know why?" He modulates his breathing despite the tightness in his chest.

"I have the impression that it's pretty obvious," Lillie coldly said. "Your group committed a grave crime in the Underworld; a society where most illegal activities reign freely. Do you get my point, young man?"

Of course he knows, he's not stupid. They only tested their luck. And as far as he can see, it ran out. Was it worth the try, though?

Yes, undoubtedly.

"Unless..."

Daunting Spirit's ears perked, his mind pique at the unexpected, possible turn of events.

His intuition tells him he will not like the following sentence, but if it means he get to leave with his life, who was he to complain?

"You unveil your second mask. Also, I will grant you an exit ticket, only so you can bring your co-leader back here. If I were to accept Thrilled Phantom under my wings, the two leaders should be present. It's only proper, no?"

"You're absolutely right. It was in our part's mistake that the other half of Thrilled Phantom's leader couldn't attend." Daunting Spirit lowered his head. "With that, I plead for White Bird's forgiveness."

"A part of your offense will be excused if you reveal your real face."

From his peripheral view, he saw Silent Death move towards him, his katana unsheathed, glaring ominously with its silvery, almost obsidian, sheen.

After he saw a blur, he heard a click. Silent Death sheathed his katana back in its saya [1].

Daunting Spirt blinked. What in the nine circles of hell was that?

It didn't immediately registered in his mind that that single strike had slashed his binds in half, and fell on the ground until he felt his arms move freely again.

Entering an alliance with White Bird might be the best idea they ever had. This ninja guy's capabilities speak volumes with just a few display of it.

He better ask later if he accept disciples.

"Before I show my real face," Daunting Spirit slowly stood up with his hands in the air to show he won't do anything suspicious. "Can I at least get some sort of reassurance that you won't take advantage of my real identity?"

"Are you perhaps someone remarkable in the Human Realm?" Lillie asked.

"Kinda. My whole family's famous, actually. Especially my elder sister."

"A young master, then." Lillie drummed her fingers on the wooden desk. "It depends on how firm your standing is, so I make no promises."

Daunting Spirit's muscles tensed. He entered the Underworld completely aware of the downsides.

His family being involved is one of many. But he did his best to further himself as far away as possible, leaving no traces of his connection with them.

"You should understand how things work down here. If the situation asks for it, I will use every resources I have in my grasp. And that include connections, whether it is direct or indirect."

"I...understand." He managed to utter through clenched teeth.

"The only reassurance I give you is my promise; that they will be kept safe from the Underworld."

Her subordinates, who she accepts under her wings, aren't the only ones who receives her protection, but their family and loved ones as well.

Yes, there are times that she uses them. But in return, she will reassure their safety by covering her tracks.

Usually, words wouldn't convince him. Daunting Spirit heard something similar, and most of them were empty as a broken water jar.

So, what made him trust her? Was it the tone of her voice? Or those pair of red eyes that gleamed in resoluteness as she declared her promise?

"Thank you." He nodded, a newfound respect for her surfaced.

Calming his nerves, he took a deep breath before he willed his hands to reach for his face.

He scratched for a peel at the back of his ears. When a little of it came off, he started to carefully tug it.

But before he could, the doors behind him burst open.

"Boss!" The twins frantically exclaimed as they marched in, panting from running all the way from their laboratory to the office while holding their breath, utterly horrified of what they've discovered.

"The test, the test!"

"The test result!"