Evelyn was dreaming once again. To be honest here, it was her first time actually dreaming something that wasn’t related to what was happening.

She had found herself in this field filled with flowers and animals. She was just wandering around and having a blast. She kept walking and walking and the so called field didn’t appear to have an end. Everything occurred to be the same, it was as if she was in a loop. On an eternal loop of happiness. She didn’t need anything else, her joy came from little things. Now that she realized tho, all the animals were avoiding her. She was just walking her road and just looking at the view. Then out of nowhere everything stopped. All the animals started fainting and the flowers were dying. The atmosphere started getting dark, and Eve was being called.

“Eve! Eve!”

Suddenly something startled her and she woke up.

“Eve! You’re finally awake!?” said Shaiyla.

“Shaiyla! Is that really you?” asked Eve.

“Yes, that’s me! I’m so glad to know you’re alive and well! After what happened with these two, I was so worried.”

“You have to tell me everything that happened. And where’s Kotlin by the way?”

“He’s patrolling the place.”

Eve looked weirdly.

“Yeah, you also gotta tell me where exactly we are.” said Eve.

“Sure thing, all in due time.” replied Shaiyla. “So, first of all, we’re on Lum. Kotlin had apparently taken me here after I was knocked out. I don’t really know what this house is, I just found myself in here when I woke up and Kotlin didn’t explain further. He just said he had found it empty. Anyways, after you mysteriously vanished, Tibius started thinking of what you told us about the rune. He was contemplating, but not even 5 minutes after you left, those two persons appeared out of the blue. They immediately knocked Tibius out. I went to help him but it was futile cause they got me as well. I don’t know how much I was unconscious but when I opened my eyes I saw Kotlin fighting with them. He was magically facing them with no worries. Then after that, they caught him in surprise and he got wounded. I then went berserk and don’t really remember what happened anymore.”

“Interesting. So Kotlin faced them both alone to where even Tibius couldn’t last a second. For sure tho, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt cause he was caught off guard. But something about Kotlin doesn’t sound right.” said Eve.

“Where you two talking about me?” barked in Kotlin.

“I was just telling Eve what happened these last days.” said Shaiyla.

“Oh I see, did you tell her how we found her laying in the ground yet?” asked Kotlin.

“Not yet.” replied Shaiyla.

“Then it should be my honor.” continued Kotlin. “So, I was taking care of Shaiyla when I heard a scream. I suppose it was from that little brat.”

“What did you do to Tok!?” interrupted Eve.

“Lemme explain. After that, I went to find out what that scream was. Just to find you being backstabbed by a remaining guard. I couldn’t intervene in time cause I was far, but I saw that the guard had the little kid with him and he was taking him somewhere.”

“WHAT!? We have to get him! Please!”

“Shut up and listen to me. I followed him and I saw you were doing just fine but when I reached him he had already company with him. I couldn’t attack them all together but I know where they took the kid. In the middle of the city there’s a fortress. There’s where they take care of things.”

“And you’re suggesting we barge in there and beat the crap out of them all? I like the idea.”

“Well, not necessarily, but something along those lines.”

“Great, I’m down. Anyways, I was thinking about something. Since I desperately need Tibius’ training, but we all know his fate by now, I was thinking whether you could train me instead Shaiyla. You’ve been his apprentice for a while and you know his ways. I really need this.” said Eve.

“Uh. Well, I don’t particularly have anywhere to go so I wouldn’t mind.”

“Great then, welcome to the squad!”

“I’ll go get some information about the fortress. You in the meantime get better and start training, we don’t have any time to waste.”

* * *

The Devil meanwhile was savoring his meal. He didn’t appear to be in stress as he was before. In fact, he felt more relieved than ever. He was always happy to do business with the two of them. Yet something didn’t feel right. He somehow knew he had to call all four of them eventually. But he still wasn’t paying too much attention to that.

Suddenly Tomal interrupted in.

“SIR! They killed Merian.” said Tomal. “We underestimated her and we were caught off guard. This is a real tragedy.”

“What in the hell.” exclaimed the Devil. “I knew I had to call Jome and Clida. Foolish me.”

“No sir, I’m not here to tell you to summon them. I’m here to tell you the good news. We aren’t alone. Even though Merian is dead, we still have an ally on our side.”

“What are you talking about!?” asked the Devil.

“I’m talking about your son.”