The news of Aeon’s fate had spread to throughout the three clans. It led to the higher-ups of each clan to gather once again.

“…So, not even 3 hours after ending a meeting regarding Lennox and the New Era, where back here to discuss another serious matter.”

Rouge impatiently tapped the table with his fingers.

“Aeon, who was supposed to be handling the opposing faction appearing in the capital, is now in critical condition…

How did this happen?”

“This is all we know.”

Alec stood up with a tablet in his hand.

“Aeon had captured one of the leaders of the opposing faction and was supposed to be gathering information on them. However, Mamushi didn’t receive his routine hourly update. This led to them seeking him out and discovering his lifeless body.”

“I heard he died, now I’m hearing he’s in critical condition. Was the first report wrong?”

Marcel asked.

“No, they are both right. According to Mamushi, Aeon died for almost a hour. What revive him was a spell he placed on himself before he was attacked. The spell is called Borrowed Time. It’s a spell that activates in the event the user’s heart stops. It can only be used by someone who creates time copies like Aeon does. What it does is take the mana from those clones and slowly rewinds time. Since the user is already dead and the spell is not under their control, it takes a long time for the user to recover.”

“How long are we talking?”

Alec shook his head.

“Not much is known about Time Magic because of how rare it is, so no one knows for sure. I only heard about Borrowed Time from Aeon himself.”

“We’ve tried every way to heal him but nothing has been effective. We believe the spell he casted is blocking outside interference.”

Alexus spoke up.

“So we don’t know who tried to…No, they succeeded in killing him.”

Markus mumbled.

“Isn’t the opposing faction the #1 suspect?”

Darwin asked.

“Yes, but that doesn’t mean they did it. We need to consider all possibilities.”

“What about Rihan? Wasn’t he supposed to be working with Aeon?”

Rouge asked.

“No idea. We tried to get in contact but you know how he is.”

Alec answered.

“Then…”

Rouge glanced over at the Primus Section. It was empty, except for one person. This person was Nero who silently folded his arms with his eyes closed.

“Gamiko, why is your branch absent?”

“I didn’t want to burden them with this. As their leader I’ll represent them.”

“…I see. Then, since it was a member of your branch who was the victim, how would you like to proceed?”

“The decision is yours, Clan Leader. Whatever you say the entire clan will follow.”

“…….”

Silence covered the room. Nero wore a bright smile. Yet, his presence was somehow chilling.

(He’s angry, very angry. They all are, that’s why they aren’t here.)

Rouge sighed before asking the question he wanted to avoid.

“….So where is Miko?”

Nero only continued to smile.

Xia Palace, Primus Domain.

“…….”

Miko silently stood by the bed of a lifeless Aeon. His eyes shone as he scanned Aeon’s body. His eyes returned to normal as he frowned.

“His body is definitely recovering but the rate is snail-paced. We’ll have to make plans without him.”

He turned to Momo who sat in the corner with her head in her lap.

“…I thought I lost him. I thought I lost another brother.”

She mumbled. Miko slowly approached her.

“Well, you didn’t. This isn’t like Vanz’s situation.”

He placed his hand on her shoulder.

“You didn’t lose anyone.”

“….How much do you know about Vanz?”

“Only that he was your twin brother who died before I was born.”

“Right, no one talks about him anymore….Me included.”

Momo became quiet. Miko stooped down and silently embraced her. Her body trembled in his arms.

(I’ve never seen her this vulnerable before. Even after losing her powers, she rarely showed weakness….)

His grip around her strengthened.

“…You know, Vanz was closer to Aeon than I was when we were kids. In fact, I hated Aeon. Despite being only 7 years older than me, he acted like I was a child and he was the adult. To the me who was being showered with praises for my talent, he was an eyesore….Someone I wanted gone.”

She chuckled. She wrapped her hands around Miko’s back.

“I guess I almost got my wish.”

“…Tell me about Vanz. Aeon once said he and I would’ve definitely gotten along.”

Momo let out a low laugh.

“I guess you two would.”

She gently push Miko back and looked at him.

“Alright, let me tell you the story of a pair of twins who were blessed and cursed by the heavens.”

Miko separated from Momo after a while. Her story played in his head as he walked down the palace halls. He stopped at a door. He took a deep breath and entered.

“Welcome.”

He was greeted by Chika and Verde. At their feet were several members of the Church of Augustus.

“Did you torture them for info?”

“I was going to, but I thought it would be better you do it. I mean, you have more emotional investment in this case.”

“Emotional investment, huh?”

Miko chuckled.

“Mamushi, show yourself.”

A group of masked people appeared at Miko’s feet, kneeling.

“Who is the acting leader?”

“I am, Lord Miko.”

A woman stood up. Miko looked at her from head to toe.

“Name?”

“You can call me Viper.”

“Viper? Then you’re Aeon’s heir. Good, tell me what happened to Aeon. Who attacked him?”

“We’re not certain but the boss was interrogating a captured member of the church….”

“You should know their identity yet you didn’t state it. Why?”

Viper didn’t respond immediately. Miko spoke again.

“I know Mamushi doesn’t answer to the three clans, so they don’t have to obey the Clan Leader if it’s for the greater good of the empire, but I’m not in the mood to care about rules.”

Miko’s eyes narrowed.

“Answer me. What’s the identity of the former captive?”

“…It was Nina Dragna, your former servant.”

Miko grabbed Viper by the throat.

“Don’t you fucking lie to me.”

His eyes became slit.

“It’s true. Rogan and Nina Dragna are the head of the Augustus Regime who controls the church. We battle them along with the Boss and the Founder.”

Miko lifted Viper’s body off the ground. His eyes were bloodshot.

“Nina Dragna is dead. She should’ve died after I became a Proxy.”

“Rather than strangling an ally, why not have these people answer whether she’s lying or not?”

Chika’s voice came from behind him. He clicked his tongue and released Viper. Miko walked up to the unconscious people laying in the ground.

“Wake up.”

He kicked them into a wall. Pain forced them awake. They looked around in confusion as Miko walked towards them.

“Miko!”

“Listen, I’ll only ask nicely once. Who are you leaders?”

“W-We will never—”

A man’s body exploded. His flesh and blood splattered on his comrades.

“Ahhhh~!”

“Silence.”

A woman’s head burst. Her headless body hit the ground. Her comrades covered their mouths as blood flowed from her body.

“I’m in no mood for games or lengthy conversations.”

He stopped and looked down on those cowering before him. He stooped down and looked them in the eyes.

“Did you know I have the ability to read your minds? I’m sure Gaius must’ve casted spells to prevent mental interferences, but my ability is different from such techniques. It’s a part of my satanic nature. I doubt she can block me out.”

He pointed at the nearest one.

“Now ask yourself, if I could take the informations from your head, why didn’t I do it?”

His eyes shone an azure light.

“Didn’t you hear what I said at Rouge’s coronation? All who stands against Dragna will die. Whether your death will be excruciating or painless is your choice.”

After a few minutes, Miko stood in silence looking down on the trembling church members before him.

“I was certain you were gonna slaughter them all.”

Verde spoke up.

“…..I’m sure that they’ll have their use.”

Miko turned his back to them and head for the door.

“Keep watch over them until I figure out what I’ll do.”

He left the room without waiting for a response. Chika looked at the door and smirked.

“Nina Dragna, huh? I wonder what kind of woman she is for him to be this shakened up.”

Miko left the Xia Palace and walking alone in the outskirts. Tia and his swords appeared at his side. They walked with him in silence as he wondered mindlessly. After a long time, he finally spoke.

“Tia.”

“Yeah.”

“I may have to kill a loved one to protect my other loved ones.”

Tia stopped and pulled him in her embrace.

“….It looks like you might have to.”

Miko smiled as the light faded from eyes.

“Fate just keeps fucking me over.”