Darkness permeated every corner of the room, the existence of light prohibited within its confines.

Static crackled, a distorted voice echoed throughout the shadows.

“It seems the Hero Guild’s likely found the target. Heavy focused activity was spotted by one of my Lurkers near the lake reservoir of New Athens. Further collected information shows a high interest in the owner of a small mansion nearby.” Aloof and uncaring the voice made a report, it was evident they would much rather be doing something else at the moment.

From another corner, cold steel pierced the darkness in the form of a voice.

“Ring, this isn’t an everyday mission on our hands, please do take it more seriously, else I’ll move to have Crown punish you.”

The air was stifling despite the emptiness of the room. If the two individuals had actually been in the presence of each other, a bloodbath might have broken out.

“How about you stay still and listen like the foolish dog you are. I will act as I please, so unless you wish to lose your head, you’ll heed my warning Sceptor.” A scathing rebuke was spat out, but just as Sceptor was about to counter another crackle of static from the center of the room shut him up.

“Hmmm, you two seem to be getting along like always. I just hope it doesn't get in the way of the assignment. Unfortunately, since Sword is missing, I’ll have to make do with the both of you in the meantime.”

Soft like the calming waves, this voice wasn’t altered to disguise the owner. It had no need when it had the life of all of those who knew it in its hand. Still, it seemed impossible to determine the owner's gender.

“Forgive me Crown, but Ring was out of line, so I was simply doing my best to speak some sense into them.” If Sceptor was present, they would have fallen to a knee.

“How easily the dog kneels. Crown despite what the dog might say I have accomplished my job to the best of my efforts. This is the lead we’ve all been looking forward to so I hope you’ll allow me to send my servants to investigate.” A small burst of mocking laughter directed at Sceptor ended up sounding demonic in nature due to the distorted voice, but it was quickly replaced by a more respectful attitude when it switched its attention to Crown.

This time there was no response from Sceptor. Not a speck of sound could be heard coming from the device projecting its voice. This was probably for the best since the screams of Scepters attendants being brutally dismembered would have been unpleasant to the ears if they hadn't muted themselves before the rage took over.

Voice tinged with superiority over their small victory Ring once again spoke up.

“So Crown will you grant me the privilege of acquiring this target for you?”

No answer came for a few minutes, just the white noise of static. The silence was nerve-wracking as it lead to Ring feeling a little stiff as worry of the possibility of refusal made itself known.

Finally, the silence was cut off as Crown spoke once more.

“I’ve read your report, so I’m curious where you get the confidence to break into a Tier One Civilians home without our help?” An edge had taken form in Crown's question, despite them using the same tone. If they didn’t like Ring’s answer, a little bit of punishment might be in order.

Ring sighed internally, but this was a question he expected, so it made things a lot easier.

“Monocle owed me a favor, so I had them watching online access for anything of notice near the house. Besides a large number of strange ‘Wakipedia’ searches, they recently found out the Tier One Civilians -SDV-(Self Driving Vehicle) has left the residence, with the New Athens Super Center being its destination.”

If it wasn’t because Ring had to make his report to Crown, he would have already given the command to seize the target which had already arrived. While it might be possible this isn’t the individual their looking for the odds are stacked in their favor. Ring was positive they weren't the only ones who took notice of the events so its best they made their move before anyone vultures could come and snatch their meal before they even took a bite.

Ring was thankful that they were spared having to wait nervously once more when Crown gave a swift answer.

“You have my permission Ring, but only use Lurkers below the (B)-Rank. The city is being scanned heavily, and very few individuals are capable of staying hidden from the Hero’s detectors which makes the target all the more interesting. Remember don’t cause too much of a scene, not only is New Athens, the home of that difficult woman, but the rest of the Garden is trying their best to get the golden goose. I don’t want to deal with the fall out if things get out of hand.”

Subsequently receiving the right, he sought Ring gave a few quick parting words of appreciation before their corner went silent.

“Sceptor.”

“Yes…. Crown.”

“If Ring fails, would you like their right or left hand?” There was no difference in the voice compared to before, but to Sceptor, it was as though an angel was speaking to them.”

“Would it be too much to ask for his head?” A tremble in their voice Sceptor spoke their thoughts.

“Hmmm, I’ll consider it on depending on the outcome. In the meantime send some more forces to Sector 92, the Grevden have gotten a little too confident with their recently found success. Show them they are still nothing before the Royal House.”

“For the Royal House!” Sceptor shouted, but Crown had already disconnected.

Location New Athens Super Center - Southern Wing - The Hillside Hotel-

Sitting on a large penthouse suite a graceful beauty had her face twisted into that of a demon as her vexation leaked into the very air itself.

The cause of this anger held upon her hand. The florescent lights of the hotel bedroom reflected off the titanium-gold surface, its intricately carved surface depicting the scene straight out of a fairy tale as little sprites flew around a smiling young girl. She sat on a rock overlooking a small pond with delicately carved fish swimming just beneath the surface.

It was a pocket watch of unequal craftsmanship.

“Your such a fool father……” Stoping the tears that felt ready to explode out of her eyes, Amelia wiped away all expressions from her face, leaving nothing but an emotionless gaze. It was time to finish this last mission before the school year started in a month.

“Stephany, status report on the target,” Amelia spoke to no one in the room yet a voice soon was heard in her mind. Amelia’s only long-time friend and personal Telepath. Besides a few Unbranded Lower Enhanced, she was the only connection she was allowed to make, to keep her identity as a secret. Even if few individuals in the world even knew who she was, it was better safe than sorry.

“The smuggled goods have entered the Facility known as Joe’s Junk and Tech. Once it has been placed into stock for purchase I’ll notify you so you can go and purchase it. While it’ll be placed under the junk section and unlikely to catch anyone's attention its best you get ready and head out within the hour.” Stephany was equally emotionless with her report but unlike a written report thanks to her telepathic abilities Stephany was able to display images of integral importance at a moment's notice to Amelia. At times it was comparable to having a personal AI in her mind sending her any information she requested. As for privacy, since Amelia gave Stephany full access to improve the connection, there were no secrets between the two.

Not that either of them cared.

“Are X-71, X-72, and X-73 ready for deployment?” These mindless enhanced were there for her protection. While she could easily kill those below the C-Rank who didn’t have defensive abilities she needed them for scouting, and since Stephany could manually control them when needed they were extremely useful for all sorts of situations.

“They are on standby outside. While lacking in ranged abilities their specialty as C rank bruisers will make them excellent meat shields for you.”

“Mmmh, good let's head out then, we’ll take our time around the clothing stores nearby to reduce suspicion. Once you give me the go-ahead well go finish this last job.” A tinge of satisfaction appeared on Amelia’s face, but then she felt the weight of the watch in her pocket and felt her emotions spiral out of control for a second once more.

“I won’t fail you father….. I’ll tear the Heros Guild down and help you bring forth a new age…… please just survive till then.”

With fist clenched hard enough to cause blood to seep from her palm, a girl continually made herself the same promise over and over…...