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Narrator's P.O.V:253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtItpBhz4Qh
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Rondon sat at his station, tapping his index finger onto the hard, cold, grey metal table. He just received word of an incoming call. He wanted to be far away from everyone else in case any sensitive information is relayed to him. It’s why he had a separate tent meant only for him.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQOtc5FcmH
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Judging by the agency of the call, something big is going on. He looked on at the dark computer screen in front of him and wondered what the Golden Elite have for him. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9T8Wp2kAH1
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The entrance of the tent flapped behind him and a recruit in his black mask walked in with Brian. Apparently, Rondon had to have him around. The Elite's orders. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i6ylUmwio
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"The call will be coming in shortly, sir," the young recruit reported. Rondon gave a nod of his head and the recruit quickly left the tent. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklNia2yrCp
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A few seconds passed before Brian asked, "any idea what the call could be about?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuBwRqbjyG
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"I've no idea," Rondon replied. "I hope it relates to our mission." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pXt29bLKw
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"It definitely does," said Brian as he got an empty chair at the corner of the tent and came to sit beside Rondon. "Why else would they call?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGm9WVJLI4
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Rondon didn't know how to answer that. Right now, the mission is at a stand-still with the shadow monster now roaming the area closest to Diana's grandmother’s house. And Mutale's GPS shows that he is with Diana. And the way he sees it, she must have taken him hostage. What better timing for the Elite to ask to speak to him. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFTqOJ6E7I
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"Well, whatever it is, it better be good," said Brian, folding his arms. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YDNk53Xod
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"I hope so too," Rondon agreed and just seconds later, the screen in front of them flicked on. There were two pairs of headphones on the table. Rondon got one and gave the other to Brian. They both wore them over their heads. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvemuOgxQR
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The person on the screen wore a gold mask. Rondon expected to see the lion mask of the Head of the Golden Elite. He glanced at Brian through the corner of his eye and he could tell Brian felt the same. But they looked stoic and professional as they faced the person on the screen. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUysQDlJ7G
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"Good evening, gentlemen," came a woman's voice. "I take it that everything is going on well on your end." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJXLjdzmhd
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Rondon cleared his throat before saying, "evening. Everything was going well, but we've run into a situation that might hinder our plans." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJHH7AXzJK
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There came a long, unsettling pause from the person on the screen before she asked: "What situation?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHBRb1d9ch
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"Well, for starters," Brian started to say, "one of our troops sent to capture the target, ran into an unexpected foe." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutHaNIi2kB
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"And what foe do you speak of?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7GDAW4ENV
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"A level one shadow monster," Rondon answered. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWhWrzSXfm
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The person on the screen shifted a little in her seat. "The Superior won't be happy to hear this. Are you positively sure it's a level one?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkoqKuMlGu
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"No doubt about it," said Brian. "Our people confirmed it." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUl9CDrPE0E
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"And what have you done to solve this issue? We need our target tonight, Rondon." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBx0tvbRjow
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"For the moment, going in with the squad we have will be risky and pointless. Many of them have never dealt with a monster of this calibre. Not to mention that it will be difficult to capture our target because the shadow monster is after her too." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhctdVOszb2
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"Are you certain of this?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngRlWlNk3C
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"Yes, we are," Brian answered. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUSEb7ZT5R
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"And what of the person assigned to capture the target? What will become of him with that shadow monster hanging around?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfGh6OUn7t
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"We're keeping a close eye on him. He knows taking it on will be foolish," Rondon answered. "He made sure to carry the necessary weapons and protection in case anything happens. He is with the target as we speak, but they can't move because of it." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBFXDVhQSz
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"Mmm. You say he is with the target. Does that mean he has her captured, but can't reach you because of the shadow monster or is it the other way around?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZUQe1UJjE
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That's a question Rondon was afraid she would ask and he didn't know whether he should answer or let Brian do the talking. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDZs8IXwt9
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"For now, we can't be too sure," Brian quickly answered. "But we hope he has her captive." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYgRZxyJps
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"I hope so too," said the woman in the gold mask. "This mission must be successful, Rondon. You know we're all depending on you. If it means sending some of our squad members to help their fellow out and face the shadow monster to bring in the target, then so be it." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RgCEUtezN
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Rondon swallowed and he heard Brian let out a little murmur of surprise. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEa62lTBFV
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"If you ask me," said Rondon, finding his voice, "going there with the troops we have will be suicide." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OzfuFJTQn
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"If that will be enough to bring our target in then, they would've sacrificed themselves for the greater good." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjhyc4d5Tf
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"Or, we can easily just wait for the morning," Brian suggested. "Shadow monsters can't stand the daylight." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOtdYBB4D4
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There came a long pause as the woman on the screen continued to look at the two men. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwfWPLj93S
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"Very well, that seems fair," said the woman. "But it's a long time till dawn." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxF0Gc72dv
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"If we have to wait, then we'll do just that," Rondon answered. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUltaIEXpL
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"Alright, but I have some urgent news. Which is why I called."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9zLUqE4MB
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Rondon felt his heart almost beat out of his chest and he wondered if Brian felt the same way. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOvzSJgarH
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"I just received word from our sources that apart from us, someone else is after Diana on this very same day." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPq4ivEfyxA
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Rondon now turned to look at his comrade. A sudden thought soon came into his mind. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRwOwNifz1
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"Is that why the shadow monster is here?" Rondon asked. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHtZlBILUd
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"I don't follow," said Brian. "Are you saying that someone sent that thing after Diana?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPh5kbBdSY6
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"It's a possibility." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgpniuvxj4
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"I agree," came the lady on the screen. "It's why I wanted to know the status of the mission first. To see if anything like this has come up." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrCZ4SCpoL
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"But aren't those creatures hard to control?" Brian asked. "I hear no one can control those things." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY23MkEQf4Z
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"That's not true," said Rondon. "Apparently, only one person is known to have control over a level one." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOdS0sC4D5
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"The Devil, himself," said Brian. "I thought that was a myth." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKSnkSzUlg
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"Those things are so dark I'm not surprised that he can control them." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7g1tu2fQN
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"But can we be sure that he's the one behind this? I mean, he can't be the only one, right?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTxxSwnihU
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"To be honest," came the woman on the screen, "I see no one else apart from him." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuiNOr7esa
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"But there is someone else," said Rondon. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5VlcubdLj
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Brian leaned in closer to look at Rondon. "Really? Who?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGNQnffSpk
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"Well, for this one I'm not too sure myself," Rondon paused for a bit. "I hear, even the Most Divine can control it." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlABzsMIQL
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There came a deadly silence in the tent. And the woman in her gold mask, shook her head.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1ghXGpYkM
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"That's not possible," she said. "And if anyone hears you, it will be considered blasphemous. Even the Superior won't tolerate it because you know we're doing this for the Most Divine." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKSSPt90Gp
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"Of course, I didn't mean to offend anyone. I'm just saying what I've heard, that's all." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7I64BmrV6b
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"Since the Devil is our only suspect, we've no choice but to try and get into contact with him and ask." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3L2sR3EyGL
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"That's the best way to go," said Brian. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHBhk4oNJX
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"Keep me informed if anything happens." The screen went black and Rondon with Brian stayed in silence. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKN3hl2P0s7
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"Well, that was some briefing," said Brian as he stood up from his seat, removing his headphones and placing them on the table. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZGg2um2Pn
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"Tell me about it," said Rondon, as he also removed them. "It makes sense that the Devil could be after Diana. Everyone wants her for the same reason." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoTDn2gBuR
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"So, we wait till morning to storm the house?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGz3BN3hfR
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"We don’t have much of a choice, do we? But I fear that if we do so and Diana does have Mutale hostage, she might slip through our fingers before we even realise it." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvP9yfr3VS
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"I agree. But isn’t there anything we can do?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUtuRi6Gr5
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"With the team we have, and as experienced as a few of them can be, many have never had the chance to take on a shadow monster. We could put them at risk for nothing when we could simply choose the best course of action." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtT4sJYIrM
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"But you’ve taken one on before, haven’t you?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEssiC10Hn3
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"And got away by sheer luck. Don’t forget, Diana was there that day. And if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be standing here with you right now. She might have fought it, but even she had a hard time taking it on." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozBz4jCZLx
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"Explains why she ran when she saw it. She stood no chance." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFKoOhgOqx
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"That's true." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOg7A8Pt5z
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Brian folded his arms as he continued to look down at Rondon. "Has there been anyone brave enough to have taken it on and succeeded?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0RuHZ0hzP
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"Apart from Diana, who at least had the decency to survive, I haven’t heard of anyone who has actually defeated it." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvpe54SeZm
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"That’s why the use of light has always been necessary. Too bad we didn’t carry enough flood lights." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkDEVO0F39
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"No one anticipated to find it here, so I wouldn’t feel too bad about it." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhzY19y8A1
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"We better go back and see how things are going." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bjUAadL8S
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"Good idea." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPmgpBrZoJ
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As soon as Rondon stood up from his seat, a recruit came rushing in, catching Rondon and Brian by surprise. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9bOv1sbCM
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"I have an urgent problem to report, sir," said the rookie, watching Rondon.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGmwjifYtc
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By the sound of his voice, Rondon could tell something didn’t feel right. Did something happen to Mutale and Diana? 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvB8dRNFTkm
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"What is it?" Rondon asked. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOdKGSa5Ny
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"Another reading apart from Diana's and the shadow monster's has appeared," answered the recruit. "Whoever it is, they just appeared out of nowhere." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcidSQ3WDC
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"Someone must have teleported there," said Brian. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9upt1QF2i
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"Or Diana summoned someone," said Rondon. "This means she does have Mutale hostage and has the upper hand." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodZa4wgkmd
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Rondon rushed out of his tent with the recruit and Brian following behind him. There isn’t much of a distance between his tent and the main one. As soon as he entered the tent, he could already feel the nervous tension in the air. The presence of someone in that house only spelled trouble.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4FXE1BOma
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"What time did this person appear?" Rondon asked as he went to the main monitor.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2VPr57DZQ
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"A minute ago," answered the recruit who sat in front of the monitor. "And judging by their aura, whoever it is is also a big deal."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5JwnQ0hFH
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Rondon looked at the map. Mutale’s red GPS is still on, but it could clearly show that he isn’t alone. Diana’s slightly large aura still shown on the screen, but there’s another slightly bigger than hers. He looked around the map until he realised something else. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlwtkTvwkx
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"Something doesn’t feel right," he said. "The shadow monster is nowhere nearby." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoymwroIb3G
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"It went away as soon as the newcomer appeared in the house," came the female recruit to his left. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zOjZV7jIx
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"Widen the area," Rondon instructed. "It couldn’t have gone far." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0R6Vud2v41
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"Ummm, sir," came a voice of another recruit behind him. "You need to see this." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUe2ckbahmu
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"What could it be now?" Rondon asked as he turned around to check the monitor behind him. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAGaQGMuQC
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"Someone else is also out there," the young male recruit who had visited his tent answered. He had just sat down on his seat after coming back with Brian and Rondon. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapJexLwERJ
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Rondon saw what he meant when a green aura appeared on the screen adjacent to the house. Just by the green colour, Rondon could tell what’s on the ground is a different kind of supernatural: from the underworld. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsYlVRNjtq
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"Could this be the person after Diana?" Brian asked as he also came to stand beside Rondon. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4FuNhNM48
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"If it’s the Devil himself, that aura would be bigger than anyone else’s," said Rondon. "Whoever it is, maybe he’s come to do his master’s bidding." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRc109gmZo
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Rondon continued to look at the green aura and now started to wonder. What could anyone from the underworld be doing here when the shadow monster will obviously take Diana to its master? Since the Devil himself is known to be the only one who can control it, there wouldn’t be any need to send someone to see if the monster will get things done. Unless… 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdFtSU7kfO
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"He didn’t send the shadow monster at all," Rondon muttered.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJLBrbEPFp
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Brian, who stood next to him and the young recruit on his desk heard him. Brian took Rondon by the arm and dragged him away from the work area. Everyone looked at the pair, confused with what’s going on. Brian took Rondon to the entrance of the tent where there wasn’t anyone nearby, but had a clear view of the workstation in the tent. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Kh41OB8gJ
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"What do you mean he didn’t send it?" Brian asked in an angry whisper. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnx0Jmcnlzo
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"Why would he send his henchman or legion to the house?" Rondon asked. "If he did send the shadow monster after her, that thing will do as ordered. He couldn’t just send someone to see to it that the job gets done, that’s if the creature that’s capturing her isn’t a shadow monster." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9LtDt45PD
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"Maybe whoever it is, is doing exactly that. Let’s watch their movements first." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6i2cKRKNbC
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Brian went back the way he came, leaving Rondon standing by the entrance. He could feel a few recruit’s eyes on him and they quickly looked away when he set his eyes on some of them. He took a deep breath. As much as Brian might be right about it, he had a strange sense that his assumption stood out the strongest. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzQ96A0Fps
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"I don’t envy you so much, Rondon," came a woman’s voice behind him. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBWI27jXOg
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The woman in her white mask and clothes came in from the entrance to stand right beside him. Judging by her statement, Rondon knew she had eavesdropped on his conversation with Brian. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCSJEofN3G
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"I know you don't," he said. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uU9NdAwRV
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"The others have already been updated about the situation," the woman had her sharp eyes on Rondon. "You don't think the Devil sent that shadow monster, do you?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7kgXStTtH
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Rondon didn't say a word as he continued to look at the busy work station. The woman didn't have to push him any further as she said: 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFUHEpvsgQ
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"So many things have gone haywire since this mission started. If you really think you need to act now, do so. You are the one in charge."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5H2zAsS7p
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Rondon turned to look at her. "You also didn't approve of me when I was first given this mission." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyqdjVR3pv
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"I know. But we’re comrades and nothing good will come out of this if we start to bicker. And Brian always likes to act like he's in charge when we all know you've really pulled through with your instincts a lot more times than we can count." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnkE89iBVa
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"Will do the best I can," said Rondon. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQlwMVpu5C
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He walked back to the centre of the huge work station. "Any movement from the one from the underworld?" he asked as he turned towards the recruit in charge of looking at such super naturals. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07xD8KccLo
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"Judging by his movements, he moved a little further away from the house," the recruit answered. "Wait a minute, now he’s approaching again." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYD9mA0SKz4
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"Sir," came the female blonde on the other side. "The shadow monster is within a few metres from the house. For some reason, it’s keeping its distance." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXU7du9Ynh
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Rondon thought for a bit. This is getting trickier and confusing by the minute. What is going on? Who could be inside the house with Diana and Mutale that they could scare the shadow monster away? And who is it from the underworld? Was she or he sent to be there? If so, then for what? Rondon had to come up with something quickly. He was scared that if he doesn’t, something might happen, especially to Mutale. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2Oq7tsxQE
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"Sir," came the recruit looking at the green aura. "He or she just entered the house." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBncFenGDo
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"Any exchanges?" Rondon asked. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oEmviYCDg
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"Nothing," came another female recruit. "Whatever is happening in that house, it’s definite that they aren’t fighting, though there was something that happened before that." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYShcedK97
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Rondon turned to look at the female recruit who spoke. "What is it?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlE8IAFUzU
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"Well, something around the house appeared on my map," said the recruit turning to look at Rondon. "There was some mystic energy, but it was pretty faint, and it didn’t last for long. I thought it was something quite minor, but now that the person from the underworld is in the house, he might have something to do with it." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbP6fBNSPm9
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Brian now came to stand next to Rondon.  "Could it be that the person cast a barrier around the house?" he asked the recruit almost angrily. "If he or she has done so, getting in there will be difficult if we plan to storm the house. Why didn’t you say anything sooner?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDG3q9wfpSp
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"Well…, uh," the recruit tried to respond, but Brian’s voice scared her a little. Rondon had to place a hand on Brian’s shoulder. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDPEbINC6O
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"Hold it, Brian," said Rondon. "Let her explain first. There must be a reason why she didn’t bring this up the first time." He turned to the scared recruit. "Go on." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOkuIZrdjQ
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"Well, like I said," continued the recruit, "it was something minor. When someone casts a strong barrier, the power radiated on the map comes out differently. This one looked pretty weak, making it difficult for us to detect on the map if it was ever cast in the first place. And the barrier wasn’t being cast, it almost looked like it was being sucked up or something." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFYEmoYsDc
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"Diana must have already had a barrier put in place that our satellite couldn’t detect it as it was a weak one," said Rondon. "I’m guessing that whoever came from the underworld must have broken down the barrier by sucking out its energy to get inside." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVFDkrGjRy
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"But who from the underworld could do that?" Brian asked. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEAN9NXz25
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"That’s what we’re about to find out," said Rondon. He looked around the room until he noticed the person he was looking for at the far-end and beckoned to him to come over. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ045ZkeIRi0
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The person coming over isn’t a recruit like the others, even when he wore a black mask. Rondon knew the young man as he was in his third year of training. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcedVC4inJA
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"I want you to narrow down people from the underworld who have the ability to suck the energy around them," Rondon instructed. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOvWxAor6P
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"Yes, sir," said the third-year recruit and he quickly rushed back to his work station. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡss3br2OLoR
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"If we know who he is, we might be able to figure out if the Devil really is behind this," said Rondon as he turned to look at Brian. "It doesn’t make any sense. Whoever it is would’ve watched at a distance. Instead, he or she is with Diana and Mutale at this very moment without any fighting. This is strange." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6CzGTGEYS
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Brian didn’t want to admit it, but he knew Rondon was right. He went back to watching some of the recruits until one of them called out: 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8B0NSLayR
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"Rondon, sir. Something is wrong." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDM76PQXra3
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Rondon and Brian quickly went over to the recruit’s station. And when they looked at his screen, they noticed there weren't any auras or Mutale’s GPS on the map. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWY5mdEaoeG
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"What is this?" Brian asked. "Where are they? And how come Mutale’s GPS isn’t on?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXvXetQAqQ
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This is bad, Rondon thought as he felt a chill run down his spine. Did they do what he thinks they did? 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnGPw9h5wE
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"Sir," came the scared recruit. "It looks like someone opened a portal." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUHIAaOccj
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Rondon closed his eyes and hang his head low. Of course they did, he thought to himself. They teleported. Smart move.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPYHR7RlpF
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A silence now filled the room, that if something fell or someone coughed, everyone would be frightened. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1F9MVuRpf2
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"Track Mutale, right now," Rondon commanded, trying to get hold of the situation. "If anything, they may still be on this side of our world and not in the other." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFWMmRK1Db
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The room is soon revamped and everyone got busy. Rondon liked what he's seeing. It's useless if everyone is discouraged with what happened just now. And the people with him are all young and it won't help if they easily get downtrodden. Finding Mutale and bringing him back safe is what is important now. Though capturing Diana still remains their main objective. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxnz7uCwat
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"Hey, what's going on?" the IT manager, Peter appeared. "I hear Mutale has gone missing." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcTEe5wW0v
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"Not entirely," Rondon answered, turning to look at Peter. "He teleported with Diana and two other supernaturals who were in the house." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufufInVa0a
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"Wow, I really must have my workstation here. I'm really missing out on all the fun." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSiK6ROgAX
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"Finding Mutale is our main priority," said Brian. "If we find him, we find Diana." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuocVEHXFba
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"I got him!" came the blonde female recruit. "He's appeared in Florida, sir." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2bLpx5DdR
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Brian turned to Rondon. "What the hell are they doing there?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrSqgOVozH
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"Give me an exact location, please," Rondon ordered. "Maybe we'll know why." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviNqTiz4SJ
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"Mr. Rondon, sir," came the third-year recruit. Rondon and Brian turned to him as he approached. "I narrowed down our suspects with such an ability from the underworld, and one of them stood out. Take a look." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODo3l9gncO
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The third-year handed over a sheet of paper to Rondon. He looked at it and the first thing that caught his eye is the picture of a young blonde male, about eighteen or nineteen years old. He didn't have to read the details below for he already knew who he is. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSbx55dyR9
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"Lucius," said Rondon absent-mindedly. "One of the many sons of the devil." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2UK0QmNxg
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Brian read the paper. "I don't understand. Why would he be there when his father had sent the shadow monster after Diana? And why go with her to Miami?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wLXKEiE52
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Rondon also wondered the same thing and what he thought at first came back to him again: what if the Devil isn't the one who sent the shadow monster after Diana? 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZGbhzWrJW
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"You're right," said Rondon. "This doesn't add up at all." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUJcInuBIm
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"Sir, we've pinpointed their exact location," came the female recruit. "And you're not going to like what you're about to hear." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB13ftZVAg
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"I think I have a good guess," said Rondon turning to look at the recruit. "The Devil has a house in Miami, doesn't he?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvFKnW8BCv
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"Yes." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOd75QvDZ2
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Rondon shook his head. Why would they go there now? Are they going to ask the Devil himself about the shadow monster? Or is Lucius handing over Diana to his father? That's not right and Rondon knows it. There would've been a struggle if that were the case, and Lucifer wouldn't have even thought of sending the shadow monster in the first place. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAzceckGdg
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Rondon turned to Peter, who hadn't left his spot from the time he appeared. "Peter, I want you to prepare to open a portal." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBBM83LKXB
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"Are you planning to go there?" Peter asked. "That place is off limits." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtHlMbNMrJ
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"I know that. We're teleporting to Miami but not in his premises." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgNIwwxK08
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"Then what do you plan to do after that?" Brian asked. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OPj9z28Bz
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"I plan to break in there and get Mutale out." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4BIAFt9C2
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"Huh? Are you serious? What happened to capturing Diana?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb94FBU8V5K
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"Our chances look pretty slim, but if anyone does have the chance to capture her, then luck is on our side. Besides, didn't you say that finding and saving Mutale is our main priority right now?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m0ocrrDdu
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Brian didn't answer as the woman in the white mask said, "I think it's best we listen to Rondon and prepare ourselves to teleport. Do you want me to inform headquarters of the latest developments?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMekBUCkLT
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"Yes, that would be wise. Everyone, pack up. And those with their eyes monitoring what's happening, don't slack off." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjH4FTTxal2
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"Yes, sir," the recruits answered him in unison. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPH4bhRuQZ6
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Rondon told Peter to inform everyone else near his station. He started to make his way out of the tent while the recruits got up and started packing. Brian followed him. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnXJYojXUc
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"Rondon," Brian called out as they went out of the tent and into the darkness outside. Rondon stopped to look at him. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoy6uFck48o
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"What is it now, Brian?" Rondon asked. "Are you going to tell me that all this isn't going as planned? Well, yes it is and we just have to deal with it and think of something else if we want to achieve our goal." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA2yEBSeWp
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"I wasn't," said Brian. "Yes, the mission has taken a turn, but who knows, maybe it's for the better." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0KBKj68tx
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"Then what is it, then?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XUoZ8Smat
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Brian drew a little closer so as to whisper. Now that everyone is packing, recruits were now moving in and out of the tent, and might listen in on them. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivRRylGYNV
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"I now believe you when you said the Devil might not have sent the shadow monster after Diana," Brian whispered.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7DVzSsUkA
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Rondon didn't know whether to say anything or not. But he said, "let's just keep this between us. If anyone else hears this, the people up the ranks aren't going to tolerate it. You saw what happened in our little meeting earlier. Besides, what if it does turn out to be him and all this was just a plan off his sleeve?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYftAxNfSIR
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Brian raised an eyebrow for he knew Rondon was just playing it safe. He gave a nod of his head and soon walked away. Rondon stood for a while and he could already tell that a lot of things were going to go out of proportion in this mission if he doesn't get a handle on it. Even if he thought so, he now had to rely on nothing but luck. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tedOQnPSd
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*** 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOgdyPlD8n
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Diana’s P.O.V: 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUxc3tJ3T0
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The cool breeze coming from the ocean blew in my hair and I had to brush off the strands from my face with my free hand. Stella and I were still helping Mutale up. Even when we aren't facing any danger at the moment, he is slowing us down a bit. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg61Gavieo
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Lucius walked ahead of us. With the sun above, I could see him clearly now. It feels like a long time since I last saw him when maybe a year has passed. I noticed his broad shoulders beneath the black hoodie jacket he wore. I can't also help but feel he's grown a little taller. I guess people grow a little differently and a lot faster in the underworld. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuYrDDmGHw
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I looked at Stella through the corner of my eye. She's the one whom I haven't seen in forever. When I drew that butterfly symbol on the floor, I'm not sure why I summoned her. I wonder how she and the others on the Butterlfly Island are doing. I've heard stories and rumours that things aren't so stable since I decided not to return there. As much as I've tried avoiding the place, I really miss it. And I hate that the reason I can't go back is because of the tension I had created and continue to create due to my presence. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSETVIdnKj0
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"I've heard that your father owns a lot of places on earth," said Stella, as she looked around the beach. "A beach house should've come to mind, but it didn't." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaj1mnQtrT
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Lucius scoffed. "When he really wants people to do bad things, a party at the beach house is the best place, if you know what I mean." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbj222gaxm
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It’s now Mutale’s turn to scoff. "You make it sound like it's normal," he said. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvqu0WsGNy
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"I am from the underworld after all," Lucius turned to look at him as he walked. "And if you ask me, a lot more people do bad things out there and you know it." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuPn6CmxU7
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"It’s the reason why I would do all I can to get rid of this evil in the world." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSpNhSfQOv
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"Now is not the time to start blabbering these things," I said. "We're not in the Golden Elite premises." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsGbC1FfhP
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Lucius stopped in his tracks to turn around and he jumped when doing so. "Oh, so you’re a soldier of the Elite, huh? My dad will be happy to see what I brought in." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWob6exnNP
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"He’s my prisoner, Lucius," I warned him. "And can we get moving? We don’t have enough time." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTJ9NBYpxu
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"Relax, it’s not like the shadow monster will find us. And besides, it’s daytime here." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrIfVGnkM9
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"This is your father’s territory. I’ve every right to keep my guard up." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEXX1wYwhI
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Lucius gave me a bright smile and a wink. "As you wish." He turned around and continued to lead the way. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcMlzUUaaq
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As we slowly approached the house, plastic cups and beer bottles in the sand, came into view. A white plastic flew in our direction as a breeze passed by and almost landed on my face. As we got closer, beach chairs, some upright and lying on all angles on the sand came into view. A few people in swimsuits were found lying on the beach's sand, completely wasted. I couldn’t have thought of a better way for the Devil’s party to end up. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvjvvLAV8S
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"Sorry for the mess," said Lucius as we bypassed the chairs and tried avoiding the few people lying on the sand. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWqMXLEOyx
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"Oh, don’t," said Stella with a little amusement in her voice. "This was very much expected." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxF9rWPXAeK
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I looked at Mutale and a face of shock and disbelief came on his face. If I wasn’t helping him out, I would've slapped him on the head. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLncKzDdQjO
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We finally came to the Devil’s white beach house and the place was a lot messier. Lucius had to move a few chairs and other items in the way like beach balls and swim floaters. A few bodies lay around, some on chairs, others atop tables. Some people were lying around completely naked. Mutale couldn’t help but look at the atrocity around him and with my other free hand, held the top of his head to turn it for him to look elsewhere. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hmI3mC1Z1
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We walked up the wooden steps to the front door. And Lucius had to move aside some bodies and items. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPdQnS4ugn
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"I say, this party went well," said Lucius as he cleared the front door for us. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kFJqABarz
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"More like it was a disaster," Mutale muttered. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9R2FrjlxIp
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Lucius raised his eyebrow at him. "I should invite him one of these days." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtr0u9yG6M
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"Please, don’t," I warned. "You don't want to see the Golden Elite at your father’s doorstep." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyAV2lccLK
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"Just kidding. This loser is such a party pooper and the Golden Elite are a pain anyway." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6XKSuHQ0a
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"If Diana hadn’t taken my weapons, you and I would’ve sparred with each other," said Mutale.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14Gf6B8ZFk
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"Not in my house you won’t," came a deep, husky voice down the hall as soon as we entered the foyer. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFgrkQahT6
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We all turned to see amidst the mess and mayhem on the floor, stood a tall, well-built middle-aged man with short, curly, blonde hair, with chiselled facial features. He is dressed in only a red bathrobe and wore white bed slippers on his feet. He clearly isn’t wearing anything underneath his robe, and those blue piercing eyes bore straight at us. His presence was both alluring and frightening, that there’s no guessing who stood before us. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJssrGNUSdO
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"Oh, Diana," said Lucifer as he came towards us with a smile on his face. "If I'd known you were coming, I'd have better prepared myself and this place." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uH6Q3bDcm
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"Trust me, this is better than your actual home in the underworld," I said. "So, I don’t mind." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknconto1CL
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"True. Sorry for the mess. We really took it all out last night. And you, son, left without saying a word." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoRtxSHlbU
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Stella, Mutale and I turned to look at Lucius, who shrugged his shoulders. "So?" he asked. "I had plans." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0Lm83nfxD
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"And was one of them to go look for Diana and bring her here?" his father asked. "You must have really missed her that badly. I tried to hook him up with some of the hot girls, but he's been dodging a lot of them lately." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwpA7uuhlZ
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"Diana was a last minute resort. I had other things to do before I came to her." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRshORq143R
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"I see." Lucifer raised an eyebrow at his son before turning to look at the three of us standing. "Ah, you must be from the Butterfly Island," he said addressing Stella. "And looking at your robe, you must be part of the High Order, am I correct?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzHseO5KqB
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"Guilty," said Stella. "A pleasure to meet you." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcfs0XdNNh
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"Oh, the pleasure is mine." He now turned to Mutale and his smiley face turned to a frown. "And you're a soldier from the Golden Elite." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjo8CPUrkw
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I could feel Mutale tremble a little as he asked, "How did you know?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxShwHMg46Q
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"He can smell the residue from the weapons you carried," I said. "A supernatural like him with his sense of smell can detect you from a mile away." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tSgeM2LAA
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"Diana, smart as always," Lucifer turned to smile at me. "When I caught his scent at first, I thought I was going to have a hard time dealing with him." He looked Mutale up and down. "But then you came in with Lucius so, I knew all was alright." He now turned to Iook at me. "I must admit, I missed you too. Now I see why my son went looking for you. He must have thought bringing you here to see me would make me quite happy." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiH8DrdW7Dt
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"Actually, I didn’t come here to meet. Lucius just happened to come by at the right time. And given the circumstances, I knew I just had to see you to talk about something." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LbCLs7Jmc
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"Okay. Let’s talk, then. We can go to my study. Follow me." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9NyuocGnQ
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Just before he could turn around to lead the way, he looked at the three of us and said, "let me help you ladies out. You don’t need to carry this heavy load of Elite scum. Lucius, haven’t I taught you manners? You should’ve helped them with him." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIL8tNiFAR
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"Did you just call me scum?" Mutale didn’t like that. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMh2xJuvxA
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"What do you mean I don't have manners?" Lucius now asked, sounding upset by his father’s remarks. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaq5FcRsP8
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Lucifer didn’t answer as I felt Mutale’s weight lighten on my shoulders. Lucifer had him up in mid-air, but not too high. I could only imagine the number of times I’ve been held up like that. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbRUMfjPhA
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"What are you doing?" Mutale asked, feeling uncomfortable. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyIqE5GIUv
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"Just hush," said Lucifer, giving him a deadly stare. "You’re lucky you came with Diana. I love to feed people like you to my bloody hounds." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEgHVfutOP
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"Behave, Mutale," I warned. "He’s not kidding about his hounds." He really isn't. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68HyHIVGbT
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Lucifer didn’t say anything more as he now turned around and started to lead the way through his house straight down the hall. We passed his large, messy, sitting room. You could tell that after a good cleanup, the place would look extraordinary. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1k9Yk4R23R
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We soon reached his study, which he apparently kept under lock. A gold key appeared in his hand and he unlocked the door. He opened it for us, gesturing with his hand to enter. Stella and I went in first with Mutale floating behind us. Lucifer came in with Lucius closing the door behind him. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQb6g7YN4Y
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I looked around the study and there are huge, tall book shelves. I noticed some books that should never be seen by the human eye - that’s if you’re not a devil worshipper. Some of the titles I read were downright scary. I looked away, trying not to feel uncomfortable about it. At the end of the room in front of a huge glass window stood his desk, and behind it, a large red chair, suitable for a man of Lucifer’s standards. There were red armchairs around the place and two facing a fireplace. It looked like a comfortable place to go sit and read. That’s if it’s a book aside from those in this room. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCEAeMcxg4
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"Make yourselves comfortable," said Lucifer as he went to his chair behind his desk. He turned towards the floating Mutale and dropped him in one of the armchairs, facing his desk. And he made him land very hard. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiBjT5HzwB
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"Ow, that hurt," Mutale winced in pain.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60CJUndE0B
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"I'm clearly not apologising for it," he gave Mutale a judging look. He now turned to Stella and me. "Please, ladies, take a seat. Lucius, can you ring the house help to bring in something for our guests to eat." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXA1hUxsJi
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"I already did," said Lucius as he stood behind the armchair I was about to sit on. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPD3IPM22F7
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Lucifer rolled his eyes and shook his head. He sighed before saying, "for once I would like it if you were to act like a real human being and walk over there to tell her yourself." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SlCALVWBS
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"Not this again. Don't forget that you do it too. It's not my fault that I'm your son." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi81xk4s0WE
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"I take it that the use of powers aren't allowed in the house?" Stella asked out of curiosity, as she sat in the chair next to mine. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37MPg43iZb
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"The help here is human so we try to keep a low profile. But someone here likes to send a message through silly means," Lucifer threw a stern look at his son. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGBU92u04P
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"Okay, you can talk about it when it's just the two of you," I chided before Lucius can say anything. "Now, we've something very serious to talk about, Lucifer." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvx0vyQLQN
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Lucifer, brought his hands together on the desk and leaned forward. I can tell that he's taking a good look at me. A smile appeared across his face that any woman would fall for. Sadly, it didn't have any effect on me. I hope it didn't have an effect on Stella, though. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIl3ShNKPfW
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"I know it's been a long time since we last saw each other, but you've really grown, Diana," Lucifer commented, still scrutinising me. "And you're much prettier too." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCQmgUi2HU
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"Thanks, but that's not why I'm here," I said, leaning back. "I'm here because a creature of yours is after me. And I would like to know why." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvE1qNdq2z
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"A creature of mine? Which one is that?" 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlQVKRVWgI
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This time it's Stella, who answered: "a level one shadow monster." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNjG16YNlY
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Lucifer didn't look surprised. It got me thinking whether he did send one after me or not. His next response would prove to be crucial. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwFryq3V7n
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He looked at both me and Stella. And a smile came upon his face. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9xcI5B1tZ
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"I'm sorry to disappoint you, ladies," he said. "But even when people think I don't keep promises, one of the few promises I will continue to keep is yours, Diana. I promised that I would never try to harm you in any way." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdGRJxalom
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"Ha!" Lucius clapped his hands. "You see! I told you. I knew he wouldn't go back on his word." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0jmAuXCfF
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"Diana, he's lying to you," said Mutale. "Don't believe him. He's the one who sent it. We're talking to the Devil here." 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8M3APNmzk
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"Can you be so sure that he's telling the truth?" Stella asked as she looked at me. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDkW4gfDuv
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I continued to look at the Devil as he smiled mischievously in front of me. And I had no doubt in my mind. 253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR4QOBSHTJ
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He's telling the truth.8964 copyright protection249ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKxn6pILaG 維尼

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