"Our ambition here is private. Now, do you mind going back to your captain?" Lucy's voice was low but sharp, her gaze fixed firmly on the man beside her.
The skinny Shinra leaned back in his seat, smirking. "No, no, no, no… I'm not pleased with that answer, young lady. You're confident, aren't you? I've met many talented women in my time. Had good nights with them too, if you catch my drift. There's no reason for you to act special."
The second man, already sliding into the seat beside Alfie, chuckled. "Exactly. Pretty face, sharp tongue—still just a woman,a young one at that. Don't think too highly of yourself."
Alfie's fists clenched beneath the table. Sasaki's aura spiked dangerously, his fist ready to attack . The waiter quietly dropped their food and slipped back to the kitchen, wisely avoiding the rising tension.
The two men reached across, grabbing pieces of steak from the bowls as if it were theirs. Their laughter grated against the table's silence.
Lucy's face hardened. "That's enough. Both of you—get out. Now."
"Calm down, young lady," the first Shinra drawled mockingly, taking another bite. "Why do you think you get to call the shots? There's a man sitting right there, isn't there? Shouldn't he be speaking instead of you?"
Sasaki's hand tightened. His aura trembled with barely restrained violence.
"Don't do anything stupid, Sasaki. Keep your cool," Lucy said firmly, her voice like steel.
The men burst into laughter. "Ha! A man ordered around by a woman? What a coward. Look at you, sitting there silent while she scolds you like a child!"
Their captain, watching from the corner with his whiskey in hand, frowned and sent a sharp telepathic warning into their minds: Enough. Come back. Now.
But Alfie had already snapped. He leaned across the table with a fiery grin. "Hey, you… laughing like a hyena. I've got something for you."
Before anyone could react, Alfie grabbed his steaming bowl of rice and hurled it into the skinny man's face. White grains and sauce splattered across him as the entire restaurant froze in stunned silence.
Jackson's grin spread wide as he slapped the table. "Now that's funny!" He and Alfie burst into uncontrollable laughter.
"You little brat!" The man roared, shooting to his feet, fury in his eyes. He drew his sword with a hiss of steel. "I'll peel your skin from your bones—!"
But before his blade could descend, a flash of energy tore through the air. Their captain had switched instantly to their side, catching his subordinate's wrist mid-swing.
"That's enough," the captain growled, his voice heavy with authority. His eyes burned with irritation as he yanked both men backward. "You've done enough damage for one night."
Still glaring, the men reluctantly sheathed their blades. The captain turned to Lucy and gave a shallow bow.
"My apologies, ma'am. I only wanted to know a little about your group. Nothing more."
Without waiting for her response, he hauled his subordinates away. Their laughter had long since turned to snarls.
Lucy didn't so much as glance at him. She sat in silence, the only sign of her anger the subtle tremor of Renshical pressure that rippled from her shoulders.
Jackson leaned back with a sigh. "What's with the people in this place? They're all weirdos."
"Don't let this ruin the mood," Lucy replied calmly, waving to the waiter. "Bring another bowl for Alfie. He wasted his on that idiot."
The waiter nodded quickly and returned with steaming rice. The group finally began to eat, tension fading slowly with each bite.
Halfway through the meal, Jackson swallowed and looked up. "Hey, master… don't you think we should start keeping food at home? We can't keep coming out here every morning and night."
Lucy froze, chopsticks still between her lips. She gave him a blank stare, food still in her mouth.
Jackson's eyes widened. Damn. I guess I asked the Wrong question.
But Lucy simply chuckled, swallowing before answering. "Don't worry about that, Jack. If you're hungry, I'll always provide. Food will never be a problem."
Sasaki smirked faintly. "You kids are more interested in food than anything else. You'd better be ready for tomorrow. Training begins."
"Of course we're ready!" Alfie shot back immediately, his fists clenching. "I can't waste any more time—I have to get Rebekah back!" His voice shook with passion.
Lucy's eyes narrowed. Her voice rang through Sasaki's mind in sharp telepathy: This fool! You're ruining the mood, idiot!
Sasaki stiffened, then went silent, glaring at his food.
Lucy set down her bowl, her tone soft but firm. "From tomorrow, your training will be divided into five steps. Five long steps… and it will take five years to complete them. Only then will you have the strength to stand against what's coming. After that, we'll go get Rebekah. Without fail."
"Five years…" Alfie muttered, his eyes dimming. "That's five years without her…"
"I know it will be hard," Lucy said gently. "You both know how much I love you. Don't think I'll give up on her. We're one. Always. But for this mission—we need strength. All of it. Only then will we succeed."
The atmosphere thickened, heavy with resolve.
Alfie stood, placing his palm firmly against his chest. "I promise… I'll be ready when the time comes. It's a promise to all of you."
Lucy smiled faintly. Sasaki nodded once.
"You're not alone, Alfie," Jackson added, raising his fist. "We're in this together."
Alfie grinned and bumped fists with him. The bond was sealed.
After finishing their meal, they returned quietly to the apartment, their minds weighed with determination.
---
MEANWHILE—
In the middle of a vast, empty void floated a city unlike any other. It was fifteen times larger than any kingdom, built not of towns and streets, but towering buildings that cut into the dark like blades. The air was thick with killing intent—bloodlust so heavy it pressed like an invisible storm.
The void stretched endlessly in all directions, like a starless universe.
At its center stood the largest structure of all—a monstrous fortress, guarded at every corner by silent warriors. This was the Avengers' Hideout, where Amanda ruled… and where Rebekah was kept.
Inside a lavish chamber deep within the fortress, Rebekah sat on a sofa, her back straight, her eyes distant. The polished glass table before her reflected her pale face.
Suddenly—three knocks at the door.
Her body tensed. She leapt to her feet, rushing to a massive Shinra statue in the corner. With trembling hands, she pulled the long sword from its grip and pressed herself against the wall.
The door creaked open.
Rebekah struck instantly, swinging the blade with all her might. Steel rang against the intruder's form—
—but instead of blood, the man's body dissolved into red smoke. He rematerialized across the room, untouched.
He wore a long red robe, face hidden beneath a shadowed hat. His voice echoed with sinister amusement.
"If that's what Lucy has been teaching you…" he said, tilting his head, "…then it's a pity."