Al had already steeled himself. His decision was made.
He would strike at Daraka, and at Rudi and his father as well. He would answer for everything they had done—not only to him but also to Indra's family.
He was ready to end it here.
But—
"Who are you?"
The sudden voice came from the side.
Al turned sharply.
There, standing in front of him, was a young maid—no more than 11 or 12 years old.
She looked frail, her thin body almost trembling under the weight of the tray she was carrying. Her skin was unnaturally pale, her dull brown hair unkempt, and her servant uniform bore the Norvalien family crest.
On the tray rested a simple plate of pastries, clearly prepared for Daraka's arrival.
Al's eyes narrowed. It wasn't just her pitiful appearance that unsettled him, but—
She can see me!? he thought, glancing at his own body. He was still cloaked in stealth mode.
My stealth mode was already at a high level. Not only was my presence hard to detect, but my body was nearly invisible. And this girl?
Yet the maid's eyes were wide open, staring directly at him as if she truly saw him standing there.
The girl's voice had drawn attention. Daraka and the others turned.
"What is it?" Rudi's father called from a distance.
The maid lowered her head respectfully toward him before lifting her gaze again, pointing timidly in Al's direction.
"I… I saw this man standing here for a while, Master. Is he a guest as well? Forgive me if I spoke out of turn."
Rudi's father frowned, following the line of her finger. His eyes met only empty air. Al himself stood frozen, not from fear, but from the strange wrongness of the situation.
"Who are you talking about? There's no one there. Are you blind? Or are you trying to make a fool of us?" Rudi's father barked.
The maid shook her head furiously and bowed even lower.
"N-no, Master, I wouldn't dare… Forgive me… but truly, Master, this man… he's right there—"
"Enough!" Rudi's father snapped, moving forward angrily.
But before he could strike, Rudi stepped in his path.
"Calm down, Dad. This girl is always like this. Her name is Eva—one of the village servants assigned to my quarters. The other maids say she sometimes sees… things. Supernatural things. So she acts strangely now and then, whether it's real or not, I don't know."
Rudi moved closer, his tone sharp but not unkind.
"Eva, why are you here? Shouldn't you be in my room doing your duties?"
Eva lowered her head and spoke nervously.
"Forgive me, Master and... Young Master. This may sound strange, but many servants have fallen ill in this part of the estate these past few days. The number of staff here has been reduced, so the head servant ordered me to bring this food. I hurried over as requested. I'm sorry."
"Is that so?" Rudi muttered, confused.
Eva nodded quickly.
"I did receive a report about that yesterday," his father added with a grim look.
Then he turned to Daraka.
"Mr. Daraka, does this have something to do with the protective wards you placed here?"
Daraka gave a single nod, though a faint glimmer in his eyes betrayed a hidden intent. Slowly, he stepped toward Eva.
By then, Al understood.
Oh. So, besides Eva, it seems no one can see me. Hmm… I wonder if Daraka could see me if he raised his detection level?
But it seems not. Still… how exactly can this little girl see me? Al muttered, analyzing.
Eva continued to stare at him. Al raised one finger to his lips, signaling her to keep silent. Confused, Eva hesitated, then fell quiet.
Am I hallucinating, or is this figure some kind of supernatural being? But his clothes… they're modern. A wandering ghost? But his skin isn't pale at all. Eva analyzed Al silently.
Daraka stopped in front of her.
"Where is this being you claim to have seen? Is it still in this area?"
Eva faltered, but her gaze did not leave Al's position.
Daraka followed her eyes, stretching out a hand to the wall where Al was hidden.
Al tensed, shifting slightly out of reach.
"He moved…" Eva whispered innocently.
Al's teeth clenched.
Daraka's eyes narrowed. "Are you telling the truth?"
Eva said nothing, but her anxious expression gave him pause. Her fear seemed real.
Daraka turned back, his mind unsettled. Either an intruder truly lurked here, ghost, or the girl was hallucinating.
Determined, he tried again—this time sweeping his hand in the exact direction of her gaze.
Al felt the pressure close in on him. Cornered in the corridor, Al felt there was no need to play hide-and-seek anymore. Finally, he decided:
Hmph… enough. I've come this far. Whatever the risk, finishing them off is only natural. He muttered, solidifying his resolve.
Then,
With a snap of his fingers, he created a small explosion, enough to produce thick, dense smoke.
BOOM!
Smoke filled the corridor in a choking cloud, forcing Al to abandon stealth as he used the cover.
Daraka leapt back immediately, a dark aura forming in his palm. His stance hardened, ready to strike.
"So there really is an intruder!" he exclaimed. "Seems like this girl has something powerful," Daraka muttered, staring at the explosion.
Daraka observed, waiting to see what would emerge.
And a few seconds later—
"HUAARRGGHH!!"
"AAAAAAGHHH!"
A piercing scream tore through the hall. Waves of crimson energy erupted outward, shattering windows, shaking the very building, and frying nearby surveillance equipment.
Rudi and his father nearly collapsed from the shock, ears ringing, while alarm bells blared throughout the estate. Guards began to rush toward the commotion.
"Ughhh… What is this overwhelming force?" Daraka hissed, straining under the pressure.
He threw up barriers to shield those present, even while firing bolts of dark energy blindly into the smoke.
When the wave subsided, he advanced cautiously, only to find—nothing. The place was empty.
Rudi and his father hurried over, guards already surrounding the corridor.
"Mr. Daraka, what happened?" Rudi's father demanded.
"I'm not certain. But someone truly entered this estate undetected," Daraka answered coldly, scanning with his senses—only to find no trace, not even the faintest residue of energy. It was as though the intruder had never existed.
"An intruder? Really? But isn't the security here impenetrable?" Rudi asked.
"Are you an idiot?" Daraka snapped. "An explosion just happened in front of your eyes, and you still question it?"
Rudi faltered. Daraka was right—what other explanation could there be? He turned, checking his father's condition, relieved to see no harm done.
Daraka then turn to Rudi's father.
"That figure is strong enough to evade my magic detection," Daraka said. "But… what you should prioritize now is finding that little girl. It seems she's been kidnapped," he added, realizing Eva had disappeared as well.
Rudi's father stared at him for a moment, slightly puzzled.
"Ah… that… I guess there's no need to bother. Losing a little servant isn't really a problem; you don't have to worry about her, Mr. Daraka. Isn't the intruder supposed to be the priority?" Rudi's father said.
But Daraka's expression darkened.
"No. You're just as foolish as your son if you think that."
Those words stung, and Rudi's father could barely contain the anger that welled up inside him.
His pride burned, yet he knew better than to let it show. To confront Daraka directly would only bring calamity upon himself and his household, so with clenched fists and gritted teeth, he swallowed his irritation and kept silent.
"That girl… she was able to perceive something even I could not see. How could I possibly allow such a rare and peculiar existence to slip away? Find her—at the very least, bring me her eyes," Daraka continued coldly, issuing his command as if it were an undeniable decree.
"If my detection alone fails, do you really think you can find the intruder?! Help me find the girl. By finding her, we can also locate the intruder," he added.
Rudi and his father exchanged a brief glance, the unspoken tension clear between them. Both could only nod in reluctant compliance, for defying Daraka was not an option.
And so, with the wreckage still smoldering and confusion lingering in the air, the day came to a close at the Norvalien estate—its halls now burdened with ruin and a relentless search that was only just beginning.
---
Meanwhile, Al had already slipped away, arriving at a narrow, dim alley far removed from the Norvalien estate. The silence there was suffocating, broken only by the faint rustle of the evening wind.
He raised his hand, the glyph etched into his skin flickering to life as he sent a coded message to his team.
Once the signal was sent, his gaze shifted to the side. There, lying against the cold stone wall, was the frail figure of Eva. She had lost consciousness, her eyelids pressed shut, yet thin streams of blood trailed down from the corners of her eyes.
As Al straightened his back, the fading rays of the evening sun spilled across his face, revealing a ghastly sight—fresh blood still dripping, staining his pale cheeks. His body trembled ever so slightly, his complexion almost deathly white.
Al clenched his teeth and immediately cast a healing spell, pouring the restorative light over both his eyes and hers.
His mind replayed what had transpired only moments before.
He had nearly launched his strike against Daraka, but then an unbearable wave of agony tore through his skull the instant he reactivated the Dimensional Eye.
The pain was concentrated in his eyes, as if they were about to rupture; his head felt like it would explode. It was a torment beyond words, and blood had begun to seep from his eyes.
But it wasn't only him—Eva had suddenly cried out in pain as well, clutching her face in desperation while blood streamed from her eyes too.
His vision blurred. With the last fragments of his fading consciousness, Al chose not to fight. Instead, he retreated, taking Eva with him—the girl who had now become an anomaly worth investigating. In truth, he had abducted her.
As his sight gradually cleared again, Al blinked several times, piecing together a chilling thought.
"Could it be… that her eyes also contain fragments of the Dimensional Eye, just like mine?" he muttered under his breath, the sharp glint of realization flashing in his gaze.
"If that's true, then this is a jackpot. I've been searching for the remaining fragments for so long… and it seems one of them has finally fallen right into my hands."
He studied the unconscious girl carefully.
So young, and already a servant. With a frail body and pale skin, it seemed she wasn't well taken care of and worked far too hard. Especially since she served in Rudi's room, a man notorious for his predatory habits, Al analyzed.
While finishing his healing, he muttered in irritation.
"Rudi doesn't just deserve death. If he dared to lay a filthy hand on this child, then he deserves to be tortured until death itself begs for him," Al whispered coldly, his voice dripping with venom.
Not long after, two figures clad in black uniforms appeared soundlessly before him.
Al gestured at Eva without hesitation, ordering them to secure and tend to her for the time being. The two bowed in acknowledgment, then carefully lifted the girl and vanished into the shadows as swiftly as they had come.
My target failed, and there's no way to continue in my current state. The side effects just now were too severe, he thought, watching his still-trembling body.
Al could only sigh at the unexpected turn of events.
I don't know… nowadays criminals like them seem to have so much plot armor. Maybe it's because I'm not the hero here. Huff… they're lucky, he muttered, watching his subordinate leave.
Or maybe… the heavens want me to toy with them before annihilating them. Hmph. That means… their fate will be sealed at the right time. Yeah! For now… let's play. He said firmly, hurrying out of the area.
He tilted his head upward. The sky was painted in the fading glow of dusk, yet all across the district, squads of Norvalien guards were already scattering in every direction, clearly searching for Eva.
Al merely shook his head at their futile efforts and turned away, deciding to head home. His body, which had already been battered with fatigue, now screamed for rest more than ever.
"Time to go home now."
---
Al finally returned home.
Servants bustled about in the usual rhythm of a large household, but none dared to interrupt him. Without a word, he headed straight to his room—the one left untouched for the past three days.
As he opened the door, a wave of cool air and the familiar scent of his bed welcomed him. A little dusty, but it didn't matter.
"Ahhh... finally," Al murmured as he threw himself onto the bed.
"The best place in the world…"
He rolled over, burying his face in the pillow.
"Real sleep... after years of wandering... this is paradise…"
Al pressed his temples, his head still throbbing.
"This really was a painful experience," he muttered, shutting his eyes and forcing himself toward sleep.
But the sleep only lasted a few seconds.
Knock knock.
A gentle but firm voice followed the knocking.
"Al, you're back?"
Arrrrghh! Al screamed internally, faking a sob as his peace was shattered.
He sluggishly got up and opened the door.
Standing there was Aurielle, his eldest sister—elegant, poised, and radiating a natural leader's presence even in her own home.
"What is it, Sis?" Al asked, resigned.
Aurielle crossed her arms.
"You're late. I thought you didn't want to come home anymore," she said coldly.
Al stared at her attitude with his slightly blurred eyes. Aurielle's face, casual yet serious, was still clearly visible in his sight.
"Ohoo… you look a bit different, sis. Feels like I'm standing in front of a tyrant instead of my sister who always just gives in during debates," he commented.
"Of course. How could I act like this in front of Dad and Mom? This is the aura of a true leader," she said arrogantly.
Al chuckled softly.
"So you don't dare express yourself in front of Father and Mother? Interesting," Al teased.
"Hmph… consider this a lesson for you," Aurielle said, slightly annoyed.
"That's called asserting authority. I'm your eldest sister. When Dad and Mom are around, they hold authority, and my role is to mediate or give input. When they're not around, I have authority over you and the entire Virellano family."
Al nodded.
"I understand. Corporate mindset. So if the three of you aren't around, sis Sarah holds the authority?" he asked curiously.
Aurielle froze slightly at his question.
Sarah holds the authority? Uhhh… somehow that sounds a bit scary, she thought.
But she simply stared at Al firmly.
"Don't think about it. Besides… the three of us will always be around," she snapped. "Anyway... I have a task for you."
Al pouted slightly.
"Hmph… what kind of task, sis?"
"Tomorrow night, come with me to the Tamarvich family banquet," Aurielle said firmly, showing an invitation to the event.
Al took it, a little surprised as he read it.
So it's about that person, he thought.
"Hmm… why do I have to go, sis?" Al frowned.
"You know Idham, right? You two went to the same school at HIHS, probably even the same grade. He's the young master of the Tamarvich family. Since you know him, it's suitable for you to come along," Aurielle said casually.
Idham? That former student council president, huh. Al thought.
"What kind of reason is that? Is that the only reason?" he asked again, puzzled.
"That reason should be enough for you."
"Hmmm… that's weird. Anyway... I'll think about it, sis," Al said, considering it a little.
But Aurielle already took it as consent.
"Okay. Tomorrow afternoon, accompany me to the mall. I'll buy you proper clothes. Mom has been telling me since yesterday to get you new clothes. From now on, don't wear those shabby clothes anymore."
Al squinted. He didn't feel like he had agreed yet, but his sister had already decided.
"Sis, I haven't agreed yet, you know. And I already said I don't need new clothes. My clothes are enough. Having too many just gives me a headache," he replied.
"No. This time I have to buy them for you, at least a formal set. All your clothes are just hoodies, t-shirts, long pants, shorts… all very shabby-looking. Even though we're now keeping your public status restrained, at least you should learn to dress like an elite," Aurielle explained.
"And… you can't refuse this. Mom, Dad, and I have agreed. You have to come," she added.
"Huh… you all agreed without even asking me, even though this is about me? Woah!" Al replied.
"What's so hard about agreeing? That's Mom's order. You said you wanted to be part of this family, but you don't even care about Mom's rights over you," Aurielle shot back.
Al just sighed.
"Hmm. Fine, fine. But… sis, my status hasn't been made public yet, right? So why am I accompanying you to represent the family? As far as I know… even if it's not as bad as sis Sarah, aren't you still embarrassed to be seen with me in public? Even at home, actually," he said, considering whether he should go tomorrow with his body still not fully stable.
Aurielle smiled faintly, grinning.
"Of course I'm embarrassed. Besides, who in this house feels comfortable around you? But as your eldest sister, at least I have to set an example for them."
"Hmph. Only now, the sibling status gets used," Al muttered.
He felt slightly irritated by that, but hearing Aurielle acknowledge herself as his sister gave him a warm feeling inside.
"But seriously… if you ask me… I actually don't want to bring you along," Aurielle continued, with a slightly teasing tone.
"This is just quite important and urgent. That's why you have to come. You're not coming as a family member. You're coming as my assistant. My main assistant is sick. Mom suggested you come instead. Like it or not… so be it."
Al huffed. "Why not David then?" he asked, puzzled.
"David has his own invitation. He's representing the family," Aurielle replied swiftly.
"Besides, I can't go as CEO without an assistant, can I?"
"Doesn't you have a lot of staff?" he asked again.
But this time, Aurielle rolled her eyes.
"Aaarghhh! Enough, stop asking so many questions! Arguing with you just gives me a headache. Tomorrow afternoon, go straight home after school. I'll wait at the house. And DON'T be late! We leave at five sharp."
Then she turned and stormed off.
Al slowly closed the door and flopped back onto the bed.
"Great... Forced again. Huff... Why is that every time I want peaceful sleep… there's always something…"
But he chuckled quietly into his pillow.
The Tamarvich family banquet, huh?
I'm curious… what would their expressions be if I suddenly showed up there, without telling them, Al thought.
---
The next day.
That afternoon, after school, Al jogged home after getting off the bus. Sweat still clung to his temples as he opened the front gate.
But it wasn't enough.
The moment he entered the yard, a sharp voice lashed out like a whip.
"It's 5:01 PM, Al! ONE MINUTE LATE!" Aurielle shouted, standing beside a sleek black car, glaring at her watch in disbelief.
"Our schedule was to leave at five SHARP! Not a second later!"
"Wow... who can live like this?" Al muttered weakly.
Aurielle wasn't listening. She shoved him into the car.
"Get in. No time to waste."
"Wait, Sis… I haven't even showered."
"Not important. A shower won't change your face anyway."
The car drove off.
Their destination: Aria Mall Plaza – VIP Wing.
They entered a high-end boutique.
Al immediately felt like a living mannequin.
He didn't even get the chance to speak before the staff swarmed him with elegant suits—each one handpicked by Aurielle.
"Can't I choose something myself?" Al protested.
"No," Aurielle replied without even looking.
"Your usual style looks so shabby. Your clothing choices must be just as bad. At least tonight, let your clothes save my reputation."
"And what about my reputation?"
"You have any?"
"Oof... that hurts, Sis."
"Shut up. I'm meeting a business rival tonight. I'm not showing up unless everything looks perfect—including the assistant I bring."
"Business rival? Seriously?" Al raised an eyebrow.
"Her name's Aiza Hiruzen. CEO of Alasia Group's Uni-State of Ameria branch. One of the brightest young women in the business world today. She's the star of tonight's event."
Al suddenly fell silent.
"You know her?" Aurielle asked suspiciously.
"Didn't you get a scholarship from Alasia too? Sarah said you and David had greeted her before, but she chose to respond to you instead?"
"Of course," Al muttered.
Aurielle frowned.
His arrogance is back again, she thought.
But she was too busy to care. She headed to the salon and left Al in the boutique.
"Wait here. Once I'm done, we'll leave right away."
"Ok." Al replied lazily.
Two hours passed.
Aurielle returned—looking fashionable, fierce, and ready for corporate warfare.
But she stopped.
There was a crowd.
Dozens of people—mostly women of all ages: teens, adults, even grannies—had gathered near the boutique's entrance.
Aurielle pushed through, curious.
At the center sat a young man in a charcoal-gray suit. Slim build, neat hair, and a face that—
"He's... so cute!" squealed one of the onlookers.
It was Al, lounging on a boutique sofa, casually scrolling his phone. Completely unfazed by the sparkling eyes surrounding him.
"Who is he, miss?" whispered an auntie to a shop assistant.
"Is he a new model? A K-drama actor?"
"No, Ma'am," the staff replied with a smile. "That's our VIP client's assistant."
"But he really does look like a doll, doesn't he?"
The boutique staff were thrilled.
For the past two hours, their store had been flooded with new visitors, all thanks to their "free model": Al Virellano.
Aurielle walked over, half shocked.
Then realization hit her, and she could only shake her head.
"Huff... I forgot he carries the Virellano blood too," she muttered.
"If all his sisters are beautiful, of course the little brother would be handsome…"
But her pride refused to let her say it out loud.
"Ugh, stupid troublemaker," she mumbled, grabbing Al's wrist.
"Enough posing. Stop flirting with rich aunties. We're leaving."
Al simply smiled.
"How could a country boy like me charm rich women, Sis…"
"Yup, you're a country boy. But at least one that can almost be shown in public," Aurielle replied with a cutting tone.
Al only smiled faintly and slightly turned toward the boutique.
And suddenly…
"Sis, thank you so much," Al said.
Aurielle turned awkwardly.
"What's gotten into you? You like the clothes? Huh. I told you my choices are always perfect," she said, assuming Al was thanking her for her handling of everything.
Al simply nodded, though his body trembled slightly.
Luckily sis Aurielle got me out quickly. I would have been in trouble otherwise, he thought.
From the still fairly crowded store, Lucinta—the aunt who had once flirted with Al—had just arrived.
Al was genuinely thankful Aurielle had whisked him away before disaster struck.
And with that, they left—
Leaving behind a disappointed crowd mourning the loss of their eye candy.
---