The atmosphere around the orphanage was upbeat, all the children were chatting happily even more so than they usually do.
As Ash got closer he could see someone annoying running towards him.
"ASH!"
Will came charging in while screaming Ash's name.
"Ash, where were you? You totally missed out."
"Missed out? Missed out on what?"
Ash could see that Will was clearly excited.
'It must be something major to be this excited, wait don't tell me.'
"Ash, listen I can't believe I'm saying this, but a representative of one of the Four Heavenly Kings will be staying here for a few months."
"A representative of one of the Four Heavenly Kings?"
The Four Heavenly Kings were the strongest most influential beings in the world, their power could destory cities in seconds if they chose to do so. They were the leading powers of Earth, they were legends that have been alive since the Pre-Cataclysm Era. One of the Four Heavenly Kings Reinhardt was even the ruler of the neighbouring megacity Primus.
"Crazy right? To be representative of one of those guys you'd have to be super strong, like second to the kings themselves."
Will's enthusiasm was the normal reaction, but Ash was still sceptical.
"Which of the King's does he represent?"
After thinking for a moment Will was unable to answer.
"He didn't tell us."
"He didn't tell you, why? Aren't the Four Heavenly Kings super prideful, why would a rep of theirs pass up an opportunity to brag."
As Ash said this Will's face was washed over by a wave of disappointment.
"Ash my dear, noble being of such caliber have no need to brag about things like that."
"Still it feels odd not to mention it."
"He might have his reasons, it might be on a covert mission or something."
Though Will's explanation sounded reasonable it still felt like there were many problems with this visitor.
"Also how do we know he's a rep, is there a way to verify it?"
"Don't know. Father Adam said he was one, and I don't see why he would lie."
'I suppose it would be best to ask Father Adam, I have to report to him anyways.'
With that, using the report as an excuse Ash headed for the church to meet with Adam, with the hopes of getting some answers from him.
Opening the church's doors the church was completely. Going deeper into the church in one of the rooms sat Adam.
"Ohh welcome Ash. It seems you really took it easy after our parting in the morning."
He was clearly referring to the fact that Ash had disappeared after their conversation.
"I was gonna search for you, but then I remembered that you were just this type of child. Always resting and disappearing, but then always turning up later on. Anyways with all that out of the way give me the report."
Ash quickly headed over the tablet and then gave a quick rundown of what he saw, throughout it all Adam was listening attentively.
"...and that would be all."
"Good job Ash, it seems all is in order, you may go now."
Though he was dismissed, Ash mustered up the courage and decided to ask about "Sir Floch".
"Umm... Father."
"Yes child?"
"Is Sir Floch really a representative of one the Four Heavenly Kings?"
Adam was confused for a moment, but then quickly realised his mistake and started to explain things to Ash.
"Oh right, you weren't there at lunch today. Yes Sir Floch is indeed a representative of them."
"If I may be so presumptuous, may I ask how you're able to tell?"
Adam though reluctant at first after closing the door behind them still decided to tell him.
"This is meant to be a secret of the church, but it's his necklace."
"His necklace?"
Ash was more confused than before as he felt a necklace was not a very secure way of identifying reps as the could easily be replicated.
"I figured you wouldn't get it. You see the necklaces are infused with divine authority."
"But do all of the Four Heavenly Kings have divine authorities?"
Adam shaked his head.
"No only Reinhardt has it, so Sir Floch is one of Reinhardts subordinates."
Ash quickly understood why Sir Flochs association wasn't disclosed as it would potentially expose the necklaces.
"Father, how do you know all this and is it really okay to tell me all this?"
Adam tensed up and quickly looked around to make sure there really was no one near the church listening.
"I was actually a high ranking member of the Holy Church in Primus, but after some... mishaps I was sent here. You could look at Blackheart as my place of exile."
Ash was shocked, he knew that Adam had more to him than a simple priest it was still schocking to find out that he was actually someone so high up in church hierarchy.
"Then are you also a User yourself father?"
After hearing Ash Adam pushed his long blond hair to the side and showed Ash the chip imbedded into his skull.
"I...don't really use it anymore, but that's not important Ash, you also asked me why I told you."
Nodding his head in agreement Ash was eagerly waitting for thr answer.
"It's because..."
But at that very moment footsteps could be heard from the church, and they were rapidly approaching the office, and then knocks could be heard.
"Yes, who is it?"
Adam asked with caution.
"It's me Floch, I've introduced myself to everyone at the church and I figured the two of us could go out for some coffee."
Floch's friendly voice was difficult to say no to so without much thinking Adam answered.
"Sure, but I still have some things to do. How about you wait for me at the café, I'll be there in about 10 minutes."
"That's fine I suppose."
With that Floch could be heard leaving the church.
In the next moment Ash could see Adam closing his eyes and reciting a prayer after which a small white light could be seen radiating from his body.
"He should be gone."
"What was that?"
Ash assumed it was one of Adam's abilities, but still questioned it's purpose.
"It was a small scale scan, anyways Ash you have to listen to me because this is the one opportunity I have to tell you this."
Ash tensed up hearing Adam's words as this was the most serious he had seen him before.
"As I was a part of Reinhardt's Legion I could feel it, he is lying. You noticed too right, there is something off with him."
"But then how did he get the necklace, you said only reps had it...wait you mean"
Adam looked Ash dead in the eye and without missing a beat answered.
"Yes I think he killed one of the reps and took the necklace."
Ash's heart sank as he knew full well what this meant. The man calling himself Floch was someone incredibly dangerous.
"The only thing I don't understand is why I haven't heard about the death of a rep, news like this would have spread quickly in the church."
"Maybe he's really a rep?"
Ash said in a somewhat hopeful tone. But Adam was just shaking his head.
"No, I know for certain he isn't one of us."
"Anyways Ash!" Adam suddenly changed to an imposing tone as if he was a military sargeant.
"Forget all about my warning on Monday, get as many kids to leave with the SCC as you can, I have a feeling that's the only way you can stay alive."
Ash wanted to refute, but he couldn't, he saw what that thing was and knew full well that the town known as Blackheart would soon disappear from the map.
'So the SCC huh? After all the time thinking of them as some evil corporation it's strange to think that they might be our road to salvation this time.'
"And what about you Father Adam? What will happen to you?"
Adam looked up at Ash and with a resigned look shook his head.
"As I've said this place is my exile, I cannot leave, the best I can do is hope that we are wrong about his intentions."
Ash had no idea what Blackheart had that made it worthy of being targeted, and also why Adam was sent here specifically for his exile, but right now he didn't feel like asking these things. He felt he already knew more than he should have.
It was time for Adam to leave for his meeting, and also for Ash to leave the church's grounds.
His next stop was the convenience store ran by Granny Agate. Ash had promised to tell her if he changed his mind, and while he was already on the fence about leaving, now it was certain.
Walking through the town he felt heavy. Looking around, he couldn't help feeling like this may be one of the last times he saw the town. It was a silent form of mourning, no tears, no words, just a heavy sense of nostalgia. Even he could see the absurdity of his situation, I mean he wasn't leaving for atleast another three day, yet he still couldn't help it.
'I'll miss this town'