The scene opens in the aftermath of the battle between Kael and Lyra against Hope. The once-bustling neighborhood now lay in ruins. Buildings were reduced to rubble, and the streets were lined with debris. The air was thick with dust and sorrow.

  A male reporter stood in front of the camera, delivering the grim news.

  “As you can see, the earthquake was devastating. Nearly every house in the area was destroyed. Fifty people have been confirmed dead, and eighty more are hospitalized,” the reporter said somberly, glancing at the destruction behind him.

  Scene Shift: Secret Society Headquarters

  In a dimly lit office, a man in a black suit stood by a large window, watching the live news broadcast. The reflection of the broken city flickered in the glass.

  “Hmph… they’re covering it up well,” he muttered to himself.

  Turning away from the window, his cold eyes fell on the man standing before him—a sharp-looking figure in a sleek, tailored outfit.

  “You did well, AM,” the man in the black suit said, referring to the operative standing before him.

  “I should’ve assigned you the task instead of Agent 278.”

  His gaze shifted to the unconscious Professor Morris, slumped in a chair nearby.

  “But why did you bring that useless thing with you?” he asked, eyeing the professor with disdain.

  AM smirked slightly, his tone calm and composed.

  “Oh, nothing much, sir. We’ll use him to keep an eye on those two kids.”

  The man in the black suit narrowed his eyes.

  “Hmm… They’re no ordinary kids. At least we know who they are now. But tell me, how exactly do you plan to use that pathetic fool for surveillance?”

  AM’s smirk widened slightly.

  “Don’t worry, sir. I’ve already implanted a microchip in his head. He’ll follow my commands now,” he explained confidently.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  “I also fitted surveillance devices in his eyes and ears. We’ll be able to watch and listen to everything those kids do at the university.”

  The man in black folded his arms, his voice skeptical.

  “And how are you so sure they’ll return to the university? They already got the necklace from that fool. What’s the point in going back?”

  Without missing a beat, AM’s expression remained composed.

  “Simple, sir. There are other parties after the necklace besides us. Those two know that. They’ll head back to the university to keep a low profile for a few days,” AM replied smoothly.

  The man in black nodded slightly, a glimmer of approval in his eyes.

  “Hmm… very well. I’m trusting you with this, AM.”

  Suddenly, the door swung open. The figure of Claire strode in confidently.

  “I’m ready for my first speech as the presidential candidate, sir,” she announced calmly, her expression composed and unwavering.

  The man in black turned to her, his face breaking into a slight smile.

  “Ah, I see… Make it a good show, okay? Though we already know you’ll win. Just write a decent speech. We’ll handle the rest,” he said dismissively, waving his hand.

  Claire nodded curtly, her eyes cold and calculating.

  Scene Shift: Westbridge University

  The scene shifted to Westbridge University, where Kael and Lyra walked down the hallway, blending in with the crowd. They kept their expressions neutral, acting as though nothing had happened.

  As they reached their classroom, they took their usual seats. Kael sat beside Amelia, offering her a brief nod.

  The room was filled with casual chatter, but the moment the door opened, both Kael and Lyra stiffened. Their eyes widened in disbelief as Professor Morris walked in.

  Both of them paled instantly.

  Lyra's inner thoughts:

  He… shouldn’t be here. After that technique I used… he should be in the hospital. He disappeared last night after we defeated Hope…

  Kael's inner thoughts:

  How is he even standing? He has no injuries… and he’s acting completely normal…

  Noticing Kael’s pale expression, Amelia leaned over slightly, her voice soft with concern.

  “Hey, Kael… you alright?” she asked gently.

  Kael snapped out of his daze, forcing a weak smile.

  “Huh? Oh… yeah. I’m fine. Just… caught a bit of a cold,” he muttered, trying to regain his composure.

  Though Amelia didn’t believe him, she decided not to push any further. She simply nodded, giving him a reassuring smile.

  Scene Shift: A Dark Cave

  The scene transitioned to a vast, dark cave that eerily resembled an ancient city, sculpted entirely from stone. The intricate architecture was carved into the cave walls, creating the illusion of a lost civilization.

  On a stone slab, Hope’s eyes slowly fluttered open. He let out a faint groan, his body still weak from the previous battle.

  Seated nearby was a woman with a calm and composed demeanor, watching him closely. Her eyes were sharp, yet her expression was serene.

  Hope’s gaze hardened.

  “You could have gotten the necklace instead of saving me. They were exhausted,” he said bitterly.

  The woman’s lips curled into a faint smile, her voice steady.

  “Yes, I could have.”

  Her eyes softened slightly as she spoke again.

  “But… remember what our King used to say,” she added, her tone almost reverent.

  In Hope’s mind, a fleeting image flashed—of a regal figure in armor, his eyes burning with determination, speaking to his loyal warriors.

  “A comrade’s life is always more valuable than any mission, no matter how important the mission is,” she said, her voice calm but firm.

  Hope let out a tired sigh, turning his head away.

  “You’re just stupid, Will…” he muttered, using her name as he glanced at her with mild irritation.

  (Feel free to suggest a different name if "Will" doesn’t fit the character.)

  The woman—Will—simply smiled softly, unaffected by his words.

  “Now, get some rest,” she said, her voice gentle.

  “We’ll take back what’s ours. Then, maybe… just maybe… we can make our King’s dream come true.”

  Her eyes drifted upward, gazing at the cavern’s rocky ceiling, as though searching for a glimpse of the sky they had once lost.