Chapter 3 : Silent artist In the north-west er of the settlement stood a few buildings, that everyohought abahat belief however was false, as a group of people had been allowed to live there by the settlement’s mayor.The group living there used the houses for different purposes, with the biggest 6-story apartment building serving as living space.Each floor taiartments, whibsp; the residents divided those amongs themselves.On the highest floor in the right hand apartment, there y a girl in her bed. Despite early m rolling in, she refused to leave from underh her fy b.Knock! Knock!?Eve, wake up“? … 5 more minutes“Knooock!?Wake up already“?Hmm … not now“BANG!?Fueeee“Eve jolted up as the person calling from outside suddenly burst through the door.?I told you to get up“?… Miriam, did you have to do that?“ Eve asked in a small voice.?That’s cause you wouldn’t wake up. Now get ready“?What’s happening?“?The mayor called. Apparently he’s got a job for me and I’m taking you with me.“?Why?“?Cause you o touch grass. Look at the bags under your eyes.“Miriam turned her head, beholding the paintings hung around the room.Numerous ses were portrayed, ranging from beautiful ndscapes to random animals.Upon closer iioiced a new painting she didn’t reize.?You stayed up all night again, huh?“?… Yes“?Haa, get up a ready now“?Do I have to?“?Yes, yes you do young dy. You ’t stay in your room all day. Yonna stink up the pce,“?Urgh“ Eve grunted in protest.?Be down in 5. I’ll be waiting with some fresh coffee“Eve observed as Miriam left the room, her emerald green eyes glued to the door for several seds.Unwillingly she stood up, making her blonde hair cascade down her back like a golden waterfall.Letting out a yawn, she then started getting ready.Meanwhile Miriam was itom left apartment making the coffe she promised, when she heard someone call out to her.?M Miriam“?M Nina. Coffee will be ready in a minute.“?Yay“ Doing a little twirl, she tinued ?By the way Miriam, there is a eique I want to try, you help, please?~“?No do. I’m doing a job with Eve. Just ask Kai for today.“?Kai isn’t here“ Nina said somewhat moping.?What? Where is he?“?He said something about a behemoth bear being around and he just has to wrestle that thing“?That idiot, why is he doing this now?“ Miriam clutched her head.?Isn’t it because he’s an idiot?“ Nina spit out nontly.?Don’t call him that“?You call him an idiot all the time“?I get to do that, cause he’s my idiot“?Blergh, ag all lovey dovey. I’m gonna be sick.“?So you still haven’t found a boyfriend, huh?“?It’s not my fault, OK?“ Nina cried.?Fine, ge of topic. What are the boys doing?“?Don’t know. Probably sleeping in.“?Hm, Nina you look after them? Make sure they don’t do something stupid.“?Why me?“?Hm, maybe i should bring some cake on the way back.“ Miriam acted as if she were deep in though.?Urgh, fine I'll do it “?Thank you, here, coffee is ready.“ Miriam said with a smile as she noticed Eve enter from the er of her eyes.A few mier Eve and Miriam were on their way to the mayor’s office they reached their destination, they simply walked in much to Eve’s surprise who expected to be stopped by the guards.As the former city hall had been part of the settlement, it tio be used for the same purpose and sihe awakening happe night, many goveror business buildings remained mostly intact. After some small repairs these buildings were put to good use.The mayor’s office was on the highest floor of the city hall and as they went up, Eve watched everything around her with i. As a shut-in person, she rarely if everfound herself in an official setting and now natural curiosity set in.?Are you nervous?“ Notig the way Eve was looking around, Miriam asked.?… a little“?A little, huh? I guess that’s typical for you but no worries since I’m here with you“Eve smiled in respoo Miriam’s statement, before quickly hiding her face with the sketchbook she carried.?Anyway, now that we’re here let’s see what he’s got for us“Both of them kept walking, when all of a sudden a woman jumped in trying to stop them.?Wait! You ’t just walk in without an appoi“?Who’re you?“ Miriam asked a little ahe mayor’s secretary“ her attitude, the woman responded equally annoyed.?Hm, you must be hen“ Miriam tinued walking towards the mayor’s office.?I said wait“ The woman tried to stop her again, just to fail.BAM!Miriam smmed the door open.?Yo, I’m here old man“?You ’t just enter-“ The secretary had not given up, until she heard the mayor’s voice.?That’s enough“?But she-“?It’s ok. I called her here“ the mayor calmly expihe secretary hesitated for a moment, looking bad forth between the mayor and Miriam.?If you’ll excuse me theurned and walked past Miriam’s smug grin.?I see you haven’t ged a bit“ the mayor said before looking at Eve trailing after Miriam.?Is she one of your ?“?Oh yeah that’s right, you guys never met. Eve, this is mayor Max Mustermann“?o meet you, miss Eve. Like Miriam said, I am the mayor of this settlement“?… o meet you“ Eve said while half-hiding behind Miriam.?So, why’d you call me here, old man?“? you stop calling me old? I’m not even 50 yet“?Sounds plenty old to me“There was a twicht on the mayor’s face but he quickly posed himself.?… anyway I called you here because I have an assig for you.“?I’m listening“ Miriam sat down on a chair in front of the mayors desk, while Eve hesitated for a sed before sitting down besides Miriam,?I want you to follow and observe a certain raid team. In case something happens, there are two individuals who need prote.“?Tell me the whole story“?The two iion are called Hilda Rosenkranz and Mark ein. Mark is a raid team member himself. His ability is known as [Danger sense] and so far it has been 100% accurate.“?Aha, and?“?I received a report from the the raid team chief. One of his fellow raid team members notified him of Mark’s [Danger sense] reag to another member.Supposedly Mark had reported this as well before ahe chief had not heard of the issue.“?That does sound bad“ Miriam leaned ba her chair and crossed her legs“ But what are the ces of this being an internal unication error?“?I may be overthinking this but there are to many ces involved for me to just dismiss this.“?What do you mean?“?The leader of the team that Mark is currently a part of, Captain Boris, is suspected of being the one who buried mark’s report. He is also responsible for recruiting Julian,whom Mark judged as dangerous. We also lost a promising member on a different mission involving both of them. It was deemed as a work casualty but if-“ there was a simmering anger in the mayor’s voice.?I see. If those two are silently killing our people then that is a massive problem.“?Hilda is in charge of the newly built farm and Mark’s [Danger sense] is quite valuable. I’ll give you the location of their mission, so follow them and interfere if something goes south.“?That’s fi iurn I'm gonna need a couple things for the .“?Haa“ the mayhed ?just give me list ter and I’ll see what I do“?Good. ’Till ter then“?I expect good news when you e back“?Alright“Ohey left the settlement, Miriam addressed Eve.?The location the mayave us is 12 kilometers to the south. They are using a vehicle, so in order to catch up we’ll have to put a little pep in our step“Eve gave a disgusted look in response.?Don’t look at me like that. Kai taught you how to use the physical aspect properly didn’t he?“?… yes“?I’ll hold back, so try to keep up“?… ok“?Let’s go“ Miriam said, as both broke into a full sprint.Running at inhuman speeds, both of them covered a ridiculous amount of ground.They were fast enough to catch up to the truck, given some time. However sihe mayor told them to stay hidden unless something happen, thus Miriam made sure tomaintain the distaween them and the truck.Eventually the truck reached it’s destination and the team members went on to do their jobs, while the two women watched from afar with a bored expression.Miriam had been slightly amused in the beginning, when Boris killed the dreadwolfes. But everythi so smoothly afterwards, that she started to get irritated.Eve oher hand, kept herself busy. She was drawing the weird berry bush, which the team had found, in her sketchbook.After nearly an hour of waiting, Julian appeared before the raid team.?Oho, that’s an iing development“ Miriam said with a wicked grin.?… you have that face again“?What face?“Miriam asked fused.?… that faake … when you’re about to do something evil“?How rude. You say that as if I'm bad in some way.“?…“ Eve looked away hesitantly.?Whatever. Look, they separated Mark from the group“ Miriam poiowards the three man running in a different dire from the main group.?Seems like our work is finally beginning“As both women turned serious, they started following the three men.A couple mier, both of them witnessed Boris sneak attag Mark and the tter barely dodging by a hairs width.?We o help“ Eve was about to jump out ?Wait“ but Miriam stopped her.?Why?“?Listen“ Miriam poi the developing situation.?What is this about?”?Oh, we’re just taking out a problem“?Now then, it’s time for you to die Mark“?Why? Why are you doing this?”Julian: ?Because you’re a hindrance. Ah, but don’t worry. We’ll be sending your friend to keep you pany soon after, hehe“?This makes no sense. What are y to do? If you kill me, do think you just cover it up?“?Ptffff, hahahaha… No need for cover ups. With you gohe others won’t be fast enough to react. But enough talking, now you di-“?Whoah, listen at them monologing. So embarrassing“ Miriam couldn’t help but giggle.?Who’s there?”?Ah crap, they found us“?This is your fault“?No matter. We’ve heard enough for now“Revealing themselves from their hiding spot, the two women positiohemselves in front of Mark.?Who’re those two?“ Julian observed cautiously.?Don’t know. Never seeher of them“ Boris ented indifferently.?That means they’re not important … then the boss won’t mind ,if we have some fun?“?Oh, that’s right. I’ll take the small blonde one“ Boris said with an evil grin?Fine, I like the other oer anyway“ Julian shrugged.?I don’t know who you are but I think you should leave now. I’ll hold them off“ Mark held the hunting knife in front off him.?Hmm, aren’t you a brave one? But don’t worry, I’m more than capable of teag these pigs a lesson. I won’t lose to walking clichés like those two“?How about we put it to the test?“Boris said fidently as he charged forward at full speed.[Wregball]?How cute“ Seeing Boris running at her, Miriam couldn’t help but smirk.Mental aspect – [Sonorous position]?~Tur~“Miriam let out a pleasant and melodic voice. Ohe voice reached Boris, his body made a sudden 90° turn to the left as he couldn’t stop his full sprint and crashed into a nearby tree.?What the hell are you doing?“ Julian looked on in fusion.?I don’t know… YOU, WOMAN, WHAT DID YOU DO?“ Boris stood up, his face seething with rage.?o scream. I hear you just fine“ Miriam pyfully covered her ears.?You think you’re funny, you sl-“?It’s really simple, you know. No one resist the power of music, baby~“ Miriam blew a kiss at Boris, which made the man nearly pop a vein as his head turned red.?Enough of this charade. I’ll lend you hand, so prepare your strike“ Julian looked at Boris.?Don’t think your nasty tricks will wain, woman“Julian took a step forward, his silhouette turned blurry and split i different Julians.[Doppelg?nger]?Hm, this is a perfect ce. Eve you take care of this“?… eh?“?Show me how much you’ve grown“ Miriam rested her hands on her hips in a rexed manner.?No,no,no, this is the part where you kick their asses and then we go home“ Eve eically shook her head.?Yeah and today you get to be the badass. Aren’t I generous?“??So you insist on pying around?““ all Julians spoke simultaneously.?We afford to, since you guys are so cliché“?IMMA SHUT YOU UP, BITCH“ Boris screamed in anger.?You’ve been to loud from the beginnial aspect – [Sonorous position]?~Sleep~“Thud!Having lost all it’s fervor, Boris’ body fell down limply.?What the-?“ Julia cold sweat run down his back, watg Boris plop to the ground.?Now then, your turn Eve“?Seems like I’m being uimated. But you know, my [Doppelg?nger] double more than just myself“ Julian excimed as all bodies pulled a dagger.Putting their hands together, all Julians pulled a sed one from the first dagger, now holding a double of the first dagger iher hand.?Hiiiii“ Eve crouched dout both hands on the ground.??Even if you beg for your live now, it’s to te““ all Julians raised their left hands in unison and threw the daggers.Eve leaped to the side like a frog and rolled on the ground before ing to a standstill. The daggers all missed and instead pierced the spot where Eve had pressed her hands on the ground.??Nice reflex but you ain’t dodging this one!““ the Julians excimed, while throwing the gers.Eve didn’t move a siep, leaving Julian pletely astounded as all the daggers missed her once more.He couldn’t uand it, despite seeing what happened. At the st moment before he threw the daggers, his body moved on it’s own and aimed at the spot where the first set of daggers made no sense. Why did he miss? Why did his body move on it’s own?After a few seds of silence as Juliaioned himself, he finally noticed a weird color on the ground. It was red. But why? He didn’t hit anyone so it couldn’t be blood, after all it resembled a familiar shape.A red bullseye.Mental aspect – [Moody vas]Dark red – Crimson target?Shit, that’s her ability“Julian tried to find Eve but she used the time he was distracted to move. While he was looking frantically for her, she already stood behind him. She swung her arms and sprayed blue paint on theJuliaal aspect – [Moody vas]Dark blue – depressing blueUpoing hit by Eve’s attack all the Juliao the ground listless.Eve took a deep breath and exhaled as she watched the different bodies of Julian wriggle around and fade until only one remained.?Hm, not bad. You’ve gotteer at using your [Moody vas]. Well done, Eve“?You… think… you’ve… won?“ Julian got up with much difficulty. Standing on shaky legs, Julian pulled anger.?Give up. You’ve lost“?Not yet“ Julian pulled back his arm and threw the dagger with full forto the head of the sleeping Boris, killing him on the spot.Seeing every bodies shocked rea, revealed a sinister grin ?I gonna have the st ugh“Leaving behind those words, Julians body started to fade.?That one’s a double too?“ Mark gasped.?Tch, a cliché till the end“?… what do we do now?“ Eve asked as she approached Miriam.?Haaa, we failed to capture them but at least we pleted our mission“ Miriam looked at Mark, who had a frustrated expression on his face.?So,whuys really?“ Mark asked cautiously.?o be on guard, boy. I’m Miriam and this is Eve. We were tasked by the mayor t you back safe and sound“?I…oh shit, Thomas. I gotta hurry“ Mark tried to run but was immediately tripped by Miriam, causing him to fall on his face.?What was that for?“ Mark stood up, his face full of dirt.?Don’t fret. If this is about the behemoth bear, then there is already an idiot taking care of it“ Miriam assured him.?Huh?“?Besides, what are you gonna do against a behemoth bear?“?I… I at least lead them out of danger“?Yon yourself killed like this“ Miriam shook her head ?I’m sure you’ve noticed but those two were after you“?…“ Mark looked at her ?Then what do you suggest? That I run away?“?Don’t you want to get stronger?“Mark looked at her pletely shocked ? you make me stronger?“?Yes“ Miriam smiled at him.?What do I have to do?“?e with me, to the secluded sector“