Chapter 6: Aftermath

"God damn it," an angry voice reverberated through the scene of the aftermath of the clash between Noah and The Night's executives.

"What's the status of the casualties?" The voice demanded from another member, who appeared to be a reporter for The Night.

"Liam Beck is currently in a coma. Wilson Dean and Vin are heavily injured, and Amy was deceased by the time we arrived, sir. As for other members, 40 have perished, and 60 are severely wounded," the reporter informed The Night's leader.

"Who is responsible for this?" The leader inquired.

"A man using the alias 'Ajax,' real name Noah. From what we've gathered, he is affiliated with The Kings' Shadow and has been operating undercover to monitor us since the incident six years ago," the reporter replied.

"I see. Assemble a team and prepare to broadcast a message to the world. Let them know that we are entering a war state with Unity Nation. Inform the other leaders and the big boss as well," the leader instructed calmly, his demeanour shifting from anger to calculated resolve.

"Yes sir," The report told the leader.

Zen prepared for his second day at university, yet the recurring dream troubled him. Despite his hesitation, he knew he needed to confide in Han.

"Hello, Han," Zen greeted his trusted mentor over the phone.

"Young master, what's the matter? It's quite early for a call," Han responded.

"There's something I need your help with, please," Zen requested politely.

"Please, no need for formality. Tell me what's on your mind," Han encouraged.

Zen recounted the details of his recurring dream to Han, who listened attentively.

"By any chance... have you been experimenting with substances?" Han joked.

"No way. I'm not like my brother," Zen replied, somewhat amused by the suggestion.

"Of course not. I've raised you better than that," Han affirmed proudly.

"In all seriousness, I'm uncertain about the meaning of these dreams. However, I suspect they may offer insight into your future challenges," Han speculated.

"So, you think they might be prophetic?" Zen inquired.

"Yes, sir. That's my theory. I'll search the Kings' library for more clues. Apart from that, I'm not sure how else I can assist you," Han explained.

"Thank you, Han," Zen said, ready to end the call.

"Wait a moment, young master," Han interjected.

"What is it?" Zen asked.

"Before you hang up, may I suggest an opportunity that could enhance your combat skills and provide financial gain?" Han proposed.

"I'm listening," Zen replied, intrigued.

"What if you became a Hunter and joined the Awakener Association? It could offer you a chance to earn money through hunting while honing your abilities," Han suggested.

"That's not a bad idea. Although I was considering freelance work, joining the AA would be just as beneficial," Zen agreed with the suggestion.

"Young master, I would advise you to sign up and request that your profile be kept secret from the public, using an alias instead. There's a risk that if your name becomes well-known, people might dig up your history, even if it's all fabricated," Han cautioned Zen about the danger.

"Of course, Han, thank you for your advice," Zen then hung up.

"Good job, Ajax," a woman commended Noah, who had just returned from the fight with The Night.

"No, I was careless. I should have been more cautious. You should have gone instead of me, Luna," Noah told Luna, whose real name is Lisa Hudson. She had been staying in a nearby hotel in case anything went wrong during the operation.

"Good point. With my Forces, it's probably better for me to go, but I'm not a brawler like you. I'm more of an assassin," Lisa disagreed with Noah.

"I guess we should be able to head back to the UN soon. We just have to wait for Sir Colvat's orders now," Noah said, indicating they needed approval from their superiors to return home.

Suddenly, one of the communication devices rang.

"Speak of the devil," Lisa said.

"I'll take it," Noah told her.

"This is Ajax," Noah spoke into the comm.

"Good job, Ajax. We've received everything you sent, and it seems like your cover is blown, right?" a man's voice spoke calmly to Noah.

"Yes, sir, it was my fault. I should have been more careful," Noah admitted.

"Don't worry about it. You and Luna should leave now. Colvat out," Colvat instructed them to return.

"Alright, let's go," Lisa told Noah as they finished packing their stuff.