Extra's Descent

The last chamber.

Or at least, the only chamber he didn't need to handle.

Creaaaaak….

Pushing the door open, what greeted his sight was the familiar sight of a man—who had his hands clasped behind his back as he looked down the railings.

Brandon looked around. Lifeless bodies etched on the walls, crystals impaling their torsos.

The entire room was smeared with blood.

"No remorse?"

"Nope."

Zed turned around and their gazes met.

Then, Zed asked,

"All done?"

"Yes. Evelyn's waiting for you."

"Okay."

Zed nodded his head and walked towards the exit. Brandon walked ahead, the two passing, as he neared the railings.

Clank—!

The door behind him shut close and Brandon leaned forward, scanning the entire auction.

The entire plan had changed for the better.

Although he wasn't able to utilize Deus originally as he hoped, it didn't matter.

It was due to Evelyn's sudden appearance that the plan had changed.

Originally, he wanted to enter the auction as another businessman with Zed backing up his credentials.

However, regardless of that, Deus had still played a role.

The most important role even.

The discussion had only been between Zed and Deus. After all, Brandon couldn't play a part in it.

It was only between higher branch management in the syndicate.

"I trust them."

Pushing his thoughts aside, Brandon peered down. Two brown eyes met his and the two nodded at each other.

It was time for the second phase of his plans.

With such thoughts, Brandon received the Twilight Device and dialed a contact.

Ring…. Ring…. Click—

A voice reached his ears shortly after.

—Boss.

It was Matthew.

"On my instructions."

***

Evelyn finished her tasks.

Since she finished quite fast, she waited for time to pass.

Once she surmised that it was the right time she knocked on the door.

Knock! Knock!

"I've finished, Sir Lancelott."

—Come in.

Hearing Lancelott's instructions, Evelyn twisted the doorknob and entered the chamber.

Scanning the room, there were two people leaning forward on the railings.

Lancelott, and another man with a hat. Evelyn didn't know who he was. But she had an idea.

'So this is him.'

She recalled Brandon's words back then.

'To what extent did he foresee everything?'

His foresight was astonishing.

No, it was scary even.

Evelyn felt goosebumps at the thought.

'At least he's on our side….'

"Who's this?"

The other man asked as he looked Evelyn up and down.

Lancelott answered.

"Evangel."

"Ah, so this is her."

"Yes."

A sense of recognition.

Evelyn became wary.

After all, she knew he was strong. But how strong….?

She didn't know.

Regardless, she had to do what Brandon had asked of her.

Brandon was counting on her. She couldn't let him down.

"Evangel."

She was broken out of her thoughts as Lancelott called out for her.

Evelyn raised her head, staying silent.

It was the persona she was currently playing, and so, she still had to play her part.

Just until he arrived.

"Where's Moriarty?"

"I don't think he's finished yet."

"Ah. Do you think he's having difficulties?"

"Not sure."

Evelyn shook her head.

"Should I check?"

"No."

Lancelott shot her down.

"If he can't do this much, then there's no use for him."

Then, Lancelott turned around.

"But you see, there are two types of people I can't trust."

"...."

Evelyn unconsciously straightened her back as the tension settled in the room.

"People who can't do what they're told, and…."

Evelyn listened attentively. Staring deep into Lancelott's cold eyes, she braced herself.

"People who can beat me at chess."

"...."

However, nothing happened.

"Why so tense, Evangel? Is it because of Sir Rodd over here?"

Lancelott pointed at the man beside him.

"Know your place, Lancelott."

Rodd frowned.

"I'm still your superior officer."

And those words from Rodd were enough confirmation for Evelyn that Branon was indeed right.

Right.

This man beside Lancelot….

'A military official from the Milis continent.'

And since he said he was Lancelott's superior officer, this meant that Lancelott himself was a military officer as well.

'These guys…..'

They had cleverly snuck inside Holy Britannia.

'But for how long had Lancelott been here….?'

Evelyn pondered.

"Relax yourself, Evangel. You've been with us for quite a while. And I've been thinking of having you work under me."

Lancelott extended his hand.

"Would you like to come to the Milis Continent? Seeing how you've been living in the blackmarket, you don't have any attachments to Holy Britannia, don't you?"

"...."

Evelyn nodded her head decisively.

She had to buy time.

"Is it allowable, Sir Rodd?"

Lancelott looked at Rodd who looked back at him with crossed arms.

"Do what you want. You'll be promoted if this auction of yours succeeds."

"Thank you."

It was only after a brief moment passed when the door was knocked once again.

Knock! Knock!

"That must be Moriarty. Could you open the door for us, Evangel?"

"...."

And Evelyn nodded her head yet again.

"She really is the silent type, huh?"

"Yes. That's the kind of soldier I need working for me."

"Haha. Indeed."

Evelyn walked towards the door and opened.

Creaaaak….

However, what greeted her sight wasn't Brandon.

The door opened wide, and both Lancelott and Rodd turned their heads and scanned.

"Zed?"

"Yo, Lancelott."

"Friend of yours?"

Rodd cut in.

"The man I had planned on becoming my second in command."

And Lancelott answered.

"What are you doing here? Has Moriarty finished his job?"

"We've made a fatal mistake."

"Hm?"

Lancelott cocked his head in confusion.

"Has he betrayed us?"

"Yeah. He tried to kill me as well. But I've quickly dealt with it."

Evelyn listened attentively to the two's conversation.

Whatever Zed was doing seemed to be working as she looked at Lancelott.

She could tell he had lowered his guard.

"It's a shame."

Zed shook his head in disappointment.

"I had hopes for him."

Then, he looked at the chessboard on the table.

"I thought I had found a new chess buddy."

"You can always play with me, you know?"

Zed walked towards the chessboard and started fixing the pieces.

"Nah."

A flat out refusal.

"I lost to him. Though you are a good opponent, I want to beat Moriarty as well."

"What was our score again? 55 to 56?"

"I think so. I was leading though."

"What about another match?"

Zed asked.

Then, Lancelott turned his head towards Rodd who listened to everything.

"No. But since you're all here. Let me introduce you to someone."

Rodd stepped forward, gazing at both Evelyn and Zedd. His aura had quite the pressure to it. But Evelyn didn't falter.

It was at that moment that gave her confirmation.

She could handle him.

And so, Lancelott introduced Rodd and his position, trying to recruit Zedd.

"I'll go wherever you go."

"You really have no loyalty to this country, don't you?"

"Ha."

Zed scoffed at Lancelott's voice.

"That's the thing."

A smile creeped up on Zed's face and Evelyn discreetly took a stance.

"I have no loyalty."

Lancelott's eyes widened in confusion.

Magic power began to gather around Zed.

At that moment, Evelyn stepped forward and unveiled her hood as she went on to say,

"Zone."