The ominous black energy fills Hugo's and Anton's hearts with dread.
Hugo's face loses its color. He has failed to save his friend.
Anton is nonchalant, not really affected by Blaze's decision.
"Lift your head high, brother. Our death may not be too bad in the end."
Anton says.
"What do you mean?" Hugo says.
"We were dealt a bad hand in life, brother. Our parents left us. Vox destroyed our home.
We became criminals, working for those who break down our church.
Our death is more of a release."
Hugo laughs with pain in his eyes.
"You always said that I am the smart one. But you can always see the world much clearer than me, Anton.
You can see everything for what it truly is."
"See you in the afterlife!"
"See you in the afterlife!"
They fist bump each other.
The black beam of darkness screams. It flies in a zigzag pattern, penetrates both of their hearts, and then disappears into nothingness.
The two fall down on the floor to their death.
[You have gained 250 experience points!]
[You have gained 250 experience points!]
The first B-rank Awakeners to die in Blaze's hand.
"You may see each other much sooner than you thought."
Blaze says. He collects the two souls inside his Lantern.
Isaac proves to be extremely useful in this mission. Not only was he able to map out the entire structure of the Roof, but Alyson was also located with ease.
This makes Blaze think twice about doing everything alone.
He needs more help to eradicate whatever force is opposing him.
The Iron Knight is a formidable enemy. Behind him is Vox Entertainment. More and more will appear as Blaze slowly becomes stronger.
Having more servants has no drawbacks at all. So he decides to build a force of his own.
Forces, like Isaac or Hugo and Anton. People who were lost in their path but have redeemable qualities.
They can serve as Blaze's hands and feet.
And for people like William, well, Blaze has already thought of an end for him.
As useful as the guy is, he does not deserve a second chance.
Isaac flies in just in time, seeing the two cold corpses lying on the ground.
"Master!" The raven lands on Blaze's shoulder.
"William is releasing the girl and helping them escape. The Pale Harpy is also there to assist."
"Any problem?"
"No, master. I take a look upstairs as well. They are in chaos and trying to prepare for battle.
They don't care about what happened down here at all."
"Good. Make sure the victims are safely released and secured.
Others may try to take them in again."
"The Roof? I don't think they have any manpower left to do this."
"No... Other EEs. Releasing them is only one thing.
Making sure they are taken care of is another.
We may release them now, but some bastards can just take them again when we're gone.
The Roof is not the only criminal in this neighborhood."
Isaac's five red eyes blink rapidly.
"There must be like two hundred captives here… Counting the one we haven't even rescued. How can we arrange them, Master?"
Blaze takes out a business card in his hand. It is the contact detail the Liberty Sons have given him.
The Liberty Sons may not be that strong, but they are reliable and not corrupted. They may have some idea about this. I should give them a call.
"Give this to William. Tell him to contact them. They may be able to help."
"Understood, Master!"
The raven grabs the card using his beak and flies away.
Blaze exhales a long breath. He hopes the Liberty Sons have a solution because he does not.
Saving these people is easy. But making sure they do not get kidnapped again or fall into the same dark path is hard.
If the Liberty Sons cannot help, Blaze may have to look for somewhere else.
The Academy is obviously a no, as Vox has their hands on it.
The Steel Legion does no charity.
The Underground Network may be able to help. But the people there won't do anything unless it is beneficial to them.
What a headache…
Only if there is an organization that I can trust one hundred percent.
By looking through Hugo's and Anton's memories, Blaze already knows how to release the capsules.
The problem now is that releasing them will pause the healing process.
Blaze takes a look at five of the girls. He picks one that has the least injury and releases her.
The girl is almost naked with only a thin white fabric on her body.
Blaze carries her gently and puts her on the cold, hard floor.
This girl has a giant cut on her chest. It was slowly regenerating inside the capsule and is already growing new tissues.
Blaze takes out the Blood Potion and helps her drink it.
The girl is mumbling random words and is still in a coma.
"It's alright. I'm here to help you. Drink this."
And as if she hears Blaze, her mouth opens slightly to take in the blood red liquid.
The wound on her chest immediately heals. The new tissues blend in with the skin. It's as if she was never injured.
"Such a good item for a cheap price."
The healing capability of the Blood Potion is almost comparable to Super Healing or Super Regeneration ability. The injury is gone in an instant.
Blaze puts the girl down then continues releasing the others.
Each Potion can only be used three times before running out. When it is emptied, the glass vial disappears, leaving no trace of its existence.
Blaze has to buy another potion for the fourth girl and Alyson.
When it is time for Alyson, Blaze hugs her tightly.
He has denied her a hug once. It was devastating for him.
Blaze was afraid that he was never going to see her again.
He knew he would do anything in his power to get her back from these criminals. But then again, nothing is guaranteed, and she may have disappeared forever.
Now that he sees her again, he will never let this woman go again.
After Alyson drinks the potion, her wounds close immediately, and she begins to gain consciousness.
It is so sudden that Blaze doesn't have time to react. He freezes in place.
Alyson opens her eyes and is visibly distraught when she sees Blaze's terrifying appearance.
But then her expression softens.
Her eyes observe the shadowy figure closely. She focuses on his eyes.
"Aren't you afraid, Lioness?"
Blaze says. The Wraith's unsettling voice suddenly has a warm feeling to it.
"Why would I be afraid?
You are my friend..."
Blaze's eyes widen. He lets out a relief laugh.
"How did you know?"
"You do look scary.
That white mask, those red eyes, and this dark cloak. I can't even imagine the horrible designer that gave you this outfit.
But I know those eyes. Those eyes can't hide from me."
Alyson touches Blaze's face. She caresses the hard surface of the Tattered Mask.
Her hard shell falls off, and tears well up in her eyes. Alyson buries her face inside Blaze's chest and cries like a little baby.
Her body shakes in fear.
Blaze hugs her tightly, feeling her soft, warm skin through the Tattered Cloak.
As strong and resilient as she is, Alyson is still but a young girl.
Blaze taps her head gently and soothes her with his words.
"It's okay. It's alright.
I'm here now. I'm here to protect you."