Speak of the Devil

Vermilion rushed back home, eager to share her encounter with Carmella. Without realizing it, she barged into Carmella's room while she was changing her clothes.

"Oh gosh! I am changing my clothes! At least knock on the door before coming in next time!" Carmella exclaimed.

"Oops! I'm so sorry!" Vermilion quickly closed the door and her face turning red from embarrassment."

So, what's so urgent that made you burst in like that?"

Taking a deep breath to compose herself, Vermilion began to explain the whole story, her words tumbling out in a rush.

"The man wants to kill the woman! I'm really worried about her, although she's incredibly powerful too. But I don't think she stands a chance, and..."

Carmella raised her hand, interrupting Vermilion.

"Hold on, just slow down! Let's take this step by step. Start from the beginning and explain everything clearly."

Vermilion nodded and took a moment to gather her thoughts. She began recounting the events, sharing her concerns about the assassin hired by the military and the woman she had encountered. Carmella listened attentively, her brow furrowed with worry.

"So, the commotion caused by the woman has finally caught the attention of the military, right? Have you thought about what we should do in this situation?"

"The assassin hired by the military seems extremely dangerous. I'm afraid the woman won't stand a chance against him and might end up getting killed." Her voice tinged with anxiety.

"But, why do you suddenly care so much about this woman?"

"I don't know... I just have this feeling that she's not indiscriminately killing innocent people. She must have her reasons. I want to understand her, know more about her, and to hear her reasons..."

Carmella nodded, realizing the depth of Vermilion's concern.

"So, if we're going to get involved in this, I guess we need to find the woman before the assassin does.

"You are right!"

"Vermilion, I understand your curiosity, but getting involved in this situation could be incredibly dangerous. We're dealing with an assassin hired by the military and a woman capable of killing soldiers. It's not something to take lightly."

"I know it's risky, Carmella. But I can't shake this feeling that there's more to her story…"

"I see your determination... Just promise me that you'll prioritize your safety."

"I promise!"

"Alright! But how do we even start looking for her without any clues?"

Vermilion pondered for a moment, recalling the encounter.

"According to the man, she's still in this area."

"In that case, we might have an advantage. I'm familiar with this place, and I can ask people I know nearby if they have any information about her. Can you give me a more detailed description of her appearance?" Carmella's eyes lit up with determination.

Vermilion nodded, trying to remember. "She's almost the same height as me, with short violet-colored hair. The last time I saw her, she was wearing a black dress and a red jacket."

"Anything else? Any distinguishing features?"

Vermilion's face brightened as she recalled something important.

"Her eyes! They are sharper than her dagger, and once you see them, you'll never forget."

"Alright, I will get moving. Sorry, I'm not going to let you come with me. It's already night time, and this area can be dangerous, even without assassin and killer roaming around."

Vermilion understood Carmella's concern for her safety. "Then, what should I do?"

Carmella's eyes sparkled with determination. "Leave it to me for now. Tomorrow morning, we'll head out together before the patrolling soldiers arrive. You stay in the house and don't open the door for anyone, understood?"

Vermilion nodded, trusting Carmella's judgment and concern for her well-being. "Alright, I trust you."

Carmella smiled reassuringly. "That's my girl! Just stay safe and wait for me."

With a nod, Carmella turned to leave, determined to find the woman before it was too late.

"Please be careful!"

"I will! Just wait for me," Carmella reassured her before venturing into the night.

With her familiarity with the area, Carmella navigated through dangerous neighborhoods and avoided suspicious individuals. She sought out people she knew, hoping to gather information about the woman's whereabouts, but her efforts proved fruitless in the night's darkness.

Vermilion couldn't do anything at home, so her mind started racing with wild thoughts. Strange things seemed to find her once again. Not long after Carmella left, there was a sudden knock on the door.

"I'm back! Open the door for me!" a male voice called from outside.

Vermilion hesitated, unsure of who it could be. She tries to pretend there is nobody in the house.

"Carmella! Lyon?! Anyone? Someone?" The voice continued calling out for Carmella and Lyon.

'He knows about them! Could it be Alex? But he should know the password and have the key. I should confirm before opening the door, or Carmella will be angry,' Vermilion thought to herself.

She walked towards the door and asked cautiously, "May I know who's there?"

The man outside the door heard a voice he didn't recognize and was momentarily taken aback. He looked around to make sure he was at the right place.

'That's not Carmella's voice. Who else could it be?' He thought.

"Well, I'm Alex, and I live here."

"Alex?! "Why didn't you just input the password on the lock? You should know it," Vermilion questioned.

"Well... I actually forgot the password, hehehe," Alex admitted, a hint of embarrassment in his smile.

"Forgot? But you're staying here, so you should remember it."

"I usually stay in other places with Dr. Apgar and rarely in the house."

"Oh yeah, Carmella mentioned that before… Would you mind taking three steps back behind the door, and I will open it," Vermilion requested as she is still suspecting the man.

"Huh? Oh, okay. I'll do as you say…"

Vermilion opened the door slightly, peeking through the gap to get a better look at Alex. He, too, peered through the gap at her.

"Oh! What a cutie! Nice to see you! I'm Alex Taelman. Are you Carmella's friend?" Alex greeted, a smile on his face.

"Oh... Hi... I'm a newcomer, and I started staying here three days ago."

"Huh?! Staying here?!" Alex exclaimed, surprised.

"Yes, Dr. Apgar brought me here..."

"I see, but they didn't tell me anything, so I was shocked when I heard a female voice, Hehehe!"

"Oh! I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Vermilion Yeleona."

"I'm so glad to meet you! I guess I'll be staying here a little longer from now on, Hehehe!" Alex replied, his cheerful demeanor contrasting with Vermilion's initial impression.

'He seems like a very cheerful person, quite different from what I thought,' Vermilion thought to herself.

"Where's Lyon?"

"He went to the training camp."

"That's good! And how about Carmella?"

"She's outside, helping me look for someone."

"Who are you looking for? Maybe I can help."

"We're looking for a woman with short violet-colored hair."

"A woman with... Wait! I actually just met her when I came back!"

"Really? Where is she?!" Vermilion asked eagerly.

"She's just two streets away."

"Thank you so much! I'm going out to look for her!"

"Wait a minute! Let me go with you. It's dangerous outside at night!" Alex insisted, concerned for Vermilion's safety.

Meanwhile, Carmella was still walking around the streets and alleys, searching for the woman. As she entered an alley, her right hand was suddenly grabbed tightly, and a knife was pressed against her. Carmella turned her head and saw a pair of sharp eyes, immediately realizing that this was the woman she was looking for.

"I saw you walking around, asking about me. Are you looking for me or causing trouble?" the woman asked fiercely.

"I'm looking for you, not causing trouble!" Carmella replied, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to stay calm.

"What do you want from me?!"

"I'm just trying to help you! My sister met an assassin hired by the military, and he's coming to kill you!" Carmella explained, fear mixed with determination in her voice.

"Yeah?! Don't worry, I'll be the one killing him first!"

Just as Vermilion and Alex passed by, they saw Carmella being threatened by the woman. The woman immediately recognized Vermilion.

"Could you release her, please!" Vermilion demanded, her voice firm.

"It's you again! How many times have we met? So, are you the one who encountered the assassin?" the woman asked, releasing Carmella but pointing her dagger at Vermilion.

"I know you're strong and powerful, but the assassin is the real deal!"

"It seems you still don't know the extent of my strength…"

*Clap clap* "Wonderful!"

Suddenly, a mysterious figure appeared behind them, clapping his hands. Slowly, he approached, revealing a katana hidden beneath his black robe. Vermilion quickly recognized him as the assassin. The woman walked toward the assassin, while Vermilion, Carmella, and Alex positioned themselves behind her.

"I knew I could find you just by following this innocent-looking girl, and I really did!" the assassin taunted.

"When did you start following me?!" Vermilion asked in shock.

"I've been following you all along, although I lost track of you several times when you suddenly disappeared from my sight."

"I see. So, this pale-looking corpse is the assassin you mentioned? What a joke! Please don't try to make me laugh!" the woman teased.

"Corpse? Hahaha! You'll soon find out who the real corpse is!"

"Interesting! I can't wait any longer!"

Both of them had murderous intent in their eyes as they prepared to engage in a violent and intense battle!