#ACTION #ADVENTURE #COMEDY #SUPERPOWERS #SURVIVAL #MULTIPLELEADS #MUTATION

The Anomaly: Arise

After a horrific astronomical event that almost desimated the entire world, an era where inhumane abilities called "Anomalies" are coming into the light. A group of individuals aims to survive against the force of the military which is totally against this humanity's step to evolution. The leaders of the Five Major Nations (Grand Britain, New America, Noble Asia, Gallant Africa and Proud Russia) are expected to cultivate peace among all citizens but it is a question of their willingness to accomplish this goal. Are they up for this difficult task? Anonymous figures have been doing their own agendas in the shadows as well may it be for the better or for the worse towards mankind. What are they willing to sacrifice to achieve their goals?

JayceClaymore · Fantasy

Not enough ratings

48 Chs

Crimson Raven

The injured ones were rushed to the infirmary while the ones who are in prolonged slumber were put back to their rooms. Their mentors officially called off the Special Training to focus on the recovery of the wounded. The Professor has been made aware of what happened so he's been spearheading the treatment of those who were rushed to the infirmary with the help Pandora and Sprite. After administering first aids, the Professor asked Calcipher and Zythandra to his office. "I figure the training didn't go well." The Professor commented melancholically. "We admit our recklessness, Professor. We didn't realize that there's an active volcano deep within that cave." Zythandra responded. "We apologize, Professor. This will not happen again." Calcipher added. "I know your intentions were for the best so we will not meddle too much in the past and continue to look forward as long as you will apologize to your students as well." The Professor replied. "We will, Professor. Right, Z?" Calcipher responded then Zythandra nodded in agreement. Few days have passed and the day of the Summit has come. The Professor and the mentors continued on with their plan with the three of them going to the Summit and leaving their students behind. Their making the Student Council be in charge while their gone for the entire weekend. Everyone who got injured from the incident during the Special Training has healed up completely by now so they wouldn't be worried too much. "Students, we will be heading out to take our journey for the Summit." The Professor announced. "Members of the Student Council, I trust that you'll maintain the peace here in the mansion." "We will, Professor. We got this." Glass responded. "Remember, guys. No partying while we're out!" Glass jokingly reminded. "Don't miss out with your training too or else I'll be the one conducting it again once we're back." Zythandra threatened all of them. As the Council announced, the Summit will be held in Gallant Africa which is normally a day away from Noble Asia. Luckily for them, the Professor booked a private jet for them to use so their flight will just be half a day and since the Summit is scheduled tomorrow night, they will have a lot of time to prepare as soon as they got there. Then, they'll all have the time in the world to go sightseeing or even going shopping after the Summit. "Wow! I didn't know we got access to a private jet." Calcipher exclaimed as the three of them get comfortable in the jet. "I have my connections, lad." The Professor responded cheekily. "Not going to lie. I'm also impressed." Zythandra commented. "I want to ask you this, my mentors." The Professor said out of the blue. "Since this will be your first time attending a Summit, what are your expectations? I'm quite curious." "I don't expect much from it aside from long boring talks. So, I'll probably kill myself before it even finishes." Zythandra responded. "I'm very excited! I'll get to know other people and hopefully a scientist like myself so we can share some of our research." Calcipher cheerfully replied. "I couldn't argue with you, Zythandra. The Summit is mostly talks so I just hope that you'll stay alive until it's all finish." The Professor jokingly responded. "I will allow you two to interact with other advisors to lessen your boredom." He added. "Nice one, Professor! Did I already tell you that I love you?" Calcipher exclaimed in excitement. "Aren't we supposed to keep our mouths shut about us harboring Anomalies?" Zythandra butted in. "Knowing Cal and how he can be a blabber mouth most of the time, he'll most likely blow this up for us." She explained. "Oh, stop it you." Calcipher responded. "I'm not that much of a blabber mouth. Besides, I care a lot for those kids. I wouldn't put them in harm's way." He added. The mentors decided to have a little tour throughout their jet to cater their boredom. Zythandra found the stash where the weapons are neatly placed. From the melee weapons to the hard-hitting ones, she can name all of them. On the other hand, Calcipher discovered that the jet is being flown using autopilot so there's really no one else in it aside from the three of them. So, he thought about something peculiar but exciting at the same time. "Hey, Professor!" Calcipher called out. "What is it, lad?" The Professor responded. "Can I link ANAIS to the mainframe of this jet? I would like the vehicles I'm riding be piloted by someone I know." Calcipher recommended. "ANAIS is your AI system, right? Don't you think it's kind of weird addressing it as a person?" Zythandra asked from the weapon stash. "Don't get into my groove, Z. Besides, I crated ANAIS so she's more like a daughter to me so I'll address her however I want to." Calcipher replied. "Whatever, weirdo." Zythandra muttered to herself. "Hey, I heard that!" Calcipher exclaimed. "At least, I'm not naming my weapons like pets or something." "I am warning you. Do not go there." Zythandra firmly responded. "Did you take your twin pistols with you, Alexie and Alexa? Their names came from which horror movie again? How about your submachine gun, Rambo? Or your favorite trusty needles, Porcupine?" Calcipher continues to piss Zythandra off. "Shut up or I will put a bullet between your eye sockets." Zythandra threatened him as he aims a gun towards Calcipher's face which she took from the weapon stash. "Enough of that now, children. Zythandra, continue exploring that weapons stash. Calcipher, go ahead and link ANAIS in the jet." The Professor instructed the two mentors. "Hello, Calcipher." ANAIS greeted. "Hello, ANAIS!" Calcipher responded cheerfully. "The jet is all yours, girl. Keep us safe!" He instructed. "Copy on that, Calcipher." ANAIS replied. While they're in the airways above Proud Russia, they have noticed something off. The Proud Russian military forces attempted to apprehend them by getting their frequencies to confirm their business in their territory. Due to ANAIS's protocols she was able to handle it appropriately and as agreed with Proud Russian military, ANAIS will change their route by circling the nation but not compromising the time of their flight that much. "Great work, Calcipher." Zythandra commended. "Don't thank me. Thank ANAIS." Calcipher responded. "I will never." Zythandra replied. "Nevertheless, lad. You raised your ANAIS well." The Professor commented as he went with Calcipher's thing being ANAIS as his daughter. Before they can even get pass through the border between Grand Britain and Proud Russia, a deafening alarm has started to be heard throughout the entire jet and all the lights turned red. This means that they're in grave danger. ANAIS took the initiative to analyze the situation and find the source of this danger and not too long after, she confirmed that they're being targeted by five homing missiles from unknown origins. "Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts. We have company." ANAIS suddenly announced. "What company?" Zythandra asked. "We are under attack!" Calcipher exclaimed. "Detecting homing missiles coming our way. Keep calm!" He screamed. "We're calm. You keep calm. Right, Professor?" Zythandra responded. "We are indeed calm, lad. I know you'll keep us safe." The Professor said calmly. "Okay." Calcipher muttered to himself. "Let's get cracking! ANAIS, set a course to shake those missiles off." He instructed. "Copy that, Calcipher." ANAIS responded. Then, she was able to locate a safe but effective course to avoid being hit. ANAIS did set a course through the rocky mountains at a remote area along the Grand Britain peninsula. With Calcipher's jet-maneuvering skills, they were able to avoid the homing missiles. Two collided into each other and the other three hit the mountains. However, there's another batch of homing missiles closing in and there's ten of them now. From what they've observed, these missiles came from the vast horizons of Grand Britain. "More incoming!" Calcipher explained. "Do you need a hand?" Zythandra asked. "No. I got this!" Calcipher responded as he focusing on piloting the jet. "I feel like you do need some assistance." The Professor said while still laying around carelessly. He still has the utmost trust that they will all flawlessly get out of this situation. "What are you thinking, Professor?" Zythandra asked. "Zythandra, there is what I call a war room somewhere in this jet. From there, you can gun down enemy jets. In this case, those homing missiles." The Professor explained. "You think you're up for the challenge?" "You're really asking me that, Professor? Of course, I am!" Zythandra responded excitedly. "I am just glad I have something to do here." Zythandra then headed to where the war room is and in her surprise, there's a machine gun ready to be used and some other ammunitions in the entire room. This is what heaven looks like for her. She briefly familiarized herself with how the mounted machine gun works then quickly sprung into action. She carefully aimed for the missiles that are gaining on them then she aggressively gunned them down making them four less missiles to think about. "Cal, fly this thing higher!" Zythandra instructed from the jet's communication lines. "What? Why?" Calcipher responded. "Calcipher, it appears Zythandra is utilizing the war room." ANAIS explained. "Request granted, Zythandra. Calcipher, for your discretion please." She continued. "Good." Zythandra replied. "Am I hearing a thank you for my dear ANAIS?" Calcipher still had the time to mess around in this serious situation. "Now is not the time, Cal." Zythandra said. "Just go higher so I can aim better!" "Okay, fine. Chill out, Z." Calcipher responded. "Altitude is now increasing." With the two of them working together, safety is inevitable. Though the jet has been incredibly shaky, Calcipher was able to assist Zythandra excellently as he was able to outmaneuver the missiles while properly positioning themselves to let Zythandra gun down those persistent pests. Halfway through the coasts of the Grand Britain peninsula, the attacks stopped and they seemed to be able to calm down. "Nice work, mentors!" The Professor commended the two. "I never doubted you two for a second.' "It shows, Professor. It shows." Calcipher responded as he struggle to go back to his seat due to being tired from flying the jet continuously. "What happened to you? You seem drained." Zythandra commented. "I didn't realize that flying a jet that long is very tiring. I guess I'm just out of practice." Calcipher replied. "We are almost at our destination." ANAIS announced. "Now assuming autopilot." She continued. "Thanks, ANAIS!" Calcipher explained. Few hours has passed and they finally landed at the capital of Gallant Africa, the City of Virgo. The city where trades and business are mainly done in the entire Nation. However, the venue of the Summit is farther in the vast lands of the Gallant. Their goal is to arrive at the City of Gemini which is miles North from the capital. They thought that their journey will be a lot smoother than while their in the skies but they certainly thought wrong. "Act cool. We're being watched." Zythandra whispered to Calcipher and the Professor while they're making their way through the main market area of the capital. "What? Who?" Calcipher asked as he got slightly concerned. "I said act cool." Zythandra replied as she embraced Calcipher's arms and continued to lead the way. "What are you doing, Z? Don't be too clingy. We're just friends." Calcipher responded. "At least for now." He added. "Don't be stupid! This is just an act. As I mentioned, we are being watched." Zythandra explained. "What's the plan, lass?" The Professor asked. "Let's assume they're out to capture us, Professor. I'm thinking of scattering to shake them off." Zythandra responded. "Let's meet up in that café. I'll have Cal escort you." She continued suggesting as she points out a well-designed café nearby. "Great idea. Disperse on my signal." The Professor responded excitedly. "Wait! I haven't done this before." Calcipher started panicking. "Wh-What should I d-do?" He asked as he rattles from word to word. "Just stick with the professor. Then let's all meet up after an hour at that café." Zythandra replied. "We are running out of time. Pull yourself together!" "Don't worry, lad. Just follow my lead." The Professor said. "Scatter!" He discreetly announced then Zythandra broke off from their path. He and Calcipher continued to take the separate road then headed to some bar. As Zythandra continue walking around the shopping district, her intuitions were confirmed that they are being watched and also being followed. She saw two figures who are always there wherever she is so since she's being followed, she assumed that Calcipher and the Professor are also being followed. To end this once and for all, she plans to confront the two by entering an alleyway that eventually leads to a dead end on purpose. "Who are you two? Spit it ou-." Zythandra was cut off as she has suddenly been attacked by one of her pursuers with a very familiar weapon. "Long time no see, Crimson Raven." One of the pursuers greeted Zythandra. "If it wasn't Agatha. The assassin second only to me." Zythandra responded with an obvious resentment from her tone. "Do not call me that! I am Ash Dove." Agatha exclaimed. "Are you the one who shot me with those needles? No wonder it's sloppy." Zythandra sarcastically commented. "Do not mock me, Crimson Raven!" Agatha replied angrily. "And who do we have here? Your partner?" Zythandra asked. "I didn't know the Faction assassins work in teams now. Pathetic." She continued. "Hello, Crimson Raven! I'm a huge fan." The other assassin shrieked excitedly. "I'm Azure Hummingbird also known as Nana." "Well, nice to meet you Nana the Azure Hummingbird." Zythandra greeted. "Tell me. What's your body count?" "I'm still a virgin." Nana timidly responded. "Not like that you dunderhead." Zythandra said as she shook her head from disappointment. "You're new to the business aren't you?" She asked. "I actually am, Miss Crimson Raven. Can I get an autograph?" Nana asked as she brought out a pen and a small notebook. "Hello?" Agatha butted in. "We're in a middle of a mission here! Can you quit fangirling and do your task?" Nana's aura suddenly changed. She came from a cheerful and energetic one to a menacing and cunning one which is almost kind of like Lilith in Demon Form. This excites Zythandra because she knew right away that this Nana girl shows promise and if she continues with this path, she might become as great or even greater than Zythandra herself. Nana didn't waste any more time and charges towards Zythandra and let out volleys of attacks. "You are well trained, Nana the Azure Hummingbird. A little better than the one who calls herself Ash Dove." Zythandra mocked her pursuers. "Don't waste your efforts angering me, Crimson Raven. I've matured. I'm not like the Ash Dove you knew." Agatha pointed out. "Whatever you say, Rank 2." Zythandra continued mocking. "That does it! Enjoy your last moments living because it won't last." Agatha responded as she finally gave in to the mockery. Zythandra's plan getting Agatha getting into the fray worked as she thought it would but to further gain distance between them and the Professor and Calcipher, she fled but still making sure that her pursuers are following her. She happened to be able to jump her way to the walls until she reach the roofs to continue the chase. As expected, Agatha and Nana are still on her tail and they're shooting at her with their needles when they get the chance but the needles are effortlessly being avoided by her. "We can do this all day, Crimson Raven!" Agatha exclaimed as she and Nana continue chasing Zythandra. Then, Zythandra suddenly stopped as soon as they got far away as possible and also stopped from being the prey and became the most vicious predator there is. She put out her own needles and instead of shooting at her pursuers like they are doing to her, she utilized her assassination prowess and sneakily gone to her opponents' blind spots then gently but accurately stab them with her poisoned needles. "It's over Agatha." Zythandra said. "I can't move!" Agatha shrieked as she collapsed. "Me too!" Nana commented. "We're poisoned." "You are right. I knew you're the first to catch on." Zythandra complimented. "But no worries because you two are just paralyzed and you are not going to die from it. At least for now." She added. "What do you mean?" Agatha asked. "I just need to know first why you're tailing us and basing on what I will hear, I'll decide if I'll let you live or the other way around." Zythandra explained. "Please, kill me! This is what I wanted. This is my ultimate dream." Nana exclaimed as she went back to her old self but in a more disturbing way. "Are you going to talk or you'll let yourself rot to death?" Zythandra asked. "Do you really want to risk being the Rank 1 assassin in the Faction for this?" "Fine. I'll talk." Agatha reluctantly said. "No. I want to do the talking." Nana butted in. "All we know is we were hired to assassinate you and the other guy you're with. Calisto is the name if I'm not mistaken." She explained. "Calcipher but please continue." Zythandra butted in. "Yes! I think that's it. Then, after we assassinate the two of you we will kidnap Dr. Montgomery." Nana said. "What?" Zythandra exclaimed. "Then what will you do after you kidnap him?" "That we're not sure. Our contractor said they'll notify us of the next part of the assignment once we're done with the assassination and the kidnapping." Nana pointed out. "Contractor? Who hired you?" Zythandra asked. "Someone named Astrid, Astrid Lancaster. I believe she's a doctor as well just like one of our targets." Agatha confirmed. "Who is that?" Zythandra muttered to herself in confusion. "But it doesn't matter if you stopped us from the assassination. What we're really aiming for is kidnap the doctor." Agatha said. "What does that mean? How will you kidnap him if the two of you are here with me?" Zythandra asked. "Who told you that there's only two of us in this mission?" Agatha responded cheekily. "Yeah, who told you? I bet Scarlet Swan has taken down that Calisto guy and took the doctor as hostage already." Nana butted in. Nana and Agatha suddenly whistled a strange yet familiar tune for Zythandra she then realized what this tune means. This tune let's their comrade know to leave them behind and continue their mission so this poses great danger for Calcipher and the Professor. Realizing the situation, Zythandra ultimately knocked down her pursuers and rushed to where Calcipher and the Professor are to save them from Scarlet Swan. Back in the day when Zythandra is working for the Faction under the code Crimson Raven, there are other two top ranking assassins in the game which are Agatha the Ash Dove and Scarlet Swan, Sierra. Agatha being the one who is always works by-the-book always following the rules set by the Faction. On the other hand, Sierra has been known not just by her goddess-like beauty but by her brutality. As the Faction's saying usually goes, the Swan will bring out your worst nightmare. "Scarlet Swan is bad news! I must hurry." Zythandra muttered to herself as she rush to wherever Calcipher and the Professor are. Meanwhile, Calcipher also noticed that they're being watched by someone while he and the Professor are laying low in some bar. Calcipher saw that a very beautiful woman is eyeing them from the other side of the bar but as dense as he is, he assumed that the woman wants to flirt with him. He then invited her to their table and the woman did go their table without any ounce of hesitation. Though the Professor finds it somewhat inappropriate, he just let it be while waiting for their rendezvous point. "Hi! my name is Calcipher and who is this gorgeous woman I'm having the pleasure of speaking to?" Calcipher greeted the woman. "You sound different, lad." The Professor whispered at Calcipher to tease him. "Hello. Call me Swan. It's so nice to meet you." Swan responded as she showed her charms to her targets. "Who is he? Is he your brother or something?" She asked pertaining to the Professor. "No, lass. I'm a friend. His boss if you will." The Professor replied. "Wow. You are a people person I presume. Not all bosses hang out with their employees." Swan commended. "Indeed! My boss here really is one great people person." Calcipher agreed. "Anyway, what brings a beautiful lady like you to a place like this?" He asked. "I'm with my sisters. We're having our vacation here in the Gallant. I'm waiting for them to pick me up here from their shopping spree. There's this one item they're really targeting since we got here." Swan explained. "So that explains it. Me, my boss and one other co-worker of mine are here for a business trip." Calcipher said. "Yes. We are indeed in a business trip. We are looking for the best local woodworker to expand our furniture business." The Professor butted in. "Oh, yeah. We're looking for a woodworker for that." Calcipher commented as he realized that he's said too much already. The three of them continued their casual talks with Calcipher squeezing in some flirtatious topics every once in a while since the woman is too alluring not to. Good thing for Calcipher that Surge taught him some of his suave moves to win a girl's heart. For some reason those moves are not working well for Surge himself but works for someone else. Swan seems to really be into Calcipher's romantic antics. "You two are so fun to talk to but mostly you Calcipher." Swan said with her charming tone. "I know! Why don't you guys meet my sisters? They'll be around here very soon." "That's quite exciting. We'll wait for them then." Calcipher quickly agreed to it. "Great! I'll just freshen up in the powder room." Swan said then headed to the powder room. As soon as Swan took off, the Professor wanted to clear his throat so he decided to take a sip from his drink but before he can even pick his glass up, Calcipher stopped him for some reason. Calcipher called a waiter to ask and replace their glasses for new ones. Calcipher's aura was completely changed from a flirtatious one to a more serious and eerie one which is seldom being seen by anyone. The Professor quickly knew that he's planning something. "What's happening, lad?" The Professor worriedly asked. "I can't explain it Professor but I think that Swan lady is planning something against us." Calcipher said. "How can you tell? She seemed to be a very sweet girl." The Professor responded. "Here's your new glasses of wines, good sirs." A waiter said as she places the glasses on the table. "I smelled poison from those previous glasses I asked to be replaced, Professor." Calcipher pointed out. "Really?" The Professor responded in shock. "Yes. I may not look like it but I have a very good sense of smell." Calcipher said. "Although, the one on your glass was some sort of a paralyzing agent but mine is a straight up lethal." "Nice work, lad. What are you planning do next?" The Professor asked. "We don't know what she's capable off so we should play her game as discreetly as we can." Calcipher responded firmly. Calcipher took out a small vial from his bag and confirmed that it contains his very own paralyzing serum. He then put some in Swan's drink as discreetly as he can so no one else will notice. He then tried to contact Zythandra but she's not answering for some reason. After a few minutes, Swan came back from the powder room. Calcipher and the Professor quickly went back to their cheerful attitude to welcome her back. "Hello again! Did I miss something?" Swan greeted. The three of them went back to their conversation like nothing has been discovered. Then, a faint whistling tune was heard. Swan was the first one who heard it but Calcipher caught up with it. A faint aura of bloodlust burst out from Swan but she quickly covered it up with her going back to her prim and proper attitude. However, Calcipher was quick to notice this shift so he assumed that she's about to do something. "Oh, I noticed you're not touching your drinks. They won't drink themselves, you know." Swan said instigating that Calcipher and the Professor to drink their wines. She's still under the impression that those are still the poisoned ones. "You know what? Why don't we have a small toast to our friendship." Calcipher suggested to get Swan to drink her wine which was the one that actually has something in it. Without any hesitations, the three of them made a toast then they all drank the wine from their glasses. They then exchanged awkward smiled back and forth until Calcipher broke off and coughed. Swan's expression changed from a radiant smile to a maniacal grin. But little did she know, Calcipher is just making it up. Calcipher is gesturing the Professor to fake his coughing too but the Professor didn't budge. "You fools! Thanks for playing along with me." Swan said and let out a menacing laugh. "No, we didn't. You played along with us." Calcipher said with a triumphant expression on his face. "What do you mea-" Swan tried to respond but wasn't able to finish what she's going to say as she got extremely dizzy all of a sudden. "There's a delay but at least it worked." Calcipher commented. "That's not lethal, isn't it?" The Professor asked. "Don't worry, Professor. It's just going to paralyze her so we can interrogate her and stuff." Calcipher explained. Their interrogation started as soon as Swan collapsed in her seat. To avoid any suspicious gazes from the crowd, Calcipher let Swan lean towards her so it will appear that they're just lovers who are showing their affection publicly. Calcipher headed the questioning but Swan isn't budging. Swan may be paralyzed but Calcipher made sure that it's just strong enough to keep her still be able to speak. "I'll ask again. Who sent you?" Calcipher asked discreetly. "Why are you after us?" The Professor also asked but Swan still isn't talking. Moments later and Zythandra came rushing inside the bar. She quickly looked for Calcipher and the Professor through out the place and not too long after, she was able to locate them. As what she's fearing the most, Swan is already with them. The crowd became on alert because of this so all eyes were watching her. There's not much action happening in the bar so everyone is on the edge of their seats. "Calcipher, get away from her!" Zythandra screamed as she ran towards them. "We have a player here people!" Someone from the crowd said. "If you're going to start a fight, do it outside!" Another one said who seemed to be the owner of the bar. "Cat fight!" One other patron yelled. "Fight, fight, fight!" A group of guys from the back started chanting and some other customers gradually chiming in. Before Zythandra can even get to where Calcipher and the Professor's table is, Swan suddenly came back to her senses just like nothing happened. Swan quickly grabbed Calcipher's face and went ahead to give him a kiss. Everyone may think that it's just a simple kiss but it's not. Swan happened to not swallow her drink that Calcipher rigged and let the liquid sit in her mouth all this time. That's the reason why she's not responding to any of the questions thrown at her and she's just faking to be paralyzed all this time. Everyone who saw the kiss was left silent in awe including Zythandra and the Professor. Zythandra quickly continue rushing towards them but Swan still has something up her sleeves for her grandeur escape. After passing the rigged liquid from her mouth to Calcipher's and forcing him to swallow it, Swan took out a vial from her purse and drank whatever is inside it. Then, she grabbed the lit candle on their table. "Take cover!" Zythandra screamed as if she knows what will Swan do. As Zythandra suspects, Swan blew on the candle with the liquid she drank which turned out to be gasoline making a huge burst of flame and it's directed towards her. This act stopped her from her tracks again but quickly went back to her path. As soon as the flames went out, Swan was gone leaving some parts of the bar set on fire. Zythandra would normally chase after Swan but she saw Calcipher struggling so she just let her be. "What happened, Professor?" Zythandra worriedly asked. "Call 911. The bar is on fire!" The owner screamed. "It's hard to explain what happened but I know that we were targeted. That Swan lady is a mercenary." The Professor responded. "Let's talk about it someplace else. Calcipher is not in a good shape right now." Zythandra responded. Then, she carried Calcipher out of the bar and the Professor followed her lead. They were successful in finding a safe place which is just a few blocks away from the now burning bar. No one seems to be after them as well may it be another assassin from the Faction or a police officer to charge them for arson. Calcipher continued to struggle with his own paralyzing agent but he was able to instruct Zythandra to get the antidote he packed with him just in case he needed to use them. "Thank you, Z. You saved me." Calcipher said. "Don't mention it." Zythandra responded. "I just did my role as a team member. Besides, I can't work well if someone is dragging me down." "That doesn't seem to be the reason earlier, lass." The Professor commented. "Professor!" Zythandra responded. "Anyway, I think you should know who are those who targeted us earlier." "Those? There are others?" The Professor asked in shock. "Yes, there are three of them. Two apprehended me and the other was the one you encountered, Scarlet Swan." Zythandra explained. "They were from the Faction where I used to work for." "Scarlet Swan? Such a cool codename!" Calcipher exclaimed while still laying on bed. "What are the other two's codenames? Most importantly, what's yours?" He asked. "Is that even necessary?" Zythandra asked. "It is for me." Calcipher responded. "I think I'll heal faster if I'll know they're codenames specially yours." "Fine." Zythandra finally gave in. "The two who I fought with are Ash Dove and Azure Hummingbird." "Cool!" Calcipher exclaimed. "But what's with the avian names? Anyways, what's your codename?" He asked. "Mine was Crimson Raven. Happy now?" Zythandra replied sarcastically. "That is so badass!" Calcipher said. "From now on, I'll call you Crimson Raven." "Don't. if you don't want to be poisoned to death, you will not ever call me that." Zythandra firmly responded. "Okay, fine. I'm just messing with you. I'll just rest for a bit more. Wake me up when we're off to the Summit." Calcipher said then quickly took his rest. "Zythandra, any intel who hired them?" The Professor asked. "I do, actually." Zythandra responed. "I was told that it's someone named Astrid Lancaster. Do you know someone with that name who might want to assassinate me and Calcipher and kidnap you?" She asked. "I don't personally know someone named Astrid Lancaster but I think I've heard the name Lancaster before. I just couldn't put my finger on it." The Professor explained. "Do you think it has something to do with the Coven? Is this some kind of a ploy from the Faction against me? All these thinking are messing me up." Zythandra commented. "I'm not sure myself, lass. I'm not sure." The Professor responded.

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