Chapter 5

Yuri's gaze fixed on Spectre, the enigmatic figure who'd emerged from the shadows. Sensing the weight of the mission ahead, Yuri knew they needed Spectre's unique skill set. "Spectre," Yuri addressed him, "we need you to investigate the enemy's movements and uncover their true objective. Your expertise in covert operations is crucial to our success."Spectre nodded, his eyesglinting with determination. "Understood," he replied, his voice steady. "I'll gather the information we need."While Spectre pursued his investigation and Yuri coordinated their defences, Lockey and Cassian's battle raged on.The clash of their powers echoed through the darkness, neither combatant gaining a decisive advantage. Cassian's chains sought to ensnare Lockey, but the skilled warrior deftly avoided the restraints, his precision strikes severing the chains in a flurry of motion.As the fight wore on, Cassian saw an opportunity to turn the tide in his favour. Feigning exhaustion, he allowed Lockey to draw closer, only to unleash a powerful strike that caught Lockey off guard.The force of the blow sent Lockey staggering, and in that moment, Cassian capitalised on his opponent's vulnerability, delivering a series of relentless attacks that ultimately brought Lockey to his knees.With victory in his grasp, Cassian prepared to take Lockey captive when Spectre emerged from the shadows.Surprised by the sudden arrival, Cassian hesitated, allowing Spectre to intervene. "Is the green-haired one your objective?" Spectre enquired; his curiosity piqued.Cassian glared at Spectre, his annoyance palpable. "It's none of your concern," he snapped.Spectre shook his head, his voice calm but unwavering. "I can't allow you to go free." In a flash, he retrieved his communication device, relaying his findings to Yuri. "This is Spectre. The enemy appears to be targeting specific students within the school. I've located one of the members of the Red Blood organisation."Yuri's voice crackled through the device, acknowledging Spectre's report. "Understood. Backup will be arriving shortly."Cassian's eyes widened in surprise, his expression hardening as he realised the extent of their knowledge. "So, you know about the Red Blood," he muttered, his mind racing to reassess his strategy in light of this revelation.Meanwhile, Mira and Titan navigated the corridors in search of Glutton and Rina's location. Upon discovering Glutton, battered and bruised, they wasted no time in questioning him. "Where is Rina's location?" Mira demanded, her impatience evident.Glutton, his pride wounded by his failure, begged for one more chance to prove himself. "I can handle it," he insisted, his voice desperate. "Please, give me one more chance to complete the mission."Mira scowled, unimpressed by his pleas. "What can someone as fat as you do? You can't even handle a single mission."Stinging from Mira's insult, Glutton relented, divulging Rina's location. "You'll find them on the fifth floor," he muttered, his eyes downcast in defeat.Rina and Marco, now in a safe location, ponder the enemy's objective. Marco breaks the silence, "I wonder why the enemy is after you." Rina's brow furrows in concentration, "The logo... I've seen it before, but I can't remember where."Sensing Marco's curiosity, Rina changes the subject. "So, you also possess power similar to mine?" she asks, eager to learn more about her newfound ally. Marco nods, a hint of mystery in his voice. "Yeah, it's a long story."Rina and Marco's conversation is abruptly interrupted as Mira and Titan, both members of the Red Blood organisation, make their entrance. Mira's body shifts into a liquid state, allowing her to seep through the cracks in the room before solidifying in front of Rina. Her voice is cold and demanding: "Rina, we've come to bring you back to the Red Blood."Titan stands at the ready, his skin hardening into an impenetrable armour. His eyes lock onto Marco, recognising him as a potential threat. "You're not taking her anywhere," Marco retorts, his powers flaring to life in anticipation of a fight.Before either side can make a move, two new figures join the fray—Pinnochi and Lee, members of the WCM. Pinnochi, a master of poisons, skillfully wields his poison-laced daggers, striking at Mira and Titan with lethal precision. With a single scratch, he can inflict a range of debilitating effects on his targets, leaving them vulnerable and disoriented.Lee, armed with his trusty guns, provides covering fire, pinning down Mira and Titan as Pinnochi circles in for the kill. "Seems like you two have bitten off more than you can chew," Lee taunts, his voice filled with confidence.As the battle rages on, it becomes clear that Pinnochi and Lee's arrival has turned the tide in Marco and Rina's favour. Despite their best efforts, Mira and Titan find themselves outmatched by the unexpected reinforcements.Sensing defeat, Cassian's voice echoes from a distance, ordering Mira and Titan to fall back. With a final glare at Marco and Rina, the Red Blood operatives disappear, their exit marked by a puff of smoke.Pinnochi and Lee introduce themselves to Marco and Rina, their earlier intensity giving way to a more relaxed demeanour. "Looks like we arrived just in time," Pinnochi remarks, his daggers vanishing as he offers a hand to Marco.Lee holsters his guns, a smirk playing at the corner of her lips. "All in a day's work for the WCM."With the Red Blood operatives in retreat, the WCM takes control of the situation. Turning their attention to Lockey and Rina, they request their cooperation for an interrogation. Rina, familiar with the organisation, agrees without hesitation. Lockey, still unsure about their intentions, reluctantly follows suit.As they are escorted to the WCM headquarters, Lockey can't help but voice his curiosity. "Who are these guys?" he asks Rina, his brow furrowed in confusion.Rina offers a brief explanation: "They're the World Cyphone Management. They gather people with key and lock-type powers like us." Lockey's mind races with questions, but he remains silent, a sense of cautious optimism washing over him.Upon reaching the interrogation room, Lockey and Rina are greeted by Spectre and Yuri. Spectre introduces himself as a 1st division officer, while Yuri reveals his position as a 0 division officer. "We'd like to ask you a few questions," Yuri begins, his tone professional."Do either of you possess any ancient objects or artefacts?" Rina shakes her head in response. Spectre turns his piercing gaze towards Lockey. "You emit a strong energy. Is there anything you'd like to share?"With a faint smile, Lockey decides to test the waters, hoping to gain some insight into his own mysterious key. "I've got nothing except for this strange key," he admits, holding up the object in question.Yuri steps forward, acknowledging Lockey's curiosity. "We're aware of the keys and locks. They contain unique powers, but their origins remain a mystery to us."As the interrogation concludes, Lockey and Rina are dismissed. Making their way through the WCM facility, Lockey suddenly comes face to face with a familiar figure—Lee. Their eyes meet, and a brief moment of surprise passes between them."Well, well, look who it is," Lee remarks, his tone a mixture of amusement and curiosity. "Never thought I'd see you here, Lockey."Lockey responds with a small smile, cautious but intrigued by their unexpected reunion. "Seems we've both been caught up in this crazy situation," he musesAfter the passing of Old Man Albert, Lockey found himself reflecting on the life he had built under the guidance of his mentor. As the chosen successor, Lockey knew that he had big shoes to fill. The weight of responsibility settled on his shoulders, but he was determined to honour Albert's legacy by living a good life.One fateful day, as Lockey walked the bustling streets, he stumbled upon a young boy who appeared lost and helpless. It was Lee, a five-year-old with a troubled past and an uncertain future. Recognising the fear and vulnerability in Lee's eyes, Lockey couldn't help but offer a helping hand."Hey there, little guy," Lockey said with a gentle smile. "You look like you could use some help. What's your name?"Lee, timid and wary, looked up at Lockey. "I'm Lee," he replied softly. "I don't have anywhere to go."Moved by Lee's plight, Lockey kneeled down to meet the boy's gaze. "Well, Lee, I can't just leave you here all alone. Why don't you come with me? I'll make sure you're safe and have a warm place to stay."As days turned into weeks, Lockey provided Lee with shelter, food, and the support he desperately needed. Their bond grew stronger as Lockey became a mentor and father figure to the young boy. One evening, as they shared a meal together, Lockey inquired about Lee's dreams for the future.Lee hesitated for a moment before replying, "I've always wanted to be a detective, like those people who solve mysteries and help others."Lockey nodded, recognising the glimmer of determination in Lee's eyes. "I can see the passion in you, Lee. You have a good heart and a keen mind. I'm sure you'd make an excellent detective one day."As the years went by, Lee's dream became a reality when he received an admission letter from a prestigious detective school. Though it was bittersweet, Lockey knew it was time for Lee to embark on his own journey."I'm so proud of you, Lee," Lockey said, embracing the young man. "Remember, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Keep your heart true and your determination strong."Back in the present, Lockey and Lee sat together, reminiscing about the past and catching up on their lives. "So, you really did achieve your dreams," Lockey said with a warm smile.Lee nodded, gratitude and pride filling his voice. "After I completed my course at the detective school, the WCM approached me with an offer to join their team as a high-ranking investigator. I couldn't pass up the opportunity."As the conversation drew to a close, Lockey rose from his seat, preparing to leave the WCM premises. "It's been an honour seeing you again, Lee. We've come a long way, and I know we'll continue to make our mark on this world."Lee stood, extending his hand to Lockey. "I owe so much to you, Lockey. Thank you for everything. I hope we'll cross paths again.""A friend of yours", Pinnochi asking with curiosity, "Yh, without him, I wouldn't have gotten this far," Lee repliedLockey's kindness and generosity played an instrumental role in Lee's success. As they continue on their respective paths, the impact of their shared past remains, a testament to the power of friendship and the importance of nurturing dreams, no matter how fleeting they may seem.