Zina Lionar

In the novel, when Fray meets his demise, no one shows any sign of grief or forewarning, except for one person: Zina Fray's ex-fiance Her tears are the sole emotional response to Fray's death.

Zina undergoes a profound transformation upon learning of Fray's death. She became colder and angrier, yet simultaneously stronger, propelling her to become the second most formidable character in the entire narrative.

And what surprised Fray the most was that she even wanted revenge for his death, her attempt may ultimately fail, but the impact of this endeavor resonates strongly throughout the story. After learning that from Yassine's memories it left a deep effect on Fray.

To Fray, Zina was merely a business companion, and their relationship had concluded two years ago without any lingering emotional attachments.

He struggled to comprehend why she would shed tears for him, as he had not bestowed any favors upon her nor did she owe him anything. Reading this part left Fray utterly perplexed, yet amidst the confusion, he was certain of one thing.

Reflecting on these thoughts, Fray pondered, ( If there's anyone in this world deserving of my apology, it's Zina.)

During their engagement, she consistently offered unwavering support and was a trustworthy presence, always watching Fray's back. However, in his naivety, he ended their relationship in an attempt to protect people who, years later, would become the very threat to his life.

On the flip side, as Zina's expression softened, she contemplated, (He doesn't even grasp why I'm upset, yet I recognize the significance of Fray's apologies. This just might be the first time he has apologized to anyone. )Zina, with a softened expression, eventually spoke, saying, "Alright, I forgive you, but I expect you to make amends."

Fray's eyes remained stoic, yet a subtle hint of relief lingered as he inquired, "What is it that you desire?"

Zina, with piercing eyes, replied, "Before ending things, you pledged to share a meal together. We never did. I want you to invite me for lunch tomorrow."

Perplexed by a promise he couldn't recall, Fray pondered, (That's all, although I don't remember making such a promise, this might actually be perfect for the plan)." After a thoughtful moment, he replied, "Alright, tomorrow we will go for lunch in a nice restaurant."

Zina's face lit up with a smile as she expressed, "I'm genuinely looking forward to it."

....

Tomorrow at mid-day, Fray, adorned in his formal attire, waited on the first floor of the hotel's dining area for Zina to descend.

In a striking red dress that complemented her slender yet mature figure, Zina made her entrance. Her blonde hair cascaded gracefully, framing her green eyes, and a small sized purse in her hand.

The patrons seated in the dining area, both men and women, found themselves captivated by Zina's presence. Unlike the previous day, she wore not a cold expression but a cute, nervous face.

As she approached Fray, her eyes nervously scanned his stoic face. (It's been a long time since I wore a dress. Did I go overboard? I'm not sure if it even looks good on me), Zina pondered, her gaze meeting Fray's slightly widened eyes. (Don't tell me, is he shocked by my beauty?)

Fray, widened in surprise, perplexed, as he thought, (Where did she get this dress!? I'm sure she didn't have any luggage yesterday. Did she buy one this morning? Was I supposed to wear something as well?)

Approaching Fray, Zina looked up at his eyes and asked, "Are you ready?"

"Yes, we can go," Fray replied.

Leaving their companions at the hotel, Zina and Fray ventured to the most luxurious restaurant in the city.

Over the course of two hours, they engaged in conversations about the bits of their shared past and the events they had missed. Sipping tea and exchanging anecdotes, the atmosphere was one of a shared nostalgia.

As the clock ticked, marking the end of their time in the elegant restaurant, Fray and Zina departed. Walking side by side on the bustling streets of the city.

Zina, Curiously raising an eyebrow, she asked "So, after all this time, you've finally returned to the Dalma family. Any particular reason for the comeback?"

Fray, Nodding solemnly he answered " Yes, I have my reasons."

Zina, Leaning forward, studying him , said "Are those reasons by any chance tied to exploring the Old Continent?"

Fray, his expression getting serouis, replied "Indeed, that's one of them. I think you should consider entering it too in the next opening."

In the original narrative, Zina's journey to becoming one of the strongest humans was marked by significant hardship. Merely weeks from now, she would face a formidable assassin group, although will be able to survive she will lose her energy core and all of her power.

The cure for her predicament would remain elusive for several years, causing a delayed start for her. But unfortunately despite her scary talent Fray can't make her joking his team yet, knowing that recruiting her prematurely would hinder her from reaching her maximum capabilities, a value that can even surpass Luke's potential.

Zina, curiously looking at Fray she asked " do you know anything about the Old Continent?"

Fray, nodding calmly he answered "Yes, the Old Continent holds great rewards and can turn warriors into powerhouses if they overcome its challenges. But at the same time ; there are significant threats, especially from other humans. No matter how strong you are, facing it alone is risky. You need a team you can trust."

Zina, raising an eyebrow, said "Do you have a team...?"

But, suddenly Before Zina can finish her words. A mischievous teenager swiftly darted towards them, adeptly snatching Zina's purse.

Surprise flashed across her face as she realized what had happened ( how can a thieve be this fast ?)

Startled by the astonishing speed of the teenager, Zina raced after him, weaving through the twists and turns of the urban landscape. As he abruptly entered a shadowy alley, Zina, catching up, discovered him standing there, a cold and emotionless expression on his face.

In the dimly lit alley, an eerie silence enveloped the scene until Zina sensed an unsettling shift. Suddenly, she felt the emergence of multiple presences, and from above, a group of figures clad in tight black clothing gracefully descended, forming a circle around the boy.

Fray, arriving just behind Zina, surveyed the unfolding tableau with a discerning gaze. (As expected, they move with impressive speed and precision), he observed.

Zina, her expression growing colder, confronted the group and demanded, "Who are you, and what do you want?" Yet, without responding, a chilling female voice emerged from the midst of the shadowy figures, commanding, "Attack."

Without hesitation, the group split into two, one faction advancing toward Zina, and the other targeting Fray.

Unfazed, Zina raised her hand, conjuring a purple circular portal adorned with rotating symbols. Slowly ascending from it, a colossal sword materialized, firmly grasped by Zina.

As the dark figures lunged towards her, a surge of purple energy enveloped Zina. With a swift motion, she wielded the massive sword, unleashing a torrent of energy that radiated intense heat.

The forceful surge repelled the attackers, sending them staggering backward under the overwhelming power of Zina's counterattack.

Thrown back forcefully by Zina's formidable counterattack, the leader of the assassins observed her with a steely gaze, acknowledging, (As expected, she's strong.) Without hesitation, the leader produced a metallic whistle, wasting no time before emitting a sharp, piercing sound.

*Fssss*

As the whistle's echo reverberated through the alley, the group of assassins tensely awaited a particular response. However, to their bewilderment, the anticipated scene failed to unfold. Zina, wearing a confused expression, asked, "Why are you whistling?"

Meanwhile, the leader's face paled in shock. (What!? Why aren't the insects reacting?) she wondered. Abruptly interrupting her thoughts, the body of one of her men was thrown back, landing heavily on the ground beside her.

Turning, she discovered that the men dispatched to deal with Fray were all defeated. To her surprise, Fray's appearance had undergone a dramatic change, his physique more robust and his hair strangely longer.

(What!? I was informed he was weak in the report. Did they lie to me?) the leader questioned internally. However, before she could formulate a plan, a sentence from Fray left her eyes widened in shock.

"So, you are the children of the Killing Machine Project," Fray stated, stepping forward and fixing his gaze on the leader. "Then you must be Sina."