Guardians of The Damned-Chapter 23: A+ Grade

Outside the vault, I withdrew from my mist form and dropped the disguise. It would be easier to evacuate the civilians now. The public knew exactly who Phoenix Squad was. The mist had severely limited their visibility, causing them to push forward impatiently, following only the person in front of them.

"Hey, everyone! Calm down, okay? No one needs to get hurt! No pushing!" I waved my hand, and the mist's density lightened, allowing them to see again.

Though their pace didn't pick up, hopefully, the visibility helped ease their anxiety. The pushing stopped as well, possibly because they felt safer with me around—whether out of reassurance or fear, it worked either way.

"That's better, that's better!" I called, but then I noticed something in the air. I looked up.

A woman was riding a small rock, wearing a black robe and a pointed hat that curled at the tip. Round glasses perched on her nose, and her beauty outshone the average woman. With her attire, she resembled a witch from ancient times.

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"Sunny, I finally found you," she smiled.

"Do I know you?" I frowned.

"Relax, I'm not here to hurt you. I just want to talk."

"Lady, look around. Is now really the time for a chat? You might as well help me evacuate. Aren't you an Honor?" I asked, not expecting her to actually help.

"Sure." She pulled a wand from her robe and waved it. The crowd floated off the ground, screaming in panic.

"What's going on?!" "I'm flying!!" "Mommy, we can fly!"

The children, however, had excitement written all over their faces.

"Hey, wait! What are you doing? Put them down!" I was caught off guard.

"Relax, I won't hurt them," she said, flicking the wand forward. The crowd floated away, and with no obstacles in their path, they quickly reached safety. They gently touched down, and within minutes, every civilian was evacuated.

"Thank you."

"No problem," she said, then tilted her head, her expression turning serious. "Now, what I really wanted to talk about..."

"Withdraw your team from the mission," she ordered.

"...Who are you?" I asked, instinctively assuming a defensive stance.

"Who am I? It doesn't matter. So, you truly don't want to stop your team?" she said, cocking her head.

"We don't have a reason to stop. Are you underestimating us?" I replied slowly.

She sighed. "Here I am, going through all this effort to talk to you, and no, I'm not underestimating you. But it's obvious—you're going to lose."

"We'll see. So, who hired you?"

"That's for you to figure out. It wouldn't be any fun if I just told you everything." She paused, then waved her hand, and something materialized from thin air. It was a head, its face turned backward. I immediately recognized the fiery red hair.

"You crazy bitch!" I shouted in fury. Using the mist around me, I shaped it into sharp needles and launched them at her. I also ordered Puffy to attack.

"Aw, aren't you cute when you're angry?" she cooed, nonchalantly flicking her wand. A transparent wave spread out, swallowing my attacks. Time seemed to freeze—everything within the wave was halted as though someone had pressed pause.

I recognized the technique instantly. Despite her different body, there was no mistaking it—this was her. **Fusion**, Death's Heiress. Everyone thought she was dead.

"Didn't think I'd meet a legend, but I'm disappointed you've fallen so far."

And, honestly, terrified. The fury I'd felt melted away in an instant. Right now, letting emotions control me meant certain death. In fact, I felt fortunate to still be alive. No, it was a miracle. Maybe I should praise God if I make it out of this.

"You know me?" she said with a slight chuckle. "Well, that's not surprising. Anyone who did is already dead."

"Fusion, Death's Heiress," I said, my voice calm despite the fear that dripped from every word. "Everyone thought you were dead." Sweat trickled down my forehead, but I did my best to hide the tremor in my voice.

"Yes, I faked my death."

"Why are you with a lowly mercenary group?" I asked, trying to steady my thoughts.

"Everyone needs a change of pace," she replied brightly.

"Why fake your death? Even if you retired, you'd still live comfortably."

"I can do as I please," she said, pausing. Her eyes narrowed with a sudden realization. "So that's what you're planning... Smart."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Playing dumb won't work." She winked at me. "You planning to kill me?"

My heart tightened with the question. My mind raced, but I couldn't come up with a plan to escape.

"No," she replied, the hint of a smile in her voice. "I'm not going to kill you. I made a promise."

"A promise?" I frowned, confused.

"I shouldn't have said that." She grinned, her expression oddly amused. "Well, nice talking to you. You're even better than the rumors."

Before I could respond, she waved her hand and disappeared, leaving behind a trail of sparkling stars.

I exhaled sharply, my body trembling from the encounter. That felt like being stared down by a loaded gun—a gun that could easily kill an Honor. I had to calm myself down and process everything.

There were so many questions. Why had she told us to withdraw? Did she want this mission to end peacefully, despite the slim chance?

I paused for a moment, the uncertainty weighing heavily on me.