Guardians of The Damned-Chapter 8: Tools

I watched quietly as he ate, turning my gaze to the street. There weren't many people out at this hour—just the ones stuck with overtime or the occasional college kid.

Some were smiling, laughing with joy. Others had empty eyes, completely drained from work and stress.

"How rare that this district is peaceful," I remarked.

"The gang that controlled this territory got wiped out."

"I see."

A new one would just form, I thought. I'd lost count of how many times I'd eliminated gangs in this area. But every time I returned from a mission on the surface, a new one had already sprung up to take their place. It was endless.

I had planned to eliminate the most recent gang myself, but never found the time. Still, I was grateful someone else had done it. I didn't care who it was.

"I have a job for you," I said without warning.

With food still in his mouth, he looked up. "What is it?"

"I want information about him." I showed him a photo of a boy—the one who summoned the mecha.

"Why do I feel like I've seen him before?" He paused mid-bite, closed his eyes, and fell into deep thought. I waited.

"That's right! He's that demonic boy! I remember him now!" he shouted in sudden realization.

"Demonic?" I tilted my head slightly, recalling the boy's face. I saw no sign of anything demonic.

"Yeah, rumor is he killed everyone involved in his father's death. Wiped out a whole gang that used to run this district. You've seen the difference."

*That boy?* I thought. With that kind of power, it wasn't impossible.

"Could you tell me more about him?"

I listened closely to his explanation. This is what I learned: The boy was born on the surface to a poor family. His father had once been the CEO and founder of a major company that built and maintained the city's infrastructure. But after losing a power struggle, he was betrayed by his supporters and fell into massive debt.

Crushed by the stress, he took his own life—leaving his son to shoulder everything. The organization his father owed money to took the boy in, forcing him to do dangerous, extreme jobs.

Rumors said the boy eventually betrayed them, killing one of their members.

"Thanks, Seraph. Do you know where he lives?"

"District Aegis."

The ancient city had five districts: Excalibur, Avalon, Gram, Olympus, and Aegis.

"Alright. I'll visit him."

"Make sure you come back alive. Who else is gonna bring me food?" He waved me off.

I gave him a nod, then took off toward Aegis.

On the way, I saw two men pinning a girl against a car, forcing her into something indecent. They had her arms locked behind her back.

Without hesitation, I dove like an eagle and struck both men square in the face with my elbows.

They flew back and crashed into a wall a few meters away, instantly losing consciousness. I didn't stop—just gained altitude again and flew off.

"Thank you!" I heard the girl yell behind me. I didn't reply.

After five minutes, I arrived in Aegis. The houses here were mostly wooden, cramped tightly together with barely any space between them. The planks were old and worn.

The street was about four meters wide. Motorcycles and bicycles parked along it made it even narrower.

I looked at the houses. Most of the porch lights were off, save for a few. I took note of the area and kept walking. The street eventually led to a small business district.

Here, most buildings were made of concrete, and the place was bustling. Some people were just getting off work, others were college students. Muffled music leaked from nearby shops, giving the district a lively vibe.

"Hey there, sir! Want me for an hour? Just a hundred Erk," a beautiful woman in sexy clothes with a plump chest approached me.

"No, I'm still young—but thank you for the offer. Oh, that reminds me. Have you seen this boy?" I showed her the photo.

"Sorry, I've never seen him."

"Do you know anyone who might be able to help me?"

"I'm not sure. I'm kind of busy, but if you..." She trailed off, giving me a meaningful look.

"I don't carry cash. Do you take QR?"

She smiled, gave me her QR code, and after the payment, she led me to a hostess club. Inside, I spotted familiar faces—Honors who fought on the surface.

Enchanting women surrounded them, pouring drinks as the Honors slurred their speech. I glanced at them briefly and followed the lady upstairs.

We stopped on the third floor in front of a pink door covered with rainbow and pony stickers, plus a pink string curtain.

I raised a brow, clearly skeptical.

She caught my expression and smiled. "Don't judge by appearances."

She knocked rhythmically on the door and shouted, "Yin Hee! You've got a customer!"

"How many times do I have to tell you? I'm not doing that!" a sweet, muffled voice responded from behind the door.

"It's not that kind of customer!"

Ten seconds later, the door opened. A petite girl with short blonde hair and round, striking eyes stood in front of us. She wore a long-sleeved jacket and jeans.

She glanced at her friend, then turned to me. Her eyes widened in surprise.

"It's you..."

"Yin Hee, you know this guy?" her friend asked.

"Know him? Vena, don't you know who he is? He's *The Mist!* Oh my god, I'm a huge fan! I've always wanted to meet you!" Her eyes sparkled so brightly it almost hurt.

"Nice meeting you," I said with a smile.

"Sorry, Yin Hee. I don't know who that is," Vena said awkwardly. "I'll leave you two alone." She strutted off down the hallway.

"Okay, thank you!" Yin Hee turned back to me, eyes gleaming. "Come in, come in!"

This chapt𝙚r is updated by freeωebnovēl.c૦m.

Her apartment was small, but cozy. One bedroom, a compact kitchen that led to the bathroom, and a little living room with a round table, sofa, and TV.

It was spotless. The floor looked freshly mopped, and a soft floral fragrance filled the air.

"Take a seat. Tea or coffee?" she asked politely.

I sat on the sofa—it was so soft my body sank in.

"Tea, please."

"Okay, hold on a sec."

A few minutes later, she returned with a tray and placed a steaming cup in front of me. I took a sip. It was refreshing—just the right balance of bitter and sweet. Perfect.

"So... how'd you come up with your superhero name, *The Mist*? Is it because of your powers?"

Since she was being polite, I answered simply. "Yes."

She kept asking more questions, and I answered each one patiently.

Eventually, she got to the point. "So, what do you need from me?"

"I want to find a boy." I showed her the photo.

"Hmm, do you have anything related to him? Hair, worn clothes, a personal item, blood, bodily fluid?"

"No." I shook my head.

"Then I can't help you."

"That's unfortunate." I stood up. "The tea was delicious. Thank you." I was about to leave when she said—

"Now, now, don't be hasty. I *can* help you—just not that way."

"Oh? How?"

"I'll come with you. I can track him with my powers."

"I can't afford your fee," I said honestly.

She laughed. "No need. You saved my life, remember? This is the least I can do."

"I did?" I frowned, genuinely confused. I didn't remember saving her.

"For you, it might've been just another Tuesday. But for me? I'll never forget it." She smiled warmly. "Now come on, let's get going."