Since the conclusion of the Summer Scare, I began seeing Ordo in a different light. A better one, I mean. Instead of searching for cracks in the shell, I searched for opportunities: new places, fun events, things like that. I’d been in this dopey mood throughout my well-earned (and short) break, but now it was time to return to work.

  Thus, the asshole returns.

  Seraph, Rector, and Kosmos had finally made their decision regarding Althea’s status in the team, and we would find out later today. Before that, we had our first official meeting as the Special Task Force. All of us together.

  We hosted the meeting in one of the training gyms, specifically a sparring chamber. Their office or a conference room would have sufficed, but this? Were they expecting a meeting between fist and cheek or something?

  I wasn’t in the position to ask any questions. I was yet another face within the team, blending in with the rest of the freaks.

  Aiden Kang, Firebrand.

  Amamizu Rei, himself.

  Victor Taslim, also himself.

  Okano Kotone, Uprise.

  Li Chunhua, Forest Master.

  Leona Ryu, Celestial Empress.

  Althea Shen, herself.

  Fukumoto Chie, Sage.

  Morgan Weyer, Problem.

  And me, Alexander Shen, Conqueror.

  In front of us were three of our commanding officers: Vice Guild Master Rector, Idris Zakaria; Guild Master Seraph, Sera Creed; and last but especially not least, Overseer, Alistair Romanos.

  Seeing my uncle stand with two of the most powerful figures in Ordo was something else. For the longest time, he’d been our uncle and mentor. From now on, he was our commander. He had different expectations for his kids, and so we must meet them and go beyond that.

  Awkwardly, we stood, our legs shifting weights, as our leaders whispered amongst each other. Ultimately, Rector stepped forward to take the stage as he always did.

  “I apologize for dragging you here, but don’t worry, we hopefully shouldn’t use the sparring ring. That little tidbit aside, welcome to Angels Guild! You had one interesting orientation, but we’re glad you’re with us. As you already know, you are the Special Task Force, a team underneath the three founders: myself, Seraph, and Kosmos. The STF’s main purpose is to conduct sensitive operations on the behalf of the guild—and by extension, humanity—so these operations aren’t always above-board.

  “Officially, you’re a part of the Prime Wing: an independent branch separate from the Five Wings. We won’t advertise the STF, but knowing our roster and your tendencies, you’ll be popular in the guild if you aren’t catching eyes already.

  “Currently, we have one active operation in Korea; however, it’ll play in the background for most of you. Instead, well.” Rector motioned to Overseer. “I guess this is a good segue to introduce your commander. You know him as Alistair Romanos, the uncle of two problemsome members, but today, you will refer to him as ‘Overseer.’”

  “A ren,” Firebrand commented. “You’re placing a regular human in-charge of us?”

  Seraph said, “There’s no one better than him, Firebrand.”

  Forest Master let out a predatory chuckle. “We have high-rankers amongst us. I mean no offense to you, Mister Romanos, but your career in the military doesn’t translate to this field. Even if…” Her eyes glanced toward me and Althea. “...You’ve taught your niece and nephew.”

  Overseer had his hands patiently folded at his back, carefully observing the two dissenters. Everybody else wanted nothing to do with this, especially the kids who knew better. “Forest Master Li Chunhua.”

  She crossed her arms. “Yes?”

  “I held the meeting here for a reason.” He stepped forward, his dress shoes clacking sharply against the ceramic floor. “I know your culture, your traditions. Respect is not asked but earned through strength.”

  Overseer smiled as if knowing the future. “So go ahead, cultivator. Can you lay a finger on this old westerner?”

  His gaze was still and unmoving, like an ancient boulder weathering the four seasons. We felt a subdued pressure on par with Mythos- and Legend-level Slayers. Swords of that caliber rarely needed a full exertion of power; just a subtle taste was enough to send a message.

  For a human to send that kind of pressure was absurd.

  However, tons of absurd shit happened to us and taught us some valuable lessons. Like this one: trust what your senses were telling you.

  Forest Master gulped and broke eye contact within a few seconds, looking at the ground instead. “Th-That won’t be necessary…”

  Overseer nodded and turned toward Firebrand. “What about you?”

  The flaming asshole was looking at the ground too. “...Not in the mood anymore.”

  “Good. Anyone else?” No one stepped up or said anything. “We can move forward then. I’m in charge of daily operations, ensuring you’re fully combat operational as individuals and as a team. Here.”

  From Seraph, he passed out a stapled packet to each of us. It was a personalized schedule.

  “This is the schedule for this week. We’re focusing on evaluations, seeing where you lie in terms of competencies. In the coming weeks, expect your personal schedule will change according to your training. Take Victor for example.”

  Victor picked his head up. “Huh?”

  “You’re currently classified as a dual-role combat medic and healer, but I’d like you to gain experience in the civilian world.” (“Huh?”) “For that reason, you’re going to work for the Medical & Hospital Force as a healer technician.”

  “What—? I…” Depression claimed the poor bastard, knowing it was futile to argue against his fate. “Yessir.”

  Althea nudged my shoulder. “Look at my schedule. It’s all ‘specialized training.’”

  Mine was different. I had more variety than hers.

  Overseer continued, “Currently, I’m conversing with your Guild Masters to label the STF as an expeditionary team for additional experience. Expect expedition assignments in the near future. Any questions before we dive further?”

  We played a game of twenty questions after that, with everyone having their own concerns and worries. This was going to be the most painful period of my life, but I was ready for it. By then, we would all come out stronger—if Overseer didn’t kill us first.

  ***

  This time, we were in a proper conference room. The lights were dimmed for the projector, but Rector hadn’t put the operation details on the screen just yet. Instead, we admired his cute wallpaper of a park. There, we had Aiden, Chie, Seraph, a brown-haired man whose back was turned to us, and a small girl who had her father’s brown hair and bright green eyes. Kosmos and Ariella, right?

  Me, Thea, Leo, and Uncle Ali patiently waited on the other side of the table as Seraph and Rector were whispering a conversation.

  We anticipated the arrival of our last member.

  The GMs didn’t say who they were, but their identity wasn't a mystery. In this situation, knowing was worse than being kept in the dark.

  I couldn’t slow my heart.

  Leo nudged me with an elbow, seemingly noticing my anxiety. She kindly smiled as if saying, “Don’t be nervous.”

  Hard not to be, princess.

  I impatiently stewed for minutes which felt like hours, but finally, the guillotine came down: someone knocked on the door. Uncle Ali, Leo, and I stood at attention—with Althea, the slow one, scrambling to her feet last.

  Uncle opened the door and bowed his head in respect.

  The light from the hallway illuminated her figure as though welcoming a deity. For many, she was a god. Her reputation and lineage preceded her. You heard of her. You spoke of her. You feared her. Rarely, though, would you ever see her in-person—in the event that you do, it was either a great pleasure or your worst nightmare.

  She was one of two individuals who ruled the Korean Peninsula. She was the Moon of North Korea, the Leader of the Demonic Cult, the Crimson Moon Serpent, the thirteenth strongest Slayer in the world—Ryu So-yi (???), Cheonma.

  Cheonma was shorter than I anticipated—or maybe I was just that tall—but she was nonetheless breathtaking and immensely terrifying to see face-to-face. She wore simple black-and-crimson cultivator robes with gold embroidery depicting a long, all-devouring serpent. Her night-black hair was bunched into a messy bun, skewered through by a sharp, golden needle. Bangs fell to cover her left eye. The right observed the world intimately, its crimson gaze seeing through everything as if staring into the source of creation itself.

  She was undeniably beautiful for a woman her age, but her beauty was much like Seraph’s: authoritative. You can keep your eyes on them because they allow it, and you will look to the ground once they demand it.

  For Cheonma, that statement couldn’t be more true. She’d killed hundreds, ordered the deaths of hundreds more. Her mere presence would cause a court of cultivators and murim-ins to fall to their knees.

  And she was here, in Ordo, for this important meeting.

  The door closed, and we were locked in.

  Cheonma surveyed the room, acknowledging my uncle first before addressing his two kids. She smiled, and I’m sure she meant no ill will, but her smile was chilling. “You must be promised siblings. You have my thanks for looking after my troublesome niece.”

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  We wordlessly nodded.

  “Romanos—ah, I suppose I shall call you ‘Overseer,’ now.” Cheonma chuckled to herself before restarting. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you like this, Overseer.”

  “You as well, Cheonma. Let’s not dilly-dally any further. Come on, let’s sit.” Uncle decided to be a gentleman today and pulled a chair out for our guest of honor.

  We sat and our seats felt twice as uncomfortable as before. Well, not "our seats," just mine.

  Across the table, Seraph and Rector bowed their heads.

  “It’s good to see you again, So-yi,” Seraph said. “We have lots to talk about.”

  “Indeed we do.” Cheonma turned her chair toward the Shens (plus Leo). “Let’s begin with the most pressing topic. I’m assuming Seraph and Rector were informed regarding your…heritage, correct?”

  Rector hummed in confirmation. “That their mother was born in the Jianghu then developed a reputation in Zhenlong? Yup, they told us everything after the Summer Scare had concluded. It… Well, I didn’t react as dramatically as you’d think.” (He had gone silent for literally ten minutes after we informed him.) “Really, Seraph reacted worse.” (Seraph hadn’t been surprised by the news.)

  Reactions aside, this was also one of the causes behind my racing heart. We’d asked Cheonma to investigate [Memento Recollection] and [Technique Sovereign] on our behalf. Having SSS-Rank [Skills] was literally world-changing, and since we had blood-ties to the Jianghu, we could overturn the entire political landscape by our mere existence. For Cheonma, having this knowledge was incredibly advantageous. A lot of words to say: we both benefited from the arrangement.

  Cheonma noticed our tense expressions, and she allowed a small frown as if letting us down easy. “As of my current findings, I couldn’t determine your origins.”

  I let out a long, tortured breath. I didn’t know if I was glad or disappointed.

  “It doesn’t mean the truth won’t reveal itself eventually, but I must be incredibly, incredibly cautious with my investigation. A single mistake will alert our enemies, and neither of us would want that outcome. I believe that’s why your uncle immediately ceased his operations.”

  Uncle Ali nodded. “The risk was too great.”

  “Understandably so, but I have a few theories to offer. As you're already aware, there are only two known cultivators with SSS-Rank [Skills]: Xia Throne of the Three Martial Heroes, Longwang, and Elder Judge Shui Yuan of the Martial Zenith Sect. From where I stand…”

  Cheonma briefly closed her eyes and calmly exhaled. “There are one of four possibilities: one, your [Skills] are unrelated to the Jianghu. Unlikely. Two, your sect is associated with Longwang in some capacity. Also unlikely. Three, your family or sect, unrelated to either parties, has been razed and erased from history due to an Extermination Edict or a similar protocol. Plausible. Finally four, your family has unknown relations to the Martial Zenith Sect. This, I believe, is the most likely theory.”

  I bit my lip, and before I said anything, Althea raised her hand. “Do you know what Shui Yuan’s [Skill] is?”

  Cheonma answered, “Vaguely. It contains an accumulation component, but more importantly, several branch families—such as the Jins—possess weaker derivatives like [Ancestor Qi]. This is seemingly reflected in [Memento Recollection] and [Technique Sovereign], where the former is likely a derivative of the latter. Emotion and rationality respectively."

  I… I had thought about that possibility: that we were associated with the Martial Zenith Sect. It meant we were related to Shui Yuan and Jin Tianyou. Again, this wasn’t confirmed but it’s better to assume we were.

  Leo spoke up finally, “So what does this mean in the long-run, Auntie?”

  “It means the Shens should lay low like they always have. As I said, these are theories. I need more time to come to a definitive conclusion. However, I wouldn’t fret about the danger. At most, our enemies either aren't aware of their existence or cross them off as footsoldiers. Even if word about their SSS-Ranks escapes, many wouldn’t believe it—unless supplied with good reason.”

  Uncle Ali said, “Attention is inevitable in our case.”

  “Yet they'll adopt Kosmos's infamy, not necessarily creating their own reputation.”

  “Fair point.”

  Seraph asked, “So you advise the Shens to maintain a low profile? Or at the very least, don’t make their connection to the Jianghu obvious?”

  Cheonma positively hummed. “Yes. I’ll entrust the procedures to you and Overseer, but you have my word that I’ll treat this matter with the utmost caution. I myself am…most interested in where this ‘rabbit hole’ leads to.”

  Rector nodded, and he began to shift through files on his laptop. “Is this where we transition into the operation?”

  “You may," allowed Cheonma.

  Althea straightened her posture, knowing her time was coming next.

  Multiple documents were slapped on the screen. They were in Hangul, but the common thread between them was the logo of a stylized sun. Everyone and their fucking mothers could recognize that logo from anywhere. It was as commonplace as the literal Sun itself: the Taeyang Group.

  Cheonma and the Demonic Cult were referred to as “the Moon of North Korea” by many. Likewise, Lee Seung-chul (???) and the Taeyang Group were “the Sun of South Korea.” To nobody’s surprise, they were enemies.

  We were actually targeting one of the most powerful mega-corporations in the world—no, the most powerful mega-corp.

  One last document appeared on the screen. The title page contained two bolded words: “OPERATION SUNDOWN.”

  As he scrolled through the document, Rector explained, “Operation Sundown is our highly illegal investigation into the Taeyang Group and Lee Seung-chul, conducted by the Special Task Force with assistance from the Demonic Cult. Officially, it began around seven or eight years ago upon request by Heavenly Azure Swordsman and Divine Blade Mistress.”

  Leo uncomfortably shifted in her seat, her hands tightly gripping her pants.

  “They had caught rumors of unethical experimentation in Taeyang, and that led them to discover the existence of one 'Project Sesang (??).' And..." Rector gulped, unable to get through his next words.

  I understood why. Heavenly Azure Swordsman and Divine Blade Mistress were the first Angels, and more importantly, trusted colleagues and friends. With their daughter in the same room trying to uphold their legacy, speaking about them would be tough for anybody. Officially, their deaths were attributed to mysterious causes but since Taeyang was implied to be their killer—

  "We believe Taeyang is connected to the Ochre Immortal."

  Uncle Ali sat coldly in his chair, grim.

  I covered my mouth to stop myself from sputtering or speaking out of turn. Althea was shaking her head in denial.

  The Ochre Immortal... I'd watched so many documentaries and read chapters and wrote essays on the Terrors while in school. The Ochre Immortal was one of the most famous events: as implied by the fucking name, a murim-in had committed the Taboo of Xian (Immortality) and adopted inexplicable powers that not even the Court or the Demonic Cult knew. One was... It was like a plague. Wherever the Immortal touched, Ochre would spread and once infected, you would be painfully burned from the inside-out—and the Immortal touched North Korea and nearly destroyed the Demonic Cult.

  As Cheonma and Leo were dead silent, Rector repeated so we didn't mishear, "You all heard it correctly. Taeyang has a plausible connection to the Ochre Immortal, and to an extent, the late Apocalyptics."

  Uncle Ali took off his glasses to clean his lenses, being visibly shaken. "If only we'd known this earlier..."

  Seraph said with a heavy heart, "No one could've known. Our murim-ins had always wanted to solve the many mysteries behind the Ochre Immortal—it's why they'd joined Angels thirteen years ago—and through pure coincidence, it led them to Taeyang."

  "What about Project Sesang?" I asked out-of-the-blue. "What does that have anything to do with this?"

  Rector answered, "It might contain the very proof we need to confirm their involvement."

  Althea asked after me, "But why move now? It's been thirteen years since the Immortal, and half that since, y'know."

  Her question earned a little glance from Cheonma, causing my sister to freeze in place and regretting her tone; fortunately, Cheonma enlightened her, "Because we're finally in a position to. The deaths of my brother and sister-in-law devastated us all, but acting against Taeyang requires a calculated response. After building our strength throughout the last decade, we felt confident enough to move ahead with Operation Sundown."

  Uncle took a few breaths and slipped his glasses on. As an active-duty soldier during the Terrors, he had first-hand experience in the many terrorist attacks that brought the world to its knees. The period was a sore subject for him, filled with many regrets and sleepless nights. The same could be said for our princess, whose head was down and I could hear practiced, calm breathing.

  Just...

  Shit.

  Everyone took a second to compose themselves, then Rector clapped his hands to get us back on track. "What Cheonma said is correct: we have more than enough strength and leverage against Taeyang. We have the STF. The operation, then, has a single objective: uncover Project Sesang and get damning evidence of Taeyang's crimes against humanity. To do this, Kosmos has volunteered to be the main operative. I won’t discuss the details of his mission out of security concerns, but he’s knee-deep. That leads us to you, Althea.”

  Althea solemnly nodded. “What do I need to do, boss?”

  The screen changed to a picture of Baekyong Academy and a photo of a white-haired kid with golden eyes.

  “You will infiltrate Baekyong Academy in the fall and befriend the youngest heir of Taeyang: Lee Yoon-ho (???), in order to gain insider access."

  I smacked my lips. Well, damn.

  Althea blinked a couple times, having the same reaction as me. “Wow, okay. That… I was not expecting that.”

  I said, "Remind me again about Baekyong, please."

  Rector tapped a few keys and brought up more pictures of Baekyong as if they were supposed to mean something. “In Korea, Baekyong Academy is the most prestigious post-secondary school for systemic training. Big words, but they’re reportedly the ‘best’ at training fresh-out-of-high-school juniors.”

  Leo came alive in the meeting, and seeing her old college again, she gained an ugly expression. “Best at collecting heirs and heiresses of powerful families in Korea. I can’t say anything myself. I went there.”

  "Unfortunately. Do you want to explain, then?”

  Leo sighed. “Alright. Baekyong stands out from other similar schools. It’s the only one that actively ranks its students against each other, encouraging competition where the sole rule is, ‘Don’t get caught breaking the rules.’ It’s a brutal fucking place. I hated my two years there, and, well… Once you enroll, you’ll hear all about how Lee Na-yoon (???) beat the heiress of the Demonic Cult or some bullshit.”

  As much as I wanted to offer comforting words, I knew better than to poke the bear. Having her parents and Baekyong mentioned in the same conversation was doing a number on her patience.

  “Right, so uhm…” Althea anxiously looked around the room. “How am I infiltrating in the first place? I can’t use my real name, and making an alternate [Profile] in the System is impossible.”

  Cheonma shook her head. “Impossible normally, yes, but we have a method: the same one that allowed my niece to remain undetected until her second-year."

  Leo loudly exhaled, breathing out shameful and embarrassing memories. "A [Character], a [Skill] that basically lets you create an alternate account in the System. Under a [Character], you adopt a brand new identity and appearance, but you retain your [Skills] unless you intentionally restrict yourself. We can go over the nuances later, but this will allow you to easily infiltrate Baekyong."

  Cheonma elaborated, "As for your transfer, Hwarang has noticed a surprising prodigy during her excursions. Despite the girl's low [Slayer Rank], she believes Baekyong will cultivate her talents for the better and thus offers a recommendation. Before you ask, Hwarang can be trusted. She owes a serious debt to the Demonic Cult, and she too has no love for Taeyang.”

  That answers most of my questions. I’d heard of [Characters] before, but the most surprising part was Hwarang's inclusion. This woman was the Murim-in Throne of the Three Martial Heroes, and despite her orthodox origins, she was more closely allied with the Cult than the Court. Her recommendation would open nearly any door, but that meant Thea—or rather, her [Character]—needed a thorough backstory.

  I figured we’d work out the details later.

  Rector cleared his throat and said, “There’s also another consideration.”

  A blurry picture of a fierce young man with charcoal-gray hair and violet eyes came on the screen. Just about everyone in the world knew he was.

  “Three months ago, Ryu Ki-ha (???) went missing and has evaded the Demonic Cult ever since. If you hear anything on the ground or even find him, report to us immediately. I don't think he'll go anywhere near Baekyong, but better safe than sorry.”

  Cheonma subtly bit her lip seeing her apprentice—the next Cheonma—there.

  Leo chuckled and muttered something to herself in Korean.

  Rector continued, “As for the timeline, you will transfer to Baekyong at the end of August—in the middle of the academic year. That gives us around two months to prepare you for the worst.”

  “Two months for you to learn everything,” Uncle said.

  Althea sat there like a doofus, mouth slightly open, as she tried to process this information. “Okay. So! Taeyang might actually be geddons all along, we gotta find out what Project Sesang is and collect evidence, and while Kosmos does the important work, I'm gonna cozy up with heirs and heiresses in Baekyong and seduce Lee Yoon-ho to get family secrets from him."

  Rector pressed his lips together. "You...don't have to seduce the boy."

  "...Duly noted."

  Yeah, the operation’s already fucked.