Black: What's going on here?
Jack: Did those idiots get exposed?
They listened to the gangsters.
Gangster 1: Where did those bastards go? How did they vanish?
Gangster 2: They appeared last night and disappeared. Then the girl showed up today and attacked one of our men. So, they're still in the city.
She felt Jack's burning gaze and swallowed nervously, looking at him.
Jack (in a frightening tone): Was he talking about you? Did you fight them today?
Black (with fake innocence): No, we can't be the only ones hitting them… right?
Gangster 1: She's a doctor. She saved someone in front of the pharmacy today, and that speedy guy took her and vanished.
She muttered angrily to herself while glaring at the man.
Black: Won't a rock fall on your head and smash it to relieve me?
Jack (coldly): We have a score to settle when we get home.
Black smiled stupidly at him, about to speak, but he turned and walked away.
She turned, ready to hit them, but he came back, grabbed her collar, and they sneaked off to Grandma's house.
---
At Grandma's House
More than 30 people were arguing.
Max: What should we do? Many of the Kroger gang members have arrived. And for some reason, three men from the Alys gang too.
Gabriel (thinking): It's unbelievable that they came because of what happened last night. They wouldn't show up that fast over something like that.
Grandma: Cancel today's mission. It's gotten way too dangerous.
Fahd: We can't. Too many people have died already, and every moment we delay, more die. We can't postpone it.
Gabriel: Fahd is right.
Helena: Since we decided, we should stick to our decision.
Fahd: No matter the cost, we'll attack today. There's no turning back.
Knock Knock Knock
Everyone jumped — who could be knocking now? Grandma gestured for them to hide. Most went into the basement, and the rest stayed close by.
Grandma went to see who was at the door.
Grandma: Who is it?
Black (whispering): It's me, Grandma. Black.
Grandma opened the door slightly and saw Black, with Jack behind her. She immediately let them in quickly.
Grandma: Come in, they're friends.
Everyone came out, including those from the basement, to see who the friends were.
Only six people recognized them: Gabriel, Helena, Fahd, Max, Heather, and the waiter. The others looked at Grandma questioningly.
Fahd: Why are you here?
Black (smiling): We came to help… if you don't mind.
His serious face changed to a smile.
Fahd (happily): You'll really help us?
Jack: Just this once.
He looked around and asked:
Jack: Are these the only ones going with you?
Fahd: Yes. The others are too afraid to move.
One of the people: Who are they, Fahd?
Gabriel: They're the ones who killed the palace soldiers last night.
Gabriel looked at Jack seriously.
Gabriel: I still don't know your name.
He extended his hand.
Gabriel: I'm Gabriel. We met last night.
Jack stared at his hand for a while before reaching out as well.
Jack: I'm Jack. I remember you — the house and restaurant owner.
Gabriel: After the mission, I'm sure we'll get to know each other better.
Jack: No need to get to know each other. We might just meet again to talk about the house.
Gabriel (smiling): We'll see.
Helena approached Black and gestured toward her.
Helena: She's the doctor who helped us today. Her name is Black.
Fahd: They're strong fighters.
Smiles appeared on their faces, and voices rose in excitement welcoming them.
Gabriel: Don't get too excited. They won't be fighting alone. They'll fight with us — not for us. This is your battle. Don't leave it to others.
Jack: How many of you can fight?
They looked at each other in confusion. Gabriel raised his hand.
Gabriel: It's okay. Answer his questions.
Everyone raised their hands. Jack asked again:
Jack: How many of you can fight well?
Only ten raised their hands.
Jack: Who can heal themselves during combat?
Seven raised their hands.
One person: Are you testing us, kid?
Jack looked at him indifferently.
Gabriel: Don't, Adam. He's stronger than you think.
Adam: Really? Then let's see some of his skills.
He tried a surprise attack on Jack, who easily dodged and punched him hard while holding him to keep him from crashing into the wall. Then he looked at them and said:
Jack: Here's your first lesson. When we're on a stealth mission, your blows must be silent — or they'll notice you.
He let him go.
Gabriel: I told you.
Adam (smiling): He's really strong. His hands are like stone.
Jack (curiously): You already have 10 who can fight. Why haven't you trained the rest to fight well?
Grandma: The emperor banned training in supernatural abilities for anyone not in his army.
Gabriel: We've placed a weak energy barrier around this house to hide the large number of sick people below. Large gatherings are forbidden. If we build another barrier, they'll find us.
Fahd: We're all trying to learn, but due to the sensor teams, we can't risk advancing.
Jack: Okay. So, a non-detectable energy barrier… Black?
Black (smiling): Yes, sir.
She gathered some energy in her hand and struck the ground. Nothing seemed to happen, and most people didn't know what she did. They looked around confused until Grandma spoke.
Grandma (astonished): Girl… You can control the Mud Wall?!
Fahd: What's the Mud Wall?
Gabriel: It's a strong wall that blocks all energy above a chosen area and cannot be sensed.
Gabriel looked at Black in awe.
Gabriel: You can use two of the basic energy elements, right? At such a young age — that's amazing.
Fahd: What area did you cover, Black?
Black: The entire city. I also concealed this house.
Grandma: Then we can train here safely and move outside without being detected.
Jack: You can now use your energy freely. So, let's begin training.
Helena: Training?! You're going to train us?
Jack: I'll train you in combat. Black will train you in self-healing.
He added seriously:
Jack: I need to know your abilities well before the mission. Training will help us cooperate effectively.
Grandma: You're right.
Jack: It's 8 o'clock now. We have 5 hours until we move. No time to waste — let's start.
---
Somewhere else
In the Kruger gang's mansion, the mansion consists of six floors and two ground floors. Its walls are high and full of symbols and tattoos. It is always guarded around the clock. Its gate is a huge iron gate that does not allow anyone to pass through it without permission and authorization.
In a large room where the gang leader was on an iron throne he made for himself
The leader of the Kroger gang was furious at his men.
Steven: What are you doing? Playing games? How have you not found the strangers yet?
One of the men: Sir, we're searching the whole city but can't find them. They show up, attack our men, then vanish without a trace.
Three men entered. Tattooed with spider ink, broad and tall, clearly strong and dangerous.
One of them mocked him.
Sarori: Looks like a couple of kids turned you all upside down, Steven.
Steven: Sarori?! Did the Alys gang send you just for a couple of brats?
Sarori: Not for brats — for two people my boss ordered me to find. I'm here for them.
Steven: Who are they?
Sarori: Jack Anderson and Black Caesar.
---
They all spent four hours training and devising a plan to infiltrate the pharmaceutical factory.
Fahd: Why did we stop training?
Jack: We all need to take a short break before the fight so we can keep going.
Gabriel: Everyone, listen to me.
Everyone turned their attention to what he had to say.
Gabriel: You've already seen how many members Kroger's gang has. They're too many. So if anyone wants to leave, do it now.
Jack: Because if any of you shows fear or hesitates to carry out the task during the fight, I swear I'll kill you myself without hesitation. Believe me.
Grandma: If any of you wants to survive, I'll understand. I won't tell you that you must stay and fight. Whoever wants to stay, stay. Whoever wants to leave, go.
Helena: What are you talking about? Of course we're staying! Those criminals killed many of us, and more lives are at stake. The plague is spreading, and we need the medicine. We're not cowards to run and let strangers fight for us. That would be shameful.
Helena's words ignited everyone's enthusiasm. They all agreed with her. No one left—they were determined to get the medicine for their sick loved ones too.
One of the members: How are we going to fight such a large number?
Jack: With fear.
Adam: How?
Jack: Like this.
A terrifying killing aura surrounded him, causing everyone to step back and tremble in fear.
Gabriel: That's enough, Jack. We got the point.
Fahd: So we just need to want to kill them?
Jack: No, of course not. You have to channel that desire with your energy so it becomes focused and stronger.
He looked at everyone and continued: "The gang has taken something dear from each of you. You want revenge, you're angry about the plague, the lack of medicine, and the injustice you've suffered. Channel all those emotions into your energy. Let them feel your desire to tear them apart. Then fear will consume them, and when that happens, they'll fall before you like birds. Now, let's divide into teams based on their function."
Gabriel: As agreed, there will be three teams: the surveillance team to destroy the power station and city communication center, so the cameras and systems shut down completely; the defense team to protect the third team and fight if needed, and finally the third team, which will collect as much of the required medicine as possible.
Grandma: Let's first appoint a leader for each team.
Gabriel: May I choose the leaders, Grandma?
Grandma: Go ahead. If everyone agrees, so be it.
Gabriel: I propose Jack as the defense team leader. He's skilled in combat, quick-witted, and adapts quickly in battle. Max and Fahd will be in charge of the third team. Max knows exactly what medicine we need and how much of each type, and Fahd is fast—he'll be a great help to Max.
Jack: That leaves the first team. Who do you want to lead it?
Gabriel: Black.
Jack: No.
Gabriel: Just listen, Jack. Black has mastered the art of isolation. I bet she can create a field around four or five people, hiding their power and allowing them to move freely through the city. She's also used to fighting like you. If they face any problems, they'll handle it. And someone who masters isolation also masters sensing, so her team will act as our eyes.
Black: Jack...
Jack (interrupting): Don't forget what I told you before we left the house.
Black went silent—Jack really would cancel the mission or send her back.
Grandma: Jack, I need a word with you. Alone, for two minutes, please.
Jack: Fine.
Jack followed Grandma into a room slightly apart from the others.
Jack: What is it?
Grandma: I heard from Fahd that you two have your own private war.
Jack: Yes.
Grandma took a deep breath and then suddenly yelled—
Grandma (shouting): So, are you an idiot or just plain dumb?
Jack was startled by her yelling—he didn't expect it.
Jack: What?! What are you saying?! And why are you yelling at me, you old hag?
Grandma (angrily): I said you're an idiot! Why won't you let the girl fight on her own? Isn't this a good chance for her to learn to fight without you?
Jack: She can fight without me. But I won't let her go far from me in this crazy city.
Grandma got even angrier.
Grandma: Crazy city?!
Jack: Yes, and its people are crazier!
Grandma: Hold on, who are you to stop her? Her father?
Jack: No.
Grandma: Her brother?
Jack: No.
Grandma: Her husband?
Jack: No.
Grandma: Then she's not yours. So why are you meddling in what doesn't concern you?
Jack (irritated): You old witch! What do you mean she's not mine? You must be getting old and ready to die fast.
Outside:
Helena: I'm sure Grandma will convince him. She used to be a warrior.
Black (nervous): I'm going to check on them before... Jack kills her.
In the room:
Grandma: Don't be selfish. Let her do what she wants. If you have the guts, ask her yourself if she wants to lead the mission or not.
Jack was losing his mind from this woman—he really wanted to kill her now.
Black entered quickly before they killed each other.
Black: What's going on? Calm do—
Jack (interrupting): Do you want to lead the mission?
She didn't answer.
He asked again, but she remained silent, seeing how angry he was and not wanting to make it worse.
Black: Don't be mad, Jack.
Grandma: Black, answer him—do you want to lead or not?
Black stayed silent. Jack looked at her, then at Grandma.
Jack (angrily): You better pray she doesn't get even a scratch.
He stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
Black almost followed him, but Grandma stopped her.
Grandma: This is your chance to prove to him that he can rely on you.
Black (seriously): Grandma, Jack does rely on me and trusts my abilities.
She said no more and left after him, leaving Grandma puzzled by the two.
Black found everyone avoiding Jack. His killing aura was so terrifying that no one dared approach him—except her.
Adam: I'm starting to feel sorry for Kroger's men. My God, I bet even Stephen will piss himself if he sees that black aura—might even see the Grim Reaper calling his name!
Everyone laughed.
Black: Jack, don't be angry. I didn't mean to upset you, I swear I'll do whatever you want.
Jack: Black, don't talk to me now. Let this day pass peacefully—I really want to go back and rip out that old hag's tongue.
Black laughed hard. He was always cold with everyone, and this was the first time she saw him fuming like this—so annoyed by someone.
Jack (annoyed): What are you laughing at?
Black (smiling): I'm not, I stopped.
Jack: I see.
Gabriel approached cautiously.
Gabriel: Jack...
Jack (coldly): What do you want?
Gabriel felt the chill in his bones.
Gabriel: It's time for the first team to move. Will Black be going?
Black looked at Jack.
Jack: Go. Pick who'll go with you.
Black (smiling): Can I really go?
Jack: If you don't leave within five minutes...
Black (interrupting): I'm gone!
She quickly picked four to go with her—Helena and three others—and surrounded each of them with a small barrier allowing them to move freely and use their powers.
Gabriel: Don't forget, you'll use numbers instead of names. Black, you're Number 1. Helena, Number 2. Then 3, 4, and 5. Got it?
Recon team: Got it.
As they were about to leave, Jack stopped her, placing a cap and face mask on her.
Jack: Black, cover your face so no one recognizes you. And make sure your earpiece works.
He added teasingly: "Let's see who wins this time?"
Black (excited): I will win this time—you'll see!
Jack: We'll see. Take care.
Black: You too.
Black's team split into two—one headed to the power station and the other to the communications tower. Along the way, they observed the roads to find the best route and time for the other two teams.
Helena: Black, there are a lot of gang members today.
Black: That's because they're looking for me and Jack after what happened at the restaurant and pharmacy.
Helena: Yeah, they seem shaken. Serves them right.
They snuck into the power station. There weren't many guards since most were patrolling the city for intruders.
Black and Helena took out the four guards, and they entered the station just as the other team reached the communications tower. They planted the explosives and retreated.
Black: Jack, can you hear me?
Jack: Yes, we hear you.
Black: Get ready, the explosion is in 30 seconds.
Each team activated their timers. After 30 seconds, the power station exploded, cutting off electricity to the entire city. The communications tower also blew up, cutting off all signal.
At Kroger's Gang Headquarters:
Stigen: What's happening? Why is the power out?
Saruri: Has this happened before?
Stephen: That idiot electrical engineer told me the station needed repairs, but I ignored him.
Saruri: Isn't all your money enough? Why didn't you fix it? Look at us now sitting in the dark! Do you want me to kill you? Don't you have another generator?
Stephen: No.
Saruri: Greedy and stingy.
He added angrily: "Let's move. Their energies showed up here, so I'm going to start combing the city."
Stephen: Do they have any distinct features?
Saruri: The boy has yellow hair and yellow eyes—his power is fire. The girl has violet eyes—a very rare color.
To be continued...
Stay tuned for Jack and Black's first real battle after training.
See you next time!
Ciao