The others were already waiting when Toma arrived.

  Arlen was the first to speak. “Where on earth have you been?”

  Toma gave him an awkward smile. “Just… running.”

  Arlen raised an eyebrow. “Running? What was it, a marathon?”

  Toma scratched the back of his head and gave up hiding it. “I ran a bit too far… got lost, actually. But I met a nice car mechanic on the way. He gave me a ride back.”

  Carter chuckled. “Toma, something always happens to you.”

  Lyrien listened quietly, simply observing the exchange.

  Then Carter suddenly slammed his hand on the table.

  “Now that everyone’s finally here, I can tell you what I found out today.”

  The room fell silent. All eyes turned to him.

  “We tried to identify the three criminals using their portraits.”

  Toma leaned forward, hopeful. “And? What did you find, Inspector?”

  Carter began pacing slowly, his hands clasped behind his back.

  “As I said before, they’re like ghosts. There’s nothing on them in the database… except for one.”

  He reached into his pocket and pulled out a photo.

  Arlen and Toma immediately recognized the face.

  “That’s the guy who hijacked the train in New Hale City!”

  “It’s really him. So what do we know about him?”

  Carter’s expression hardened. “Not much. About a year ago, there were multiple records of him. Robbery. Murder. He targeted wealthy noble families in the richest districts. The strange part is that he stopped about a year ago… right around the time of the train hijacking.”

  Toma pointed at the photo. “Then it’s even more certain that he’s the one we’re looking for!”

  Carter nodded. “Exactly. Most likely, that’s when he joined the Demonblood Alliance.”

  “Do we know anything else?”

  “Only his first name. Kaden. Nothing more.”

  Toma repeated it under his breath. “Kaden… interesting.”

  Carter rubbed the back of his neck. “What’s even stranger is that we couldn’t trace his identity beyond that. It’s like his entire past was erased from the system. No childhood records. No birth data. Nothing.”

  Lyrien frowned. “Is that even possible?”

  Carter gave a tired smile. “Officially? No. But what kind of political corruption could make it happen… I honestly don’t know.”

  That was where the investigation stalled.

  It hadn’t led to any major breakthrough, but thanks to Arlen and Toma, they had at least uncovered Kaden’s identity.

  Still, the threat remained.

  ***

  The next morning, Carter’s voice echoed through the room.

  “Wake up! Everyone up!”

  Toma blinked sleepily. “Inspector Carter? What’s going on? Is something wrong?”

  Carter laughed. “Relax. Nothing’s wrong. But like I promised, today we’re going sightseeing.”

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  Lyrien immediately jumped out of bed, her eyes sparkling. “Really? We’re going to see the whole capital?”

  Carter scratched his head. “Not quite. The capital is the largest city in the world, with countless landmarks. There’s no way we can see everything in one day. We’ll just explore this district. Tomorrow we’re heading home, and you can go back to studying.”

  “Oh, come on!”

  “Already tomorrow?!”

  Carter didn’t budge. “Exactly. We’re leaving tomorrow, so be grateful you don’t have to study today.”

  With that, they got ready and headed out to sightsee.

  On the way, Carter thought about where to start. “Let’s check out the malls around here. Lyrien, I still haven’t bought you anything. I already got clothes for the boys a while ago.”

  Lyrien immediately shook her head. “Oh, Inspector Carter, you don’t need to spend money on me.”

  Toma waved it off. “Relax. You can’t talk him out of it anyway. And he’s got more than enough money, so don’t feel bad.”

  Arlen nodded. “Yeah, the clothes we’re wearing right now? Carter bought those too.”

  Carter gave her an encouraging look. “Honestly, I have so much money I don’t even know what to do with it anymore. I’m happy to spend it on you kids. Besides, Toma and Arlen saved my life. I owe them.”

  After a brief hesitation, Lyrien finally gave in. “Alright… but just a few things. I don’t want to take advantage of your kindness.”

  Carter smiled in satisfaction. “Good. Then let’s go.”

  They headed to a nearby mall. This time, most of the shopping was for Lyrien—elegant, stylish clothes that suited her perfectly. The boys helped her choose, offering surprisingly serious opinions. Afterward, Carter also bought new sneakers for Toma and Arlen at a sneaker store before they moved on.

  As they walked through the mall, Carter noticed a large advertisement.

  “Oh, have you ever tried matcha?”

  Toma and Arlen exchanged confused looks.

  “What’s that?”

  “Some kind of cocktail?”

  Carter laughed. “No, no. Matcha is a special type of tea. It’s really good.”

  Lyrien’s eyes sparkled. “I’ve never had it either, but I’d love to try.”

  “Then let’s drop the bags in the car and go,” Carter decided.

  ***

  “Wow, this matcha tea is really delicious!” Toma took a big sip.

  “It’s so smooth and sweet,” Lyrien added, enjoying hers.

  Carter glanced at Arlen while taking a calm sip. “And how do you like it, Arlen?”

  Arlen held up his empty cup. “I liked it so much I already finished it!”

  Carter laughed. “Just tell me if you want more. Enjoy today—because tomorrow we’re heading home.”

  “Okay!”

  “Sounds good!”

  Then Carter’s tone shifted slightly.

  “There’s something important I need to ask of you. For now, stay away from the Demonblood Alliance. You helped with the investigation, and I’m grateful for that. But your priority is to pass your final exam and graduate from the Warrior Training Academy. The captains are handling the criminal organization. Trust them.”

  Toma immediately remembered Veyan’s words from yesterday.

  He nodded. “You’re right, Carter. I do want to fight the Demonblood Alliance… but I’m still at the beginning of my journey. First, I need to focus on the path to becoming a true warrior.”

  The others stared at him.

  Arlen blinked. “Wow… are you really Toma? You don’t usually talk like that.”

  Carter gave him an approving look. “That’s the right mindset. I’m glad you realized you don’t always have to rush in headfirst.”

  Lyrien smiled warmly. “Yesterday you were ready to storm off and fight them alone… I’m happy you calmed down.”

  Toma’s face suddenly turned red. “Alright, alright, stop looking at me like that! I know I can’t take on criminals yet…”

  Carter ruffled his hair. “Good. Now, let’s change the topic. Is there anything else you want to do today?”

  Lyrien shook her head modestly. “You’ve already done more than enough for us, Inspector…”

  But Arlen had other ideas.

  “Well… actually, there is something.” He pulled out his phone and showed them a picture of a football field built inside a skyscraper. “We’d love to visit this stadium! I’ve seen tons of photos from the biggest, most modern cities—stadiums built into skyscrapers. They look incredible. Toma and I have always wanted to see one in person.”

  Toma nodded eagerly.

  Carter smiled. “Alright then. Tonight, we’re going to watch a match.”

  ***

  The arena was completely packed. Even though it was evening, the countless floodlights turned night into day. The sight amazed not only Arlen and Toma—even Carter looked impressed.

  “Now this is a spectacular stadium. I’ve never seen anything like it. It was definitely worth coming!”

  Lyrien gazed around in awe. “It’s unbelievable they built a stadium on top of a skyscraper.”

  Arlen nodded enthusiastically. “And the crazy part? It’s not just a stadium. The lower floors have a mall, entertainment centers, bars… everything you can imagine. But the best part is up here—the pitch, fan shops, locker rooms, buffets. It’s all here!”

  Toma was fully focused on the match, waving a red-and-blue scarf as he shouted, “Go, Junior! He’s going to dribble past everyone tonight!”

  The evening was lively and carefree for them.

  But elsewhere in the city, there was no joy.

  On top of a tall, shadowed building, Kiron, Amon, and Kaden stood overlooking the glowing capital. They were already on standby.

  “Mr. Kiron, I think the video had the desired effect. The whole world is talking about it.”

  Kiron kept his gaze fixed on the city below. “Excellent. We’ve cast the bait. Now we wait for them to take it.”

  Kaden’s voice cut in calmly. “And then we attack.”

  Kiron let out his usual arrogant laugh. “Exactly. The moment the master’s planted man gives the signal, we strike. The demons are already prepared.”

  Kiron’s laughter grew louder, echoing over the rooftop.

  “I can’t wait. I hate people… all of them. I want to destroy them. Every disgusting, pathetic, foolish human. I’ll wipe them out.”

  Kaden stepped up beside him, his voice steady.

  “We won’t have to wait much longer. Soon, we’ll create a new world.”