Cain and Ethan sat alone in the Golden Guardian's office, waiting for her and Carol. Ethan lounged with one leg casually propped on her desk.
"I'm sooo bored!" Ethan groaned.
"Seriously, these girls are taking forever," Cain muttered.
The door opened. The Golden Guardian and Carol walked in.
"Sorry we're late," Carol said.
The Golden Guardian paused, her masked gaze locking onto the desk. "Ethan… why is your leg on my desk?"
"My leg on your table?" Ethan stood up dramatically. "That's what you get for wasting my time!"
Annoyance flashed clearly even beneath her mask. "Wasting your time? I'm busy planning the Golden Bowl."
"Oh, spare me that!" Ethan shot back.
Their voices rose quickly, overlapping in a heated back-and-forth. The Golden Guardian tried to explain the importance of the event while Ethan complained about being kept waiting. Carol and Cain stood frozen, exchanging awkward glances, unsure how to step in as the argument spiraled.
Amid the chaos, an idea sparked in Carol's mind.
She stepped between them. "Can you guys stop!" she shouted.
Both fell silent.
"I think I may have an idea of what the cloaked individuals' plans are."
The Golden Guardian moved closer. "You do?"
"Yes. An attack during the Golden Bowl."
Everyone froze. The words carried a chilling logic.
"Think about it," Carol continued. "The Elders would be there, along with the six richest families and the rest of the elite."
"You're right…" the Golden Guardian said slowly. "Their plan must be to strike during the Golden Bowl, then seize control once our leaders and the elite are taken down."
The theory settled over the group — simple, logical, and terrifyingly plausible.
"Guys, I have a genius plan," the Golden Guardian announced.
"I can see Debra cooking," Ethan said with a huge grin.
"I thought you were mad at her," Cain remarked.
Ethan flashed a joyous smile. "Not even close. She knows I can't stay mad at her cuteness."
The Golden Guardian removed her mask and fixed Ethan with an annoyed stare. He simply looked back with a calm, playful smile.
Night fell.
The Golden Hall rose in elegant splendor — a grand structure of pristine white stone accented with intricate golden filigree that caught the light like threads of sunlight. Four towering white pillars framed the entrance, carved with flowing motifs of ancient legends. Soft pink flowers cascaded along the side walls, their petals glowing faintly under the warm radiance of floating magic orbs that bathed the entire building in a golden haze. The architecture blended strength and grace, making the hall feel both majestic and inviting.
More than a dozen iron wheels descended gracefully, landing one by one. Nobles in their finest attire — flowing silks, tailored suits, and glittering jewelry — stepped out with composed poise and made their way inside.
Five scouts stood vigilant at the entrance.
Inside, the atmosphere hummed with refined elegance. Soft, melodic music played from a live ensemble in the corner — calm strings and gentle flutes weaving through the air like a soothing breeze. Crystal chandeliers and floating orbs cast a warm, flattering glow over the grand hall. Beautiful decorations adorned the walls: cascading floral arrangements in white and gold, delicate banners bearing family crests, and subtle enchanted runes that shimmered like distant stars. Guests mingled gracefully in small groups, conversing in low, cultured tones, sharing quiet laughter and subtle nods of recognition. Waiters moved seamlessly through the crowd, offering trays of delicate hors d'oeuvres and sparkling drinks in crystal flutes. The entire event felt organized and refined — a perfect display of status, alliance, and understated power.
Ra'an sat alone in a corner, an annoyed scowl etched on his face, clearly wishing he were anywhere else.
His brother Le'on — tall with broad shoulders, slim build, blonde hair, and striking yellow eyes — wore a crisp white suit as he sat beside him.
"Come on, Ra'an. Don't just sit here. Get up and talk to someone," Le'on urged.
"Why? Because I'm the son of one of the six richest families?" Ra'an snapped angrily.
Anna passed by in a sleek black dress, walking alongside Gilbert in a bright yellow suit.
Le'on waved them over. "Hi, Anna."
Anna offered a calm smile.
"Aren't you and Ra'an friends?" Le'on asked.
Anna opened her mouth to reply, but Ra'an cut in sharply. "Please don't even joke about that. I can't be friends with someone who hangs out with a freak." He stood and stormed off.
Le'on sighed and apologized for his brother's rudeness before hurrying after him.
Anna stared after Ra'an, anger flashing in her eyes. "Gilbert… do you think Koya is a freak?"
"No… Any friend of yours, water girl, can't be—" Gilbert laughed smugly. "If I'm being honest, I actually respect how determined that Koya is."
Anna and Gilbert continued walking and soon met Cal ahead.
Throughout the hall, scouts stood alert, mini magic orbs hovering nearby like watchful eyes.
The Golden Guardian moved through the crowd with practiced ease — laughing lightly with one group, shaking hands with another, exchanging pleasantries with a noble couple before they drifted away. A mini magic orb floated to her side.
"Is everyone in position?" she asked quietly.
From a high balcony, Ethan replied, "Yes, I'm in place."
" In place," Cain confirmed from outside.
One by one, scouts across the venue reported in.
Hours earlier, in her office, the Golden Guardian had laid out the strategy:
"Okay everyone, here's the plan. We know their likely target, but we act like we don't. We keep visible security light and normal, while our best scouts attend as guests. When they attack, we catch them off guard and take them down."
Now, back at the Golden Bowl, the elegant evening continued. Guests danced gracefully on the central floor to the melodic music. Conversations flowed like fine wine. Trays of exquisite snacks circulated — delicate pastries, fresh fruits glazed in honeyed syrup, and savory bites infused with rare spices. The air carried faint notes of perfume, flowers, and polished wood. Everything remained calm, organized, and perfectly orchestrated.
The event drew closer to its close.
"Debra, nothing is happening," Ethan's voice came through the orb.
"Yeah, I noticed," she replied. "But let's not drop our guard."
Unknown Location
"Are you ready?" Max asked, his expression unchanged and calm.
A cloaked, masked figure nodded.
"Let's do it," Max said.
The figure slipped on the replica Ekewo boots.
Back at the Golden Hall, Gilbert stood with Anna, snacks in hand, laughing as he spoke to her. On stage, couples swayed to the calm music.
The Golden Guardian and her team waited anxiously. Time seemed to stretch, each minute heavier than the last.
Finally, the Golden Bowl reached its closing. Guests filed out and boarded their iron wheels, which lifted off one by one until the last had departed.
Ethan descended from his vantage point and approached the Golden Guardian. "Debra, I don't get it… What else could their plan be if not this?"
She stood in silence, thinking hard.
Day broke.
Unknown Location
Max sat with clear anger on his face.
Bel walked over. "Maxie, are you okay?" she asked gently.
"No, I'm not," he growled. "It didn't work. Now we have no choice but to postpone our plans because a stupid god item replica failed!"
At the Golden Tower, the Golden Guardian paced restlessly back and forth. Ethan sat in her chair, watching.
"Debra, please calm down. Pacing won't answer any questions."
"What else do you expect me to do — relax?" she snapped. "The Golden Storage victims still haven't gotten justice, and we're sitting here in the dark, not knowing what those cloaked monsters are planning next."
Ethan stood, crossed the room quickly, and pulled her into a tight hug.
Her worry and tension eased slightly in his arms… but they didn't vanish. The question of their real plan continued looping endlessly in her mind.
TO BE CONTINUED.