"I don’t remember London being... this stifling."

Jack clicked his tongue as he spoke, silently hiding a shard of glass he had just picked up. His eyes fixed warily on the beautiful woman before him.

The woman shook her head lightly. Her calm, unwavering gaze rested on Jack, her face devoid of emotion.

"Such advanced cognition... Truly impressive for a Homunculus that’s just been created."

"Homunculus?"

"That’s right. Though I’m not particularly fond of alchemy, this project of theirs is remarkable - a Homunculus born with self-awareness and the ability to communicate at a high level."

She snapped the lid of her pocket watch shut, turning her gaze toward Jack. He gave an awkward smile, almost boyish, his cheeks slightly flushed at being scrutinized by such an alluring woman.

"Ah… I have no idea what you’re talking about…"

"I know, or perhaps you’re pretending."

The woman suddenly smiled, and for the first time, Jack saw her expression shift. She slowly clenched her delicate hand into a fist, extending her slender index finger as though aiming a gun at Jack. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and a chill ran down Jack’s spine from her piercing presence.

"This will be quicker, won’t it?"

Her finger twitched, as if pulling an invisible trigger.

Bang!

The sound of a gunshot echoed, and a bullet tore through Jack’s chest. The sudden, searing pain made him wince and stumble backward from the force of the shot.

There was a sniper nearby! They had fired under the woman’s command.

As Jack had once observed, a gun in the hands of an incompetent person was merely scrap metal. But in the hands of a master sniper, it was a death sentence for anyone in their crosshairs.

Blood flowed from Jack’s wound, staining his clothes. His face, previously feigning awkwardness, returned to a neutral expression—after all, most of Jack’s emotions were merely performances for others.

He looked at the woman, blinking calmly, and said in an even tone:

"I could take you hostage."

"True. With your burst speed, a single sniper wouldn’t be enough to stop you."

The woman’s composure was unshaken. As if to emphasize her point, Jack’s body suddenly surged forward with incredible speed, ignoring his injury. His hand shot toward the woman’s neck, intending to grab her as a human shield.

However… seeing the woman’s calm expression and her finger pointing at him once more, Jack hesitated. Something clicked in his mind, and he let out a bitter chuckle.

"Really?"

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Three synchronized gunshots rang out. Bullets tore through Jack’s body effortlessly, the shredding pain making him stagger before collapsing in front of the woman. Blood dripped steadily to the ground.

Indeed, Jack was once the most terrifying assassin in the world. But now, he found himself facing a sniper. Of course, knives and guns have always been an unfair match, no matter how skilled the wielder of the knife may be—even if he were a master assassin.

Once more, the woman spoke with detached serenity:

"Fortunately, I have an entire team of snipers at my back."

"Cough!"

Jack coughed violently, clutching his chest and grinding his teeth against the pain. His eyes darted around in disbelief at the absurdity of his situation.

"Who are you? Some kind of crime lord?"

No, not even a crime lord could afford to keep an entire sniper squad on standby.

The woman let out a faint laugh, pulling a handkerchief from her pocket and delicately wiping a spot of blood from her finger. She glanced at the narrow alley behind Jack and softly asked:

"Then what are you?"

"Me?"

Jack raised his head to meet her gaze, then looked down at the ground. Blood from his wound dripped steadily, but as it hit the surface, the deep red seemed to fade, turning into a silvery sheen.

This wasn’t blood.

It was mercury.

Jack stared in disbelief. His hand dug into his wound despite the pain, pulling out more of the crimson liquid. He held it up, watching as the red drained away, leaving behind shimmering beads of mercury.

Jack raised his hand, watching in shock as the red faded quickly, leaving behind only droplets of mercury. His wide eyes stared at his palm, and he hastily pressed the mercury back into his body. Miraculously, the silvery liquid flowed back into his wound, slowly sealing it as if by magic.

What is this?

Confused, Jack touched his body, his wound, and then his face. Everything felt real. Strange, wasn’t it? His body was still here, wasn’t it? He was still himself…

Right?

His mind felt like it was about to explode. Jack’s face stiffened, and he slowly shook his head. His gaze shifted to the woman, his voice hollow and lifeless:

“What have you done to me?”

“Them?” She replied nonchalantly, lightly tapping her finger against her pocket watch. Her indifferent eyes glanced down at Jack as she continued:

“The ones who created you, or called you here... They’re all dead now.”

“The Church doesn’t tolerate those who dare blaspheme against God. Among them, you’re probably the one they most desire to destroy.”

Jack tried to respond, but the woman merely smiled, her piercing blue eyes fixing on him.

“But I don’t believe in gods or deities. There are only two things in this world that fascinate me.”

“Science and profit.”

"Of course, a Homunculus like you, a being that transcends mere life itself, is the most intriguing to me."

The voice spoke calmly, without urgency, and the corners of the girl's mouth slowly curved into a faint smile. Yet, her face remained as cold as ice. She looked down at Jack, her eyes betraying a curious amusement:

"Unfortunately, as fascinating as you are, you offer no value to me."

"So then you don't need to stop me like this." Jack's mouth twitched slightly. How could she have the time to block his path and then tell him that none of this matters to her?

The woman paused briefly before breaking into a soft laugh, her eyes drifting into the distance. Her tone held a curious amusement:

"Look, they’re coming."

Boom!

The ground cracked beneath them, followed by the steady hum of steam engines. Thick smoke billowed endlessly as the steam-powered war machines advanced toward them. The soldiers controlling the machines had arrived, and there were more of them than before.

Jack's eyes widened at the sight of the machines. He hadn’t realized his worth was so high that an entire army had been sent just to kill him.

However, the woman stepped closer to Jack, calmly gazing at the older man and offering a gentle smile:

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

"That’s enough now."

"Why is it you again, Miss Edison?"

His face twisted with irritation as he gazed at the woman. His teeth clenched slightly, and his piercing eyes seemed to bore into her as if trying to penetrate her very being. It was clear that this woman had obstructed their efforts more than once. Yet somehow, he responded with a tone of respect, laced with discomfort:

"I don’t recall blasphemy being connected to the League of Biological Advancement. What reason do you have to interfere with our purge?"

"Purging?" The woman chuckled softly, her gaze as composed as ever. "How much did the Biology Division offer for this one?"

"What are you talking about?" His eyes narrowed, and the atmosphere grew tense. The soldiers glanced uneasily at the old man, some hesitating, some confused, while a few seemed to grasp the implication.

It appeared the Church wasn’t as righteous as it claimed to be.

The woman didn’t provide further explanation, only offering a serene smile:

"Since Darwin stepped down as the head of the Biology Division, I see no reason to hand over such a valuable asset to them. So…"

"I’m offering three times the price."

"You— you know I can’t represent the Pope—" His expression quickly shifted, his composure breaking. He was about to say more, but the woman merely chuckled. Despite standing unarmed before steam-powered war machines, she remained calm and confident:

"I don’t care what the Pope thinks. But if he knew you turned down such a valuable offer…" The woman’s eyes swept over the group, a sly smile playing at her lips.

Suddenly, the old man locked eyes with her, his jaw clenched, and asked quietly:

"Why do you have to go to such lengths?"

The atmosphere was tense and heavy as the woman stared at him, a faint smile playing on her lips. Her gaze was calm, yet it radiated an unsettling power. The old man shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his frustration mounting with every second. Finally, he couldn’t hold back any longer and spoke with a voice dripping with irritation:

"Why do you have to go to such lengths?"

The woman’s smile widened slightly, her voice smooth and calculated:

"Because I’m a merchant, and a very cutthroat one at that."

It was as simple as that.

Homunculus were artificial beings created through alchemy, often considered abominable due to the forbidden rituals required to bring them into existence. However, their unique ability to regenerate made them invaluable to the Biology Division. With Charles Robert Darwin’s fall from grace, the Division had lost its influence, and its prospects were bleak. A Homunculus, with its potential for independence, became the key to their survival—and that was precisely what Edison sought to prevent.

The old man was silent as the steady hum of steam engines slowly faded into the background. The room’s oppressive atmosphere seemed to heighten, revealing the greed and dread buried deep within the hearts of everyone present. No one wanted to cross paths with the woman standing before them—a ruthless merchant disguised as an innovator.

Like a venomous snake, ready to strike at any moment.

Edison’s reputation was notorious. From manipulating patents to interfering with the Church’s affairs, her methods were underhanded and dangerous. She used every trick in the book—spreading rumors, pressuring opponents, and even eliminating threats by any means necessary. She thrived in the corrupt city of London, where the line between right and wrong blurred in a haze of ambition and deceit.

The old man finally spoke, his voice weary but resolute:

“Thomas Alva Edison, what is your true purpose?”

But Edison simply tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable, as if the question barely touched her. Her voice remained calm, yet chilling:

"Don’t make me lose patience, Father. The Church can’t ignore an offer three times the original."

She smirked, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade:

"Let the Biology Division continue to wither away. Since Darwin disappeared, they’ve lost any chance of revival."

The old man’s expression darkened, his hands tightening into fists beneath his cloak. His soldiers exchanged uneasy glances, uncertain of what to do. In the end, he gave a reluctant nod, surrendering to the inevitability of Edison’s power.

Before leaving, he uttered a final, quiet word:

“The Pope will want a meeting with you, Madam Edison.”

Without a further word, the man and his retinue dispersed, leaving Edison alone in the room. Her gaze returned to Jack, who stood there bloodied but defiant. A cruel smile formed on her lips as she watched him.

"Perhaps I’ve just stopped a catastrophe." she murmured, her voice calm and composed.

Jack shook his head slightly, his voice weary:

"Thank you for saving my life."

"Saving your life?" Edison raised an eyebrow, her tone indifferent. "Don’t speak nonsense."

Jack frowned, clearly growing frustrated, but continued:

"I know how to kill people."

"Everyone can kill, Jack." Edison gently shook her head and continued, her tone composed yet firm: "Protecting someone is the real challenge."

"I’m very skilled at killing people."

Jack sighed bitterly, repeating the words almost robotically. Sadly, it was the only thing he truly knew. Seeing Edison still unmoved, he exhaled deeply and added:

"In a one-meter radius, no one can stop me."

"That doesn’t matter."

Edison furrowed her brow slightly, the first hint of genuine emotion crossing her otherwise composed expression. Her gaze locked onto Jack, an intense focus that made the words he intended to say dissolve into nothingness. It wasn’t fear, nor was it the weight of her pressure—it was something deeper, a sense of calm confidence that radiated from her.

This woman knew exactly what she was doing, and every action, every word she spoke held an almost unnerving authority.

“Jack, do you know why I always try to undermine and attack Nikola Tesla’s alternating current?”

“I don’t even know who that is-”

“Because destroying something is always easier than protecting it.” Edison’s voice was steady, her gaze unyielding. The hum of the steam engines filled the room, but her words cut through it clearly:

“I choose to buy the rights to inventions because it’s easier than creating them.”

Jack fell silent, the weight of her words pressing down on him. He had once believed that his ability to kill was his talent, his strength. Yet his life had been a series of failures. Even in choosing who to kill or not to kill, he had faltered. What else did he excel at, if not killing?

Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he spoke quickly:

“I can disguise myself, blend in, even abduct someone. And if I run, no one can catch me-”

“Abduct? Escape?”

Edison paused, her eyes piercing into Jack as if considering something. Eventually, she smiled softly:

“Then prove it.”

Jack stared at Edison, his lips twitching slightly.

"Really?"

"Indeed." Edison replied calmly, her eyes holding a faint glimmer of amusement. "Kidnap me and escape from here, and if you succeed, I’ll arrange a job for you." Her gaze remained steady, her tone as composed as ever.

"But..." she added, a subtle warning behind her words: "Be aware, my snipers never miss."

Jack studied Edison for a moment, then sighed and nodded.

"Alright then."

Edison relaxed, her movements fluid as she signaled her snipers hidden nearby. She stepped closer to Jack, the distance between them narrowing. For the first time, Jack had a clear view of her face—remarkably beautiful.

Jack’s eyes flickered, and he tightened his grip. His feet moved forward.

Some say the human brain sets a threshold for physical danger, ensuring the body remains safe. Yet, in moments of extreme peril, people sometimes unlock their full potential. Jack was no exception.

The world seemed to slow down around him.

Jack inhaled deeply, his body propelled forward like a cannonball towards Edison. His hand grabbed her collar tightly, pulling her with him. With his other hand on her back, he forcefully pushed forward.

Crash!

The ground shattered beneath Jack’s surge of strength. Gunfire erupted, but Jack relied on the traces of mercury from his earlier exposure to predict the positions of the snipers.

A bullet pierced his thigh, but the pain barely registered. His grip on Edison tightened as he disappeared into the chaotic scene, moving at an astonishing speed. Jack bolted toward the nearest building, shattering a window with his body before collapsing inside.

Exhausted and in pain, Jack dropped Edison gently onto the floor. His breathing was ragged, each breath a struggle.

"Enough proof?" he gasped out.

Edison glanced at him, her expression unreadable. Slowly, she rose to her feet. With a composed flick of her hair, she adjusted herself and exited the building, appearing calm and in control.

As she walked, she clapped her hands softly, signaling that everything had gone according to plan.

Turning back to Jack, she smiled, her voice calm but commanding.

"Do you know where the true value of a sword lies, Jack?"

"To kill people?" Jack replied breathlessly, and she nodded.

"Yes." she said, her tone unwavering. "But not just that."

Edison turned her gaze skyward, her smile widening.

"A sword can cut through any barrier meant to stop its master."

"Attack or defend-only those who understand their true purpose can shine in this world!" she continued.

"Jack, you claimed you could kill within a meter, no matter the odds!"

Her voice rose, carrying over the rising smoke and chaos. Her laughter was like a bell, resounding through the battlefield.

"But just now!"

"Jack, even with dozens of snipers closing in, you managed to save someone!"

Edison’s eyes gleamed with triumph, her expression a mix of amusement and triumph. She raised her hand high, pointing toward the sky obscured by the thick smog-a symbol of her unyielding dominance over the chaos below.

London was shrouded in a sea of smoke, as if a black fog had settled over the city, making even the smallest ray of sunlight impossible to pierce through.

The smoke pouring from the chimneys wasn’t just coal—it was the bones and blood of countless people, a silent testament to their suffering and labor.

"You are a sword! A very fine sword, Jack!"

"This will be the most fascinating deal I've ever seen," Edison said with a grin, turning to face Jack. Her eyes gleamed, as if she held the key to a priceless treasure.

"Become my sword!"

Her voice was firm, her words carrying a promise of power and purpose. "On this path, you’ll take many lives, perhaps soak the streets in blood. But at the end…" Her smile deepened, and her tone became imbued with a sense of destiny.

"You’ll have the chance to bring light to them."

Edison’s hand extended toward Jack, her expression filled with pride and conviction. Her confidence wasn’t just that of a shrewd businesswoman or a clever inventor; it was the kind of ambition that could shape the future.

"Help me illuminate this world!" she declared.

Jack stared at her hand, his brow furrowed in confusion. For the first time, someone wasn’t asking him to take a life, but rather to stand for something more meaningful.

Jack had always struggled with the purpose of his existence—what did it mean to live, beyond simply existing or taking lives?

But now, a woman stood before him, offering a different path: to be a sword, not just for destruction, but for protection and change.

He reached out hesitantly, gripping her hand firmly—a gesture laden with unspoken answers and uncharted purpose.

"From now on, it's not just about killing. You have another duty..." Edison said softly, her smile gentle but resolute.

"Protect someone, Jack!"

Divine Year 1781 marked a grim turning point for the Empire, a once great nation formed from the union of many lands—now a shattered remnant struggling against the onslaught of Aberrations. For centuries, humanity had fought to reclaim its place, yet the world plunged deeper into darkness.

With each passing day, the invasion of creatures from other realms intensified. Alongside these threats, humanity itself began to unravel—crime rates surged over 350% compared to a century prior, as chaos consumed the streets.

Yet, even in the face of such devastation, there was a flicker of hope. For amidst the shadows, humanity still had the power to rise—if it could find the strength to unite once more.

At this pivotal moment, small stones began to shift, guided by unseen forces, shaping destinies yet to be fully revealed.