News of the massacre spread so quickly, raising my suspicion towards Sarah. I'm still not a hundred percent sure that she's the one responsible for all of it. But besides us, who else in this town could have done it?

The wind blew gently, bringing a sense of comfort, making me want to close my eyes and drown in tranquility. But of course, I can't do that because I have to help Miss Sheila save her brother. I hope he's still okay, although the chances of survival in a cannibalistic group are slim.

However, there's still something that makes me suspicious about Miss Sheila's brother's disappearance.

It's true that the Vultures would be pleased if the Arfritz family joined them, but is that the only reason?

If their goal is to recruit Arfritz, couldn't they do something more humane? Like offering protection or something similar.

I take a deep breath.

What am I thinking? Assuming that a group like that would come peacefully? A group that clearly consumes human flesh?

I can't imagine they actually exist. Heartless people who consume human flesh as if it were animal meat. I don't know whether to call them savages or monsters, or perhaps both.

Do they not feel any disgust whatsoever?

Do they not realize they're consuming their own kind? Or do they believe they are at the highest caste, allowing them to do so?

People like them only tarnish the reputation of humanity. They must be eradicated immediately, eliminated from the face of the Earth.

I stand up, oblivious to Miss Sheila's call, who seems to want to tell me something, and I jump down towards the city, which is about thirty meters away. I use Glory to land safely, utilizing gravity and landing softly on the road surface.

Now I find myself in a narrow alley, hidden from view. I walk out, wearing my previous attire. A long robe, long pants, a pair of high boots, a shirt, and then I put on a hood that will never be opened except by me, all in black.

Of course, I haven't forgotten to change the color of my hair.

"Why do I do it?" you ask.

Let's just say it's because I want to lure the Rangers to chase after me and lead them to the Vultures.

Through conversations with Miss Sheila, the leaders here, they reminded me earth filled with narrow-minded people. They only seek to satisfy themselves without caring about others. It wouldn't be surprising if one of them turns out to be a member of the Vultures. I just need to create a massive chaos to draw them out.

How?

By becoming a part of them, of course.

I walk into the heart of the city, where it's bustling with people gathering and enjoying food from the snack stalls. Old and young, men and women, everyone is there. It's a perfect place not only to lure the Vultures but also the Rangers.

Once they meet, a great chaos will ensue, and I can't wait to see it, to see the group suffer.

have looked at me while paying attention to people's posters that read 'WANTED'. They realized the person in the picture was a man who was now standing in the middle of the city, right in the middle of the big circle area which was the center of Clockheart.

Since I left the alley until I reach my destination, not just one or two who have glanced in my direction while paying attention to the posters that read 'WANTED'. They realized, the figure there is the man who is now standing in the center of the city, right at the middle of the large circular area that serves as the heart of Clockheart.

Ah, did I forget to mention that this city is shaped like a clock?

That's right, the city's shape is modeled after a clock, with its districts marked as the different parts of the clock face, from the first district, second district, third district, and so on, until reaching the seventh district. Like the gears inside a clock, it forms a giant, continuously moving and rotating clock before returning to the same location.

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I am right in the middle, the center of everyone's attention. The place that was once filled with noise suddenly becomes silent and tense.

They can feel it, sense the impending danger, which causes them to keep their distance from me. Far enough to feel safe, yet not too far to satisfy their curiosity that now disturbs their hearts.

The Rangers arrive shortly after, running towards me and aiming their rifles. They must think that their bullets will kill me and finally free them from fear. Unfortunately, that won't happen.

I will also make them understand that the real threat is not me, but the Vultures.

I spread my arms dramatically, then start levitating in the air and stop not too far above the surface, startling them. It seems as if the energy drains from their bodies as they witness something impossible happening right before their eyes. One of the reasons I do this is to make them understand that this world is not as simple as they think.

"As you all know, Vulture is a rumor that has been circulating in society. Recently, another rumor has emerged. A massacre. So many bodies were found in narrow alleys, the bodies of loved ones, family, friends, and even lovers.

You might wonder who the culprit is, who could be so heartless to kill their own kind."

A smirk forms on my face.

"Do I need to say it myself? IT'S US! WE ARE THE ONES DOING IT! THE VULTURES!" I shout, using Glory to amplify my voice so it echoes throughout Clockheart.

They are shocked, taken aback by what they hear, and start whispering and discussing among themselves. But the most interesting reaction comes from the Rangers. They panic, feeling restless as they look around.

It's only then that I realize, they are also involved in all of this.

Laughter escapes from my mouth, a satisfied laughter as I have revealed a great secret of Clockheart. Who would have thought that this seemingly peaceful and tranquil kingdom hides a massive secret that I am certain will turn Clockheart into a sea of blood.

Then, I see them, a group of people in white uniforms running towards me. If I'm not mistaken, they are the forces responsible for securing the Clockheart leaders.

I don't know why they have come here, but let's see what they might want to do.

"You! Come down, and we will grant you mercy!"

Are these people foolish? Do they really think they can grant mercy to someone who can levitate in the air?

"I don't know if you all lack brains or not, but the Vultures will not surrender so easily. We will seize this kingdom, take over, and you will all suffer.

You never considered our existence, thinking that we were just empty words. We have given warnings repeatedly, but no one listened. Let's see if your arrogance can still be maintained."

I snap my fingers, shaking the ground forcefully until a large crack forms, targeting the Rangers. They fall into the hole, disappearing into the darkness with fading screams before vanishing completely.

They recoil in horror, screaming in fear as they step back, looking at me with wide eyes, pleading for forgiveness.

"Do you understand now who you're dealing with? If you still consider us mere rumors, be prepared to face the consequences. Don't blame us; blame your leaders who always lie.

If even one of you decides to flee the city, I will destroy this place. We will only leave if you give us what we want, human flesh. Vultures, depart." I bow as a final gesture, then soar high into the sky, which is also darkened by a gathering storm cloud.

Thunder roars, lightning strikes, and rain pours heavily.

It's a finale.

In this way, they will seek out the Vultures and press the leaders to eliminate them. They will do anything to make them act, even if it includes warfare. And the time will come for those leaders to remove their masks and reveal their true selves.

That's when I will take matters into my own hands and eradicate the Vultures forever.

"Zent, what have you done?" Z asks incredulously.

What else?

I took the only path to make them act. If things continue like this, how long will they remain stagnant, treating the Vultures as mere talk?

They need something to trigger them, to push them to seek it out. Then they will hunt down each member of the Vultures one by one if they want to survive. This is the fastest way for the Vultures to vanish from the world.

"Zent... What if Sarah has already obtained information about all of them? Haven't you considered that possibility?" Z asks, their tone starting to rise.

I know Sarah is the best informant and can uncover everything quickly. But are you sure you want to involve her with a group that collaborates with The Heretics? Haven't you forgotten what she was like when we first met her?

I do this because I don't want her to be in danger either, especially not in the hands of The Heretics who might regain control over her. I won't let them act recklessly again, not this time. And I believe the people of Clockheart will be grateful in the end.

"I hope you don't regret your actions, Zent. What you're doing now is essentially starting a war."

You don't need to worry, Z. I will ensure that the innocent ones remain safe from harm.

"You can't do all of this alone, Zent."

Whether I can or not, I will still do it.

What's the point of holding such power if I don't use it to save them?

Z sighs and lies back down under the tree.

I'm sorry, Z, but this is the only way to make sure those people never set foot here again. I don't want the same thing to happen to Clockheart. They might experience temporary chaos, but I guarantee that no one will die except for the Vultures.

I promise.