Ryzen, Kreuger, and Amber had teleported to a residential area near the destination of Barry's place of confinement.

"The tracker on Barry's phone isn't being registered anymore," Ryzen stated as he checked his phone. "Maybe they got rid of it then."

"If they got rid of the tracker, then Barry's probably alive," Kreuger speculated. "I mean, why would they go out of their way to move his body with the tracker from the base to some abandoned building if they killed him?"

"I-I hope he isn't dead," Amber said. "I don't want...him to die."

"As the US president stated, Nathan is rather intelligent. Maybe he's planning something with Barry," Ryzen assumed. "Either way, I still have the coordinates to the last location where the phone was tracked, so let's go."

"Yeah!" Amber agreed as they continued to run.

Hmm, can't this bastard teleport us to the destination? Kreuger thought. Maybe he can't do it constantly?

* * *

Ada, who stayed in the hotel, heard the current situation.

"Tch, Jack kidnapped Barry and not killed him. There's no way a simple individual like him would do that," Ada stated. "That Nathan is likely behind all this."

"You think so, miss?" Charlotte, who was currently feeding her grapes, questioned.

"Yeah, I'm right. Well, you already knew that," Ada responded. "Jack wouldn't bother to clean up after a murder scene; Barry's alive. The real question is, what do they want with him?"

"Maybe they're using him to disrupt the military?" Leon speculated. He stood steadfast at the door as he spoke.

"Probably, but whatever it may be, it won't work," Ada declared. "If I ever thought it wouldn't work, I wouldn't have given information about them to this country in the first place. I've seen this country's forces, and I'm sure they have what it takes to start my revenge against Nathan, which is them killing Jack."

"Of course, your plan will work, miss," Leon assured. "You're the smartest person I've ever seen, after all."

Hearing that, Ada smiled genuinely.

"Thank you so much, Leon!" Ada expressed.

"I-I too think you're the smartest, miss!" Charlotte interjected. In response, Ada patted her on the head.

"Thank you as well, Charlotte!" Ada responded, which put a contented smile on Charlotte's face. Wait patiently, Nathan. No matter what you try. Your punishment is still inevitable.

* * *

Meanwhile, the Enlightenment Program's students were still inside the campus. With concerned expressions, they sat on the stands. Sariel reminisced on events a few minutes prior.

* * *

"What!? Why are the sirens going off!?" Ariel questioned. "What's happening--"

"It's Jack the Ripper. He's attacking the Chief of Defense and his soldiers at one of his military bases," Altius, who approached them, explained. "We don't know the details, but he may or may not be alive."

"What!? Jack!?" Aiden uttered. His friends' concerned expressions matched his shock.

"I'm going to the base which the monster attacked," Altius said. "Ryzen is also out helping too."

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"Let's come with you--"

"You guys will keep your asses parked," Altius coldly stated, not letting Ariel finish her suggestion.

"But--"

"You guys have gotten stronger, but it's Jack we're talking about. It's far too dangerous for you lot," Altius explained. "Besides, the original plan was for us instructors to eliminate the big threats like Charles and the monster while you focus on taking down the weaker S-Class criminals...or being very minor support."

Despite their desire to help, they ceased their requests as they knew it was pointless.

* * *

"Sigh, it feels like we're still being treated like newbie soldiers," Ariel said. "Even though we got stronger..."

"Yeah, we haven't gotten to prove ourselves fully," Sariel added. "I wonder what...wait. Where's Amber and Kreuger?"

Upon saying that, the friend group looked around for the duo.

"Wait, that's an excellent question," Ivory responded.

"Wait, I last saw them talking with Ryzen," Baran remarked.

"Don't tell me..." Aiden muttered. "Don't tell me...that they went to find Jack themselves!?"

"There's no way! That's far too dangerous for her!" Ariel yelled as she frantically stood up. "Why would she do that!?"

"...Damn it, I hate that I understand why she'd leave again without saying anything. She wants to protect us," Sariel deduced. "But as her friends, we need to help her!"

"Friends...?" Baran questioned.

Meanwhile, a presence was approaching their campus at very high speeds. The presence was none other than Jack the Ripper, and they were blissfully unaware of this fact.

"Yes, friends, you moron--"

"Hey guys! What are you all up to now?" Trixie questioned as she approached them.

"Instructor Leah, we need to find Amber!" Aiden requested. "She left with Kreuger to find Jack, but it's too dangerous for her! We need to help them--"

"Wow, wow. Slow down there, Aiden. While I agree that would be more fun than just lazing around here, that wouldn't be right," Trixie said. "I have to watch and protect you guys, after all."

"But, instructor--"

BOOM!!!

A violent bang erupted from the campus's entrance, immediately attracting everyone's attention.

"W-What!? What was that!?" Baran questioned with a bewildered look.

"Hmm, so this is the Enlightenment Program?" Jack questioned as he gazed at the scenery. He had sliced apart the gates and entered casually. "It looks like a university, kinda. What a disgusting sight."

As the training grounds were near the entrance, the group got a good look at the perpetrator of the noise.

"N-No way...that can't be!" Baran stuttered as he broke out into a sweat. Although they tried to compose themselves, the rest were shaken by the sight of Jack. They were all shook except for the jester wannabe, Trixie.

"Well, well, well. I've always seen you on Fox 5 News," Trixie said as she approached him. "But to think the main bad guy of the Fox 5 Gang came here!"

"Fox 5 Gang? Haha! That's a new one!" Jack responded with a chuckle.

She's not scared in the least...? Aiden thought as he watched Trixie.

"So, why did you come here? To make my day more fun?" Trixie questioned.

"This is the Enlightenment Program, right?" Jack asked. "If so, do you know where Amber Hoss is, love?"

"Oh, my! I knew that's the reason!" Trixie replied with a smile. "She's not here, you obsessed little guy!"

Hearing that, Jack stared at her before sighing.

Of course, that brat isn't here. Jack thought with a slight smirk.

"Well, I'm not sure why you're wearing a jester outfit, but you should quit acting and smiling like one," Jack advised. "Since I'm going to slaughter every single one of you for Amber to see."

"Well, oh my!"

As Amber's friends listened, the fear that was once clouding them rapidly disappeared. Their fright was overcome with anger and annoyance.

"This...This is perfect," Sariel said as they approached Trixie's side. Jack watched them with interest on his face. "I thought we should find Amber...but seeing you come here and asking for her is perfect."

"Oh, I'm seeing some familiar faces," Jack said as he gazed at the squad. "It's good we get a reunion, but I still can't find the person I wanted to see the most, huh."

The students looked at him with detestation, but none was as intense as Ariel. Her gaze was that of pure disdain and hostility directed towards Jack. The reason was obvious; he was not only the cause of her best friend's suffering but also the one that ended the life of Shadow.

Jack stood there and gazed at them with a menacing smile. He didn't show the slightest bit of fear despite the number difference.

"It's nice of you to join us after all," Sariel declared. "We will kill this monster right here so that Amber won't risk her life."

"Yeah!" Ariel agreed with passion in her voice.

Trixie gazed at them in the meanwhile.

"Hmm, although there has been a massive change in the plans, this might work!" Trixie stated. "You guys can perfectly support me in what could be the grandest trick in my life! But if anything goes wrong, I'll perform solo!"

While they made their plans and decorations, Jack stared at them with a smile.

Amber, it looks like I ran into your friends. Jack pondered. Looks like I'll prepare some presents for you!