In an unknown place, within a dimly illuminated chamber.

Nine figures clad in black stood erect, each one concealing their visage behind a mask; each mask bore a numeral ranging from one to nine.

At the center of the room stood a sizable circular table, and each of these masked figures positioned themselves beside a chair, awaiting.

CREEEAAK!

The entrance suddenly emitted a creaking sound, prompting the nine figures to instantly bow in reverence to the arriving individual.

Adorned in the same black attire as them, albeit with a subtle modification resembling that of a priest, he, too, concealed his face behind a mask marked with the number zero.

"Salutations, Master Zero!" The masked figures spoke in harmony.

Master Zero, the leader of this mysterious group, approached the round table. He gestured for the others to take their seats, and as they did, the room fell into an eerie silence.

Subsequently, starting from Number Nine, they all began to remove their masks. Master Zero, placing his mask carefully on the table, scrutinized his followers.

All of them had the exact same face as his. Olive skin, ocean eyes, and a shaved head. They were identical, without their masks, determining whether it was Number Five or Number Seven or any Number proved impossible.

Master Zero's gaze traversed from one identical face to another, briefly pausing at Number Eight and Number Three.

The two lowered their heads, avoiding direct eye contact. Zero then turned to the man on his left, Number Two, and commanded

"Show me"

Number Two nodded and positioned a Blue Orb on the round table, infusing it with his mana. The orb projected a hologram in the room's center for all to witness.

Numbers Three and Eight bit their lips, well aware of what the hologram would unveil. It was their recent mission, the one that concluded disastrously not only for them but for the entire unit.

Number Two had the ability to project memories in a hologram, allowing everyone to see the mission as it played from the eyes of Three. Master Zero and the rest observed in silence.

Shock and disbelief adorned their faces as they witnessed a pale man with black hair breaking shattering Eight's magical shield, and rendering him unconscious with a single blow.

Then came the fight with Three, the eyes of the seasoned members discerned that the pale man underestimated Three and that his fighting style was basic and devoid of any techniques just brute strength. Yet, they admired his tenacity and will to fight, using his teeth when his hands failed him.

The hologram accelerated to the scene of a red-haired woman shooting an arrow at Three, compelling him to retreat through a portal. It concluded with the inferno that engulfed the underground chamber, consuming all group members.

Master Zero's expression remained stoic as he observed the holographic replay of the mission, and his silence was uncomfortable for Three and Eight.

"What was the mission?" he inquired, his voice almost devoid of emotion.

Two gestured, and the hologram shifted to a screen displaying some details.

"The mission was to gather information about a new mansion owner; the giver was Lord Ronald from the town's council," Two explained. "However, due to the intervention of that individual, the mission failed and resulted in the loss of life."

"I see," Master Zero continued studying the hologram, noting some missing details. "Who is that man? I don't see details about him."

Number Two hesitated momentarily before waving his hand at the hologram, revealing what looked like a card featuring the pale man's face.

"His name is Aron, a Bronze-rank mercenary. Beyond that, we possess no information about him."

"Eh?" Zero raised an eyebrow. "Explain."

"The man either doesn't exist or, at least, did not exist before mysteriously appearing in Larton. We lack background information on him."

Master Zero's eyes narrowed, a hint of curiosity mingling with the stoicism of his expression. The revelation that the mysterious man, Aron, had no known background or existence before his appearance in Larton was unsettling.

"No records, no history," Zero mused, calculating the implications. "I don't like it. We need information about this man."

Number Two nodded slightly. "We're working on that, Master Zero. However, we have some intriguing pieces of information."

Master Zero leaned forward, hands resting on the round table, fixating his gaze on Number Two. "Tell me what you have," he commanded.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Number Two activated another holographic display, showcasing various details about reporters, events, and nobles.

"One of our associates assigned a mission specifically to locate information about a man," he paused, collecting his thoughts. "The investigation hit a dead end due to the lack of leads and physical description until now."

Two gestured again, revealing an image of a red-haired woman. "We've identified the woman in Three and Eight's mission; her name is Scarlett, a former adventurer sold into slavery by her husband. Her last owner was Vincent, the famous Dealer."

Zero and the Numbers immediately understood where he was going. The death of the Dealer was big news that everyone knew about.

"You mean that man Aron is linked to the Dealer?" one of the Numbers suddenly asked, normally no one is allowed to speak without the master's permission, yet this one didn't need to ask for it, he was Number One and just being in that position gave him the ability to speak freely.

"Yes, all indications suggest that Aron was responsible for killing the Dealer, as well as Lady Adara Windcrest, Lord William of Avaloria, and Lord Julian."

Master Zero's eyes narrowed further at the revelation. Tapping his fingers on the table, he inquired, "Who is seeking this information?"

"Lady Isobel of Larton council, and she's willing to pay more if we provide the information exclusively to her."

"I see," Zero deliberated on his next move. "Sell the information to her. We can't afford to lose her partnership. As for Ronald's mission, cancel it."

Two bowed. "It shall be done, Master."

"Three, Eight" Hearing Zero calling them, the two stood up "Yes Master"

"This is the first and last time you will fail me. Never let it happen again. Understood?"

The two bowed deeply relieved that he didn't punish them.

"Understood, Master."

Zero stood, the rest following suit. He surveyed their identical faces before issuing one final command.

"First, monitor that man and gather any information about him and those connected to him," he paused, letting his order resonate.

"Secondly, repair the underground section; we're expanding to Avaloria and increasing recruitment."

"What for, Master?" Number One questioned, perplexed by this directive. Until now, their operations focused on small sections, and expanding to Avaloria wasn't Master Zero's primary concern.

Zero replied, finding no harm in disclosing the rationale behind the order. "The power struggle between the King and the Queen has intensified. I suspect a civil war will erupt soon, and we intend to capitalize on it."

"I see. We can maneuver on both sides and establish a foothold in Avaloria. Brilliant idea Master we can't lose this chance"

Zero nodded. "Exactly," then addressed his Numbers. "Execute my orders, and do not fail me. Understood?"

All bowed in unison. "Understood, Master."

Gently placing a hand on his heart, Zero spoke, "Coiled in unity."

"May the heads of the serpent whisper the secrets of understanding," they responded in unison.

…

In Larton, within the Cathedral of the Sun, where an aura of reverence and spirituality embraced every corner.

Within the main hall, everyone was occupied with meaningful tasks. Devoted individuals fulfilled their religious duties, tending to the altar, lighting candles, and engaging in quiet prayer. Sunlight streamed through stained glass windows, casting vibrant patterns on the polished marble floor. The cathedral's grandeur exuded an air of serenity, untouched by the sins of the town outside.

Nuns, guided by compassion, extended their hands to aid the poor and the sick. Offering clean water, food, and basic healing spells, they sought to alleviate the suffering of those in need. The pious acts of kindness were a testament to the teachings of The Aspect of the Sun, and the cathedral served as a beacon of hope for the less fortunate.

Acolytes, with fervor in their voices, preached the greatness and benevolence of The Aspect of the Sun. Their words echoed through the sacred space, resonating with those who sought spiritual guidance. Some listened intently, finding solace in the promises of a brighter future, while others, driven by the dire circumstances of their lives, were drawn to the prospect of aid. Suddenly…

BAAAM!

A door was forcefully swung open, startling everyone in the main hall. Initially angry at the disturbance and who dared to do such a thing in this holy place of worship, they glanced at the entrance.

Immediately, the anger turned into confusion when they saw a young man with blond hair and a blindfold panting heavily.

The young man didn't register their presence and quickly sprinted toward another door while shouting and cursing.

"Damn!...DAMN!...why is she coming here?"

"F-Father Valarian?" a nun pointed, her finger shaking in disbelief, questioning the truth of what she witnessed.

"We're FUCKED!" Valarian exclaimed loudly, making his words audible to everyone. Some gasped in shock, while others fainted; hearing the head of their cathedral curse in this sacred place was too much for their 'pure' hearts.

"I told you!" a man suddenly spoke for all to hear, slamming the floor with his cane. He was an old priest with gray hair, his attire slightly different from the rest, likely holding a position of authority in the cathedral.

"I told you that man wasn't fit to lead Larton's cathedral. He didn't stop at treating other races with kindness; now, he's cursing inside the holy place."

"Hump!...Hump!" another acolyte chased after Father Valarin. The old priest quickly blocked his path with his cane, demanding, "What's happening that has you all running around like headless chickens?"

"Hump!...This is bad," the acolyte panted heavily, struggling to speak.

"By the Name of the Sun, speak!" The old priest, losing his patience, urged.

"Thyra Sapphire is coming here."

"!!!" The old priest froze, dropping his cane, his face turning pale "Yeah, we're Fucked!"

…

"This is bad…that woman is bad, everything about her is bad" Valarian muttered as he rushed from room to room. "Where's that damn door?"

Lost within his own abode, Valarian couldn't locate the exit. Thyra Sapphire's impending arrival overwhelmed him. The Queen had informed him just recently, saying,

"Tehe! Sorry, I forgot."

'YOU CAN'T FORGET SOMETHING LIKE THIS' he wanted to scream.

It was evident that she hadn't forgotten; the Queen orchestrated this deliberately to prevent Valarian from escaping or making excuses to avoid meeting Thyra.

Slap!

Slapping his forehead, Valarian retrieved his golden rosary.

"I forgot I could teleport."

Instantly, a golden light enveloped him, teleporting him outside the cathedral.

WOOOSHH!

Looking up, he saw the shadow of a flying creature approaching. A realization struck him hard – Thyra Sapphire had arrived.

The creature landed, it was a white, almost silver, colored wyvern. Instead of scales, this type of wyvern had feathers, making it the fastest among its kind, with a head resembling a mix of a reptile and an owl.

The woman atop it exuded an intimidating aura.

Father Valarian stepped forward, attempting to compose himself as he spoke, "Lady Thyra, welcome to Larton—"

"Cut the tedious welcome," Thyra interrupted with a sharp gaze, surveying the surroundings before dismounting.

"I assume my sister informed you why I'm here?"

"Yes, and I'm pleased to assist."

"Good, but first, where is Eve? I want to see my little niece."

"Right is way My Lady"