The tension in the air was almost palpable, with everyone on edge, wary of what was to come. But while Moxie and his allies prepared, Judas had other plans brewing.

With a swift, calculated step, Judas made his way into a dark cave, his gaze fixed on two ancient seals deep within. He wasted no time, letting his energy pulse through the air and shatter the seals in an instant. As dust settled, two figures emerged from the shadows.

Judas gave them a cold, indifferent glance. “Don’t worry. I’m not your enemy,” he said.

The first figure, a woman with an intense aura, immediately shouted, “And why should we believe you?” Her tone was sharp, mistrustful, filled with defiance.

The second figure, a tall, composed man, gently placed a hand on her shoulder. “Calm down, Ash. Let’s hear him out,” he said.

The woman, Ashley—Ash for short—huffed but stayed quiet. The man, introducing himself as Taleb, watched Judas with an analytical gaze.

Judas nodded at them, not missing a beat. “Good. You’ll be working under me now. I’ll be your leader.”

Ash blinked, then let out a laugh filled with sarcasm. “Leader? You’re cocky, I’ll give you that,” she retorted, stepping forward as if to challenge him.

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But just as she took a step, an explosion echoed from outside the cave, sending rocks tumbling down the mountainside. Judas didn’t flinch, his gaze fixed on her. “If you try anything foolish, I won’t hesitate to end you,” he warned, his tone chillingly calm.

Ash narrowed her eyes but, realizing the power difference, sighed and sat down, her defiance slightly tempered. Taleb, however, seemed more curious than intimidated.

After a moment, Taleb finally asked, “So, Judas, what is your ability?”

Judas grinned, his eyes gleaming with a menacing light. “I can cut anything into a one-dimensional slash. Nothing can withstand it.”

Taleb felt a shiver run down his spine. “That’s… an absurdly powerful ability,” he muttered, struggling to hide his unease.

Seeing their reactions, Judas raised an eyebrow. “Now that I’ve told you my ability, it’s only fair that you tell me yours.”

Taleb cleared his throat, regaining his composure. “My ability is knowledge. Once I know someone’s name, I gain every piece of information about them—their history, weaknesses, strengths, everything.”

Ash, with a faint hint of boredom in her voice, added, “I can manipulate anyone’s mind and dreams. A single touch can break someone’s sanity.”

Judas looked pleased, a wicked smile spreading across his face. “Perfect. A powerful team indeed.” He looked at them with a glint of satisfaction. “M’s ruthless avatar duo,” he said, smirking.

Ash groaned, rolling her eyes. “Please don’t call us that. It’s embarrassing.” She shook her head but looked at Judas with mild curiosity. “So where exactly are we headed?”

Judas turned toward the cave entrance, the faint glimmer of an approaching dawn casting eerie shadows on his face. “A city, just a few minutes away. Though for mortals, it would take days.”

The trio stood in the cave, the dawn light illuminating them as Judas, with his newfound allies, set his sinister plans in motion.