The ghouls, although impressed by Silverclaw's performance, couldn't help but feel a lingering disappointment. It was true that Silverclaw had showcased incredible resilience and skill during his attempt to kidnap the twins, but his ultimate failure in delivering them back to the organization left them in a precarious position. Even a juiced-up Touched in advanced armor had been unable to accomplish what they had hoped for - securing the twins once more from an even more prepared and vigilant academy.
Money wasn't the primary concern for the ghouls; they had the means to acquire vast sums through the endless black market for organ trade. Their real challenge lay in finding more capable individuals like Silverclaw who could carry out their sinister missions with the precision and effectiveness they required.
Meanwhile, Michael found himself on an entirely different mission, one issued by his boss, Luther. His task was to keep a watchful eye on his daughter, Astrid. On this particular day, Astrid was accompanied by one of her classmates, Leonidas, as they strolled along the bustling strip in Rochester.
Using his cloaking Sin, Michael concealed himself in the shadows, avoiding direct contact with sunlight as he shadowed their movements. They appeared to be engaged in a heated argument as they made their way to what looked like a hospital. Intrigued, Michael followed them without delay.
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As they ventured behind the building, Leonidas paused and touched the wall, revealing a concealed entrance to a hidden room. Michael couldn't help but wonder about the nature of this hospital as he barely managed to slip inside before the doors closed behind him.
The interior of the hidden chamber resembled something out of a mad scientist's laboratory, with numerous peculiarities contained within tanks filled with an eerie, translucent liquid. Bizarre specimens floated suspended in the tanks, adding an aura of surrealism to the place.
Astrid, her curiosity piqued, began a conversation with Leonidas. This time, Michael could hear their words more clearly. Astrid asked Leonidas if the recent attack on the academy had anything to do with Saiya, but he shook his head in response.
Instead, Leonidas led her to a computer and inserted a thumb drive into it. He then displayed footage from the events that had transpired during the raid. He fast-forwarded through most of the early sequences, stopping at a crucial moment. It was a scene where a young boy seemingly levitated a bench and flung it at one of the armored invaders, killing him instantly.
Astrid gasped at the sight, recognizing the boy. "That's Vex," she exclaimed. They continued to watch the footage as Vex vanished inside the girls' dormitory. Moments later, the video captured him jumping out of a window and soaring away into the sky.
The revelation left Michael with a deep sense of unease. There was more to the events surrounding the academy attack than he had initially thought, and the involvement of Vex, raised many questions that needed answers.