The next morning, Shoun was preparing breakfast while Kaze and Robin, who had just arrived, waited at the table. The scientist looked preoccupied as they researched something on their laptop. Minutes later, the door opened and the two remaining members of Clover Flush entered.
—We're here, guys. What was so urgent—The beret-wearing boy cut himself off upon seeing the terrible burn on Shoun's cheek.
—Shoun!—Sein rushed forward and, without being asked, used his ability to heal him, making the burn recede and restoring Shoun's face to normal—How did you get hurt like this?
—That's why I called everyone. Sit down. Let's talk while we eat—Though he said this, no one touched their food as the masked one and the young man recounted the events.
—T-that's horrible... I... I never thought Joy would be capable of this. I'm sorry, everyone—The little one felt deeply guilty, he'd been the one to introduce them to the mage, which had led to an attempt on Kaze's life—(Joy... why?)—Sein turned the information over in his mind, but nothing explained such a vile act. His protective instincts surged, clouding his image of Joy in a red haze.
—Don't blame yourself, Sein. This wasn't your fault—Shoun reassured the boy before turning to the scientist— I called Robin last night and explained everything so they could investigate. So, what did you find?
—Not much with such short notice—Dark circles under their eyes, Robin took a long sip of coffee before showing their laptop screen—First, let's identify your attackers. The first is Jack, son of the "Crimson Sun Count." He has a Grade B ability focused on flame manipulation. The second is Jack's younger brother, Jace, also the Crimson Sun Count's son. He has a Grade C ability specializing in stealth. Lastly...there's Joy. She's the daughter of a prominent mage from Amalor, specializing in offensive support magic. That's all regarding their abilities. Now, why are they here? No clue. But I know they arrived in New Caven months ago with no scheduled return to their homes. I found no direct connection between the Count and Joy's family.
—So that leaves us with nothing?—Deuz asked again.
—Pretty much... Sorry I couldn't dig deeper. Even this required calling in favors.
—Don't worry, Robin. This was more than enough —Shoun said before continuing— Knowing your enemy is half the battle. Who knows what we'll face next time...Anyway, Deuz, you look deep in thought. Already brewing some wild theory?
—I wouldn't call them wild, but based on what little we know, I can make a few conjectures. First, whatever their reason for wanting Kaze dead, they're not getting proper support. After all, you said their artifacts were only apprentice-grade. If this were an important mission, they'd normally be given better resources or more capable personnel. Which leads to my second point: they had no idea what they were up against. Beyond what little Joy observed, they knew nothing substantial about Kaze. If they had, they'd have realized their abilities were useless against someone as agile as him. Add to that the fact they sent their strongest member to contain Shoun, who they knew had a Grade S ability. In short, they're like headless chickens, stumbling blindly into the unknown.
—Hmm, that seems plausible... Either way, getting the authorities involved is impossible. Beyond Kaze's illegal status, the government would never meddle with high-profile members of the demon kingdom and elven nation. So we're on our own here—Robin added, slumping in their chair—Also worth noting: they didn't seem to know exactly who they were hunting. They probably recognized Kaze by his unique appearance rather than any title. So we can likely rule out him being some ultra-secret teenage criminal.
—Don't joke about this now, Robin. More importantly, do you think they'll call for reinforcements?
—Unlikely, Shoun. You know how the demon kingdom's glory system works. The brothers won't request backup. As for Joy, even if she does call for help, it's doubtful anyone would come...Let's call it a probably not—The scientist explained before sinking deeper into their seat—So...what do we do now?
—Well, I think our priorities haven't changed since yesterday. At least now we know their identities, we can track them down and get answers. That said, both Shoun and Kaze need to be extra careful from now on. Sein, I doubt they'll target you, but stay alert anyway.
—We'll be careful. Kaze, I think you should wait in the mirror world until I get home from now on —Seeing the masked one lower his head sadly, Shoun quickly added—I'll buy you a media player, a TV, and a bunch of movies so you won't be bored...Besides, I don't think they'll attack me. These days I only go out for school and come straight home, and for now their only target seems to be Kaze.
—Good. Anyway, I've been saving part of that wretch's body for a situation like this. I'll get to work, we can't let the "Three Jacks" ambush us again...What?
—"Three Jacks"? Where did that come from?—The young man asked.
—Well, we're the Clover Flush, and since all their names start with J, the name just popped into my head —The scientist explained, slightly embarrassed.
—Hmm, I hadn't noticed all their names started with J.
—Considering they chose their human names themselves, it might've been intentional. Don't you think, Sein? —The young man asked the little one, who seemed particularly distracted.
—Huh? Oh, yeah... probably... —He replied vaguely, his mind clearly elsewhere.
—Ahem. Well, with everything settled, how about we go hunt some vestiges? —The young man proposed. —After all, I need to kick that Jack guy's ass even harder next time we meet.
—I'll have to pass. I'll be busy for the rest of the day —The beret-wearing boy declined.
—A-and I have plans with my grandma. In fact, I should get going...Call me if you need me! —With that, the little one left without letting anyone object, the loud slam of the door making his abrupt exit unmistakable.
—...Seems Joy's betrayal affected him more than we thought —Robin commented before finishing their coffee— *Sigh*. Best give him time to process it. We'll talk to him later. Since everyone else is busy, I'll get started on that new artifact.
—Alright. Thanks for coming —With that farewell, Robin and Deuz left together, leaving only Kaze and Shoun behind— Looks like we're getting closer to clues about your past, Kaze.
—I'm scared, Shoun... scared I might've been a bad person before —The masked one admitted, lowering his head. Immediately, the young man stepped closer and placed his hands on Kaze's shoulders.
—Don't worry. Like Robin said, it's unlikely you were some teenage super-villain. And when you woke up, you weren't even a Seeker... Whatever your past holds, I'm with you —At these words, Kaze lifted his head, their faces now inches apart, which made Shoun realize something odd— (Now that I think about it... What does Kaze's face look like? Maybe we could use his features to identify him. How did we never consider this before?... Though everyone probably thought asking would be rude. After all, if Kaze keeps his mask on, there's a reason.)
—Thank you, Shoun. For always supporting me and standing by me.
—Don't mention it... By the way, I've never seen your face. Would you mind showing me?
—Hmm... Now that you mention it, sure. You can remove my mask —Kaze lowered his arms, granting the young man full access.
—(This mask has always been with Kaze, even when he first saw his reflection, it was there... Could it be some kind of artifact?)— Shoun grasped the mask, running his fingers over its surface. The material was unlike anything he'd ever felt. As he gently pulled, he sensed an invisible connection between the mask and Kaze's face begin to loosen, yielding bit by bit unti—Haaah.
Shoun drew a sharp breath, horrified by what lay beneath. His arms trembled as primal fear gripped him.
—How do I look?—Even Kaze didn't know his own face. His monotone voice held genuine curiosity, yet eerily, the words didn't come from where his mouth should be. They emanated from the mask now held in Shoun's shaking hands.
Upon hearing those words, the young man looked again at Kaze's face, or rather, the absence of one. His visage was a blank canvas: no eyes, no mouth, no nose. In their place, a familiar interference pattern flickered across the void, like static on an untuned television screen...