Heroes of Veridia: Evelyn's Journey

The Manager placed the assault rifle on the table and proceeded to leave the office. "You shouldn't have killed him," he said to Evelyn.

Evelyn told him that she wasn't the one who shot him, but it was one of her soldiers.

The Manager was about to reach outside his office when another shadowy figure appeared behind him. Evelyn noticed and immediately ordered her soldiers to take action. However, it was too late. Evelyn saw a sword slicing the Manager's head off right in front of her. The Manager's blood splashed on her face as his head began to fall off.

The shadowy figure showed Evelyn a glimpse of his face and smiled at her. "You shouldn't have killed him." The masked, shadow assassin repeated the Manager's words.

As the Manager's head hit the ground, his gift wore off, sending Evelyn and the others back to her room. Everyone in Phantom Edge was sent back to their various locations.

Evelyn touches the Manager's blood on her face. She wrinkled her nose and recoiled, a look of pure disgust crossing her face. "I hate to see him go down like that."

Vivian and Elena approached Evelyn. "What happened?" Vivian questioned. She asked Evelyn why she was holding an assault rifle.

"The Manager got beheaded," She informed them. She then looks down at the assault rifle in her left hand and tells them how she got her hands on them.

"This is going to be all over the news," Vivian said in disbelief. "We should talk to father about everything that happened."

"That would mean war against the East," Elena told her.

Evelyn smiled. "You seem to be taking my lack of emotions pretty well. I thought you would... react differently." Evelyn placed the assault rifle on her bed and went to wash her face in her bathroom.

Vivian followed her, asking her how Evelyn thought she would act.

Evelyn shrugs. "Not like this," she cleaned her face with a towel before leaving the bathroom. "And, what you just said, Elena. They started it when they attacked us, so we don't have much of a choice."

"What are you going to do?" Elena asked.

Evelyn told them that they should tell Victor as Vivian suggested. "Knowing him, he wouldn't let anything get in his way of power or wealth. He will probably have soldiers marching toward the East by sunrise."

"What about your new power? Are you going to tell Victor?" Vivian questioned.

"There's nothing to tell. I'm positive he won't notice any changes to my appearance." Evelyn said. "Now that we have decided on an approach, Vivian will go and talk to him. I need to get some sleep."

Vivian frowned, "Do I look like some machine to you? I also need to rest to regain my energy."

"Do whatever you want," Evelyn jumped onto her bed. "Elena, as long as you're in contact with the earth, you don't need rest. So, do whatever you want but please get out of my room." She adjusted the sheets over herself.

Vivian stomped out of the room. Elena asked Evelyn where she wanted her to go.

Evelyn noticed her phone on the TV cabinet. She told Elena to contact Number One and help him do his heroic work, but she would talk to them in the morning.

Elena grabbed the phone and walked to the door but Evelyn stopped her. She told Elena to use the window since she would not be recognized by the security outside the house.

Elena sighed and turned toward the window. As she began to walk toward it, she remembered that she was still in Evelyn's tracksuit. "I need a change of clothes," Elena said to Evelyn.

Evelyn waves her hand, giving Elena the go-ahead. "You can take anything you want. My card's over there. You can get anything you want." Evelyn points to her black card on the bedside table.

Elena walked into the closet and was amazed by the number of clothes in there. She asked herself if Evelyn could wear all of them.

The dresses have been divided into sections. Each type has its hanging rods. Elena inspected the dresses for minutes, unable to decide what to choose from the luxury around her.

She stumbled upon a glass cabinet, housing a beautiful, military-looking outfit.

The outfit is an elegant, military-inspired dress with a sophisticated, structured design. The base color is black, complemented by soft pink accents, creating a striking contrast. The dress is tailored like a double-breasted military coat, with a flared skirt that adds a feminine touch. It features a fitted waist defined by a pink belt with a decorative buckle, and the pleated skirt adds volume and movement.

Pink piping outlines the edges of the dress, including the collar, cuffs, and hem, accentuating its shape. Silver buttons down the front enhance its formal, military look. Draped over one shoulder is a sheer, ombre sash that transitions from black to pink, adorned with intricate floral embroidery in shades of pink and white. The sash also features three-dimensional pink flowers and tassels, adding texture and elegance.

Small floral appliqués on the dress match those on the sash, while a pink strap across the chest serves as part of the decorative detailing. The overall effect combines a strong, structured silhouette with delicate floral accents, resulting in a look that feels both authoritative and graceful, blending military style with romantic elements for a formal, ceremonial appearance.

Elena smiled as she inspected the outfit. Beside it, she saw a pink sword or what some would call a katana.

"Where did she get all this?" Elena questioned, smiling at the beauty before her.

The katana is a striking and elegant weapon, unlike any other, with a vibrant pink handle that draws immediate attention. The handle, wrapped in soft yet durable 'ito'(handle wrapping), glows in a subtle pink hue. Its 'menuki'(decorative fittings), carved into the handle itself, share the same pink color but create a delicate shadow, giving them depth and texture. The menuki's design is intricate, a graceful reflection of the weapon's overall beauty.

The blade matches the enchanting pink of the handle, though its sharp edge is a lighter, almost pearly pink. The edge fades seamlessly into a deeper, more vibrant shade of pink, a soft gradient visible just past the sharp line that defines the blade's cutting edge. The 'nakago', or the tang of the blade, is engraved with the words "Protect the Earth" in Chinese, carved in fine, elegant characters. This inscription adds a sense of purpose and mystique to the katana, hinting at its history and the intentions of its wielder.

The 'saya', or sheath, contrasts the vibrant pink of the katana, made of a sleek, deep black that gives the weapon an air of sophistication. The 'koiguchi', or mouth of the sheath, is capped in thick silver, its gleaming finish adding a touch of elegance and durability. The end of the sheath tapers to a silver point, mirroring the strength of the weapon within. The 'Saya' is etched with horizontal lines, dividing the surface into seven distinct sections, each one reflecting a sense of order and balance, complementing the katana's meticulous craftsmanship. The overall design is a harmonious blend of beauty, purpose, and strength, creating a weapon that is both visually captivating and functionally flawless.

Elena ran her hand on the glass, admiring what was before her. The nameplate on the glass cabinet caught her eyes. "Evelyn Grace" Elena was shocked to see the name.

"Is she not a Blackwood?" She muttered. As she kept going, Elena saw a kitsune mask beside the sword.

The kitsune mask is a beautiful, blush-pink piece designed to harmonize with the pink katana and military-inspired outfit. Its smooth, rounded shape fits gracefully over the face, giving it an ethereal look that flows naturally from forehead to chin.

Elongated, feline-like eyes outlined in darker pink add an aura of mystery and strength, while a gracefully tapered snout with silver lines echoes the fox-like form. Delicate floral carvings in pale pink and silver bloom across the cheeks, complementing the katana's floral motifs and symbolizing beauty and resilience.

A thin silver band embedded with tiny, sparkling gems crowns the mask, enhancing its regal quality. Despite its serene appearance, the mask radiates an unmistakable power and mystery, mirroring the character's strength and transformation.

This striking mask is both an elegant accessory and a symbol of the kitsune's mythical nature, weaving together the character's mystical allure with her weapon and attire.

"It's a full set," she said. She examines the glass and shrugs, "She told me to take anything." A chuckle escaped her as she opened the glass cabinet and took out the dress.

Elena changed into the attire and inspected herself in the mirror. As she gazes into the mirror, Elena takes in her reflection with awe. The dress fitted her well. Elena was transformed. She looked commanding, graceful, and wrapped in an aura of strength and mystery.

She returned to the glass cabinet to grab the sword. "I don't need the mask," she said as she placed the katana in its sheath. Walking to the mirror, a second thought made Elena return to grab the mask and place it in her pocket. "It will come in handy."

She let out a cold breath as she inspected herself once more in the mirror, admiring the katana beside her. Footsteps resounded from within Evelyn's room, catching Elena's attention.

"Evelyn?!" Elena called as she walked back to the room. She sensed a foreign person in the room; however, the person was nowhere to be seen. "Reveal yourself. I know you're here," Elena said and pulled out the katana from its sheath.

"You have not learned the way of the katana. You can't defeat me," A masculine voice resonated within the room. The man revealed himself to Elena. He was standing beside Evelyn's bed with a knife in his hands.

A full black outfit made it difficult to be seen in the darkness, however, Elena could see his silhouette. The light from the opened window reflected on his knife.

"What do you want with her?" Elena inquired.

The man brandished his knife as he moved away from Evelyn. He pointed his knife at Elena. "I'm here to avenge my partner. He was killed during the attack on Phantom Edge."

Elena frowned. "You people killed and you expect to leave unscathed?"

"We were going after him, not you. It's not my fault you got involved." He angrily said to Elena.

Elena chuckled. "We got involved? You are the one coming for revenge when your people started everything in the first place," Elena barked, making sure to not wake Evelyn.

The man sighed and proceeded toward Elena, "As I said, you know nothing about what's in your hands so, there's no way you are going to defeat me. I'm going to kill everyone here and send a message to Victor."

Elena tightened her grip on the sword. "You keep saying I don't know how to use the sword. All I have to do is swing it like this," Elena made multiple swinging motions with the sword.

The assassin laughed and leaped toward Elena, swinging at her. She readied herself to parry his attack, however, as their weapons were inches away from clashing, the assassin turned to smoke and appeared behind her.

Elena swiftly turned around and swung at him, but he disappeared again. This time, he appeared beside Elena and attempted to cut her hand. Elena let go of the katana and delivered a punch to his stomach, causing him to stumble.

He disappeared again and moved to the window. Elena retrieved the sword from the floor. "If you don't stop fighting like a coward, I will help you become one," Elena threatened him.

The assassin rubbed the bruised part of his stomach in disbelief. A single punch from a girl had caused this much damage to him. The assassin couldn't believe it. "Who are you?" He asked.

Elena took the kitsune mask out of her pocket and placed it on her face with one hand. "My name is Elena, but you can call me 'Sentinel'."