It was like a dying flower suddenly blooming in Apollo's heart.
"You think I look like their son?" Apollo asked, his gaze turning cold.
"You do resemble him, haha," June chuckled. "Mr. Froi and Madam Gina are good people. I've spoken to them a few times. The Leones are all good people—even their family head has no enemies among the other families. They're one of the leading forces in the city, the Leone family head alongside Master Mathias, the two Core Creations."
Apollo remained silent. His heart pounded, urging him to ask more questions, but he said nothing, simply looking out the window.
The carriage continued its way back to the street where Apollo's beggar spot was. Once it stopped, Apollo opened the door and jumped down.
"Thank you," Apollo said.
"You saved Miss Bel; it's the least I could do," June replied.
"Alright," Apollo nodded, starting toward his spot but pausing. "Do you think he's still alive? The lost Leone heir?"
"I don't know, but it's very likely he's already dead. Though, Miss Bel still believes he's alive," June answered.
"Why?" Apollo tilted his head.
"To bring justice and restore the Leones," June replied, glancing up at the sky. "I should get back, Mr. Yoma."
"Sure," Apollo said, and as the carriage moved away, he sighed. It was comforting that they believed the heir was dead, but a bit unsettling that Bel might still be seeking his true identity. Even if she uncovered something, it would only lead to one of his other personas.
Shaking his head, he noticed a basket with smoke drifting from its small openings near the corner of the restaurant.
Smiling, he went over and picked it up, noticing people leaving the restaurant with similar baskets in hand.
"Takeout?" Apollo muttered, surprised, before a grin spread across his face. "So they've figured out this method."
It was a clever strategy, though it would mean needing more workers to keep up with demand.
Apollo felt like he was witnessing the birth of fast food. "Time to fill my stomach!"
He returned to his spot, settled under his makeshift shelter, and snapped his fingers. His lightning bulb flickered to life.
As he ate, he considered heading to the Great Serpent Cultivation School to speak with the Headmaster about their next steps. He was nearing the end of his second mission, and the thought made him eager to finish it soon.
At the Mayor's mansion, Butler Holst stood before a door, his eyes as squinted as ever.
He knocked a few times, waiting.
After a moment, a voice came from the other side. "Come in."
Holst pushed the door open, its creak echoing as he entered.
His gaze quickly settled on the mayor, who stood before a giant board. "You called for me?" Holst asked, walking up behind him.
They were in Klown's study—lined with bookshelves, a table and chairs, a lamp illuminating the room, and another table holding wine and a glass.
It was a simple, standard room.
"How's the Line?" Klown asked, eyes still on the board.
"A week more, and the expansion will be complete," Holst replied, glancing at the board.
It was a detailed map of Klown City, with a thick red line surrounding the city, overlapping the wall. The city was marked with various red symbols, intersecting and overlapping, all converging at the city's center.
"Three days. Can you do it?" Klown asked.
"It's impossible," Holst shook his head, then added, "But if we rush, we could do it in four and a half days."
"That's good enough," Klown said, moving behind his desk and sinking into his chair. The weight of his massive body caused it to creak loudly, as if ready to snap at any second. "Is there anything else we should worry about? I don't want anyone ruining my plan."
"They know we're planning something," Holst replied. "I believe they're ready to make a move once we show any cause for concern."
"Have they discovered anything?" Klown's tone was low and icy.
"I'm not sure, but Aaron Callum, his sister, and his nephew are dead. They were killed and burned to erase all evidence," Holst explained. "Although the culprit escaped, it seems part of their plan."
"Kleinford? Helflick?" Klown raised an eyebrow.
"Perhaps, and we can't rule out the Martial Schools either. They may have joined forces," Holst replied. "They're waiting, and once they act, a civil war is inevitable."
"It's expected. I've made obvious moves, and I wouldn't be surprised if they've joined forces, just like we did with the other families," Klown smiled. "But by the time they take a step, we'll already be several steps ahead."
Holst allowed himself a brief smile, though it vanished quickly. "What if the Elders get involved?"
"It won't matter," Klown's smile turned cold. "We're summoning something no Core Creation can handle. Something even their ancestors feared."
The Mayor raised his thick hand and clenched it into a fist. "Do you want to achieve greatness with me?" he asked, casting a significant look at his butler.
"Yes, Master," Holst bowed.
"If I die, will you carry on with my plan?" Klown stood and moved closer to Holst.
"I will follow your plan until I die!" Holst answered, dropping to his knees.
"Good, that's the spirit," Klown said, producing a knife and slicing open his palm. "Drink my blood."
Holst looked up in confusion, then set his face in determination. "I will."
"This won't boost your cultivation or strength, but it will allow us to continue even if things go awry," Klown explained, and Holst nodded. "So, drink my blood until you feel it—the Calling."
Holst took a deep breath, leaned toward the Mayor's hand, and without hesitation, began drinking the blood flowing from Klown's sliced palm.
Blood dripped to the floor until there was none left. Holst pulled back and noticed that Klown's hand, previously wounded, was now fully healed as if untouched. Glancing up with his mouth full of the Mayor's blood, he saw Klown looking at him with strange eyes.
"When was the last time you did the Deed?" Klown asked, reaching for his coat.
"A few years ago..." Holst stood, his heartbeat thundering as strange images and sensations filled his mind—Red Lines, Symbols, dark voices…
"You'll need this while you're being Called," Klown murmured, licking his lips as his coat slipped to the floor. "Just enjoy Holst."
Holst who's now shaking from the number of images attacking his mind, stared at the Mayor reaching for his clothes and a small smile appeared on his face.