days had passed since the incident that erased BoneHaven from the map.
Reinforcements from the Defense Headquarters had long since arrived, led by a Family Head to investigate what had happened.
After sufficient planning, the civilians of BoneHaven had their memories of the incident altered, with the blame for the incident going to the rebels of the west before they were sent to neighboring cities to get their lives back.
In the meantime, due to the brazen actions of the rebellion, the reigning Emperor of Zion, Enoch the 10th declared war against the rebels of the west and marched out with the Imperial army to confront them.
A bloody battle was destined to happen.
Meanwhile, reconstruction quickly began in BoneHaven after the D.O.D. and the Church of Angelica deemed the land to be safe for habitation.
Lady Ana was placed under special care as she was still in an unconscious state, no doubt as a result of the incredible event that took place.
Natasha was in a similar state as well and so was given proper care, considering her lineage.
Apart from the deaths that occurred in the events leading up to BoneHaven’s destruction, no other deaths were recorded.
None of the civilians recalled the truth about the events that caused its destruction but for some reason, a title remained in their minds, reminding them of a certain man that seemed to be the sole reason they survived what would have otherwise been a complete wipeout.
The signature mask he wore with a curved wide-brim hat and a dirty jacket was ingrained into the minds of everyone, young and old, rich and poor.
To a vast majority, he was the hero who watched them from the shadows, saving them from situations thought hopeless and to others, he was an evil entity capable of mass destruction if provoked.
But Alex never considered himself as either, from the start he remained what he’d ever been, a hunter.
"Good job," Adam remarked in a casual tone as he sat on his favorite boulder, chewing on a green apple.
"Green this time?" Alex inquired, gesturing at the apple.
"Hmm?" Alex raised a brow before he understood. "Oh, yeah, I needed a sour taste."
"Do you get tired of eating that?"
"I don’t eat it because I require sustenance." Adam pointed out with a slight chuckle.
Nodding thoughtfully, Alex spoke up. "So the fact that you brought me here..."
"You passed the trial."
"You act clueless despite being the one that gave me permission to bring you here?"
Alex shrugged. "Just wanted to check the mission progress I guess."
"I see." Adam chuckled. "You are a peculiar man, Alex. Tell me, what do you hope to achieve?"
"Then there’s no need to know."
Adam sighed. "And here I thought you were warming up to me."
"Alright, alright. Don’t rush." Adam got down from his boulder and tossed the apple in his hand aside before pointing a finger at the arched gate behind him.
The first Lock slowly turned before it fell off, revealing a bunch of floating letters at its core.
"...Watchguard," Alex muttered after scanning the floating word.
Adam nodded. "That is the first Lock of the Human Wheel. You have fulfilled your role as a WatchGuard of mankind, protecting humanity in the shadows from what would have otherwise turned out horribly. I applaud you for a job well done."
"So do I get a power upgrade or what?" Alex inquired.
"You would... if you were normal, to begin with. If others take this Wheel as a pathway to godhood, your case would be different as it’s a limiter to your otherwise limitless strength."
"There is a reason I call you a bug."
"Is it possible to take the next trial right now?"
"It’s customary to rest a bit before doing so."
"I’d rather start as soon as possible." Alex understood from his final battle against Basar that he was sorely underpowered to fully take on the world.
He needed more strength and a way to ensure he would never have to rely on Nyx’s power.
He still remembered that distant feeling he got when Nyx bestowed their power on him.
It was clear that compared to Darkness, Evernight was still a growing sapling.
But due to its uniqueness, it had endless growth potential, and by all means, Alex was prepared to utilize it fully.
Adam sighed upon seeing Alex’s resolute gaze. "You just have to ruin all the customs."
"Begin the next trial."
"As you wish," Adam replied. "The second trial is quite simple actually."
"Discard the shadows, find out what it means to be a hero."
"No, my friend. Achieve this and you will get past the second Lock, however, I’m sure you understand what would happen if you fail..."
"Is there anything I should take note of?"
"Of course. You must be seen as a hero by those you protect. Not as a guardian of the night, but a bonafide hero, one to be respected and looked up to."
"Can I at least wear a mask?"
"I feel like you are ignoring what I’m saying."
Adam chuckled at Alex’s disgruntled state. "You may leave. I wish you good luck on your trial."
With that, Adam waved his hand and Alex was gone from Eden.
days after the Incursion on BoneHaven, various structures were already rearing their heads.
In the meantime, Ambrose had been stripped of his title as Captain of a Unit, mostly because of his failure that led to the death of more than a hundred Enforcers.
He did not try to fight against the verdict as he had also lost the drive that he once had.
Currently, Ambrose would have liked retire to his family estate and live the rest of his life in solitude but he knew he was asking for too much considering what he had decided with regards to future endeavors.
"You could have at least said something," Natasha remarked as she stood before him.
Ambrose sat on the chair in his office, an amiable smile on his face as he met her gaze. "Said what?"
"How can they just strip you of your position?... They can’t just blame you for everything that’s happened!"
Ambrose chuckled. "It’s nice to see you are still as spirited as the first day I met you."