[Time until Shadow Rain: 8 Hours and 49 Minutes]
The moment Grace received the new notification, she headed straight to Davian’s apartment. Compared to the previous timeline, the Shadow Rain was happening exactly 12 days late.
Merely seconds after she rang the doorbell, the door was pulled open and she found herself looking at Davian who was once again in just his black trousers and there was no sign of any shirt. Looking at the sweat trailing down his body, it seemed like he was doing something really intense.
"What a beautiful surprise to see you here so early in the morning," he greeted her with a soft expression on his face, his casual demeanor clashing with the tension bubbling inside her.
Ignoring his teasing tone, Grace stepped inside the apartment, heading into the living room as she went straight to the point. "The Shadow Rain will be arriving in nine hours. We need to get ready for it."
Davian’s soft and almost playful expression disappeared immediately and got replaced by a seriousness that matched her own. He didn’t question her source of information or waste any time. Instead, he nodded and his eyes turned sharp with understanding
"I will immediately inform my men," he said. "The good thing is that they have all arrived in the nearby cities. The ones here are ready, too. Don’t worry about anything and just focus on yourself. You need to be prepared for the rain as well."
Grace let out a soft breath of relief. She trusted Davian to handle his part. Over the past few weeks, she had slowly started lowering her guard around him, and not just him - Davian, Dr. Kian, and Rune - had all proven themselves trustworthy in their own ways. None had given her a reason to doubt their intentions.
Just this morning, she had spent nearly three hours with Rune. They had cooked breakfast together, chatted about various serious matters as they enjoyed the food, and then washed the dishes side by side. It was a refreshing morning after the intense night they just spent together.
"Let me know if you need anything," Davian said, his deep voice breaking through her thoughts.
Grace nodded as a soft smile bloomed on her. "I will."
- - -
The hours leading up to the Shadow Rain were a whirlwind of preparation. Grace coordinated with her team, ensuring that every person in their group was briefed on the plan. 2025 took over the most important job which was to set up a countdown timer. It also provided clear instructions on what to do once the rain began.
[Time until Shadow Rain: 1 Hour and 15 Minutes]
As the timer ticked down, Grace gathered with both teams in the living room of the Unit 2003. The atmosphere was tense, but there was also an unspoken understanding among them. Everyone knew their roles, their purpose - as soon as the Shadow Rain would begin, they would step outside in the rain.
[Time until Shadow Rain: 10 Minutes]
The air thickened with anticipation as the system sent the new notification. Grace was standing by the window, staring at the sky that had turned even darker compared to how it had been early in the morning. She could already imagine the panic that the current state of the sky must be creating in the hearts of the people.
"Master," 2025’s voice echoed in her head, sounding calm but firm. "Prepare yourself and others. The rain will start in 4 minutes and 56 seconds."
She nodded before turning her attention toward the people present in the room.
- - -
Exactly at 1 PM, the first droplet fell.
It was subtle at first - a single black droplet hitting the windowpane with a faint splatter. Then came another. And another. Within seconds, the sky darkened to pitch black, and the black rain poured down in an unrelenting torrent.
Shouts and cries erupted from the streets as people abandoned their tasks and rushed indoors, seeking shelter from the ominous rain. Fear spread like wildfire as the city fell into chaos. Even when people were expecting a rain, no one expected anything like what was happening at the moment.
But Grace and her team were different.
"Let’s move," she commanded, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins.
They stepped out of the building, their faces tilted toward the dark sky. The rain was cold, almost icy, and it soaked through their clothes within seconds. The sensation was strange - almost otherworldly.
"Remember," 2025’s voice reminded her in her head, "you only have ten minutes. Do not exceed the time limit."
Grace closed her eyes, letting the rain drench her completely. It wasn’t just water. Each droplet carried an energy that seeped into her skin, filling her veins with a faint hum of power. She could feel it - this rain was not natural. It was alive, pulsating with an essence that both intrigued and unsettled her.
Around her, the others stood silently. Their faces were a mixture of awe and determination. Even Dr. Kian who was usually so composed, seemed affected, his jaw was clenched as he absorbed the rain’s effects.
[Time elapsed: 8 Minutes]
"Two more minutes," 2025 warned.
Grace opened her eyes, taking in her surroundings. The streets were empty now, the city eerily quiet except for the sound of rain hitting the ground. She knew they were being watched. Somewhere, someone - or something - was observing their every move.
[Time elapsed: 10 Minutes]
"Time’s up," 2025 announced.
"Let’s go," Grace said, her voice was firm as she turned and led the group back inside.
They moved quickly, shedding their wet outer layers and drying off as 2025 ran a quick scan to ensure they hadn’t been exposed to anything harmful.
"How do you feel?" Davian asked as his dark eyes locked onto hers.
Grace paused, assessing herself. "Same," she admitted. "But in a good way."
He nodded, understanding without needing further explanation. He then headed to look after the others while Rune arrived to check on her as well.
"Will it take just as long as last time to work this time as well?"