"Well, that's because I wanted to know about Eclipse," Ron said calmly.
He looked at Jake. "You have a long history with them."
Jake nodded slowly. "Yes… we do. But why are you after them?"
"They have something that belongs to someone I know."
Jake narrowed his eyes. "Can I ask what?"
"A collection of research papers."
Jake exhaled, understanding dawning on his face.
"Jake," Ron continued, "tell me everything you know about Eclipse. How do I infiltrate them?"
Jake leaned back. "Eclipse has a colony — their main headquarters. Getting in won't be easy. Especially if they know who you are."
"I don't believe they know about me," Ron replied.
"Very well. Once you're inside, get a soldier's uniform — the ones with black claw-like marks across the back. Looks like a bear slashed through it."
"Why?"
"Because inside the colony there's a massive mansion. At least, there was a few years ago. No one except authorized personnel could enter. If you're wearing that uniform, you'll be able to move freely."
"Thanks, Jake."
Ron stood up and walked a few steps away.
"Ron, wait."
Ron turned.
"Be extremely careful. The information I gave you is old. They might've changed everything."
Ron nodded silently and walked out of the mansion.
"So… North-Eastern Mountains," he murmured, looking up at the sky.
"Ron."
The familiar voice made him turn.
A figure approached with his hands in his pockets.
"Finian? How are you here?" Ron asked.
Finian extended his hand. "I heard you're heading to the Eastern mountains."
Ron shook it. "Want to come?"
Finian grinned. "I thought you'd never ask."
Finian placed his hand on Ron's shoulder — and in a blink, both vanished.
The North-Eastern Mountains.
Endless white peaks stretched in every direction.
Ron scanned the horizon. "Where's the colony?"
Finian sneezed. "Ron… it's freezing. Let's go back. I need socks. And a jacket."
Ron sighed.
They teleported back to Finian's Mountain Forge house. Finian rushed inside and returned moments later, bundled up. He tossed a jacket and socks to Ron.
Both pulled on masks and hoods, disguising themselves like wandering travelers.
Ron activated his power again — and they returned to the mountains.
"So," Ron said, scanning the area, "where's the colony?"
"How would I know?" Finian sneezed again.
Ron sensed Black Sorcery, he floated into the air, surveying everything from above. But, couldn't find anything.
He descended, frowning.
Suddenly—
Thud.
Ron turned.
Finian was on the ground.
"What happened?"
"I walked into something."
Finian stood and stretched his hand forward. His eyes widened.
"I got it."
"What?"
"There's a wall. An invisible one."
Ron rushed forward and pressed his palm against empty air.
Then—
The illusion shattered.
A massive wall materialized, towering high into the sky — so tall it felt like it could rival Mount Everest itself.
"So… that's the colony," Ron muttered.
Finian nodded.
"Come on. We need to enter before it disappears again."
Ron grabbed Finian's collar and activated his invisibility. Because they were in contact, Finian vanished too.
They slipped through the barrier.
Inside the colony, Ron released him but kept his ability active.
He glanced to the side.
"There's the entrance," Finian said, placing a hand on Ron's shoulder. "It was here all along."
He grinned. "I like your ability. Can I have it?"
"After the mission," Ron replied.
Finian gave him a thumbs up. "Deal. Let's map escape routes and emergency exits first."
Ron smirked. "Looks like your mercenary instincts are back."
Finian smiled and began scanning the surroundings.
Suddenly, Ron froze.
He nudged Finian. "Hey… that's your car."
Finian squinted. "Yeah. I gave it to Liora. Who dared steal it?"
They moved closer.
Inside the car were Ava and Liora.
Finian sighed in relief. "So it wasn't stolen."
Ron frowned.
I understand Liora being here… but Ava? And how did they track this place?
Lost in thought, Ron walked forward—
—and collided with someone.
A tall, muscular man stood before him.
The cleaner from the mansion.
He stared hard at Ron.
"Ron?"
Ron studied him. "Yes, I'm Ron… but I don't recognize you."
Finian immediately stepped in front of Ron, his back to him.
"Hey. Who are you?" Finian demanded.
The man stepped closer, towering over Finian.
"And who are you?"
Sweat formed on Finian's forehead. "I'm… his manager." He pointed his thumb at Ron.
"Calm down," Ron said, pulling Finian back slightly.
The cleaner's eyes turned cold. "Get lost. Unless you want to be beaten."
"How dare—" Finian began.
Ron quickly covered his mouth.
Ron stepped forward calmly.
"And you are, mister?"
The man's gaze sharpened.
"I'm Kai."