– At the Talk Show –
Another senior spoke up, answering the host's question.
"We are going to stay focused on this. After all, the situation isn't much to think about. Just like other criminal organizations that came in the past and fell, this one will meet the same demise."
The host laughed in agreement.
She then asked, "So, are you all going to attend the funeral for those who passed away in the attack on CODE?"
Butcher, a respected senior, looked directly into the camera as he replied,
"Some of the personnel working at CODE were once students of Ascenders. We will be honored to join and give a peaceful goodbye to them all, as we say, 'Rest in peace.'"
---
– Inside the Hideout –
Crash!
Tracy, a member of the Unknown, shouted in rage and threw a cup at the television displaying the talk show.
"HOW DARE THEY?!"
The other members yelled over her, trying to calm her down.
"Relax! We're not even close to the studio!"
Some understood her anger, nodding quietly. A few were already suggesting they should ruin the funeral.
Others quickly declined the idea.
"Top heroes might be there. We can't take that risk," one of them said sternly.
After a long pause, they all exchanged looks and sighed. The tension in the room was thick—every breath, heavy.
Then someone broke the silence.
"…We plan," they said simply.
Soon, they moved around the table, calling in others as ideas were thrown down. The sound of papers rustling and footsteps echoing filled the dim room.
---
– Heroes Association Headquarters –
Meanwhile, at the Heroes Association, all the top heroes had gathered.
The president stood firmly at the head of the room, his gaze sharp and commanding.
"I hope you all know why we're here today."
A synchronized nod spread through the crowd—boots shifting, chairs creaking.
The president continued, his tone grave.
"The loss of CODE has spread fear into the hearts of many citizens. It's also emboldened other criminal organizations to act recklessly."
He stepped forward, the echo of his footsteps cutting through the silence.
"We must prove the heroes haven't gone soft."
He paused, letting those words linger in the air like a heavy heartbeat.
"After the funeral for the fallen members of CODE, we will begin a full investigation into the criminal organization now known as The Unknown."
Valley, one of the elite heroes, raised her voice.
"Star described one of the culprits as a teenager."
"Those Who Dare Speak of the Unknown…"
The words sent a chill through the room. Murmurs rose. Gasps followed.
The president raised his hand calmly.
"At least we have something rather than nothing," he said firmly.
Then SEER stood up, his expression unreadable.
"We'll find the culprit after the funeral," he said quietly.
The faint hum of tension filled the air again.
---
– The Unknown's Hideout –
Elsewhere, the room door burst open. Bang!
Several members rushed in before Demon could react. Their voices overlapped, chaotic.
"Can you all shut up?" Demon groaned, rubbing his temple.
Footsteps shuffled, but silence came instantly when Sonia stepped forward—damp hair, towel on shoulder, calm as ever.
Every guy froze.
Perverted thoughts filled the air like smoke. Demon immediately noticed.
"She was just taking a bath in my bathroom. Relax," he said flatly.
They didn't believe him—until Winner strolled in casually.
"Hey Sonia, your shower's working fine now."
Sonia nodded and turned to the room. "If you all are done being idiots, do you have something important to say?"
The crowd groaned, embarrassed. Then someone snapped back into focus.
"Right! Demon, do you have any ideas on how we can sabotage a funeral?"
Demon blinked, confused. "Why would anyone want to sabotage a funeral?"
Before they could answer, their eyes drifted to the jagged, black tattoo snaking along Demon's right arm—alive with faint heat.
Demon caught their stares and scowled. "I asked a question."
Someone cleared their throat nervously.
"The world's planning a massive funeral for CODE," they said. "Heroes, civilians… everyone's watching."
"You should've started with that," Demon said sharply, standing up. "When is it?"
"Tomorrow," Vin replied.
---
– Strategy Hall –
Minutes later, Hakimi's voice echoed through the dark hall as he addressed the Unknown members.
"There's no need for us to act directly in the field," he said. "We'll watch the results comfortably, from home."
A wave of cheers broke out.
"The CODE will never have a peaceful rest!" someone shouted.
The room's atmosphere grew heavier—hearts pounding, a faint rumble of synchronized chants filling the air.
"Whoever falls into the Unknown… shall fear the Unknown!"
Their voices collided like thunder, shaking the very floor.