— The Talisman's Glow —
Ten minutes later, a black Audi sped out through the prison gates.
"Mr. Eren, where shall I take you?"
Kane asked respectfully from the driver's seat.
"To HelixPharm."
In the back seat, Eren lightly spun a Power Ranger mask between his fingers—a toy left behind by Kane's son.
His initial thought had been to visit Seraphine first for a little 'chat.' The idea was tempting.
But Lyra might be in danger—ensuring her safety became the only priority.
HelixPharm, founded by the Veyne family on the breakthrough technology of 'Human Energy Stabilizers,' was now a pharmaceutical titan worth billions, known throughout the Novalis Sector.
But now, this empire teetered on the brink of collapse.
The first crisis: the Veyne family had been brutally wiped out, leaving Lyra as the sole survivor, attracting swarms of corporate vultures.
The second crisis: she had stubbornly vetoed the launch of a new product.
The very product that had been developed by—Eren.
She would rather die than profit from 'that man's' research.
This had infuriated the shareholders.
Exhausted both physically and mentally, Lyra was now driving her Maserati away from the HelixPharm headquarters alone.
"That demon Eren... you're probably dead by now,"
She let out a bitter laugh. "What a shame I couldn't witness your suffering myself."
She had paid a hefty sum for the hit. The contractor had guaranteed—Eren wouldn't see the next dawn.
Right now, the prison was probably in chaos.
Her thoughts drifted to the prison guard she met yesterday—Aveline.
That calm young woman had unexpectedly pressed a protective charm into her hand just before she left.
Lyra thought herself long numb, but that moment of warmth had still stirred something in her chest.
She pulled out the triangular paper charm and laughed mirthlessly.
"What a cheap little trinket... Can a piece of paper really protect a life?"
She shook her head, her finger moving to press the window button and toss it out—
but she stopped at the last moment.
" Forget it," she murmured. "It was given with good intent."
Just as she tucked the charm away again—
A blaring horn screamed, rapidly closing in.
A massive shadow swerved directly into her path.
An out-of-control heavy truck, like a unchained beast, was charging straight at her!
Lyra's pupils contracted in terror; she wrenched the steering wheel desperately—
But it was already too late.
CRAAASSHH—!!
The deafening sound of impact tore through the sky...
— The Mask in the Firelight —
"I'm done for... this is really it." Lyra's face went deathly pale, her heart hammering in her chest.
The Maserati was smashed apart by the heavy truck, erupting into raging flames.
At that critical moment, she felt a burning sensation in her palm.
A soft yet resilient light surged forth, enveloping her entire body in an intangible, protective barrier.
The destructive impact and the ensuing inferno failed to harm her in the slightest.
"How is this possible..." Stunned beyond words, Lyra didn't hesitate. She kicked open the deformed car door and swiftly escaped the burning wreck.
Only after reaching a safe distance did she look incredulously at her palm. The crude, makeshift paper talisman had already turned to ash, scattering in the wind.
"My God... it actually saved me!"
Even a fool could tell that the simple paper charm had shielded her life at the critical moment. The shock in Lyra's heart was indescribable.
"Aveline, my dear friend, thank you..." Just as Lyra was filled with gratitude, a van screeched to a halt in front of her.
The side door slid open, and five men with vicious faces, dressed like thugs, jumped out.
"Miss, had an accident? Need some help?" The leading bald man, his face fleshy and brutish, looked Lyra up and down with a lecherous gaze, not bothering to hide his greed.
The others also wore malicious smiles, their eyes roaming over Lyra's graceful figure.
Lyra's heart tightened. Forcing calm, she said, "I'm fine. I've already called the police. They'll be here soon."
"No, no — I think you need our special care." The bald man grinned menacingly and waved his hand. "Brothers, escort this lady into the car!"
Lyra immediately sensed the danger and turned to run, but the bald man and his crew were prepared, quickly blocking her escape.
"Get lost!" In desperation, Lyra sharply raised her foot and kicked the bald man in the groin.
"Ah—!" The bald man cried out in pain, collapsing. Enraged, he roared, "Kill this bitch!"
Several lackeys drew their daggers and pounced on Lyra like hungry wolves.
"It's over..." Despair instantly overwhelmed Lyra.
Just as the blades were about to touch Lyra, a majestic figure descended from above. With a single kick, he sent the lead thug flying several meters.
It was Eren.
He wore a mask styled after a Power Ranger — black and white, the stark design looking almost solemn in the flickering firelight.
"Who's there?... Stop playing tricks!" The bald man, enduring the pain, brandished his dagger with a false show of strength.
But before his words faded, a cold light flashed in Eren's eyes. He moved like lightning. In the few seconds it took Lyra to stare in shock, all the thugs were on the ground, screaming, spitting blood, and falling unconscious.
"So strong!" Lyra's beautiful eyes were full of admiration. "Thank you for saving me. What's your name? Why are you wearing a mask?"
Eren stood with his back to Lyra, struggling internally. He wanted to reveal his identity, but thinking of Lyra's hatred for him, he ultimately swallowed his words.
He altered his voice and said without turning around, "Just lending a hand. Take care."
"Wait!" Lyra chased a few steps, but the figure had already vanished from sight.
In a corner, Eren watched her leave safely, then flashed back to the scene. He stepped on the bald man, waking him.
"Talk. Who sent you?" Eren's voice was cold as steel.
Terrified out of his wits, the bald man stammered, "It was... it was the leader of the Iron Vow, Darius Crowne!"