— Shadows Closing In—
Lyra hurried home, still trembling from her brush with death.
The harrowing car accident replayed in her mind. The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became that the senior members of her corporation's board were behind it. Her death would seamlessly deliver HelixPharm into their hands—
The thought sent a chill crawling up her spine.
"I need round-the-clock bodyguards from now on..."
She muttered to herself, then immediately dismissed the idea. "But who's to say they haven't infiltrated the security teams too?"
Her heart pounded like a drum. Every shadow felt hostile.
Paranoia crept in, slow and suffocating.
Then, a figure flashed into her mind—
The man who descended from the sky, wearing the Power Ranger mask.
If he were by her side... perhaps everything would be different.
But she didn't even know his name, let alone how to contact him.
"Sigh—" Lyra let out a soft sigh, suddenly remembering the talisman.
If she could possess such a magical charm again, perhaps she could protect herself.
Once the idea took hold, she couldn't stay still. She practically flew out the door, heading straight for the prison.
She wanted to confirm Eren's death personally, and also ask Aveline for another talisman, or at least learn its origin.
However, she knew this was only a temporary measure.
To truly eliminate the threat, she needed to expose those ambitious board members, one by one.
"Huh? That car—"
Lyra frowned, spotting a black sedan tailing her in the rearview mirror.
Her nerves stretched taut, hands gripping the steering wheel tightly, fearing another "accident."
Her heart in her throat the whole way, she finally reached the prison.
Fortunately, the journey was uneventful—but the feeling of being watched lingered stubbornly.
"The talisman, I need it now."
Lyra took a deep breath, pushed the car door open, and sprinted into the prison building as if running for her life.
The irony was cruel—
the place meant to cage monsters now felt safer than the world outside.
"How ironic..." she murmured with a bitter smile.
— Reunion at the Edge of Hatred —
Soon, Lyra found Aveline.
She rushed forward, grabbing her hand, voice urgent.
"Dear Aveline, do you have any more of those miraculous talismans?"
"Don't rush, have some water first."
Aveline handed her a glass, her face full of confusion. "Miss Lyra, what happened? Why are you so panicked?"
Lyra gave a brief account of the events.
Aveline was dumbstruck.
"You mean... that paper charm actually saved you? From a car explosion? "
Her eyes widened in disbelief. Did that talisman truly possess such power?
Eren... just who are you? Are you truly divine?
Lyra's tone was firm. "Officer Aveline, how could I joke about something like this? The talisman really saved me! I'm in grave danger, please—tell me, where did it come from?"
Aveline was momentarily speechless. The talisman was drawn by her arch-enemy, Eren, but she couldn't reveal the truth. She could only prevaricate, "This... I need to ask someone first. I'll get back to you."
Thinking Aveline was hesitating to help, Lyra pleaded desperately, "Dear, please, you must tell me! I'll pay any amount!"
"Okay, okay—don't worry. I'll go ask right now."
Aveline agreed, though she knew perfectly well: Eren wasn't in the prison at the moment; she could only call him.
"I'm counting on you."
Lyra nodded, following her outside, her expression earnest.
But the next second, her face changed drastically.
—Eren was walking in through the main gate.
His hands were in his pockets, his demeanor casual, as if he were just out for a stroll. He looked completely unlike a death row inmate facing imminent execution.
Spotting Lyra, Eren was visibly startled too—
Damn… bad timing.
If she recognized him as the Power Ranger savior, it would be trouble.
Fortunately, Lyra's eyes held nothing but pure hatred; the connection never crossed her mind.
Her gaze shot towards him like a blade, and she roared furiously:
"Why are you still alive?!"
She couldn't process the reality before her—
Someone had guaranteed this man wouldn't live to see today!
Yet here he was, walking into the prison safe and sound?!
Eren smiled bitterly, his voice low. "Lyra... do you really hate me that much? Do you truly wish for my death?"
"Hate? It's more than hate!"
Lyra roared, lunging at him like an enraged lioness.
"Dear, calm down! This is a prison, you can't act recklessly here!"
Aveline quickly grabbed hold of her, allowing Eren to slip away.
"Eren! Stop right there! I'll kill you with my own hands—!"
Lyra screamed, her eyes seeming to spit fire.
Aveline held her tightly. "Calm down! He'll be executed soon! Don't throw your own life away too!"
Lyra's chest heaved violently, her fingers still trembling—finally, she gradually calmed down. But a moment later, she asked coldly:
"Wasn't he confined to the prison block? Why was he walking around outside freely?"
Aveline replied without changing her expression. "The Warden took him out for an investigation, that's all. Don't overthink it."
"Is that so..." Lyra nodded thoughtfully.
Aveline swiftly changed the subject. "By the way, didn't you want the talisman? I'll get one for you right away."
Lyra's eyes lit up. "Yes! Please, hurry!"
---
In the Warden's office, Aveline looked at Eren, her expression complex.
"She hates you so much, yet you still save her? Give her talismans? Is it worth it?"
Eren sighed. "It's not about worth. Consider it a debt I owe her."
"Why did she come?"
"To ask for another talisman." Aveline said softly. "Are you still willing to give it?"
Eren gave a faint smile, took out a sheet of A4 paper, and with a slight movement of his fingers, the runic patterns surfaced once more.
"Give it to her. Whatever she asks for—I'll give it."
He handed the new talisman to Aveline, adding, "But remember, never tell her I made it."
Aveline shook her head and sighed softly. "I really don't get you..."
She walked out of the office and placed the talisman in Lyra's hands.
"Dear, take it. I hope it continues to protect you."
Lyra received it as if it were a priceless treasure, her hands almost trembling as she took it, thanking Aveline repeatedly.
Back in her car, she pressed the talisman close to her heart, finally feeling a profound sense of security.
But the moment she started the engine—
Lyra's heart sank like a stone.
That car... was there again.