As their conversation continued, Ethan started to understand Celeste a little better.

She had joined the Ninth Division at just fifteen. Her abilities weren't those of a typical fighter, she was something else. A Controller.

Through her, Ethan learned about the hidden world lurking beneath the surface of society. Controllers, in simple terms, were people with unique abilities.

The thing they encountered last night? That was a Mutant.

Mutants could alter their bodies in different ways, adapting to their abilities. Some could morph their limbs into weapons, like the guy they fought yesterday. Others could transform into beasts or take on entirely new forms.

Celeste explained that the one they encountered wasn't particularly strong. He could only change his arm into a blade.

But that blade had a unique ability. The crimson glow surrounding it wasn't just for show, it absorbed blood, converting it into energy. The more he killed, the stronger he became.

Then, Celeste revealed her own power.

Air.

Her speed and strength? Not innate. She manipulated the air around her, reducing resistance, increasing force, or propelling herself forward.

However, her ability had limits. She could only affect the air in her immediate surroundings. True long-range manipulation, the kind found in fantasy movies, hadn't been seen in ages.

These days, whether it was Controllers, Mutants, or even Soul-Wielders, their power was measured by physical combat ability.

Their unique skills? Just support tools.

Celeste admitted that she hadn't sensed Ethan's strength through some advanced perception. It was when they brushed past each other in the training room, she had felt an unnatural shift in the air.

At first, she assumed he had awakened a speed or strength-based ability.

But looking at things now… Ethan had awakened Soul Power. And that was unheard of.

Celeste had never heard of anyone awakening Soul Power. Normally, it manifested naturally, by the age of six, a person either had it or didn't.

Ethan frowned. "So that means… the people the Silverwood family and others hunted down, were all kids?"

Celeste was silent for a moment before nodding.

She then added, "But in the past century, no Soul-Wielders have been hunted. Lyla's father's generation never had to get their hands dirty."

"The last known Soul-Wielder is our division head, Director Vaughn."

"Of course, that doesn't mean there aren't any others out there. But the Soulstone has remained dormant for over a hundred years."

Ethan nodded, taking it all in.

With that explanation out of the way, Celeste moved on to something else, the Ninth Division itself.

"Ethan, you need to know, this isn't the same Ninth Division as before."

She met his gaze, her expression dark.

"I told you my squadmates were killed by our own people. That's because there was a traitor inside."

"To survive, I had to play dumb for years."

Celeste's voice was steady, but there was something cold beneath it.

"Our unit was ambushed. Our entire operation had been leaked. We walked straight into a trap."

"My captain… my team… they all died."

She took a breath, her fingers curling slightly.

"They used their own bodies to get me out."

Ethan didn't speak. He just listened.

Celeste exhaled slowly, her voice quieter now.

"The last thing my captain ever told me? No matter what it takes—live. And avenge us."

"So, after I came back, I played dumb, spent over two years locked up in a psych ward."

Celeste's voice was calm, but her words were anything but.

"I was only released recently, right before coming to your school."

Ethan frowned. "And you're not afraid they'll come after you again?"

Celeste shook her head. "I told you—I was only released after being evaluated."

"The so-called evaluation was actually a memory wipe."

"But what they don't know… is that before I was released, Director Vaughn met with me in secret. He told me it was time to get back to work."

"That's when I understood, he knew I was faking it all along."

"So, I played along, pretended to gradually recover. Then, one night, they arranged for my memories to be erased."

She smirked. "Except… they weren't."

"Director Vaughn used Soul Power to create a firewall in my mind. They thought they erased my memories, but they didn't. They also implanted… let's just call it a 'preference' for women."

"He was going to undo that part, but I refused. I figured, why not? If it helps me stay hidden, it's worth keeping."

She turned to Ethan.

"Now, I just need one thing from you. Help me. Or walk away."

Ethan was stunned.

A memory wipe? A mental firewall? Implanting a preference into someone's mind?

That was some sci-fi-level insanity. Stuff like this only happened in movies or novels.

Then again… He had literally been reborn. At this point, what wasn't possible?

"How do I help you?" Ethan asked.

Celeste's gaze sharpened.

"Director Vaughn gave me one mission: Find someone I can completely trust, bring them into the Ninth Division, and uncover the mastermind trying to take control of it."

"We need to root out the traitors inside."

"For you, it's simple, just join the Ninth Division naturally. Don't do anything suspicious. Just observe."

"If someone tries to recruit or bribe you, play along. If possible, infiltrate their inner circle and find out who's pulling the strings."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "So… you want me to be a spy?"

"And you just trust me like that? What if they offer me something too good to refuse?"

Celeste smirked. "You can try. Just don't blame me if I steal Lyla from you."

Even behind her dark sunglasses, the way her lips curled up was undeniably attractive.

"Tch. Once I figure out how to use Soul Power, I'll erase that weird quirk of yours. Maybe even give you a thing for—oh, I dunno—flirting with every guy you see."

"You wouldn't dare—"

"Why wouldn't I? Remember, I'm a Soul-Wielder now. You should be a little more respectful." Ethan snatched the cigarette from her fingers and lit one for himself.

Celeste rolled her eyes. "You think Soul Power is that easy to control? You can't just edit someone's mind whenever you feel like it."

"If the target resists, the backlash could kill you. Best-case scenario, you'd be coughing up blood for a week. Worst-case? Your soul shatters completely."

She exhaled slowly.

"Soul Power is strong. But dangerous doesn't even begin to describe it. Focus on training. Get stronger as a fighter first. If you mistakenly expose your identity as a Soul-wielder, I guarantee you won't be able to survive for…"

She lifted a finger.

Ethan narrowed his eyes. "One day?"

Celeste shook her head. "One hour."

Ethan almost laughed. "Come on. You're exaggerating."

"Try me."

Ethan scoffed internally. An hour? Please. I have Old Man Morzan watching over me.

And as if on cue, a voice echoed in his mind.

"She's right."

Ethan nearly jumped. 'Damn it, old man! Can you stop popping out of nowhere?! You're gonna scare me to death one of these days!'