Three Days Later...

Elena sat on Akira's lap, his heavy arms wrapped around her petite body. He had been intimate with her the entire night, and by now, Elena was used to it—used to shutting down her emotions, reminding herself that she was nothing more than a doll.

In exchange, she got what she needed: medications for Suzune, fresh food, and temporary peace. Everything was going smoothly... except she still couldn't find a way to infiltrate another faction and spark a war between them and the Scavengers to complete her quest.

Suddenly, as they lounged in Akira's bed, there was a knock on the door, and Gerald entered, holding a smartphone in hand.

"We've received news, sir," he announced.

"Go on," Akira said lazily.

"Our spy in the Rulers' crew reports they're hunting for the OP Old Hag."

"You mean the old woman we're also after? The one rumored to possess overpowered skills?"

"Precisely, sir."

Akira pushed Elena off his lap and stood abruptly. "That's bad news, Gerald! We can't let the Rulers get to her first. If she's really as powerful as the rumors say, they'll crush us. We need to find her before they do! Mobilize the whole crew. Search everywhere—but avoid the Rulers' territory. We're not ready for war yet!"

"Yes, sir!" Gerald saluted and turned to leave.

As Gerald prepared for the search, he heard his name being called again. "GERALD!!"

He groaned and reentered the room.

"What is it, sir?"

"Prepare tea for my love and me before you go." Akira said.

"…Yes, sir." Gerald replied, holding back a sigh.

He didn't like being treated like a maid. But he had to endure it. After all, Commander Akira had promised to defeat Darren—the man who took his sister and turned her into one of his wife-slaves. As long as his sister is still under Darren, he'd serve Akira with everything he has. He is his only hope.

He prepared the tea, served it, and then left, commanding the men to begin their search.

As if luck finally smiled on them, after two fruitless days, they spotted Suzune walking down the street. She was just out there, taking a walk to release her stress and breath in some fresh air.

"That's her!!" one of the men shouted, pointing at Suzune. "That's the unbeatable woman! I saw her at the elementary school that day!"

Gerald narrowed his eyes, inspecting her from a distance. "That old woman?"

She didn't look powerful at all. If anytbing, she looked beatable. He could probably take her on and win. Still, he held back. Attacking her might ruin any chance of a civil approach.

"Alright, stay hidden. I'll talk to her myself," he ordered the men.

"She's dangerous, man!" one of the guys warned, grabbing Gerald by his tailored sleeve.

"If she attacks, you'll back me up." He straightened his suit and stepped out from behind the building where they were hiding, and trailed behind Suzune.

To his surprise, she didn't react at all to his presence behind her.

She's either too weak to sense me… or too confident to care. Either way…

He walked up beside her.

"Good afternoon, ma'am," he greeted.

Suzune looked up at him with calm, sunken eyes. "How are you, young man?"

"I'm good. Oh—I'm Gerald," he said, extending a hand.

"Suzune. Suzune Takamura." She shook his hand and continued walking.

She's too kind to be the OP Old Hag… Is she even the one?

"So… um, are you by any chance the OP Old Hag?" he asked.

Suzune paused. "The what?"

He repeated the question.

"I'm sorry, but I think I'm not who you're looking for. I hope you find the person, though," she replied kindly.

Gerald scratched his head. "Okay… Have a good day, ma'am," he said, bowing slightly before returning to his team.

"She says she's not the one."

"WHAT?" one of the men exclaimed. "She's obviously lying! That's the woman who destroyed the school and oug everyone into panic! Let's attack her if you think I'm lying! That way, you'll get to witness her power!"

Gerald sighed. He didn't want to use violence—but he also knew they might not get another chance to see this woman. And Darren could claim her at any time, too.

"…Alright. Let's go."

The crew began tailing Suzune. One member with a fire ability launched a fireball toward her—but it vanished into thin air before it touched her.

Gerald's eyes widened. What kind of skill was that?

No doubt about it—she's the one!

"Hold your fire!" he barked.

Suzune continued walking, completely unaware she'd been attacked.

Gerald hurried over.

"Ma'am... sorry about my guy. He attacked you."

"He did?" she said, genuinely surprised. "Really? I didn't even feel it."

Her calm demeanor is terrifying, Gerald thought.

The more reason to recruit her!

"Um… if it's not too much trouble, would you consider joining us? We're forming a crew to gather survivors. If Darren— the guy who began killing people right after this whole system thing started decides to attack, we'll be ready to have each other's back. We offer food, clean water, shelter... safety."

Suzune listened quietly and then sighed.

"Thanks for the offer. But I'm fine," she replied.

Now convinced of her power, Gerald didn't press further. He bowed.

"Thank you for your time, ma'am," and walked away.

But he wasn't letting go that easily. She was too valuable a trump card against the Rulers.

He sent the rest of the team back with a report.

"I'll stay and keep tabs on her. I'll use my skill to spy," he told them. "Tell the boss."

And just like that, Suzune was now being watched—without ever knowing it.

TBC