The Cipher: Locks and Keys

Chapter 9: Fractured Memories, Fractured Fates



Yuri's gaze fixed on Specter, the enigmatic figure who'd emerged from the shadows. Sensing the weight of the mission ahead, Yuri knew they needed Specter's unique skill set. "Specter," Yuri addressed him, "we need you to investigate the enemy's movements and uncover their true objective. Your expertise in covert operations is crucial to our success."

Specter nodded, his eyes glinting with determination. "Understood," he replied, his voice steady. "I'll gather the information we need."

While Specter pursued his investigation and Yuri coordinated their defences, Lockey and Cassian's battle raged on.

The clash of their powers echoed through the darkness, neither combatant gaining a decisive advantage. Cassian's chains sought to ensnare Lockey, but the skilled warrior deftly avoided the restraints, his precision strikes severing the chains in a flurry of motion.

As the fight wore on, Cassian saw an opportunity to turn the tide in his favour. Feigning exhaustion, he allowed Lockey to draw closer, only to unleash a powerful strike that caught Lockey off guard.

The force of the blow sent Lockey staggering, and in that moment, Cassian capitalized on his opponent's vulnerability, delivering a series of relentless attacks that ultimately brought Lockey to his knees.

With victory in his grasp, Cassian prepared to take Lockey captive when Specter emerged from the shadows.

Surprised by the sudden arrival, Cassian hesitated, allowing Specter to intervene. "Is the green-haired one your objective?" Specter inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Cassian glared at Specter, his annoyance palpable. "It's none of your concern," he snapped.

Specter shook his head, his voice calm but unwavering. "I can't allow you to go free." In a flash, he retrieved his communication device, relaying his findings to Yuri. "This is Specter. The enemy appears to be targeting specific students within the school. I've located one of the members of the Red Blood organization."

Yuri's voice crackled through the device, acknowledging Specter's report. "Understood. Backup will be arriving shortly."

Cassian's eyes widened in surprise, his expression hardening as he realized the extent of their knowledge. "So, you know about the Red Blood," he muttered, his mind racing to reassess his strategy in light of this revelation.

Meanwhile, Mira and Titan navigated the corridors in search of Glutton and Rina's location. Upon discovering Glutton, battered and bruised, they wasted no time in questioning him. "Where is Rina's location?" Mira demanded, her impatience evident.

Glutton, his pride wounded by his failure, begged for one more chance to prove himself. "I can handle it," he insisted, his voice desperate. "Please, give me one more chance to complete the mission."

Mira scowled, unimpressed by his pleas. "What can someone as fat as you do? You can't even handle a single mission."

Stinging from Mira's insult, Glutton relented, divulging Rina's location. "You'll find them on the fifth floor," he muttered, his eyes downcast in defeat.

Rina and Marco, now in a safe location, ponder the enemy's objective. Marco breaks the silence, "I wonder why the enemy is after you." Rina's brow furrows in concentration, "The logo... I've seen it before, but I can't remember where."

Sensing Marco's curiosity, Rina changes the subject. "So, you also possess power similar to mine?" she asks, eager to learn more about her newfound ally. Marco nods, a hint of mystery in his voice. "Yeah, it's a long story."

Rina and Marco's conversation is abruptly interrupted as Mira and Titan, both members of the Red Blood organization, make their entrance. Mira's body shifts into a liquid state, allowing her to seep through the cracks in the room before solidifying in front of Rina. Her voice is cold and demanding, "Rina, we've come to bring you back to the Red Blood."

Titan stands at the ready, his skin hardening into an impenetrable Armor. His eyes lock onto Marco, recognizing him as a potential threat. "You're not taking her anywhere," Marco retorts, his powers flaring to life in anticipation of a fight.

Before either side can make a move, two new figures join the fray - Pinnochi and Lee, members of the WCM. Pinnochi, a master of poisons, skillfully wields his poison-laced daggers, striking at Mira and Titan with lethal precision. With a single scratch, he can inflict a range of debilitating effects on his targets, leaving them vulnerable and disoriented.

Lee, armed with his trusty guns, provides covering fire, pinning down Mira and Titan as Pinnochi circles in for the kill. "Seems like you two have bitten off more than you can chew," Lee taunts, his voice filled with confidence.

As the battle rages on, it becomes clear that Pinnochi and Lee's arrival has turned the tide in Marco and Rina's favour. Despite their best efforts, Mira and Titan find themselves outmatched by the unexpected reinforcements.

Sensing defeat, Cassian's voice echoes from a distance, ordering Mira and Titan to fall back. With a final glare at Marco and Rina, the Red Blood operatives disappear, their exit marked by a puff of smoke.

Pinnochi and Lee introduce themselves to Marco and Rina, their earlier intensity giving way to a more relaxed demeanour. "Looks like we arrived just in time," Pinnochi remarks, his daggers vanishing as he offers a hand to Marco.

Lee holsters his guns, a smirk playing at the corner of her lips. "All in a day's work for the WCM."

With the Red Blood operatives in retreat, the WCM takes control of the situation. Turning their attention to Lockey and Rina, they request their cooperation for an interrogation. Rina, familiar with the organization, agrees without hesitation. Lockey, still unsure about their intentions, reluctantly follows suit.

As they are escorted to the WCM headquarters, Lockey can't help but voice his curiosity. "Who are these guys?" he asks Rina, his brow furrowed in confusion.

Rina offers a brief explanation, "They're the World Cyphone Management. They gather people with key and lock-type powers like us." Lockey's mind races with questions, but he remains silent, a sense of cautious optimism washing over him.

Upon reaching the interrogation room, Lockey and Rina are greeted by Specter and Yuri. Specter introduces himself as a 1st division officer, while Yuri reveals his position as a 0 division officer. "We'd like to ask you a few questions," Yuri begins, his tone professional.

"Do either of you possess any ancient objects or artifacts?" Rina shakes her head in response. Specter turns his piercing gaze toward Lockey. "You emit a strong energy. Is there anything you'd like to share?"

With a faint smile, Lockey decides to test the waters, hoping to gain some insight into his own mysterious key. "I've got nothing except for this strange key," he admits, holding up the object in question.

Yuri steps forward, acknowledging Lockey's curiosity. "We're aware of the keys and locks. They contain unique powers, but their origins remain a mystery to us."

As the interrogation concludes, Lockey and Rina are dismissed. Making their way through the WCM facility, Lockey suddenly comes face to face with a familiar figure - Lee. Their eyes meet, and a brief moment of surprise passes between them.

"Well, well, look who it is," Lee remarks, his tone a mixture of amusement and curiosity. "Never thought I'd see you here, Lockey."

Lockey responds with a small smile, cautious but intrigued by their unexpected reunion. "Seems we've both been caught up in this crazy situation," he muses


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