"Hello, Dean!"
A petite, hooded girl moved her lips, speaking silent words to Dean, who was giving Niel a tight, koala-like hug.
"Carol!!!"
Dean's pupils constricted sharply. He hadn't expected this visit would lead him to encounter this demoness! Carol was indeed the true protagonist of the prison construction site suicide case Anthony had used to teach him the Akaz School's Mind Reading Technique—a self-taught prodigy, a mere thirteen-year-old demoness! Her presence at the airport suggested she was waiting specifically for him!
At this thought, Dean took a deep breath, let go of Niel, and after kissing her forehead, spoke softly, "Niel, a dangerous acquaintance is nearby. I'm not sure of her intentions. You should leave first, or it might hinder me and cause unnecessary trouble."
Hearing this, Niel's expression stiffened for a moment before she regained her composure. An unprecedented, valiant aura appeared on her face. "Darling, do you need help?"
"I'll take care of it!"
Dean stroked Niel's hair, pleased with her progress and maturity. "What you need to do is go to the hotel and freshen up. I have a lot I want to share with you tonight."
"Alright. I hope to watch the sunrise with you tomorrow morning. Don't disappoint me!"
After Niel spoke, she left without hesitation. Clearly, during the days they were apart, she hadn't limited herself to progress in business; she had also made unacknowledged efforts in other areas. This allowed her to shed her former delicateness and remain calm when faced with sudden events.
This was undoubtedly something Dean admired.
Of course... if only Carol hadn't appeared, tonight would have been even more wonderful!
Only after Niel's figure vanished from sight did Dean, suitcase in hand, approach Carol. They locked eyes for a few moments before he extended his palm towards her, meeting her gaze filled with interest and a desire to probe. "It surprises me that you know me, Carol."
Carol also stretched out her emaciated hand, letting it sink into Dean's warm, broad palm. An unnatural, eerie smile spread across her face. "Because I've always been curious about the kind of person who could make Anthony willingly forsake an easily attainable victory and refuse me, all to fulfill the cherished ambition he's held since leaving the Akaz School!"
A cherished ambition? Dean mused, though his expression remained calm.
The Carol before him seemed weak and feeble, someone he could crush with one hand. But this girl was extremely dangerous! This wasn't Dean just psyching himself out; it was the distinct warning his acute senses were sending him. The Akaz School had, after all, originated from an Assassin Organization. Humans were, in fact, fragile creatures. Firearms allowed a six or seven-year-old child to easily kill a strong adult who had practiced martial arts for years, not to mention the various poisons that grew increasingly esoteric with technological advancement. Considering Carol could hypnotize an adult even *before* joining the Akaz School, and had now been with them for a good three or four months... Dean dared not imagine how many undetectable killing methods this girl now possessed. So, at this moment, in close proximity and unarmed, he already considered this inconspicuous girl an opponent on his own level. When interacting with someone like her, every word, every action, even a single glance, could reveal a weakness and lead him into a trap of her design. If her timing hadn't been so impeccable, Dean would never have allowed himself to get this close to her. Instead, he would have had his firearm ready, prepared to shoot at the slightest hint of trouble, giving her no chance to make a move!
Just as he'd thought, when Dean didn't respond to her previous statement, Carol's curiosity only intensified.
She let her smile fade, her expression turning serious. She pulled a document from her pocket and said gravely, "I know you're wary of me, but there's no need. I'm just a little... unhealthily devoted, not crazy."
Dean just stared.
Dammit! Is there really a difference between being 'unhealthily devoted' and 'crazy'? He'd never provoke someone like that. Even with Mastery Level 'Mentoring', he wouldn't dare! Otherwise, given his tendencies, who knew when his 'little brother' might bid him farewell.
But he was an adult, after all. He couldn't afford to seem weak in a verbal exchange!
Dean lifted his chin slightly. "You don't have to be jealous. I know you're upset that Mentor Anthony values me, just as you resent being treated like a tool for someone else's vengeance since the day you were born. So, if you have something to say, say it directly!"
Faced with Dean's provocation, Carol raised an eyebrow, that peculiar, unnatural smile returning to her lips. "You *are* interesting. I'm starting to take you seriously!"
With that, she didn't give Dean a chance, handing the document to him. "The reason I knew you were coming to the Commonwealth is because Mr. Anthony had your information registered with the Akaz Academy here. So, when you bought your plane ticket, our intelligence department received your details. As for why I came to find you..."
Carol clasped her hands behind her back, lowered her head, and scuffed the ground with her foot. "Just as you said, I am indeed very unhappy that Mr. Anthony values you so much. So, I want to test your caliber."
"And if my caliber isn't up to par, what will you do?"
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