The Charismatic Charlie Wade

Hearing these words, Morgana felt an icy chill shoot through her from the soles of her feet to her scalp.

It was a sensation she hadn’t experienced since the accidental rescue by Morvel more than three centuries ago on Shiwan Mountain.

The last time panic had gripped her was when she stumbled upon Morvel’s portrait online. But now, she faced the shocking revelation that her master, who had seemingly reached the end more than 300 years ago and ventured westward, might still be alive today. The impact of this revelation was utterly unprecedented.

Morgana couldn’t contain the fear welling up in her heart. With a voice quivering, she stammered, “Master… Your Disciple… I… I know that I was wrong…”

In that moment, an enraged shout pierced Morgana’s ears as Morvel’s frigid voice commanded, “Begone!”

His words struck Morgana’s heart like a thunderbolt. She dared not hesitate any longer.

Trembling, she rose, bowed to the stone wall, and whispered, “Master, I seek forgiveness for my sins. I will depart…”

Turning away with haste, she dragged her leaden legs out of the cave.

Once outside, Morgana didn’t dare linger. She briskly exited the mountain, her heartbeat racing faster and heavier than ever before.

She muttered to herself, “How is this possible… How is this possible… Didn’t he reach his end more than three centuries ago? Why is he still alive today?”

Her mind swirled with doubts. “No! It’s not certain whether he’s alive or dead! Perhaps he truly isn’t dead, or maybe his consciousness endures even after death. Perhaps he died long ago, leaving behind nothing more than an illusion to torment me…”

solace to be found in Morgana’s racing thoughts. Despite considering all three possibilities, she couldn’t find a single reassuring answer. All

***

monitored real-time footage from surveillance cameras within dozens of kilometers of Morgana’s

the mountains, with only two small towns

Maria enlisted the help of Marius, Keagan, and Larry, four octogenarians, each operating a computer to share the workload.

fatigue eluded them, and dry eyes remained at bay. Then, Maria exclaimed, “It’s

over to see the surveillance footage of a woman walking determinedly along a rural

this camera?” Jagoan

kilometers from where Morgana disappeared, near a town called

suspect she left the highway somehow.

said,

van in the footage. After a brief exchange with the driver, she waved a wad of red banknotes, persuading

was bewildered. “Where is Morgana

shrugged. “I can’t fathom it, my

now, let’s keep an eye on her and see where that van

concentrated on traffic routes, allowing Maria to track the van’s movements by switching between

town, heading

China. She messaged her crew, urging them

route she used to enter,

from a tunnel, and Morgana recognized the bridge where she had abandoned