The Million-Dollar Heart

Larry grunted in agreement.

Huxley, hearing the affirmation, let out a sigh of relief and gripped Carl's sleeve tighter, his gaze dropping as he lost himself in thought.

The group trekked on, the passage of time lost to them until a faint glimmer of light hinted at the end of their subterranean journey. "Thank God," Huxley exclaimed, spotting the brightness ahead. "Looks like we're finally going to see the light of day!"

The oppressive darkness of the mine shafts had been nearly suffocating, and the promise of escape was a balm to his weary spirit. Larry, however, squinted at the light suspiciously, his instincts on high alert. Things were never this easy.

If an exit was so conveniently placed, what was the point of dragging them down here in the first place?

His steps became cautious as he whispered a warning to the others, "Stay sharp. Something's fishy up ahead."

They continued, the light growing stronger, beckoning them forward despite the potential danger.

Emerging from the stifling confines of the mine, they found themselves in a surprisingly large clearing.

"Did we actually make it out?" Carl muttered, disbelief etched across his face.

Larry's brow furrowed tighter. He was half-expecting an ambush.

Free from the claustrophobic tunnels, Huxley took a deep breath, allowing himself a momentary sense of relief. The last thing he wanted was to revisit the horrors of the mine. Although Larry and Carl were with him, that was still a terrifying experience.

"Tsk." Just then, as if on cue, a woman adorned with a golden half-mask appeared, her form draped in a striking red dress that hugged her curves like a second skin. She oozed an air of mystery and grace.

With her hands on her hips and a silver fan in her grasp, she had the poise of a seasoned actress on stage, though how long she had been there was anyone's guess.

flick of her fan, she clapped lightly, her laughter tinged with a hint of praise. "Not bad. You've made it here

only one with any real fighting prowess among them,

off, and his strength was nearly restored. But he knew this woman's skills were superior to his own; her mere presence, undetected until now, was proof enough. "Who are you?" Larry's voice was flat, his eyes

his word was law, but here in M State, he

her mask, curved into a mocking smile. "You're

his attack with eerie

revealing needles that flew at Larry.

to be bested

standard of Emerald Mountain's disciple? Disappointing." she

coughed up another mouthful of

aren't waiting for your precious senior and the Nine

that this woman was so well-informed about Vivienne and the Nine Mystics Society

a nagging feeling that there was more to their abduction than what met

My people have cleaned them up nicely," she said, fanning herself leisurely as if

as despair was setting in, a sound echoed from

the shadows emerged Vivienne and Percival, hand in hand, their expressions

masked woman's sneer waned at the sight of them together. "Oh? You two are a

mistaken

thrusting her needles at the red-dressed enigma,

"Impolite as ever. I held you as a child,