"That sounds like a solid name to me," Nova said, a genuine grin visible beneath the edge of his fox mask.
"Order of the Blackthorn. It'll do," Sara added, giving a curt nod of approval.
"I don't care what you call it, as long as my research budget gets an upgrade," Ray muttered, already tapping away at a handheld device. Riku didn't speak, but he offered a respectful tilt of his head.
"Can we go now? It's nearly dark, and if I don't get to my bed soon, I'm going to pass out right here," Rio groaned, stifling a massive yawn.
"Wait, I have a question," Helios said, his voice dropping into a nervous register.
"What is it, Leader? We're here to serve," Nova chirped, though his tone was slightly playful.
"Do you know where I can buy a new house?" Helios asked. I don't have to worry about the money anymore. I can just draw from the organization's accounts, right?
The room went quiet for a beat before Nova burst into laughter. "Oh, we forgot to mention! Members of the Order get housing in Area 3 for free. But for higher-ups like us? We have luxury estates in Area 2, courtesy of our old 'arrangements' with the noble faction."
Free housing? Why was I sleeping on a cold floor while owning a real estate empire? This changes everything.
"Brother... are we moving?" Luna asked softly, rubbing her eyes as she fought to stay awake.
"Yes, Moon," Helios whispered, his voice softening as he offered her a gentle smile. "We finally have a place of our own. A real home."
"That's good... Mom and Dad would be so happy if they were here," Luna murmured, her head lolling onto Helios's lap as she drifted back into sleep.
The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly. Sara's expression turned stone-cold serious. "Leader, we need to talk. This is important."
"Keep it down," Helios hissed, protectively patting Luna's head. "She's finally asleep, and I don't want her waking up to more shouting."
"Fine," Sara whispered. "It's about your parents."
My parents? Do they know them? Please don't ask anything I can't answer...
"What about them?" Helios asked, his heart hammering against his ribs.
"Were they part of a Seeker Clan?" Nova asked, leaning in with intense curiosity.
"What's a Seeker Clan?" Helios blurted out. Damn it! I was supposed to say that in my head!
"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised you don't know," Sara said, her eyes narrowed. "You were living like a commoner when we found you. But surely you've noticed your own potential?"
Wait, if I pretend I know, will I look more suspicious or less?
"Let me enlighten you," Sara continued. "Seeker Clans are ancient lineages that have survived since the First and Second Eras. To the public, they look like prestigious military noble families. But to us, they are the most formidable forces in existence. They remain neutral, beholden to no faction, and they consider themselves superior even to the Imperial Royal Family."
Arrogant bastards, Helios thought.
"These clans have members who transcend our current ranking system," Sara explained. "They possess technology and artifacts that can measure Spiral Power precisely. They don't use 'Low' or 'High' ranks; they have true numbers."
So we're just playing in the dirt while they have power meters? What are our researchers even doing? Helios shot a pointed look at Ray.
"Don't look at me like that," Ray snapped defensively. "We lack the materials, the funding, and the classified data to build a scanner like theirs."
Helios turned his gaze toward Nova and Rio. "Can't we just... spy on one?"
"Leader, if we even move a shadow toward a Clan estate, this organization would be wiped off the map by sunrise," Rio said flatly.
"So, what does this have to do with my parents?" Helios asked. I hope they don't expect me to remember anything.
"The Fallen that possessed you claimed your parents belonged to a Clan," Sara said. "Did they truly never tell you anything about their past?"
"Maybe they were exiled," Nova suggested. "Or they ran away to lead a normal life. If we knew your real age, we could cross-reference, which Clan had members go missing around that time. You could even go back and claim your place as an heir."
They want to investigate the Clans now? And why the sudden interest in my age? I can barely remember my own name... wait, I think I'm nineteen.
"I'm nineteen," Helios stated.
Nova paused, his head tilting to the side. "That's strange. I distinctly remember you telling us you were twenty-six a few months ago."
Shit! Think, Helios! Why did I say nineteen? Maybe the original Helios lied to them...
"Well," Helios said, forced a nervous smile. "I might have told a little lie back then. I didn't exactly trust you guys when we first met."
"Why lie about your age but use your real name?" Riku asked, his voice laced with suspicion.
I can fix this. "I heard rumours," Helios lied smoothly. "I heard your group didn't target people in their twenties for 'blood summons.' I didn't know back then that those rumours were fake."
Riku stared at him for a long moment before nodding slowly. "A bit suspicious, but... understandable. We can verify the details tomorrow."
"Enough," Rio groaned, standing up. "We all need to go home unless someone plans on sleeping on the infirmary floor. I'm exhausted."
"Agreed," Sara said. "We'll take you to your new estate in Area 2 tomorrow morning, Leader."
One more night on the floor, Helios thought with a sigh. I was so close to a real bed.
The members dispersed, leaving the base in silence. Helios carried the sleeping Luna through the dark streets back to their dilapidated shack. He fumbled with the keys, the door creaking on its hinges as they entered.
"Brother... are we home?" Luna whispered, stirring in his arms.
"Yes, Moon. Go brush your teeth and get into bed."
Luna obeyed sleepily, her eyes barely open as she finished her routine and collapsed onto the thin mattress. "Goodnight, brother."
"Goodnight, Luna."
Helios sat by the window, watching the moonlight hit the floor. Tomorrow, he wouldn't be a beggar in a shack. Tomorrow, he would be the Sovereign of the Blackthorn.
Is Helios ready to face the potential discovery of his true lineage, or will the "other" entity in his head reveal more secrets first?