The next day, Alexander contacted Alaric and told him what had happened with Nova "the Left Hand".
Jacob noticed the change in Alaric's expression the moment he heard the name.
Their relationship… was clearly complicated.
Alaric said,
"The Left Hand possesses perfect concealment. He handles sensitive information… and eliminates internal threats."
He paused briefly.
"Few words… many actions."
Then his tone shifted slightly.
"But that's not what concerns me."
A moment of silence.
"It's his speed."
Jacob, curious and excited, asked,
"Who's stronger… you or him?"
Alaric smiled faintly, then answered with calm humility,
"Him."
Then he turned to Alexander.
"Contact Valerian."
A brief pause.
"He's the leader of the elite. Responsible for precise operations… and coordination between branches."
Alexander frowned slightly.
"You know I don't like that arrogant man. He's cold… controlling."
Alaric replied calmly,
"Yet he shows mercy… to those who deserve it."
A short silence.
"He's the one who will help me find the Fox."
Then Alaric suddenly turned to Jacob and said,
"Go get me a cigarette."
It was clearly a way to send him away.
Once Jacob left, Alaric's expression changed.
He looked directly into Alexander's eyes and said in a low voice:
"If Nova comes near you again…"
A pause.
"I'll hunt him down."
Another pause.
"And I'll kill him."
He then placed his hands on his head… and walked away.
Alexander smiled faintly and murmured,
"I know you will."
Jacob returned shortly after, holding a pack of cigarettes, and handed it to him.
Alaric took it, then looked at him seriously.
"Things are starting to take a dangerous turn."
A brief pause.
"I'll help you become stronger."
He looked straight at him.
"I'll bring you a gift tomorrow."
Then added:
"Be ready…"
"Because if this works"
"Your life will change completely."
Jacob didn't sleep well.
Every time he closed his eyes…
He saw those memories.
He saw Alaric… in a way he never imagined.
And he saw… himself.
The next morning.
A knock on the door Three slow knocks ,Jacob opened it.
Alaric.
"Come."
Nothing more.
Minutes later…They were heading somewhere Jacob had never seen before.
Outside the city Far away , Unnaturally quiet , An old building…It looked like an abandoned hospital.
Broken windows ,Walls worn down by time ,Jacob stopped.
"…This place?"
"This is where the truth begins," Alaric said calmly.
They went inside.
A strange smell ,A mix of dust… and something else , Something… alive.
Alaric led him through dark corridors until they reached a massive metal door , Heavy Covered in unknown symbols , Alaric placed his hand on it It opened Inside the room…There was only one thing.
A box.
Black.
Matte.
As if it absorbed light itself , Jacob felt something strange His heart started beating faster Not just fear…Something else ,Attraction.
"What is this…?" he asked quietly.
Alaric looked at the box, then said:
"Your gift."
"A weapon?"
Silence.
"Not exactly."
He stepped closer.
"This… is not something you use."
Then he looked directly at Jacob.
"It's something… that awakens."
Heavy silence.
"It opens… what's inside you."
Jacob's eyes widened.
"You mean… my power?"
Alaric didn't answer right away Instead, he said:
"Do you trust me?"
A simple question…But heavier than anything else.
Jacob hesitated , One second…Two…Then
"Yes."
Alaric nodded.
"Then open it."
Jacob stepped forward slowly Each step Heavier than the last , He reached out his hand…Stopped Then He opened the box , Silence At first…He saw nothing ,Then :
Light.
Faint.
White… mixed with black ,And suddenly , A scream.
Not from outside , From inside him.
Jacob fell to his knees, clutching his head.
"AAAH!!"
Images.
Fast.
Violent.
Unclear.
Versions of him.
Hundreds.
Thousands.
All of them… staring at him , A voice A whisper.
"Finally…"
Jacob opened his eyes ,But They were not the same , He looked at his hands , A strange energy moved around him , Unstable Alaric watched him closely.
"…As I expected."
But then Suddenly The energy exploded.
Jacob lost control , The walls cracked.
The ground shook.
And his voice came out But it wasn't only his:
"MAKE IT STOP!!!"
Alaric moved instantly Placing his hand on Jacob's shoulder.
"Focus!"
A crack voice coming from the back door , alarec immediately turn his body ...
Who's this ?