Rise of The Abandoned Husband

"The Veridia City Martial Guild is like a steel fortress with glass windows," I explained, pacing the small room where the Man with the Mustache and I had taken refuge. "Impenetrable in most places, but with very specific vulnerabilities."

He eyed me skeptically, twirling his facial hair between nervous fingers. "They're the most powerful organization in this part of the world. Their resources are practically limitless."

"Yet they're bound by rules," I countered. "Did you notice how Elder Zhou only appeared as a projection? How he threatened but didn't act directly?"

"Maybe he was just far away," he suggested.

I shook my head. "No. There's something more. The Martial Saints of the Guild are restricted somehow. They can't freely deploy their full power, especially against certain targets."

"And you think you're one of those targets?"

"I'm certain of it." I stopped pacing and leaned against the wall. "It's why they've been trying to manipulate events rather than simply crushing me."

The Man with the Mustache frowned. "That's a dangerous assumption to make."

"It's not an assumption. It's a conclusion based on evidence." I pulled out my phone. "And now, we're going to exploit it."

His eyes widened. "What are you planning?"

"We need allies who understand the Guild's weaknesses and have the resources to help us breach the Mystic Realm." I scrolled through my contacts. "It's time to call in a favor."

"From whom?" he asked nervously.

"The Umbral Covenant."

His face paled instantly. "You can't be serious! Those fanatics? They're almost as dangerous as the Guild itself!"

"Almost," I agreed, "but not quite. And right now, we need their expertise."

Before he could protest further, I dialed the number. After three rings, a deep, measured voice answered.

"This is Rex Osborne."

"It's Liam Knight," I said. "I've located the Mystic Realm where Isabelle Ashworth is being held."

The silence on the other end stretched for several seconds before Rex spoke again, his voice carefully controlled but vibrating with excitement.

"You've confirmed its location?"

"Yes. But I need assistance to open it. Your particular... skills... would be invaluable."

"You understand what you're asking?" Rex's tone had hardened. "An alliance with us isn't something the Guild would ever forgive."

"I passed the point of forgiveness long ago," I replied flatly. "Will you help or not?"

Another pause, then: "I'll need to consult with my superiors. Where are you?"

"I'll share that information once you've committed."

Rex chuckled. "Cautious. Good. I'll call you back within the hour."

The call ended, and the Man with the Mustache stared at me in horror.

"Have you lost your mind? The Umbral Covenant has been hunting Isabelle for years!"

"Which means they know more about her bloodline than almost anyone," I countered. "Sometimes you need a thief to catch a thief."

"Or you're inviting the wolves to dinner," he muttered.

I didn't respond. He wasn't entirely wrong.

---

Across the city, in a dimly lit chamber beneath an unassuming building, Rex Osborne knelt before a figure in black robes, his head bowed.

"Master, Liam Knight has made contact. He claims to have located the Mystic Realm."

The black-robed figure's voice was like ice cracking. "After all these years... the Ashworth girl is within our reach?"

"Yes, Master. Knight seeks our help to open the realm."

"And what does he know of our true intentions?"

Rex kept his gaze downward. "Nothing, I believe. He's desperate to save the girl."

A cold laugh echoed through the chamber. "Desperation makes men blind. This is the opportunity we've awaited. The Umbral Covenant will rise again from the ashes of our defeat."

"Your orders, Master?"

"Give Knight whatever he requires. Assist in breaching the realm." The figure leaned forward, face still hidden in shadow. "But when the time comes, we will take the Ashworth girl. Her blood belongs to us, not to that lovesick fool."

Rex nodded. "I'll dispatch Kenneth Minnx immediately."

"Good. The boy has proven his worth. And should Pyro interfere..." The figure's hand emerged from the robe, withered and scarred. "I will deal with him personally."

---

The next morning, I woke early, muscles tense with anticipation. Rex had called back as promised, committing the Covenant's resources to our cause. Now I waited for their operative to arrive.

A groan from the corner reminded me of our other pressing issue. Broderick, Ms. Hayward's son, was beginning to stir from his drug-induced sleep. I'd kept him sedated until now, but I needed information only he could provide.

"Water..." he croaked, eyes fluttering open.

I brought him a glass, helping him sit up against the wall. His demonic features—scaled skin around his temples, slightly pointed ears—were more pronounced in the morning light.

"Where's my mother?" he demanded after drinking.

"Safe," I answered. "For now."

He tried to lunge at me but fell back, too weak to stand. "If you've hurt her—"

"Your mother is fine," I interrupted. "Though I can't say the same for the Guild guards she helped me neutralize."

Confusion flickered across his face. "What?"

"Your mother was helping me infiltrate the Guild's facilities," I explained. "To find the entrance to the Mystic Realm where they're holding Isabelle Ashworth."

"You're lying," he spat. "My mother would never betray the Guild."

"She would for you," I countered. "And she did."

His defiance faltered. "What do you want from me?"

"Information about the Second Secret Realm. You've been there, haven't you? As part of your training?"

He looked away. "I don't know what you're talking about."

I sighed, pulling out my phone to show him a photo of his mother. "This was taken last night. She's safe now, but if the Guild finds her before I do..."

"Fine," he snapped, eyes fixed on the screen. "Yes, I've been there. But only to the outer chambers. Initiates aren't allowed deeper."

"Tell me about the security measures," I pressed. "How many guards? What types of formations?"

Before he could answer, my phone buzzed with a message from Rex Osborne:

"Kenneth Minnx arriving at Veridia City Airport, 10 AM. Exit 3. Black coat, silver ring."

I checked the time—8:15. I needed to move.

"We'll continue this conversation later," I told Broderick, securing his restraints. "Try to escape, and your mother pays the price."

I turned to the Man with the Mustache, who had been pretending to sleep through our exchange. "Watch him. I'm meeting our contact."

He groaned dramatically. "Why am I always babysitting?"

"Because you're good with children," I said dryly.

"He's a half-demon teenager who could probably rip my throat out!"

"Then don't untie him." I headed for the door. "I'll be back by noon."

---

Veridia City Airport buzzed with activity as I positioned myself near Exit 3, scanning the crowds for my contact. I'd arrived early to sweep for Guild surveillance, finding nothing obvious but remaining cautious nonetheless.

At precisely 10 AM, passengers from the northern route began emerging from the terminal. Among them walked a young man in a black coat, his movements purposeful and measured. Though he appeared no older than twenty-five, there was a hardness to his eyes that spoke of experience beyond his years.

Our gazes met across the busy exit. Kenneth Minnx raised his right hand slightly, silver ring glinting in the morning light—the signal we'd arranged.

This was it. The alliance that could save Isabelle... or doom us both.