WITCH OF THE END

When the morning finally came, Luna was already up and ready for another day on this super train.

Slowly, she was getting used to this whole traveling across dangerous zones thing. Which was a terrifying experience but not as bad as she thought. After witnessing the short-lived battle from last night, Luna was sure of her safety for now. The Ascenders protecting the train must've been incredibly skilled to handle an attack so swiftly.

"It was still incredible.' She finished changing into formal wear. Her uniform consisted of cargo pants, a navy blue jacket, and a shirt made from nanoskin. The thin material was meant to work as a protection vest that kept track of her vitals while traveling through the wasteland area of the Eastern Settlement. Vitals were important because they helped to track early signs of corruption in humans and give chance to the possibility for treatment.

The doors of her cabin slid open automatically and her small figure walked into the corridor heading to the next car for breakfast. As a VIP, she could've ordered her food to be delivered. But Luna wanted to see the flying lady from last night and maybe even talk to her. Luna had also gained a sudden interest in the identities of every ascender on this train. Knowing them would maybe make life on this train much easier, which was a strategic move.

'This feels like I'm collecting IQ points in a game.' She giggled at her thoughts as she walked to the next car.

The doors to the diner car slid open. And when she walked in, Luna was met by powerful gazes, coming from every direction. The car was almost full, with ascenders and mundane humans going about with their new lives in the behemoth train. It looked like a normal diner with ordinary people enjoying the morning.

Ignoring the intense gazes, Luna strolled forward and found herself an empty seat close to a sealed window. Shortly after settling, a robotic waiter delivered her cup of hot coffee and cake, who handed her everything right after she paid for the food.

Luna let out a weak laugh after she received everything. 'So eating outside my room costs money. Frauds trying to milk the people risking their lives.'

Just when she was about to grab the cup, the car was suddenly possessed by a dreadfully powerful presence.

Luna's eyes instinctively shifted to the doors. But her feeling of urgency died right away. "Oh… it's her," she said to herself when she recognized the person who had just walked in. The owner of the intense presence.

…A tall woman with short messy black hair and sharp bangs that elegantly covered her forehead. Her sapphire blue eyes were both frightening and intelligent as they scanned the car filled with people. "Good morning, everyone."

Her hoarse voice echoed through the car as she walked to an empty pair of seats and sat down. No one seemed particularly bothered by her presence, except Luna, who was utterly starstruck as she studied the woman's figure.

Sensing her gaze, the woman's sharp eyes landed on Luna.

Luna shivered when she felt the intensity of those piercing blue eyes. 'Huh?'

"What is it, little girl?" the woman barked at her.

"N...Nothing. Wait…who the hell are you calling little?" Luna's outburst came unbidden; she found being called "little" offensive. It might have been true to some extent. But saying it to her face was another matter.

The woman stared at her for a few moments, her expression bleak and almost bored. "Heh? Who let this child in this car? Or on this train?" the woman suddenly broke into laughter which was a big mistake. "Hey kid, please go find your…"

'That's it.'

Before she finished her sentence, a silver knife flew at her with incredible speed. She caught it effortlessly between her fingers. When she tilted her head to track where the knife had come from, she was a bit surprised. The person who had thrown it was no longer there.

'Where did the girl go?'

In the next instant, Luna appeared in front of her with another knife pressed against her neck.

The woman's eyes trembled, shaken by how swiftly the small human had moved. 'So fast. How did she move so fast?' Her thoughts were cut short by the girl's bloodlust.

The pale girl glared at her with a somewhat twisted smile on her pretty face—almost like a creepy bloodthirsty doll. It would take more than a table knife to harm an ascender, of course. But if harming the woman was her intention then a fully charged punch could've left a more lasting impression.

"What's the matter? Still think I'm just a little girl?" Luna taunted, her eyes gleaming with defiance.

Both those who knew who she was and those who didn't were shocked by her sudden stunt. Who could blame them? None had seen the girl in action till now.

"Holy shit. It's Dark Blade."

"I thought the rumors were just rumors. She can actually match us in speed despite being mundane."

"Really? I thought Dark Blade had silver hair."

"No you dumbass…that's her sister."

Suddenly the car was now drowned in a canopy of whisper as the other passengers stared at the two women, astonished by Luna's little display.

Ignoring the chatter, Luna withdrew her knife and cleared her throat. The wicked smile faded, replaced by a calm, indifferent expression. She felt the tension ease slightly, though she knew her identity was now unmistakably revealed.

"Sorry for that…I just hate being mistaken for a child," she said, her tone steady and composed. "I am Luna Feng. You may call me Dark Blade."

Luna proceeded to offer her hand to the woman who was staring at her with a mixed expression—part shock, part confusion.

"Oh! My apologies...!" As if snapping back to her senses, the woman jumped from her seat and bowed respectively. And when she straightened, she stared even more. "You look just like him…wow. I am Ascender Darkness of House Ares."

Luna's lips curved into a slight smile. She knew the woman was talking about her father. The resemblance between him and her was almost uncanny.

Technically speaking, Luna was his twin in terms of looks. Though the resemblance wasn't exact. While her father usually had a warm and handsome feel for the time he was alive. Luna's features held a distinct, almost haunting beauty. Her skin was paler than his, like porcelain touched by moonlight. Her hair was darker than midnight and contrasted sharply with her fair complexion. Her eyes were the most striking feature. Deep and dark, like twin black holes that seemed to reflect the vastness of the universe. They held an otherworldly allure, drawing people in with their mysterious depth.

Luna also exuded a dark, enigmatic aura that set her apart from others. It was a stark difference in contrast to the warm presence her father usually carried around. The combination of her striking appearance and the dark energy she radiated created an unforgettable and mesmerizing impression on anyone who encountered her.

"You fought well last night." Luna began, trying to force a conversation. This is what happens when she doesn't plan out interactions. If she had predicted this encounter, she would've had some notes written down to avoid an awkward conversation.

Darkness remained silent for a moment as if trying to recall which fight Luna was referring to. Her eyes then brightened with recognition. "Oh, the infected from last night. The House of Ares usually does not consider the infected worthy opponents, so I tend to overlook them. The real battle is at The Crimson Tower. That's where the real Glory lies."

Luna raised an eyebrow, slightly shocked by what the woman had just said. "Overlook infected? Your House must truly hold itself in high regard."

The woman shook her head and laughed. "Not exactly. But when you've grown up surrounded by infected, you tend to see things a bit differently. Please, let's have breakfast together. I will pay for coffee…I know it's cold by now."