The Dark Watchers—
they were not the usual peacekeepers or local officers.
They were elite enforcers stationed in the human heartland.
Unlike ordinary sheriffs, their sole responsibility was ensuring societal stability and cracking down on major crimes in human territories.
What Link couldn't understand was—
Why would a Dark Watcher appear at the Grave of Heroes?
A sense of unease inexplicably rose in his chest.
"Everyone stay quiet."
A fully armored Dark Watcher walked to the front of the students.
Her expression was cold, her brows sharp and commanding, carrying an aura of decisiveness. Her figure was compact and powerful, yet undeniably alluring. Her long, slender legs caught the eyes of more than a few male students.
Link also examined the woman carefully, and soon, her personal panel appeared before his eyes:
[Name: Unknown]
[Power Values: 35,872 (T3 Esper)]
[Flesh Forging Art: Silver Vixen Flesh Forging Art]
[Meditation Technique: Time Meditation Technique]
[Skills: Pending Analysis]
[Talent: Pending Analysis]
What the hell!?
Thirty-five thousand Power Values?!
That was already a T3 Esper!
Link couldn't help but glance at her a few more times. This female Dark Watcher was without a doubt the most powerful Esper he had ever seen in his life—no contest.
No wonder people said Dark Watchers were the elite among elites. It was no exaggeration.
"Link," Max whispered beside him, peeking over his shoulder, "I think I'm in love. Don't you think she's stunning? I swear to the stars, I want to propose to her."
Link gave him a speechless glance and said casually,
"You'd better give up. With your strength, you'd never satisfy her."
Max immediately got riled up.
"Hey! What do you mean by that? Are you saying you don't believe in my strength?"
"That's right—I don't," Link replied flatly.
He was simply being honest. He knew perfectly well that in the human realm, an increase in Power Values meant a full-body enhancement. Strength, speed, reflexes… everything.
Which meant, even though they were both human, the difference between this Dark Watcher and Max was like an ant versus an elephant.
Even greater, perhaps.
The woman stepped forward and addressed the students.
"Students, I apologize for the interruption. I'm Melina, captain of the Third Unit of the Dark Watchers in the Yilante District. We have reason to believe that a member of the Moon Worship Sect has infiltrated your group. I ask for your cooperation in apprehending the suspect."
At her words, the students immediately erupted in panic.
"Moon Worship Sect?!"
Anyone who lived in the human heartland knew what those three words meant.
They were madmen. Traitors to humanity.
People who would stop at nothing to achieve their goals—and didn't care how many innocents had to die for it.
Melina frowned slightly at the students' reaction. She clearly wasn't pleased with their panic, but still made an effort to reassure them.
"Please remain calm. We will do everything we can to ensure your safety. Stay in your lines and await our inspection. Do not panic—do not give the Moon Worship Sect an opportunity to strike."
"We also ask the teachers to assist in maintaining order."
With the teachers' help, the students quickly settled down.
After all, the human territories had long prepared for incidents like this. Regular drills and simulations had taught them what to expect.
Link's class wasn't too flustered. They lined up and awaited inspection as instructed.
Max, on the other hand, couldn't stop muttering to himself.
"Hey, Link… don't you think this situation is kind of exciting?"
"What's so exciting about it?" Link shot him a look. "Don't you realize how dangerous this is?"
Max just grinned.
That's exactly why other classmates didn't like hanging around him—he was just too carefree.
But Link, being quieter and more reserved, sometimes listened to his chatter. Over time, the two became good friends.
"Max, take my advice. Stay alert. The Moon Worship Sect is ruthless. This isn't some game."
Max, however, scoffed.
"Link, you worry too much. Didn't you notice that the female Dark Watcher has been watching our group this whole time? With someone like her here, we're totally safe."
"And when we get stronger, we'll crush every last one of those Moon Worship Sect bastards."
Link gave a small laugh and looked at him.
"So what, are you planning to stay in the rear and become a Dark Watcher?"
"I haven't decided yet. What about you?"
"I'm going to the front lines. That's the only way to settle things once and for all."
Max gave a determined nod.
"If you're going, then I'll go with you."
As they spoke, the two of them neared the front of the inspection line.
Everything seemed calm.
Until—
"Get down!"
Melina's shout pierced the air.
Before the words even finished echoing, Link felt a warm liquid splash onto his face.
He instinctively raised a hand to wipe his cheek.
Blood.
Bright red blood.
His heart skipped a beat. He looked around in shock—then froze.
Max's chest—
Blood was gushing from it like a fountain!
Just moments ago, Max had been joking and laughing. And now—
He was dying in Link's arms.
"Link… I…"
Behind Max, a man with a black crescent emblem on his chest let out a cruel sneer.
"You naive fool. You think you're going to wipe out the Moon Worship Sect?"
Before anyone could react, the man wrenched out his bloodstained dagger and pressed it against Mary's throat!
Chaos erupted.
The students screamed, scrambling backward in terror, leaving a wide, empty circle around the attacker.
In the blink of an eye, Melina appeared within the clearing—sword drawn—facing off against the Moon Worship Sect disciple.
But he was fast. He had already taken Mary hostage before she could act.
Otherwise, her blade would have already sliced him in two.
"Talo!" Melina shouted, her voice like ice. "Let her go!"
Her eyes darted to the blood-covered Link, and the lifeless Max lying beside him.
Max was gone.
All that remained was a pool of blood beneath his body.
"Talo, do you think I'm stupid?" Melina's voice was cold and sharp.
"If you want the girl to live, you'll let me go first," Talo sneered. "Otherwise, I won't hesitate to kill this pretty little thing."
Melina's face darkened, but she spoke with forced calm.
"Let her go, and I'll allow you to walk out of here."