Chapter 121

The night was ink-black, and the building at the far end of the neighborhood loomed eerily under the moonlight.

Lucy White followed Ethan Smith into the stairwell when the motion-sensor lights flickered abruptly. She glanced up, a cold smirk curling her lips.

"Something's watching us," she murmured.

Ethan didn't slow his pace. "Her spies."

The door to the top-floor apartment stood wide open, as if inviting them in. Inside, three men stood waiting—Agent Hanks at the forefront.

"Director!" they greeted in unison.

Hanks' gaze landed on Lucy, surprise flickering in his eyes. The woman in the silver mask exuded an elusive aura of spiritual energy.

"And this is?"

"Moon," Ethan introduced tersely. "New colleague. Metaphysics expert."

The single-word codename made the three men exchange glances. In their line of work, such designations carried weight.

"Gold Three."

"Gold Five."

"Gold."

Each gave their own codename, their demeanor turning more respectful.

Lucy gave a slight nod. "Pleasure."

Ethan scanned the room. "Where is she?"

Hanks grimaced. "Gone again. The cup's still warm."

Lucy approached the coffee table, her fingertip brushing the rim of the glass. A wisp of dark energy slithered out—only for her to crush it between her fingers.

"She altered her signature," Lucy remarked coolly. "Clever."

She turned abruptly, digging into a flowerpot on the balcony and retrieving four porcelain dolls. Their faces bore eerie painted smiles, their bellies inscribed with directional characters.

"Four Corners Detection Spell," she said, tossing them onto the table. "No wonder you couldn't catch her."

Hanks' pupils constricted. "This is—"

"A method to detect righteous auras." Lucy swiftly drew four talismans, inscribing them before slapping one onto each doll's forehead. "Take these back for analysis."

Ethan looked at Hanks. "Mission transfer."

"Understood!"

As Lucy logged into the internal network, her eyes gleamed at the sight of a B-rank assignment.

"Interesting," she murmured. "This time, we'll be the hunters."

She didn't notice the faint amusement in Ethan's gaze as she turned away.

A gust of wind rushed through the window, rustling the talismans on the table. All four porcelain dolls suddenly opened their eyes—

[To Be Continued]