The explosive fire on the top floor of the Bates Tower, which shook Manhattan's night sky and heralded the complete end of a financial dynasty, seemed to linger on Enfi's retina.
The piercing alarms, the screams of the crowd, the sound of glass shards raining down—all remained vivid in her superhuman sensory memory.
Now, in the shadow of a Manhattan building, she felt only a strange, unreal sensation, like walking on clouds—the mission was complete.
Clean, swift, leaving no trace.
Deep breath, another deep breath.
Such a simple mission, yet it made me so nervous!
Enfi thought, a touch of self-mockery in her mind.
Her thin hospital gown had transformed into a perfectly tailored, off-white silk blouse and a dark gray high-waisted pencil skirt, exquisitely outlining her petite yet powerfully built figure.
Her soft black hair was meticulously styled, cascading over her shoulders, making her pale, now less-haggard face appear even more delicate, with only a trace of lingering alarm in the depths of her eyes.
She took a car to the Steinway Tower. Hawk's study was brightly lit, and outside the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, the night sky in the direction of the Bates Tower still seemed to faintly retain an unusual red glow.
Hawk seemed to have just arrived home as well, standing by the window.
Enfi saw his tall figure, and her heart began to beat uncontrollably fast again.
She tiptoed into the room, stopping a few meters from Hawk, her hands instinctively clasped in front of her, her posture reserved yet with a hint of undetectable eagerness to please.
She had completed the mission, but she was still afraid.
"Hawk… Mr. Hawk." Her voice was softer than she had imagined, with a hesitant tremble.
Hawk slowly turned around.
His gaze fell upon her, from head to toe. That scrutinizing look made Enfi instinctively hold her breath, almost wanting to lower her head.
"Enfi, the mission completion was excellent. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s defenses were useless against you. Well done."
Hawk's voice was light, not sparing praise, like a warm current instantly flowing through Enfi's cold limbs.
Her tense shoulders relaxed slightly; she even felt a flicker of joy? A humble sense of being acknowledged.
"Mr. Hawk." She gathered her courage, raised her eyes to look at him, and asked cautiously, "Are you satisfied?"
Those once fierce eyes now sparkled with anticipation and unease.
Hawk took a few steps closer. Enfi's body trembled almost imperceptibly, but she didn't retreat.
"Efficiency exceeded expectations, very satisfied." Hawk gave his assessment, his gaze sweeping over her new clothes and meticulously groomed appearance. "It seems Ja-yoon has taken good care of you."
"Mm," Enfi nodded quickly, like a child eager to prove her worth. "Sister Ja-yoon bought me a lot of clothes. They're… very comfortable, and pretty too. I… I never wore clothes like these before."
There was a hint of novelty in her tone.
Hawk watched her clumsy honesty after shedding her aggressive demeanor and smiled, "As long as you like them."
He paused, seeing Enfi's hesitant expression. "Any other questions?"
Enfi seemed to receive permission, and a string of questions poured out, carrying a long-suppressed curiosity and an urgent need for confirmation:
"Mr. Hawk, I… will I be living here from now on? Or… somewhere else?"
"What… what else do I need to do? Besides… missions?"
"Sister Ja-yoon, is she… is she also working for you? She and Shin Shi-ah…"
She asked somewhat incoherently.
Hawk listened patiently to her questions, not interrupting.
Only after she finished did he slowly speak:
"You will have a luxurious and comfortable residence nearby, living with Goo Ja-yoon and Shin Shi-ah. Get used to the pace of New York life as soon as possible; I will arrange an identity for you."
"Your duties are clear: execute the missions I assign. The rest of the time is yours to do anything you wish—study, entertain yourself, enjoy the sunshine."
"Ja-yoon and Shi-ah are my core employees. Your levels are different, but you all work for me. Your salaries, in addition to a generous monthly base pay, include extra rewards for completing missions. If you encounter any trouble that money can solve, don't come to me; go to Goo Ja-yoon. She is currently my assistant."
Enfi listened intently, every word seemingly etched into her heart.
"I understand, sir." Enfi's voice became steadier.
She took a deep breath, as if steeling herself: "I will obey; I will do everything you ask."
Hawk nodded: "Your new mission is to mentor Shin Shi-ah. She's young and a bit immature. Teach her about life, self-care, and the development of her abilities."
"Goo Ja-yoon will be my assistant, and Andy is usually quite busy, so Shin Shi-ah will be entrusted to you for now. But I must warn you first: you need to build a good relationship with Shin Shi-ah. She is very likely the strongest witch in history, surpassing Goo Ja-yoon."
Enfi's pupils contracted slightly. Stronger than Goo Ja-yoon?
Though somewhat incredulous, she now obeyed Hawk's every word and immediately nodded like a pecking chick.
Only then did Hawk relax.
He had read the original work; Shin Shi-ah not only overcame the greatest weakness of witches—the head—but her abilities were also greatly enhanced.
She could crush the Clay Doll Squad more easily than crushing an ant; the disparity was absurd.
If Shin Shi-ah could skillfully use her abilities now, he probably wouldn't be her match.
Hawk picked up his suit jacket from the back of the chair and told Enfi, "Let's go, I'll take you to your new place."
Hawk was in the driver's seat, Enfi in the passenger seat.
With the car windows closed, the bustling, noisy night outside was shut away. Inside, soothing classical music mingled with the cool scent of premium leather.
The car smoothly entered the Manhattan night streets.
Enfi's body was slightly tense, her hands resting on her lap, her fingertips unconsciously twisting the soft fabric of her skirt.
The enclosed, private space of the car amplified the indescribable powerful aura emanating from Hawk.
She secretly turned her head to look at Hawk.
His profile was sharply defined in the dim car light, handsome to the point of being almost severe.
A bold thought, mixed with flattery, temptation, and a stirring she couldn't quite name, suddenly seized her.