I teleported again, following the lingering trail of darkness Helena had left behind.
From one building to another.
From rooftop to rooftop.
Each teleport felt heavier than the last, as if the darkness itself was resisting my pursuit.
Then—
The moment I landed on the edge of a high-rise rooftop, I stopped.
Five figures stood in my path.
They blocked the darkness ahead of me, standing firmly as if declaring that I was not allowed to proceed any further.
I narrowed my eyes.
"…Who are you?"
I didn't recognize them.
Three women.
One with short blue hair, her eyes sharp and cautious.
One with brown hair tied loosely, her stance relaxed yet alert.
And one with dark green hair, her expression cold and unreadable.
The remaining two were men, both standing slightly behind the women, hands close to their weapons.
They were young.
Too young.
High schoolers?
Or perhaps barely older than that.
Yet they dared to stand in my way.
"You'd better stop following this trail."
