Noir decided to go find him by herself. The road leading out of the village stretched into the early morning mist. Noir walked with a determined expression, her eyes burning brightly like torches ready to light up anything, her phone constantly vibrating at her side with encoded messages from Specter.
He didn't come along. Noir knew Specter's physical condition couldn't handle a long journey; bringing him along would only be a burden. He also understood that this mission required remote support, and the small devices would make it easier to control everything. Specter also wanted to ensure Noir always safe.
The cafe was already lit up in the mist, and Specter had decided to close it for a few days. In the room filled with homemade machines, he focused on the screen, constantly checking the signal, sending data to Noir. But every time his fingers paused on the keyboard, his eyes followed Noir's journey, moving further and further away. She continued walking, her slender yet proud figure moving forward.
Specter clenched his fist as he spoke into the transmitter.
"Noir, there's a checkpoint ahead. To avoid exposure and turn right into the alley."
The wind whistled in his ears, then her cold voice rang out from the other end of the line.
"Copy."
Brutal, decisive. Always like that. But even that single, brief word was enough to make Specter feel somewhat at ease. He knew she was too tough, too cold, but deep down, he still harbored a faint glimmer of hope.
Noir followed the instructions, avoiding the checkpoint. She opened the documents she had taken from Specter to look at them as she stopped behind an abandoned house. The small device was covered in codes, symbols, and a list of suspects within the organization. She took careful notes, the light from the device's screen reflecting off her cold face.
Notification received.
"I'm filtering out the last location Orion appeared at. About 80km away from you."
Noir typed a short reply.
"Send."
Night fell. Noir continued her journey, her phone in her pocket vibrating lightly with each instruction. In the darkness, only two things with her, the stretching shadows of night and Specter's calm voice echoing through her small earpiece.
As for Specter, far away, every time the phone connected, even if it was just dry commands, he still tried to complete his mission.
/Helping her a little... is good./
After many days of nonstop travel, Noir finally arrived at a desolate mountainous region, where Specter's coordinates led straight to a wooden house hidden in the forest. Moonlight spread rays of light down onto the treetops, clearly show her figure as she silently moved forward.
Specter's voice echoed in her ears.
"Be careful. Orion has been missing for years, no one knows how he's been living. He might react unpredictably. Don't underestimate him!"
Noir clenched her hand.
"Don't worry. He can't touch me."
Noir approached the quiet house, knocked on the door a few times but received no response. The wooden door creaked open as she stepped inside. In the dimly lit room, a man sat silently at the table. His red hair was tousled, his eyes sharp, yet a hint of playful light flashed when the fire reflected in them. He was dressed simply, a gray tank top over a short-sleeved shirt, pants and shoes slightly dusty. Unlike Specter, Orion carried a predatory aura, a craftiness. It was the kind of aura only someone who had lived by blood and darkness possessed.
"Who are you?" his voice was deep, hoarse, without a hint of welcoming.
Noir stepped forward, her blue-red eyes staring straight ahead.
"I'm Noir. You must have been part of the Double-Eyed Project."
Orion narrowed his eyes. In an instant, he swung a knife from under the table, the steel flashing as it sliced through the air right in front of her. Noir tilted her head to avoid it, not even flinching.
"I don't need for those f**king eyes," Orion's voice was like a knife.
In that moment, Noir realized his eyes were almost identical to Specter's, not two colors but one unified color. Noir drew her dagger but did not attack.
"Running away won't make things any better."
"If the organization is destroyed, you'll be truly free."
The air was tense, two knives glinting in the firelight. Meanwhile, in a distant cafe, Specter stared at the computer screen. He heard the wind, footsteps, then a prolonged silence that made his heart tighten.
/What's going on?/
Orion slowly lowered his knife, his eyes never losing their guard, scanning Noir as if he wanted to tear her appart.
"What do you mean? Want to call for help?"
Noir was decisive.
"Um."
Finally, he sat back down, smirking.
"Those eyes... I remember now. You are the only one they successfully created. Noir, the VOID's ace."
"How do you know?" Noir wondered.
"Well... cause this is life... it's good to know many things." *Orion leaned back*
Noir was silent, her hand still holding the knife. Orion poured wine, raised his glass, his eyes sparkling like someone who had seen a piece of destiny.
"Alright. I've been lazy for too long, I need to stretch my muscles, so I'll listen to you. But don't think my faith is easily won."
"Give me a few reasons, if they're convincing enough, we'll seal the deal. What do you think? Huh?"
Noir looked straight at Orion and put away the knife.
"Tell me why you escaped the organization!"
Orion paused for a moment but felt she was quite interesting.