At the Mall

The mall pulsed with life, people moving in and out like a constant wave. Outside, a few girls snapped selfies and photos, their laughter blending with the chatter of the city. Children held tightly to their parents' hands, skipping and smiling, their energy spilling into the streets.

Smoke spiraled from Eric's cigarette as he flicked the ash and said, "Jack, let's go shopping."

The automatic doors swished open, welcoming them into the massive interior. The air was cool, scented faintly of polished floors and fresh pastries. The mall stretched wide, divided into sections—provisions, electronics, clothing—crowds rolling trollies, browsing shelves, exchanging words and laughter.

Jack's eyes scanned the space. "Go to that section. I'll take the other way."

Eric nodded. "Fine. I trust you know what you need."

Without another word, Jack strode off, disappearing into the crowd. Eric shrugged and headed in the opposite direction, moving with purpose through the bustling aisles.

---

Provision Section

Jack grabbed a trolley and started weaving between the shelves. His eyes flicked to a bottle of liquid soap, and after a moment's inspection, he dropped it in his basket, moving on. The sound of small footsteps drew his attention.

A tiny hand brushed his, and he looked down to see a little girl, eyes wide. "Mister," she said softly, lifting herself on tiptoe. "Can you help me reach that cereal?"

Jack's eyes softened. He plucked the box from the top shelf, handing it to her. She smiled brightly, ready to thank him, but Jack instead added the original box to his own basket.

The girl frowned. "Mister, I wanted that…"

Without a word, Jack picked up another box and held it out. Her face lit up as she took it.

" Lisa!" A young woman ran toward her, relief and worry mingling in her voice. "Don't run off on your own—I was worried!"

"I'm sorry, Mum," the girl said, clutching the box. "You were busy shopping, so I decided to get it myself."

The woman's expression softened. "It's okay, let's go." She took Lisa's hand, leading her away.

Lisa turned back once, looking around for the man who had helped her. But he was gone.

"Mum, there was a man here who helped me," she whispered. "I wanted to thank him."

The woman glanced around. "I don't see anyone, Lisa."

Lisa shook her head, puzzled. "Neither do I. He was right here."

The mother smiled softly. "Let's go, your dad must be waiting."

Lisa glanced one last time, but the mysterious helper had vanished, leaving nothing but a fleeting memory.

---

Electronic Section

Meanwhile, Eric wandered through the electronics section, screens flashing in every direction. Televisions, smartphones, gadgets—everything beckoned with blinking lights and polished surfaces.

A news report on a nearby TV caught his attention. The anchor's voice carried the weight of urgency: ashes had been found on the outskirts of the city. The police were still searching for the culprit, and citizens were warned to stay indoors at night.

Eric frowned. "Things are getting serious."

A little girl clutched her mother's hand, worry creasing her brow. "Mum, what's going on?"

"It's nothing, sweetie," her mother said, pulling her along.

Eric scanned the shelves, selecting items based on instinct, unsure of the family's or his own exact needs.

Suddenly, a hand snatched the cigarette from his mouth. He looked up to see a mall worker, eyes sharp. "No smoking here, mister."

"Sorry," Eric said, smirking slightly as she walked away. He pulled another cigarette from his pocket, lit it, and let smoke curl around him.

He pushed a trolley, deliberately knocking several phone cartons off the shelves with a flick of his hand, then rolled it toward the counter.

Jack was already there, calmly waiting. Eric placed their haul on the conveyor.

"You finished early?" Eric asked.

Jack shrugged. "There wasn't much I could buy anyway."

The clerk frowned. "Sir, no smoking."

Eric sighed, putting the cigarette away. The transaction went smoothly, his credit card swiping effortlessly.

"Next time," Eric said, handing the card back to Jack, "we'll use yours."

But Jack had already walked away, disappearing into the crowd with their purchases.

Eric grabbed the remaining bags, trailing behind. A young girl at the counter called out, "Who's next?" and the line moved forward.

---

Back at Home — Lexi's Room

Aria struggled against the cuffs, her arms and legs straining, but the restraints wouldn't budge. Panic flared in her chest.

Lexi clicked her scissors with a sharp snip, her eyes gleaming with obsession. "I'll make sure to cut you up… nicely," she said, stepping closer with a twisted smile.

Aria's heart skipped a beat. She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for the sting of pain… but instead, she felt a sudden tug at her hair.

Opening her eyes, she saw Lexi carefully snipping a small strand of her hair and placing it on a test tube. The scientist twirled it between her fingers before turning to Aria. "Didn't I say I'd cut it up… nicely?"

Aria blinked, stunned. "Ehhh… you should've just said you wanted to cut my hair. Why the cuffs? It felt like you were about to turn me into some crazy experiment!"

Lexi chuckled softly. "I thought you wouldn't let me. Most people love their hair."

Aria grimaced, a memory flashing of Laisa meticulously combing her hair. "…ohhh," she muttered.

"Now," Lexi said, holding a test tube closer to Aria's mouth, "I need a DNA sample." Hesitant, Aria spat a small amount of saliva into it. "I still don't see how this helps me get my powers back," she murmured.

"That's how science works," Lexi replied with a grin. "You'll never understand until it's done."

With a soft click, the cuffs released. Aria rubbed her wrists and pushed herself upright.

"You can go," Lexi said, her obsession softened into a strange tenderness. "That's all for now. But come see me every morning for a check-up."

Aria nodded. "Alright." She walked toward the door, thanked her, and quietly closed it behind her.

Outside, Laisa was waiting. Aria tried to slip past unnoticed, but Laisa's voice stopped her. "Before you crawl back into your little ant hole, know this — Lord Azreal is back. He wants us at the shop."

"Azreal's back?" Aria asked, eyes widening.

"Yes," Laisa said firmly. "Now shoo."

Aria ignored her teasing and walked alongside Laisa. Together, they made their way toward the shop.

When they arrived, Lyra, Cain, Fredrick, Hulk, and Shot were already waiting, their expressions a mix of curiosity and tension.

Aria scanned the area. "Where's Azreal? I don't see him…"

Suddenly, a crimson gate flared open, spilling blinding light across the street. Azreal stepped out, radiating authority and power — but he wasn't alone. Another figure emerged from the gate, shrouded in mystery… and to everyone's shock, it was Nena.

Aria froze, her heart hammering in her chest. "Nena?!" she gasped, the word escaping her lips before she could stop it.

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