Chapter 7: Chapter 7: The Emergence of Abilities
The night was deep, and darkness swallowed every corner of the city like a rising tide. The cold glow of lights reflected off the skyscrapers' glass facades, resembling countless watchful eyes silently observing those struggling in the night.
Olivia stood in the study of her grandfather's old residence, her fingertips lightly touching a yellowed contract. The ink on the document had slightly smudged over time, yet the name "Night Owl" remained distinctly visible. A complex emotion flickered across her heart—she had always believed that her family's honor was closely tied to her forefathers' efforts, never imagining that such a secret lay hidden beneath it all.
Behind her, Ethan stood silently, his eyes as calm as still water. His gaze landed on the document in her hands as he spoke in a low voice, "This contract means that your grandfather once sought help from 'Night Owl.' And now, he has become your greatest enemy."
Olivia took a deep breath and carefully placed the document back on the desk. Her voice was firm. "No matter what 'Night Owl' wants, I won't let him succeed. The honor of the Olivia family will not be tainted by my grandfather's past."
Ethan nodded, though a flicker of something unreadable flashed in his gaze. Lately, strange changes had been occurring in his body—his hearing and vision had become unusually sharp, and at times, he could even sense the faintest shifts in the air around him. He didn't understand what these changes meant, but one thing was certain—he couldn't let Olivia face this alone.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city.
Night Owl sat in a dimly lit chamber, his silver mask glinting under the faint light. His fingers rhythmically tapped against the desk. Before him stood a woman dressed in black, her tall figure exuding an aura of lethal elegance. Her sharp eyes gleamed like blades in the dark.
"Phantom," Night Owl's voice was low and chilling.
"Master," Phantom inclined her head slightly, her tone respectful.
"Olivia has sensed our presence." Night Owl chuckled, a cold gleam flickering in his eyes. "She wants to reclaim her family's influence, and that is precisely how we will lure her into our trap."
Phantom smiled slightly, confidence gleaming in her gaze. "She is too naive. Does she truly believe she can restore her family's former glory with the mere remnants left behind by her grandfather? I will make her understand—family honor is not so easily regained."
Night Owl gave a slight nod and spoke slowly, "From today onward, your mission is to infiltrate Olivia's world. Find her weaknesses. Learn everything about her."
Phantom nodded, her figure gradually fading into the dim light.
...
A few days later, Olivia and Ethan attended a high-society banquet in the eastern part of the city. This was her first step in reclaiming her family's influence.
The grand ballroom was dazzling, the clinking of glasses mingling with hushed conversations as hidden power struggles unfolded beneath the surface. Olivia, dressed in an elegant deep-blue gown, exuded both grace and authority. She moved through the crowd, engaging in conversations with various influential figures, seeking allies. Ethan remained by her side, his gaze vigilant as he surveyed their surroundings.
Just then, a striking woman approached them.
"Miss Olivia, I have long admired your name."
Olivia lifted her gaze, meeting the woman's eyes. She was clad in a black, form-fitting gown, her every movement carrying an air of deadly elegance.
"I am Anna," the woman introduced herself with a smile.
Olivia hesitated for a brief moment before returning the smile. "Miss Anna, please have a seat."
Ethan's brow furrowed slightly, barely perceptible. Something about this woman's presence felt… off, though he couldn't immediately pinpoint why.
Anna (Phantom) engaged in a pleasant conversation with Olivia, subtly expressing admiration for the Olivia family's past glory while skillfully extracting hints of Olivia's intentions.
"Miss Olivia, I heard that you've been looking into your family's history lately?" Phantom asked casually.
Olivia's eyes darkened momentarily, but she quickly masked her reaction. "I'm simply trying to understand a few things."
"If you ever need assistance, feel free to reach out to me," Phantom said with a smile, raising her glass.
Olivia clinked glasses with her, though a sense of caution stirred within her heart.
Meanwhile, Ethan, standing nearby, detected an unusual presence. He closed his eyes and focused, his breath steadying. In the near silence, he heard a faint yet distinct heartbeat—Phantom's heartbeat. It was steady and controlled, yet carried a strange air of forced calmness.
His eyes snapped open, and he scrutinized Phantom with newfound intensity.
"Olivia, we should leave," he murmured softly.
Olivia was momentarily surprised but complied without hesitation.
Phantom watched them depart, the corners of her lips curling into a barely perceptible smirk.
Outside the club, under the cool night breeze, Olivia and Ethan stood side by side.
"That Anna… she's suspicious," Olivia whispered.
Ethan gazed at her intently before replying, "Her heartbeat frequency was… strange."
Olivia blinked. "You could hear it?"
Ethan nodded slightly, his eyes deep with thought. "Not just that. Lately, my hearing and vision have become exceptionally sharp. I can even perceive faint lights in complete darkness."
Olivia stared at him, waves of shock crashing through her mind.
"Your body…" she hesitated.
Ethan gave a wry smile. "I don't know why this is happening either. But maybe… this is the key to fighting 'Night Owl.'"
Olivia took a deep breath, her resolve hardening.
"No matter what happens, we must uncover the truth."
Ethan looked at her, then slowly nodded.
Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Phantom returned to the hidden chamber and knelt on one knee.
"Master, she has begun to suspect my approach."
Night Owl chuckled, lifting a glass of red wine. "No matter. The more she struggles, the deeper she will sink."
Outside, the night grew darker. An unseen storm was quietly brewing…