Ashes to Ashes ( 413 )

Gloria's eyes remained sharp, her grip firm on her warhammer as she positioned herself between the bodies and the approaching figures. Even with the battle over, she didn't relax.

She had been trained and had fought, even serving in the Elite Battle Maid Unit under Lady Errinette herself.

And yet...

She had never seen these people before. No presence. No aura. Nothing—just shadows moving through the trees.

Her voice was calm but laced with tension.

"Young Master… how can you be so sure they belong to Armand? That they're part of Mr. Alf's elite assassin unit?"

Javier let out a long sigh, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Seriously, Gloria?"

She didn't respond. Her focus didn't waver.

Javier nodded at the lead figure. "Show them your arm."

The masked man nodded silently.

"As you wish, Young Master."

He stepped forward and pulled back his sleeve.

Nothing. His arm was smooth and unmarked.