The Mission

Night – East Wing, Illusion Department, Outer Courtyard

Bushes rustled lightly as Adonis crouched low in full stealth gear: black mask, cloak, enchanted noise-canceling boots, and binoculars hanging from his neck. A slight shimmer of moonlight reflected off the lenses as he scanned the perimeter.

"Agent Quackner, report status." Adonis whispered sharply into his telepathic link. Since Quackner was his familiar he can talk to him even from distance.

"Quack." The reply came instantly—calm, controlled.

"Good. Maintain visual. Premium chocolates await your glorious return."

On his shoulder, a small cloth-like figure one side black other side white, hovered, fluttering like a mini cape.

"Agent Eclipse, are you ready?" Adonis asked, glancing sideways. Similar to familiar Adonis also contact his bonded artifact.

"Uwu wuuu..." Eclipse whined quietly.

"I know... I'm nervous too. But this isn't just for glory—this is for power, for training, no matter how perverted it is I will clear the test no matter what." Adonis sighed. "Now focus."

Suddenly—

"Quack!" came a mental ping.

Adonis's eyes sharpened. "Target in motion. Phase One everyone be ready for phase one."

He removed the cloak and mask, transforming his look entirely. His hair slicked back in a slightly different style, and his expression softened into one of innocent nobility. He now wore the Eclipse Robe—recognizably prestigious, getting ready for his plan.

Down the path walked a maid in round glasses, brown-haired, holding a silver tray with a glass of grape juice. Her posture was neat, elegant—clearly part of a top-tier noble's personal staff.

As she turned the corner—

BUMP!

"Oh no!" she gasped, spilling the juice onto Adonis's chest. "I'm so sorry!"

Adonis stepped back with perfect grace, expression apologetic and humble. "No, no, my fault entirely. I wasn't watching my step."

"Haha of course its my fault, I planned everything before hand, this maid name Maria is personal maid of instructor Alaria, mostly responsible for her daily chores, this is the time of her break which she spends dozing off and drinking grape juice" Adonis inwardly smirked.

The maid quickly bowed but her eyes drifted to his robe which is now dirty. "This robe—it looks expensive—I didn't mean to—"

"It's alright," Adonis said, giving a polite smile. "It's a heat-infused robe, actually. That's probably why the juice dried up so fast…"

"Oh dear, it might be difficult to clean now…" the maid muttered, looking genuinely distressed.

Adonis let out a quiet sigh. "I may try washing it myself, but…I don't know if it works, maybe I should just throw it off." faking a sad expression.

"Oh no please don't throw it away, I was just about to wash some clothes," she panicked seeing his saddened expression. "If you don't mind, I can take care of it. Please return tomorrow at this time—I'll have it cleaned."

Adonis gave a perfect mixture of surprise and gratitude. "Really? I wouldn't want to trouble you…" he said but inside:

"SUCCESS!" He inwardly cried.

"It's no trouble, sir. My name's Maria. Just ask for me at the east manor laundry room."

"Thank you so much," Adonis said with an innocent bow, slowly taking off the Eclipse Robe and handing it over.

Maria apologized to him again before she disappeared into the manor with the robe carefully folded—

Adonis's warm smile vanished like mist under moonlight. His expression turned sharp, eyes locked on the manor door.

"Phase One complete. Agent Quackner, prepare for Phase Two. We move to infiltration next."

"Quack." came the sharp response.

From the shadows, Eclipse's glowed faintly.

Operation Panty Heist had officially begun