452 Ugly (1/2)

Late at night, there was no sound other than the dripping of water from the faucet in the silent bathroom. Hot steam hung in the air, thick and suffocating. However, some type of power had caused the steam to seal the entire room without anyone realizing. The detailed and complex music theory formed a system that melted into the steam. There were no ripples and sat between existence and nonexistence. It was practically imperceptible.

Charles soaked in the bathtub languidly. He seemed to be relaxing but his eyes studied the ceiling as if there was something very interesting here. His skin had already turned white from the water. After a long while, a faint voice suddenly appeared in his ear.

”The Dragon of Destruction?” The ancient voice sighed. ”I see.” This was one of the current main leaders of the Silent Authority, one of the saints—Handel.

If it wasn't something as important as the Dragon of Destruction, Charles probably would not have been able to contact him. Even Handel had fallen silent after hearing the report and verified it many times.

He had been pretty sure but hearing the acknowledgement from Handel, Charles could not help but let out a sigh of relief. Intense exhaustion besieged him. He really wanted to pass out. After experiencing so much, he had finally found out the Revolutionaries' plot. His mission was finally complete.

He could finally be free.

Charles just wanted to sleep now. After regaining his freedom, he would find a good tavern and drink to his fill with his teacher and junior.

”You've worked hard.” Handel's voice had a rare gentleness to it. ”We will prepare well.”

Silence.

Charles waited silence. Finally, his brows furrowed. ”And then?” For some reason, he had a bad feeling.

Hearing his question, Handel was confused as well. ”Is there something else you need to report?”

”When can I back out?” Charles pushed himself up in the tub and asked quietly, ”When will you come pick me up? I can leave at any time, as long as you—”

”Charles, your mission isn't over,” Handel interrupted, his voice serious. ”It's not time for you to leave yet.”

Charles froze. ”You—” He felt his vision dim and the panic thicken. He could barely breathe. ”You…aren't planning for me to continue being a spy, right?”

Handel did not reply but Charles raised his voice. ”Didn't you say you'd free me once I figure out what Gaius will do to the Sacred City? Do you know how many times they've suspected me already? Do you know how many people outside this building have their eyes on me? Do you know how much I'm risking to send you this message?!”

”Charles, I know this is very hard for you but we must think of the big picture,” Handel said quietly. ”Only you can do this. Your line of information is too precious. We cannot just end it now.”

”Then you do it!” Charles roared quietly. ”You come be this f*cking spy! Don't you have other people? Isn't that bearded Mind musician yours too? F*ck the big picture! I'm done!”

”Charles, face reality!” Handel lost his patience. ”Do you know how horrible the consequences will be if the Dragon of Disaster is released? What use is it if we only know what they plan to do? Do we not have our eyes on the Dragon already? But who knows what else the Revolutionaries have planned? Only knowing this is useless! You think you can compensate for your crime with this?”

Charles was silent. He glared at the steam before him as if trying to find Handel inside it.

The sudden burst of panic made his organs tremble. Subtle pain spread from the bottom of his brain. It felt like his head was about to split. He held his forehead but could not suppress the urge to go crazy.

The anger was like iron and fire. It wanted to beat down on his consciousness and spirit, to tear apart his body, and burn his soul to ashes. His body shook from the painful torment. He wanted to cry and sob.

”How can you do this?” he murmured. Snot and tears rolled down pathetically, falling into the water that had become cloudy and cold. He stared at the steam, choking.

”This…isn't what you said before. Please, just let me go. Why does everyone have to be like this? I really am just a failure. People like me can't be spies, really. I never did anything right in my life, and now I'm not even a musician. I already ran away but why do you have to force me?

”Mr. Handel, you're a saint, you're an important figure. I know that if you want, you can do anything. I'm begging you, let me go…please…”

”Charles, you must do it,” Handel said. ”Only you can.”

”It's useless even if I stay,” Charles pleaded. ”Mr. Constantine is already being excluded. I can't get anything from him.”

”Then change to someone else,” Handel said coldly. ”Change to someone who can truly give you information.”

Charles blanched. For some reason, he felt a terrifying coldness from the marrow of his bones. It swallowed him, making him unable to speak.