Chapter 20: Half-Mad

Witches existed for generations before divinity integrated with humanity. Unlike regular visors, they despised the comparison, especially as they could harness mana through entirely different sources. Some bound themselves to gods or ancients through pacts, others drew power from nature itself through ancient rituals. This diversity of sources allowed them to create vastly different magical effects.

When divinity finally integrated with humanity, some witches still awakened as visors. Though they refused to call themselves by that title, they became truly terrifying in their combined power. The Black Witch Ophix belonged to this fearsome category.

Kent stood in one of Ophix’s dimly lit chambers; it was a cozy, cluttered study with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves packed with ancient tomes. There was a red leather armchair with ornate details and a vintage patterned rug, positioned close to the bookshelves, with a chandelier overhead casting shadows across the room. Vintage curiosities and magical artifacts were scattered throughout the space, creating the feel of a Victorian-era collector’s sanctuary. The agents who had accompanied him waited outside. Before him lay Kel Anthony’s armor—the deceased A-tier’s equipment, placed ceremoniously on a table. At the room’s far end, Ophix stood ready to begin her work as Kent had already briefed her on their purpose.

Ophix began chanting, waving her staff over the armor. Violet magical energy flowed into the metal, then emerged above it, transforming into holographic images. The projections showed moving scenes of Anthony’s final battle against Ray Rooks. Despite the A-tier’s best efforts, his fate was sealed. The final image revealed Ray driving his hand through Anthony’s chest, ripping out his heart. Kent shook his head, not entirely shocked, but deeply disappointed.

“There, that’s how the lad died,” Ophix said, dispelling the magic. This spell allowed her to extract imagery or scenes that led to led to a person’s demise, from any item the deceased possessed at their time of death.

Kent nodded, pulling out a box and handing it to her. “To make it worth your while.”

Ophis opened the box, revealing stacks of hundred-dollar bills. She grinned. “Let’s do something fun, Kent.” She said, licking her lips.

Kent, already turning to leave, muttered under his breath, “Shit.”

This was the inevitable complication of visiting Ophix. She was, simply put, half-mad. She delighted in toying with visitors, ravaging their minds with illusions, forcing unwanted games upon them, or using them as test subjects for her experimental potions. The worst part? Refusing her requests meant facing far worse consequences. Rumor had it she once killed a Ranked visor for vehemently disagreeing with her demands.

Thirty minutes later, Kent emerged from her house. Veins strained visibly across his face, his eyes bloodshot, wheezing as he held his neck. When agents approached to help, he waved them away with his free hand, motioning for them to get in their cars.

Ophis appeared at her door, waving with a bright smile. “Hope to see you again, Kent darling.” Her eyes flicked to “Bob”, who instantly looked away in fear, scrambling into his car.

Kent collapsed into the SUV’s passenger seat, his voice strained. “This woman’s insane!” But despite his condition, he managed to text the Director with shaking hands: “It’s been confirmed sir, it really was Ray Hooks.”

One by one, the vehicles departed Ophis’s compound, heading back to USOV headquarters.

The Director’s phone buzzed. Reading the message, he shook his head and sighed, rubbing his palm against his forehead in frustration. Meanwhile, Jae—still maintaining his “Bob” disguise, texted Serafina: “Boss, I think the witch has confirmed it was Mr Ray, what are your orders?”

The reply came instantly: “Get back.” Jae understood. The operation was a bust.

Later that evening, Jae prepared to leave USOV’s main building, still wearing Bob’s appearance. Suddenly, Jim Kent appeared behind him, placing his right arm across Jae’s shoulders. Jae froze.

In a voice that invoked pure terror, Kent whispered into Jae’s left ear, his eyes glowing emerald. “Did you think you could impersonate your way into USOV without us finding out?” Jae’s eyes widened in disbelief and before he could speak, Kent continued, “Who sent you?”

Trembling under the crushing aura of an S-tier, Jae stammered, “M-Miss Serafina…”

Kent scoffed. “When you return to her today, tell her to remember this act of mercy.” Jae immediately shifted back to his true form and fled the premises.

Ophis’s half-mad nature had actually served a purpose. The temporary true sight potion she’d forced Kent to test had revealed all falsehoods and lies. Perhaps it had been intentional on her part.

…

Friday arrived swiftly, the day Serafina had threatened to bring her wrath upon USOV if they continued holding Ray captive. However, instead of violence, she walked into the building calm, wearing an oversized suit and green blouse, commanding attention as Kent guided her to the Director’s office. Behind her followed a male visor of at least S-tier rank, one of Dallas Grizzlies’ best.

Ten minutes later, another imposing figure entered: Ryan Red, faction leader of the Netherlights. His towering frame was clad in his signature black leather jacket, left unzipped to display his physique. His female vice, dressed in a suit, followed behind.

With the faction leaders and their subordinates present in the Director’s office, Ryan and Serafina took seats beside each other. “I welcome you all,” Director Grey began, initiating the dispute resolution and negotiations to end matters amicably.

…

Liam returned to work after taking several days off following the S-tier breach incident. USOV had also successfully kept the true threat level secret, instructing news outlets to report it as a B-class breach rather than S-class or even Titan. This prevented public panic and unwanted attention Michigan wasn’t prepared for. The local factions knew the truth through their own detection systems but understood the media’s need for a different story.

Entering the building, Liam’s first instinct was to greet Elaine and thank her for visiting him. But as he walked toward the field agents’ area, he noticed everyone staring at him with unusual attention. He looked around confused, until Amir approached him, flanked by Sarah and Elaine, extending his hand for a shake. “Man, you’re such a hotshot now, Liam!”

“What happened? Why’s everyone looking?” Liam asked, shaking hands while his eyes traveled from Amir to Sarah to Elaine.

Sarah interjected with a grin, “The Great Selene Marquis carried you like a baby back to USOV.” She demonstrated by cradling her arms, causing Elaine to chuckle.

Liam had a brief flashback, remembering a feminine figure floating above him after the creature nearly killed him. “Oh nooo,” he groaned. “That must’ve been embarrassing for everyone to see.”

Turning to Elaine, he said, “Hey, thank you for stopping by.”

“No worries,” she replied. “Seems you went home immediately after discharge.”

“Yeah, something like that.” Liam replied

Then Amir chimed in again, “You want to know what actually got people staring?”

At Liam’s nod, he explained, “It’s how an A-tier somehow survived so long against a monster that reached Titan class.”

Sarah cut in enthusiastically, “Yo Liam, not gonna lie bro, I don’t know how you did it, but respect.” She stood at attention and saluted like a soldier, sending them all into fits of laughter.

Recovering from her laughter, Elaine shook her head. “Oh come on, don’t encourage him. In my opinion, that was foolish, Liam. What made you think an A-rank could fight an S-tier breach? Thank God Selene was already on site, or it might’ve been really bad.”

Liam scratched the back of his head awkwardly. They knew the story, but not the complete version. They didn’t know he’d actually won the first round before the beast transformed to Titan class. While Liam didn’t crave glory, he thought ruefully that if they knew about his initial victory, his subsequent defeat wouldn’t seem so embarrassing.

Shifting the topic from himself, Liam motioned toward Director Grey’s office. “What’s going on up there?” He could sense a cluster of powerful individuals gathered above.

“It’s the Ray case,” Amir explained. “Faction leaders Serafina Jackson and Ryan Red are in there with the Director.”

“So it’s been confirmed Ray’s the killer?” Liam asked.

Sarah answered flatly, “Was there ever a doubt?”

“Oh my God, Sarah,” Elaine chuckled.

“How did they find out anyway?” Liam inquired.

“Oh yeah, you don’t know about the Witch Ophis,” Amir replied. “Things like this come easy to her. I bet Ray didn’t know he’d get found out that way.” Liam simply nodded. In a world filled with people possessing diverse abilities, magical possibilities no longer stirred much surprise in his mind.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep