"Tsk tsk… we haven't had something this big happen in town in years."
"Right? I heard it was a gang war—Sheldon Manor got wiped out."
"Really? I heard from Johnny Jr. that it was some woman in a black suit and a V-shaped mask."
"Pfft, come on. You believe that? Unless she's some kind of movie assassin or superhero."
"Well, I don't buy it either, but I did see Johnny get taken away by a bunch of FBI agents."
"Whoa, let's go find Johnny. Drinks on me—we need to talk this out."
"Definitely. Oh, and I've been meaning to ask you about that Lin Zi couple case from a while back. Hey, Bella—morning!"
"Good morning, Uncle Jose."
Morning breeze gently brushed against Bella's cheeks as she leaned on the railing of her small balcony, a faint smile on her lips. The air was fresh, filled with the scent of flowers and dew. Down below, neighbors passed by, gossiping animatedly about last night's chaos.
She looked out into the peaceful street, sunlight glinting through the drifting clouds, and couldn't help but feel a strange sense of satisfaction.
Catherine Isa Bella
Strength: E+
Stamina: C+
Agility: D-
Magic: E+
Mental Power: D+
Luck: C
Noble Phantasm: None
Riding: D
Intuition: D+
Charisma: A
The complete destruction of the Barbarian gang—and the handful of Blood Clan she'd eliminated along the way—had triggered another leap in Bella's stats.
Her strength and magic had both jumped a full rank. Endurance, already her highest attribute, rose again. Agility had crossed the threshold into D-tier.
Interestingly, after killing three live fish and a few crabs that morning, her stats didn't budge.
The message was clear: if she wanted to grow stronger from now on, she'd need to fight—and defeat—opponents with extraordinary strength. No more feeding off the weak.
As for the FBI presence in town? She wasn't worried.
Through her use of magic, her appearance had subtly changed—slightly different body shape, hair tone, even her aura. Add to that her lifelong presence in the town of Fox, and there was simply no reason for anyone to suspect her.
The authorities would assume the attacker was an outsider, perhaps even someone connected to the criminal underworld. After all, what ordinary girl could take out 400 armed gangsters and vampires in a single night?
"Hey, Bella! Your latte!"
Bella turned at the cheerful voice. Angie walked in, barefoot in slippers, holding two steaming cups.
"Did you add sugar?" Bella asked, smiling as she took hers.
"Of course! Three spoons—just the way you like it."
The two girls leaned on the balcony rail together, sipping their drinks. Angie nudged Bella playfully with her elbow.
"Guess who I ran into on the way here?"
"Baird?" Bella replied, raising an eyebrow.
"Definitely not. That guy's glued to his gaming chair, playing with his nerd squad again."
Angie scowled as she mentioned her boyfriend, then let it go with a sigh. She turned back toward Bella with a teasing grin.
"Nope. I ran into Edward."
Bella blinked. Edward?
Edward was the school's golden boy. A flawless combination of brains, beauty, and athleticism. He was at the top of his class, aced every subject, and dominated both basketball and baseball. Girls swooned. Boys envied.
Bella's predecessor had harbored a crush on him for years. But he'd always been distant, aloof, too far removed for anything real to bloom.
Bella, now reborn and awakened, couldn't care less.
Angie, of course, didn't know that.
"He asked about you," Angie said with a grin.
Bella laughed lightly. "Forget it, Angie. I'm not in the mood for him right now."
"Such a shame. I think he likes you."
Bella just smiled and said nothing.
Changing the subject, Angie looked thoughtful. "Bella, there's only one month left before the college entrance exams. Any idea where you're applying?"
Bella shrugged. "Haven't really thought about it."
"You're kidding. With your grades, you could get into anywhere—Harvard, Princeton, Yale! Me? I'll be lucky to land in a community college…"
Bella chuckled at her friend's dramatics, sipping her latte as she gazed over the horizon.
One Month Later
Jingle bell!
The final bell of the college entrance exams rang out, and waves of students poured from the building, some cheering, others weeping. Months of tension burst like a dam.
"Carney, what's with that face? You bombed, didn't you?"
"I'm so screwed. Uncle Sam's gonna kill me."
"Haha! He'll probably make you camp out in the woods again."
"Finally free! Annie, let's go shopping in New Orleans!"
"Only if Alice comes too!"
Outside, the world buzzed with joy, relief, and panic.
Among the sea of students, Bella and Angie strolled calmly, chatting as they walked toward the parking lot. Bella wore a loose denim jacket over a white tee and black jeans, effortlessly stylish. Angie stuck close, animated and cheerful.
The weather was gloomy, the sky heavy with rain clouds. Puddles dotted the asphalt.
They waved to classmates, exchanged hugs, and headed to Angie's truck.
"So, how'd it go?" Angie asked, her tone hopeful.
"It was fine," Bella replied casually.
"I knew it. Meanwhile, I totally choked on grammar and math."
"You'll be okay."
"You're such a sweetheart. Come on—pizza's on me tonight."
Bella smiled. "You still addicted to Sam's?"
"Don't judge me. That pizza is life."
As they reached Angie's black pickup truck, a Ford sedan came speeding down the road from the opposite side. Another car was trying to pull out of a spot nearby, and the Ford driver, startled, yanked the wheel hard.
Skreeeech—!
The wet road offered no traction.
The Ford skidded sideways, tires screaming.
It barreled toward Bella and Angie—fast. Too fast to dodge.
The crowd screamed.
"OH MY GOD!"
"NO—!"
Hands flew up. Several students covered their faces, expecting the worst.
Bella's eyes narrowed.
And her instincts kicked in.
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