The feed became unstable and finally went offline.

"Well, shit," Idris muttered, his eyes wide with surprise. It wasn't the explosion that unsettled him; Jamie knew his bodyguard had witnessed far worse while in the SAS, but rather, he was appalled by the unmistakable display of magic.

Idris glanced away from the road for a moment, his steady composure wavering. "Was that... magic?" he asked, a note of awe slipping into his usually controlled tone.

"One form of it," Jamie affirmed, his gaze distant as he processed the chaotic scene they'd just witnessed. "But there are hundreds of other types."

Idris's hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel as he navigated the sleek limousine through the city's labyrinthine streets. "Can you do that?" he inquired, curiosity tinged with concern.

Jamie met Idris's eyes in the rearview mirror, his expression guarded. A flicker of intrigue danced in Jamie's mind. He wondered if his spells remained intact in this world.

He reached inward, summoning the interface. Instantly, a transparent panel materialized before him, lines of golden text shimmering against the backdrop of the car's opulent interior.

--

| Spells | Dancing Lights [1/1] | Detect Magic [1/1] | Ghost Sound [1/1] | Alarm [1/1] | Cause Fear [1/1] | Babble [1/1] | Cacophonous Call [1/1] | Thundering Drums [1/1]

--

'They're all available,' Jamie noted silently, a mix of relief and excitement welling within him. The spells he obtained were at his disposal and charged up. 'So the charges reset with the body, not the spirit or whatever it is,' he mused, piecing together the facts.

Returning his attention to Idris, Jamie offered a measured response. "I can," he admitted, "but nothing as flashy as that."

Idris nodded thoughtfully, his gaze returning to the road as they left downtown's neon glow behind. The silence that settled between them was comfortable; each lost in contemplation. The cityscape gave way to the sprawling estates of the affluent, shadows of grand mansions looming against the sky.

--

Fatigue tugged at Jamie's consciousness, the weight of the day's events pressing upon him. He allowed his eyes to close, the rhythmic motion of the car lulling him into a light sleep.

When the limousine slowed to a smooth stop, Jamie blinked awake. They had arrived at the stately entrance of his family home, a towering mansion adorned with marble columns and ornate wrought-iron gates. Soft lights illuminated the manicured gardens, the cascading fountains, and meticulously trimmed hedges.

Through the window, he spotted a figure standing at the top of the stone steps leading to the grand double doors. Jessica. Even from a distance, he could see the mix of anxiety and anticipation etched upon his younger sister's face. Her hands were clasped tightly in front of her, knuckles white.

Jamie stepped out of the car as Idris opened the door for him. The scent of jasmine and freshly cut grass enveloped him. He barely had time to straighten before Jessica launched herself toward him, descending the steps in hurried strides, skipping the last few entirely.

She collided with him, arms wrapping around his torso in a fierce embrace. Despite her slight frame, the force of her hug was enough to make him stagger back a step. "You absolute jerk!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled against his chest. Tears glistened on her cheeks, carving silent paths down her skin. "I was so worried!"

Jamie's heart ached at her distress. Gently, he returned her embrace, resting his chin atop her head. "I'm sorry?" he spoke almost as a question.

Jessica pulled back slightly, her eyes searching his face. "Where have you been all this time?" she demanded, a blend of anger and relief coloring her tone. "I've been going out of my mind looking for you."

Jamie held his sister tightly. Her sobs muffled against his chest as she clung to him. He rested his chin gently atop her head.

Idris stood a respectful distance away, his usually stoic expression softening slightly as he observed the reunion. After a moment, he inclined his head and made his way through the towering double doors.

Jessica pulled back just enough to look up at Jamie, her eyes red-rimmed yet filled with relief and indignation. "Where have you been all this time? I was going crazy looking for you," she demanded, her voice trembling despite her attempt to sound firm.

Jamie offered a faint, apologetic smile. "It's a long story," he began, guiding her gently into the expansive sitting room. The room was adorned with intricate tapestries, and an ornate chandelier cast a warm, soothing light. He sank into one of the plush sofas, the cushions embracing him in a way that nothing in Hafenstadt could ever do.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Not content to wait any longer, Jessica perched on the edge of an opposing armchair. "What do you mean, 'a long story'? You vanished without a trace!" she pressed.

Jamie met her gaze steadily. "I was in the same place everyone's been talking about on the news, in the podcasts, wherever people are discussing the disappearances," he explained.

She blinked, confusion knitting her brow. "Impossible?" she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper. Her disbelief was palpable, yet there was a glimmer of hope tangled within it. After a brief pause, she sprang up and moved to sit beside him on the sofa, her eyes searching his face. "Wait—are you serious? Is it really true?"

He nodded solemnly. "I can't provide proof, but yes. It's true," he affirmed, his tone earnest.

Jessica's breath caught. "So those people who are claiming they have powers... they're real?" she asked, her mind racing.

Jamie noticed Idris entering the room quietly, positioning himself by the grand fireplace. The flickering flames cast shadows across his face, his keen eyes indicating that he, too, was eager to hear more.

"Yes," Jamie confirmed. "Not everyone received the same abilities, but with millions of people going, there are bound to be those with god-like powers."

Jessica's curiosity sparked like a flare. She leaned in closer, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "What about yours? What can you do?" she inquired, a mix of wonder and anticipation coloring her voice.

He offered a modest shrug. "Nothing too spectacular," he admitted. "I can strengthen my allies and make them more powerful."

Her eyes widened, radiating youthful excitement. "Even us?" she asked, the possibility of adventure gleaming in her gaze.

Jamie hesitated for a moment before replying. "I don't think so," he said thoughtfully. "My powers are... limited. The number of people I can enhance is restricted, and all my slots are filled."

A flicker of disappointment crossed her features, but she quickly composed herself, leaning back into the cushions. Her gaze drifted toward the ornate ceiling.

Idris broke the silence by stepping forward with a measured stride. His usually composed expression had hardened into one of grave concern. "Have you returned permanently?" he asked, his deep voice resonating softly in the spacious room.

Jessica's head snapped back toward Jamie, her expression shifting rapidly from curiosity to alarm. "What does he mean?" she pressed.

Jamie took a steadying breath, his eyes reflecting the weight of uncertainties he carried. "I don't know," he confessed. "But I suspect not. I feel it like a tether still connecting me to that other world. There's a chance I, possibly we, might be pulled back there."

The three of them fell silent for a moment; Jessica's face showed her concern and sorrow.

However, Jamie had no time to waste. "That's why I'm going to need your help," he said, looking at Idris.

"How?" Idris inquired.

Jamie took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "From what they've told me, we can only return once we find a 'god' who has been captured or something along those lines," he explained. "Supposedly, only 'good' people were meant to be summoned. Yet, I was pulled in as well, along with others whom I seriously doubt are virtuous."

"I see," Idris replied, nodding thoughtfully.

"Before I go back, I need to study a list of the names and faces of those who disappeared," Jamie continued, his gaze distant as he contemplated the task. "Preferably starting with the most dangerous individuals. My memory is already exceptional, but when I'm there, I can use an ability that grants me perfect recall. I'll be able to identify who else was transported to that other world."

"How will that help?" Jessica asked, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

"I'm not entirely sure," Jamie admitted. "But based on my experience, I arrived there with the same name and a face remarkably similar to mine. Knowing who might be there could help me identify anyone that's dangerous or at least give me an advantage."

"I see," Idris agreed. "There are millions of missing persons, but accessing their information is easy. There's a public database with all the details."

"Good," Jamie acknowledged. "Secondly, I need you to dismantle all our current operations," he said, fixing Idris with a serious gaze. "Focus solely on the family's security. The game I'm involved in now is much larger and more dangerous than anything we handle here."

"Understood," Idris replied, his eyes serious behind his glasses. "I'll prepare the list of individuals immediately."

With that, Idris stood and strode purposefully toward the security offices on the ground floor.

Jamie watched him go before turning to Jessica. "How is Mother?" he asked, hoping to change the subject.

Jessica hesitated, her expression uncertain. "The same as always."

Jamie sighed heavily. Their mother had never been easy. He couldn't pinpoint when she began harboring such disdain toward her own children. 'Did she ever truly care?' he wondered. 'What did I do to make her hate me?' These were questions he'd asked himself countless times in his youth.

"Sir, are you expecting visitors?" Idris's voice cut through his reverie as he reentered the room with uncharacteristic urgency.

Jamie looked up, frowning. "No. Why?"

"Then... perhaps you'd better come to the security room," Idris suggested.

Exchanging puzzled glances, Jamie and Jessica rose and followed him. The security room was a secluded chamber filled with monitors displaying live feeds from cameras covering every inch of the estate. The glow from the screens bathed the room in a cool, bluish light.

"What is it?" Jamie asked as they entered.

"Look at this group," Idris said, pointing to one of the main monitors.

On the screen, a dark car was parked just outside the mansion's formidable wrought-iron gates. Inside sat three figures, their faces obscured by shadows but their intent clear as they eyed the gate.

As they watched, one of the men stepped out of the car. He carried a long object wrapped in cloth. With deliberate strides, he approached the gate. Unwrapping the weapon, he revealed a blade that shimmered faintly, even in the low light.

"What is he doing?" Jessica whispered, her eyes wide.

The man lifted the sword above his head, and time seemed to slow for a moment. Then, with a swift and powerful motion, he brought the blade crashing down onto the gate. A wave of energy erupted from the point of impact, a brilliant arc that sliced through the iron as though it were paper. The gates groaned and then parted, severed cleanly.

"Fucking hell," Jamie muttered.

With the gate destroyed, the other two men exited the car and joined their accomplice. Together, they began advancing up the driveway toward the mansion.

"These are the best houses. Get what you want!"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.