Chapter 127
In the Icovine Estate, Emma was in a foul mood on the way home. Liam sensed her distress; he attempted to inquire, but she avoided him. He didn't press the issue, only vaguely recalling Yolanda's hysterical shouting before he entered, immediately followed by Emma knocking her unconscious. That night, he kissed her; she didn't resist. Desire quickly consumed them both. Separated for several days due to summer camp, the intensity of Liam's longing was palpable. Even Emma's exceptional physique couldn't withstand it for long. In a daze, she hugged his neck, whispering, “Liam… if one day you discover I'm hiding something, will you still love me?”
Liam, gazing at her elegant neck and smooth skin, felt his heart soften. He kissed her tenderly on the eyes and brow. “No matter what, as long as it's you, I love you!” Hearing this, Emma buried her face in his chest, relishing the feeling of being cherished. Despite past suffering, Liam's trust was deeply satisfying. She resolved to find a way to reveal her true identity as Phantom. They slept in each other's arms.
The next day, before returning to camp, Emma visited a suburban cemetery. Her last visit was on the anniversary of Aria's death; she had previously retrieved one of Nora Wilson's hands there. However, another person was buried here: Justine, her former best partner. Emma placed a white daisy on the grave, slowly squatting beside it. “Dummy,” she murmured, “I’m here to see you.”
Justine, her best friend from a mysterious organization in her past life, had died before Emma's arrival in this world. The organization recruited individuals with exceptional physiques, many driven by desperation. Reasons for joining varied; revenge, familial illness—Emma and Justine were among those with no other options. Emma sought training; Justine, Dummy, had been sold there by her family. Initially, Emma often erred, leaving her hungry. Justine, despite her own meager rations, shared her food with Emma, saving her from starvation. Though timid, Justine fearlessly risked herself for Emma, sustaining life-altering injuries in an attempt to save her. Throughout those harsh years, they relied on each other. Justine's death, however, resulted from a competition, fueled by suspicion that Emma was responsible. Yolanda, through unknown means, had uncovered past rumors, leveraging Justine's death to threaten Emma. Emma knew a conspiracy existed; she would never harm Justine. She vowed to uncover the truth behind Justine's death at Charon Military School.
At the summer camp, whispers rippled across the field. “The camp's about to begin. Why isn't Emma here?” “That's right. We agreed on a three-day holiday; everyone’s here except her!” “The camp's rule is immediate disqualification for lateness!” Anticipation for a spectacle hung heavy in the air.
Bob stepped forward, frowning. “Teacher, Emma might have been delayed.” Lane and Ida echoed his sentiments. Opposition arose. “No one else is late. Why the special treatment?” “The camp clearly states that latecomers are disqualified!” Marsh, ignoring the growing agitation, glanced at his watch: one minute remaining.
The last minute ticked away. Emma was absent. A clap echoed. “Emma’s late! I announce her disqualifi—”
A woman's voice cut through the air. “Who are you to announce it?”
Lane and Ida, overjoyed at Emma's arrival, rushed to greet her. “Emma, you're finally here!” Ida exclaimed, “You almost got disqualified! I was terrified!” Emma, pinching Ida's face, replied, “I was delayed. Don't worry, I accounted for the time.” She wouldn't make such a basic error.
Marsh nodded. “Good you're here. Let's begin the final training round—a test of character.” Emma remained with Lane and Ida. Team missions were determined by lottery. Upon seeing her mission, Emma was stunned: finding the Tear of the Moon, a legendary, priceless diamond.
“Tear of the Moon… It’s actually here?” Lane gasped.
Emma nodded. “The quest indicates it was stolen months ago, dropped during the escape. The detector pinpoints its location within this area. The team retrieving and returning it to the museum wins. However, the terrain is dangerous.”
A trace of panic flickered across Ida’s face. “Dangerous? Tigers or leopards?”
Emma, suppressing her own comment, said simply, “Don’t be afraid. We’ll take it one step at a time.”
They proceeded, traversing mountainous terrain and a dense forest. Ida, physically weaker than Emma and Lane, struggled. As they climbed a fog-shrouded mountain, Ida panicked. “Emma… We seem lost.”
Emma reassured her. “Don’t worry. I've mapped the route; we’ll reach our destination within half an hour.”
Ida, overjoyed, stumbled and twisted her ankle. Pain brought tears to her eyes. Lane anxiously asked, “Are you alright? Can you walk?”
Unable to stand, Ida pleaded, “Emma, go on ahead. Don’t worry about me…”
Emma, checking the time, said firmly, “Don’t worry. Lane, rest. We'll carry Ida.” As Phantom or Stox, Emma's success stemmed from never abandoning her teammates. After resting, Emma hoisted Ida onto her back.