They all went to one of the largest rooms. They didn''t teleport this time, and on their way, they told the staff that they were safe to return to the facility.


    They also informed the scientists to not approach the room where the Gateway was located. A few soldiers went down there too, to make sure nobody did anything to destabilize it.


    Only Mary, Collins, Lee and the newcomers went to the recreational room... And Brian, since the little girl didn''t want the enormous spider-dog to be alone.


    She travelled on his back, while giggling, and as they entered the large room, Brian went around the place sniffing every corner... Even the ones on the ceiling.


    The large room had a lot of different games, some electronic, some more conventional. There was even one of the weird new chessboards that Sera had brought here.


    There was also a large kitchen area and a dining table. They brought a bunch of snacks and drinks to there, then sat down in silence. Other than the girl, ––who was still playing with Brian––they all looked at each other, not sure what to say.


    Since the newcomers were very awkward and had no intention of starting the conversation, Collins decided to speak first.


    "I think we should begin with the introductions. I am Professor Collins, a scientist here in the Angelic Order Research Facility. This, uh... Lovely lady here is the lead scientist, Mary. And the grumpy-looking man is the head of security, Lee."


    Hearing this, the eldest of the newcomers, the white-haired man, introduced everyone on their side, then stared at the Professor with curiosity.


    "So you are the famous Professor. Didn''t expect to see you in such a place. Last I heard, you were living the best of your life in your mansion... And what is the Angelic Order?"


    As the conversation started, they munched on different kinds of cookies, chips, chocolate and other types of snacks.


    "Then you haven''t heard about me for the past ten years. I retired back then and only helped a select few with their evolution. I spent more time researching, which was a lot better than listening to spoiled brats who think they know better than me..."


    Before he could''ve continued to grumble under his breath, Lucy ––the pale woman––cut in.


    She had already made herself comfortable, with her shoes off and her legs placed on James, the cyborg guy''s lap.


    "Why would anyone ask for your help with evolution?" Asked Lucy, with her mouth full of food.


    Damien, the older white-haired man, stared at her with a smirk.


    "For no reason, he is just the single most knowledgeable person when it comes to Evolved... But why would anyone ask for his opinion... Maybe if you would''ve asked for his help, you wouldn''t have accidentally changed races!"


    Hearing this, Lucy just shrugged and continued to feed herself and the cyborg.


    "Ah, I wondered why you were so different... Hmm, your pale skin and scythe suggest a connection to death, and you control The Essence of Life and Death—the green fog... You changed races into either a revenant or a reaper... Was my guess correct?"


    He asked mockingly, causing the entire table to laugh at Lucy''s ridiculous expression.


    She murmured something to the cyborg, and they both walked away towards one of the game tables.


    "You still haven''t answered. What is the Angelic Order?" asked Damien again, but instead of Collins, Lee provided an answer.


    "It''s a religious organization, and a secret military force all behind our one and only Leader, the Deathless Phoenix, the Angel Monarch, Lady Seraphine!"


    "You know, I''m tired from all the previous events. Can''t you just leave me alone to my thoughts?" Her voice was louder than she intended, causing everyone to stare at her.


    They all looked either disturbed or scared... Everyone except the Professor.


    He just sighed with sadness and shook his head. With kindness and warmth, he stared into Bea''s eyes and spoke in a whisper, so the others wouldn''t hear.


    "I''m sorry for your loss..."


    Bea''s face scrunched up in confusion. She said nothing that could''ve indicated such a response...


    "I haven''t lost anyone. What are you talking about?"


    The Professor chuckled to himself, with no joy... "I have survived multiple wars, the Last War and even the Apocalypse. Throughout my long life I saw many people lose loved ones, and one thing was common between them... That look in their eyes. That deep sadness, which is within yours as well..."


    "Who did you lose, if you don''t mind me asking?"


    Bea stared at him for a while longer, before sighing... "Alyrine told me... She told me a lot about everything that happened... I have lost no one, not in the physical sense at least, but a lot has changed in the past two years..."


    Seeing that the previous scene was over, the conversations around the room started again. While from one corner, Brian''s snoring rumbled the floor.


    With melancholy Bea stared at the cookie in her hand, then was about to eat it, when a small portal opened between the cookie and her mouth.


    Her eyes snapped to her daughter, who was happily giggling and munching on her stolen prize.


    Seeing her brought a bright smile to Bea''s face, making the sadness disappear in its entirety.


    Collins was about to speak further, but the door to the recreational room opened and five people stepped inside.


    Other than Lee and Collins, nobody knew who they were, but seeing that Lee bowed to them, it was clear that their ranks were high in their leadership hierarchy.


    In the front stood a slim, tall man with dark brown hair and light hazel eyes. His expression was serious as he scanned each of the people''s faces.


    A step behind him stood two women. One with a luscious purple hair, which reached down to her ankles, and pink curious eyes.


    Next to her stood a woman with whitish-blond hair and two different colored eyes. Her bearing was more serious than Cass''s, but still not as solemn as Bran.


    Behind the two stood an interesting pair. Each wore long robes, which hid most of their features. One was a man, the other a woman. One was tall, the other short.


    Both of their hairs were golden, except at their roots, which were black. The man was very handsome and looked much older than his actual age. He also seemed exhausted, like he spent the past few months not sleeping right.


    The woman looked much more healthy, and she kept glancing up into his orange eyes with concern.


    Their robes had a large seven-pointed stars embroidered on them, marking their allegiance.


    The room turned silent yet again. Bran scanned the crowd, spending a second longer on Vicky, then her eyes fell on Bea, who was staring at him too.


    "Let''s talk." said Bran, then seated himself at the dining table.