Chapter 394: _I Don’t Think I’ve Met Her

Blue Diamond Academy

"Thank you for the tour. I had so much fun."

"What? Nah, it’s nothing really." Augustus’s lips were stretched wide as he and Ramona walked down the stairs leading out of the school. "As you know, I’m new to this school too. But it’s growing on me."

Ramona angled her head to him. "I can see that."

They stood there for several seconds, neither saying a word. Cars and pedestrians moved about as usual. The sounds from the school droned on in the background.

Eventually, the S-Rank cleared his throat. "Well, I better get inside. Gotta prepare the materials I’ll need for teaching... the young Hunters today."

A small smile curved the corner of Ramona’s lips. "What you do is indeed admirable."

"Oh, stop. I’m not the actual brains behind this program."

"Right. Who did you say it was again? Am—"

"Hunter Ambrose Hale." Augustus nodded, a hint of envy and reverence behind his voice. "It’s so unbelievable how high he’s come. Just a few months ago he was only a C-Rank Guide at my Guild."

Little did he know that Ramona wasn’t asking these questions out of mere curiosity.

She was comparing this timeline with the one her brethren conquered.

The changes were unnoticeable at first glance. But they were there. And widespread enough to make both points in the stream of time unrelated.

’He really was clever,’ She remembered the future Ambrose. ’Creating a completely alternate and uncertain timeline erases everything we accomplished in the future.’

Her brethren who fell would remain fallen.

The Archons existed beyond the multiverse to begin with. Changes in the timeline, no matter how severe, won’t have an effect.

Yet it also proved quite annoying.

"Gosh, I must be boring you." Augustus chuckled, scratching his forehead. "I should get going. You—"

"Don’t be silly." Ramona reached for his wrist, stopping him from moving. "You’ve been quite helpful. More than you might realise."

The Esper’s throat constricted.

Was it just him, or was she being way too intense? Seriously, who was this woman?

Keeping her smile, Ramona slid out her phone, handing it over. "Here. Let’s keep in touch. Maybe you can take me on one of those things adults seem to rave about."

"... You mean a date?"

"Ah, yes. That." She gently closed his fingers over her phone. "You won’t mind inputting your numb—"

"No, no..." Augustus was quick to move his digits, dialling in his number. "I’m just... a bit surprised. But here you go."

Grabbing the phone back from him, Ramona winked. "Looking forward to that date, Augustus." The second she backed away and brought her gaze to the road, her expression shifted to one of pure disdain.

Humans.

So easily driven by infatuation.

’He could prove useful with due time,’ she slipped past the crowd until she blended in naturally. ’Ambrose Hale. Something tells me you’re completely different now...’

★★★★★

Two Days Later

Ambrose stepped out of Devon’s car that morning, Orion hopping out a couple of seconds later.

"Bye, papa!"

"See you later, buddy." Devon stretched his neck forward, lowering his sunglasses enough to give his boy a wink. "Good luck at school, my boys."

Ambrose placed a palm on the open window. "That joke’s getting tired."

"Really? It manages to make you smile each time, though."

Right on cue, heat rushed up Rose’s ears. "Screw you." He leaned down, planting a quick peck on the S-Rank’s lips. "See you later, babe. Good luck at work."

Devon pulled out of the driveway, joining traffic smoothly.

Orion had already ascended the steps, joining a group of kids his age. They giggled when he got to them, all walking further into the school together.

Now and then, the little boy would laugh at something one of his classmates said before excitedly chiming in himself, his backpack bouncing against his shoulders with every step.

A quiet smile settled on Ambrose’s face.

It honestly felt like yesterday when Orion had complained about not having anyone to play with.

Back then he’d spend most afternoons sulking because the other children already had their own friend groups while he was still trying to figure out where he fit in.

Now look at him.

Chuckling to himself, Ambrose adjusted the strap of the bag hanging from his shoulder before making his way up the staircase leading toward the administrative offices.

He hadn’t even reached the landing before hurried footsteps echoed from somewhere inside.

"Hunter Ambrose!"

Augustus jogged over, slowing to a stop once he reached him.

"Morning." Ambrose greeted with an amused grin. "You’re unusually energetic."

"I’ve had three cups of coffee."

"...That explains everything."

Augustus laughed shamelessly before rubbing the back of his neck. "I’ve actually been meaning to call you. The Young Hunters 101 class keeps asking when you’re coming back."

Ambrose raised an eyebrow. "They miss me already?"

"They miss the chaos." Augustus corrected. "Apparently I’m too responsible."

"I’ll take that as a compliment." Ambrose guffawed. "So did Diana teleport into the hallway ceiling again?"

"Twice."

"And?"

"We got her down... eventually."

Both men shared a laugh this time.

Ever since their first interaction at the school, Augustus appeared to be way more respectful toward Ambrose. The SS-Rank didn’t mind and matched his friendliness.

It would help them work better together at the very least.

"Oh, that reminds me." Augustus suddenly snapped his fingers. "A former parent came by the school a couple of days ago. Ramona Richards. She said her children used to study here before moving away."

The name meant absolutely nothing to Ambrose. "I don’t think I’ve met her."

"Probably not." Augustus shrugged. "She was... nice. A little intense sometimes, but nice."

Ambrose simply nodded.

After exchanging a few more words, the pair headed further into the building together, neither giving the conversation another thought.

★★★★★

Phoenix Flight Headquarters

Devon’s sleek black car rolled to a smooth stop beneath the towering glass skyscraper that served as Phoenix Flight’s headquarters.

Espers, Guides and ordinary employees moved steadily through the revolving doors while others chatted in small groups outside before the start of another workday.

Devon climbed out, straightened the cuffs of his shirt and casually slung his jacket over one shoulder as he made his way toward the entrance.

Across the street, partially concealed amongst the flow of morning pedestrians, Ramona watched him in silence.

Her gaze lingered on the parked vehicle for only a heartbeat before settling entirely upon the redhead.

A faint smile touched her lips.

’So... that’s the child’s other parent.’