Chapter 189: Beneath the Floor

"A world in turmoil," Rachel sighed, handing his phone back. "It looks like we’re out of time."

The last grains of sand trickled out of the hourglass; it flashed a light blue before cracking and spilling its contents. Their isolation field was drained, and their thirty minutes were up. Rayla, their server and Merlin’s spy, promptly cleaned it up; no one in the restaurant even seemed to have noticed their private bubble.

Silence passed between them as they thought about the sobering topics they’d discussed. Rachel’s thoughts were still on the colossal change happening in China.

She’d been proud of how quickly she’d been able to consolidate her power and connections, yet there was always someone else to give you a run for your money; Empress Wu had to be close to her level, but she’d managed to take command over arguably the second or third most powerful nation in the world.

Nia’s narrowed eyes darted to her. "I’m hearing a lot of talk from people around DC about this place called China, and how no word has come out. People are worried about loved ones. Is it really that big of a deal if this woman takes sole control?"

Who knows? Rachel whispered, spotting Rayla return to the kitchen to bring out their dinner. We may be able to get answers tonight. For now, let’s try to enjoy ourselves.

The discussion turned more personal as Tom asked about the Knights of the Round, snatching Rachel’s attention; it became the topic for much of the remainder of the meal. Arthur had called the men who used to serve under him in the military to gather. He was rallying his political and financial influence, as well, but many saw his flight to the US as a dangerous one. It would be a hard fight when he returned.

When all was said and done, Rachel had a relatively pleasant time with the Legends. It was indeed a different kind of evening than she’d ever had, yet it felt good to be a part of something that actually mattered. As they got up to leave, Rachel’s and Nia’s ears darted to the elevator as a disturbance came from the middle-floor dining area.

"M-Monster! What did you do to my wife?! W-Why is everyone changing into monsters?!"

"Wha— You’re the Troll, man?"

"Sweetie?! P-Please, calm down!"

"Ahhh!"

"Woah! Woah! Chill!"

Nia was ready to act, but Rachel held a hand in front of the bun’s chest, stopping her and causing the others to pause as they prepared to leave.

Hold up. We’re not suited for this kind of thing. Let’s see how they react...

Vision narrowing, her gaze darted to Jeanne. "A commotion downstairs on the second floor. A man is claiming his wife, and everyone else, is transforming; he’s becoming violent."

The saint’s brow set, and a holy aura embraced her as she acted without a second’s hesitation. Speed increasing dramatically, she hiked up her dress and leaped over the tables to the emergency stairs, a large, furled banner materializing in her hand.

French accent thick, she shouted, "I will subdue him before harm comes to the citizens! Call the authorities."

Holding her hands behind her back, Rachel tilted her head toward the three men with a small smile. "Aren’t you going to help the woman?"

Tom donned his military jacket and started buttoning it up. "I wouldn’t even make it in time to see the action. It’s probably already over."

Sure enough, Rachel shifted her weight to stare at the floor, where she heard the saint already engaging the troll. The saint’s swift and unhesitant action of rushing to do good, even in another nation, where her actions could be scrutinized, told Rachel everything she needed to know about the blonde. Jeanne wasn’t concerned about laws or what was acceptable; she did what she thought was right.

Charlemagne fastened his suit coat and brushed back his long black locks with a smile as the guests nearby tried to figure out why a woman in a blue dress had just jumped across half the room over their heads.

"Hmm. Jeanne is a very effective warrior when it comes to de-escalation. If you were hoping to see my abilities, then I’m going to have to disappoint you." His glowing brown eyes gleamed with curiosity. "I have a sneaking suspicion that this has something to do with those claims of misfortune you told our dear Nia about."

Arthur popped out his sleeves while eyeing the frowning bunny. "I had wondered when that would come up again. A Troll Faekin that went berserk... Am I to assume that if Nia were to eat it, then she would have the same reaction?"

Her captain’s ears flew up in alarm, the bun’s eclipse-like eyes darting to her. "Tell me that’s not the case. I help you passively against being controlled, well, up to a point, but I might be vulnerable to manipulation. I abhor the thought of turning against you."

Rachel showed a small smirk and shrugged at the three men. "All I know is that we avoided some insane misfortune by evading the clams, but if Nia had gone berserk and used some of my abilities that she’s in control of... It could have been very bad. Why don’t we find out?"

Feeling a little frisky and far better now with Lunar Energy in her pool, Rachel decided it was about time she tested out her new Feat. She flickered, leaving an afterimage as Nia mirrored her. "See you below."

[Blessed Lunar Grace: Active]

[Flash Step: Charges Consumed 5/5]

Using Chang’e’s Feat, Rachel instantly teleported through the floor to land between two tables on the second landing, Nia keeping their skirts twisted against their ankles. A hulking, three-meter-tall Troll Faekin was locked in place, Jeanne’s spear-like banner plunged through his chest; the flag was unfurled, alabaster chains exiting the shaft to bind him in place.

Jeanne instantly locked eyes with her as she calmed down the restaurant staff and patrons. "Do not be concerned; my spear did not harm him physically! I have chained his spirit and will purify him of the evil magic clouding his soul. Please, remain calm!"

A gentle aura filled the space from the blonde’s radiant presence as she first checked on one of the male servers who had come between the troll and presumably his stunned brunette wife. He was on the ground, groaning and cradling what appeared to be a broken arm and dislocated shoulder.

"I-I can’t— I can’t breathe..." he choked, Rachel’s ears twitching as she heard his ragged lungs trying to fight some kind of pressure.

The middle-aged, brown-haired wife of the troll seemed to be calming down as the saint de-escalated things. Rachel’s focus snapped to the white chains as she heard the links around the troll quiver slightly.

[Divine Beast Empowerment] showed her a miasmic, reddish tint growing from the man as he hissed out steam, blue skin gradually turning crimson as foreign energy continued to build within him. [Bestial Instincts] further gave her insight into the rising threat this troll was becoming.