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  ?? Chapter 22: The Night of Knowing (Part One)

  While powerful beings were coming into existence, the most powerful beings were already gathered in one place—having a dinner party.

  Yes, I’m talking about the Devil Quake family.

  They were the only organization that had yet to make a move on the world stage. But before doing so, they needed answers. They needed to understand the truth.

  And for that purpose alone, D had arranged this family dinner.

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  “Okay, before we talk and you all start bombarding me with questions, let’s have dinner first. After that, I’ll answer everything,” D said, gesturing ahead.

  “This way, please.”

  A huge table for the adults was set in one room, while another table for the children was arranged in a separate room.

  “Mrs. Douglas!” D called out.

  A middle-aged woman stepped forward.

  “Yes, Master D?”

  “Please take the children to the other room and make sure all their needs are taken care of,” D ordered.

  “Yes, Master D.”

  The maid escorted the children away.

  “And one more thing,” D added, sighing. “You know I don’t like this master business. And yet you still can’t control your tongue. Just call me D. You’re part of this family now, okay?”

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Mrs. Douglas raised her voice slightly.

  “How can I? It is not appropriate for a servant to speak to their master informally. You must understand, sir—we are different in status—”

  “Enough,” D cut her off. “Do as you please, Mrs. Douglas. Now go, the guests are waiting.”

  “I’m sorry, sir, for raising my voice,” Mrs. Douglas said, bowing her head.

  “It’s okay. Now please,” D replied, sighing again.

  “Yes, sir. Right away,” she said and walked away.

  “Who is she?” Maple asked.

  “Oh—sorry, I forgot to introduce her,” D replied. “But before that, let me call one more person. Then we’ll have a proper introduction.”

  “Okay,” Maple nodded.

  “Let’s get seated,” Aniela suggested.

  “Why is the table so big, Papa?” Elisis asked.

  “Because…” D said awkwardly, “I got a little too excited and ended up making more than I should have.”

  Eli chuckled.

  “It’s okay, Papa. We’ll eat more—we missed your cooking.”

  “Thank you, dear ??” D smiled.

  As everyone took their seats, plates filled with food began arriving one after another.

  “There are seventy-two dishes,” D announced.

  “I made them according to everyone’s preferences. Please, enjoy.”

  The table was filled with all kinds of meat, seafood, vegetables, and countless other dishes. Everything looked, smelled, and tasted incredible.

  Everyone ate as if they hadn’t had food in fifteen years.

  “I know you’re an amazing chef,” Rajiv said happily, “but man… I didn’t expect to miss your cooking this much.”

  “Thanks, Raj. Much appreciated,” D replied.

  “Your wife and children are so lucky,” Maple added. “Getting to eat food made by you every day.”

  D simply smiled.

  Once everyone had finished eating, curiosity burned clearly on their faces. D noticed—and didn’t delay.

  “I know you all have questions. And I know exactly what they are.

  What happened fifteen years ago?

  Who was involved?

  Where was I all this time?

  And most importantly—did I know our children would also develop powers?

  I think that covers the biggest ones.

  So let me answer them one by one.”

  The room grew silent.

  “First of all, what happened fifteen years ago… I’m sure most of you have already realized it. But I’ll say it out loud anyway.

  Fifteen years ago, we were betrayed by the government—”

  Charlie interrupted him immediately.

  “Yeah, what else did you expect? I warned you not to work with them, and yet—”

  “That’s enough. Let him finish,” Eli said firmly.

  “Thank you, El,” D said. “As I was saying—the government wasn’t alone in this betrayal. They were supported… or more precisely, instigated… by none other than the SSA bastards.”

  Anger spread across the room.

  “We should have taken care of them when we had the chance,” Maple said through clenched teeth.

  “The chance hasn’t been lost yet,” Aleina said calmly.

  “She’s right,” Ash added.

  # If you’re wondering why only Guts hasn’t spoken—it’s because he can’t. He lost his vocal cords when he was seven. #

  “As I was saying,” D continued, “we know who was involved in trying to kill us, but—”

  “Again with your buts,” Charlie snapped.

  “Can you all stop interrupting me?” D finally exploded.

  “If you don’t let me speak, how will you understand?

  I know you’re angry.

  I know you’re hurt.

  I know you think I betrayed you by leaving.

  I know all of that.

  But if you don’t give me a chance to explain… how will I convince you to come back?”

  D’s anger filled the room ????

  “Okay, stop. Let’s take a break,” Aleina said, trying to calm everyone—specifically D and Charlie.

  One by one, everyone left the room, walking off in different directions.

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