Meanwhile, deep within the lair, Jean freezes as he stands before the wardens. The wardens immediately lunge forward, poised to grab Jean. Swiftly, Jean steps back, avoiding their grasp.

     Jean quickly checks for potions and possible weapons in his pockets. However, dread washes over him as he realizes he has nothing to use for defence. Jean's body trembles as his eyes widen, slowly stepping back from the approaching threats.

     Like lightning, the wardens charge and seize Jean by the shoulders, carrying him from the ground. A sharp yelp escapes Jean's mouth as he feels his entire body being held by a warden. Trying to fight back in a frantic and desperate attempt to escape their hold, Jean smashes his fists against the foe's back. Yet, his attempts are fruitless as the warden's hold remains unyielding.

"Let me go!" Jean ordered, punching the warden's back.

     The wardens immediately brought Jean to a broader chamber where blazing torches lined the walls. Jean turned silent as he beheld the place, craning his neck to see the lofty ceiling. Then, the wardens placed him back on the ground before an earthen throne where Christina, the witch, sat. Jean's breath hitched, caught in his throat, as he and Christina stood face-to-face.

     Christina rose from her seat and raised her chin, crossing her arms and subtly swaying her hip to the side. She then smirked, a soft giggle passing through her closed lips. Stepping forward, she quickly grabbed Jean's jaw and inspected his face.

"Why are you here?" Christina inquired, her voice deep and menacing.

At first, Jean was reluctant to reply. But his determination to help his father coursed through him, prompting him to respond. "You know well why I'm here, witch. I came here to stop your—"

"Ha! Trying to be a hero? That's pathetic!" Christina mocked. "...And ridiculous..." she continued as her voice lowered.

Jean yanked Christina's hand off his jaw and stepped back. "If you please, I'd appreciate it if you don't put your dirty fingers on my face," he said.

Christina remarked nonchalantly, admiring her long black nails, "Well, my fingers remain untainted unlike what your father did to my brother."

"What are you trying to convey, witch?" Jean asked, raising a curious brow.

"First, stop calling me a witch. You may not know me well, so let me introduce myself," she stated. "I'm the Lady of Hillen. Christina Lixandria..." she smirked as she walked around Jean.

"...Hillen?" Jean repeated, the sound of the word bringing unexpected thoughts.

"Second, I'm not like what you think... I'm inflicting torment upon your father because of what he did to my brother," said Christina. "I am merely carrying out an act of justice."

"Who's your brother...? And what did my father do to him?" Jean questioned bravely, stepping closer to Christina, eager to learn the truth.

"He killed him," Christina replied as she stood before Jean.

"W-what?" Jean muttered. "I swear. My father won't kill innocent people," he countered.

"Are you sure about that?" Christina raised an eyebrow.

"Of course. Unless, if those people weren't that innocent and attempted to kill him, then... he did have to do what's right to save himself..." Jean argued. "...It's an act of defence!"

"Indeed, my brother may not be that innocent, but he was, at least, trying to change. However, he wasn't given the chance to change, as your father murdered him," Christina replied.

"Who's your brother anyway? Tell me!" Jean urged.

"Beast Mask?" Christina sighed. "Joel Hillen."

Jean's eyes widened. "Are you insane? He killed numerous families before he was rightfully jailed! Then, he also attempted to kill my father! That's a fact! Is that truly your scheme? To avenge a ruthless killer!?"

"Enough!" Christina lashed out. "You don't know what my brother and I have gone through. My brother was always bullied by older kids when we were young, and he had always been a good person. But then, that day came when he had enough of them. He knew he had to purge those bastards."

Though Jean felt guilty, he stood firmly with his stance. "I... I'm sorry. I'm sorry you two had to go through these. But... killing is never a choice!" he interjected.

"Let me finish!" Christina growled. Inclining her face to his, she grabbed Jean by the shoulders. "Do you even know how I felt when I heard my brother died because of your father!? My brother was everything to me! He is all that I had left! But now... I'm all alone... because of your father!" she yelled.

"I'm sorry, alright!? It's never our choice! My father had to do that to save me when I was abducted, and your brother was trying to get into trouble!" Jean said.

Christina's expression turned composed as she took a deep breath. "My brother? Trouble?" she then leaned forward. "My twin brother was never trouble..." she stated.