After the duel between Vermilion and Mage 01, it was obvious that although Taeyeon was definitely the strongest mage among them, there were still mysteries to be discovered in the world of magic. All the hostages regain their cognizance and most of them could only recall the moment Mage 01 alerted the police he was robbing the bank. Anything past that point was simply void in their memories, they had no recollection of the events that occurred when Vermilion and her friends had arrived. The city had learned by now that this was definitely a strange occurrence, but as long as Vermilion was around they would put faith in her that she would solve the mystery. In all honesty, though, Taeyeon had no way of knowing where to begin to uncover the truth about Mage 01. What could he have meant by a new breed? Was there some sort of new artifact that can grant multiple types of magic? Was Elder Cosmic going to create more mages like him in this so-called “new generation”? So many questions, with little clues to go on, but one person to start with was Reaper. Taeyeon and Tiffany went back to Sunri’s apartment while Yoona made her way back home. Taeyeon was definitely confused about the whole situation but was still quite calm even after the defeat. However, Tiffany was the complete opposite, she was fuming with rage, mostly because she believed that Reaper had purposely not informed them about Mage 01. This was a possibility, but Sunny even checked his mind and there was nothing, in particular, he was trying to hide from them, nevertheless, they could never be too sure. So Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Sunny made their way over to Reaper’s Mage Confinement Box and began yet another interrogation. Tiffany furiously grabbed the metal bars that separated her and Reaper and screamed at the top of her lungs. “YOU LYING SACK OF ! WHEN WERE YOU GOING TO TELL US ABOUT MAGE 01? WHEN WE HAD ALL LOST AND ELDER COSMIC HAD SUCCEEDED IN ERASING HUMANITY OFF THE FACE OF THE EARTH? I always knew you were never truly our side, you’re just a coward trying to play both sides so you’ll never lose.” Tiffany exclaimed.

“What? Mage 01? He’s here?” Reaper questioned.

“Tiffany, calm down. He really doesn’t know what’s going on.” Sunny rested her hand against Tiffany’s shoulder. This calmed her down slightly, but what really got to her was when Taeyeon came around and gave her a tight back hug. She could never resist that little cuties’ head popping up over her shoulder when she gave her a back hug. “Reaper, did you know Mage 01 was Elder Cosimic’s right-hand man?” Taeyeon asked calmly.

“Well, yeah, but I had no idea he would be a problem,” Reaper admitted.

“What!? You…” Tiffany was cut off by Taeyeon as she squeezed tighter around her waist. Taeyeon slowly leaned into Tiffany’s ear, so close that the air the brushed over Tiffany’s lobe sent shivers down her spine. “Fany-ah, I can tell you’re angry, but please calm down. There’s no need to yell here, he has nowhere to run so he has to answer our questions.” Taeyeon whispered. Tiffany had truly calmed down now and was willing to let Sunny and Taeyeon do the rest of the questioning, she did, however, stay exactly where she was because she was indeed enjoying the warmth that Taeyeon was providing. “Reaper, what can you tell us about him? Why did you think he wasn’t going to be a threat to us?” Taeyeon questioned.

“I’m being completely honest when I say this, but I honestly don’t know anything that Mage 01 can do. Most of us don’t, his magic has been shrouded in secrecy ever since he was introduced as Elder Cosmic’s main emissary. I didn’t think he would be a problem because no matter what he could do I didn’t believe it would be strong enough to defeat two king soul stone users. Apparently, I was wrong then?” Reaper questioned.

“That makes sense, but what’s weird is that Elder Comsic purposefully kept it a secret from all of you. Why would she need to hide it?” Sunny wondered.

“So that they wouldn’t get the same level of power?” Taeyeon suggested.

“That’s stupid though, Elder Cosmic would want everyone on her side to be the strongest they could possibly be. And as far as we’ve seen, Mage 01 can’t be beaten by using magic alone. Could get Hyoyeon’s gun?” Sunny suggested jokingly.

“Very funny Sunny,” Taeyeon said sarcastically.

“Um, you might not be entirely right there…” Reaper began.

“Oh? Sunny is going to be wrong in the first time of her life? Please, continue.” Taeyeon gestured.

“Elder Cosmic, like any ruler, always had a power struggle with a handful of other mages within the cult. King being one of them, the reason why she placed him in America was then he was free to rule the west while she would be free to rule the east. If powers like Mage 01’s were truly obtainable, she wouldn’t want everyone within the cult to know in case anyone of them challenged her rule.” Reaper explained.

“Then Mage 01 and she must have some sort of agreement then? Because if magic can’t stop him, he would have dethroned her ages ago?” Taeyeon added.

“Or, she knows there’s a way to stop him. If that’s true, then there’s definitely a way to counter his abilities. But all of this is mere speculation.” Sunny reasoned.

“Well, currently that’s all we can really go off of. Reaper, is there anyone who does know what Mage 01 is?” Taeyeon asked.