Chapter 390

After Stellan finished speaking, Francis fell silent. If it could be solved with money, Francis said quietly but rationally, I believe Odalys wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to call us. For him, any problem solvable with money wasn't a problem. However, Odalys's serious expression showed the situation was far worse than he imagined.

"Francis is right," Freya agreed, nodding.

Everyone's eyes returned to Odalys. Seeing their calm, rational response—a rarity in such situations—stirred something in her heart.

Odalys whispered, "Francis is right. Money can't solve this. After the opening ceremony today, he confronted me, then retreated after I suppressed him. He could have beaten me, but he chose to yield. The hatred in his heart is too heavy. Even after I cleansed him, a fragment of his soul remains, capable of killing. But he chose to imbue a fragment of that soul into this ring and give you his fortune! You may not feel it, but the moment I summoned you, he bestowed his good luck upon you. If you don't believe me, raise your wrist."

Stellan, Selah, Freya, and Francis quickly raised their wrists. Each bore the same red, finger-shaped bruise; not deep, but seemingly branded into the bone.

"There's a mark on my wrist!" Selah exclaimed, shocked.

"Me too," Freya added.

Stellan and Francis exchanged glances and said in unison, "Same here."

Odalys explained, "He left these marks as he departed, yet none of you felt anything unusual. I'm here to confirm your willingness to help him. He won't force repayment for his good fortune; perhaps he sought this as a form of liberation. But it's risky. Please consider carefully before answering."

Without hesitation, Freya stepped forward. "Odalys, I don't need to think. Since you've chosen to help, I'll support you. If it weren't for you, my filming today wouldn't have gone so smoothly. Having benefited from the general's good fortune, I'll do my best to assist him."

Selah's nose twitched. "Me too," she smiled.

"Same," Francis agreed instantly. For him, Odalys was his savior. Without her, his organs would have been harvested by his agent and ex-girlfriend, and he'd be dead. She'd given him a second chance at life.

"Now?" Stellan asked.

As he spoke, distant thunder rumbled, followed by a lightning strike near the house. Terror gripped them; they turned to look outside.

Chapter 390 (continued)

"What's going on?" Freya blinked.

Selah and Stellan rushed forward, only to be thrown back by a powerful gust of wind. Francis caught them. Stellan felt a jolt in his chest and spat out blood. Selah clutched her chest, her face pale.

"Someone's outside—no, ghosts!" Freya exclaimed, hurrying to the window. Shadowy figures flickered outside, moving too fast to discern, but casting no shadows.

"Ghosts?" Francis was startled.

Releasing Stellan and Selah, he joined them at the window. Outside, the shadowy figures flickered incessantly.

"Look, no shadows! With the lightning, anyone would be seeking shelter. Who's running around out there?" Freya whispered nervously.

Her words left Francis speechless. They turned to Odalys, who stood silently, hands behind her back. Selah and Stellan's hearts pounded; neither dared move.

The sound of the door being battered grew louder, the house shaking with each impact. They grabbed nearby sticks, prepared to defend Odalys.

As they stood alert, Odalys clenched her fists. The ring on her finger glowed. Her eyes snapped open. "It's here," she said coldly.

She flung her hand back. The door burst open, and the figures were flung inside. A talisman affixed to the room loosened, attacking the figures. A golden light flickered, followed by an explosion. Screams were cut short as the figures were blasted to ashes. The talisman disintegrated into ash.

Silence fell. The lightning ceased, leaving only the smell of decay. Odalys stepped outside, her hair whipping in the wind, partially obscuring her face. Her gaze was sharp.

"Still want to hide?" she demanded coldly.

She raised her hand; a powerful force descended, shaking everything. A tree branch snapped in the distance. A figure fell from the tree, the sound of breaking bones audible.

"Odalys, stop!" a panicked voice cried out.

The voice echoed through the Film Capital. Freya recognized it and rushed out, stick in hand.

"It's you?" she exclaimed in disbelief.

Selah, Stellan, and Francis, hearing the familiar voice, were stunned. They followed Freya, grabbing their sticks and attacking the man.

"Don't hit me! It's me!" The man cried out, unprepared for their assault.

He was quickly beaten black and blue, blood streaming from his forehead. Odalys kicked him hard. "I know it's you! That's why I'm hitting you!" Freya raged.