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White Queen's voice rang out, sharp and mocking, "You? Played the fruit to rush? Moreover went to Sahara, became this black?" Her tone carried ridicule, but also a flicker of curiosity, eyes fixed on Jack's scorched form.
Alice and Ada exchanged worried glances, their playful mood in the swimming pool vanishing instantly. They hurried to Jack's side, dripping water as they climbed out. "Actually, what happened?" Ada's voice was tense, while Alice's eyes searched Jack's burned skin with concern.
Jack shook his head, forcing a crooked smile. "I am all right. White Queen, help me analyze the flame in this ice piece." He handed over the shard of ice, within which the black flame still burned unnaturally, flickering like a living shadow.
White Queen accepted it, her expression shifting as she studied the impossible sight. "This type of flame… my first time seeing it."
Ada leaned closer, her voice filled with awe. "It can burn inside ice, even while sealed. Fire element power — even mine, even Jack's — cannot achieve this."
White Queen's eyes glowed faintly, a light-green ray scanning the shard. Data flickered across her irises, streams of information cascading. Her face grew darker with each passing second. "How can this be?"
Ada's voice sharpened. "What's wrong?"
White Queen's tone was edged with disbelief. "It cannot be analyzed. The composition of this flame is beyond me. Impossible. I have never failed to analyze something before."
Alice took the shard from her hand, staring at the flickering black fire. "What flame is this?"
Jack's voice was calm, though his body trembled with pain. "Normally, fire should not exist here. This flame only extinguishes once it consumes completely. Otherwise, it burns endlessly."
Ada's worry deepened. "Jack, what happened? How did you end up like this? Tell us quickly, you're making us anxious."
Jack's voice was strained. "I was sneak attacked."
"Who?" Ada demanded.
"I don't know. At that time, only this flame wrapped me. It burned me, left me like this." Jack's words were heavy, his discomfort obvious.
Alice and Ada gasped, their faces pale. "On Earth, someone can injure you? You know this world's characters and plot better than anyone. Who was it? No clue?"
Jack shook his head. "No one I know."
Ada's voice was grave. "It seems an expert has appeared, aiming at you. From now on, you must be careful. No more casual arrogance."
Jack nodded slowly. "I know."
Alice frowned. "The key is that the enemy hides in secret. If they want to attack us, we cannot guard against it."
Jack's fist clenched, his eyes blazing. "Do not worry. With me here, nothing will happen. I will wait for that fellow to appear again. When he does, I will dismember him. Dares to sneak attack me? He will regret it."
Ada's voice softened. "Forget that for now. Isn't your body more important?"
Jack groaned, collapsing onto the sofa. "My body hurts. I am dying. Dying."
Alice, Ada, and White Queen stared at him, speechless. "You can still shout so loudly. It seems your spirit is fine. We are relieved."
Jack's voice rose dramatically. "I am really dying. Believe me. Take care of me quickly."
White Queen rolled her eyes. "Do not act. You think we will be swindled?"
Jack sat up suddenly, his tone wounded. "You cruel-hearted women. You hurt my heart." Yet even as he spoke, his body began to recover, Transformium particles knitting his burned flesh back together.
White Queen frowned. "Your restoration speed is only half of normal. That flame caused serious damage."
Jack nodded grimly. "Yes. It was no ordinary attack."
Natasha entered, wrapped in a bathrobe, her presence commanding. "It seems you experienced something interesting."
Jack's eyes flicked to her, his grin returning. "Not as interesting as your current appearance."
White Queen tossed clothes at him, her tone sharp. "Wear them." Jack's body had restored enough that his skin gleamed, certain places exposed indecently.
Natasha's voice was cold. "What did you encounter? Who could injure you?"
Jack's smile was sly. "Why do you think I will tell you?"
Natasha's eyes narrowed, her tone mocking. "You won't tell me because you don't know. Curious. On Earth, such a powerhouse exists? Perhaps heaven itself grows tired of you, sending someone to tidy you up. Jack, your death is near."
Jack shook his head. "Ignorant fear. You do not know the enemy, yet you speak such words."
White Queen chuckled. "She thinks you'll die, so she's excited. A sickness of suspicion."
Natasha's voice was indifferent. "So long as someone can kill you, I don't care who it is."
Jack's grin widened, his tone deliberately provocative. "I like women who resort to all means for revenge. Better than those who trade themselves for their country." His eyes flicked toward Hill.
Hill was on the treadmill, sweat streaming down her body, her fists clenched tight. Rage burned in her chest. She ran furiously, the treadmill smoking under her relentless pace.
Jack's voice carried across the room. "Hill, don't you think I'm right?"
Hill's voice was sharp, refusing him. "Do not speak with me." She ran harder, her breath ragged.
Jack's form blurred, appearing beside her. He watched her run, his eyes lingering on her vest and black trunks, her sweat-soaked figure. "Do not stand here," Hill snapped.
"I'm not obstructing you. You run, I stand. No effect." Jack's grin was infuriating.
Hill's voice rose. "You affect my mood."
Jack puffed his chest, his tone arrogant. "Right. I affect moods. Hill, your mood changes because of me. I am a warm man. Everyone feels warm when I appear, like the sun, illuminating their hearts."
Hill roared in anger, her voice low but fierce. "Cracks a joke? You only make people wish to tear you apart."
Jack pressed a button, the treadmill speed surging to maximum. Hill's legs pumped furiously, her teeth clenched, refusing to yield. Smoke rose from the machine as she ran, her fury burning hotter than fire.
Her sweat poured down, her muscles screamed, but she refused to stop. Jack's grin widened as he watched her struggle, his eyes gleaming with twisted amusement. Hill's pride would not allow her to falter, even as the treadmill roared beneath her feet like a beast unleashed.
The chamber filled with the sound of pounding footsteps, the hiss of machinery, and Hill's ragged breaths. Her anger was a storm, her humiliation a fire, and Jack stood beside her, basking in the chaos he had created.