In the dorm room, the soft glow of a yellow lamp spread across the ceiling. Join, the student council president — a foreigner and the leader of the apprentice witch circle — had just arrived. He quickly skimmed through the email sent from Vietnam. After reading, he turned to Anh Ph??ng.

  – “Show me the photos of this frozen villa.”

  Anh Ph??ng shook her head, her voice tinged with helplessness.

  – “My sister said no one could capture a photo or video. Even the most advanced cameras were useless.”

  Mary frowned, suspicion flashing in her blue eyes.

  – “That’s strange… I’ve never seen a power like this in real life. Cameras and video recorders being useless — it’s as if an invisible barrier is covering the scene, blocking even infrared sensors.”

  She hesitated, then added in a thoughtful tone:

  – “I remember reading in an ancient grimoire at the witch library… it mentioned a demon lord, one of royal blood, who possessed this exact ability. But I never thought I’d actually see it.”

  At that moment, Join’s face paled, his usual arrogance vanishing.

  – “So this isn’t a witch at all… it’s a demon. Whoever is hiding behind this is incredibly powerful.”

  Anh Ph??ng’s eyes widened, her heart pounding in panic.

  – “A demon? My God… what did my parents do to anger a demon of all things?”

  Join gazed out the window at the red maple leaves swaying in the sunlight, his eyes distant.

  – “You’re flying back to Vietnam tomorrow, aren’t you? Then I’ll come too… I need to investigate who this demon really is, and why he’s targeting your family.”

  Mary nodded firmly without hesitation.

  – “Then let’s prepare quickly. I’ll book the tickets for you. Tomorrow morning, we leave early.”

  ---

  Meanwhile, dinner had just begun at Mr. Tài’s villa, when a black Toyota Camry pulled up at the gate. Deep hurried outside to greet the guest, and everyone inside set down their chopsticks to follow.

  From the car stepped a tall foreign man in a navy-blue suit, his hair and beard salt-and-pepper — Professor Charles.

  The moment his feet touched the ground, he froze, nearly stumbling as his eyes locked on the sight before him: The entire mansion of C?u D?ng encased in solid ice.

  Deep rushed to support him.

  – “There, you see it? Saigon’s climate never has snow or ice… yet this mansion has been frozen twice already.”

  Professor Charles drew a sharp, icy breath before striding quickly toward the gate. Everyone followed close behind.

  Around them, neighbors tried desperately to film and take photos, their flashlights glaring, some even setting up livestream rigs. Yet not a single image came out clear.

  Tu?n stepped forward, speaking firmly.

  – “Please, everyone, step aside and let us through.”

  Charles reached out and touched the layer of frost covering the iron gate. A biting chill shot straight through his hand, raising goosebumps across his skin.

  – “Structurally… it’s no different from ordinary ice. This layer is still thin, and the snow crystals look normal. But what’s extraordinary is that it’s here — in Saigon, a city with year-round tropical heat.”

  Tu?n interjected, his face tense.

  – “But this ice reacts strangely. When exposed to heat, instead of melting, it grows thicker and harder, and the cold it radiates becomes even more intense.”

  A disgruntled neighbor, who had been standing with his high-end camera all this time, spoke up bitterly.

  – “I’ve been trying to take pictures all night. My camera is top-of-the-line — clear as day everywhere else. But the moment I focus on D?ng’s villa, it won’t capture a thing.”

  After hearing Tu?n mention that the strange ice could actually grow and become harder when exposed to high temperatures, Professor Charles frowned, his eyes filled with doubt.

  – “Are you certain? There can’t possibly be a phenomenon that goes against the laws of nature like this.”

  Before he could think further, Huy quickly pulled a lighter from his pocket and strode toward the iron gate encased in thick frost.

  – “Let me show you with your own eyes, Professor.”

  The moment the flame touched it, the ice shuddered as if alive, thickening and hardening, radiating such a biting cold that everyone instinctively stepped back. The crowd stood frozen, mouths agape, too stunned to even blink.

  Professor Charles was rooted to the spot, his voice trembling.

  – “This… I’ve never witnessed anything like this before. Am I dreaming or awake?”

  Deep crossed his arms and shrugged, completely nonchalant.

  – “You’re wide awake, Professor. I wouldn’t joke about this — your own eyes just confirmed it.”

  M? Linh added, her tone tense.

  – “This morning it was even stranger. Sunlight couldn’t penetrate it at all. The entire villa was drowned in darkness — as if it were midnight, even in broad daylight.”

  Professor Charles jolted, repeating in disbelief.

  – “Sunlight couldn’t shine through?”

  Several neighbors nodded in unison. An elderly man spoke up.

  – “We even tried filming and taking pictures as evidence, but everything came out distorted. If you don’t believe us, Professor, just try with your own phone.”

  Hearing that, Professor Charles immediately pulled out his phone, pointing the camera at the frozen villa. Instantly, the screen was filled with warped black-and-white lines. But when he turned it toward the other houses, the images were sharp and vibrant, every detail crisp. He cried out in shock.

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  – “Good heavens! How can this be? Utterly illogical… I must extend my stay in Vietnam. I have to get to the bottom of this.”

  Deep smiled lightly.

  – “In that case, you can stay at my penthouse. There’s still a spare guest room.”

  But Professor Charles shook his head firmly.

  – “No, I must stay right here, close by. I need to observe every single change.”

  Mr. Tài quickly offered.

  – “My house is right across the street, and D?ng’s family is already staying there. If you don’t mind, Professor, you’re welcome to stay with us.”

  Professor Charles nodded, replying courteously.

  – “Then I’ll at least pay for the room and utilities.”

  But Mr. Tài chuckled and waved it off.

  – “No need. Lodging costs nothing — it’s meals that matter. And my son is overjoyed knowing an international physics professor has come here. He’s passionate about science too.”

  Hearing this, Hi?u grinned eagerly.

  – “I’ve always loved science. Please guide me, Professor.”

  Mr. Tín looked at the boy with a kind smile.

  – “That passion is a precious thing, son. Who knows — after this case, you might just become the professor’s new student.”

  At the seaside villa, night had fallen, and the moonlight stretched across the rippling waves. In the garden, Trang and Erion were preparing a seafood barbecue together. Their assistant, Chen, attentively turned the bright-red prawns and fragrant scallops over the glowing charcoal.

  Erion placed skewers of meat and okra onto a plate, his gaze never leaving the Black Crystal Mirror. His deep voice carried a hint of amusement.

  – “Another professor joins the game… This is exactly why Satan and I always enjoyed a little cat-and-mouse.”

  Chen smirked, rolling a few charred prawns with ease.

  – “Step by step, that’s how we’ll draw out every hidden one. But what about that source of power? Has the General pinpointed it yet?”

  Erion calmly mixed a dipping sauce, his tone resolute.

  – “Of course. The target has already been locked in with satellite tracking… though I fear this time, more than one will come sniffing around.”

  Chen plated the scallops, a mocking grin tugging at his lips.

  – “No matter how many. They’re just children — wet behind the ears — yet always desperate to show off.”

  Just then, Trang arrived with a tray of fresh fruit tea, setting it gently on the long wooden table.

  – “Tonight, D?ng’s family won’t be able to sit still. Those hiding secrets always fear the crowd the most.”

  Erion’s eyes softened as he looked at her, a faint smile on his lips.

  – “I’ve already asked Father’s permission. We’ll stay here tonight. On Sunday afternoon, after I take you home, Din and I will return to the Gothic villa to monitor the target.”

  Trang’s mischievous glance sparkled with light.

  – “I want to go too — it’s been so long since I last saw C?u D?ng’s family.”

  Chen eagerly joined in.

  – “Count me in as well. I wouldn’t miss this trip.”

  Erion chuckled, giving a playful wink.

  – “Be my guest. The more, the merrier. I’ll cover all expenses.”

  The steady rhythm of the waves, the cool sea breeze, and the aroma of grilled seafood blended with their laughter. The seaside feast became a scene both cozy and romantic — yet beneath it all, a tightening web of schemes waited to unfold.

  At the Bình Chánh headquarters, the warmth of dinner filled the vast grand hall. Crystal chandeliers shimmered over glasses of red wine, while the aroma of grilled seafood mingled with faint threads of incense smoke.

  The Demon King Satan sipped his wine, his voice deep and gravelly.

  – “Earlier, Erion asked for my permission—tonight he and my daughter will remain at the seaside villa. With Yin’s aide at his side, I am somewhat reassured.”

  Yin lifted his glass, smiling with calm composure.

  – “Chen has always been thorough. With elite agents and the General constantly near, the princess’s safety is well secured. Please, my lord, set aside your worries.”

  Across the table, Crown Prince Arian placed a slice of grilled abalone into H?ng Nhung’s bowl, his lips curling in a cold smirk.

  – “The satellite tracker confirmed the target. And here I thought it would be something greater — but it’s nothing more than a gang of reckless children.”

  The Grand Thái S?, eyes closed, muttered an ancient incantation under her breath. Moments later, she opened them, disdain flashing within.

  – “Apprentice witches… Let them make their move. I wish to see how far their so-called skills truly go.”

  Din sneered, amusement glinting in his eyes.

  – “When it comes to incantations, none dare rival you. If you strike, they’ll quickly learn the meaning of heaven and earth.”

  The Demon King turned to Master V?nh, his voice firm.

  – “D?ng’s side has gained a professor. We too have a mage. Are you prepared?”

  Master V?nh nodded, his gaze sharp as steel.

  – “Of course. My guess is, in the end, that professor will realize — just as my junior brother and I once did — that he chose the wrong side.”

  Trúc Di?n placed a slice of grilled squid into Lita’s bowl, his tone laced with quiet bitterness.

  – “Indeed, back then we were blind—unable to distinguish good from evil. But now things are different. This time, they won’t escape justice.”

  At a corner of the table, Erion’s underlings feasted greedily. One chewed loudly on a crab claw, grumbling.

  – “The General should thaw that frozen villa soon. We still have the wedding of that centipede spirit to arrange — when he takes his seat as ‘pantry king,’ things will be far more entertaining.”

  Din chuckled, nodding in agreement.

  – “Fair point. I’ll remind the General. Letting it drag on too long might spoil the fun.”

  Lita suddenly interjected, her tone fiery.

  – “I want to join this fight too. Let those apprentice witches taste my wrath.”

  Trúc Di?n glanced at her with playful mischief.

  – “Then, my lady, you’d best restrain yourself. Don’t let that stubborn temper of yours ruin the plan.”

  Lita shot him a glare long and sharp as a train, prompting laughter from the table. Though her pout was fierce, there was a certain charm to her stubbornness.

  Laughter and chatter echoed through the grand hall. What seemed like a simple family feast was, in truth, a council of war — every word, every glance setting pieces onto the board of destiny. The great game had begun, and the chessboard of power was slowly taking shape.

  In the dining room of Mr. Tài’s villa, the dinner atmosphere remained lively, the aroma of food drifting warmly through the air. Mr. Tài poured another cup of tea and pointed toward the mezzanine floor.

  – “There’s a spare room upstairs. Professor, you can stay there. It’s small, but fully furnished.”

  The professor nodded gratefully.

  – “Thank you. I must uncover the truth behind this phenomenon. This is a discovery that could shake the entire scientific council.”

  Deep smirked, glancing at his old friend.

  – “Personally, I think it’s sorcery at work.”

  The professor stiffened, eyes wide.

  — “Sorcery? That’s… possible. I’ve also researched spirituality — I even brought a book on the ancient magical world.”

  Hearing that, Hi?u lit up with excitement.

  – “So that means vampires, werewolves, witches… like in Marvel, right Professor? I thought those only existed in movies!”

  Tu?n slapped his forehead with a sigh.

  – “If that’s real, I’m moving back to the countryside. I wouldn’t dare live in Saigon anymore.”

  Ti?n scoffed, laughing mockingly.

  — “Please. When you meet them, you’ll probably faint and sleep for three days straight.”

  The chatter carried on cheerfully, but deep inside, C?u D?ng and M? Linh could not shake their dread. They had personally witnessed the supernatural occurrences within the frozen villa. Waves of chills crept down their spines, the gnawing fear growing stronger: Were the two spirits they had once wronged now back for revenge?

  Meanwhile, in Toronto, Canada, Anh Ph??ng, Mary, and Join were busily packing for their Saturday morning flight to Vietnam. In the girls’ dormitory, the two young women neatly arranged spell tools, books, and magical instruments into their suitcases.

  Mary hugged a thick tome before placing it carefully into her luggage.

  – “So heavy… too many little trinkets. Don’t forget your wand.”

  Anh Ph??ng pouted, shoving clothes inside quickly.

  – “How could I forget my wand? But… do you think Join can handle this? He said the power at work belongs to a demon. At first, I thought it was just a witch like us.”

  Mary frowned, her voice tinged with worry.

  – “The book clearly states — the power troubling your family belongs to a demon lord, one of royal ancient bloodlines. Not some low-grade trickster.”

  She continued firmly.

  – “You should email your older sister. Tell her the student council president also studies supernatural phenomena, and after reading the messages, he concluded it’s caused by a demon. And make sure to mention two more of us are coming back with you.”

  Anh Ph??ng zipped up her suitcase and nodded.

  – “Alright, once I finish this, I’ll message her right away. You handle booking the tickets—we leave early tomorrow.”

  Mary toyed with her wand, her expression proud.

  – “That old book might say so, but who knows if it’s right? Three of us against one demon — how could we lose?”

  Anh Ph??ng laughed as she folded the last of her clothes.

  – “Exactly. I’m not just a rich heiress, I’m also an experienced witch. Who could possibly compare?”

  Thus, the three young witches readied themselves to return to Vietnam and face the mysterious forces awaiting them. Brimming with confidence in their own magic, they had yet to realize the truth: the powers they would encounter belonged not to the earthly, but to the cosmic scale. Only by colliding with mountains higher than themselves would these arrogant souls learn the value of humility.