Inside the modest but cozy house, the group sat around a small wooden table with the fishermen’s family. Before them were plates of freshly boiled crimson crabs and perfectly grilled fish, accompanied by a spicy seafood dipping sauce. The mouthwatering aroma filled the air, blending with the salty sea breeze, making everyone’s appetite awaken. Laughter and cheerful chatter echoed through the room, erasing the distance between guests and hosts, leaving only the warmth of newfound familiarity — like old friends reunited after a long time.

  Chen took a sip of iced tea, his eyes gazing toward the horizon where the sunset was slowly fading.

  – “I heard that the name V?ng Tàu came from the many natural deep-water inlets suitable for anchoring ships. Is that true?”

  One of the girls nodded eagerly, her voice clear and confident.

  – “That’s right. Before being called V?ng Tàu, this area was named Tam Th?ng. The name came from the first three villages established here — Th?ng Nh?t, Th?ng Nh?, and Th?ng Tam.”

  Chen picked up a piece of golden grilled fish, savoring its sweet, rich flavor as he nodded thoughtfully.

  – “And later they changed it to V?ng Tàu, exactly for the reason I mentioned.”

  The girls’ mother placed down a steaming plate of boiled crabs, her sun-kissed face lighting up with a gentle smile.

  – “Here in Long H?i, we also have Dinh C?, a national historical site. It’s a sacred pilgrimage destination for fishermen and visitors alike, dedicated to the Goddess of Long H?i — the protector of the sea and every voyage.”

  Hearing that, Trang’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she turned to Erion.

  – “Then tomorrow morning, before heading back to Saigon, let’s visit that place.”

  Erion smiled softly, skillfully cracking the crab shell and placing the meat into Trang’s bowl, his deep voice blending with the sound of the waves.

  – “Of course. We can stop by again to buy more seafood too. If we come home empty-handed, someone’s bound to complain.”

  Everyone burst into laughter. The golden sunset bathed the little house in warm light, while the sound of children playing outside mingled with the savory scent of seafood—painting a simple yet unforgettable picture of life in the seaside fishing village.

  At the dormitory in Toronto, the early morning sunlight filtered through the trees, scattering golden beams across the misty courtyard. The chirping of sparrows blended with the crisp morning air. Anh Ph??ng, Mary, and Join stood by the gate with their suitcases, waiting for a taxi. The air was heavy with tension; no one spoke until Join finally broke the silence, his deep voice carrying a tone of caution.

  – “Once we’re back in Vietnam, remember—don’t reveal anything. If anyone asks, just say we’re researching paranormal phenomena. Got it?”

  Mary nodded, her brows slightly furrowed.

  – “If people find out we’re witches, that’ll be a nightmare. If the demons catch wind of it, we won’t stand a chance.”

  Anh Ph??ng sighed, worry flickering across his face.

  – “My parents don’t even know I’m a trainee witch. If they find out, I’m done for.”

  Mary let out a teasing laugh, though her tone was still affectionate.

  – “Not done for, just… they’ll probably think you’ve studied too much and gone insane.”

  The three of them burst out laughing, their tension easing a little. Just then, a yellow taxi pulled up to the gate. They quickly loaded their luggage and decided to head to the airport early to catch their flight back to Vietnam.

  ---

  Meanwhile, in a small lodging neighborhood in Bình Th?nh District, Ho Chi Minh City...

  The evening sun cast its last light over the old row of boarding houses, the whitewashed walls stained with time. Motorbikes were parked tightly along the narrow corridor, their shadows overlapping. Children’s laughter filled the alley as they played hide-and-seek, mingling with the rhythmic clink-clink of a noodle cart being pushed down the small lane.

  By dusk, dim yellow bulbs flickered on, their light spilling faintly from narrow windows. From every room came the sounds of life — pots clattering, TV news reports, voices calling home to the countryside. Out on the street, the smoky scent of charcoal mingled with fish sauce and fried shallots, creating that familiar aroma of the working-class neighborhoods that dot the city.

  Mr. Nhan and Mr. Phúc were shaking hands with the guests.

  – “We’re heading out to explore Saigon at night. Tomorrow morning, we’ll catch the early bus home.”

  Professor Charles clasped their hands firmly, his voice filled with sincerity.

  – “Thank you for inviting us to lunch today. If you haven’t left yet tomorrow morning, please join us for breakfast.”

  Tu?n looked up at the sky, where dusk had already given way to night.

  – “It’s getting late. We should head back.”

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Ti?n nodded in agreement.

  – “Yeah, we need to rest. Tomorrow, we’ve got business with the professor.”

  Mr. Nhan reminded them in a low, steady voice.

  – “Remember to follow everything we discussed. I’ll stay in touch regularly.”

  Deep replied with conviction.

  – “Understood. This time, the D?ng family will learn their lesson.”

  Mr. Phúc glanced at his old wristwatch.

  – “It’s late already. Take care on your way back.”

  The sleek black Lexus slowly rolled out of the narrow alley, its headlights illuminating the weathered walls. Inside, the luxurious interior gleamed under the soft cabin light, the faint scent of leather lingering in the air. Yet when Professor Charles and his companions turned back for one last look, they fell silent.

  Under the dim glow of the streetlights, Mr. Nhan and Mr. Phúc walked slowly down the alley, their thin, weary figures silhouetted against the light. Despite the poverty surrounding them, there was an unmistakable honesty and gentleness in their demeanor — a quiet dignity that stood in stark contrast to the luxury of the car driving away.

  Professor Charles’s eyes softened, his expression thoughtful as he watched the two men fade into the shadows. In that fleeting moment, he sensed something profound hidden beneath their humble appearance — like a veil of mist concealing a truth yet to be revealed.

  The luxurious Lexus disappeared completely from the narrow alley, leaving only the dim yellow glow of the streetlights against the night sky. The once ordinary atmosphere of the boarding neighborhood suddenly shifted. People who had been chatting, eating, or fixing motorbikes all froze at once — standing upright, solemn, like soldiers awaiting long-awaited orders.

  The humble lunch shop owner from earlier that day stepped forward, bowing deeply. His voice carried a tone of reverence.

  – “My Lord Satan, you now have new, trustworthy hands to command.”

  In that instant, Mr. Nhan was no longer the frail, weary junk collector he had seemed by daylight. He straightened his back, and a powerful aura emanated from him. Under the slanted light, his eyes gleamed with a deep amber glow — cold, regal, and fathomless, as though they held the entire night sky within. His once-slender frame now radiated a calm yet commanding presence — that of a sovereign awakening amid the mortal world.

  His voice rumbled with quiet authority.

  – “The professor can be trusted. But those three… only fifty-fifty. Especially Tu?n.”

  Beside him, Mr. Phúc too shed his disguise, returning to the composed demeanor of a seasoned sorcerer. His tone was heavy, tinged with disdain.

  – “That man once rejected a woman’s love just for money — and later married another, also for money. Such greed stains the soul.”

  At the doorway of the repair shop, the young mechanic — once casual, his hands greasy with oil — now stood transformed. His posture was sharp, disciplined; his eyes, cold as steel.

  – “A man who craves wealth and power too deeply will eventually lose all sincerity. Such greed is not easily undone.”

  Mr. Nhan gave a slight nod before his voice deepened, each word like a thunderclap.

  – “Everyone, return to headquarters. Leave this area under the control of the lower agents.”

  At his command, a black Cadillac glided silently into the alley, followed by a formation of black Mercedes-Benz cars lined up with royal precision. The sheer authority of the convoy made even the lower-ranking agents hold their breath.

  When the fleet of cars finally departed, the glow of the streetlights returned to reveal the same old neighborhood — worn-out faces, unfinished dinners, the faint crackle of a vintage radio broadcasting the evening news, and the simple, enduring rhythm of life in Saigon.

  Night had fully fallen over the Long H?i fishing village, its velvet darkness wrapping the seaside in gentle stillness. Waves lapped softly against the shore, while the golden lights from moored fishing boats shimmered across the water — twinkling like a thousand tiny stars dancing on the waves. The salty breeze carried the scent of the sea mixed with faint trails of smoke from charcoal stoves still glowing after grilling fish. The humble seafood feast had just ended; Erion paid the family for their hospitality and bought some extra fresh seafood to take home for a late-night meal.

  The little girl’s mother bent down to pick out the firmest, freshest crabs for weighing. Her gentle voice and warm smile reflected the simplicity of seaside life.

  – “Thank you all so much for supporting our family. If you come early tomorrow morning, you’ll find the freshest catch — the fishermen bring in their nets at dawn.”

  Erion smiled, his soft gaze illuminated by the faint glow of the oil lamp hanging from the porch.

  – “We’ll come early tomorrow, then.”

  Just then, Chen called out from the veranda.

  – “Hey, little one! Come here — I want to buy a few more things from you!”

  The girl came running out, holding her small plastic basket full of handcrafted trinkets — bracelets, keychains, and necklaces made from seashells and conch. Her voice was as bright as the evening stars.

  – “There are lots of designs, mister! Pick whichever you like!”

  Trang gasped softly, her eyes lighting up at the sight of tiny glass bottle keychains filled with white sand and miniature seashells.

  – “I’ll take a few of these bracelets and keychains, okay?”

  Chen, amused, picked out nearly ten shell keychains and grinned.

  – “I’ll take all these, little one.”

  Before leaving, Trang gently slipped some extra money into the girl’s small hands and spoke kindly.

  – “This is for you — buy yourself some notebooks for the new school year. Next time we come here, we’ll visit you and your family again.”

  Moments later, the three of them stepped into their Bentley Bentayga parked by the sandy shore, ready to depart. From the porch, the little girl’s family stood watching quietly as the taillights of the luxury car disappeared into the night.

  It had been a fleeting encounter — yet it left behind a lingering warmth, like a soft light glowing in the hearts of those who lived by the salty sea.

  The Bentley Bentayga glided smoothly along the coastal road, its headlights casting long streaks of light across the moonlit pavement. Erion drove with a rare smile — one of peace and calm — so unlike the usual aura of a cosmic general. His deep voice blended into the distant murmur of the waves:

  – “That scene back there was truly peaceful… so different from those places filled with schemes, power struggles, and lies.”

  Chen, sitting in the backseat, twirled the seashell keychain in his hand and gave a wry laugh:

  – “Take D?ng’s family, for example — only difference is, they don’t have magic or supernatural powers.”

  Trang, gazing at the seashell bracelet on her wrist, spoke softly, her voice as gentle as the sea breeze:

  – “You’re right, Chen… but you missed one thing.”

  Chen tilted his head, puzzled:

  – “Care to enlighten me, Princess?”

  Trang looked out the window, where the streetlights stretched into the night. A faint, melancholic smile crossed her lips:

  – “Immortality. The wise are few… but imagine if D?ng’s family were immortal — it would be a catastrophe for this planet.”

  The car fell silent. Only the sound of the distant waves and the rhythmic hum of the tires filled the space. Erion chuckled quietly, his deep voice warm and calm:

  – “You’re right. Speaking of which — Din, Yin, and those little demons are still at the Gothic Villa. Heard it’s livelier there than an idol’s livestream.”

  Chen smirked, his tone tinged with sarcasm:

  – “Then let’s hurry back to the villa — dinner and drama, perfect combo.”

  Trang glanced at him, winking playfully:

  – “So, what’s your next grand idea, hm? Or should I give you a hint?”

  Erion grinned, winking back at her:

  – “No need. I already have one — and trust me, no one will see it coming.”

  The Bentley sped on through the night, leaving behind the dim lights of Long H?i fishing village, where humble souls lived in peace beneath the vast, starlit sky — a world entirely different from the empire of power they were returning to.