"So, in conclusion—my sister, Aelune, is a fantastic hacker. Good enough to break into the vice president's office… just to find me. From whatever clues I left behind."
A pause.
"It's been three months since the incident. I've been out—like a coma—under the government's supervision the whole time."
My voice dipped slightly.
"Same as other subjects"
My eyes shifted.
"And you… the younger sister of Descend's co-founders. Sitting here with a hidden agenda "
A beat.
"Looking to destroy it."
Silence stretched.
"And what I'm supposed to do…" I went on, slower now, "is go into these instances… and clear them just like everyone else."
A breath left me, quiet.
"And the great government—taking criminals who have committed crimes as big as mass murder , gang rape and terrorist attack—turns it into a system."
Another pause.
"Points. Survival."
My gaze settled somewhere distant.
"If you have enough… you live."
A beat.
"If not… they use you."
Aelune's voice came, steady as ever. "For the purpose of illegal organ trafficking . To fund research on abnormalities."
I didn't look at her.
Just nodded.
"Right."
The word fell flat.
Silence sat heavy.
"Feels like school," I said at last. "Just… if you fail, you die."
No edge. No surprise.
Just fact.
Then—
"And I'll be going with you."
I glanced at her.
"According to the deal," she said, "I handle the inside. She handles the outside."
A pause.
"Our first instance is in four days."
Miss Seraphyne Virel spoke,
"Wait for four days. Prepare yourself—mentally."
Her gaze shifted with quiet precision.
"Oh… Miss Aelune, if there are matters you wish to discuss privately, you may make use of the private room."
"Yeah, sure… beautiful."
A pause—subtle, disapproving.
"…I would advise you to refrain from such nicknames, miss."
"Mhm."
"Come on, brother."
With that, she turned and strolled out.
I followed a step, then halted—my attention drifting toward the man clad in black, who had remained silent throughout.
Before I could speak, sensing my intention —
Seraphyne intervened.
"I would like a word with your manager."
"…Oh."
I didn't question it.
I left.
The door closed.
A measured silence settled.
Seraphyne turned slightly, her tone acquiring a faint, deliberate edge.
"My dear nephew… it would seem your boytoy harbors a certain concern for you. How… touching."
The nephew in question strolled towards where his supposed boytoy was previously seated with a intoxicated look in his eyes
"Not enough to invite your interest, is it… aunt?"
A delicate mocking smile touched her lips.
"Aunt makes me sound rather aged. You may address me as your elder sister. After all, I am merely five years your senior."
"No, thank you… aunt."
A brief pause.
"How unfortunate," she murmured.
Then, more contemplative—
"Are you entirely certain they are who we claim them to be?"
Her eyes narrowed, analytical.
"Their demeanor suggests otherwise. Frankly… they appear almost frivolous. I am beginning to suspect that her alleged intrusion into the President's office was nothing more than an improbable stroke of luck."
"As if."
His tone remained flat.
"Both of them are performing."
Silence tightened.
Then—
"…Oh."
A flicker of realization crossed her expression.
"Recount it."
He reclined into the sofa, gaze half-lowered.
"The shift in his eyes. Brief—but telling."
"A trace of amusement in her voice."
"An unhesitating acceptance of the crime… without inquiry into its motive."
A pause.
"The deliberate mention of 'ex-girlfriends.'"
Another.
"And the claim of not recalling his own appearance."
His gaze lifted slightly.
"Your glasses can illuminate that with precision."
Silence.
"Aunt," he added, stretching languidly across the sofa, "there are moments when being direct… and excessively rational…"
A faint, knowing curve formed at his lips.
"…becomes a liability. Especially when the logic itself is… compromised."
She observed him in silence.
Then—
"Send me the file."
"A comprehensive report on his past relationships. Every single one."
A beat.
"Along with the appearance-altering device."
Silence lingered.
Then she asked, quietly—
"You are certain you wish to enter?"