Tick, tock.

The only sound in the director's office was the clear ticking of the second hand. Gedley sat in prolonged silence.

He seemed to be trying to appear calm, but the wrinkles on his face Looking at me were already filled with tension and trembling.

Are you talking about the position?

Soon, Ged ley pointed to the director's chair and forced a smile. I could see that strained smile.

Yes.

Of course, Bell Moore himself wouldnrt care. He's the kind of person who would refuse the director's position even if it were offered. He lacks unnecessary ambition.

But.

Team Leader Bell has been very patient.

I won't Let it stay that way.

Patient, you say?

Gedley asked, as if shocked.

Yes. Starting with the bomb targeted at Team Leader Bell just recently.

I will force Bell Moore into the director's position.

Up to the secret meetings between team leaders that happens every night.

I will pass all the merits, capabilities, and ambitions onto him, and stuff it down his throat until he bursts, even if he hates it, until he becomes the director.

He knows yet he endures.

I looked at Ged Ley. His furrowed brow wriggled Like a worm.

Soon, his patience will reach its limit.

Ha.

Gedley frowned.

To become a director in front of a director. Have you and your boss gone mad?

His forced smile had now become so distorted it was hard to even call it a smile.

I don't know the details.

I know. You look just like a puppet. A puppet without thought.

Gedley suddenly expressed his anger towards me.

Lucky for you, clinging onto a thread named Bell Moore to climb up. You should just stick to your beloved Miss Zia.

He spat as he pointed out, but I wasn't bothered.

Gedley has already Lost.

I responded with a faint smile.

Team Leader Bell Moore has added that he will give a deadline for the opportun ity.

An opportunity?

Gedley paused.

Yes. Until the setup of Theia Esil is complete.

Then he burst into a scornful laugh.

Do you really think you can beat Theia? She's clean as a whistle. Even your capable boss can't do it.

Of course. There's no one as clean as Theia.

I looked at Ged Ley.

lt seems you are very lacking in the skill of digging.

What?

At that moment, Ged Ley stiffened, and I flashed him a broad smile.

That's what Team Leader Bell Moore said.

Bell Moore's office.

Tick, tock. The peaceful passing of the second hand was the only sound in the room where Bell Moore sat, eyes opening and closing to the monotonal rhythm.

Damn, I'm sleepy.

He was desperately trying to pass the boring hours.

Ah

His whole body felt stiff.

Normally, he would be asleep at home at this time.

It wasn't even time to start work yet.

Yawn When will this end?

Lately, it was unavoidable because of the Derek incident. Derek had ended up in jail, thanks to some artificial intelligence or something, causing an emergency at the Intelligence Agency.

H mm.

Bell Moore placed his interlocked hands behind his head.

Well, it's not Like I have anything urgent to do. Nor do I want to be busy.

Shion Ascal will handle all the work anyway.

But that guy might struggle with Theia Esil.

It's not that he was completely worry-free.

He had inadvertently received the operation involving 'Theia Esil.'

Bell Moore was scared of her. Not without reason; he had witnessed her prowess firsthand. A one-woman army capable of taking on a hundred. Seriously, she's no joke.

Ding

A document popped up on the Intelligence Agency's intranet.

[Shion Ascal: List of scandals and incidents to release to the press]

It was Shion Ascal's report on flooding the media with various love scandals and sensational articles to bury the Derek incident.

He glanced at it and casually approved it. That was all he had done this week as a team Leader.

Stamping approval.

Ah, sleepy.

Of course, he was somewhat concerned about the internal political dynamics within the Intelligence Agency.

Shion Ascal was dealing with threats from the director about being 'taken out but honestly, he didn't take it that seriously.

Maybe it was just some aggressive posturing?

After all, why would they bother to check on him when he's not doing anything?

So, if he continued to stay put Like this, the director and other team leaders would naturally back down.

In other words, he was openly planning to do nothing.

Yawn I really need some sleep.

Bell Moore had no intention of climbing higher. He was quite satisfied with his position as a team leader, and if he could earn enough money to live a lazy life forever, that was more than enough.

After the meeting with Ged ley.

Descending to the parking lot of the Intelligence Agency, I received a mysterious call.

[Unknown]

Sender unidentified.

Can you hear me?

However, the voice coming through the receiver was familiar.

Who is this?

I asked politely.

It's Dr. Vito.

Vito had taken the bait. I suppressed a Laugh as I climbed into my parked car.

Dr. Vito, is it?

Yes. I*m contacting you regarding Dr. Killian's diary.

Ki Ilian's, I mean, Dr. Killian's diary, you say?

I feigned ignorance, pretending to be very close to Killian by casually calling him 'Killian

I heard you were close with Dr. Killian.

The Jesco case was similar; this method works quite well. Trustworthiness skyrockets when information is conveyed through a medium Like a diary.

I agreed in silence.

Do you have any message for me?

Vito chuckled slightly.

Dr. Vito. Derek suspects you.

I spoke as if I was concerned for his safety.

Then, letting out a small sigh, Vito spoke.

Shall we meet to discuss this?

He said exactly what I wanted to hear.

I arrived at a space resembling a stark office. However, instead of Vito himself, there was a 'hologram.'

Nice to see you.

He's extremely cautious. Not an easy target.

This is quite the technoLogy.

Tt's nothing special. It's dangerous outside, after all.

Vito chuckled as he fiddled with his hair.

So, Derek suspects me?

Yes. I heard you convened the board of directors at the industry.

Well naturally. The industry is practically a company I built. AU its patents are fruits of my Labor.

Vito crossed his arms in displeasure.

Derek will surely blame me for the business failures and try to oust me. How can I allow that? The industry is a company with 20 years of history.

MS. Zia will attend the board meeting in your place.

Let her.

Vito pursed his lips.

Well, Derek is Derek. The reason I called you isn't really about that.

It was somewhat unexpected.

If its not about Derek, what else could it be?

There's a group stirring up Libra.

A group you say?

Yes. A man and a woman who call each other 'Candy' and 'Jelly

It was soliette and mine's cover identities.

I maintained my composure as much as possible.

What exactly are they stirring up?

They've been digging into the past research facilities of the industry. They've killed a balancer too. For people with childish names like Candy and Jelly, they*re quite skilled.

This is a serious matter.

Indeed.

I stared intently at Vito's hologram.

But why would they be digging into the research facilities? Is it because of the artificial intelligence? Or perhaps because of the homunculi?

I asked Vito as directly as possible.

If we beat around the bush here, it would take too Long to reach our destination.

Hmm?

Hologram Vito glanced at me sharply. His eyes suddenly widened.

You seem to know a lot.

Because I care about Libra.

Vito narrowed his eyes and then chuckled lightly.

Yes. I*m aware of your stature, Mr. Shion. But, I don't know why that man and woman are stirring things up with us By the way, you follow Zia, right?

Yes, that's correct.

Then, about the homunculi

He paused for a moment and then chuckled.

Start by capturing Theia EsiL After all, it's because of that woman that things went sour with Derek.

It was a kind of quest.

Then, I'll tell you. What you need to protect. Can you handle that?

Vito asked skeptically, but I nodded immediately.

lts only a matter of time.

It was something I had to do anyway.

And it would be over soon.

I know the names of the so-called 'comrades' affiliated with [Vancheon]. Especially those who have betrayed us.

These bastards betray in the future, they betrayed in the past, and they betray now. From the beginning, they've considered 'ideology' a way to make money.

The method to recruit such bastards is simple.

A carrot and stick approach is sufficient.

Currently, I am at the residence of a Vancheon executive. The interior is quite spacious and tidy.

For someone who advocates for the radical abolition of the parliament and absolute equality, his place is remarkably modern and fancy.

There are even a few pieces of art visible, probably spoils secretly captured during their raids.

Creak

I might have waited about 6 hours.

When the sun had set, the door opened.

Haah.

He seemed quite exhausted from the day, and upon entering the Living room, he noticed me.

Who the hell are you!

Good evening.

Startled, he immediately drew the sword at his waist, but I smiled kindly.

Mr. Berhorn.

A dandy-haired man in his mid-30s, about 190 cm tall, a prosecutor.

Who are you? How do you know my name

Or should I call you 'Guts'?

His eyes widened.

Currently, 4Gutsr is his [Vancheon] codename.

I am Shion Ascal of Libra.

You folks, you've caused quite a stir in Ortus recently.

I smiled faintly and gestured towards the sofa.

Would you like to sit down? I hope you choose the easier path.

Berhorn said nothing. He eyed me cautiously and slowly sheathed his sword.

What do you want?

As he sat down on the sofa, I nodded in satisfaction.

I thought you were someone reasonabLe.

Berhorn smirked.

I know your name.

Thats fortunate.

But I was against the actions in Ortus. Stirring up trouble so directly just attracts unwanted attention like now.

Clearly, he was dissatisfied with the current state of [Vancheon].

I know. Mr. Berhorn, you're someone who sees room for negotiation. Thats why I've come to you.

Room for negotiation? How did you even know I'm with Vancheon

What's important is this.

I set down a suitcase with a thud.

l'd like to request a favor from you, Mr. Berhorn.

Inside the suitcase was a substantial amount of cash, probably around 5 million Ren.

Please retrieve documents from within Vancheon concerning Theia Esil.

Berhorn frowned.

Who is Theia Esil? She's not with Vancheon.

I widened my eyes, and he smirked.

Did you get it wrong?

No. You might not be aware, but that woman is indeed with Vancheon.

What Ah.

It seemed Berhorn finally understood what I meant.

I pulled out a few photographs from my coat.

Riley, as it turns out, was with Vancheon. She was a spy within Libra. I, too, was deceived.

The photos showed Riley and Theia Esil together, taken by Grawl when the two were interacting.

Berhorn scrutinized the photo.

These could just be coincidental captures.

Thats why I'm asking for your help. If we can Link this photo with internal evidence, it would be sufficient to use as proof.

Berhorn looked at me. I continued with a hint of amusement in my voice.

This photo alone, and the internal documents you provide, mean nothing separately. But together, they create meaning.

That might be true.

Yes. Mr. Berhorn, just create the documents and hand them over to us.

And if I refuse?

You'U become our enemy. Immediately.

I pointed at Berhorn.

It was a clear threat of immediate consequences if he did not comply.

Berhorn seemed to ponder for a moment, but it was a brief consideration.

There's not much choice, is there? The fact that you know who I am already suggests someone has betrayed me.

Well, you're free to think that.

He shrugged his shoulders. At that moment, I pulled out a hidden painting.

It was a canvas by a famous artist, directly taken from the Libra Art School.

Consider this a gift.

Berhorn's eyes sparkled like stars at that instant.

Indeed, as always, disgustingly honest.

Locked away in the detention center, Derek withered day by day, yet he awaited certain days. Uncharacteristically, he even marked them on the calendar, eagerly anticipating the periodic 'gourmet' treats.

Mr. Derek.

Today, finally.

A guard appeared from beyond the detention center.

You have a visitor.

A smile Derek himself didn't expect crept onto his lips.

He walked out into the corridor.

They no Longer handcuffed him. Now, his solitary cell was equipped with a TV, internet access, and even a luxury bed.

The scenery was entirely different from right after his incarceration, a testament to the power of 'time' and 'influence'.

During Derek's time in detention, numerous scandals involving celebrities, love affairs, drugs, and assaults had erupted. It was a strategy explained to him directly by Shion Ascal.

He had acquired very provocative news from somewhere and passed it to the media, gradually diminishing the external scrutiny on Derek.

A very clever method, indeed. The guy was overflowing with capability.

Thats the visitor.

Right

Upon arriving at the visitor's room, Derek first smiled contentedly, but then,

ls it really you, Johanna?

His face contorted unexpectedly at the sight of his visitor.

Why are you here?

Johanna. She brushed back her roughly dried hair and smiled at Derek.

What do you mean? I came to visit as your sister.

She then scanned Derek up and down in his prison uniform, her expression gleefully malicious.

I refuse.

Derek turned to Leave, but the guard intervened.

Ah, Mr. Derek. There is one more visitor. Ms. Johanna's visit was arranged sudden ly

One more?

Yes.

Thats when the door to the visitor's room opened.

Derek reflexively swallowed his saliva, while Johanna waved her hand dismissively without even looking in that direction.

Never mind. Hey, guard. Send the other guy back.

Yet the other visitor, who had trudged forward, suddenly stood near her.

MS. Johanna?

Johanna's eyes widened at the voice.

1

Silently, she turned her head as if trembling.

There he was. The man she had consciously avoided. It had been too long since Johanna had seen his face. Their eyes met. Her heart raced, and her cheeks flushed pink.

Meanwhile, Derek noticed the Lunchbox in the man's hands. His heart also raced, and his cheeks twitched. His Lips moistened and turned a deeper shade of red.

Both had remarkably unconscious physical reactions.