The hallway was dim, the overhead lights humming softly as Vivianne stepped out of Vial's room. The door slid shut behind her with a quiet hiss, sealing in the tension and leaving only a whisper of Shia's muffled sobs echoing in her mind.
"Double the guards," she said firmly, not even looking at Rael. "No one is to come near him without clearance from either of us. Understood?"
Vivianne's fingers curled slightly at her side. That mistake earlier—she wouldn't let it happen again.
Rael nodded, her expression stiff. "We'll sweep every corridor. No shadows."
"Good." Vivianne took a breath, eyes narrowing slightly. "And prepare a secure channel. We have company."
Rael didn't ask who. She knew better.
Moments later, the private comm room flickered to life. The lights dimmed as the large circular screen on the wall glowed with soft blue, a secure connection already tracing its digital threads across Lysandea's encrypted network.
A second later, Shiro's face appeared on screen—poised, elegant, her long silver hair falling over one shoulder like silk. Her unique eyes shimmered with curiosity and calculation.
"Vivianne," she said, smile sly. "How strange. I've been hearing the most delightful rumors about Lysandea lately."
Vivianne didn't react.
"They say you've secured something precious. Something… rare."
Shiro leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "Tell me, Vivianne. Is it true?"
Vivianne leaned back slightly in her chair, gaze unreadable.
"You wouldn't be calling if you didn't already know."
Shiro chuckled—a low, knowing sound.
"Touché. I admire that about you—always ten steps ahead, never confirming unless you're ready to weaponize the truth."
"What do you want, Shiro?" Vivianne asked calmly.
"A meeting," Shiro said without missing a beat. "Private. Between city leaders. A... mutual update of interests."
"Lysandea doesn't host without purpose."
"And I never visit without one."
A beat passed. Vivianne nodded once.
"Very well."
Shiro smiled. "I'll see you soon then"
The connection cut.
[Caelvara City]
In a dimly lit chamber lined with glass monitors and glowing interfaces, Shiro stood before a translucent digital display, arms behind her back. The room was quiet—deadly quiet—except for the low hum of encrypted signals flowing through the servers beneath her feet.
A sudden vroom echoed in the distance, growing louder until the unmistakable snarl of a high-performance engine rattled the air. A moment later, the door slid open with a hiss.
Charlotte walked in.
She didn't wait to be acknowledged. Her red jacket hung loosely off one shoulder, matching her flaming red hair that spilled in waves down her back. Fingerless gloves, black boots, and the scent of gasoline and wind clung to her like perfume. A helmet hung from her fingers.
"You called, Boss?"
Shiro didn't turn immediately. "I assume you ignored five traffic laws getting here."
Charlotte smirked. "Seven, actually. City patrol's getting slow."
"Good," Shiro said, finally turning to face her. "I've got a job for you."
"Something explode-y?"
"No. Just someone." Shiro's gaze sharpened. "I want you to retrieve Kaelene."
Charlotte's smirk thinned. "Didn't she just botch a job?"
"Exactly. I don't like loose pieces on the board. But she still knows things. Get her before Vivianne does. Bring her in quietly."
Charlotte spun her helmet once around her finger. "You want quiet, and you call me?"
Shiro smiled, faintly. "I trust you to know the difference between making noise and sending a message."
Charlotte winked, turning on her heel.
"I'll bring your stray dog back."
As the door closed behind her, the hallway outside echoed once more with the roar of her red motorbike tearing into the night.
Shiro remained alone, her voice low as she stared at the city lights through the tall windows.
"Let's see how long Vivianne can protect him.... before I decide to take him myself."
She turned back to the display, watching digital feeds flick across the screen—Lysandea's city defenses, news leaks, encrypted chatter. The world had just shifted, and Vivianne was clinging to a secret it couldn't afford to lose. But Shiro didn't need to steal the boy.
She just had to make the world want him more than Vivianne could protect
The day had passed.
Morning light filtered softly through the clinic room's tinted windows. Vial stirred awake, his body aching slightly but his mind clearer. As he blinked against the ceiling lights, the scent of warm food reached his nose.
Shia stood nearby with a tray in hand, placing it gently on the side table.
"Eat," she said, voice lighter than usual. "You need energy."
Before he could say anything, she added, "I've got something to do. Just rest, okay?"
And with that, she turned and left, her white coat fluttering behind her.
Vial looked at the tray—simple breakfast rice, soup, some sliced meat, and a boiled egg. He sighed, picked up the spoon, and ate in silence.
Just as he placed the last bite into his mouth, the door slid open.
Rael stepped in, arms crossed. Her usual sharp aura was back, colder than yesterday's concern.
"You up?" she asked.
"Yeah," Vial replied, wiping his mouth. "Kinda."
Rael studied him a moment, then gave a small nod. "Good. I've got a question. Have you had any training before? Physical combat? Self-defense?"
Vial tilted his head, then shrugged. "Uh… I did some refusal drills in school? Running away counts, right?"
Rael closed her eyes and sighed through her nose. "That explains a lot."
He scratched his head. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means," she said, "starting today, you'll be training under my supervision. Every day. No excuses."
Vial blinked. "Eh? Do I have to?"
Rael raised an eyebrow. "You got taken down by a small girl, Vial."
"…Right," he muttered. "Fair point."
"Get dressed," Rael said, already turning toward the door. "We leave in ten."
Ten minutes later, they stepped into the private lot behind the facility. Rael's car was sleek, black, and clearly not for show. Vial climbed into the passenger seat, trying not to look too bothered.
"Where are we going?" he asked, leaning against the window.
"Ascend Training Center," she answered, starting the engine.
The ride wasn't long—Lysandea's streets were still quiet in the early morning, most of the city just waking up.
As the car pulled up to a sleek, multi-tiered building surrounded by tall fencing and surveillance drones.
"Welcome to the real world."