Summary: Evah confronts Erion over the consequences of his actions, leading to a heated exchange filled with anger and distrust. As she grapples with his motivations and the complex decisions that have shaped their paths, the weight of past choices comes to the forefront. Evah struggles with her growing doubts about the system she once believed in, and the unsettling power dynamics that continue to shape her world. With a dangerous undercurrent of manipulation and betrayal, she finds herself at a crossroads, questioning not only those around her but her own place in this chaotic, morally ambiguous world.
INT- ERION'S OFFICE - 8 AM
Erion sat at his desk, eyes scanning the black folder containing yesterday's report.
In the adjacent room, he could hear the quiet murmur of voices—his colleagues celebrating the secret victory from the night before.
"A major case was solved, and the night is safer." He could still hear his superior's voice over the phone, congratulating him. Of course, it had been a top-secret operation, especially for the GCO branch under the Peligro Cube's jurisdiction.
"We didn't release any information to the media. It's not within my authority," Erion said, his voice tinged with a note of frustration. "But they'll find out soon enough."
His mind raced, a tangled mess of conflicting thoughts, each one threatening to spiral out of control. If the higher-ups, like the Marshal General, were aligned with him, this victory could be a stepping stone to greater favor. But if they weren't... the repercussions could be catastrophic. The wrong move could set off a deadly chain reaction.
He sifted through every detail, chasing down every lead, hoping for even the faintest trace of 'The All-Mother,' the shadowy figure pulling the strings behind the chaos. But it was like searching for a whisper in a storm—nothing but dead ends and empty silence.
A knock shattered the silence. The door opened, and a man entered—a sharp figure in his perfectly pressed uniform. It was the same man who had led the operation the night before.
"Major General," he said, saluting crisply.
Erion nodded, motioning for him to sit. "How are the two survivors?"
"The conscious one, Evallithyia Arsenault, is stable. Just some bruises. We're running background checks on her now. But the other, Yureka Iekami... She's unconscious, and it looks like she may be paralyzed for life." His tone was grave, concern flickering in his eyes. "Too many lives have been consumed by this illegal organization already. We can't afford to let more people fall."
Erion sighed, a heavy disappointment settling over him.
"Any progress on the antidote?" he asked, his voice measured.
The man shook his head. "Dr. Riko's still working on it. He was as shocked as we were by the drug's composition. It's going to take a long time to even begin understanding it."
Erion's eyes narrowed. "Make sure she gets all the care she needs. She's the only survivor of the kidnapping. We have to do everything we can to help her. For all the others we couldn't save."
"Understood, Major." The man hesitated for a moment, then continued. "But there's a bigger issue. Miss Iekami... she's part of the media." He reached into his jacket and produced another black folder, placing it on Erion's desk.
At the mention of the media, Erion's focus sharpened. His eyes flicked to the folder.
"She's a reporter for BMD Media, a small but well-connected outlet in the West." The man opened the folder, revealing a photograph of a woman in a white polo and press pass hanging around her neck. Her strawberry blonde hair was pulled back into a tight bun, her expression sharp, commanding. It was a stark contrast to the fragile woman Erion had rescued from the warehouse.
Erion exhaled slowly, his gaze fixed on the photo. The media... the one thing we can't control. If the wrong people get their hands on this, everything we've worked for will unravel.
"Where is she?" Erion's voice was firm, controlled.
"She's in an underground medical facility, Major," the man replied.
"Get her here. I'll handle it," Erion ordered, his voice unwavering. He turned his attention to the folder again, scanning the photo. If the media learns too much, they can destroy us with the truth. But can we trust this reporter?
He flicked through the folder, his mind already turning the possibilities over. "And I need everything from the other girl—Evallithyia. She might know something we don't."
The man hesitated before responding. "Do you think they're working together? Or is someone else pulling their strings?"
Erion's eyes narrowed, the weight of his next decision heavy on him. "Get me the information. I'll figure it out." He closed the folder with a snap. Time's running out.
INT- Newfangled Incorporation Hospital
The sharp click of wedge-red heels reverberated down the polished floors of the private hospital's hallway, the sound echoing under the high, gleaming ceilings. The woman in the vivid maroon dress moved with confident grace, her every step purposeful, though her presence seemed to command the space with an effortless elegance.
This was no ordinary hospital. It was a five-star medical facility, reserved for the world's wealthiest, where the finest treatments were offered behind closed doors.
"Madame, we've been expecting you," a middle-aged man in a lab coat stammered as he hurried toward her, his nervous energy palpable. His hands shook slightly as he fumbled with his notes.
"Please, follow me to the VIP room, Madame." His voice trembled, and he struggled to steady himself as he spoke.
The woman's smile was warm, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. She turned to the doctor, her gaze unwavering. "Doctor Arthur, relax."
Despite her calm demeanor, the doctor's anxiety didn't ease. If anything, the woman's composed authority only made him more nervous, and he nodded quickly, his face flushing with a mix of fear and relief. He motioned for her to follow, eager to get this uncomfortable encounter over with.
INT- Grand Covenant Order - Corridor
The commander of the Grand Covenant Order's Iron Clad—one of the key reasons Yuka was still alive—was now escorting her to the enclosed facility.
Despite her soft appearance, Yuka knew exactly what they wanted from her. She couldn't afford to show weakness, even if the fear gnawed at her from the inside.
"I'll be fine! Don't worry." Yuka had insisted, her voice steady, though the words had felt like a lie as she left the clinic.
"I don't trust that guy. She might do something!" Evah's voice echoed in her mind as she stood near Yuka's bed, visible bruises and bandages marking her body.
It's my fault. It's my fault... Yuka's heart twisted in guilt. Her friend had nearly died because of her, and yet Evah hadn't once complained. Even now, all her concern was for Yuka.
"It's fine, they're law enforcement." Yuka had said, lying on her hospital bed, already well aware of the partial paralysis that would follow the injury. But her thoughts weren't on her condition—only Evah.
"Exactly! He wanted to run away rather than save you!" Evah had crossed her arms, frustration written all over her face.
But Yuka had smiled, her expression firm despite the uncertainty inside. I'll be fine. I need to be.
Now, in the cold silence, Yuka was alone. Every bump of the wheelchair felt like a reminder of what had happened. The feeling of vulnerability gripped her as she looked at the back of the commander's imposing figure, her mind racing with what might happen next.
The general opened the door, and Yuka was left alone in the office of their highest authority. She was parked in front of a desk, the gold-plated sign atop it reading: "Major General Erion Mcquaide - Zone 4: Y'Ruen."
Yuka had expected the major general to be a petrifying, grizzled man, hardened by years of command. Instead, sitting at the desk was a young man—his face gentle and unassuming, his presence almost reassuring. The contrast left Yuka taken aback for a moment, unsure of how to feel.
"How are you feeling, Miss Iekami?" Erion's voice was calm and steady, yet warm, offering none of the cold intimidation she had anticipated.
"I'm fine, thank you for saving us," Yuka replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.
"I'm glad to hear that," Erion responded, his tone sincere. "As for the side effects, we're doing everything we can to develop the antidote. My sincerest apologies for what happened."
Yuka met his gaze, and the sincerity she saw in his eyes made her guilt surge once again.
It was my fault. I almost got him and Evah killed.
"No... thank you for saving me and Evah. I'll always be grateful." She lowered her head in a quiet bow, a gesture of respect and remorse.
"I was just doing my job, Miss Iekami. No need to thank me." The Major General's smile was gentle, easing some of the weight on her chest, if only for a moment.
He must be one of the good guys, right? He could've killed us if he wanted to. She looked at him again, smiling back in return, though doubt lingered in the back of her mind.
"I know you've already endured countless interrogations," Erion continued, his smile fading into a more serious expression. "I apologize for calling you in again now." His tone shifted, becoming sharp and focused. "But I need to get straight to the point."
The room fell into an uneasy silence, the tension thick in the air.
"You have something they want, don't you?" Erion's eyes narrowed, sharp and calculating. "Or perhaps you've discovered something you shouldn't have?"
The question hit her like a blow, and Yuka froze, staring down at her lap. Her silence was deafening.
She could hear the soft scrape of Erion's boots on the floor as he stood, his movement measured and deliberate. His presence loomed closer, and a wave of fear crawled up her spine.
"Don't trust him!" Evah's voice echoed in her head, the warning stark and clear.
"Miss Iekami." His voice came from her left side, and she refused to meet his gaze. The fear, which she had tried so hard to push aside, returned in full force.
What if he's one of them? The thought flared in her mind. What if this is all a play? Are they going to clean this up by killing me and Evah?
She thought of Evah, her friend who had already sacrificed so much. A surge of protective instinct pushed Yuka to look up. The Major General had moved closer, sitting at his desk now, his piercing eyes still locked on hers.
"I'm not going to force you to tell me what you know," he said, his voice a strange mix of concern and command. "But I assume you understand how dangerous that information is. Not just for you, but for everyone around you."
Yuka's confusion only deepened. His words seemed genuine, but there was something unsettling beneath them.
"I want you to leave your career until this case is solved," Erion added, his tone calm, yet the weight of his words pressed down on her.
"You have to exit the media until we're done," he continued. "If you don't want her to get involved."
It wasn't a request. It was an order, cleverly disguised as one. Yuka's mind raced, the implications of his words sinking in.
Do I really have a choice?