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“Thirteen students, eh? That’s quite the number.”

The man approached the desk, reports gripped in his hand. “Why not even, like twelve perhaps?”

“It seemed fitting,” the dry voice said, a wry line plastered on their lips. Footsteps echoed, drawing upon the secretary, as a hand snatched the papers with a fell swoop.

“They’re all from that school in Singapore, as you requested,” the man said, stopping to adjust his glasses. “We’re just in the process of gathering them now.”

The silhouette nodded, skimming through the files.

“If I may ask…”

“How many are on the premises?”

“Twelve so far. One… proved to be difficult. But-”

“Which one?”

“Student nine. But hear-“

“Seems like an interesting one then, remind me to keep a track on them…” the figure put a hand to their chin, muttering. They glanced up when the secretary cleared his throat. “What?”

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“Are you sure you wanna do this?”

“Of course. You’re not having second thoughts, are you?”

The secretary paused, rubbing his thumb against his index. “You… outdid yourself this time, didn't you? Bought an island and everything.”

“Of course. Anything for my beloved pupils.”

The shadow gestured towards the view.

A beach lay beyond the window, displayed with coastal cliffs bordering the ends, sun rising above the sea. One could feel the breeze by glancing at the palm trees, swaying side to side in harmonious succession. Water rippled and birds soared, creating a picture perfect scene one would find in an album gallery.

“It’s quite the view,” the secretary said as he peered back down, stroking his fingers once more.

“Glad you agree.”

A sober glint crossed over their features.

The figure turned toward the computer situated on the desk. Sitting down, their hand hovered over the mouse and with a click, revealed a set of security footage. Each clip, fuzzy and dark, seemed similar in appearance, the sole difference being the captives in each shot.

“It seems they’re all in place.”

“Really?” The secretary tilted his head and stared up at last. “I was under the impression that number nine had just arrived…”

“Well, it appears you were mistaken,” the silhouette said with a shrug. They wandered to a pair of double doors, footsteps ringing on the marble floor. “You coming?”

Hesitation. The figure narrowed.

“Are you sure that we should start? It’s just so soon…”

“Of course.”

They smiled.

“No time like the present, right?”

…