The sudden crash startles me. The dull sound of the impact echoes, amplified by the silence that follows. Pieces of concrete slowly fall around me, mingling with the floating dust.

As the dust clears, I’m left speechless by the scene in front of me. The once-menacing attacker is now embedded in the wall, his face frozen in the concrete, while the second lies on the ground. Rin stands there, barely disturbed by the action, observing the scene with his usual detachment.

I can’t quite grasp how Rin managed to neutralize my attacker with such speed and strength, especially since the man seemed impervious to pain. Through the dust stirred up by the impact, I briefly glimpsed something on Rin's right arm, but it disappeared almost instantly. Was it just my imagination? I can’t help but wonder what just happened.

Kin — "Rin... What happened? How did you stop him?"

Rin — "Uh… I… It was just luck, I guess."

He seems a bit lost, as if trying to hide something, brushing dust off his arm.

Kin — "It doesn’t matter. I’m fine. But catch them, please! They managed to kidnap Kana and Mio."

Rin wastes no time and immediately rushes off, leaving the professors to come to my aid. I’m left alone, still shaken by the adrenaline coursing through my body. The sound of hurried footsteps from the professors and institute staff grows louder, and I realize distant sirens are approaching. The AGL will arrive soon.

I sit down for a moment, breathing heavily, as the first agents arrive on the scene. My body still trembles slightly, the shock of the attack returning in waves. But I don’t have the luxury to stay idle. Kana and Mio are still in danger, and even though Rin is chasing after them, something feels off.

One of the AGL agents approaches me as I collect myself. They want information, details about the attack. I know every minute counts, so I cooperate with them.

Kin — "I’m fine, thanks… I suppose you want my statement now?"

I don’t really have a choice. They lead me to a nearby precinct, their imposing presence leaving no room for hesitation. The ride is short, but my mind is racing. I can’t stop wondering what Rin is up against right now. The memory of how he neutralized the attackers so easily keeps flashing in my mind. It wasn’t natural.

The officer cautiously escorts me to an AGL vehicle. The interior is far more comfortable than I imagined, a striking contrast to the oppressive atmosphere of the earlier scene. The ride to the station is silent, but the agent occasionally glances at me in the rearview mirror, as if checking on my well-being.

Once inside the interrogation room, I take in the stark walls and hidden surveillance cameras. The AGL agents are efficient, even ruthless. Sokatsu City thrives on technology, its streets gleaming with progress and modernity, like something out of a futuristic dream. But beneath this shiny exterior, the AGL is far more than just a security force. It’s the city’s heartbeat, subtly controlling almost every aspect of daily life.

In this city, AGL surveillance is omnipresent but subtle. Security drones fly silently above the bustling districts, and massive billboards advertise the latest AGL technological advancements. Citizens, accustomed to this constant presence, live their daily lives in relative calm, shaped by an effective and discreet surveillance system.

However, behind this altruistic facade, the AGL controls the political and economic gears of the city. And here I am, sitting in one of their power centers.

I can’t let the austerity of the place distract me. There’s something else I need to do. If Rin fails or encounters an obstacle, he’ll need an escape route, and I can help him, even from here.

Taking a deep breath, I calm the slight trembling in my fingers. My mind sharpens, focused on what I do best: hacking. I’ve done this dozens of times before, and this won’t be any different. All it takes is discretion and timing. Fortunately, those two qualities define me.

With a smooth motion, I adjust my watch. Equipped with advanced wireless connectivity, it automatically configures itself to connect to the AGL network.

The inspector enters the room, his cold gaze fixed on me. He wastes no time and takes a seat across from me, pulling out a laptop, which he promptly powers on. The faint hum of the system starting up seems to amplify the room’s silence.

He also places a hefty file on the table, but I know it’s the laptop that holds his real interest.

I remain calm, my fingers discreetly brushing my watch. It’s already connecting to the network. Everything is under control.

Inspector — "Alright, Miss Stornello. Tell me how the attack unfolded. What exactly happened?"

His tone is measured. But he won’t throw me off. I meet his gaze and answer directly.

Kin — "They came out of nowhere, attacked, and then took Kana and Mio. It all happened very fast."

He types quickly on his keyboard without looking up. I can barely see the information flashing across the screen, but I remain calm.

Inspector — "Very fast, you say? And yet, you seem to have kept your cool during the attack. Curious, isn’t it?"

I hold his gaze without flinching.

Kin — "When you’re faced with a situation like that, you don’t have time to think. You just react. That’s all."

He pauses for a moment, fingers hovering above the keyboard, as if waiting for something more. I wonder if he really thinks he can read me.

Inspector — "Interesting. So you reacted, with that kind of composure… Not many people in your position would have shown such control."

He resumes typing, but this time, I sense something has shifted. He’s testing my responses, hoping the computer will pick up on something I’m hiding. But I’m ready. My watch continues to silently extract data.

Kin — "I’ve given you the facts. What else do you want to know?"

A slight frown creases his brow. He knows something’s missing, but he can’t prove it.

Inspector — "Perhaps. But something about this story feels… incomplete."

I let the silence linger but don’t waver. My calm is my greatest weapon here, and he knows it.

Kin — "I’ve told you what I know. If you’re looking for something else, you won’t find it here."

He stares at his screen, eyes narrowed. But I notice a slight tremor in his hands. It’s subtle, but he’s frustrated at not getting more. I sit up a bit straighter, sensing victory is near.

Inspector — "Something much bigger is going on here, Miss Stornello. And you know it."

The interrogation continues, and I answer his questions while discreetly monitoring my watch’s activity. It starts siphoning off the key data displayed on his laptop. The information is encrypted and transmitted in real-time to my smartphone, tucked away in my pocket.

Kin — "If you’re done, I’d like to leave. I’ve made my statement."

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

His expression hardens, and he snaps his laptop shut with a sharp click. The tension rises, but I give him nothing. I hold his gaze one last time, letting him realize that everything he’ll get from me, he already has.

The interview, which has finally ended, has given me enough time for my watch to capture all the necessary data. Before leaving, I casually retrieve my watch, pretending to suddenly remember I’d left it on the table. Everything seems natural, as if it was just a simple oversight. The other people present, absorbed in their own tasks, pay no attention to the act.

I leave the room with the inspector by my side, escorting me to the precinct’s entrance. The air outside is cold, but the weight of what I’ve uncovered makes the atmosphere heavy.

As we approach the exit, I notice some commotion near the front. Kana’s unconscious body lies on the ground, her breathing slow but steady. Everyone is on high alert, but no one knows exactly what happened. It looks like she barely escaped, but where is Mio?

Inspector — "Quick, call for a medical unit at the entrance. She probably managed to escape her captors. Hurry!"

I stand back for a moment, watching the scene, but I know staying here won’t yield any more answers.

Kin — "You take care of Kana. I’m going to head home."

I start walking away, the weight of the events catching up with me, but a thought lingers in my mind. It’s likely Rin who brought Kana back.

Yet, despite my repeated attempts to call him and confirm this, I keep reaching his voicemail. A gnawing sense of worry begins to grow within me. Where is he? Why isn’t he answering?

There’s no time to waste; I can’t review the data my watch has copied just yet. Every second counts, and I need to stay aware of what’s happening. I settle on a bench in the park across from the AGL headquarters. The air is cold, but my mind is focused. I power on my tablet, and now that I’m connected to the AGL network, I can access the surveillance footage from the district.

Kin — "Too bad I only have access to the institute’s area. It would’ve been useful to get authorization for the whole city’s cameras."

I sigh lightly. It’s probably an extra security measure the AGL’s cybersecurity has in place to prevent leaks or cyberattacks. They’re cautious but not infallible.

I start reviewing the surveillance footage around the area, scrolling through the images as quickly as possible without missing anything. Every detail counts. The cold light of the screen illuminates my face as I scan the captured scenes, searching for any sign of Rin. My mind races, trying to connect the dots between key moments.

After a few minutes of searching and deducing, faint details begin to emerge. A slightly off-center camera angle shows a movement, a swift shadow that could be him. By refining the image, I finally locate him. Rin is in a dark alley near the institute, at the edge of the lower districts. My heart quickens. What is he doing there? Why that place?

Kin — "I’ve found you."

On the video, Rin has caught up with the two attackers, who have joined a larger group. Mio and Kana are lying a bit farther away, propped up against metal crates. They seem unconscious, but something about their posture is strange, too rigid to be natural.

Rin — "I don’t think there’s any point in running anymore, is there?"

The attackers, consumed by rage, lunge at him without hesitation. Rin dodges their attacks with agility beyond comprehension. Every movement is precise, calculated, almost mechanical. He avoids their blows with unsettling fluidity, as if he’s already anticipated their moves. Then, he counterattacks with controlled force, striking vital points. One by one, they collapse, stunned, though their determination to rise again, though wavering, is palpable even through the screen.

Suddenly, the sound of clapping echoes in the alley, interrupting the attackers. The tension in the air becomes almost suffocating. A hooded figure steps out of the shadows, imposing an absolute silence. With a simple nod, the attackers retreat, dragging the unconscious bodies of their comrades behind them.

They address the stranger with a strange mix of fear and respect, calling him Kain. His eyes, hidden beneath his hood, gleam with a mocking light. Kain fixes his gaze on Rin with obvious interest, clearly amused by the confrontation. His deep, calm voice cuts through the violence his men just unleashed.

Kain — "Well done, well done! It takes someone exceptional to hold their own against these fools."

A chilling laugh escapes his lips, a sound devoid of any real amusement. Then, he turns his attention to Mio and Kana, still motionless.

Kain — "Come on, Lizzie, stop pretending and get up."

Lizzie? The name rings like a bell in my mind, adding to the confusion. Kain approaches Mio, tapping her shoulder lightly, his voice taking on a more insistent tone.

Kain — "Come on, Lizzie, stop playing this stupid game."

A few more seconds pass in heavy silence, as Mio remains motionless. But something has changed in the atmosphere. Rin is on high alert, sensing, like me, that things are about to take a turn.

Then, almost theatrically, Mio opens one eye, then the other, with a fake look of regret. In one smooth move, she stands up, her agility and confidence sharply contrasting with the apparent fragility she had shown earlier. My mind spins. Why is Mio working with this hooded man? Why is he calling her Lizzie? I’m barely scratching the surface of this mystery, but the weight of what lies beneath leaves a bitter taste.

Lizzie — "Ah, Kain, still as unpleasant as ever. Can’t I even finish playing my part?"

Her voice, light and mocking, contrasts with the surrounding tension, but her gaze betrays a deeper complicity. Kain smiles, satisfied, but the brief moment of relaxation is short-lived.

Turning back to Rin, Kain adopts a more serious, almost chilling expression. The air seems to vibrate with palpable tension, like before a storm.

Kain — "Listen, I’ll give you some advice. Turn back while you still can, or else…"

Rin doesn’t flinch, his gaze remains impassive.

Rin — "Or else what?"

Kain’s smile returns, crueler this time, a promise of something terrible.

Kain — "This. Hisashi, show him."

A massive shadow steps forward behind Rin. A muscular giant, his face hidden behind a gas mask, approaches with slow, intimidating steps. Hisashi. His heavy footsteps echo, amplifying the oppressive atmosphere. His fists clench, ready to strike. The confrontation is inevitable, and the air seems to vibrate with an overwhelming energy. He prepares to attack, but Rin remains incredibly calm, as if he’s already anticipated the blow.

As the attack draws near, Rin raises his right hand and, against all expectations, blocks Hisashi’s massive fist. The impact is brutal, and shockwaves ripple around them, shaking the air. Hisashi’s muscles tense as he pushes with all his strength, trying to crush Rin under the pressure. But Rin stands firm, his feet rooted in the ground.

Rin feels the energy coursing through his body. He subtly adjusts his right wrist, creating a slight opening to release some of the pressure. Then, with a calculated motion, he violently pushes Hisashi’s fist aside, using his opponent’s strength against him.

Simultaneously, on his left arm, a stone gauntlet materializes, forming a robust protection around his fingers and forearm. Taking advantage of the momentum created by deflecting Hisashi’s fist, Rin pivots quickly and delivers a devastating blow with his stone gauntlet.

The impact is phenomenal. Hisashi is sent flying backward, his body crashing violently into a parked van. The metal crumples under the force of the hit, and the ground trembles around them.

Rin, breathing heavily but still in control, performs a few small warm-up movements before putting his hands back in his pockets. He once again adopts a relaxed posture, facing Kain and Lizzie, though I can sense that this facade hides the intensity of the fight he just endured.

Kain, amused, exchanges a knowing look with Lizzie before giving her the order to attack.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Lizzie leaps into the air, performing a perfectly fluid somersault over Rin. Mid-air, she bends just enough to whisper something in his ear, a quick yet deadly precise gesture. Rin tries to push her away, but it’s already too late. As soon as she lands, a visible change occurs. Rin freezes, his legs suddenly give out, and he falls to his knees, as if controlled by an invisible force.

I replay the scene, trying to understand what just happened. Zooming in, I manage to lip-read Lizzie’s words during her acrobatics: "Kneel and don’t move."

Rin, completely under Lizzie’s control, is unable to move. She circles around him, displaying a satisfied smile. Then, with a well-placed kick, she sends him flying into a wall. Hisashi, though shaken by the previous blow, returns to the fight. He lands a monumental hit on Rin, hurling his body with brute force, amplified by the shockwaves. The ground trembles beneath the impact, stirring up a cloud of dust and debris.

A piece of debris falls on the camera, partially obscuring the view. I can’t see Rin anymore, but Kain remains there, unmoving, his face hidden under his hood. The sound disappears, plunging the scene into a suffocating silence. Then, a red glow bursts through the dust cloud, emanating from where Rin was. Lizzie and Hisashi immediately step back, startled by the intensity of the light.

Kain, his face serious, observes the scene intently. He assesses the situation before pulling an object from his jacket. Through the smoke, I can barely make out what he’s holding, but he throws the object — a syringe — toward Rin. The moment it hits, the red light vanishes.

Without another word, Kain, Lizzie, and Hisashi disappear into the darkness of the alley, slipping out of the AGL surveillance cameras’ range. I try to view the scene from another camera, but all I catch are fleeting shadows. When the smoke finally clears, Rin is gone, and so is Kana.

I can’t afford to waste any time. Something bigger is unfolding, and I need to find Rin and Kana before it’s too late. Even with the approaching curfew, the urgency of the situation keeps me from staying still.