The evening light filled Hiroto's office at the Eclipse Agency, softening the furniture. High above the city, the view was impressive, but Hiroto Nagasaki wasn't looking. His attention was elsewhere.

He slammed his phone down on the desk, the clatter sharper than he intended. Slumping back in his chair, he exhaled a heavy sigh.

He thought back over the frustrating call he had with enforcer Sato the C-rank leader.

Hiroto's mind replayed the words from Sato, each one fueling his frustration.

"Kaze had removed the tracking device from the stolen agency jet shortly after takeoff, vanishing like the rogue he truly was," he thought, his fingers tightening around the phone as a surge of anger washed over him.

He suppressed the urge to sweep everything off his desk in a fit of rage. This betrayal cut deep, reaching far beyond the sting of professional embarrassment.

"I mentored Jūryoku, recognized his potential, pushed him up the ranks," he thought bitterly.

"And this is how he repays that faith? By siding with that natural disaster?" The sense of betrayal was personal, a sharp pang in Hiroto's chest.

He glanced at the clock—it was only half-past three. The day was dragging, each minute stretching out endlessly. Hiroto rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of betrayal.

Walking to the window, he stared down at the city's pulsing life, a stark contrast to the stillness in his chest. "I thought we had it all under control," he whispered to himself.

Turning back to his desk, he put both hands through his hair. Hiroto stared blankly at the phone at his table, his thoughts racing. The full weight of the situation settled heavily on his shoulders.

"He knows too much, every file, every operation... Jūryoku could unravel everything we've built to the public."

He paced back to his desk, feeling a knot tighten in his stomach. The thought of explaining this breach to the board, and worse, to Chairman Kurosawa Misuki, loomed over him like a dark cloud.

"My position...," he whispered, the words barely audible, "What if this costs me everything?"

For now, secrecy was imperative. If word got out an S-rank enforcer defected while protecting a rogue anomaly, public faith in Eclipse Agency would plummet. Morale would tank, stock prices crater. Jūryoku's face must not appear on wanted posters or news broadcasts.

____

A sharp sound at the door jolted Hiroto from his spiraling thoughts.

Frowning, he yelled for the intruder to come in.

His frown deepened when Dr. Hideo Yamada walked in, his lab coat swaying around him.

Hiroto noted with distaste the 'Dr.' title stitched above the breast pocket.

"What do you want, Yamada?" Hiroto growled. "I'm very busy."

Yamada's lip curled at the lack of his honorific. "Yes, well, I apologize for the interruption, Nagasaki and its Dr. Yamada now. Anyways, I bring news of the utmost urgency regarding Project K."

Despite his sour mood, Hiroto's interest piqued at the mention of the classified experiment. "Go on," he said, gesturing impatiently for Yamada to sit.

The scientist's nostrils flared in irritation, but he sat on the edge of the seat.

"As you know, I have dedicated myself to completing Keito Shinsei's seminal work on Project K. My team has labored tirelessly, and I am pleased to report we are nearing fruition."

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Hiroto's eyes widened. This was unexpected, and potentially game-changing.

"You've replicated Shinsei's research? I thought the gaps in his notes posed significant challenges."

Yamada's face briefly showed resentment at the mention of the former lead scientist name, but then it changed to a look of arrogance.

"Yes, well, despite Shinsei's renown, I possess insights he lacked. My intellect and scientific prowess have succeeded where his fell short."

Hiroto refrained from rolling his eyes, well-acquainted with Yamada's superiority complex and envy of his predecessor.

"Fine, spare me the dramatics. What remains to finish Project K?"

Yamada's nostrils flared again but he answered.

"The sole missing element is a test subject demonstrating gravitational manipulation. As you know, that was Shinsei's intended cornerstone ability."

"Yes, yes," Hiroto waved impatiently. "And without Kaze we have no gravity manipulator. So what's your solution?"

"After considerable thought, I propose an audacious but inspired alternative." Yamada's eyes glinted. "We combine the abilities of anomalies Daichi and Rin. Their abilities blended within a single subject, could produce groundbreaking results."

Hiroto leaned back, folding his fingers together in consideration. He disliked Yamada's arrogance but couldn't deny the merits of this proposal. Project K had always targeted amplified abilities in one individual.

Combining two could enhance the outcome exponentially. They could even attempt to add Kaze's gravity anolity later, once Shinsei's research was recovered.

"Intriguing," Hiroto mused. "The dual powers do hold profound potential. Let's proceed with acquiring Daichi and Rin." He rose, ready to set this promising plan in motion.

"A moment, please. There are details to discuss," Yamada interjected. Hiroto repressed an impatient sigh and retook his seat.

"Of course. My apologies."

Yamada nodded. "Once the test subjects are obtained, I will need several weeks to complete the gene splicing and stabilization process. Additionally, we must run numerous trials to calibrate the abilities and test psychological resilience. I trust the board understands results will not happen overnight?"

"Yes, yes, they are aware of the complexities," Hiroto assured, standing again. "I will check for updates on Kaze's status immediately and acquire Daichi and Rin within 48 hours." He checked his watch. "Now, if you'll excuse me, Doctor, I have work to do."

Yamada stood swiftly. "Of course. I merely wished to update you on my groundbreaking progress. With the continued resources and support I've been promised, Project K will soon exceed our highest expectations."

Hiroto ushered Yamada out, anxious to exit himself.

As the scientist's footsteps faded down the hall, Hiroto's confident expression faltered. While Project K's acceleration thrilled him, Jūryoku's betrayal still cast a shadow. He would need to navigate this crisis extremely carefully to avoid eclipsing his own bright future.

____

Kaze stepped out of the stolen jet and onto the leaf-strewn forest floor, scanning the area with sharp eyes.

Dusk's deepening shadows stretched between the trees, but he felt no fear. Only purpose.

Behind him, Usagi bounded out, exclaiming, "We made it! I can't believe I'm finally going to see my uncle!"

Kaze didn't respond, focused on surveying their surroundings. He marched ahead into the darkness, gesturing for Usagi to follow. "Stay close, kid. Can't have you getting lost out here."

"My name's not kid," Usagi insisted with a pout. "It's U-SA-GI."

"Tch", Kaze clicked his tongue, annoyed by the childish demand. He had no time for such games.

They continued on in silence, Usagi struggling to match Kaze's brisk pace. Kaze scanned the shadowy forest, alert for any signs of danger.

A glint ahead caught Kaze's eye - a nearly invisible wire stretched across their path. He threw out an arm, halting Usagi mid-step.

"Don't move," Kaze said.

More hidden traps lay in wait. Keito's doing, no doubt.

But Usagi, oblivious to the peril, attempted to step around and ignore Kaze warning. His foot snagged the tripwire.

A deafening explosion shattered the silence. Kaze shielded Usagi from the blast, debris peppering his back.

A large splinter gashed his temple, blood trickling into his eye.

"Kaze!" Usagi cried out. "I'm so sorry, I thought I could get over it, but I didn't see the other wire. Are you okay?"

Despite Kaze blinking the blood away, tears welled in the boy's eyes.

Kaze cursed internally. He should have expected Keito's protective measures. "I'm fine, but let me ask you something..." he muttered, wiping the cut with his sleeve.

"Yes, Kaze..."

"Are you stupid or something?"

"I said I'm sorry, come on."

After checking that Usagi remained unharmed, Kaze scanned the deepening dark forest.

In the distance, a warm light glowed through the trees.

Kaze gestured for Usagi to follow as he crept toward it.

They approached a small cabin, golden light spilling from its windows. Inside, a family gathered around a simple meal. Kaze recognized Keito among them, head bowed in prayer.

"It's my uncle!" Usagi whispered excitedly. He moved to rush forward, but Kaze held him back.

The boy turned, smiling. "Let's go say hi!"

Kaze met Usagi's gaze, holding it. The boy's grin faded as he saw Kaze's predatory eyes.

"Yes," Kaze said, a cruel smile twisting his lips. "Let's pay them a surprise visit."

Usagi paled, withdrawing from Kaze's intimidating aura.

But Kaze only chuckled darkly, envisioning the chaos to come.