— I'm going to sleep. I'm feeling... weird. — he announced, his voice low.

“Weird?” — Mira asked, alarmed.

Without warning, Kay leaned in and kissed Mira, surprising her.

“Since I found that mini-ghoul, I just need to rest. When I wake up, I'll be 100%. — Kay explained, with a half smile.

“Okay. Well, have a good rest then.” — Mira replied, still stunned.

Kay gave a slight smile before saying:

“We can play a game together later.”

“Yes!” — Thais replied, excited.

Suddenly, Kay turned to her and, in an unexpected gesture, kissed her too.

“What?!” — Thais exclaimed, completely blushing and looking at him with wide eyes.

Kay, confused, raised his eyebrows.

“Should I have warned you?” — he asked, genuinely intrigued.

“Of course I did!” You caught me completely off guard! — Thais replied, trying to hide her intense blush.

“Next time, I’ll let you know,” Kay said casually as she walked away.

“Next time?!” — Thais thought, even more embarrassed, feeling her heart race.

Kay walked over to Rem, who was watching him with a mischievous smile.

“Are you going to give me a little kiss too?” she asked, making a provocative pout.

Kay laughed softly and wrapped her in a warm hug.

“I won’t be locked up for long, but in the meantime, take care of Mira and everyone else. I trust you,” Kay said, her voice serious, still holding her in her arms.

“And my little kiss?” Rem insisted, without losing her playful tone.

Kay gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.

“And take care of yourself too.”

“I’ll take care of you!” she replied, smiling as she let him go.

In different ways, but I love you! — Kay said, sincerely.

“How cute, showing your feelings like that!” — Rem joked, while petting him, the affection contrasting with the mischievous tone.

Kay gave a discreet smile, but soon walked away, grabbing his suit and weapons.

“I’m going,” he announced, with firm calm.

Before he could take another step, Thais and Mira ran towards him and jumped on him, hugging him tightly.

“What was that?” Kay asked, surprised, trying to keep his balance.

“It seemed like a goodbye,” Mira said, squeezing him tighter.

— Yes! — Thais confirmed, the emotion evident in her voice.

Kay sighed deeply, looking at the two of them.

— And I was the one trying to be romantic... — he murmured, not hiding the tone of slight frustration.

Mira looked up at him, serious.

— But it seemed like you were leaving and never coming back! — Thais said, completing Mira's thought with a worried look.

Kay was silent for a moment, feeling the weight of their concern. Then, she gave a comforting smile and put a hand on each of their shoulders.

— I'm going to sleep for a bit. I'll meet you later. — Kay said, in a casual tone.

— Today? — Mira asked, arching her eyebrows, intrigued.

— Maybe... or tomorrow. — he replied, with a slight, carefree smile.

— I figured. — Mira said, crossing her arms and watching him carefully.

Kay picked up a bottle of water and held it up.

— I still have a tank!

Mira took the bottle from his hands with a quick movement.

“Go to sleep!” she ordered firmly.

“Okay!” Kay replied, surprised by her attitude.

Mira looked at him, pointing a finger in his direction.

“And don’t go around kissing girls without telling them first!”

Kay smiled embarrassedly.

“Okay!”

Thais, who was watching the scene, took a step forward, still slightly blushing.

“I... don’t mind.” she said, looking away. “It was my first time, so I was just a little surprised.”

Kay smiled calmly.

“I better go to sleep before the captain shows up to tell me to do something!” Kay said, getting up with a sigh.

“Sweet dreams!” Mira wished, with a slight smile.

“See you later!” Thais and Rem said almost in unison, waving to him.

Kay took one last look at the three of them before leaving, walking calmly towards the dormitory.

The scene changes.

— He didn't say anything important, just let his thoughts take over before falling asleep.

— What's wrong with this guy? He's always sleeping! — Takemichi grumbled, with evident irritation.

— I won't even comment on this anymore... — Kratos said, shaking his head, exhausted.

— If he falls asleep now, tomorrow will be problematic. Don't wake him up. You three, go to the cafeteria! — Takemichi ordered firmly.

— Alright! — the three soldiers replied in unison, standing up quickly.

The scene changed.

In the cafeteria, the mood seemed light.

— They're so excited. Looking at it like this, it doesn't even seem like there'll be a trial tomorrow... — Lena commented, observing the group from afar.

— It's better this way. Seeing sadness now would only get in the way of what's to come. — Joana replied, with a weak smile.

— People shaped by war become mentally strong. — said Rem, who was sitting at the table with the leaders, her serene posture contrasting with the tension of the moment.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

— The army needs the boy. I'm sure they won't be too harsh on him in his judgment. — Takemichi stated with determination.

— Our division has achieved a lot thanks to Kay. We can't allow him to be imprisoned for too long. — Lena declared, clenching her fists.

Rem interrupted, leaning forward:

— Kay might be able to withstand a few days or months in prison, but there's one thing they can't take away from him: his coffee. If he goes without coffee for two weeks, he'll die.

The leaders widened their eyes in surprise.

— What do you mean? — Lena exclaimed in disbelief.

— Coffee is his fuel. And what's more: without coffee, he can't eat anything. He simply loses all energy and spends most of his time sleeping. In short: he would literally die of hunger. — Rem explained in a serious tone.

— Two weeks? That's not enough time for someone to die of hunger... — Lena began, but was interrupted.

— He wouldn't drink anything either. His body wouldn't be able to handle it. — Rem added.

— And why does that happen? — Ryuji asked, visibly worried.

— I don't know for sure. But it's been like this for years.

— So it wasn't always like this? — Joana asked, surprised.

Rem took a deep breath before answering:

— The coffee that Mira makes and the food that I prepare were the last things he ate with his mother. I think it's connected to something psychological. He always vomits other foods. So, he needs to drink coffee before and after eating. Otherwise, he throws it all up at the end of the day.

Silence took over the table.

— Does that mean that, during his time in prison, he won't be able to eat anything? — Lena asked, alarmed.

— Exactly. That's why it's essential that Mira or someone bring him coffee. Otherwise, we'll break into the prison and get him out. — Rem stated, with a dangerous smile.

— Don't even think about doing that! — Takemichi reprimanded firmly.

— I won't go. — Rem replied, smiling calmly.

Takemichi sighed and muttered:

— I see. So that's how things work with the boy... I didn't expect the situation to be so serious.

Rem crossed her arms and added:

— That's why we want to help him experience new emotions and learn how to deal with them. Don't be mad about him having more than one girl by his side. It was a decision made by Mira and me.

The table fell into complete silence. Mira, who was drinking her juice, choked and started coughing when she heard her mother's unexpected words.

— More than one? Did I get it wrong? — Takemichi asked, trying to maintain his composure.

— No, you didn't get it wrong. — Rem replied casually. — If he connects with more people, it will bring more benefits to his life. And I don't want my son-in-law to be a sad person who could die at any moment just because he doesn't eat.

"So we were used?" — thought Ravena and Thais, shocked and trying to hide their expressions of frustration.

Viviane and Sarah exchanged worried glances when they realized the impact on their friends.

"I shouldn't have talked to him... I'm an idiot!" — thought Ravena, regretting it.

Takemichi, however, did not seem convinced:

— I do not approve of this type of relationship. If he wants something with my daughter, then it should only be with her!

Thais murmured, understanding:

— I think that is the normal thing to think...

Rem shook her head, remaining calm:

— Don't be so selfish, dear. This was our decision, mine and Mira's. It's what's best for them.

Takemichi narrowed his eyes in disbelief:

— And have they already decided who the girl is?

Ravena and Thais froze.

"Don't say anything, Rem, please don't say anything!" — they both thought at the same time.

At that moment, Kay entered the cafeteria, sleepy, holding his inseparable coffee pot in one hand and a cup in the other.

— Good night. — he greeted, his voice hoarse with sleep.

"You came at the wrong time!" — they all thought, tense.

Kay walked over to the scientists’ table, seemingly oblivious to the tense atmosphere.

“Right on time. I have some business to discuss with you!” Takemichi said, standing up.

Kay completely ignored the statement and continued walking towards Fernanda.

“I’ll borrow you,” he said, holding her hand.

“What?” Fernanda exclaimed, confused.

“I have a question for you and the captain,” Kay explained, helping her to stand up.

Without waiting for permission, he led her to the leaders’ table.

“Don’t ignore me when I’m talking to you!” Takemichi shouted, but Kay simply poured another cup of coffee and drank it calmly.

“Damn you!” Takemichi growled, feeling his blood boil.

Kay sat down with Fernanda, pulling out chairs from another table.

“I’ve been thinking about what happened today and I wanted to ask you something. Of course, if you know anything, feel free to speak up.”

The leaders and soldiers present exchanged confused and curious looks.

“Do ghouls understand our language?” Kay asked, in an indifferent tone.

The entire room fell silent.

— What do you mean? Ghouls are irrational beings, driven only by predatory instincts! — Fernanda exclaimed, incredulous.

— That's what they always say. But when a baby or a small animal does something wrong, they realize when they are being reprimanded, even without understanding words. The intention behind the voice, the tone, the expression... That communicates more than words. Today, I didn't threaten the mini-ghoul with my desire to kill. He understood only by what I said. This mini-ghoul is not so irrational.

The silence became even heavier.

— This is crazy! Are you saying that there is an intelligent ghoul? — Fernanda asked, horrified.

Everyone present began to tremble at the idea.

— I want to test this. Can you call the person responsible for the mini-ghoul? — Kay asked, with determination.

— I can... But what are you going to do? — Fernanda asked, intrigued.

— I'm going to give an order. If he obeys, then that proves he's intelligent. If he doesn't obey, the question remains: is he irrational or does he only obey when the person giving the order is present? — Kay explained, with an analytical look.

— And what will you do if they are rational? — Takemichi asked, suspicious.

Kay paused and, with an enigmatic smile, answered:

— Then, I'll tell you the dream I had while I was sleeping, thinking about it.

— Dream? — Takemichi repeated, frowning skeptically.

— Can you call? — Kay insisted, ignoring the incredulity.

— I can... I just don't know if they'll let us see the mini Ghoul. — Fernanda replied, hesitant.

— I know you'll find a way. — Kay said, slowly getting up.

— Where are you going? — Fernanda asked, confused.

— I'm just going to get food. Convince them in the meantime. — Kay replied, walking away calmly.

Fernanda picked up her cell phone, hesitating for a moment.

"If this is true, something bigger is coming." — Kay thought, as she walked away.

On the other side of the table, Rem watched in silence, but murmured softly:

— If this is true, something bigger is coming.

Fernanda started the call. Her professional voice filled the air:

— Yes, this is the chief scientist of the sixth division.

— Yes, what do you need? — asked a male voice on the other end of the line.

— Today, our people sent a different ghoul to the institute. We have something important to confirm for the good of humanity. Could you release access to the mini Ghoul? — Fernanda said directly.

— I think that will be difficult now. We haven't performed any tests on him yet. — replied the scientist.

Fernanda leaned forward, insisting:

— As a scientist, I believe that the test we are going to perform can completely change the course of our research. We can do it over the phone, but we need to see him.

There was a momentary silence before another male voice was heard in the background:

— The sixth division contributed a lot to our research. Let them do it.

The scientist spoke again, reluctantly:

— The so-called mini Ghoul has not reacted since he woke up. He just sat in the corner of the cage.

“Can you show him on the call and let him hear our voice?” Fernanda asked.

“Yes. I’ll activate the microphone and switch to the video call,” the scientist replied.

On the cell phone, the image changed to the inside of a containment room. A noxium cage housed the mini Ghoul, who was sitting on the floor, motionless, observing the surroundings.

“I’ll bring the cell phone closer to the microphone. He’ll hear everything you say,” the scientist explained.

“Thank you,” Fernanda said, taking a deep breath.

The scientist activated the microphone and brought the cell phone closer.

“You can start,” he informed.

Fernanda looked at Kay, who was still at the counter getting food. She turned to Takemichi, who just waved for her to try something.

“Mini Ghoul!” Fernanda called, her voice echoing in the containment room.

The mini Ghoul raised his head and looked around, but didn't move.

"He's just watching, he's not doing anything else," the scientist commented.

"Wait a minute. I'm waiting for someone. He's the one who's going to do the test," Fernanda explained.

"Okay. Let me know when you're ready," the scientist said, turning off the microphone.

Kay came back with his tray, sitting down calmly.

"What's wrong?" he asked, as he began to eat.

"We're ready. Turn the microphone back on," Fernanda said to the scientist.

"Activating the microphone," he informed, adjusting his cell phone. "You can talk."

Fernanda handed the cell phone to Kay. He looked at the screen, watching the mini Ghoul in the cage.

"Mini Ghoul!" Kay called, her clear voice echoing through the microphone.

The mini Ghoul slowly stood up, looking for the source of the voice.

"He reacted!" Fernanda exclaimed, surprised.

Fernanda, Takemichi, and the leaders watched intently.

“Mini Ghoul, hit the cage that holds you twice slowly,” Kay ordered, her voice firm.

For a moment, nothing happened.

“Didn’t it work?” Takemichi murmured, apprehensive.

Suddenly, the mini Ghoul’s tentacles moved, hitting the cage twice hard.

“I see. That’s the answer, then,” Kay said thoughtfully. “Mini Ghoul, this is an order: never kill humans. You can only kill other ghouls. Sit down again if you understand.”

The mini Ghoul obeyed and sat back down in the center of the cage.

— What? — the scientists on the other end of the call exclaimed, astonished.

Kay continued:

— These humans will not harm you. To show this, they will give you a ghoul to eat every day, starting today. Raise a tentacle and lower it again if you understand.

The mini Ghoul raised one of the tentacles and lowered it right after.

— Give him a ghoul to eat. — Kay ordered, returning the cell phone to Fernanda and returning to her meal.

Fernanda took control of the conversation:

— Continue the research and feed the ghoul. But be aware that he understands our language.

Kay interrupted, looking out of the corner of his eye:

— Given the behavior of this mini Ghoul, we can expect that, in the fallen kingdoms and beyond, there are other intelligent ghouls. Pass this information on to the other divisions.

— Understood. We will do this immediately. — confirmed the scientist before ending the call.

Kay continued eating, as silence reigned in the cafeteria.