Previously: Yuri’s sharp intuition led him to suspect that someone within their team was guilty of sabotage. His calm demeanor masked the tension in the room as he toyed with Bruno, hinting at his suspicion. As Bruno fumed, Yuri confidently left, leaving an air of uncertainty hanging over the group.

Meanwhile, Lockey, weary from his torture, found himself awakening in a dark, unfamiliar cell. He soon realized he wasn’t alone—two imprisoned women mocked his presence. Confused and weak, Lockey heard a familiar voice in his head: Pinnochi, using a strange bacteria to communicate telepathically. Together, they began piecing together a way to locate Site 22 and plan their escape, but time was running out, and uncertainty loomed.

The door hissed open as Pinnochi stepped into the tech lab. He paused, scanning the room, feeling the familiar hum of machinery and blinking lights around him. He tightened his grip on the project tools in his hand. The weight of the task wasn’t the issue—it was the constant pressure from the higher-ups. A quiet sigh escaped him as his thoughts drifted to the job at hand.

No time for secondary tasks, he mused, sliding over to the workstation. But turning down a request from a Hire-up… that’s practically suicide. He settled into the chair, flicking through various schematics on the screen. His fingers danced quickly across the keyboard, but his mind wandered.

I still haven’t pinpointed Site 22’s exact location, Pinnochi thought, his brow furrowing. And there’s the investigation on me… I wonder how that’s going. He worked in silence, the soft whir of the machines surrounding him like white noise, almost comforting in its predictability.

The door opened again with a soft whoosh, and Sir Techno entered, his usual calm yet scrutinizing presence filling the room. Pinnochi felt the older man's eyes on him.

“You’re early today," Sir Techno said, glancing at the screen in front of Pinnochi. "I wasn’t expecting you for another hour.”

Pinnochi gave a faint smile, not looking up from the screen. “I decided to get an early start. I’ve got a lot on my plate, so I thought I’d knock out your project before tackling my other tasks.”

Sir Techno raised an eyebrow but said nothing, taking a seat at his own workstation. The silence that followed wasn’t uncomfortable, but there was a weight to it—each man absorbed in their thoughts, though the air between them buzzed with unspoken tension.

Pinnochi’s eyes flicked over to Sir Techno, watching as he meticulously adjusted some wiring on a separate project. If I asked him about limitless energy… how would he react? Pinnochi mused. No, I can’t just blurt it out like that. Too suspicious.

His mind played out the scenario.

"Oh, Sir Techno, by the way, do you know anything about limitless energy?"

He shook his head slightly, dismissing the idea. That’d only raise red flags. There’s no way I can bring it up that bluntly. Another thought came to him.

"You know, my father always dreamed of creating limitless energy… and he actually did. Do you know anything about it?"

Pinnochi bit the inside of his cheek, shaking his head again, this time a bit more visibly. No, that’s worse. Too obvious.

“You seem lost, Pinnochi,” Sir Techno’s voice cut through his thoughts. “Is there something bothering you?”

Pinnochi snapped back to reality, blinking as he tried to cover his lapse in concentration. “Oh, no—just… thinking about something my father used to say. About limitless energy.” He couldn’t believe he had let that slip. Great, now he’s going to think I’m prying.

Sir Techno hummed in response, adjusting the angle of his glasses. “And what exactly were you thinking about?”

Pinnochi felt a knot of unease form in his stomach. Here’s the chance, he thought, trying to keep his expression neutral. He glanced around the lab, as if gathering his thoughts.

“Well, every time I walk through Site 22, I can’t help but wonder… this entire place, the weapons, the machines, everything—it’s all powered by something. Something that never runs out. It got me thinking… could we be using limitless energy here?”

The room fell silent.

Pinnochi felt the weight of his own words hanging in the air, his heartbeat quickening slightly. What did I just do? The silence stretched, and Pinnochi’s mind raced. Was it something I said? Did I overstep?

Sir Techno leaned back in his chair, his gaze more intense now. “Hmm…” He finally broke the silence, tapping a finger on his chin thoughtfully. “Not even the top technologists here have thought that far ahead. You really do have a sharp mind, Pinnochi. Your father certainly made a genius out of you.”

Pinnochi’s shoulders eased slightly, though he kept his outward composure. Sir Techno continued, “As for your question… let’s just say, yes, we do have access to a form of limitless energy. We even have the blueprint, but creating a second version has been… let’s say, practically impossible. There’s always something missing in the process.”

Pinnochi’s voice turned more serious. “May I… see it, Sir Techno? My father created one, but after the government seized it, I never got a chance to even lay eyes on it again.”

He could feel his pulse quickening again, but this time, it wasn’t fear—it was the thrill of getting closer to something crucial. I’m so close to retrieving what’s mine, he thought. But I need to play it cool.

Sir Techno’s expression hardened. “And if it really is your father’s creation… what do you intend to do with it?”

The silence returned, heavier this time. Pinnochi clenched his jaw slightly, forcing himself to stay calm. He couldn’t afford to slip up now.

“I’d just like to see it… as a way of connecting with him. To reflect on his work, and maybe, finally say my goodbyes.”

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There was a flicker of something in Sir Techno’s eyes—recognition, perhaps—but he nodded. “Very well. Once we finish up here, I’ll take you to see it.”

Pinnochi felt a surge of triumph, though he kept his face neutral. Inside, though, he was shouting: Jackpot. With a fake but grateful smile, he nodded. “Thank you, Sir Techno.”

Yuri sat rigidly before Sir Golder’s desk, his eyes fixed on the polished mahogany surface as he slid the file across. The weight of the investigation so far rested heavily on his shoulders, but he kept his posture steady.

Golder, without looking up, reached for the document. His fingers lingered for a second on the edge of the folder as though contemplating the information within. With a deliberate pace, he opened it and skimmed the contents. The quiet flipping of pages filled the room, the only sound between them as the air thickened with anticipation.

Then, without warning, Golder chuckled—low and almost sinister. The sudden sound broke the silence like a crackle of electricity.

"Bruno was supposed to be your partner in this investigation," Golder finally spoke, his eyes sharp and unreadable. He tapped the paper. "But what do I see here?" His voice was a mixture of amusement and authority as he leaned back in his chair, one eyebrow raised. "Not only is Bruno not listed as a suspect—your name is."

Yuri remained still, his jaw tightening at the mention of his own name. He expected this confrontation. Golder’s laughter had hinted at this very moment, but it still struck a nerve. He gathered himself before speaking.

“I like where this is going,” Golder’s grin widened. "Now, Yuri, why is Bruno on this list at all?"

Yuri’s eyes flickered with intensity as he met Golder’s gaze. Breaking his brief silence, he spoke with calm resolve. "Bruno has had three accusations leveled against him at the WCM. Rape, drug smuggling, and even forging his own rank." He leaned forward slightly, his voice harder now. "I still wonder how he’s a member, let alone trusted. He’s reckless, irresponsible, and honestly—he pisses me off. I believe he could be involved in selling information. The chances are high."

Golder tilted his head, a satisfied glint in his eye. "Very well then." He glanced down at the file again. "And what about Pinnochi and Specter? You’ve added them here as well."

Yuri didn’t hesitate. His voice remained steady, but his expression was focused. "Pinnochi wasn’t present during the raid. He was on holiday, yes, but I can’t ignore that. He’s a part of my team, and I can’t turn a blind eye, holiday or not. As for Specter," Yuri exhaled deeply, "he’s a ghost. He operates in the shadows, always secretive. I’ve barely communicated with him, but every time I have, I’ve had the sense that there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes. He moves in ways that raise too many questions."

Golder sat silently for a moment, observing Yuri. Then, slowly, a small nod of approval. "I see. You’ve got clear reasons for each of these names." He leaned forward, folding his hands on the desk. "If I may ask, what do you think are the chances of one of these individuals being the actual culprit?"

Yuri’s gaze turned serious, his voice measured. "Bruno, 70%. Pinnochi and Specter, they share the remaining 30%, split 15% each. But," he continued, "I don’t base everything on pure numbers. There’s still a 30% chance that Bruno isn’t involved at all. And an 85% chance that either Pinnochi or Specter is guilty. We can’t rule out the possibility of more than one suspect."

Golder raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. He leaned back in his chair, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Impressive. I like the way you think, Yuri." He reached into his drawer and produced a small, polished badge, sliding it across the desk. "Take this. It’ll grant you access to investigate Specter. Show him the badge—he’ll have no choice but to answer your questions. "

Yuri nodded as he took the badge, feeling the weight of responsibility settle further on his shoulders. "Yes, sir."

Suddenly, Golder’s expression darkened, his demeanor more serious. "There’s more. A member of the science department was found dead. Written in her blood—'Dark Fang.'"

Yuri tensed, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. "I heard about that, but I didn’t realize Dark Fang had infiltrated Site 22."

Golder’s fingers drummed on the desk, his eyes narrowing. "He’s one of the most dangerous criminals we’ve ever faced. Not only did he steal 111 million, but he sold crucial information to foreign powers—France, England. He’s a ghost, hard to pin down. If he’s here, we’re dealing with a high-level infiltration."

Yuri leaned forward, his voice low and intense. "Then why can’t we search Site 22 thoroughly? He’s dangerous, but surely we can catch him now?"

Golder’s gaze sharpened. "Do you think someone who managed to hack and steal from Site 22 five years ago would let himself be caught so easily? Don’t be naïve. He’s probably disguised as a staff member. We’ve been searching for him for five years without success."

Yuri stood, determination coursing through him. "I understand, sir. I’ll continue the investigation."

Golder gave a short nod, his gaze hard. "Good. The higher-ups will handle the larger issues. You focus on your task."

Yuri turned to leave, the weight of Golder’s words pressing down on him. "Yes, sir."

As Yuri walked down the dimly lit corridor, his mind churned. His footsteps echoed softly, each one accompanied by the growing unease in his chest. Who was Dark Fang? And how did it all connect to his investigation? He shook the thought from his mind, trying to stay grounded in the task at hand. First, Specter. Based on his reactions, I’ll know where to place him.

Just then, a voice broke the silence. "Thinking so hard you didn’t even notice me coming, huh?"

Yuri stopped, turning to see Pinnochi standing there, arms crossed and smirking. "Overworking dulls the senses."

Yuri’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes sharpened. "What brings you here, Pinnochi?"

"Oh, nothing." Pinnochi shrugged casually. "Finished a task for Sir Techno and thought I’d wait here. Saw you passing by."

Yuri nodded curtly, already preparing to move on. "Excuse me, I’ve got an investigation to get back to."

But as he started to walk away, Pinnochi called out again, his tone lighter, more curious. "By the way, do you remember how you got here?"

Yuri paused mid-step, his brow furrowing slightly. He turned back. "What do you mean by that?"

Pinnochi’s gaze flickered with something unreadable as he hesitated, weighing his next words. Maybe I can get something out of Yuri... but I shouldn’t push too hard.

"It’s just," Pinnochi began, rubbing the back of his neck, "ever since I got here, it feels like I’ve had dementia. No matter how hard I try, I can’t remember how I arrived at Site 22. Makes me wonder if I’m losing it, or if that’s just... normal."

Yuri let out a slow breath, glancing at Pinnochi with a faint, tired smile. "You’re not supposed to remember. That’s how the portal works. You enter it, and once you’re here, memories of your previous location fade. It’s the same when you leave—everything about Site 22 fades from memory." He paused for a moment. "Though it is strange you’re even aware enough to think about it."

Pinnochi’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Strange? What do you mean by that?"

Yuri’s voice softened, his gaze turning thoughtful. "Most people don’t even question how they got here. It’s just... interesting that you would."

Pinnochi let out a small chuckle. "I suppose that’s just me."

"Suspicious or not, it’s better to stop wondering," Yuri replied, his tone sharp. He began to walk away once more, but Pinnochi’s next words made him stop.

"By the way, where exactly is Site 22? It’s okay if it’s confidential not to say, you could say am just curious"

Yuri sighed, rubbing his temples in frustration. "West Port."

Pinnochi raised an eyebrow. "You mean the seaport?"

"Yes," Yuri replied, his tone growing colder. "There’s an alleyway there. Leads to a portal, but not directly to Site 22. It leads to a transport station. That’s all I can tell you." He hesitated, narrowing his eyes. "Not because I’m withholding information, but because I don’t remember what happens next myself. Maybe that’ll stop your curiosity for now."

Pinnochi smiled faintly, watching as Yuri walked away. "Thanks for the info," he said softly, his voice lingering in the empty hallway as the chapter closed.