Director Morris had anticipated that Dana would wrap her question around an attack. This was her standard tactic. She made her career out of smearing the people she interviews. Director Morris was about to interject, but Kailan beat him to it.

“Ms. Warshank.” Kailan spoke calmly into the microphone.

“Dana.” She stated, implying that she prefers to be called by her first name.

Kailan continued to smile as he responded to her. “Ms. Warshank, I’m not certain what information you think I have, but making assumptions will only cause you trouble. What I do know, as I stated earlier, I am working with the Hunters Bureau to provide said information and confirm it prior to disseminating it to the public. It would be foolish and reckless to issue a brief of information that is inaccurate. You questioned whether lives can be saved if we were to provide such information more rapidly, but I would argue the opposite. If the information is false or improperly confirmed then someone could very well be hurt or worse. You cannot fault people for injuries or loss of life on an assumption.”

“Also, it’s not as if I can just sit in a room and explain everything all at once. It would take a long time and I have a life outside of just being a Hunter.” Kailan finished and then proceeded to look into the crowd of reporters again.

Dana wasn’t satisfied and refused to hand the microphone back to the agent. She continued to question. “So what you’re saying is you do know more than you are saying and we have to wait until you are ready to tell us? All the while someone could venture into a dungeon and not come back, but could have, had they known what you know. And that’s not your fault?”

Kailan turned back to Dana, this time his smile dimmed a little. He was displeased but he hid it well.

“Again, Ms. Warshank, you are making assumptions. And I never said that nor implied it.” He responded blandly.

“Nevertheless, it is a fact that we are reliant on waiting for you to provide said information and you are, by your own admission, gallivanting around with family and raiding dungeons instead of working through that information with the bureau. As a Hunter do you not have an obligation to use your expertise to protect the people, including providing any and all relevant information that could potentially be used to save lives?” Dana continued to drill her point in.

Maria and the rest of the Jones family were starting to become very annoyed. She had essentially stated that Kailan being with his family was endangering other people’s lives and that he should basically be a slave to the people until they’ve rung everything they can out of him.

Director Morris was also becoming quite annoyed. This was not the direction he wanted the conference to go in.

“Ms. Warshank, I believe you are trailing off into an off-topic discussion. Also, you have already asked your question, it’s someone else’s turn. Please return the microphone to the agent near you or I will have to ask you to leave.” Director Morris called out on his mic.

Dana glared at the director defiantly.

“Ms. Warshank.” Kailan called out once more.

“If you were to become a Hunter, say with a Plebeian rank talent. Would you quit your job as a reporter and take up arms, fighting in dungeons?” He asked as his usual smile returned.

“Of course not.” Dana responded.

“And why is that?” Kailan questioned once more.

“I’m a reporter not a soldier.” She replied to him.

“But as a Hunter, don’t you have an obligation to use your expertise to protect the people, including fighting off invading forces in dungeons? Seems like you have some double standards.” Kailan’s grin grew ever so slightly.

“Next question please.” He turned to look out into the crowd once more.

Dana’s expression fell to frigid levels. The agent near her grew impatient and snatched the microphone out of her hand before moving quickly away from her. A number of faces stared at her as she continued to stand there, their expressions showed a high level of schadenfreude.

Kailan was asked a number of other questions pertaining to his intentions and talents. Eventually someone asked the million dollar question that had been avoided until now.

“Mr. Jones, several days ago you demanded that Gaia open a sealed dungeon gate, resulting in the rescue of members of the Twilight Garden guild. I also have a report stating that when you first entered a dungeon mine, you entered with only yourself and agents Miller and Harmes, again commanding Gaia to remove the party restrictions allowing just the three of you to enter. Does this mean that you have some level of control over Gaia? And if so, what can you have her do?”

Eva and Director Morris’s expressions crumpled a little. It had been expected to be questioned about Kailan’s control over Gaia, using that night as a reference. But they didn’t expect the information about them entering a dungeon as a trio to be leaked. Either there was a mole in their ranks or someone on site spoke out.

Kailan thought for a moment on how best to answer this. Director Morris was going to take over but Kailan gestured with his eyes for the director to allow him to respond. Turning back to the audience who were waiting quietly, he took a small breath and spoke.

“As was observed by many people at the site of the Greenwood Park Mall dungeon, I was able to request that Gaia remove the seal allowing me entry. And for the removal of the dungeon party restrictions when Eva, Douglas and I entered the dungeon mine the other day. This is a skill that I learned in Valhalla and requires the completion of a certain trial ground on that world to obtain. There are, however, a number of restrictions placed on this ability.” Kailan responded eloquently.

“Can you please elaborate on what you mean by restrictions?” The reporter called out before the microphone could be taken.

Kailan didn’t really mind and was actually hoping this question would arise.

“I was able to remove the seal because my sister was one of the persons inside. Also, as everyone saw, I was the only one allowed to enter. The seal was restored after I entered the dungeon. Whether I was able to rescue her and the other’s was entirely in my own hands. As for requesting Gaia remove the party restrictions a couple days ago, that’s only because the dungeon itself was a mine and not a live dungeon. Essentially it’s a training ground with no real consequences other than your own life, so Gaia will allow exceptions such as a minimal dungeon party.”

Kailan knew that these questions would arise so he had long prepared a countermeasure. To diminish the ability. Setting it as an acquired skill from a trial ground, which was close to the truth and the level of restrictions that make it less flexible than people thought. After he had finished laying the groundwork he also had follow up responses prepared just in case.

As expected this question caused quite the ruckus. Many voices started to rise up from the crowd as they began discussing. Seeing that the audience didn’t show any intention of calming down after a couple minutes, Director Morris cleared his throat close to the microphone to refocus them back to the stage.

Turning away from the reporter, Kailan faced the audience once more, looking for someone else to call on. Several more questions came out, mostly clarifying the level of control Kailan possessed over Gaia. And as planned, Kailan minimized the perception of what he was capable of. There was also an out of the ballpark question related to his relationship status, but that was also easily answered, he wasn’t available because he’s too busy with being a Hunter.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Director Morris was impressed with Kailan’s way of handling the Gaia questions, though it didn’t show in his expression. He was quite good at acting, having participated in military and political talks many times.

Eventually the conference came to an end. Of course this didn’t mean that there wasn’t a horde of reporters still throwing out questions. The same group of guards that escorted Kailan and his family to the arena, along with Eva and Douglas escorted them back out. After what seemed like 20 minutes of pushing their way through bodies, they were led back to Eva’s office.

“I think that’s enough socializing for me for the year. How about hot chocolate everyone?” Eva let out a deep sigh before voicing her complaint and relief.

“I’ll take a coffee please.” Maria responded, clearly both exhausted and annoyed.

“Coffee for me as well.” Edward followed up after Maria.

“Alright. Be right back. Come on Douglas, you can help me carry them.” Eva moved towards the doorway as she listened to Maria and Edward’s orders. As she walked out, Douglas followed behind, still wearing his classic stoic expression.

“Are you alright Kai?” Rebecca looked over at Kailan who wasn’t smiling anymore. But Kailan didn’t seem to hear her.

“Kai?” Maria called out.

Kailan came back to his senses as he looked up at everyone. “Oh, yeah, sorry. I was a bit lost in thought. I’m fine, how are you guys holding up?” His gentle smile was restored.

“We didn’t have to go through that madness. Still, that reporter, what’s her name? Dana something. If she wasn’t so far away I would have smacked her.” Elias spoke with concern at first before his expression fell in annoyance.

“You mean you would have gotten in line. That woman had best learn her place before I shove her into it.” Maria’s expression that once held concern for Kailan also fell. One could see the pure malice in her eyes as she talked about Dana Warshank.

“She is troublesome. But nothing to be too concerned about. At least it’s finally over and we can return home. What should we do after this? Grab lunch?” Kailan voiced his own opinion as he redirected the conversation.

He didn’t really care so much about that reporter in the first place. She was more like a fly buzzing around his head that just wouldn’t go away, but not a threat he needed to focus on. At most he spared a small amount of thought considering her influence, but influence can easily be shifted and changed. As long as she didn’t take it too far he didn’t care enough to become involved.

Kailan was more concerned about the people sitting in the back than the ones that were up front. The gazes they used showed a multitude of opinions. Some were hostile, some were intrigue, some were indifference. It showed that there were going to be plenty of things to look forward to in the future.

“Yes! Steak ‘n Shake!” Elias called out with excitement.

“Ugh…” Maria rolled her eyes as she voiced her discomfort.

“Oh, come on mom. The food is really good.” Elias turned and tried to persuade Maria.

“There are Steak ‘n Shakes all over the Indianapolis area, surely you can get your fix at any time. Why can’t we go to a nice restaurant and sit down to eat.” Maria responded exasperatedly.

“Like the BRU Burger Bar?” Rebecca asked with a sly smile as she stared at her mother out of the corner of her eyes.

Maria blushed as she recalled the last outing they had to BRU. After a few moments of recollection and contemplation she opened her mouth. “Steak n’ Shake it is…” Speaking dejectedly.

Edward and Rebecca held back their laughter as they enjoyed Maria’s expression changing several times as she stayed silent. Kailan just wore a wry smile. As the Jones family finished their debate on lunch, Eva and Douglas walked in with trays and steaming cups.

“The Director wanted to say a few words before you all leave, would you mind sticking around for just a bit longer?” Eva asked as she moved behind her desk to sit.

“That’s fine. We’re in no hurry.” Maria quickly responded, her expression changing to a slight grin. Anything to avoid lunch just a bit longer. Her own way of spiting her children. Which seemed to work as Elias’ expression turned sour.

Kailan nodded in affirmation as he agreed with his mother. As they waited, Eva talked a bit with Maria and Rebecca, mostly about the ‘annoying’ reporters. In particular about a certain annoying fly.

In another room of the facility, two guards were posted beside the door. Both of them didn’t look too well as they frowned. They had been placed on Doctor duty. Or in other words, retaining Dr. Nekola. Director Morris had mentioned during the press conference that the good doctor had things to do, but in reality, he had him detained to avoid any unnecessary trouble that the doctor would undoubtedly cause.

The guards were upset because Dr. Nekola had been heckling them during the entire period they were guarding him. And not always in English.

“You two brats! Let me out! I demand to see that overbearing pompous jarhead of a Director! Hey! Are you listening?!” Dr. Nekola screeched out.

The two guards were ordered to just ignore him and to not respond, but they felt that they were reaching their limits and a response was inevitable. Probably in the form of a very harsh beating.

After about ten minutes, Director Morris finally walked into Eva’s office. He looked haggard and as he walked to the side of Eva’s desk, she handed him a coffee.

“Thank you Eva.” Director Morris spoke after taking a few sips.

“You’re welcome, Director. How did it go?” Eva replied without any surprise.

“As expected.” Director Morris responded succinctly and then turned to observe the Jones family, before his sights rested on Kailan.

“Well, you handled that quite well. I was especially impressed with how you handled Dana Warshank. She’s not an easy person to deal with and based on her expression you will most likely see a lot more of her.” Director Morris praised Kailan.

“I feel like you just cursed me. Don’t tell me the Director is a Shaman as well.” Kailan replied with a grin as he sipped his hot chocolate.

“Haha. Not at all, just a friendly warning. A Pitbull would be impressed with her tenacity. In any case, things are about to get very busy. It is most likely that by the time you get home there will be a swarm of reporters on your lawn. Well, the police should have already arrived. I had them dispatched during the conference to get ahead of it." Director Morris chuckled at Kailan's question.

"Thanks. That should help at least a little." Kailan was truly grateful for the Director's consideration and forethought.

"It may only be 'a little'. Those flies buzz around a lot and unfortunately there's the freedom of the press, so we can only do so much. Especially for a high profile case like yours. Now that the cat is out of the bag, you'll most likely receive a lot of attention from places even you don't expect." Director Morris contemplated as he responded. There were a lot of parties involved in the dungeon business these days.

"I understand. I'll be careful. In the meantime I'd like to continue relying on the Hunters Bureau's assistance in regards to dungeon raids." Kailan figured he would be interrupted during his daily life, but there was one place they couldn't hunt him down in.

"In regards to that, I already have a dungeon lined up for you for tomorrow morning at 10. I'll text you the details later this afternoon." Eva interjected in a timely manner.

“Thank you for that.” Kailan replied simply.

“Well then, thank you all for coming and putting up with this nonsense. Kailan, come in on Saturday to placate Dr. Nekola. He’s been ranting a lot lately. Be safe on your drive home.” Director Morris let out these final words before walking out of the room.

After the director left, Eva got up and led everyone to the parking garage along with Douglas. It was a silent walk until the elevator. As they rode it upstairs, Douglas let out a deep sigh as if discarding a weight from his shoulders.

“What’s wrong with you? You’re acting way too stiff.” Kailan glanced at Douglas from the side, smirking.

“Shut it, old geezer.” Douglas shot back.

“Douglas!” Eva called Douglas out.

He had a slip of the tongue. Douglas quickly corrected himself and glared at Kailan. Kailan just grinned as he held back his snickering. This had become their normal. They were of course just teasing each other. Douglas had a bit of a temper but he understood that Kailan was just being friendly so he played along without really getting mad.

The rest of the Jones family however were looking at Douglas like they had no idea who he was. They had only ever seen his silent, calm and stoic side. Never before had he shown his attitude. Douglas’ eyes shot around at everyone nervously. Clearing his throat he straightened up and faced forward as if nothing had happened.

“That only makes you more suspicious…” Everyone thought.

Soon the doors opened and everyone walked out. Eva said a few words of consideration, requesting that they be careful and such, before the Jones family walked to their car, got in and drove off. Luckily the bureau detained the reporters for a while longer allowing the family to leave quietly.