Over the last few days, other developments took place beyond training. Vas ensured Amendiares installed heavy security on everyone's CipherSync systems. This setup encrypted their communications, and each member's true identity was hidden behind their respective alias within The Scriptorum Arcanum. Additionally, Nyra began forming her Shaded Circle, an elite network of informants, though she hadn't yet settled on a name for the group. She had discarded anyone who'd betrayed her, recruiting entirely new people. Vas and Morrigan had no details about these new contacts, but Nyra promised Vas they were loyal. "I've made sure none of them will betray me so easily," she assured him.

Every member got to work on their first task—gathering intel on the elusive figures behind Light Cavalry. Nyra deployed her network, prying into every hidden corner for information. Sarah, meanwhile, returned to DJing at various bars and clubs, using her connections to subtly ask questions. Her rising reputation made people eager to chat with her, sometimes oversharing secrets they should've kept.

Morgan took a different approach, positioning herself in the more hedonistic venues where people's inhibitions were dulled. In the throes of euphoria, one or two probing questions often led to valuable information spilling out. Axel, who mingled with wealthy social circles, found that wealthy young adults in his circles often enjoyed bragging. He only needed a gentle prompt for them to start revealing things of interest.

Lewis had infiltrated a gang in the Undercity, using his position to steer them into asking questions about Light Cavalry among their contacts. Vas was pleased by the group's progress and growing synergy, noting that every lead was revealing another piece of the puzzle.

However, Vas and Lily were down to only a few days before they'd have to leave to fulfill the social work requirement for graduation. Since Zola didn't share this obligation, Vas decided Zola would be the interim leader in his absence. He made it clear that he didn't care about the specifics of the members' methods, as long as they followed certain guidelines and avoided drawing too much attention.

"So, Zola," Vas said, his tone serious but warm, "you'll be the one they're answering to while we're gone. Think you can handle it?"

Zola smirked, her usual confidence brimming in her voice. "Try to make it challenging, Vas. You know I live for this."

With some time left before he and Lily needed to complete their graduation requirements, Vas decided to keep things running smoothly. He made it clear to the others that he didn't care about how they gathered information—as long as it didn't interfere with The Scriptorum Arcanum's objectives, they had free reign. Everyone agreed to these terms, seeing the merit in the group's adaptability. Shortly after, though, Lewis surprised Vas with a call. After their first exchange he had known when to keep his head down, but he revealed to Vas that he was actually a high-ranking member of a gang operating in The Undercity. The revelation came with a bit of intriguing intel: the spiky-haired man named Jord was rumored to be making an appearance at an upcoming gang gathering. Jord was an enigmatic figure that they were looking for, and Lewis wanted Vas to come along, suggesting they meet at Elliot's place beforehand.

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When Vas brought the idea to Morrigan, she saw the opportunity to deepen the group's camaraderie. "It's time to involve everyone in situations like this," she remarked, her tone level. "If they bring their concerns to the group, we create a unified front. Decisions won't be made alone, but collectively."

After thinking it over, Vas saw the wisdom in her words. That afternoon, everyone gathered at Elliot's place. When Vas explained the plan, everyone seemed eager to participate—except they couldn't get past one detail. Zola, smirking as she looked him up and down, broke the silence.

"Vas, no offense, but there's no way you look like a gang member." She chuckled, tilting her head. "You're still my mystery guy, but for anyone who doesn't know you, you look way too... docile."

Lily grinned and agreed. "Honestly, if it weren't for all the piercings, you'd look as plain as possible." She gave him a teasing nudge. "And your tattoos don't even show under all that oversized clothing."

Sarah and Nyra chimed in, nodding. "You can be intimidating when you want to," Nyra admitted, "but at a glance, there's nothing gang about you."

Axel added thoughtfully, "Yeah, you have this... intense energy when you decide to show it, but you'd still need to look the part. Maybe something subtle, like a new haircut."

At the suggestion, Vas raised an eyebrow, feeling a mix of skepticism and hesitation. He'd always been reluctant to cut his hair short or wear anything too fitted, preferring his oversized clothes for comfort. Still, he could see where they were coming from.

"Maybe just a fade on the sides," Axel suggested, "but keep the top long enough to style it how you like. You could wear it in a bun or let it fall loose, depending on the vibe you're going for."

Zola's eyes lit up. "Yes! A fade with a bun would look great on you! And you could show off your piercings more."

Lewis agreed, adding that it would make him look less polished, more rough around the edges. "Trust me, it'll help you blend in."

Sarah became the most enthusiastic of all, even suggesting he add a septum piercing for the complete look. But Vas shook his head with a wry smile. "All my piercings have a purpose, and I'm not adding one without a reason."

In the end, Vas gave in, agreeing to the fade cut and bun idea. Sarah insisted on doing the cut herself, and with her precise hands and eye for style, she transformed Vas's look in minutes. His hair was faded at the sides, with the top long enough to be swept into a high bun, showing off his piercings and allowing his tattoos to peek through his shirt collar. For his outfit, he settled on a plain grey T-shirt and black shorts paired with his favorite black sneakers, their thin soles giving him better feedback from the ground, which was essential for his reflexes.

As Vas stepped back, everyone reacted instantly. Even Morgan, who had stayed silent for most of the conversation, couldn't help but blush slightly at his transformation.

"Whoa," Zola exclaimed, circling him with an approving nod. "Look who's finally showing his dangerous side."

Lily leaned back, smirking. "I mean, I might not want to meet you in a dark alley."

Sarah crossed her arms, grinning from ear to ear. "See? Everyone in the Hek family could be a model if they wanted to."

Vas rolled his eyes, but a small smile tugged at his lips as he adjusted the collar of his shirt, slightly self-conscious. "Alright, alright," he muttered, his voice wry. "Let's not get too carried away."