The light was now pouring into the room through the glass, which was no longer covered. One could see the clouds passing by in the distance, and the sun was more present due to the time of day. In the center of the room, four people in light blue uniforms were clearing the debris from the table where Black had once been.

The Defenders were seated, except for the Red Dragon, who was staring at the giant statue. They were waiting for the cleaning, which didn’t take long to finish. When it finally ended, one of the workers turned to the Defenders and waved a hand toward them. However, only the Amazon responded, nodding her head and smiling. Quickly, that person was reprimanded by another from the group, and soon everyone left.

Now, only the Defenders remained in the room. The platform above was covered with metal, obstructing the view of its interior.

– So, can we talk about what happened? – the Amazon said, looking at the other Defenders.

– We should discuss it. – Tyx replied, rising and moving to the center of the room, where the table had once been. He sat down in the reinforced chair, crossed his legs, and lit a cigarette. – What are your questions?

The Red Dragon, who had been facing away from everyone, hidden in the shadow of the statue, turned his face, looking at Tyx over his shoulders.

– Could you start by explaining exactly why Black isn’t in one of our cells? — he asked, his voice deep and his eyes fixed on Tyx.

– It’s simple, Conrad... – Tyx said, taking a drag from his freshly lit cigarette and letting the smoke escape from his mouth. – You have no decision-making power in this matter.

Conrad, the Red Dragon, turned at hearing such a statement, walking toward his place. He placed his hand on the back of the chair, gripping it tightly and stepping back, making room at the table.

– Is that so? – Conrad said, resting his clenched fists on the table and staring directly at Tyx. – And since when do you interfere in matters related to the Guardians?

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– This was a direct choice from Jupiter. – Tyx replied, looking at the large statue in front of him and then meeting Conrad’s gaze. – He assigned me to handle this case, and no one but me has the authority to decide on it.

After Tyx’s statement, all the Defenders, except for the Visionary, stared at him. The Amazon raised her eyebrows, her expression one of surprise; Titan had his eyes half-closed, and Conrad slightly furrowed his brow.

– And why exactly did he put you in charge? – Titan asked directly to Tyx, leaning forward in his chair.

– Perhaps because I’m smarter than the Visionary, and of course, the most handsome one here. – Tyx said, stroking his facial hair as he smiled, but then he straightened up and replied seriously. – To tell the truth, I have no idea either, but perhaps he’s looking for a less conventional solution to the matter.

– I’ll check this directly with Jupiter. It’s impossible that he would have done something so... unthinkable. – Conrad expressed, shaking his head slightly.

– There’s no need. I’ve already sent all the signed documents to you. – the Visionary replied, leaning back and adjusting his glasses. – This was indeed the decision made by Guardian Jupiter.

– What a surprise to see you take Tyx’s side. – Titan said, with a forced smile as he crossed his arms.

– The decision came from Jupiter; I’m just doing my job. – the Visionary replied, not even looking at Titan, but soon his eyes turned to him. – But you’ve known him for quite a while, haven’t you? Do you think this decision of his might be questionable?

There was a silence for a few seconds as Titan stared at the Visionary with furrowed brows and slightly pursed lips. Conrad was focused on a fixed screen on the table, shaking his head slightly with a smile and then raising his eyes to meet Tyx’s gaze.

– Yeah, it seems Jupiter really made the stupid decision to leave an intercontinental issue in your hands. – Conrad said, maintaining his forced smile.

– So, can we proceed? I believe we all have access to the young man’s data and can finally discuss what really matters here – the Amazon questioned, standing up and looking at everyone.

– You’re in charge, dear. – Tyx said, nodding his head and displaying a slight smile.

– Don’t call me that; we’re not close to each other. – the Amazon replied, sitting back down in her place.

Tyx let out a smile, opened a pack of cigarettes, and placed the used cigarette inside. He then leaned forward, adopting a serious demeanor.

– So, let’s get to what really matters here. – he said, with a calm but serious voice.

All the other Defenders turned their attention to him as the light reflected on the floor illuminated part of his figure, completely hiding the other part.