Through the gray mask, black visors emitted a steady red glow that constantly sparked. Tyx's fingers carefully pressed the keys on the keyboard with precision, as if following an orchestrated melody.

Tyx sat in a low, comfortable chair. In front of him was a computer on a light wood desk, minimalist in design. The floor was covered with soft tatami mats that absorbed the sound of footsteps.

The room, located on the building's upper floors, had large windows offering a panoramic view of the city. Natural light flowed in freely, softly illuminating the space and highlighting the neatly organized folders on the desk, each labeled in elegant handwriting.

In the center of the room, there was a small area with cushions arranged around a low table. On the walls, two framed photos displayed an elderly man and woman.

He bit his lower lip, shaking his head slightly as he watched the computer’s lock screen, continuing to type characters.

– Almost there…

His voice held a tone of satisfaction. He kept typing until the lock screen finally granted access to the system. A smile spread across his lips as the glow faded away.

Tyx remained at the computer for a few more minutes, but when he heard the sound of the door authenticator, he quickly locked the computer, removed a USB device, put it in his pocket, and leaned back in his chair, resting his head in his hands as the door slowly opened.

– Shinji, what a surprise to see you…

When the door opened, it revealed a beautiful blonde woman in business attire and glasses. She held folders against her chest and showed a look of surprise upon seeing Tyx seated.

– Tyx...? Oh, I mean, Mr. Defender Tyx!? – the woman said, straightening up and lifting her chin.

Tyx smiled, stood up, and walked over to the door, fully opening it and gesturing for her to enter.

– Just Tyx. Welcome! So, who are you? The new Shinji’s assistant?

The woman nodded as she entered the room and moved to the desk, organizing the folders she carried with the others on the desk.

– Yes, my name is Jennifer. I’m the new assistant to Mr. Defender Visionary, – the blonde woman said, lowering her head as she introduced herself. – It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Defe... I mean, Tyx.

Tyx closed the door and moved to the center of the room, sitting on one of the cushions on the floor.

– So, Jeny, what do you think of Shinji?

– Mr. Defender Visionary is amazing! It’s impressive how he keeps the entire system running and still assists all the other sectors! – Jennifer said enthusiastically, adjusting her hair and blushing slightly. – I’ve never met anyone as intelligent and sophisticated as him…

Tyx watched with interest as the woman glanced away, checking if the desk was properly organized.

– Do you know that, ever since I’ve known him, he hasn’t had a single romantic relationship? – Tyx said with a smile, searching his pockets. – You know what I think? You’d be a perfect match.

Jennifer averted her gaze again, picking up a folder and holding it in front of her face.

– Mr. Tyx! Mr. Defender Visionary would never look at me like that…

Tyx was about to respond, but the door’s authenticator beeped, and the door opened, revealing Visionary, who entered the room handling a tablet.

Stolen novel; please report.

– Jennifer, have you organized the folders as I requested and… – he started to speak but stopped upon seeing Tyx in the room. – Tyx… what are you doing here?

– Shinji! I was just passing by your office when I saw this lovely lady enter and found out she’s your new assistant. – Tyx said, standing up and moving towards Jennifer. – She was just talking about how much she admires your work, right?

– But Mr. Tyx, when I arrived, you were already… – Jennifer began but was quickly interrupted by Tyx.

– Yes! I was already saying how much I admire Shinji, and you were saying you’ve never met someone so intelligent and elegant, remember? – Tyx replied with a smile, standing next to Jennifer.

She cleared her throat, holding a folder in front of her chest and staring at the floor with a flustered smile while blushing. Visionary just observed them, sighed, and stepped away from the door, though he kept it open.

– Jennifer, could you give us a moment? You may start the routine system report.

– Yes, sir! Excuse me! – the woman said as she walked out of the room; the door closed as she exited.

– What are you really doing here, Tyx? And don’t give me that excuse about just passing by the corridor; I know you too well to fall for that. – Visionary said, moving closer to his desk and surveying the room.

– You’re right; actually, I came to discuss something important. – Tyx replied, moving past Visionary and sitting on one of the cushions while pulling out a cigarette case.

Visionary was about to look at his computer when he noticed Tyx’s behavior and frowned.

– You know you can’t smoke here.

– Would you sit down? – Tyx said, pointing his cigarette at the cushion on the other side of the table.

Visionary walked over to it but remained standing, looking down at Tyx. Tyx observed him, making a satisfied gesture.

– Then speak. – Visionary said in a serious tone.

– Before I begin, doesn’t it bother you that they decorated your office with Japanese architecture? – Tyx remarked casually, grabbing a lighter. – I found it a bit stereotypical; I mean, how do they know you’re Japanese? I’d talk to HR if I were you…

– I requested the décor. – Visionary replied, looking away and shaking his head.

– Oh… In that case, I get it. Helps the chi flow much better through the space, right? – Tyx asked with a smile as he lit the cigarette. – Especially when you’re practicing Kung Fu…

However, just as he was about to take a drag, a swift gust brushed close to his face. Visionary delivered a quick kick, hitting only the cigarette and sending it flying.

– If you’re here just to mess around, you should leave… Unlike you, I have a lot of work to do. – Visionary said, still holding his leg in the air after the strike.

Tyx paused for a moment, glancing at the portrait of the elderly woman on the wall.

– Your mother called me…– he said in a serious tone, turning his gaze back to Visionary.

Visionary slowly lowered his leg and sat cross-legged on the cushion, looking at Tyx with a stern expression.

– Did something happen? Why didn’t she call me directly? – Visionary’s voice, though calm, carried a hint of concern.

– It’s a very important matter, and she was hesitant to speak to you directly…– Tyx said, placing both hands on the table and looking down.

– What’s with all the suspense? Just tell me! – Visionary exclaimed, his eyes full of apprehension.

Tyx remained silent for a moment, adjusting his hat and then looking directly at Visionary.

– Shinji…– Tyx’s voice came out melancholic, but soon a smile formed on his face. – She wants to know when you’re going to give her some grandkids…

Visionary froze for a moment, staring at Tyx, who smiled and nodded slightly.

– Get out of here! – he said through gritted teeth, his face beginning to redden with anger.

– Man, it’s an important topic! We need to know who’ll be joining your family. Hey, it could even be your assistant! – Tyx said, rising slowly. – Or a guy, right? Hey, I’m all for it; it’ll just be a surprise, especially for your mother!

Visionary threw a spinning kick that nearly hit Tyx’s face, but he dodged, falling to the ground in the process.

– What I do with my life is none of your business! – Visionary said, striding quickly around the table toward Tyx. – Now get out of here!

– Alright! Alright! I was just trying to help… – Tyx replied, getting up and heading to the door. – I have to go anyways; after all, I have some important business to handle at the Acropolis.

– At the Acropolis? What are you doing down there? – Visionary asked, his expression curious.

– What I do with my life is none of your business…

The hallway was quiet when a door opened, and Tyx stumbled out, as if he had been shoved. The door then closed again.

– And is that any way to treat someone with leg issues!? – Tyx said to the door, stretching his arms to crack his back and then glancing at it. – You’re going to find a complaint against you in HR, Shinji!

He turned his attention to the hallway, where the blonde woman was watching him with wide eyes and her mouth agape. Tyx approached her, giving her a light pat on the shoulder with a smile.

– Go for it, Jen! You can win his heart…

The woman blushed, holding the folder up to her face as Tyx walked away, one hand on his back, heading toward the elevator.