Karoline walked through the corridors, following a path composed of square, mostly metallic passages, with a high ceiling reflecting the soft light from LED panels along the sides. The upper part was polished steel, while the lower part was coated in durable plastic, with tiny slits at the corners allowing ventilation and keeping the environment cool.

As she moved forward, she noticed screens on the walls displaying data about the ambient temperature and some daily news. Information about events on the surface and updates on Acropolis operations flashed in vibrant colors. She stopped momentarily to check one of the screens, sliding her finger across the interface to trace the path she should follow. She took her phone from her pocket and looked again at Tyx's message, staring at it with a puzzled expression. Then, she continued down the corridor, putting her phone away.

Tyx continued working on his laptop until he felt a vibration in his coat. He took out his phone and pressed an option on the screen to open the door. As it opened, Karoline stepped back in surprise before stepping in.

– Good morning, Defender Tyx. Did you want to speak with me...? – Karoline asked, pinching her nose with two fingers.

Noticing this, Tyx picked up a remote and activated a function that began ventilating the room, slowly clearing out the smoke.

– You don’t have to call me Defender; you talk as if you don’t know me. – Tyx replied, stubbing out his cigarette in the ashtray. – Please, have a seat.

The young woman sat in one of the armchairs, looking around while Tyx organized his desk.

– I thought the smoke didn’t bother you.

– It doesn’t, really. – Karoline replied, waving the smoke from her face with one hand. – It’s the smell of the cigarette I don’t like.

– It’s impressive how changes occur with “high-scale” stigmata.

Tyx used a lavender-scented spray in the room, and Karoline maintained a smile, lowering her fingers from her nose as the smoke dissipated.

– Well, Miss Crawford, apologies for the mess; I don’t usually have visitors. – Tyx said, stashing the ashtray in one of his desk drawers.

– No worries! It’s actually a bit interesting to see this side of you. – Karoline replied, making a light, calming gesture with her hand and smiling with her eyes closed.

– I imagine the past few weeks must have been tough on you, no?

Hearing Tyx’s words, Karoline’s smile faded, and she pressed her lips together, taking a deep breath; then she opened her eyes again and responded:– I made a foolish decision; it was my fault for being so impulsive. From now on, I’ll control my emotions and be stronger...

The young woman delivered her speech, hands clasped on her knees and her head lowered. Tyx observed her for a moment, massaging his goatee with his fingers.

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– Words from your father?

Karoline remained silent, looking down at her intertwined fingers as her lips curved slightly downward.

– Yes...

Tyx sighed, nodding slightly and leaning back in his chair.

– I know your father doesn’t mince words, but he doesn’t lie either; it’s important for you to understand that our actions always have twice the impact, whether for good or for bad. – Tyx said with a more serious tone.

– I understand. I’m sorry.

– However, I didn’t call you here to lecture you, Miss Crawford. In fact, it’s almost the opposite...

– What do you mean?

– I want you to resume your role as a Convergent.

One of the girl's eyebrows lifted, and her eyes seemed puzzled.

– But my license was temporarily revoked; I can’t act as a hero... You know that, right?

Karoline replied, crossing her arms, while Tyx simply gave a crooked smile.

– Indeed, you’re right; however, I need you to lead a team of assistants. And as you may know...

Tyx paused, extending his hand toward Karoline, waiting for her to finish his sentence.

– Only a hero can lead a team of assistants...? – she asked with confusion on her face. – I understand, but how will I act if my license is revoked?

– Don’t worry; I’ve already spoken with Visionary about this very important matter. And believe it or not, I managed to convince him to reinstate you to the Convergents as soon as possible.

Karoline displayed a huge, beautiful smile, standing up and shaking Tyx’s right hand with both of hers, shaking it energetically.

– Really!? Thank you so much, Mr. Tyx! I won’t let you down!

Tyx gave two light pats on her hands, and she let go. He adjusted his hat, which had shifted during the excitement.

– Easy girl! I want you to know that I believe strongly in your potential. – Tyx said with a light smile on his face. – But remember: for now, you’re only permitted to use your abilities in training here at the Acropolis.

– I thought you’d reinstated my license...

– Indeed, I did, but you must understand that this is a bureaucratic process and will take time. So, it’s important that you’re not seen using your abilities in public; for now, just train in our facilities.

Karoline looked at Tyx with a suspicious gaze, then forced a slight smile as she looked at her hands opening and closing.

– Tyx, may I be completely honest with you?

Tyx remained silent, nodding in agreement.

– You know, ever since my powers awakened, my father didn’t talk to me much. It was just training, more and more training... – she said calmly, her gaze shifting away with a hint of melancholy. – But I used to ask him about the other Defenders. Sometimes he’d tell me about Titan's strength and endurance, Visionary's intelligence and reasoning, and Amazon’s resilience and abilities, especially when she stopped a massive tornado...

Tyx stayed silent, listening to Karoline, who now turned her gaze back to him.

– But he only mentioned you once... He told me about the day you saved Visionary’s life and lost part of both your legs because of it. – Karoline gripped her knees. – I honestly thought it was incredible, but my father said you didn’t do it because it was right, but because it was part of your mission...

At that moment, Tyx lowered his head slightly, hiding his face under his hat.

– He never liked you much, and he told me not to fully trust your words, because you don’t act for others, but rather for some goal. – Karoline said, looking seriously at Tyx. – I’d like you to be as clear with me as I’ve been with you, Tyx. What is your goal? Otherwise, I’ll report this conversation to him.

Tyx remained perfectly still for a moment, observing Karoline’s green eyes fixed firmly on him. Then he smiled, sitting up straight in his chair, pulling his ashtray from the drawer, and placing it on the table again.

– I suppose there’s no other way to proceed with you than on your own terms, is there?

Tyx’s austere tone echoed through the room as he lit a cigarette, leaning forward and resting one elbow on the other arm. Karoline stared at him, clenching her fists with Tyx’s figure in front of her, and then she denied with her head.

– Alright... I want you to be my Queen.