– Huh?

Karoline reacted, stepping back with her face slightly flushed, crossing her arms to cover herself. Her discomfort and confusion were evident: her brows slightly furrowed, her eyes narrowed, and her mouth slightly open.

– No... No! It's not what you're thinking! – Tyx replied with a nervous smile, waving both hands toward the young woman. – What do you think I am, girl?

– I don’t know, you’re making indecent proposals! – Karoline responded; her suspicious gaze still fixed on him.

Tyx shook his head lightly, placing a hand over his face.

– When I said 'Queen,' I meant the chess piece... It was just an analogy.

Karoline’s eyes widened fully, and she quickly placed both hands over her face.

– Oh... I see...

– I watched you grow up and have known your father for years. How could you think I’d do something like that? – Tyx questioned, holding both hands open in exasperation.

– I... I don’t know! – The young woman looked away; her cheeks reddened as she ran a hand through her hair. – You’re the one who said it in a weird way!

– I said it normally! – Tyx retorted, crossing his arms.

– Maybe you just talk weird... Ah, whatever! It was a misunderstanding; let’s forget it! – Karoline replied, sighing and patting her cheeks lightly as she regained her composure.

– I talk weird...? Anyway, let’s move on. – Tyx adjusted himself in his chair. – You’re practically family to me; I’d never do such a thing.

For a moment, a faint, genuine smile appeared on Karoline’s face, but she quickly lowered her head, taking a deep breath and regaining a serious expression.

– So, what do you mean by being your Queen?

Tyx cleared his throat, crossing both hands on the table as he looked at the young woman.

– It means you’ll play a crucial role in upcoming events.

– But why did you mention chess pieces? – Karoline asked, her brows slightly furrowed. – To you, is this all just a game?

Tyx let out a soft chuckle, tilting his head slightly as he pulled out an intricate key from his coat. The object was made of silvery metal with unique geometric patterns. He inserted the key into a drawer; it turned on its own, and then opened with a soft click.

– Don’t get me wrong, I’m just another piece on this board as well, – Tyx said, opening the drawer and pulling out some black folders. – but the other side made their move first, and we must craft our strategy if we want to secure victory.

– Victory against who?

– That’s the million-dollar question.

Karoline watched the folders Tyx was handling with a curious look. He smiled and handed one to her, which she took cautiously with both hands.

– What is this?

– See for yourself.

Karoline opened the folder and found the Zero Division logo alongside a confidentiality stamp.

– This is from Zero Division’s? How did you get this? – she asked, her eyes wide as she stared at Tyx.

– That’s not important. Focus on the content.

The young woman hesitated for a moment before diving into the folder's contents. Inside, she found various data related to the incident at Santa Cláudia Hospital.

– So, it’s Zero Division handling the case of the Divergents in Freedom Valley...

– When we fail, they take over.

– Damn... This is all my fault... – Karoline said, shaking her head slightly. – If I had followed protocol...

– There’s no use crying over spilled milk. You need to focus on the future now, and that’s in the folder in front of you.

Karoline continued reading the document, which contained only a few pages. Meanwhile, Tyx was reading a thicker file with more attached pages. After a few minutes, Karoline closed her folder and stared at Tyx.

– I don’t understand. All the information about the Divergents is stuff we already know. – she said, placing the folder on the table. – What were you trying to show me? That Zero Division is just as lost as we are?

– Actually, you missed the key details. – Tyx replied, lighting the last cigarette from his pack and clicking his tongue as he realized it. – The Divergents aren’t what matter in this case.

– What do you mean? – the young woman asked, crossing her arms and leaning back in her chair.

– Jonathan Williams.. – Tyx said, taking a drag from his cigarette and blowing the smoke to his right. – He’s the centerpiece of this investigation.

Karoline’s eyes widened briefly as she stared at the floor for a moment.

– He was with the Divergents... – she said, gripping her knees with her hands. – We need to interrogate him! He must know something!

– Unfortunately, that’s impossible.

– If he’s in Zero Division’s custody, we can file a request to...

– He passed away.

Karoline fell silent instantly, lowering her head with a distant look in her eyes.

– But I saved him... I remember... – she whispered to herself, clenching her fists tightly.

– You did everything you could, but it seems he was poisoned. That piece of information was omitted even from Zero Division’s protocol documents. – Tyx said, lightly twirling the cigarette between his fingers. – The true medical report states he died from blood loss and trauma.

– Why hasn’t this been made public? – the young woman asked, her lips trembling and her brows slightly furrowed.

– Because it’s now part of a confidential Zero Division investigation. – Tyx replied, tapping the ash into the ashtray. – But there are people who don’t fully trust Zero Division, and that’s why I have this information.

Karoline stared blankly, moistening her lips as she tightened her fists.

– You have a whistleblower in Zero Division, don’t you...? – Karoline’s words came out in disbelief.

Tyx didn’t respond, only taking a slow drag from his cigarette.

– Then why hasn’t this gone to the Defenders!? Why are we even having this conversation!? – Karoline exclaimed, standing abruptly with clenched fists.

Tyx paused, taking a deep breath and letting the cigarette rest between his fingers.

– Could you sit down?

Karoline didn’t reply, only glaring at Tyx with fiery eyes. He then stood up as well, pulling a coin from his pocket, tossing it into the air, and catching it before approaching the bookshelf.

– Tell me, Karoline: why do you think Zero Division hasn’t publicized the death of a prestigious Omni Tech Enterprise employee?

– Because they might be involved? – Karoline followed him with her eyes.

Tyx clicked his tongue repeatedly, shaking his head as he tossed the coin high again. Then he turned, leaning his back against the wooden partition of the shelf. Through the visor, a red glow flickered in his eyes. Extending his index finger, he balanced the coin upright on its tip.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

– What proof do you have? – Tyx asked slowly, raising his finger as the coin began to roll gently toward the center of his palm.

– You just showed me all those documents! We have more than enough proof! – Karoline retorted, pointing to the documents on the table.

– I see, but do you know the source of this information, or whether it was obtained illegally? – Tyx formed an arc with his thumb and index finger as the coin’s momentum slowed, inching toward the point where it would fall. – And have you considered the consequences? How Zero Division would react? Or the possibility that this might be exactly what our opponent wants?"

Karoline swallowed hard, averting her gaze with furrowed brows, slightly baring her clenched teeth.

– Remember, always think ahead; every action has a consequence. Believe me, if this were the best course of action, I would have taken it. – Tyx said, as the glow in his eyes gradually faded and the coin began to wobble. – However, we’re up against an opponent who’s been playing for a long time. This isn’t an ordinary game; it’s 4D chess.

– What do you mean?

– I mean I don’t know what our opponent’s strategy is anymore; it doesn’t seem to make sense. – Tyx replied.

The glow disappeared entirely, and the coin fell, but Tyx caught it, closing his hand around it.

Karoline sat back in the chair, sighing as she placed both hands on her forehead, massaging it.

– And Williams’ family? Were they at least informed about his death? – Karoline’s voice sounded exhausted, her eyes remaining closed.

– According to Zero Division, Kate, his wife, was murdered.

Karoline’s eyes shot open, and she quickly turned her head to look at Tyx, who had lowered his gaze.

– My God... – Karoline’s sorrowful voice was accompanied by her hands covering her face.

– Their daughter, Katherine, said an “invisible ghost with red eyes” locked her in a closet and told her not to come out.

– An ALPHA stigma... – Karoline said almost involuntarily, covering her mouth with one hand. – It was the same one that attacked me! Do you think they went after Williams’ family!?

Tyx stared at Karoline as he took a drag from his cigarette, nodding slightly.

– If they attacked Williams’ family, then they already knew him...

– Yes, it seems like some form of retaliation. – Tyx said as he picked up his phone and played an audio recording.

‘Honey, leave your sister’s house with Katherine and take that money. Go to your parents’ house and wait for me there... I love you... I love you both...’

Karoline listened to the weary voice of Williams from the phone until the audio ended. She shifted her attention back to Tyx with a serious expression.

– So, Williams was planning to run away... He must have been involved with the Divergents...

Tyx nodded in agreement with Karoline’s words, moving closer to the table and sitting on its edge. He opened the folder he had been skimming earlier and flipped to a specific page showing various data about the Omni Tech Enterprise.

– The OTE... – Karoline said, staring at the folder on the table.

– Williams primarily dealt with international relations, transportation, and exports. – Tyx replied, pointing to the page in the folder on the table. – However, there’s a loose end even Zero Division isn’t aware of: another employee named Kevin Bright has gone missing.

Karoline focused on his words, leaning forward in her chair, crossing her legs and arms, resting her face on one hand.

– This isn’t just a case about Divergents, is it? You think something bigger is involved...

Tyx smiled, closing the folder on the table.

– That’s what all the evidence points to...

He pulled another folder from a common drawer and handed it to the young woman, who took it and opened it.

– What’s this? – Karoline asked as she examined the file inside the folder.

– It’s one of the future members of your team.

Karoline looked through the papers, which contained information about a young man: photos, descriptions of physical attributes, power scale, and various other details.

– Black? – she asked, alternating her gaze between Tyx and the folder.

– He doesn’t remember his real name, so he calls himself that. – Tyx replied, pointing to the file.

– How do you think he’s connected to this case?

– Black was found in northern Africa, in a Libyan city where the “conflict,” which is actually a war, is taking place. – Tyx said, taking another drag of his cigarette, the ashes on the verge of falling.

– I still don’t get it. How does this connect to everything else? – Karoline asked, quickly flipping through the file before closing it and looking toward Tyx.

– Here, take a look at this.

Tyx handed her another folder. Inside was a file with various images of receipts and shipments of technological products and controlled substances to Africa, many of which had gone missing.

– These leaked data are from 2020. It seems that many OTE goods were ‘lost’ in Africa, yet the government accounts in those regions continued receiving money. – Tyx explained, gesturing as he spoke and keeping his eyes on Karoline. – Do you think OTE set up new routes or improved security? No. The shipments continued as usual until 2025. After that, something changed."

– So Williams is part of the new smuggling operations?

Tyx nodded at her question and then pointed to a specific section of the document Karoline was holding.

– Williams held an important position in the company. OTE is part of a conglomerate directly tied to biotechnology, nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and more.

– Smuggling to whom exactly? How has no one ever been caught? – Karoline continued reading the file as she asked her questions.

– That’s the big question: the data we obtained from leaks can only be accessed with a lot of expertise and is buried deep within the internet. – Tyx replied, lightly bouncing his left leg. – It seems OTE does everything it can to sweep any dirt under the rug."

– Do you believe whoever is doing this has a very large group? – Karoline asked, briefly glancing at Tyx with sharp eyes.

– This scheme has existed for decades, long enough for them to start conducting experiments on humans. They must have a vast and solid web of connections and numerous collaborators. – Tyx answered, nodding slowly as Karoline shook her head slightly, showing disbelief.

– Experiments on humans? What do you mean? Wasn’t that banned worldwide after the Second War? – Karoline pressed her lips together and furrowed her brows as she questioned, looking toward Tyx.

– I think these people don’t care much about what’s right or wrong. They just pursue their goal, whatever it may be.

The young woman fell silent for a moment, placing the file on Tyx’s desk after hearing his response.

– Couldn’t we inform Jupiter about this?

– Unfortunately, he wouldn’t be able to do anything. Just as you’re a symbol of heroism for this city as Scarlet Flame, Jupiter is a symbol for the world as humanity’s protector. – Tyx said, moving back to his chair and sitting down, leaning into it. – Helpers make mistakes, heroes can make mistakes, defenders are judged when they make mistakes, but humanity’s protector... He doesn’t make mistakes.

Karoline stared at Tyx silently, absorbing every word he said. Then, she intertwined her fingers and rested them on her thighs.

– So I’ll be the Queen because you want someone who can make mistakes...?

– No, Karoline. I want you because I trust your potential, and after everything you’ve heard, you understand how important this is, – Tyx replied, interrupting her and leaning forward in his chair. – You’re not just powerful; you’re trustworthy and, above all, you have your heart in the right place. If we manage to stop what’s happening, you won’t just save lives; you’ll also show your father that you’re capable of being more than he imagines.

Karoline lowered her head, staring at her hands as they slowly opened. Then, her green eyes locked on Tyx, and her fists clenched tightly.

– All right, I’ll be your Queen.

Tyx smiled, nodding as he took another drag from his half-smoked cigarette. Then Karoline spoke again.

– But I have one condition.

– And when don’t you have one? – he asked, resting his cigarette in the ashtray. – Alright, tell me, what do you want?

The young woman stood up again, looking at Tyx from below.

– I know you’re using illegal means to get this information. I’m not entirely sure how, – Karoline said, placing her open hand over her chest before clenching it into a fist, her expression serious and determined. – but I want you to promise that we won’t act solely based on the ends. Our means matter too...

Tyx remained motionless for a moment but finally nodded.

– Alright, I promise to consider the means, not just the ends. – Tyx lifted his gaze, but Karoline maintained her serious demeanor, though with a crooked smile. He shrugged. – What?

– You think I’ll take just your word for it? Here! – she said, placing one hand on the table and offering her pinky with the other.

– You can’t be serious...

She didn’t respond, simply wiggling her pinky and flashing a sharp-eyed smile. Tyx sighed, scratching the side of his head lightly before finally giving in and linking his pinky with hers to seal the promise.

– Seeee? That wasn’t so hard, was it? – Karoline exclaimed, placing her hands on her hips and leaning slightly forward.

– Just... don’t mention I did this to anyone... especially not Shinji... – Tyx replied, hiding his face slightly with his hat.

– Oh, one more question: usually a support team has three members. Who’s the other one? – Karoline asked, raising her hand slightly as if to signal her curiosity.

– He’s a bit cocky but has a good heart. Most importantly, remember this conversation is confidential. You can’t tell anyone about what we discussed here, not even your father.

– I understand; you don’t need to worry.

– Good! You’ll likely begin your operations in three months, so get ready.

Karoline grabbed her bag and headed for the door. However, before reaching it, she turned back to Tyx.

– One last question before I go: you said you’re also a piece in this game, didn’t you? So, what are you?

– I’m just a simple minor piece advancing at the start of the game, clearing the way for our strategy to work. – Tyx replied succinctly.

– You’re a Defender. How can you compare yourself to a pawn?

– Hey, don’t underestimate a pawn; it’s the only piece in the game that, upon reaching the end of the board, can become a Queen.

Karoline smiled, but as she noticed Tyx reaching for the cigarette in the ashtray, a light blue shimmer flickered in her pupils, and the cigarette instantly turned to ash. Tyx froze, slowly turning his head toward her.

– You should know that’s bad for your health. Being an Enhanced one doesn’t make you immune to things like cancer. – the young woman said with a slight smile as the shimmer in her pupils faded. She winked with her left eye before stepping through the door. – And besides, you shouldn’t smoke in the presence of a queen. Bye-bye.

The door closed, leaving Tyx alone in the room. He grabbed his pack of cigarettes and realized there wasn’t a single unused one left.

– This is why I never had kids... – he grumbled, leaning back in his chair and staring at the white ceiling light.

He pulled out a coin from his pocket again: a commemorative coin from the 2012 Nova Atlantis Olympics. Holding it up against the ceiling light, he reflected,

– I guess I haven’t been much of a man of my word these past few years...

Straightening in his chair, he glanced at the ashtray in front of him, tossed the coin into the air, and caught it in his hand.

– You two would get along way too well... – he whispered, slipping the coin back into his coat pocket.

Then, he removed the ashtray from the table and stored it in the drawer, picking up the cigarette pack and crushing it in his fist.

– I guess it’s time to start keeping my word...