Tyx was seated, reviewing the documents that were signed earlier, when he heard two knocks on the door. Initially, he ignored them, but the knocking grew more insistent. With a sigh, he got up and went to the door, opening it. Visionary stood there, holding a laptop and wearing a less-than-pleasant expression.

– Shinji-kun! Who would’ve thought you’d come to visit me on such a good day... – Tyx said, giving Visionary a light punch on the chest.

Visionary simply huffed, pushing the door open as he entered the room. He walked straight to the desk, set the laptop down, and pulled up a seat.

– Here we go again... – Tyx muttered, scratching the back of his head as he made his way to his own seat. – What is it this time? No sushi at the cafeteria?

– You tell me. – Visionary replied, turning the laptop toward Tyx. – Does this look familiar?

The screen displayed data related to the status update of the Convergent hero Scarlet Flame and the registration of a new recruit.

Tyx stared at the screen, nodding slightly as he rubbed his chin with his left hand. Then, he looked at Visionary, pouting exaggeratedly while shaking his head.

Visionary closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as he leaned back in the chair, resting his head against it.

– I knew you did something the day you came to my office. – he said, standing up and crossing his arms, now facing away from Tyx. – What did you do to use my credentials? Did you use your powers? Clone my certificate?

– Actually, I did both, but it was a real hassle... – Tyx replied, twirling a USB drive in his hand before setting it on the desk. – But it’s nothing major; you’d have done it yourself if I’d asked. I just saved you the trouble."

– You just violated our security protocols, and you’re joking about it... – Visionary said, sitting back down and picking up the USB drive, which he promptly snapped in half with both hands.

– Actually, I’m helping you make everything more secure. I can’t wait to see what the next challenge will be. – Tyx said, cracking his neck casually.

– No, Tyx! Enough of this! – Visionary’s voice deepened, his brows slightly furrowed. – I’m not going to keep covering for all the crap you pull! It’s one mistake after another that I have to clean up because of your reckless behavior!

– What’s that supposed to mean? – Tyx asked with a faint smirk. – Come on, let’s forget this. How about a pizza and game night with the bros?

– Shut up! – Visionary snapped, closing his eyes before letting out a long sigh. – I guess part of this is my fault. I’ve been too soft on you all these years...

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Tyx stayed silent for a moment, watching Visionary, who opened his eyes but avoided looking at him.

– I’ve always treated you differently from the others, covering for the messes you made, but not anymore! – Visionary said, clenching his fists tightly. – From now on, we’re just coworkers, nothing more!

A heavy silence hung in the air as Tyx stared at Visionary, who stood, still avoiding his gaze.

– Wow... I’m really sorry, Shinji. I mean it...

– If you really meant it, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. – Visionary replied, closing the laptop and packing it away. – But look on the bright side: you got what you wanted. That’s all that matters to you, isn’t it?

– You know that’s not how it is... – Tyx said, running a hand over his lips while looking at Visionary. – I didn’t mean to harm you or anything like that...

– That doesn’t matter now; I already authenticated the data and sent it to Division Zero. – Visionary said, adjusting his glasses and clearing his throat.

– What? You always double-check everything before sending it. – Tyx replied, gesturing incredulously with his hands. – I thought you’d come here to chew me out like always, and then I’d explain it to you...

– So, you need to screw up behind my back, leave me to fix everything, and then come up with your excuses? – Visionary snapped, standing up and glaring at Tyx with anger in his eyes. – Damn it, Tyx, are you really that lonely!?

Tyx opened his mouth to reply, but in the end, he stayed silent, nodding slightly instead. Visionary ran a hand over his face, turning his back to Tyx and shaking his head faintly.

– I’m sorry... – Visionary said, glancing over his shoulder.

– It’s fine... – Tyx replied, adjusting his hat.

Visionary let out a sigh and sat down again, smoothing his hair as he did, partially covering his face with his hand.

– Let’s talk about the test you scheduled...

– Alright, go ahead. – Tyx said, lowering his hat to shadow his face.

– Since there are two versatile ones on the team, the test level was raised. – Visionary explained, gesturing with his free hand. – Today, we’ll have four “divergents”: two combatants, one tank, and a specialist.

– All that? Don’t you think that’s a bit much for the kids? – Tyx asked, clasping his hands on the table.

– Clone will go first; despite being versatile, he’s only allowed to perform as a combatant. – Visionary explained, looking directly at Tyx, who merely nodded. – He’s permitted to use his abilities in combat, but only up to three copies at a time.

– At least there’s that; one of those guys is enough! Imagine if he flooded the whole place! Haha! – Tyx joked, shaking his head.

Visionary forced a small smile but quickly regained his serious demeanor before continuing.

– The second will be a conjurer: Night Maker. The third is a specialist: Glass.

– Got it. – Tyx replied curtly.

Visionary paused for a moment, observing Tyx, who appeared slightly downcast.

– And for the tank, we have Bobby...

Hearing this, Tyx froze for a second, then looked up to meet Visionary’s gaze.

– Bobby... Wait, Bobby? Our Bobby?

– Yeah... When he heard you were starting a new team, he decided to lend a hand.

– I doubt it! Bet he’s just here for the free food! Haha! – Tyx responded, trying to hold back a grin. – Man, to think it’s been decades... Doesn’t it remind you of the old days?

– Yeah... You’re right... – Visionary looked down at the floor, staying silent for a moment before averting his gaze. – That’s it then. Thanks for your time.

– Wait... – Tyx said, standing up and moving toward Visionary, who was already heading for the door. – Why don’t you come watch the test? After all, Bobby will be there. What do you say? For old times’ sake...

Visionary avoided Tyx’s gaze but eventually looked at him with a softened expression, letting out a faint sigh.

– Alright... For old times’ sake.