Viktor Weihelm stood in a large room with no windows. He wore a luxurious tuxedo. A beautiful woman in an expensive dress slept in a chair against a nearby wall. An immense table lay in front of him. Upon it glimmered a gigantic cityscape. He gestured in the air, manipulating a hologram via his IRIS. The city reconfigured to the whim of his fingers, zooming throughout. Buildings disappeared and reappeared elsewhere, streets were erased and redrawn. Greenery and accompanying pavements sprouted up, only to disappear before appearing again elsewhere. Various forms of transit also emerged from buses to trains and even experimental. Viktor had a focused, intense expression that shifted into deep agitation at a ringing sound. He sighed as he answered a call.

“Few know of this number. Even fewer would dare contact me right now. Who is this?” Viktor said.

“Sir Weihelm, this is Siegfried. I apologize for disturbing you at this hour,” Siegfried said.

“Siegfried?” Viktor ceased his actions.

“Sir, knowing your time is valuable, I’ll not waste it. I’ve finished establishing my network. As you’re well aware, there have been no further incidents since my employ.”

“Yes…” Viktor grumbled with a sour expression.

“I’m endeavoring to take a proactive route. Therefore, I’d like to request your assistance.”

“My assistance? With what?”

“It’s your belief that the assassin is after you, or Aegis Industries at least, am I correct?”

“Pretty god damned obvious, yes.”

“I’d like to lure them out with you as the bait. Do you have anything worthy of a press conference? Something you’ve been eager to announce?”

Viktor stared at the cityscape. “Hmm. Perhaps.”

Several days later, Artemis sat at her desk in the early morning. Sunlight bathed her office. A projected screen above her desk displayed a muted news channel. A young woman entered her office, carrying a cup of coffee on a saucer with great care. She looked similar to Aelfric, both in appearance and fastidiousness. She had dark hair, with a partial braid from ear to ear at the back, along with several hair pins at the sides. Artemis tapped away at a holographic keyboard until the young woman approached. She placed the cup on the desk, then stood with an intense gaze at Artemis’ every movement. Artemis shot her a glance. She backed away some, still watching.

“Thank you, Isabelle,” Artemis said. Isabelle continued to watch with a nervous anticipation. Artemis’ eyes affixed to the news as she eloquently took a sip. She paused as the liquid passed through her lips. Though almost imperceptibly subtle, a delighted surprise flashed across her face. “Remarkable.” Isabelle made a celebratory fist pump, causing Artemis to turn her head slightly.

“Sorry, my prosthetic acts up sometimes,” Isabelle tempered a beaming grin as she held her arm to her side. Artemis sipped further. Isabelle regained her composure. “How is it, Miss Artemis? I know how much you value your coffee, so I was worried about deviating from brother’s meticulous instructions. I researched and tested…a lot, but?”

“It’s exquisite, Isabelle.” Artemis went into a brief in-depth analysis of the coffee, with intervals of sips.

“Wow. I didn’t know coffee could be described like that. I’m not sure I understood you.”

“Ahem. Apologies, as one of my few vices, I can lose myself.”

“No, no. I’m grateful to see this side of you, Miss Artemis.”

“Is that so?” Artemis’ focus moved to the coffee in her hand.

“Don’t you feel some shame having another sycophant at your beck and call?” Xandr asked.

“It can’t be helped. They’re necessary tools,” Artemis thought.

“Is that really all?”

Meanwhile, Isabelle had turned away and whispered under her breath. “Heheh. Bet brother hasn’t seen this side of Miss Artemis. But. Calm down, Belle. Don’t want to come off as a weirdo. And don’t chicken out, now, either.” She turned back to the preoccupied Artemis.

“Miss Artemis, I swore if I managed to impress you, that I’d request you call me Belle, at least in private. Do you mind?”

“Sure?” Artemis had a slight quizzical brow as she shot Isabelle a brief glance.

Isabelle turned away again, ensuring to obscure her arms from Artemis’ sight. “Fuck yeah, phase three complete,” she whispered as she made multiple fist pumps. She turned back at the sound of the news channel unmuted.

“Market speculation is rampant as the CEO of the embattled Aegis Industries, Viktor Weihelm, prepares to make his first public announcement in many years just minutes from now,” the news anchor said. “Despite remaining the Chief Executive Officer in that time, most have assumed he was in name only, with prior public announcements only ever related to his many sports teams and philanthropic efforts. The COO, Artemis Vigard, has long since become the face of arguably the largest and most valuable corporation on the planet. Various unverified rumors and speculation has seen Aegis’ stock fall and surge repeatedly in recent months. The markets have been in chaos at the possible news of retirement.”

“Sure, Chuck, but with Ms. Vigard absent, that seems unlikely,” another anchor said. “Many are speculating we may finally hear comments on the murders of—.” The anchor continued on about those killed while wearing an Aegis suit.

“What? They’re allowed to talk about this?” Belle asked.

“Siegfried wrote the script, in all likelihood,” Artemis said.

“Why?”

“An attempt at provocation, I’d assume.”

“Do you think Aelfy knows?” Belle whispered.

“Probably.”

“I’m still amazed that idiot hasn’t blown it, yet.” Belle shook her head.

“Yes, you’ve said as much several times.”

“Sorry. I’m just…”

“Worried?”

“No. A little. Maybe.”

“Hmm, seems rather dishonest with her feelings, doesn’t she? That remind you of anyone?” Xandr asked.

“I grew out of that long ago.”

“True, you made the first move. Buuut, can you offer your ‘tool’ a little succor, at least?”

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

“Aelfric’s… eccentricity can prove rather tiresome, but his dedication to it is likely more of a boon than a hindrance. Especially in this circumstance.”

“You mean how the idiot sees himself as some kind of modern-day ninja-knight hybrid? Ugh. It’s embarrassing to even say out loud. Now I know why you said it that way.” Belle sighed. “But I guess I get what you’re saying.” She’s trying to comfort me, right? Right? I can’t believe this is happening!

Meanwhile, in a large pantry within Vyxora Apartments, Aelfric unloaded food from boxes onto shelves. He moved in an efficient and hasteful manner. Celeste appeared at a nearby doorway, mixing a bowl of cream in her hands.

“Alphonse, hun, there’s no rush,” Celeste said. “I’m glad for the help, and I know we’ve waived your rent, but I still feel I’ve been taking advantage of you too much. I let the free pair of hands go to my head.”

Aelfric continued to move unabated. “I request that you not worry, my La—.” He stopped himself. “Celeste. I assure you, this is mutually beneficial. During my current transitional period, having my hands busy is more helpful than I can hope to convey in words.”

“So be it. I can at least make sure you eat well, then. Oh, and don’t worry, hun, I’m devisin’ some treats that ain’t so sweet.”

Aelfric stopped and glanced at the doorway. Celeste had disappeared from sight. He turned back. I thought I’d hid my dislike well. I must remain vigilant.

Viktor Weihelm stood at a podium at the foot of Aegis Industries. Several streets were closed off around the area while a sea of people flooded in. Countless press personnel and their equipment surrounded him. The area in front of him had an enormous stage shielded from the sun. The holographic realistic cityscape appeared.

“Announcing: Project Avalon!” Viktor said. “Aegis Industries will change the world forever once again! Construction has already begun on a city to not just rival, but far exceed even the great Lyrsium! From the ground up it will utilize the greatest cutting-edge technologies humankind has to offer as it strives to serve as a blueprint for our future. Part of the city shall serve as a testing ground for its eventual sister city on Mars!” He continued in detail on the city’s features while the hologram changed in relevance.

Some time later, in Reina’s basement room, she, Dante, and Yuna watched as the press conference ended.

“That’s it?” Yuna asked. “What a waste of fuckin’ time. Nothing happened.”

“Well, I wouldn’t say nothing,” Dante said. “A multi-trillion credit city is pretty insane. But yeah, no ‘Aegis Slayer’ or ‘Clayshi’”

“Maybe they pussied out?”

“There was never credible information they would do something,” Reina said. “Although, I don’t think anyone saw this city announcement coming. ‘Aegis Slayer’ also has two main, conflicting meanings. Those aware of the first and third killings think they’re after Aegis. But a conspiracy that’s gained a lot of popularity on the net with people more aware of the last two and the Argonix CEO; is Aegis was orchestrating false flag attacks to hype a new version of the Aegis suit that’s been rumored for some time. So, both camps have taken a real hit with the announcement being completely devoted to this new city.”

“When you lay it out like that, weird. Thought for sure Weihelm would at least comment on it all,” Dante said.

“Yeah, what the hell? Well, good thing Reina talked me out of going. Those amateur feeds revealed a shit-ton of security. Probably woulda got myself into trouble.”

“What? What’re you talking about?” Reina asked.

“Security seemed pretty light to me? Was kinda surprising, considering who was speaking. Mostly just saw beat cops?” Dante asked.

“Huh? Are you two blind? Look.” Yuna stood and pointed at several individuals in the amateur feeds surrounding the main feed. “If they got this many in the crowds, bet there are dudes crawling around every building and rooftop nearby.” She glanced at the others. “What’s those looks for? It’s obvious how they carry themselves, isn’t it?”

“Uh, no? Didn’t occur to me at all. Reina?”

“Great job, Yuna! I always forget how observant you can be when you feel like it. How about these?” Many of the feeds swapped to other similar ones.

“Oh, sure. No problem. I was just bored,” Yuna said. “You want me to point out more?”

“Yes, please!”

“Okay, okay. The hell’s got you so excited?” Yuna pointed at several individuals. “Here, here, here.”

“Good, that’s enough. Thank you so much.”

“Right…” Yuna sat back down and exchanged a confused glance with Dante.

“If there’s this many… then that has to mean…” Reina mumbled.

“Mind filling us in, Reina?” Dante asked.

“Oh! Yes, well. I thought it was a possibility, but if Yuna’s right, this has to have been a trap. This means someone at Aegis orchestrated, or at least took advantage of this event, to trap the Aegis Slayer. Thus, if true, that would mean Aegis isn’t behind the killings and they’re, in fact, the target. At least, that’s what whoever set this up is thinking. Aegis has its own private military essentially, so there’s no doubt even more we can’t see.”

“I see your point, I think. Does this do anything for your theories?”

“I don’t know, but it’s another perspective to be keenly aware of.”

“I’m not gonna claim I followed all that,” Yuna said. “But could we find the fucker by looking into this guy’s enemies?”

“Uh, no?” Dante gave Yuna a profoundly perplexed expression.

“What is it? What’re you lookin’ at?”

“Yuna wouldn’t know much about Weihelm, Dante,” Reina said. “She knows actors from her favorite shows, but that’s it. I’d bet she doesn’t know his first name.”

“Yeah, so? Isn’t it… Doesn’t it start with ‘A’?”

“Were you about to say ‘Aegis Weihelm’?”

“Maybe.” Dante and Reina laughed. “Jerks.”

“Sorry, Yuna. It’s Viktor,” Reina said. “But no, looking into his enemies isn’t an option. It’s countless. After Aegis Day, he wielded the goodwill generated from it with merciless efficiency, building Aegis Industries into the largest corporation on Earth, by a considerable margin. He has a charismatic and unbelievably philanthropic persona, but he didn’t become the first and still only multi-trillionaire without stepping on a lot of people.”

“Of course, those people get drowned out by the followers,” Dante said. “Plus, there’s not a lot of hard evidence of him doing anything shady. Some almost worship the dude. He never comments on politics, religion, all that jazz. Owns a bunch of sports teams and other junk. People are probably eating up this city announcement.”

“They are. Multiple Aegis websites have even crashed from the traffic. That’s unheard of.”

“Point is, dude’s got plenty of haters, but far more lovers.”

Yuna grumbled. “Another day of nothing. Hey though, if this was a trap, would they really risk the top dog’s neck?”

“That’s…” Dante looked at Yuna in slight awe. “A good point, actually.”

Yuna glared. “I’m gonna fucking deck you if you keep being surprised every time I say something worthwhile.” She raised a fist.

“My bad.” Dante gestured apologetically.

“Calm down, Yuna,” Reina said. “I know you’re not as dumb as like you like to pretend, but poor Dante’s only seen your usual self.”

“Fine.” With Reina-cat preoccupied, Yuna moved behind Dante unnoticed. She gripped his shoulders and leaned down to his ear. He turned his head slightly to look at her.

“I will seriously fuck you up if you give me that look again,” Yuna whispered.

Dante breathed a sigh of relief. “Wew. It’s nice her breath is always minty during these. I appreciate it.”

“Huh? My breath?” Yuna turned Dante a bit as she reeled back in surprise.

“Er, I said that out loud, didn’t I? Fudge. Guess it’s been on my mind to tell you and slipped out. I knew I should’ve gone to sleep earlier.” Dante glanced at Yuna, then glanced elsewhere unconvincingly. “Look at the time, I’ve got some ALTR to attend to, if you’ll excuse me.” He turned toward his room.

“Uh-uh.” Yuna grabbed Dante by the shoulders and spun him to face her. “What’s with the attitude? Since when did you stop cowering to me?”

“You’re not gonna let me go until I tell you, are you?”

“Nope.” Yuna shook her head.

“Double fudge. Hope she’s not gonna be angry with me,” Dante whispered under his breath.

“What’re you mumbling about?”

“So, I, uh. Know that you fake being angry sometimes. Various legitimate reasons, I’m sure. For me, it’s like a form of teasing, I assume?”

“Wh-what. No way.” Yuna withdrew and clicked her tongue. “How’d you know?”

“I was told you have a tell. Honestly, I’ve wanted to commend you on actually being crazy convincing since I found out. The expression, the voice, the words. Solid acting, really. Maybe you’ve absorbed some skills from all those shows? But it’s in your glare. Real distinct when you’re legit mad.”

“Damn.” Yuna pulled her chair over and sat facing Dante. She paused in thought. “Who told you? No, wait. I bet it was Val, wasn’t it? She always knows when I’m faking, damnit. That sly… I’ll get her.” Dante moved to stand, but Yuna forced him back down with a slight press to his thighs. “Hold up. If you help me, I’ll forgive you.”

“Guess I’m in too deep already. What is it?”

For the next several minutes, Dante and Yuna went back and forth as she practiced glaring. They devolved into an in-depth discussion on the topic. Reina-cat turned around after a few words from herself went unheard.

“Hmm, maybe try to lift your cheeks a bit,” Dante said.

Yuna glared. “How’s this?”

“Mm. Definitely getting closer.”

Yuna grinned, then glared again. “And this?”

“The heck’re you two doing?” Reina asked. The other two turned to her in surprise. “Whatever. Huge news. The lack of anything happening today must’ve given the council confidence. We’ve got to start preparing for security detail again.”

“Fucking finally.” Yuna turned to Reina.

“Why’re you glaring at me?” Reina asked in a tender voice. “No. I know. I’m sorry, Yuna… that it’s taken so long. If only—.”

“What? No, no, no!” Yuna grabbed Reina-cat and frantically explained. Dante stifled laughter.