So, we've made it to the second chapter.
Before we go any further, let me introduce myself.
I am Amane Kiruzawa, a member of TI.
Writing this story was once the dream of everyone at TI.
We believed the world should know what happened.
But for me, this isn't just a dream—it's a duty.
Because now… I'm the only one left.
The next day, Jace woke up and headed off to school.
The streets were quiet, and he took his time, admiring the different types of trees along the way.
Jace wasn't one to talk to many people. Not because he disliked them—
He just loved the life he already had.
To him, it was perfect. And anything new felt like a threat to that balance.
But suddenly, he saw a small cat stranded in the middle of the road.
Cars were approaching. Fast.
Without hesitation, Jace bolted forward.
At the same time, a young man in his twenties—stylish, sharp-eyed—stood nearby.
It was Horikawa, Jace's uncle.
"Wait, is that Jace?" he muttered, checking his watch. "Yeah… it's 8:11. He always leaves at this time."
He waved. "Hey, kid!"
No response.
Then, Horikawa's eyes widened.
Jace had leapt into the street.
"What is this kid even thinking!?"
Panic surged through him as he sprinted after Jace.
Jace grabbed the kitten. He looked up. A car was barreling straight toward him.
He shut his eyes and held the cat close.
Then—
Horikawa yanked him out of the road at the last second, leaping to safety.
But the cat…
The car didn't stop.
Its body lay still, lifeless on the asphalt.
Jace stared, frozen. His lips trembled. Tears spilled down his cheeks.
"What the hell were you thinking!?" Horikawa yelled. It was the first time he'd ever raised his voice at Jace.
"I just… I just couldn't let anyone else die because of me," Jace whispered, barely audible.
Horikawa blinked. His anger melted away. He gently placed a hand on Jace's head.
"Listen. You're kind—really kind—but no matter how much we want to, we can't save everyone.
Yeah, it hurts. Yeah, it sucks. But that's life.
What matters is that you keep moving forward."
Then he grinned. "Now… want your super cool uncle to buy you some ice cream?"
Jace sniffled. "I'd love to… but I can't be late for school."
"You worry too much. My meeting just got 'cancelled,' so I'll drop you off on my bike."
There was no cancelled meeting. Horikawa just didn't want Jace to walk alone right now.
They stopped at a nearby ice cream shop.
"So, what do you want?" Horikawa asked.
"Anything's fine, uncle."
Horikawa came back with an absurdly large cone.
Jace's eyes lit up. "That's huge!"
"Oh yeah," Horikawa said proudly, "this baby cost me more than my weekly income. I didn't even know they could make it this expensive."
"You didn't have to go all out."
"Don't worry about it."
As Jace licked the treat, Horikawa asked, "How's school going?"
"It's fine… but I'm worried about the sports festival."
"Worried?"
"I signed up for the race. But what if I embarrass myself? What if I come in last?"
Horikawa chuckled. "Then you'll laugh about it one day. Just give it your best shot. That way, you won't regret anything."
"But…"
"Win or lose, it doesn't matter. What matters is that you have fun.
These memories will stay with you forever, kid. Don't let fear ruin them."
Jace nodded. "Yeah… I'll give it my best shot."
He held out his ice cream. "Hey, uncle… I don't like this anymore."
"Alright, give it here. Kids these days don't know how to appreciate expensive stuff."
"You bought it."
"Details."
Jace laughed. "What time is it?"
Horikawa glanced at his watch. "It's just… 8:27."
Both of them froze.
"WHAAAAAAAAAAT?!"
They jumped onto the bike and rushed toward school.
Jace was late.
After dropping him off, Horikawa checked his watch again.
"8:35... If I don't hurry, she will devour me."
He finally reached the building where his meeting was scheduled.
8:42.
Tears welled up in his eyes. "She's going to kill me…"
He stepped into the dark meeting room.
A massive table sat in the center, surrounded by suits from HCR and his own organization.
A stern woman looked up.
"So, you've finally made it, Mr. Horikawa.
We've been waiting for over thirty minutes. Care to explain?"
Horikawa brushed it off. "Just saving lives again. Y'know, the usual."
"Oh? Saving lives? Like in those kiddie superhero shows you watch during work hours?"
"Hey, don't mock greatness. That episode was special."
The two bickered like children.
Everyone else in the room regretted being born.
Finally, she slammed her hand on the table. "This is about real lives, Horikawa! Grow up and act like a professional!"
The mood changed instantly.
Horikawa's eyes sharpened. "What's this meeting actually about?"
One of the senior officials stood. "We're requesting a sample of the drug you're developing."
Horikawa leaned back, unimpressed. "Hell no."
The man's face twitched in disbelief. "Do you have any idea who you're talking to?"
"I don't give a damn who you are. I'm not handing it over. Not yet.
There are potential side effects I haven't ruled out. I'm not risking innocent lives."
Another representative stood. "We're working for the welfare of humanity, Mr. Horikawa. Please cooperate."
"Oh yeah? You people always act like heroes.
But I'll share it when I know it's safe—not before. Until then, stay out of my lab."
He turned his back.
"This meeting is over."
As Horikawa walked out, a voice called to him.
"Horikawa!"
He turned to see Fujita, his friend and colleague, leaning casually against the wall.
"How was the meeting?" Fujita asked, falling in step beside him.
Horikawa sighed. "The demon yelled at me again. Just another day at work."
Fujita chuckled. "You love pushing her buttons. Coffee?"
Horikawa shrugged. "Sure."
At the vending machine, Fujita handed him a cup. "Your favorite brew."
They stood silently, sipping.
"You know…" Fujita said with a teasing smirk, "I think the director has feelings for you."
Horikawa nearly spat out his drink. "What!? She hates me."
"No way, man. She gets flustered when you talk to other women."
"Shut up. You're imagining things."
A familiar icy voice rang behind them.
"What are you two whispering about?"
Fujita froze. He turned slowly.
It was her.
In his panic, he spilled his coffee—right onto Horikawa's white lab coat.
"ARE YOU SERIOUS?" Horikawa barked. "This was my favorite coat!"
"Sorry, bro…"
The director raised an eyebrow. "I've been looking for you."
Horikawa crossed his arms. "Why?"
"You embarrassed everyone in that meeting. Do you realize how hard I had to work to clean up your mess?"
"Maybe you should think a little more before you speak, Horikawa."
She held out her hand "Give me your coat. I will clean it for you."
"No."
"Why not?"
"I'm not letting you have my DNA. Who knows what you'd do with it."
She stared at him, then rolled her eyes. "Are you serious? If I wanted your DNA, I could get it from that coffee cup you're holding."
Horikawa chuckled. "I was just kidding… You really need to relax, Director. The stress is getting to you. Maybe you should take a break and hit up IHCE."
And he hands the coat to her
She crossed her arms, considering his words. "IHCE, huh? I could go… if you come with me."
"Why do you need me to go?" Horikawa asked, surprised.
"I just don't like going alone," she admitted, her tone softening slightly.
"But isn't that the whole point of IHCE?"
"Yeah, but still."
"Alright, fine. I'll book a slot for two. Come at the central IHCE at 3:45."
A rare smile spread across the director's face. "Okay"
"Good. Now, I'm heading home. Bye, Fujita. Bye, Director."
"Byeee!" the director chirped; her earlier annoyance seemingly forgotten.
"Later, man," Fujita said, giving Horikawa a half-hearted salute.
As Horikawa stepped outside, his phone rings in his pocket
He takes a look
"Oh, it's my sister,"