"Wilson, don't you think our organization should set up a new department?"
"Oh? Boss, you've finally come around to establishing a financial division!?"
The voice on the other end of the phone was filled with excitement, but Isaac immediately poured cold water on him.
"You should know I hate financial games. From the start, IW's development path was rooted in real industries. We never intended to dabble in finance. I've always thought relying on that sort of thing too much breeds dependency."
"I see, then forget it…"
"But once I retire, you can go ahead with it," Isaac said with a laugh. "That time isn't far off."
"…Boss, you're not even twenty yet. Retirement is a long way off."
"I should still be thinking about how to live afterward. I've spent so much time fighting for my goals. It's about time I accompany her. Once I hand the organization over to—"
"Wait, boss."
Wilson suddenly cut him off.
"Not establishing a financial division is fine, because with you here, any route will succeed," Wilson said seriously. "But without you, the organization is nothing but scattered sand."
"Wilson…"
"I refuse to believe that an organization without you would still be the IW that the world fears."
"Wilson, calm down."
Isaac's tone was gentle.
"Since its founding, under my leadership, we've walked many roads. The organization has grown step by step, all through orchestrating wars and piling corpses to reach our goals."
"The fact we've grown this far proves your decisions weren't wrong."
"It's not that they weren't wrong, it's just that my decisions happened to align with the needs of the era," Isaac said with a smile. "But what about the future? The future may not be one where problems can be solved by endless killing. My thoughts were shaped by countless wars. The future world doesn't need that. One day, I'll be cast aside by the era. By then, I won't be fit to lead."
"No! Your thoughts will never be outdated!"
Wilson's voice grew louder, almost shouting.
"You will always be our boss! Because you're the strongest, most farsighted, always able to strategize. The world should adapt to you, not the other way around!"
"If the world adapts to me, then there would only be one voice. And if that happens, it would be far too boring."
Isaac's voice remained calm.
"Wilson, They're not ants. They're humans. Humans are... One day we'll wither. It'll be time to leave the future in the hands of our successors." Isaac smiled. "But don't worry, I've no plans to retire for a few years yet. I'll leave once I've found a proper successor."
"…"
"I hope when my successor appears, you'll support him as you supported me."
"…Of course. If it's someone you've chosen, George and I will fully support him. Of course, if it's your child, that would be best. Just don't pick some random person, or us old men will curse him every day."
"Hahaha, don't worry about that."
"By the way, boss, you said you wanted to establish a new department…"
"Ah, yes, I'm planning a new department."
"An external combat division?"
"No, a paranormal division."
"…"
"Why so quiet?"
"No… I just can't keep up with your pace. Paranormal division as in…"
"Exactly. A division for handling phenomena science can't explain, specifically recruiting extraordinary talents. I think it would help the organization. I've been encountering quite a few paranormal events lately." Isaac said.
"Boss, your very existence is already pretty paranormal."
"Stop with the jokes. What do you think of the idea?"
"If it's your decision, of course I agree. Where will you base the division?"
"Headquarters."
---
"Today was really fun."
"Yeah."
Misaki and Mei sat on a park bench, eating ice cream.
The rare reunion had given them an afternoon together. Even the usually cold-faced Mei showed a heartfelt smile.
Not far behind, Rinji leaned against a tree, looking bored.
Dragged along against his will, he remained disinterested the whole time.
Even sitting with two identical, beautiful sisters didn't excite him—his personality just didn't allow it.
"Rinji!"
Misaki turned and waved.
"Come here!"
"…"
Hearing her, Rinji straightened and walked over.
"What now? You want to go somewhere else?"
"Really." Misaki pouted. "With two pretty girls keeping you company, you still look so gloomy."
"Because people kept trying to hit on us…"
"Oh?" Misaki covered her mouth with a laugh. "Don't tell me seeing Mei and me being approached made you jealous?"
"It's because they were hitting on all three of us!" Rinji snapped. "If I hadn't wanted to spare you from seeing a bloody mess, I'd have already gouged out their eyes to rinse them."
"That can't be helped," Mei said with a rare smile. "Takamine's looks are quite the advantage."
"Tch."
The vein on Rinji's forehead twitched.
Misaki chuckled, then slid slightly aside, opening up the seat between her and Mei.
She patted the empty space and said with a smile, "Come on, Rinji, sit here for a while."
Not sure what she was planning, Rinji still sat down between them.
The moment he did, Misaki leaned against him, wrapping her arm around his.
"Rinji, I'm really grateful you've saved me so many times," she said softly.
"I told you, it was only because I happened to be there…"
"I have to thank you too, Takamine."
Mei, sitting on his other side, spoke up suddenly.
"Even if I've said it before, I'll say it again. Because you…"
Her gaze lingered on him with a faint smile.
"…you're the man who revived my already dead youth."