It had been a week since Kaito regained consciousness. Though his body still ached and fatigue clung to him like a second skin, he had recovered enough to sit upright, walk unaided, and reclaim a semblance of autonomy. A far cry from the helpless shell he'd been not long ago.
Now, he found himself in the back of a sleek, silent limousine, the hum of its engine barely audibles beneath the plush leather seats. Maria sat beside him, and Epsilon was behind the wheel—though it was a mystery how she could drive. Every window in the vehicle, including the front windshield, was pitch black, as though the car had been hermetically sealed off from the outside world.
Eventually, the vehicle slowed to a stop. The door opened with a soft hiss, and the first thing that greeted them was an imposing gothic mansion, all towering spires, gargoyle-lined ledges, and stone walls weathered by time. An atmosphere thick with mystery and gravitas hung over the estate like an ever-present mist.
Another automaton maid—identical in design to Epsilon—held open the door. Without a word, the trio stepped inside. Kaito looked around as they walked, his eyes drinking in the lavish but oddly surreal decorations. Grand oil paintings of unfamiliar noble figures lined the walls, eyes seemingly following their passage. Ornate chandeliers glimmered with ethereal light, and strange, possibly arcane symbols were subtly etched into the wooden moldings.
They entered a vast library, lined floor to ceiling with tomes that radiated age and secrets. Chloe was there, lounging in a high-backed chair, a cup of tea balanced delicately in her hand.
"Ah, Kaito Tanaka," she greeted with a wry smile. "You recovered quite well, I see."
Before he could respond, she stood, setting her cup aside. With a single practiced motion, she pulled a specific book from the shelf—a red leather volume with a gold inlay shaped like an hourglass. A low click echoed through the room as the bookshelf shifted, revealing a hidden staircase descending into darkness.
"This way," Chloe said.
They followed her down into the depths. The air grew cooler, damper. Shadows pressed close, and just as unease began to claw at Kaito's mind, the door slammed shut behind them. Complete darkness enveloped the room.
One by one, old-fashioned lamps flickered to life along the walls, casting dramatic shadows. At the far end, a large screen crackled to life with static before displaying a dozen shadowy silhouettes.
Chloe stepped forward. Her voice shifted to a more formal tone.
"Before we begin, allow me to reintroduce myself, Kaito Tanaka. I am Temperance, an executive of the Association."
She turned slightly to face him fully. "As we agreed, will you join us?"
Kaito took a breath. Despite the heaviness in the air, the choice felt clear.
"I made a promise," he said. "I intend to keep it. I will join your organization."
One of the silhouettes leaned forward slightly, a deep voice crackling through the speaker.
"Marvelous," he praised. "I wasn't wrong about you, oh divine arms wielder of this era."
"Now, now, old man," came a younger, more jovial voice. "Don't get too excited. He's still a novice. Only time will tell if he lives up to your expectations."
"He's talented, if nothing else," said a rougher voice. "To achieve such feats in such a short span... is impressive."
Chloe cleared her throat sharply. "Ignore them," she said. "They just like to watch the theatrics."
She turned back to Kaito. "Welcome to the A Association."
Kaito tilted his head slightly. "The 'A Association'? What's the whole name?"
Chloe replied in dismay. "Yes. That's the whole name. Don't think too hard about it."
Her tone softened a little as she looked him over. "With your potential, you may become an executive one day. But for now... you should be aware of your situation."
Another voice, calm and analytical cut in. "The world is in upheaval over recent events. Even we, can't cover everything, at least not yet."
"The masquerade was bound to fall someday," said voice added. "It just so happens to be now."
Chloe gave a small nod. "Our plan is to wait until the noise dies down. The officials can investigate all they like—by then, the trail will be cold."
"If you wish, we can erase the name 'Kaito Tanaka' and fabricate a new identity. You could return to Japan and live a peaceful life... until something inevitably pulls you back."
She paused, letting the offer settle in.
Kaito said nothing for a long moment. His thoughts swirled.
'Could my life ever go back to normal after all this? Could I pretend none of this ever happened?'
He knew that door had closed. This strange new world had claimed him, to return to what once was, to forgets all of this was not an option. But maybe, just maybe, he could forge a semblance of normalcy out of it.
He nodded slowly, looking at Chloe, then at the screen. "I'll go wherever I'm needed."
The screen dimmed. Chloe smiled faintly.
"Good answer."