"What do you want from me?"
Hector asked, a trace of ease in his voice.
It was obvious he already knew the answer.
"I just want to ask a few questions..." Kevin replied.
Then, with a hopeful note, he added: "I'm searching for someone from your clan."
"A man with blue hair, someone capable of slashing through a black hole."
...
"Huh?" Hector squinted.
"Seriously... that's it? A guy with blue hair? There are plenty like me."
He continued, "And that kind of ability... I've never heard of it."
Hearing this, Kevin's eyebrows slowly furrowed.
"Really?... He was also a Lyder, like you."
Hector let out a sigh.
"Yeah, I don't know anyone connected to the Lyders."
"I'm just a single wolf."
Kevin exhaled heavily, the disappointment clear in his expression.
"So... memory loss, huh?"
"No... I just lived an ordinary life until my trial began," Hector answered calmly.
It came naturally — he was, in some way, speaking the truth.
And with the lucky coin in his possession, Kevin wouldn't press him with difficult questions.
...
"One last question."
"Why were you so sure I'd save you that time?"
Hearing this, Hector exhaled once more.
By now, he likely understood what needed to be done.
A few moments of silence followed.
Eventually, he responded.
"To put it simply, I know everything."
This time, Hector's reply made Kevin widen his right eye in astonishment.
"What are you talking about?"
Hector rubbed the side of his head, his expression both cheerful and uncertain.
"Well… honestly, I'm not entirely convinced myself... Do you want to hear it?"
"Go ahead!" Kevin urged, though there was clear unease in his voice.
Then, Hector began recounting everything he was aware of.
Naturally, he held back the essential truths — what he revealed was merely fragments of the tale.
Half an hour passed…
"Wow… That's hard to believe..Is that really who I am?... And where's my sister? None of it feels right, but at least it's not all meaningless. I think you might have an ability that resembles the one in my clan."
"Huh?" Hector knit his brows, puzzled.
"What are you saying?"
Kevin inhaled deeply before offering a careful explanation.
"It's a power to predict the future with absolute accuracy. But in my clan, only one person is ever born with that gift. And whenever that individual appears, something extraordinary occurs in the world. And my little sister… she's the one."
As Kevin spoke, his expression darkened with sorrow.
"So? What did she foresee? Maybe… the person you're searching for."
From that, Hector began connecting the dots.
First, the Lyder clan had completely disappeared from the world.
Second, Kevin clearly knew about them.
Which meant his knowledge either came from his tribe… or from his sister. But if it had been through the clan, then Haley would've recognized him.
At least, that's what Hector concluded.
By observing Kevin's face, he felt his assumption was right.
"You're sharp… but do you realize what that implies?"
Kevin spoke in his usual flat tone.
"People like that rarely live long."
At once, a chill ran down Hector's spine. Beads of sweat formed, yet he exhaled in relief when Kevin added:
"Relax… I was just messing with you."
Then, more seriously, he continued,
"I had more questions, but now, they don't seem necessary. Anyway, this exchange was worthwhile—even if I didn't get everything I came for."
"Huh?" Hector squinted, a bit thrown off.
"So… you're not suspicious that I'm lying? Or that I might be hiding something?"
...
A quiet pause lingered before either of them broke it.
Kevin gave a small, knowing smile, as though it was the silliest thing he'd ever been asked.
"I'm not worried. I've got my own ways... Besides, I don't plan on doing everything alone. Only a fool would attempt that."
That made Hector arch his eyebrows again.
"Y-You mean... I'm going to be your partner?"
Kevin gave a short snort and replied with a shrug,
"Something like that."
Hector reflected for a moment, then asked,
"And if I say no... what happens?"
Kevin didn't give a clear answer, but Hector sensed the choice was now his.
"Huh?" Kevin chuckled.
"No pressure. But I've got a feeling you'll come around…After all, you've ticked Haley off—and trust me, he won't let it go until you're dead. If you're with me, he probably won't make a move—except maybe when I'm not around to stop him. But don't stress. If that day comes, I'll make sure your funeral is first-class."
...
...
A few seconds later…
"Alright… I—I guess... this works for me."
Hector gave a nervous smile and scratched the back of his head, though his thoughts were anything but calm.
He wanted to scream at the top of his lungs:
"FUCK YOU! I DON'T NEED THIS SHIT!"
Kevin exhaled deeply, as if he could see right through Hector's bluff.
"Actually, Haley holds an incredibly high position within my clan. He's the sole grandson of a Mythic. So… I hope you understand why this pains me."
Now, Hector's expression tightened with discomfort at the revelation, but he was perceptive enough to grasp the gravity of it.
"At the very least, could you help me deal with Haley's lackeys?" Hector asked, clearly frustrated.
"Sorry, I can't. I've already shielded you from Haley ever since we arrived at the Academy. If I push any further, he might go all out to get you…"
Kevin's tone was calm but firm.
"You have to understand — he's a rabid dog. So keeping him in check is the safest approach. Anyway, it's not such a big issue. You handled things well enough back then."
Kevin continued with a casual smile as he retrieved a small pouch from his spatial storage and set it on the dining table.
"Here's some money for your treatment. Keep the change—consider it compensation for your emotional trauma. Each month, I'll give you a certain amount. Just try not to get yourself too banged up."
...
It took Hector a full two minutes to process Kevin's fucking words.
His face contorted with raw fury. Right then, he seriously considered slamming the pouch back onto the table and hurling it at Kevin's smug face.
But instead, he forced himself to swallow the rage and drew in a deep breath.
"FINE! I accept your conditions."
His voice still carried unmistakable traces of suppressed anger.