"I accept your invitation," Qiu said.
She had learned the truth.
Diwein was not the person she imagined, not from the start. She realized what she meant to Diwein, what all her companions at Arcadia meant to him.
They were nothing but pawns... no, not even pawns. They were weapons, disposable ones at that. Diwein would mercilessly extract every bit of their value, and once exhausted, they would be discarded without a second thought.
Qiu cried all night; her world had collapsed.
But fortunately, just the day before discovering the truth, her world had expanded beyond Diwein and the Arcadia Movement. That's why she hadn't completely broken down, and why she came here to stand before Yugen once again.
The man before her, Officer Godwin, reminded her of her initial path, the dream she thought she'd never have the chance to realize in this lifetime.
But Godwin and the Public Security Maintenance Bureau could indeed offer her this opportunity, a chance to once again walk the radiant path of a Duelist.
Through previous duels, she understood that this person was powerful and unfathomable. Her intuition told her that getting closer to him might help her become stronger and learn to control her abilities faster.
Yes, it's the first time in years that Akiza Izinski no longer felt a simple loathing for her own power. After hearing Yusei Fudo and Godwin on the day of the Lucky Cup, she seriously reflected on herself for the first time, considering the possibility of fully mastering this power and using it to improve herself.
"Oh? You made up your mind?" Yugen smiled lightly, "Not hating me anymore?"
Qiu shook her head, hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly, "About what happened before... I'm sorry. You're actually a good person, I know."
"Cough, cough..."
Yugen coughed before speaking.
"I wouldn't call myself a good person; we're all just after our own goals."
After pausing, he continued, "But I held the Lucky Cup to gather you Dragon Sealers to fight against the Dark Markers who threaten to destroy this world.
I sincerely want to protect this world."
Qiu nodded, "What do I need to do?"
"Mainly, it's fighting the Dark Markers," Yugen said, "As for where they are, you don't need to worry about that. Every Dragon Sealer has a corresponding Dark Marker in fate; they'll soon come to find you.
I've already gathered information about the Dark Marker for you; she believes you killed her closest kin and is willing to descend into Hell for revenge...
Qiu was shocked, "I... killed her relative? Who?"
"The truth is it wasn't you, it was Diwein, but he made you bear the fault... It'd be complicated to explain. Detailed files will be sent to you, read them carefully when you get back.
But I must warn you, don't think you can avoid a fight by explaining the misunderstanding to the Dark Markers. They've already sold their souls to the Evil God, and even if they lose their will to fight, the Evil God won't allow it. Regardless, there must be a battle, and you have to win.
The information I've gathered is so you can know your enemy and yourself, to gain the upper hand, and to assure you that you don't need to feel guilty or burdened. Plus, the truth can be used as a weapon to shake your enemy during the fight.
This is not just for you, but for the whole world, do you understand?"
Qiu hesitated for a moment, biting her lip before slowly nodding.
Then she asked, "Is there anything else you need me to do?"
Though what had just been said was important, it sounded more like an inherent mission of being a Dragon Sealer. She initially thought she was invited here for some specific task, possibly related to her innate telekinesis.
"What else? Not much for now, the priority is dealing with the Dark Markers..."
Yugen thought for a moment, then half-jokingly said, "If it really doesn't work out, you could be my secretary. Just fetch tea, run errands, organize some files...
Qiu seriously nodded, "Okay. When do I start?"
"...I was joking."
Yugen helplessly looked at the serious-faced girl who seemed to lack humor.
"You're not even an adult yet, the Public Security Maintenance Bureau doesn't hire underage workers."
Although Qiu seemed mature, she was actually sixteen, a high school age, which he hadn't forgotten.
"After dealing with the Dark Markers, go finish your studies at the Duel Academy, then if you're interested, you can apply again... Oh, about the Arcadia Movement."
Yugen changed the topic.
"Although Diwein is gone, some of the ideas he proposed—even if they were just a cover for his lies—are still viable.
Regardless of the motive, the Arcadia Movement did provide shelter for a group of homeless people.
Though the organization was founded as a scam, it doesn't mean it can't become the ideal you dream of."
Qiu's expression changed slightly, "You... you mean..."
"The Arcadia Movement can still be shaped into the home you all desire. No more lies, no more deception, no more schemes, and harm. If necessary, the Public Security Maintenance Bureau can provide funding and assistance to help set things on the right path.
But ultimately, I'm an outsider, there needs to be someone from within the organization to take the lead, preferably someone well-respected and acknowledged."
He spoke looking directly at Qiu, his gaze almost implying it.
"You mean... me?"
Qiu shook her head repeatedly.
"I can't. I'm not capable, nor am I someone who can bring hope or guide in the right direction..."
"Can't or won't?" Yugen asked.
Qiu lowered her head and fell silent.
"I thought so."
Yugen smiled, standing up from his chair and patting her shoulder.
"You can far exceed your current self, and do better. You are not the Black Rose Witch, causing despair and fear.
You can also become a source of hope, admired and needed by many. I knew from the first glance that you have that potential.
The key question now is... do you want to change?"
"I... I do."
Qiu raised her head, meeting his gaze, seemingly determined.
"I want to be needed."
"If you wish, then go do it," Yugen smiled, "You can become whatever you want to be, Akiza Izinski."
Qiu's eyes shimmered, nose tingled, almost making her cry.
She nodded vigorously, "Mm!"
After a moment, she said with a complex expression, "Thank you."
Yugen turned, facing the window, waved his hand gracefully.
"No need. I'm the leader of this city; making it better is my duty. You should go now."
Qiu nodded, turned, and left.
Once outside the door, she paused briefly, couldn't help wiping the tears that overflowed despite her control, then lifted her head again, her gaze once more determined.
Back in the office, Yugen sat in his chair, closed his eyes lightly.
Strangely, felt like he was really stepping into the role of officer now...