Inside the headquarters of the Nightglass Covenant, a meeting had just come to an end.
Kyle Harness sat at the head of the table, quietly reading several reports while his assistant stood respectfully beside him.
After a few moments, Kyle looked up.
"Hmm..."
"That's actually a good idea."
He nodded in approval.
"Go ahead and put it into action."
"We seriously need more students to join the Covenant."
His assistant, Gabrio Fernández, bowed politely.
"I'm glad you approve of it, Sir."
Kyle leaned back in his chair.
"By the way..."
"Who suggested this idea?"
Gabrio hesitated.
"...I'm sorry, Sir."
Kyle raised an eyebrow.
"Sorry?"
Gabrio nodded.
"The person who suggested it made me promise not to reveal their identity."
"They specifically told me..."
"Please don't tell my name to your leader."
"I gave them my word."
"So... I can't tell you."
"I'm truly sorry."
Kyle remained silent for a few seconds.
Then he smiled faintly.
"Don't apologize."
"It's not your fault."
"If you made a promise..."
"Then you should keep it."
He nodded with approval.
"I actually respect that."
"A person who breaks promises so easily isn't someone I can trust."
"So..."
"Continue working on the recruitment plan."
Gabrio smiled.
"Yes, Sir."
"I'll begin immediately."
Meanwhile...
Inside the main lobby of the Nightglass Covenant Headquarters...
Verl Ouzen hurried through the entrance.
His eyes searched every corner of the large hall.
"I hope he's here..."
He walked toward the reception desk.
Behind it sat the familiar receptionist.
Ariya Dukenben.
She looked up and smiled professionally.
"Welcome."
"How may I help you today?"
Verl politely asked,
"Excuse me..."
"Has Black ViSage returned?"
Ariya nodded.
"Yes."
"He came back earlier today."
"At the moment..."
"He's sitting at Table Three."
Verl's eyes brightened.
"Really?"
A relieved smile appeared beneath his mask.
"Thank you very much."
Ariya smiled warmly.
"You're welcome."
Just as Verl turned around—
A calm voice interrupted them.
"Hey, Ariya."
Both of them looked toward the entrance.
A tall young man slowly approached.
He wore the formal black uniform reserved for the Highers of the Nightglass Covenant.
His name...
Ashryn Mordelle.
One of the Covenant's Highers.
The moment Verl recognized him...
His body stiffened.
Ashryn stopped beside the reception desk before looking at Ariya.
"Is this young man bothering you?"
Ariya shook her head.
"No."
"He simply asked where Black ViSage was."
"I answered his question."
"He thanked me."
"That's all."
Ashryn gave a small nod.
"I see."
Then he looked at Verl for only a brief moment before returning his attention to Ariya.
"Alright."
Satisfied with the answer, he prepared to leave.
However—
Ariya crossed her arms.
"Hey, Ashryn."
"You should be resting in your office."
"I'm trying to focus on my work."
"You keep distracting me."
Ashryn smiled mischievously.
"I'll leave..."
"...if you kiss me."
Ariya's face immediately turned slightly red.
"H-Hey!"
"I'm working right now."
"Why are you asking for something like that here?"
Ashryn shrugged innocently.
"Because I want one."
"It's perfectly normal."
"A boyfriend is allowed to ask his girlfriend for a kiss."
Ariya sighed.
"I know that."
"But I'm still on duty."
"Please stop bothering me."
At that exact moment...
Verl suddenly froze.
His breathing became heavy.
A strange pressure weighed down on his chest.
"...Ugh..."
He grabbed his heart.
His knees weakened.
A moment later...
He collapsed onto one knee.
Ariya immediately noticed.
"Mr. Verl!"
She quickly stood up.
"Are you alright?"
"You don't look well."
"You should visit the Health Sector."
The Health Sector served as both a medical clinic and a resting area for injured Covenant members.
Verl slowly shook his head.
"...No..."
"I'm..."
Before he could finish—
The pressure intensified.
His instincts screamed at him.
When he unconsciously looked toward Ashryn...
Their eyes met.
For only a single second.
That was enough.
Verl felt overwhelming danger.
It wasn't murderous intent...
Nor was it open hostility.
It was simply...
An aura.
An invisible pressure released by someone vastly stronger than himself.
His entire body instinctively warned him.
Danger.
He immediately understood.
Ashryn wasn't trying to attack him.
He simply wanted privacy with his girlfriend.
And his overwhelming presence alone was enough to make weaker people instinctively move away.
Verl swallowed nervously.
"...I understand."
"I'll head to the Health Sector."
Without waiting any longer...
He quietly left the reception hall.
Ariya watched him disappear into the hallway.
Then...
She slowly turned toward Ashryn.
Her eyes narrowed.
"...Ashryn."
Ashryn blinked.
"What?"
"You did that."
Ashryn smiled without denying it.
"...Yes."
Ariya placed both hands on her hips.
"But why?"
"He didn't do anything wrong."
"So why intimidate him?"
Ashryn sighed dramatically.
"Hmm..."
"I just wanted to spend a little time alone with my girlfriend."
"And..."
"I wanted a kiss."
Ariya stared at him for several seconds.
Then...
She let out a helpless sigh.
"...You're unbelievable."
Ashryn grinned.
"So..."
"Can I have one?"
Ariya looked around the reception hall.
Thankfully...
No one seemed to be paying attention anymore.
She leaned forward slightly...
And gently kissed Ashryn on the cheek.
Tap.
"There."
"You got your kiss."
"Now keep your promise."
"Don't disturb me while I'm working."
Ashryn instinctively touched the place where she had kissed him.
A wide smile spread across his face.
"Deal."
He laughed softly.
"My girlfriend is the best."
Ariya couldn't help smiling.
"My boyfriend really is impossible..."
"You caused all that..."
"...just for one little kiss."
Ashryn nodded proudly.
"It was worth it."
Ariya shook her head with an amused smile.
"Now go."
"And let me do my job."
Ashryn raised both hands in surrender.
"Alright."
"I'll leave."
With one last cheerful smile toward Ariya...
Ashryn walked away through the hallway.
Watching him leave...
Ariya quietly smiled to herself.
"He really does love me..."
"Even if his methods are a little childish."
She returned to her desk, organized the documents waiting for her, and resumed her work as the receptionist of the Nightglass Covenant.