Days passed since the discussion between Ryuji and Aurelius.
Days during which his body slowly recovered from his injuries. Thanks to the care he received and his extraordinary constitution, he eventually regained full strength. The kind of recovery that would make any doctor sigh… or accuse biology itself of cheating.
Yet despite that recovery, nothing had truly changed in his situation. The walls remained the same—cold, silent, almost mocking in their permanence.
Sitting against the stone wall of his cell, arms crossed, Ryuji stared at the ceiling without really seeing it. His expression carried an odd serenity, almost misplaced, as if this place could no longer reach him. Meanwhile, a voice kept filling the emptiness without mercy.
— Honestly, we help them deal with a calamity that was ruining their lives, and this is the thanks we get? A damp cell and treatment like a top-tier suspect…
Ryuji slowly turned his head toward his cellmate.
He exhaled, long and tired.
— Roy… can you shut up for two seconds without triggering a global diplomatic crisis?
The massive man shrugged with genuine offense.
— Easy for you to say. At least they put you here for a "logical" reason.
Roy was tall, sturdy, and absolutely incapable of staying silent for more than a few seconds. Since being placed in the same cell after Ryuji's recovery, he had become a constant presence—loud, stubborn, and unfortunately indestructible.
— I remind you that you swallowed one of their strange spheres.
— Technical details.
— That still counts as experimental misconduct.
— I plead scientific curiosity.
Ryuji closed his eyes for a moment.
The world was exhausting.
Roy continued, undeterred.
— And me? What exactly am I accused of? Existing too loudly?
— You were already wanted before all this.
— Without solid proof.
— Do testimonies not count for you?
— Testimonies are subjective.
Ryuji didn't respond. He had already lost this argument in a previous life, probably.
Footsteps interrupted their pointless dispute.
Sharp. Precise.
Both men turned toward the corridor.
The steps approached, slowed, then stopped in front of their cell.
Two silhouettes appeared behind the bars.
Aeryn.
And a white-haired soldier wearing the dark uniform of the Organization.
With them stood a third figure.
A man with a steady posture and a quiet presence, observing everything like he was already annoyed by outcomes he didn't choose.
Aeryn gave a brief glance toward the cell door.
— Beta.
The white-haired soldier straightened slightly.
Aeryn continued, firm and direct:
— Open the door.
Beta nodded without a word, stepped forward, and activated the lock mechanism.
The heavy door creaked before slowly unlocking.
Roy immediately switched into "automatic charm mode."
— Oh… Lady Aeryn. Still shining in this gloomy place. Have you come to rescue lost souls?
He proudly gestured to himself.
Aeryn blinked, then looked at him like a natural phenomenon that shouldn't exist.
Her gaze then shifted to Ryuji.
Ryuji placed a hand over his face.
No words. Just the silent resignation of a man who has accepted that reality will never improve.
— The last time you spoke, you ended up face-first on the ground. I can arrange a repeat anytime.
Roy laughed.
— Ah… good times.
— Enough.
The white-haired soldier's voice cut through the room, cold and impatient.
— We're wasting time.
Aeryn sighed lightly.
— Ryuji, you're coming with us.
Ryuji stood without protest. No questions. No complaints. Just calm acceptance, almost mechanical.
— Alright.
He walked past them and left the cell.
Roy immediately raised his hand, as if participating in a crucial vote.
— And me?
Silence.
No answer.
Not even a glance.
— Seriously…
The door closed.
Roy stayed still for a moment, then sighed.
— Emotionally limited bureaucrats…
---
The Organization's vast training courtyard was already in motion.
Soldiers were everywhere, checking weapons, adjusting straps, exchanging quiet information. The air itself felt heavier, as if the place were holding its breath before a dangerous departure.
Leon watched the scene with crossed arms.
— Do you know what we're being sent for today?
Bayron shrugged.
— Something about skeletons. Nothing too glorious.
— "Skeletons" is a pretty broad category.
— Apparently dangerous skeletons.
A deep voice cut into their exchange.
— Never reduce a mission to "nothing too glorious."
Both men straightened immediately.
Edouard stood there. An imposing presence, hardened gaze, posture of a veteran who had already buried too many comrades to tolerate recklessness.
— Many have died because they thought exactly that.
A brief silence followed.
Then he turned his head.
A faint smile appeared.
— They're here.
All eyes followed.
Aeryn approached, accompanied by the white-haired soldier… Beta… and Ryuji.
The group stopped.
— We're ready, Aeryn said.
— I can see that, Edouard replied.
His gaze swept over the soldiers, evaluating each one like pieces on a board.
Then he stopped on Leon.
— You're participating too?
Leon's expression shifted instantly.
— What are they doing here?
His hostility sharpened.
— You're actually letting them come? That woman and… him?
His gaze locked onto Ryuji.
Pure contempt.
— That human calamity.
A murmur spread through the soldiers.
— That guy is dangerous.
— We don't even know what he is.
— Bad idea…
Ryuji didn't react.
No movement. No wasted energy. Just that strange calm that irritated anyone hoping for a response.
Leon continued.
— We're being sent out with someone like him and expected to be fine?
Ryuji inhaled slightly.
But before he could speak—
— ENOUGH.
Edouard's voice exploded.
The entire courtyard froze.
Even the wind seemed to hesitate.
The veteran stepped forward.
— Orders come from me.
His gaze locked onto Leon.
— And you follow them.
Silence.
Leon clenched his teeth. Rage burned behind his eyes, but he swallowed it.
— …Fine.
The word came out like a restrained blade.
Edouard finally looked away.
The tension remained thick, almost physical.
But no one added anything.
The group formed up.
Final adjustments were made in heavy silence.
Then slowly, inevitably…
The expedition prepared to depart.