I didn't even have to call Robert.
I already knew exactly where to find him.
What I didn't know was how the hell I was supposed to steer him into this conversation.
Or whether there was even a point.
I'd gotten used to his indifference.
He followed the academy rules, sure.
But I had never seen him actually want anything.
So how do you convince someone like that to risk his life for some abstract idea of changing the hidden world?
When there's nothing in it for him?
I exhaled slowly and pushed the door open.
Just as expected, Robert was sprawled across his bed, lazily scrolling through his phone.
"Well, look at that. Alan. You sick or something?"
"Why would I be?"
"Because it's weird seeing you here in the middle of the day. You're usually glued to training like a maniac."
"I had things to deal with. Finished earlier than I thought."
"Right. Mr. Big Shot," he smirked. "Special among Specials now."
"Very funny," I muttered. "Listen, Robert… what do you actually want?"
"That's a jump," he said, setting his phone aside.
"I just realized you've never answered that."
"Nothing," he shrugged. "Don't care where I serve my mandatory years. After that? Haven't thought about it."
"You seriously don't care?" I frowned. "That's… not normal. There has to be something you want."
"I'd like to go back in time," he said flatly, "and stop my father from going to work that day."
There was a brief pause.
"But that's not happening."
"So yeah. I don't care what comes next. I'll just drift."
Of course.
Just like I thought.
This wasn't going anywhere.
So what do I even offer him?
Someone who doesn't want anything can't be tempted with anything.
Think.
"What if you never ended up here?" I tried. "What would you be doing?"
"Probably rotting half-dead in a ditch somewhere," he said without emotion. "You know my situation."
"No, I mean before that. You said you wanted to travel. Still do?"
"I don't know. Right now? Couldn't care less."
He narrowed his eyes.
"Alright. Enough circling. What do you actually want from me?"
"What do you mean? I'm just—"
"Alan."
His tone sharpened.
"Stop dancing around it."
"That's the problem," I exhaled. "I don't even know how to say it."
"Then say it badly."
"…Do you want to be part of a group trying to tear down the current system and rewrite the rules of the hidden world?"
"…You serious?"
He stared at me, then let out a short laugh.
"Yeah. That's it. Too much training finally fried your brain. I told you, keep going like this and you'll snap."
"I'm not joking."
"That sounds insane," he said flatly. "You really think anything in this world changes?"
"If you do, then you and everyone in that little herd of brainless donkeys are idiots."
"In that 'herd,'" I said evenly, "there are plenty of elites. Not just students. People outside the academy too."
"Seriously? So the elites got bored and decided to play saviors?" he laughed. "Rescuing the poor, oppressed Specials?"
"And you're part of that circus?"
"Don't laugh," I said, sharper now. "This isn't a game."
"So why should I care?"
"…To leave a mark," I said, already hearing how weak it sounded.
He laughed outright.
"Come on, Holivan. You think I give a damn about that? That's not worth the effort."
"Then what do you want?"
"I already told you—"
"No," I cut him off. "That can't be all there is. There has to be something."
"You matter to me," I said, quieter now.
That stopped him.
"Robert… you're my first real friend."
"And I need you."
"Just think about it."
He watched me carefully.
"You actually believe this is going to work?" he asked. "Or did someone just drag you into it and you went along?"
"I believe we can change something," I said. "It'll take time. But I believe it."
"I want a future where I don't have to worry about the people I care about."
He let out a quiet breath.
"Look at you. Fired up."
Then his expression shifted.
Sharper now.
"But I've got conditions."
"…What kind?"
"Even I can tell your little rebellion is dangerous."
"Elites don't risk their necks. But if a Special gets caught up in this…"
He tilted his head slightly.
"You know where they end up, right?"
"The Black Cemetery."
"Exactly."
"And you still want to play revolutionary?"
"Yes."
"…Alright," he said after a moment.
"I don't give a damn about either world right now. But who knows? Maybe ten years from now I'll regret not trying."
"Or maybe I won't care at all."
"So you're in?" I asked.
"Hold on," he smirked. "I said I don't mind adding some excitement. And maybe I'll finally get a chance to beat you."
I rolled my eyes.
"Fine. Your conditions?"
"First, I'm not anyone's lackey."
"I'm not some trained dog, and I'm sure as hell not doing everyone's dirty work."
"It doesn't work like that," I said. "Elite or Special, everyone gets their hands dirty."
"Oh? Now that almost makes it worth it," he laughed.
"Second condition."
His tone dropped.
"You tell me what actually happened to you."
"…What?"
"Don't play dumb."
"Why did you file that complaint that got your brother expelled?"
"Why did you suddenly agree to become a personal bodyguard?"
"And what the hell is going on between you and Alma?"
"…Robert, I can't tell you everything."
"Why not?"
"Because I just can't."
"That's not an answer."
"Is it some secret from your little rebellion?"
"No, but—"
"Then I don't see the problem."
"I said I can't."
I shook my head.
"Why?" he pressed.
"…Because it's not something I can just say out loud."
"It's humiliating."
"Oh, I'm sure Alma knows," he said coldly. "And your 'master.' And Storik."
"So they get to know, but I don't?"
"And you still call me your friend?"
"That's not it!" I snapped. "Alma was there. And Storik and Silius—I didn't tell them. They found out."
"Alan."
His voice dropped.
Steady. Heavy.
"If you tell me…"
He leaned forward slightly.
"I'm in. No hesitation."
"I'll even take this seriously."
Then he leaned back again.
Relaxed.
Like he already knew the answer.
"Your move."
"You said you needed me."
"Then prove it."