"So, ideally, we need to slip in unnoticed, plant the bomb before the ritual begins, and detonate it at the most critical moment? And extract the Essence," summarized Mr. Nobody.

"Yes. That’s exactly why any delay now could cost us everything." Sofien pointed to a section of the map that periodically glowed red, like a pulsing radar sweep. "Our reconnaissance drones were destroyed in that area, but that was part of the plan. Sensors in the wreckage are feeding us real-time data on the area. Thanks to them, we can predict with about 93% certainty that the Ascension ritual will begin around two to three hours after midnight."

"And if... things don’t go so perfectly?"

"Disrupting the ritual will be enough. As for how—blowing everything to hell or killing most of these creatures—that’s up to you... If possible, leave a few alive."

Mr. Nobody gave a quiet nod, and Sofien began to explain the next details.

At that moment, he realized he was very interested in what this mission was really about. Why did the Concord officials need to deal with threats outside the city? To capture the Essence and create another agent from the Path of Havoc? That seemed like just an added benefit.

Most likely, it was about the beings of the Path of Havoc themselves—the Fool Baals—and their potential to gain greater power. Or perhaps it was simply about Havoc itself.

He knew that all the Paths had tense relations with Havoc, since in the cosmic balance, it played the role of the universal threat. However, he had repeatedly received hints from Paymax that Concord’s relationship with Havoc was even more strained than that of the others.

In real life, he encountered only open contempt and hatred pushed onto the public toward everything associated with Havoc.

Perhaps the personal feud between Big Brother and the Peak of Havoc was involved here?

It sounded quite intriguing, but it wasn’t something he should worry about. After all, there was nothing he could do about it anyway.

Realizing the futility of his musings, his thoughts shifted back to what was in front of him...

Noir.

Why did he want in on this mission so badly? For the benefits and to gain more power?

Or was there something personal involved here?

...Or was all of this a trap set for him?

"Nobody, do you understand?" Sofien’s voice cut into his thoughts.

"Yes." He nodded.

"What did I just say?"

"..."

He hesitated for a moment, but after a couple of seconds, he heard a whisper in his right ear.

Kuronuma was whispering to him.

"I’m supposed to be your eyes, and you’re supposed to be my... ears?"

"...I said I’ll be the first to spot trouble, so stay alert and listen to me." Sofien smoothed her hair and seemed to stifle a yawn. "The suit will make you invisible and almost double your physical output, it burns through energy fast. Use it sparingly. Save it for emergencies. It can also protect you from bites and flames, but that won’t last forever either."

Hearing this made him even more eager to see and experience the suit for himself. Besides, its code name spoke volumes.

"Alright, that’s all for now. I’ll give you more detailed instructions as the situation develops. Go ahead and pick a weapon from the list I sent." The bracelet on his wrist vibrated, indicating that Paymax had received the information. "Dude in the mask can take a sniper rifle or something heavy, but you, Nobody, should choose something else. The selected weapons are suitable for fighting the Fool Baals, but to get a better sense of them, review the memo about these creatures."

With that, Sofien motioned to Mara, and together they headed for the exit.

"Meet me on the 149th floor in thirty minutes."

"Got it, boss!" Noir replied with a wave.

He rose from his chair, stretched, and held out his hand to Mr. Nobody.

"So, superhero duo—ready to move?"

"You know, you’d better call me like last time, but definitely not like that." He tapped his hand aside and glanced over his shoulder. "The weapons are ready on the 126th floor, right? Give us a couple of minutes, and I’ll catch up with you."

"Oh, no problem. Take the stairs—the elevator takes forever."

After seeing Noir off, he sighed and met two pairs of eyes staring at him. Red and blue.

...

"I’ve been meaning to ask... Are you okay? They’re taking good care of you, aren’t they?"

"Yeah, I like it here. With this thing, you can learn so much... But I’m being careful with it, just like you warned me, Señor." Kuronuma pointed to her bracelet. It looked like the one he had, only gray. It seemed Kuronuma really liked something like Paymax. "Patrick and Tasha are a bit unusual, but I like them... By the way, she was here, but she bolted before you got here."

The girl smiled sweetly, as if remembering something funny.

That made him smile. It seemed she really did feel at home here.

"What about you... t-two. Are you okay?"

"..." He and the cat exchanged glances.

"Well... yeah. We’re doing fine. I think we get along pretty well."

He awkwardly scratched his cheek and gently stroked the cat lying on the girl’s lap.

The cat didn’t resist, already used to it.

"I see... Well, I’m glad." She smiled.

Mr. Nobody sighed, thinking that he would have gladly spent more time with the girl. But, unfortunately, he didn’t have much time right now. Perhaps it was for the best.

"You stayed in Concord. And you even took part in this mission... Why, Kuronuma? You must know how dangerous this can be."

"I-I just..." She glanced at him awkwardly, and her hand twitched, seemingly unsure where to rest. Finally, she placed her hand next to his. "Señor, you said Concord was a terrible, scary place... But, to tell you the truth, I feel better here than I have in my entire life. Sometimes I’m happy, sometimes I’m curious, sometimes I’m sad... Sometimes it feels strange. Before, I’d only heard about things like this, but now I can try them all... O-of course, as long as I follow the rules and lessons."

"And that’s why you wanted to stay in Concord for now?"

"It’s not like I have anywhere else to go... But yes. Almost. There are two... r-reasons!" The girl blushed.

"I see... Do you mind if I ask? Did you agree to take part in this mission because it’s connected to your relatives? The Fool Baals."

"Yeah." Kuronuma nodded. "Well, that’s just one part... actually, one of three."

"Hmm... And what are the other two?"

"The second... It’s a secret! And the third..." She met his gaze.

"That’s a secret, too?"

"N-no, it’s just a little..."

"...?"

"I-I’ll tell you later!" the girl exclaimed, her face flushing.

All he could do was shrug.

Together, they headed to the 126th floor, where he had already had a favorite picked out from the list. And, most likely, Sofien wouldn’t be too happy about it.