The office was spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the city. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with leather-bound volumes and curiosities from what looked like various gates. A large desk sat in the center, carved from dark wood, its surface neat but not empty.

And standing behind the desk, facing the window with his back to the door, was a man.

He turned slowly.

Guild Leader Leto was older than Andrey had expected—silver-streaked dark hair, a neatly trimmed beard, and sharp brown eyes that held a lifetime of experience. His build was lean but strong, and he moved with the quiet confidence of someone who had seen too much to be easily surprised.

"So," Leto said, his voice warm but measured, "you’re the one who turned the tide at the guild hall. The one who Hope speaks so highly of."

Andrey met his gaze, offering a small, respectful bow. "Andrey Thompson. Thank you for meeting with me."

Leto gestured to the chairs in front of his desk. "Please, sit."

Andrey sat, his posture straight but relaxed.

Leto studied him for a moment, then sat down himself, folding his hands on the desk. "Hope’s report was... thorough. She mentioned your tactical thinking, your composure under pressure, and your ability to coordinate with heroes you’d never fought alongside before. That’s rare, Mr. Thompson. Most heroes freeze when the plan falls apart. You adapted."

Andrey nodded slowly. "I had good teammates. Without them, I wouldn’t be here."

Leto’s lips curved into a faint smile. "Modest. I like that." He leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes still fixed on Andrey’s face. "Let me be direct with you, Mr. Thompson. I didn’t call you here just to exchange pleasantries. I have an offer for you."

Andrey’s internal thoughts surfaced: ’An offer. I expected this. Recruitment, probably. But I need to hear him out before I decide.’ 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

"I’m listening," Andrey said.

Leto’s expression grew more serious. "As you know, the threat of demonic incursions is escalating. The gate at the guild hall, the manipulated S-rank heroes, the infiltration of our organizations—these are not isolated incidents. There’s a pattern. Someone is orchestrating this."

Andrey nodded, waiting.

"I’m assembling a special task force," Leto continued. "Not officially sanctioned by the Association, not yet. But a group of heroes I trust to investigate these incidents and deal with them quietly. I want you to be part of it."

Andrey was silent for a moment, processing. "A secret task force? Why me? I’m a C-rank. There are dozens of higher-ranked heroes more qualified."

Leto leaned forward, his brown eyes intense. "Because the higher-ranked heroes are compromised. We don’t know who we can trust. After what happened with Ernando, a respected S-rank hero being controlled right under our noses, I can’t assume anyone is safe." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "But you, Mr. Thompson? You’re new. You came from nowhere, built a team from scratch, and you’ve been fighting in the shadows while the rest of us were blinded by politics and rank. You’re exactly the kind of person I need."

Andrey’s internal thoughts raced: ’A secret task force. That would mean operating outside normal channels, less oversight, more risk. But also more freedom. And if someone is really orchestrating these incidents from the inside... having allies who aren’t bound by official protocols could be invaluable.’

"I’ll need to think about it," Andrey said carefully. "This isn’t a decision I can make alone. My team—"

"Of course," Leto interrupted, nodding. "I wouldn’t ask you to leave them behind. They’d be part of the task force as well." He smiled, a hint of warmth returning to his expression. "Hope made it clear that you four are a package deal. I respect that."

Andrey’s shoulders relaxed slightly. "I appreciate that."

Leto stood, walking to the window, his back to Andrey. "I won’t pressure you for an answer today. Take a week. Talk to your team. Weigh the risks and benefits." He glanced over his shoulder,his expression calm.

Andrey stood as well, adjusting his glasses. "I understand. I’ll give you my answer within the week."

Leto turned back to face him, extending his hand. "I hope it’s yes."

Andrey shook his hand, noting the firmness of his grip, the calluses on his palm—a fighter’s hand, not just a politician’s.

As Andrey walked toward the door, Leto spoke again, his voice softer. "One more thing, Mr. Thompson. Hope trusts you. That’s not nothing. She’s a good judge of character. Whatever you decide, know that you have an ally in her. And in me."

Andrey paused at the door, glancing back. "Thank you, Guild Leader Leto. I’ll be in touch."

He stepped out of the office, the doors closing behind him with a soft click.

In the elevator, descending back to the lobby, Andrey pulled out his phone and stared at the blank screen. His internal thoughts churned: ’A secret task force. Operating off the books. That’s... dangerous. But maybe necessary. If the demons have infiltrated the Association, then following official channels could be playing right into their hands.’

He tucked the phone back into his pocket, stepping out of the elevator into the marble-floored lobby.

Hope was waiting for him.

She stood near the entrance, her golden hair loose around her shoulders, dressed in a simple white blouse and dark pants. Her crystal sword was nowhere in sight, and without her armor, she looked... pretty cute.

She smiled when she saw him, pushing off from the wall. "Well? How did it go?"

Andrey walked toward her, his expression neutral. "He made me an offer. I need to think about it."

Hope nodded, falling into step beside him as they walked toward the exit. "I figured he would. Leto doesn’t waste time with small talk."

They stepped outside into the morning sunlight, the city bustling around them. Hope glanced at Andrey, her blue eyes curious.

"So... what are you going to do?"

Andrey was quiet for a moment, watching the flow of people. "I don’t know yet. I need to talk to my team."

Hope nodded, her expression understanding. "That’s fair. They’re your family now."

Andrey glanced at her, surprised by the word. Family. He hadn’t thought of it that way, not consciously. But maybe that’s what they had become.

"Yeah," he said quietly. "I suppose they are."

Hope smiled, a soft, genuine thing. "Then take your time."

They walked in silence for a few blocks, the crowd flowing around them. Then Hope spoke again, her voice lighter.

"Hey, Andrey. Since we’re both free... do you want to grab lunch? There’s a good place nearby. Nothing fancy, just decent food."

Andrey considered it. The meeting had ended earlier than expected. Sarah was probably still asleep. Lisa would be fine. And Sein... Sein would be fine too.

"Alright," he said. "Lead the way."

Hope’s smile brightened, and she gestured down a side street. "This way. I promise you won’t regret it."

They walked together, the morning sun warm on their faces.

Andrey glanced at Hope, noting the way her golden hair caught the light, the easy confidence in her stride. She was different from the women in his apartment. Cheerful. Less demanding. But there was a warmth to her that he found... comforting.

’Don’t overthink it,’ he told himself. ’She’s just a friend.’

But as Hope laughed at something he said, her blue eyes crinkling with genuine amusement, Andrey felt something shift in his chest.

He pushed the thought aside and focused on the road ahead.