Not so far from there, in another floor of the main building, the recruit that led the previous operation was being submitted to a few check-ups in order to confirm that he was fine.

Marina says "Everything looks fine here... how did you feel when you used your powers? Anything different?"

Tenma says "No, nothing. I believe I've learned to use the belt only when needed, and since I've only used a very small fraction of my powers, it didn't really make a significant difference."

Marina says "That's great to hear! Your progress is fascinating Tenma."

Tenma says "I'm only doing what I'm told, doctor."

Marina says "Did you just call me 'doctor'? I've told you many times not to be so formal with me... can't you learn that as fast as you've learned how to use that belt?"

Tenma says "I'm sorry, Marina. You know that I'm not the best in dealing with people..."

Marina says "That's the cutest aspect of you though... you can make life or death decisions in a millisecond, but can't properly talk with a friend without formalities."

Tenma says "I guess not. Maybe I've spent too much time learning how to deal with people the wrong way."

Marina says "Maybe... just don't deal with your friends the same way you deal with your targets and you should probably be fine!"

Tenma says "I'll take your word on that."

Marina says "About the other day..."

Tenma says "..."

Marina says "You know... were you fine after that? I mean..."

Tenma says "I didn't really think about it. But nothing changes between us..."

Marina says "Oh... is that so?..."

Tenma says "Don't take me wrong. I just... don't think this is the time for what would come next..."

Marina says "I understand. But... there is no need for a 'what comes next', you know... I was never expecting to have anything serious with you or anyone else... we both know why we are here and what is expected of us.

But that doesn't mean that we are not allowed to enjoy a moment of peace and, you know... affection. With or without powers, we are only humans after all. If we just keep working and doing things we are told, we might forget why we're doing all this... for everyone to have their own moments of peace, love, affection... whatever they want. Right?"

Tenma says "Geez..."

Marina says "What?"

Tenma says "How can you be so good at giving a speech...?"

Marina says "I'm good at many things you don't know, dear Tenma... maybe because I'm older than you... haha"

Tenma says "You are certainly wiser than me."

Marina says "Maybe, but that wasn't the compliment I was expecting to hear from you, not after what I just said... but whatever, it got me in a good mood anyway.

Come here, I'll do a proper examination on you..."

Tenma says "..."

Marina says "Take that thing off, even if I think that you look hot in it, it's not good for this kind of physical interaction.

Much better."

Tenma says "..."

Marina says "...

Will you take mine off too or I'll have to do it myself?..."

Far from the Densetsu Division base of operations, a man in white clothes carrying a big metal case enters the penthouse of a luxury apartment.

In there, a blonde man dressing purple clothes sits enjoying the night view, while also drinking expensive champagne. He gives a wide smile and lifts the glass upon noticing the visitor.

Not far from the two men, a girl with long hair and white clothes watches the pool waters with interest and a strange phenomenon seems to happen around the place involving her.

ExoVolk says "Look who's here... my dearest friend Shirou! Have you come to join me in tasting this magnifique Dom Pérignon?"

Shirou says "You know that I'm not into your frivolities ExoVolk. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't important."

ExoVolk says "Oh, is it business time then, mon ami?"

Shirou says "It is indeed. Hyperion decided to act and he is not alone. He took three of our subjects and destroyed one of the facilities."

ExoVolk says "Bah, the old man... boring. Want me to finally end him? Or are you still being sentimental about him?"

Shirou says "You say that like it would be an easy task... he is smart and he's being cautious. I couldn't tell it was him messing with our plans until now."

ExoVolk says "Messing 'with YOUR plans' you meant... I only do what I'm paid for... and you haven't paid me to do anything in a while..."

Shirou says "That'll change today. But first... is this woman fine?..."

ExoVolk says "Perfectly fine."

Shirou says "She does not look fine to me. It won't be a joke if she goes out of control, I hope you're not drugging her with some crap..."

ExoVolk says "Of course not, why would I do such a thing?... Taira is just getting used to that trick. When we need her she'll be ready, don't worry... but let us continue our talk..."

Shirou says "Sure... I believe Hyperion is in our tail, after tonight he might be too close to figuring out what's going on and we can't let that happen."

ExoVolk says "Okay, blablabla your big secret... don't bore me with that nonsense now. I'm just wondering about what you bring in that big case of yours. I hope it has something to do with the reason you're here..."

Shirou says "The man in white puts the metallic case in one of the empty chairs, unlocks it without haste and then, he flips it so the other man could see its contents."

ExoVolk says "Oh, is it christmas already?"

Shirou says "I want you to use the money to gather some fools, motivate and gear them. Create a distraction so big that Hyperion can't ignore. Keep him busy."

ExoVolk says "Why not just kill him already..."

Shirou says "If Hyperion dies he'll become a martyr, a symbol, he'll draw even more people to his cause. That wouldn't do any good for me... so just do what I'm asking you to do."

ExoVolk says "Sure I'll do it your way then... but that will take some time..."

Shirou says "Doesn't matter, just do it as quickly as possible, I'll shut down all operations until then. When you're ready, I'll need you to keep his people distracted for some time, until I accomplish our goals."

ExoVolk says "'Your goals' you mean... but fine, I'll do as you ask... however, that'll cost you more than this."

Shirou says "Do not worry... I'll make sure that you get properly paid as soon as you start giving me results."

ExoVolk says "Fine then, however, some motivated goons won't be much of a distraction for the old man, no matter how good they're geared... I'll need more doses of that candy."

Shirou says "You'll get it. Now if you excuse me, I have more places to be..."

As the white haired man leaves the penthouse, the blonde man's expression hardens. After the other man is gone completely, he comments on the sudden visit.

ExoVolk says "I'll let you think you own me for now, mon ami."

After hearing the blonde man words, the long-haired woman who's been disappearing and reappearing all around the place stops nearby for a moment. Her voice is soft, but emotionless like her facial expression.

Taira says "Should Taira kill him now?"

ExoVolk says "No, not yet my dear. I'll let you know when it is showtime..."