Mark Velocida entered the medical center, his movements measured and calm. Risa didn’t expect to see him. Her eyes widened slightly at the sight, caught between surprise and unease.

Mark’s gaze was sharp as he approached her. “Why did you truly come to Fortress?” he asked, his voice quiet but carrying a weight that made her shiver. “Tell me about Iris.”

Risa exhaled, her hands trembling slightly. “Light and I… we came to protect you. Garth, Max, and Heather… they came to make sure you got expelled. Iris is… a secret organization managed by your father. Iris made you do things, but Light and I know who you truly are. We forgive you.”

Mark’s eyes darkened, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly. “I see. That’s why my old friends hate me.”

Risa stepped closer and held his hand. “I don’t hate you. I know who you are deep down.” Her voice softened. “And… I love you.”

A quiet tension hung between them before Mark simply nodded, as if weighing her words carefully.

Later, Mark returned to his dorm—a shared space with Ariel, complete with a dining-living room and two bedrooms. “I’m back,” he announced.

“I made dinner,” Ariel replied, her tone casual but guarded.

“Okay,” he said, moving to sit.

A hint of suspicion crept into her voice. “Aren’t you afraid it’s poisoned?”

Mark smiled faintly, shrugging. “My body is resistant to poison. And I know you’re not the type to pull dirty moves. No matter how much you hate me, you’re a hero… and a good person.”

“You don’t know me,” she replied, a shadow of defiance in her tone.

“I do,” Mark said firmly, his gaze unwavering. “And you are important to me.”

Ariel’s eyes glinted with sarcasm. “I’m soooo moved. Don’t you fear being in a room with your enemy… who could kill you?”

“You can’t kill me,” he replied.

Before she could react further, she threw a quick punch—but Mark caught it mid-air, holding her hand lightly. “You see?” he said calmly.

Ariel turned her back to him, muttering, “Whatever.”

Later, Light found Mark in the common area. “I assume Risa told you the truth,” he said.

“Yeah,” Mark replied simply.

Light’s expression darkened. “I just want to warn you. Brandon Silver is coming. You probably don’t remember him, but he’s the only one who ever rivaled you in intellect.”

Mark’s eyes narrowed, a hint of a smirk crossing his face. “I’m not bothered. No one is superior to me.”