The spring sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the main atrium, warming the polished stone floors. Students, researchers, and delegates moved about more casually than they had the day before, relieved that the first day had gone smoothly despite the tension.
But Shin knew better. Peace like this never lasted.
Shin stood at the balcony overlooking the central courtyard. Below, guards patrolled the pathways, their rifles slung casually but their eyes sharp. Delegates mingled over breakfast at outdoor tables, whispering in hushed tones about the cure's success rate. A few of them even smiled: hope was spreading, for now.
"Enjoying the view?"
Shin turned to see Riku approaching, carrying two cups of black coffee. He handed one over.
"Trying to," Shin replied. "But it feels… too quiet."
Riku nodded. "I know what you mean. But we did good yesterday. The cure demonstration worked. I checked the numbers—online support for Hano spiked overnight."
Shin sipped his coffee. "And Code Number 8's broadcast?"
Riku's jaw tightened. "Still spreading, but people are questioning it. They're asking why Izanami hasn't shown any real proof that 8 joined willingly."
"That's because he didn't," Shin said flatly.
Riku didn't argue.
Later that morning, Shin headed to the gym. He needed to clear his mind. The training room was half-empty; most of the elite guards were on rotation outside.
Reito was already there, sparring lightly with Akane, who had traded her usual blazer for workout gear. She ducked under his strike and twisted his arm in a practiced move, making him tap out quickly.
"You're still too polite," Akane teased, helping him back to his feet.
Reito gave a sheepish smile. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Shin joined them, stretching his arms. "Mind if I cut in?"
Akane grinned. "Only if you're ready to lose."
For the next twenty minutes, Shin and Akane sparred, their movements sharp and deliberate but with no real malice. It was a reminder that despite the politics, they were still soldiers at heart.
"You're getting better," Akane admitted after Shin pinned her briefly.
"Maybe I'm just motivated," Shin said, breathing hard.
"Good. You're going to need that motivation soon," Akane replied, her tone turning serious for a moment.
By midday, the main dining hall buzzed with low conversation. The delegates sat at long tables, eating a mix of traditional rice bowls and fresh salads. Shin sat with Yuna, Rei, and Misaki, all of them finally relaxing for the first time in days.
Rei, who had been assisting the research teams, gave Shin an update between bites of food. "The test patients from yesterday are responding well. No negative symptoms so far."
Yuna added, "If that holds for 48 hours, we'll have undeniable proof. No propaganda can compete with that."
Misaki smiled faintly. "People are already calling you a hero online."
Shin shook his head. "I'm not doing this for that. We're all in this together."
But deep down, he couldn't deny the small warmth those words brought him.
The calm held until late afternoon, when Director Sayuri called a brief meeting in the secure lounge. Everyone: Shin, Riku, Reito, Akane, Yuna, and President Momo, gathered once again around the table.
Sayuri's tone was calm but serious. "No attacks, no major disturbances, but our recon teams spotted something. A group of unknown individuals have been moving between safehouses near the city. They're careful, staying just out of surveillance range, but we believe they're Izanami operatives."
Akane crossed her arms. "They're waiting for something."
"Probably for tomorrow," Sayuri replied. "The final day of the conference. More delegates, more cameras. Perfect stage for whatever they're planning."
Reito's expression hardened. "Assassination? Or sabotage?"
"Could be either," Sayuri said grimly. "But we can't cancel the event. That would hand them the narrative."
Shin nodded. "Then we keep going. But we tighten security and stay ready for anything."
Sayuri gave a rare approving nod. "Exactly. Tonight, get some rest. Tomorrow will be critical."
That night, as the sun set over the campus, Shin walked alone through the quiet halls. The glow of lanterns lit his path as he passed the windows overlooking the city below.
He paused by the same fountain he had visited yesterday, listening to the water trickle softly.
The conference was working. The cure was working. But Izanami wasn't going to let them win so easily. Code Number 8 was still out there, and Phase Two was just beginning.
Yuna found him there, her hands tucked into her coat.
"You're thinking too much again," she said gently.
Shin gave a small smile. "It's hard not to."
She moved closer, resting a hand on his arm. "Then think about this—we're still here. We're still together. That has to count for something."
Shin looked at her, feeling the quiet strength in her words. "Yeah. It does."
They stayed like that for a moment, standing beside the fountain under the soft glow of campus lights.
Tomorrow, everything might change.But for now, there was peace.