It took him only a week to work with them— enhancing their cybersecurity systems and teaching the cyber team a series of scripts and codes. In return, he was paid a sum large enough to sustain his lifestyle for the next ten years.
Niel was never one to spend lavishly, so only a fraction of that money was ever used.
"Oh, I heard the heir to the Korolyov arms corporation in Russia showed interest in you? So you turned them down?"
Niel, who had been ready to leave the dining area, paused when he heard the question. The person asking, Shaheer— scratched the back of his neck, as if he already regretted speaking out loud a curiosity he hadn't been able to hold back.
"Yeah. I turned them down."
Shaheer hadn't expected Niel to even bother answering, especially when his face clearly said 'don't bother me'. And perhaps that unexpected response gave Shaheer the courage to ask another question, despite his hesitation.
"That's kind of surprising, isn't it? A Russian company trying to recruit someone who was born and raised in the U.S. Didn't you find that a little suspicious?"
"I didn't think too deeply about it... and that was exactly why I declined. There's too much political tension, it's like they're all just waiting to see who throws the first punch so they can hit back without restraint."
"But I heard your family has a solid business relationship with Korolyov. And Arkan's Moscow branch is pretty significant, right? That made some headlines a while ago. The media spun it as proof of a healthy friendship between the two nations."
"All countries lie to their citizens about what's really going on."
Niel's voice was quiet but firm. It wasn't an irrational take, almost every country operated that way. They posed as allies, flaunting how everyone benefited from the cooperation. But behind closed doors, each nation was running its own playbook, strategizing how to extract the most gain.
Well, as long as the world didn't spiral into chaos like the past, when wars raged with terror looming over every citizen, then this slow-moving chess game, hidden from the public eye, would continue. And the spectators? Just ordinary people, living in willful ignorance, while their leaders moved the pieces one by one.
Shaheer nodded. He himself had received numerous offers with generous incentives, and just like Niel, he had chosen IHPS instead.
"A few more days and your instructor exchange contract here will be over, right? It's a shame you'll be heading back to California... your teaching has been incredible, Niel. Especially when it comes to coding. Even Akash can't keep up with you."
"Hey! I didn't get the privilege of studying at Arkan like Niel did!" Akash protested as soon as his name came up, clearly feeling the need to defend himself.
Niel snorted quietly, picked up his tray, and returned it to the stack of used dishes. He didn't say a word. He simply adjusted his gloves, glanced briefly at a few instructors still finishing their meals, and then walked out of the dining hall.
IHPS Australia was the most laid-back of all the headquarters— far more relaxed than the one in California. Niel's teaching schedule here only required him to hold classes twice a week, so he spent most of his time either catching up on sleep or working on new script he'd been experimenting with. Things had been especially calm lately, perhaps because the man who usually stirred up chaos hadn't caused any trouble at all. Rumor had it that Zion Hughes was planning to extend his instructor exchange here.
Niel hadn't asked why. He just figured something here must've piqued Zion's interest enough to make him stay.
In just a few days, Niel would be returning to California.
Not that he disliked being here, it was just that he knew someone back there would be stubbornly waiting to remind him that five years had passed.
"....."
I'm craving chicken nuggets.
He had just eaten, but his tongue insisted on the comfort of his favorite snack. With his heart racing for obvious reason, he grabbed a bag of frozen chicken nuggets from his room and stepped out, intending to go to the kitchen to cook.
But then his feet froze in place.
Right there in front of him stood someone familiar— so familiar it made his breath catch.
It seemed that, yes, after five long years had passed, the man had finally stopped holding himself back. Unlike before— unlike those five years when Niel had been completely left alone.
"Niel, how have you been?"
In front of him stood a man with thinning brown hair— whether it was truly thinning or just the effect of the gel he used to style, it was hard to tell— smiling politely. Charles. He currently worked as Logan's assistant, though originally he was one of Henry's aides. Since Logan was Henry's chosen successor at Arkan, Henry had temporarily assigned Charles to assist Logan directly.
Niel certainly knew him. They had crossed paths often back at Arkan school, but they never really spoke much.
"I'm fine. What brings you here?"
"Ah, that..." Charles kept his distance, his expression a little pale as he looked at Niel. It was clear he wasn't comfortable getting closer. Charles had always been somewhat timid despite his intelligence. He hesitated, stammering slightly, "Logan… actually asked me to… to come and get you."
"Me?"
"Well… we discussed something important. We need your security system more than ever. Lately, as you know, cyber threats have become more frequent, but their persistence over the years means they've also been learning ours system. So, Logan said he needs the blueprint."
"…You're not lying?"
"How could I? Your father… ah… uhm." Charles covered his mouth as if debating something internally, then gave up, "Your father is so stressed over this… This isn't just the work of amateurs. We even suspect it might be an inside job."
"Don't joke, Charles. Are you telling me you suspect there's a traitor in the family?"
"...We shouldn't talk about this here."
That's not my concern. Niel wanted to say it, but for some reason, even as his lips parted, he couldn't force the words out loud.
Why ask me for help? Niel knew Arkan could solve this problem on their own given enough time, they were filled with geniuses. But hearing about the possibility of a traitor… well, that made things much harder to resolve if the internal threat wasn't eliminated first.
He wanted to remain detached, to fully not care about this. After all, he wasn't part of the Arkan family. The only blood relation he had was through his mother; not a drop of Arkan blood ran in his veins. He clicked his tongue in frustration. Charles seemed to sense the doubt behind his hesitation, and took it as a sign there was still a chance to convince him.
"You grew up loved in that house… your dad gave you everything..." Charles added, "Consider this a way to repay that kindness."
"Repay?" Niel almost laughed at the notion.
"I know this is complicated for you, but can you talk about this directly with your father and Logan…? Maybe after this, you can arrange a situation that benefits you."
"If this is truly the work of an insider traitor, then don't you suspect me? Why call me, of all people, back into Arkan?"
"Logan trusts you… and so does Uncle. Both of them have always trusted you. Honestly, I personally can't say I trust you a hundred percent… but if those two do, what can I say?"
I'll come pick you up again tomorrow, so pack your things today, Charles said before excusing himself. The statement clearly left no room for refusal— he assumed Niel would go with him.
Niel's hand tightened around the plastic bag of chicken nuggets. His appetite disappeared in an instant. All he wanted was to sleep, to shut down his restless thoughts, even if just for a little while.
Five years had passed. And now, after all that time, that man's persistence, Logan's— was starting again.