The meeting hall beneath the ancient stone arch was sealed once more. The walls were adorned with weathered tapestries that seemed to watch every agent.The air carried a mix of dampness and dust, subtly oppressive.
Ethan sat at one end of the long table, like a jester who had stumbled into a solemn banquet. He propped his chin on his hand, eyes fixed on the European Division's senior officers, a faint, almost mischievous smile on his lips.
"Agent Ethan," the deputy director with gray-white hair spoke softly,"according to reports from headquarters, you have been involved in multiple… 'special incidents.' Some details remain unexplained."
He paused, eyes sharp:"We suspect that you may not be a conventional agent."
The air around the conference table froze.Alicia sat beside Ethan, silent, her gaze cold and unwavering.
Karl frowned."He's my partner. I can vouch for him."
"Vouch?" the deputy director scoffed."A partner's testimony is often the least reliable. We rely solely on evidence."
Ethan spread his hands and shrugged."Alright, let me guess the next lines—'You're a double agent? A rogue operative? Or a favored child of the Nightmares?' Should I make it a survey? I promise to fill it out beautifully."
A cough broke the tension, but no one laughed.
Another female officer flipped through a dossier."Months ago, you independently accessed the sealed Shadow Files. You had unexplained contact with the Reaper, and reports from the Eastern Division note 'suspected abnormal affinity with Nightmare energy.'"
She lifted her eyes to Ethan, her tone icy:"Can you explain this?"
Ethan laughed louder."Explain? Of course. I naturally attract trouble—that's my superpower. The Nightmares look at me, and they think I'm a good listener. The Reaper? Maybe he just appreciates my humor."
Silence. The atmosphere at the table was so cold it could freeze water.
Finally, Alicia spoke, her tone slow and deliberate:"What concerns me more is why he's still alive."
Her words fell like a stone into still water, sending ripples across the room.
The deputy director nodded."Exactly. Ethan, you've survived too long. Anyone else would have been consumed by the Nightmares long ago. There are secrets within you that remain unknown."
Karl suddenly stood."That's enough! He's saved my life—more than once! Questioning him is questioning my judgment!"
Their eyes locked, tension crackling between them.
Ethan reached out, holding Karl back, pressing him into his seat, still smiling."Calm down, partner. Otherwise, people might think you're this worked up because you… like me."
Karl nearly choked, face flushed. The European Division agents showed no hint of amusement.
In the end, the Division issued its decision:Ethan would remain in the European Division temporarily, but all operations had to be supervised by Alicia and reported in real-time.
In other words, he had officially become a "high-priority suspect."
Stepping out of the meeting room, Ethan whistled."Wow, feels like I just got promoted to 'Top-Tier Criminal.' Should I get some handcuffs too? Preferably gold-plated—at least that way I'll look distinguished."
Alicia replied coldly:"If you actually have a problem, I'll put them on myself."
Ethan just smiled, saying nothing.