"...Michael."
Julius was taken aback. So much so that he couldn't utter a single word. Cold sweat trickled down his brow, and for a moment, it felt as though he had been dragged back to the final years of his life.
Those final years, when technology had advanced to such an extent that no form of protection could ever be enough.
Human greed had grown beyond restraint, and even nations once considered insignificant no longer feared war. The world had reached a breaking point, where everyone sought control, coveted it, and wielded it against one another.
In that age, power belonged not to the largest armies or the wealthiest nations, but to those who possessed the technology capable of controlling everything.
And that technology was none other than SIBYL.
"Mister Schneider?" Michael tilted his head, confused by the way Julius was staring at him so intently.
Julius swallowed hard, forcing himself to regain composure.
'Right… that's a future yet to come.'
This Michael, like Anneliese, was only a child. There was no reason to be so fearful.
"Your name is Michael?" Julius asked.
"Ah, yes," the boy replied with a polite nod. "Where are my manners… my name is Michael. Just Michael."
The director chimed in anxiously. "Please forgive him, Sir Schneider. He means no disrespect. Michael can be… outspoken at times."
"It's fine," Julius said, his eyes never leaving the boy. "He simply asked a question."
Michael met his gaze calmly. "Then is there truly no other way? Some of the children here truly have nowhere else to go."
"Do you work here?" Julius asked.
"Pardon?"
"I'm asking if you work here."
"Ah, n-no… I wouldn't say so," Michael replied. "I do help out when I can, but only because I'm indebted to the people here. I was raised in Kinderheim St. Elysia."
Julius regarded him silently. The boy spoke with eloquence, far too refined for someone from a place like this. It was clear he had received a proper education.
"Do you go to school?" Julius asked after a moment.
"Y-Yes," Michael said. "I did. I'm currently studying at a state-funded university nearby under a scholarship."
"How old are you?"
Michael scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. The situation had taken quite a turn, feeling more like an interrogation. Still, he answered truthfully.
"Seventeen…"
Julius raised a brow. "Advanced education? Skipped a grade?"
Michael nodded slightly, uncertain whether to be proud or nervous. "Something like that. The university has a program for students with accelerated aptitude. I… happened to qualify."
From that alone, Julius understood. Michael was a bright boy. There was still a certain youth in his eyes that didn't resemble the Michael who had once taken his life.
Just from his scholastics, Julius could already tell.
"Then here's what will happen."
Michael was an exceptional asset.
"I'll take everything back if you agree to work for me once you've earned your degree."
To him, it was simple logic.
Why wouldn't he invest in the very person who had killed him in the future?
From the way his life had unfolded, Julius could only surmise that Michael had become part of the Revolutionary Army in that timeline. It wouldn't be surprising either if those bastards were already reaching out to him even now.
Michael, on the other hand, looked bewildered.
"W-Work for you?"
* * *
"Was he really that interesting, Young Master?" Vincent asked as he opened the car door for Julius.
While Michael's accomplishments were impressive, there were plenty of other children like him. Children with even better backgrounds and brighter prospects.
Julius paused before getting in. "It's an assessment."
"An assessment?"
"For now, we'll observe him," Julius replied. "A boy that bright will be easy prey for the communists. It's highly likely they're already circling him. However, that's where I step in."
He glanced out toward the Kinderheim one last time before stepping into the car.
"That boy," Julius said, "must never fall into the hands of the Revolutionary Army."
Vincent said nothing. His gaze followed Julius's, landing on the courtyard where Michael was sitting, surrounded by children, reading to them with a smile. The younger ones laughed at every turn of the page.
To Julius, the sight felt rather ironic. The very boy who would one day take his life had been raised in an institution under the Schneider name.
Vincent tilted his head slightly but didn't press for details. He simply nodded and started the engine. Julius leaned back in his seat, forcing his eyes to stay open as the car moved through the streets of Munich.
"Young Master, we're here."
Julius opened his eyes. It seemed he had dozed off without realizing it.
"Tired?" Vincent asked.
"No, just…" Julius trailed off, rubbing his temples.
It was then that he realized that ever since returning to the past, he had yet to truly rest.
But there was no room for rest. Because even a single wasted day could cost him the future.
Julius was not a righteous man. He held no grand ideals, nor any noble ambition to save the world.
He simply refused to die a dog's death again.
"Yeah. Perhaps I am."
Julius stepped out of the car and was immediately greeted by Gabriel, who had been waiting for his arrival. Together, they entered the building. Inside the room, seated on the couch, were Isolde and her daughter, Anneliese.
Isolde looked tense. It was understandable since Julius had instructed Gabriel not to let them leave until he arrived.
"Apologies for the sudden precautionary measures, Doctor Isolde," Julius said, taking a seat across from her. "We needed to make sure Jewel Electricals wouldn't retaliate or find a way to reach you."
"Ah, no. I completely understand," Isolde replied. "So… does this mean it's finally safe?"
Julius glanced toward Gabriel.
"Unfortunately, Miss Isolde," Gabriel began, "your home has been compromised. We discovered multiple malware traces, not just in your door locks, but also in your household appliances, computer systems, and even your car's navigation unit."
Isolde's eyes widened. "What?"
Gabriel continued. "They've been monitoring you for quite some time. We're still trying to confirm whether it's Jewel Electricals, but whoever's behind it knows your schedule, your research hours, and even when your daughter comes home from school."
The color drained from Isolde's face. Her hand instinctively reached for Anneliese, who sat quietly beside her, unaware of what was being said.
"This is… dangerous," Isolde whispered. "Forget about SIBYL, they can just take it. I don't care anymore…"
Her grip on Anneliese's hand tightened.
"But my daughter…"
The room fell silent. For a moment, no one spoke until Julius broke the silence.
"The best course of action is relocation, Doctor Isolde. A new home."
"Ah… That…" Isolde hesitated, lowering her gaze. "I don't have the money for that."
"Which is why I'm here," Julius said.
"...."
He leaned forward slightly, folding his hands together, the faint trace of a cold smile tugging at his lips.
"Under me, you won't have to worry about anything. Under my protection, you can continue your research without fear. No threats, no debts, no need to look over your shoulder."
Isolde looked at him warily. "And what exactly do you mean by under you?"
"Exactly what I mean. Your work on SIBYL is valuable, but it's being wasted in your current position. With the Schneider Group—No, with me, you'll have the facilities, the resources, and the security to continue your work without interference."
She frowned slightly. "You want to own SIBYL."
"I want to protect it," Julius corrected. "Ownership is a matter of formality. I'm sure you're aware that the world outside will try to weaponize what you've created. I won't let that happen."
Isolde bit her lip, conflicted. This wasn't the first time she had received an offer like this.
"And if I refuse?"
Julius's eyes softened. "Then that would be unfortunate. I truly wish only the best for you, Doctor Isolde."
Isolde hesitated, her gaze lowering to Anneliese. "G-Give me some time to think about it. Right now, I just want to take my daughter to school and… try to think clearly."
"Of course," Julius replied. "Then I'll just leave this with you."
He reached into his briefcase and placed a document on the table. The paper was embossed with the Schneider Group's seal and his personal signature.
Isolde stared at it uncertainly before picking it up. Her eyes skimmed the contents, and not before long, widened in disbelief.
[Full financial and educational support for Anneliese Petra Aschoff from elementary through university, including housing, allowance, medical coverage, and guaranteed employment within the Schneider Group upon graduation.]
Isolde's breath hitched. "This is…"
"No strings attached."
For a moment, she couldn't speak. It all felt surreal. Every line in the contract seemed to promise safety, stability, and a future for her daughter and her without expecting any guaranteed returns.
Yet, when her eyes met Julius's smile, a chill ran down her spine.
"...."
It was too good to be true.
So much so that it felt less like a blessing and more like she was selling her soul to the devil.