>>5181401“T-That’s not… Forget it! What happened to the fire?” You need answers, you get out of the room to the one you were restrained in. There’s a massive black circle on the ground and there’s a handful of books half destroyed.
“Well, it wasn’t much of a fire when I got in. I was prepared for much worse, but just a handful of books were being consumed rather slowly.” Vanessa shows you her fire extinguisher as she trails behind. “I don’t believe any fire alarms were set off by it, either. How lucky!”
“Frankly, that’s quite concerning knowing the experiments that are run up here… Perhaps, that’s the reason why they weren’t activated.” Athena has underlying issues with this. “I’m not quite sure how you can walk around with such ease if the migraine you have is anything too close to mine, Mr. Kobayashi.”
“It’s the adrenaline.” You don’t feel any pain anymore. “Does it mean the research is gone…?”
“Not quite, Mr. Kobayashi. Not quite. It’s all right here.” Athena touches her head. “I’m blessed with photographic memory! Yet, it’s not as permanent as I’d like, I need to write this down somewhere before it vanishes…” Athena grabs a notebook lying around and starts writing things down with obscene accuracy. But suddenly stops in her tracks. “Oh yes, will you two promise me you’ll bring that pesky little lady back here as soon as possible? I’ll stay here to explain what happened. I can wait to see the little spark of joy’s expression upon learning about this. And after all, I was the one responsible for her safety.”
“I-I mean, it’s my job—”
“Mr. Kobayashi, please, do not treat me as a fool. You don’t have to keep lying.” Athena interrupts you before you can get your act back together. “Bring her back and I’ll deal with the rest. A tiny request I’m sure you’ll be able to fulfill. It’s the least I can do for someone who went through fire for me…” Athena bows to Vanessa, the ex-police woman doesn’t know how to respond. What a strange scene. “And I’m rather thankful for your presence as well, Mr. Kobayashi. I was about to free her the moment you got here. I’m glad I didn’t have to endure this hardship on my own…”
“I will bring Ema back. No doubts about it.” You salute like back in the old times.
“Hahaha, what a peculiar fellow. You must go. There’s no time to waste.” Athena presents you the door.
“You’re keen on seeing us go, huh?” You raise an eyebrow.
“There’s no ill intent on my end. We won’t be able to enjoy a fruitful conversation any longer once I start writing everything down. So farewell for now.” Athena grabs the notepad and continues writing things down.
