You Have Five Seconds

As Jake and his comrades made their departure from the Oracle Palace, on a course set for Cekt's laboratory, Kang Jun reunited with Cho-Min-Ho, Lee Yoon, and the third bodyguard who were patiently waiting in one of the gardens, cupping a warm teacup, basking under the artificial sun of Thelma.

The third bodyguard was the sole non-human alien among them. An alien more insect than human by the name of Natan. Only God knew if it was his birth name or a moniker Cho Min Ho later assigned to simplify their communications. His native tongue was but a series of clicks and mandible scrapes—utterly incomprehensible.

On spotting Kang Jun strolling towards them, hands nonchalantly in pockets, Cho Min Ho and Natan shot him a disapproving glance. Lee Yoon, meanwhile, made no attempt to hide her revulsion and contempt.

"Was it truly necessary to display such arrogance in proposing our alliance?" Lee Yoon spat spitefully.