Chapter 3

Back in the bloodstained room.

Akira was sitting at his desk, in front of his computer, on a video call with two people.

Money Man: [Pwahahaha! Oh man, where did our green guy go?? Hahaha...]

This was Hiroshi Girard, the red-haired boy. He was wearing a school uniform, and judging by the background, he was clearly in an internet café.

Hiroshi had regressed to his 15-year-old self.

His laughter was justified because the Akira in front of him looked like a human tomato. His face was entirely red, with several bumps on his head as a bonus.

HACKMASTER: [I don't even want to ask why you look like that.]

This was Daiki Anderson, the bespectacled boy with dark blue hair. Unlike the other two, who were skipping classes, he was attending an IT school, where computers were allowed. Sitting at the back of the class, he whispered to avoid getting caught by his teacher.

Daiki Anderson had also regressed to his 15-year-old self.

Green Shaolin: [Sigh. It's a long story.]

This was Akira's online alias.

HACKMASTER: [Alright, alright, let's move on. I don't have much time, so let's make this quick... Hey, you idiot, stop laughing already!]

Money Man: [Hahahahaha, sorry, sorry! But you do look kinda cute like that, brother.]

With a sarcastic smile, Money Man gave a thumbs-up.

Green Shaolin: [Haha, hilarious. Laugh it up, idiot.] Akira flipped him off.

Despite the urgency of the situation, the atmosphere between them was relaxed, like that of war veterans who had faced death together countless times.

Money Man: [So, we're looking for a way to meet up again, right? This time, you guys are coming to my place—it's my turn.]

Green Shaolin: [Tsk.] Akira clicked his tongue.

Money Man: [Idiot. Why do you guys always sulk when it's my turn?]

After each regression, they always found a way to meet at one of their places in turns—a method to diversify their research.

This time, it was Hiroshi Girard's turn, which meant they would have to gather in France.

Green Shaolin: [Well, maybe because...] Akira attempted to answer before being interrupted.

HACKMASTER: [Guys, I think it won't be productive this time... Actually, I think it would be a waste of time.]

Money Man: [You too, Hacker?]

Green Shaolin: [What do you mean?]

HACKMASTER: [You remember the Bureau of Strange Affairs, don't you?]

Green Shaolin: [Yeah...]

HACKMASTER: [Back then, I did some research on them and found out their recruitment methods...]

A brief silence followed before Daiki continued.

HACKMASTER: [As you know, it's a global organization. Their agents are spread out everywhere. They're constantly searching for people with any connection to spirits or even those who take an interest in them. They make them undergo a test, and if they're eligible, they integrate them into the organization. If not, they erase their memories in one way or another.]

Money Man: [How the hell did you get access to this classified information that even governments can't touch?]

HACKMASTER (Daiki) removed his glasses, casually cleaned them with a handkerchief from his pocket, and replied with an emotionless expression.

HACKMASTER: [The internet is terrifying.]

Green Shaolin: [Hmm... So you're suggesting we get noticed individually? It's a good idea, but we need to regroup as soon as possible, right? Especially with the events that are about to unfold.]

Money Man: [I was thinking the same thing.]

HACKMASTER: [That's not an issue. Those who qualify are transferred to the International Academy of the Bureau of Strange Affairs for training before being deployed. And that base is in the United States...]

[…..]

[…..]

Hiroshi and Akira stared at Daiki with furrowed brows.

Money Man: [You bastard, just admit you're too lazy to come to my place!]

Green Shaolin: [What's the plan?]

HACKMASTER: [We just make ourselves noticeable to them. Money Man, you've got an idea of how to do that, don't you?] Daiki said nonchalantly.

Money Man: [Money is terrifying! What about you?]

HACKMASTER: [I've already told you. The internet is terrifying.]

Green Shaolin: [.....]

A moment of silence followed as they waited for Akira to speak.

Green Shaolin: [Martial arts are...]

Money Man: [Sigh. With that bloodied face of yours, you're really convincing, believe me.]

HACKMASTER: [You have no idea, do you?]

Green Shaolin: [.....]

HACKMASTER: [Pfft... Tonight, I'll do some research on supernatural events currently happening in your area and send them to you by email. You'll try solving them with advice from our shaman, Money Man.]

Money Man: [Screw you! And who's the shaman anyway?]

HACKMASTER: [You are.]

Money Man: [No, I'm not!]

They all smiled.

Green Shaolin: [Now that we've set the main objectives, let's go all in. We must succeed, no matter what. Let's meet at the academy in a month.]

Money Man: [Hehehe.]

HACKMASTER: [Hm.]

"Mr. Daiki Anderson, you seem very focused. Could you repeat what I just said?"

The teacher, noticing Daiki was distracted by something on his computer, called him out.

HACKMASTER: [Bye,] he whispered, ending the call.

He logged out.

Money Man: [Well, I've got to go and start putting my plan into action since someone set a one-month deadline,] Hiroshi said sarcastically.

Green Shaolin: [Time is precious.]

Money Man: [Yeah, green geezer... Or should I say red geezer? Hahahaha!]

Green Shaolin: [Bastard!] Green abruptly shut his laptop.

---

John: [So, that's what happened.]

Miku: [Huh? What did you just say?]

What?