What I Really Have In Mind.

"I can't find my tag," Aiden responded as he pulled out a folded piece of paper from the inner pocket of his coat.

Seeing this piece of paper, the group came together as Aiden unfolded it, it seemed to be a business card of sorts, and on it was a single name, "Medusa."

Seeing this card instantly struck a memory in Aiden's mind, when Aiden had previously encountered Medusa, she had said a few words before she left.

(Well, well, well, it's not pointy but I think I like the color orange.)

"Medusa took my tag, but when?" Aiden mused feeling deeply confused. He didn't remember having any physical contact with her, so there was no way she could have pickpocketed him.

Seeing Aiden's perplexed expression, Mai asked with a frown. "Is Medusa in the building?"

"No she isn't," Jonathan responded, as he took the invite from Aiden.

Walking toward his computer, he typed in a few words and something came up.

Pointing towards the screen, Jonathan said. "Come take a look, Medusa is going to perform at the Vin's Parlor, 8:00 PM tomorrow."

"So there's no way to get my tag back?" Aiden asked, his voice echoing in the room.

With his hands on his chin, Jonathan said, "I don't think you can get your tag back before the initiation, but it is possible to get it back tomorrow."

"Ha!"

Aiden let out a breath of disappointment before asking, "Who is this woman anyway? Medusa, I didn't want to ask because it was none of my business, but now she has my tag."

Hearing Aiden's question, Mai also looked curiously at Jonathan who said after thinking for a while, "Well, she is a Veteran who has served her time in the front lines, she didn't make any waves before she was sent there at Threat level 26, but after she came back, everyone was surprised that she was suddenly at Threat level 30."

"She sounds formidable," Mai cut Jonathan short, earning her a short glance from him.

Giving Mai a look, Jonathan continued, "More than you know, increasing her strength isn't the only wave she made, she challenged the normal rankings, no one thought she'd win but she did, and then after that, she challenged the prodigy rankings, then the invincible rankings."

Taking a pause, Jonathan looked around before stating, "Medusa is currently ranked fourth on the invincible rankings of the Threat level 30, Veteran class and she is famous for being the craziest female Contractor in the Silence."

Hearing this, both Aiden and Mai had no reaction making Jonathan hit his forehead before saying, "I keep forgetting that you both are new, don't worry you'll know what the rankings are this evening at your initiation."

"Shouldn't we do something about my tag?" Aiden asked from the side, his voice listless as he added, "I need them to collect my rewards after all."

Taking a seat, Jonathan shook his head. "Yes you need them to collect your reward, but you'll be given a week to choose from what you are given."

"What is the front lines?" Mai suddenly asked feeling curious, Jonathan had said something that sparked her interest.

Jonathan sat down, his expression unreadable as he let out a sigh, "Do you think demons are the only problem we face? Like I said, you'll know more about all this in time."

Hearing this, Aiden nodded as he walked towards Jonathan's table, picking a random book to pass the time.

"Introduction to Detritus inscribing," Aiden muttered as he opened the book to read, he might have completed his mandatory mission, but that didn't take away his interest in reading.

As Aiden did this, Mai laid down on the bed and closed her eyes, trying to calm himself.

As the duo did this, Jonathan stared at them with a perplexed expression on his face, he did this for a while until he couldn't take it anymore. "Aren't you worried?"

Jonathan's voice suddenly sounded out, drawing Aiden's attention from his book. Mai also opened her eyes.

Letting out a breath, Aiden licked his lips as he dropped his book, "what do you mean?"

"Don't play dumb with me Aiden, you know what I mean, I was talking about the two mysterious organizations after our heads," Jonathan responded.

Hearing Jonathan's words, Aiden smirked and said. "I was waiting for you to bring that up, I know you did your research so hit me, what do you got?"

Listening to the contents of the conversation, Mai sat up as Jonathan turned to his computer, her gaze serious as she watched him type a few words into his keyboard.

Turning to Aiden, Jonathan said, "Listen," he began, his voice hushed but resolute. "I've spent all day digging into the operations of the Blue Dragon Betting House, and I can tell you, they're as clean as a whistle."

Upon hearing this, Aiden and Mai exchanged skeptical glances, but Jonathan pressed on, his tone unwavering.

"First off, the Seventh Shelter government has strict regulations in place for gambling establishments. The Shelter's Gambling Act ensures that the Blue Dragon adheres to the highest standards of integrity and fairness. They're licensed by the Shelter's Gambling Commission, which means they're held accountable for every game they run."

He paused, taking a breath before continuing.

"As for the games themselves, they stick to the classic card games, modern slot machines, and simple mechanical games like spinning wheels. Everything is above board, and the Shelter's authorities make sure of it."

Saying this Jonathan leaned back in his chair, a sense of satisfaction washing over him as he recounted his findings.

"And it's not just the games. The Blue Dragon takes public safety seriously. They've got security personnel patrolling the premises, surveillance cameras keeping watchful eyes on every corner, and emergency protocols in place to handle any situation that arises."

Hearing this Aiden and Mai nodded in understanding before Aiden muttered. "Well, where is the drop? We both know that all this is bullshit right?"

"Haha!"

Mai chuckled at Aiden's question, her eyes narrowed as she said. "The Blue Dragon Betting House has been around for a long time, do you think a simple background check is enough to get some dirt on them? This isn't some kind of movie Aiden this is real life."

"I hate to admit it but Mai's right Aiden" Jonathan concluded, a hint of dread in his voice. "Despite their shady reputation, the Blue Dragon Betting House operates within the confines of the law. They're as clean as they come, much to my disappointment."

With that, the room suddenly turned silent until Aiden asked, "What about the other business? The Order Of Desolation?"

With Aiden's question, Jonathan leaned back in his chair, his gaze shifting between his two friends, as he said.

"They are even more formidable, not as clean as the Betting House, but formidable," Jonathan began, his tone serious yet resolute.

Hearing Jonathan's tone, Mai urged with a frown. "Just get on with it, how are they formidable?"

"I looked into C's story and found the business she was talking about," Jonathan started, his eyes scanning the room before he continued. "It's called, Désâme Ordre, and trust me they are good, Désâme Ordre is playing a high-stakes game here, and they're winning."

At the sound of Jonathan's voice, Aiden's expression remained stoic, but Jonathan could sense the gears turning in his mind. Mai, on the other hand, flashed a wry smile, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"They're facing serious allegations," Jonathan continued, gesturing towards the computer screen. "Money laundering, racketeering, conspiracy, you name it. But their legal team is top-notch. They've dismantled the prosecution's case piece by piece, leaving their foes scrambling for answers."

Aiden nodded, his expression unreadable, while Mai leaned forward, her interest piqued.

"But that's not all," Jonathan said, his voice gaining momentum. "Let's talk about the 'S' app. It's become a phenomenon, folks. Désâme Ordre has revolutionized social networking, offering features and services that users can't get enough of. And the best part? They're one of only two major players in the game."

Mai raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a smirk. "Sounds like they're giving the Seventh Shelter's government a run for their money," she remarked.

"Exactly," Jonathan agreed, nodding emphatically. "They're challenging the status quo, fighting for the rights of their users, and refusing to back down in the face of adversity."

Aiden remained silent, but Jonathan could see a glimmer of understanding in his eyes.

"In conclusion," Jonathan concluded, his voice tinged with conviction, "Désâme Ordre is a force to be reckoned with. They've weathered the storm, earned the support of their users, and emerged stronger than ever. And with that mysterious madam of theirs at the helm, there's no telling what they'll accomplish next."

"So in conclusion," Mai's voice suddenly sounded out grimly, her tone heavy as she darted in, "we are fucked."

The room was once again thrown into a period of silence, each person left to their thoughts.

Finally, Jonathan couldn't hold it anymore and asked Aiden. "What do you have in mind Aiden? You couldn't have just let C go out of the goodness of your heart."

"We need an answer Aiden," Mai's voice suddenly sounded out surprising Jonathan who looked towards her, brows raised in shock.

Noticing Jonathan's look, Mai smiled a bit. "What? I trust Aiden, but you didn't think I'd go against two mega organizations with just his everything's ok vibe did you?"

Hearing this, Jonathan looked towards Aiden, his gaze screaming, "It's two against one."

Seeing the look in the eyes of his friends, Aiden chuckled a bit before saying. "Well, you want to hear my grad plan? Here it is, I plan to move my mother to a secure hospital at Raindrop Estate."

"You're moving the people you care about," Mai muttered as she gazed at Aiden, her eyes narrowing as she asked, "What about us?"

"I advise you to do the same," Aiden responded.

Wiping his face with his palm, Jonathan said, "ok, so when were you planning to tell us that you didn't have a plan, because this isn't a plan, even though we hide all our loved ones from the two giants after us the, we'll raise questions, if I was the only one then it isn't a problem but since you both are new agents then you're closely watched, plus the syndicate wouldn't have to resort to such a tactic, they could just send someone to assassinate you, or they could tip the Silence about our little stunt then we'll be done."

At the dawn of Jonathan's words, Aiden shook his head before saying, "You may be right, but at the same time you're wrong. First, we don't have a choice, we have to move our loved ones regardless of whether the Silence finds out or not, second our goal Is to do business with the syndicate so that assassination will be handled."

"And we're supposed to put our lives on the line for you with just that, that's not gonna be enough to survive this, why don't you just admit that you made a bad call by letting C go," Jonathan blurted out.

"He's right Aiden," Mai added as she watched him seriously.

Seeing the look on both Jonathan and Mai's faces Aiden chuckled exposing his white teeth before saying, "See right there is the reason why you're not seeing things my way guys, all you can think about is surviving, you're afraid."

"Hump!"

Mai scoffed at Aiden's words before saying. "OK Aiden, I chose to say less because I thought you had a better plan in mind, are you insane? We don't have the resources or the power to fight against the two giants, you don't even know how strong you are, how can you not be afraid?"

"Well I know I'm as strong as a Contractor at Threat Level 20," Aiden said as he stared at Mai, his tone solemn as he continued, "I also know that my measly strength is not enough to fight the syndicate, but I don't want to fight, I want to win, my plan starts with Medusa, so why don't you both grab some drinks and listen to what I really have in mind."

Hearing this both Mai and Jonathan looked surprised as they listened in to what Aiden was about to say.

Meanwhile, Landon scoffed in Aiden's head as he said, "The nerve of that girl, to question my accurate opinion, don't listen to anyone Aiden, you're as strong as a Threat level 20 Contractor."

Landon was the one who had told Aiden his strength, which was why even though Aiden could have had the EDAC say that he was at Threat level 30, he insisted it stayed at twenty.