AMAT Begins

The day before their departure, Debbie finally got a breather from the never-ending prep work for the new shop's launch.

She hurried to the hotel lobby, eager to update Lyra. But while she was there, she threw in a question, "Boss, you're heading to that closed-off island for the competition. Should we keep Mr. Frei on board?"

Mr. Frei wasn't just any regular hire. He was a level-eight Peculiar, an elite bodyguard known for taking on high-end protection gigs. Lyra had hired him at a steep price, asking Debbie to ensure he'd protect her discreetly from the moment they landed on Elden Prime.

But, honestly, they hadn't even needed him. Even when things went sideways after their arrival, Lyra didn't call him for backup. He stayed in the shadows, inactive.

Debbie had been puzzled ever since picking up Lyra from the hospital. 'Why pay thousands a day for a bodyguard who just watched from afar?'