"If I could choose, I wouldn't have wanted to become who I am today. I wanted to be kind," rasped the officer.Darius narrowed his eyes silently. The man on the other end of the line heard this. He roared, "What have you done to my man, Darius? Why is he saying things like that?"Darius shut his eyes and exhaled. He didn't answer the man. Instead, he said mockingly, "It's a little too late for you to wonder about that. Everyone here heard our conversation, and I'm sure many of your experiments now know the truth.""You coerced them into agreeing to become your experiments by holding their families hostage. You promised you'd let their families off the hook and treat them well. But those were all lies! I wonder what will happen to you now that they know the truth." Darius hung up.He looked at the officer, who was staring at the ceiling blankly. He struggled to say, "Darius, I think enlightened martial artists like yourself and the person behind Dream Investment Group can save me. But

"I know a little something about the person behind Dream Investment Group. It's something that no one else knows." Gabriel gave Darius a complicated look. "I also know there's something wrong with my body and emotions."I've prepared myself to retire and rest after this is over. I didn't expect you to give me such a surprise, though." He sat opposite Darius.The crowd had dispersed so they could talk in peace. Gabriel seemed somewhat haggard as he said, "I know bits and pieces of everything. I've never tried putting them together, though."Darius looked calm. He didn't seem surprised by Gabriel's sudden switch from hostility to anticipation. He looked at the ground as his mind raced. He didn't really know how to deal with these experiments. Their emotions seemed rather unstable.It was as if they'd been designed to deal with enlightened martial artists like himself. Darius raised an eyebrow. A small smile curved his lips but soon faded. He sat up straight. "You guys were created to de

"It's just that you guys want me to go with you willingly. That's why you've only shown up now. Of course, there's another reason. I guessed everything on my own," said Darius. He sighed and put his hands behind his back.His gaze was cold as he looked at Gabriel. "Now, have you decided who you're gonna hand me over to?"Gabriel couldn't believe how accurate Darius' guesses were. He had to choose one of the three parties he served to swear his allegiance to. As he hesitated, Darius said, "You're a spy that the enlightened martial artists sent to the organization for the black-robed people."What I want to know is how you managed to get a job with the authorities. It's such a huge leap. I wouldn't even have thought it possible." Darius raised an eyebrow.A trace of surprise flashed in Gabriel's eyes. He didn't expect Darius to say this. Once again, Darius had accurately pinpointed the anomaly. Getting a job with the authorities had been nothing but an accident.Gabriel bit his lip as h

"Based on what the enlightened martial artists' alliance wants, I should bring you to them. I doubt things will turn out well for me no matter what I do. That's why I'm leaving the decision to you. Which would you prefer?" Gabriel asked.Darius didn't expect this of him. He raised an eyebrow and stared at Gabriel for a long time. Then, he said, "I'll be honest with you. I'm surprised by your actions. I'd like to know what you think, though. Do you have any suggestions for me?"Darius was calm, but the same couldn't be said for Gabriel. His eyes widened in astonishment. He didn't expect Darius to ask him for his opinion. And his instinct told him Darius would go with what he suggested.Gabriel exhaled and smiled. "I'd suggest we deal with the authorities first. Then, I'll take you to the enlightened martial artists' alliance. They didn't tell me much about the situation. I'm doing all of this of my own volition."Darius raised an eyebrow in surprise. He'd never met anyone like Gabriel

Though unwilling to rain on Gabriel's parade, Darius had to curb his excitement. "I can see how excited you are, but you need to calm down. I may be willing to go with you, but it's easier said than done."I have to deal with my internship, the Reid Consortium, and West Atlantics Int'l. In other words, I'm incredibly busy. How long will a trip to the alliance take? Time is of the essence, and I can't waste too much of it on the alliance."And because of this, I can't promise I can head to the alliance with you at such short notice."Gabriel didn't expect Darius to say this. He smiled. "I'll make sure we don't take too long."Darius raised an eyebrow, then nodded. "Alright, then. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt." He smiled. "Now that we're on the same page, let's not waste more time here." He put his hands behind his back.Gabriel couldn't understand his sudden eagerness but took it in stride. He nodded. "Great. If you're agreeable, we can leave now."Darius watched him silently