Noir was slumped back in his chair, staring blankly upward with his hands pressed against his face.

"We’re fucked. Completely fucked."

"Hey, watch your mouth—there are kids here," said Mr. Nobody.

Kuronuma grimaced but said nothing.

"How am I supposed to not swear, bro?! How was I supposed to know you’re not even First Step?!" Noir desperately grabbed his collar. "You seemed so confident and fearless, and your abilities were so awesome... I thought you were First Step—hell, maybe even Second Step on the Path of Solitude!"

"Why does everyone keep saying that... Do I look like someone who could be connected to Solitude?"

"Of course! Of everyone I’ve met in my life, you look the most like someone from the Path of Solitude. You even have a cat, just like a proper lone wolf!" Noir sighed dejectedly and slumped back into the chair. "But it’s not just about you—it’s about the people on the Path of Solitude themselves. No one talks about them—hell, people barely even remember they exist; at most, there’s a mention in the news about how the Peak of Solitude will stop yet another cosmic crisis. Nothing is known about their abilities, and they’re shrouded in mystery—which fits perfectly with that insane ’Faceless Star’ thing you pulled last time!"

"Well. . . I admit I might have given the wrong impression." He scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Are we really scrapping the mission just because I’m not the First Step?"

Before Noir could answer, Sofien interjected.

"Dude in the mask freaked out because he thought you wouldn’t be able to use the nanosuit. It’s mandatory for the mission, and only someone who has reached at least First Step can use it. A normal human body wouldn’t survive it."

"That means..."

"He’ll manage," she replied to Noir.

"...Huh?" And even though he was wearing a mask, everyone could clearly see his mouth open.

"His physical capabilities are incredible for a mere human and rather mediocre for the First Step. The real anomaly is in his heart and circulatory system. It’s capable of withstanding absurd levels of strain, almost comparable to the First Step, and this goes beyond endurance."

Her words made Mr. Nobody unconsciously hold his breath and press his palm to his chest. Right over the Champion’s symbol, hidden beneath his clothes.

Noir took control of the projection from Sofien and began reviewing the data himself. It seemed that with every passing second, the lenses of his mask seemed to widen with every second.

"Bro..." He turned to him, seemingly hiding a smirk. "Looks like you’re a monster wearing human skin."

"Don’t call him that!" a shout rang out.

Everyone around felt a wave of goosebumps run down their skin. Mara, sitting in the corner, nearly fell out of her chair.

It seemed Kuronuma was truly angry.

"Easy, kid, that was a compliment to your big brother’s strength." Noir waved in her direction.

"...But I definitely don’t think you should call me that."

"Mm...?"

Mr. Nobody shifted his gaze toward the open space where Sofien had launched a large projection.

As it loaded, a dark silhouette in a wide-brimmed hat appeared for a few seconds, pressing an index finger to its lips.

"..."

In the heavy silence, only Noir laughed loudly and patted him on the shoulder.

...

The lights dimmed, and everyone’s attention turned to Sofien. She paced around a 3D projection of a forested area, pointing to specific sections marked with dots and moving two red figures around as she explained the plan of action.

Mara, sitting apart from everyone else, recorded it all on video with a nervous expression, repeating Sofien’s words under her breath.

Mr. Nobody guessed why she might be here as an intern, but he still frowned every now and then, glancing at her.

Although she had helped him to some extent, he was clearly not thrilled by her company.

"Brother, isn’t this weird?" Noir began to whisper, trying to make sure Sofien, who was speaking, didn’t hear him. "You have unusual superpowers, even though you’re at the level of an ordinary person. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I’d think you were one of those creatures like the Fool Baals. How is that possible? What’s the secret?"

"It’s a long story, and not one I want to share."

"I know the feeling. But it’s still not fair. Why is it that what I got at birth is the ability to smell any stench, hear the neighbors five floors up going at it, and damn insomnia, while yours are... an insane dark superpower and strength on par with half a Step."

*Crack!* At that moment, one of the lenses on Noir’s mask took a sharp flick. It was so hard that his head snapped back, and the glass nearly cracked.

"Ouch! That actually hurts!" he exclaimed, offended.

"Listen, don’t talk." Sofien rubbed her finger and returned to the projection.

Mr. Nobody couldn’t help but smirk.

"Looks like you exaggerated the part about your hearing."

"Not exactly. It’s all because of her suit." Noir rubbed his mask painfully. "You should see what’s under it."

"Last warning."

"We’re listening!"

Sofien began explaining the plan again.

Kuronuma, sitting next to him, was trying hard to follow everything with a studious expression, clutching the cat in her arms.

"...Our AVI is leaving Concord’s airspace and heading toward the approximate area of Point A. We’ll fly there, staying above one kilometer, until Kuronuma senses the trail of the Fool Baals. When that happens, I’ll adjust the map and route in real time, and the two of you will perform an emergency drop at the new starting point."

"With a parachute?" Mr. Nobody asked, raising his hand.

"...Something like that. The nanosuits will make you invisible, but one of you still has to carry the bomb and the rest of the gear, which will be visible—that’ll be dude in the mask." She then pointed at Mr. Nobody. "You have the ability to vanish and make a quick getaway, as well as the ability to assess the situation. You’ll move ahead and recon the area, retreating into the shadows if there’s mortal danger. That’s an emergency escape plan—one we’d rather not have to use."

"I’m a pathetic squire again?!"

"And I’m the cattle being led first to the slaughter again..." He turned to Noir. "Want to switch places?"

"No way!"

*Crack!* Another flick hit the second lens.

"...Keep listening instead of talking. Unless you want to be boiled or eaten alive."