When he exited the elevator, no one questioned him. His expression betrayed nothing, but his hands were clenched in his jacket pockets, his mind a storm of calculated thoughts. Three escape routes, armed personnel, one potential choke point near the fire exit -all cataloged without conscious effort. He caught the reflection of a security camera in a decorative mirror and adjusted his path precisely two steps to the left -straight into its blind spot. Old habits from another world that had kept him breathing when everything else wanted him dead.

His eyes continued to sweep the space -emergency exits to the left and right, security camera blind spot near the potted plant, two visible guards trying hard to look invisible by the far wall. A few more scattered about in civilian clothing, trying their best to blend in -and failing.

The security guards flanking the entrance to the board room shifted uncomfortably as he approached, one even touching the earpiece in his ear as if considering calling for backup. Yet, none of them moved to stop him.

They didn't dare.

Jack knew why. He was the spitting image of the man in charge -the same sharp jawline, the same piercing blue eyes, the same imposing stride. Except younger. Fresher. With an edge that suggested he'd been through the fires of hell and come out forged, not burned.

His gaze zeroed in on the symphony that was being conducted in far room by a maestro of corporate warfare.

Jack was just able to make out through the frosted glass windows and partially flipped blinds, a massive conference room bustling with suited figures. Jack didn't hesitate, pushing through the double doors as if he owned the place. Heads turned, a few gasps escaping the assembled board members. At the head of the table stood Jacob -the CEO, the changeling, his so-called brother.

"Excuse me," Jack said, his voice cutting through the murmured conversations like a blade. "I need a word."

Jacob's eyes locked on his, widening ever so slightly before narrowing with cold calculation, and a hint of barely bridled fury. He waved a dismissive hand to his junior, who immediately began organizing the meeting's continuation without a word. Jacob's emotional shifts were almost imperceptible, but Jack knew him -or the person he pretended to be- too well. It was there, hidden in the slight tension of his shoulders and the forced neutrality of his expression. Discomfort, anger, curiosity, and distrust. But the curiosity was winning out -and the frustration.

Without waiting for an invitation, Jack followed Jacob through a side door and into his expansive office. The space hadn't changed much in the past few years. It screamed power -dark wood paneling, an enormous mahogany desk, and floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the sprawling cityscape like a masterpiece. Jack's gaze flicked around the room -measuring distances, noting the heavy paperweight (potential weapon), the computer terminal (potential information source), the two concealed panic buttons (one under the desk, one disguised as a light switch)- all without breaking stride.

He was aware of how his newly regained heightened senses gave him an diamond edge, and he applied it with surgical precision.

Jacob's assistant appeared almost on cue, a striking woman with sharp features and a knowing smile. Jack remembered a countess that held a similar bearing, and the thought of her brought a smile to his eyes.

She carried a tray of drinks and sandwiches, setting it on the desk with practiced grace.

"Can I get you anything else, Mr. Emrys?" she asked, her voice a smooth purr, though her gaze lingered on Jack.

"Nothing for me," Jacob said curtly.

Jack, however, offered a lopsided grin, his eyes flicking to her as he leaned casually against the desk. "I could use some company," he said with a wink.

She arched a brow, the corner of her lips twitching in amusement. "I'll see what I can do," she teased, her tone light but her eyes dancing with interest. As she turned to leave, she tossed him a sly wink over her shoulder, her skirt swaying just enough to catch his attention. It was calculated, deliberate. But Jack didn't care. He watched her go, his grin lingering until she disappeared from view.

When the door clicked shut behind her, the smile slipped away like a mask being removed, replaced by a steely resolve that would have made even the hardest mercenary step back. The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. His posture shifted -almost imperceptible, but suddenly he looked coiled, dangerous, like a predator who'd been playacting as harmless until the exact moment to strike.

"Hello, 'brother'," he said, his voice laced with venom as he moved to sit in the oversized chair behind Jacob's desk, kicking back as though he owned it. Which -in a way- he did.

Jacob crossed the room to the silver serving set, pouring himself a drink. His hands were steady, but there was an edge to his movements, a tightness that betrayed the unease bubbling beneath his polished exterior.

"Three years," Jacob said without turning. "Three years of silence, and now you show up the moment dungeons start appearing globally?"

"What can I say? I've always had impeccable timing. It's one of my many charming qualities."

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Jacob turned then, and Jack was surprised to see genuine strain on his face. The perfect corporate mask had slipped, revealing something almost... human underneath.

"Do you know what's happening?" Jacob asked, voice tight with controlled tension. "Because my best people have nothing. Absolutely nothing."

Jack knew that was untrue, but he didn't press the point.

"Well, well, well. The great Jacob Emrys, stumped by a little interdimensional bleeding. How the mighty have fallen."

"This isn't a joke," Jacob snapped, taking a step towards his desk. "People are disappearing. Things are... changing."

"No shit," Jack replied, examining his fingernails with exaggerated casualness. "That's what happens when reality gets a puncture wound."

Jacob stared at him for a long moment. "You know something."

It wasn't a question.

Jack grinned, slow and dangerous. "Brother dear, I know everything. That's why you're going to give me exactly what I need, no questions asked."

"And that is?" Jacob asked, genuine curiosity overcoming his nervousness.

"We'll come around to that," Jack replied smoothly.

Jacob grabbed a platter of sandwiches and set it on the desk between them, before sitting down opposite Jack.

As Jacob dropped into one of the sleek visitor chairs, Jack propped his feet up on Jacob's immaculate desk. The CEO flinched almost imperceptibly at the boots on his pristine surface, a tiny tell that revealed volumes about the power dynamic shifting between them.

"Let's try this again," Jacob offered with a breath of steely willed control. "Hi, Jack. Nice to see you," he said with an easy going tone as if they were old friends who hadn't seen each other since the last barbeque.

Then he stiffened as he met Jack's gaze, the discomfort obvious in the way he held his glass. This was a man who commanded a megacorporation, who had spent years crafting an empire with plans to control the world. Yet here he was, unnerved by the one person on Earth he feared.

"You're making a habit of barging into my life." Jacob changed tactics, his voice measured but his annoyance barely concealed.

Jack leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Funny. I could say the same about you -considering you're living my life."

Jacob flinched, a subtle reaction, but Jack caught it. He always caught it. There was satisfaction in knowing that beneath the smooth facade, Jacob was still rattled by his presence.

"You didn't come here just to trade barbs," Jacob said, sipping his drink. "What do you want?"

Jack's expression darkened, his gaze boring into Jacob's. "I have a theory," he said, his tone suddenly serious. "And I'd like to test it."

Jacob frowned. "What kind of theory?"

Jack's smirk returned, sharp and knowing. "Ever checked your HUD? Your personal display?"

Jacob blinked, genuine confusion evident on his face. "My what now?"

Jack sat back, crossing his arms. "Oh, come on. Don't play dumb. You're the changeling who replaced me. Don't tell me you've never seen it." Not seeing any sort of confirmation in Jacob's demeanor, Jack sighed. "Let me guess -you don't even know how to access it."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Jacob said, his voice laced with suspicion.

"Sure you don't," Jack said, rolling his eyes. "Here. I'll make it easy for you."

He guided Jacob through the steps, his tone dripping with condescension as he explained how to activate the HUD. The mental gymnastics needed to bring up the interface. Jacob hesitated but followed his instructions, and moments later, his eyes widened as the display materialized before him.

"There it is," Jack said, watching his reaction closely.

Jacob's mouth opened slightly, his fingers twitching as he scrolled through the unfamiliar visuals. "What… is this?"

"It's your HUD," Jack said, his voice calm but tinged with satisfaction. "Your stats, your level, your abilities. Basic stuff. I've had mine since the other world. Looks like you've got one too -courtesy of Earth. You're welcome."

Jacob's gaze snapped to Jack, his expression unreadable. "What level are you? When I look-" he said slowly, his voice tinged with unease. "You're just… question marks."

Jack tilted his head, intrigued. "You have an identification skill? Interesting. That confirms something I've been suspecting."

Jacob scrolled further, his brow furrowing as he took in the details. "I'm level two," he muttered.

Jack leaned back in the oversized chair, letting his fingers drum against the polished surface of the desk. The faint hum of the building's systems was a comforting reminder of the technology surrounding them, a stark contrast to the arcane chaos of the other world he had known so intimately.

"Two," Jack repeated, his tone half-curious, half-resigned. Internally, he was surprised that Jacob had any levels at all. Perhaps he knew more than he let on. "Respectable. But you've got a long way to go. What class?"

"It says, Myricon Lord (Epic)," Jacob replied, still going over his newly awakened system.

Jacob's brow furrowed as he glanced away from the interface projected before him, the HUD shimmering faintly in his vision like a secret laid bare. "What does it mean? Rare?"

"It means that the world is changing faster than I originally thought. Either that, or-" He gave it a moment's consideration before continuing, "What race does it say you are?"

"Human, Changeling -hybrid," Jacob was quicker to answer than Jack was expecting.

"Interesting, well -congratulations," he raised his glass to the man as he studied him intently -his thoughts running a mile a second as he puzzled out what had happened.

"I don't think it's widespread yet," he muttered under his breath. Jacob bristled under his scrutiny, but Jack was preoccupied with his thoughts to give him much notice. "It must be because you're already initiated. Being a Fae'Ri and all."

"What do you mean? Initiated?" Jacob demanded in annoyance.

"You are awakened. Magic was already a part of you. So when the dungeons started appearing, your internal mana must have reinitialized and since it needed a place to go -it decided on giving you an appropriate class. Level two Myricon Lord. Not bad."

He spent a few moments looking over the details of the class, his own identification ability triggering.

Class: Myricon Lord

Class Type: Epic | Hybrid (Illusionist / Controller / Diplomat) Alignment: Variable Origin Affinity: Fae'Ri | Changeling | Otherworld Nexus

Not bad at all, Jack thought in appreciation. And fitting.

"You're awfully fixated on numbers. Levels. It's all a bit... rigid, don't you think?" Jacob accused, drawing Jack out of his brief reverie.

Jack raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Rigid? Sure. But effective. Levels are the ultimate expression of progress. They're measurable, tangible -a way to see how far you've come and how far you've still got to go. You don't get that kind of clarity in the other world. There, progress is... different." For everyone else that is.

Of course, Jack had an advantage that no one else in the Otherworld had, the System.

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