Despite James' bold call to start recruiting right away, no one actually moved. They lingered in the restaurant for another hour instead, eating and talking over a meal that definitely cost more Virality Gems than it should have. At least it tasted good, so there was that.

Afterward, though, there was no reason to stay anymore. Harry left first, saying he would start reaching out to people once he got some rest. James followed, leaving the Battleworld altogether to spend a few hours with his sisters. And so only Isaac and Elaine remained on the ever-busy streets of the Safe Zone.

For a while, they walked in silence, weaving through the endless crowds. Then, once they were no longer shoulder to shoulder with dozens of people, the woman spoke up.

"I'm sorry again. You know, for just running out without a word."

Isaac shrugged. "And I said it's fine. It all worked out in the end."

Elaine nodded. For a moment, it seemed like this was it, that they would continue walking in silence. It was not to be, though.

"Think she is another Pioneer? This Carmela?"

"Wouldn't surprise me," Isaac said. "I just hope she is as open to working together as Harry. Otherwise, we might have a problem."

Elaine hummed. "Speaking of… That guy is a bit…"

"Strange?" he offered, getting a nod in return. He chuckled. "Trust me, you have seen nothing yet. But you get used to it. Just… be warned. His views on the Overlords aren't like ours."

"A fanatic?"

"Something like that."

Elaine let out a sigh. "It's fine. He isn't the only one. I had to deal with plenty of people like him this week." She gave him a small smile. "So don't worry, I won't explode on him. I'm trying to do better. Like I promised."

Isaac returned the smile and was about to open his mouth when a notification appeared before him. It was a message, a very formal one at that.

[Message from Carmela Lorenzo: Thank you very much for the offer, Mr. Walker. I would be glad to meet with you and learn more about your proposition. If you're available, please come to the house DB-0251 in 2 hours. I shall see you then.]

"Strange," Isaac muttered, eyes still on the message.

"What is it?" Elaine asked, coming closer. "Finally got an answer?"

"Yeah…" he said slowly. "It's just kinda… well, listen to this."

He read the message aloud. It had her frowning within seconds.

"Quite formal. Definitely not our circles. Sounds a bit like one of those old-money types I have seen on TV." She grinned. "Maybe she is one. Now that would be a twist."

Isaac grimaced. "Hopefully not. It's already bad enough that I have to pitch my insane plan to a complete stranger. I really don't want to deal with rich people's formalities and self-importance."

Elaine smirked. "So you admit it's insane." He shot her a look. "Just kidding. And you know, we can always send Marie in your place."

"Not you?"

She made a face. "I have a feeling I would do worse than you. Even James would be a better choice."

Isaac snorted and shook his head. "Nah, it's okay. I can handle it. Maybe. Just go in, treat her like anyone else, and be done with it. And if she refuses?" He shrugged. "We will deal with it. Somehow."

Elaine patted him on the back. "That's the spirit." She frowned then. "Though, just in case she really is some old-money princess, maybe at least take a shower, hmm?"

At that, Isaac glanced down at himself, tugged his collar to his nose, and immediately let it go.

"…You might be onto something."

I'm going to kill Elaine, Isaac thought as he stared at the house that belonged to Carmela Lorenzo. When will she learn to stop jinxing me?

Some would ask, why such a strong reaction to a simple building that didn't look any different from the others on the streets? Well, the reason was simple and manifested in the form of two bodyguards who stood at the sides of the entrance door.

What sane person needed guards nowadays? Isaac had no idea. But their presence made Elaine's joke about Carmela suddenly feel less like a joke. And he really, really didn't like that.

He sighed.

No pressure at all, Isaac. Just be yourself, say what you must, make a deal, and get the hell out of here. Simple as that.

Nodding to himself, he removed his hood, took off the mask, and approached his target. The guards noticed him instantly, and based on their widened eyes, they also recognized him. Good. Maybe his newfound reputation would at least help him here.

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"Mr. Walker." The man on the left bowed slightly. "Miss Lorenzo is waiting inside. You may go in."

Isaac nodded and stepped forward, the door sliding open before him. The inside of the house? It was pretty much what he expected. The same basic layout as his Battleworld home, just with less random stuff lying around. The only true difference was the old wooden dining table in the middle, with two similar chairs, one of which was claimed by the person he had come here for.

A single look at her threw all his expectations out of the window.

Sitting there wasn't someone in their late thirties or forties, but a woman, at best, a few years older than him. Long, wavy chestnut hair with streaks of gold and silver framed a small face with sharp, maybe even aristocratic features. Her skin was a bit darker than his own and tanned—olive, some people called it, if he remembered it right.

As for her clothing?

Isaac couldn't see it all from this angle, but to him it looked both elegant and practical. A strange combination of a dress and leather armor. All painted in black with some silver and golden pieces. Definitely custom-made.

Still, the most curious part about this outfit was how it left the right arm exposed. An arm that bore a similar marking to the one Isaac had in the same place.

The mark of a Root of War. The mark of a Pioneer.

Isaac averted his gaze before the woman could notice him staring. Overall, she looked like what many would call a classic beauty, just with a bit of an exotic edge sprinkled in.

He took a deep breath and approached the table. That got the woman to stand up.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Walker," Carmela said, her voice like silk, carrying a soft accent. "I haven't had the pleasure of watching you fight like almost everyone else on Earth, but I heard enough. Anything I can offer you before we begin? Tea? Coffee? Or maybe just some water?"

Isaac shook his head lightly. "No, thank you. If you don't mind, I would rather get straight to the point."

Carmela arched a delicate eyebrow. "Ah, yes, your proposal. Very well. Please, sit, and tell me more."

He did just that, sitting down on the chair that looked comfortable but really wasn't. A moment later, he launched into the details of his plan along with what he had already discussed with his friends.

During all that, Carmela's hazel eyes never left him. Still, Isaac couldn't tell what she was thinking or feeling as she listened to him. It wasn't that her gaze was cold or indifferent, far from it. If anything, it felt like too much was happening behind those eyes for him to identify a single thing there.

So he gave up and did his best to convince the woman of his idea.

Once he finished, Carmela nodded and finally averted her gaze.

"It's an ambitious plan," she said, her voice calm, not giving anything away.

Isaac shrugged. "I'm well aware. Won't stop me from trying to pull it off."

She hummed softly, her gaze sliding back to him. "Before I give you my answer… would you mind answering a few questions of mine first?"

Not like I have much of a choice, Isaac thought before agreeing.

"The Overlords…" she began. "What is your stance on them?"

He didn't even have to think about the answer.

"Useful enemies, if you have one of them as a Patron at least. They made the world go to shit, but they can be used."

Carmela nodded again. "And do you think they can be beaten?"

Isaac chuckled. "Maybe. Maybe not. A better question would be: do I plan to beat them?"

"And do you?" she asked, one brow rising.

He just offered her a small smile.

"I see…" she muttered, leaning forward. "Final question, then. What is your plan for the future? Your goal? What do you want?"

Just like that, Isaac froze, his eyes widening ever so slightly. This wasn't a normal question, definitely not one you would ask a man you had just met. And yet, Carmela didn't hesitate, and by the look of it, this was the answer she cared about most.

Sure, he could have given her something safe. Like wanting to survive and grow stronger. Or maybe to have a family in the future. But he didn't. Not when he knew the answer well, saw the memories flashing right in front of his eyes.

His first steps during the Breakout. His first kill, and the stirring of his blood. The fights during the Pioneer Trial where he first connected with his Origin for real. The following battles. The bloodlust. The thrill. The hunger for more.

And then, in contrast, the life before. Waking up in the same old bed, tired but forcing himself to get up and walk to work. Hours wasted at jobs that meant nothing, going back to an empty apartment. A half-dead drone drifting through life without purpose.

Never again.

That was why his answer was simple. And if Carmela didn't understand what he truly meant? That wasn't his problem.

"To keep living," he said.

Three words. Nothing else. Nothing more.

Carmela blinked, surprise flickering across her face. She leaned back and closed her eyes. A moment later, a genuine smile claimed her lips. That was a first, and made him think that maybe, just maybe, she understood exactly what he meant.

Even better, this smile didn't fade. In fact, her whole expression softened, becoming just a little more welcoming. It was as if one of the many walls between them had just crumbled.

"Thank you for humoring me, Mr. Walker," Carmela said at last. "I will gladly help with your little idea. I also have some people I can call upon to help with the recruitment. In return, I have two simple requests."

Isaac arched an eyebrow. "Those are?"

"One, a spar between us. No Legacies. Just our skills and weapons. And two, a meeting with the other Pioneer you mentioned."

"Shouldn't be a problem," he said. "Though, speaking of... do you happen to know who the remaining three are?"

Carmela shook her head softly. "All I know is that one of them is dead. No idea about the others."

The words slipped out before he could stop them. "Your work?"

Instead of taking offense, Carmela's smile widened. "I wish, but no. He was a fool, drunk on power. Thought the world belonged to him. Killed and stole until a group I'm familiar with showed him his proper place. In the ground."

"Good riddance then," Isaac said, standing up. "I will organize another meeting with everybody and send you the details. As for the spar? I am free even now."

Carmela also stood, walking with him toward the exit. "Unfortunately, I can't take you up on that offer. I'm still recovering. But tomorrow, if you find time."

He tipped his head. "Just message me. Have a good rest, Miss Lorenzo."

"Just Carmela is fine. We will be working together after all."

"Isaac then," he offered, earning another small smile from her.

With that, the door opened, allowing Isaac to leave the house. Once he was out of sight and under the cover of his hood, he let out a deep sigh.

That was… interesting.

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