That evening, Yeager, Zevanya, and Noel were at their comfortable home, enjoying the atmosphere of the newly renovated house. Zevanya had just finished cooking, and the aroma of her meal filled the house. Yeager, still deep in thought about the investigation, decided to invite his trusted colleagues—Valerie, Darren, and David—to discuss their next steps in the mission.
They gathered around the dining table, with Zevanya serving the food she had prepared. Yeager focused on the case and the information that Anne had shared with him earlier. He began explaining everything he had learned about Jinny Baldwin, her mysterious death, and the corruption tied to the school.
"Anne showed me some very concerning evidence today," Yeager said, his voice serious but calm. "This is worse than we thought. Jinny Baldwin's murder might be part of a much larger conspiracy. There's corruption at the top levels of the school, and it's deeper than we imagined."
Valerie listened intently and nodded. "If what you're saying is true, we need to be very careful. Powerful people are involved, and they won't hesitate to cover their tracks."
David, who had been listening quietly, also nodded. "We need to approach this strategically. We don't want to be on the wrong side of things."
Meanwhile, far from the comfort of Yeager's home, Anne was resting in her apartment, trying to sleep after a long day. However, that night took a terrifying turn. As she was drifting off, a shadowy figure slowly entered her apartment.
Anne stirred briefly, but before she could react, a strong hand grabbed her throat. The figure quickly silenced her, tightening their grip around her neck. Anne struggled briefly, her hands reaching out to grab the assailant's arm, but the strength was too much. She couldn't fight back. Her vision blurred, and eventually, everything went dark.
Her life was taken, and she fell lifeless to the floor of her apartment. The killer left the scene quietly, leaving no trace behind.
Back at Yeager's home, he continued discussing the case with his team, unaware of the tragedy unfolding elsewhere.
"We need to act quickly," Yeager continued, his brow furrowing. "Anne is the key to understanding what happened to Jinny. If we don't move now, we could lose everything. We need to dig deeper into the people involved—especially the school officials and staff."
The team nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of the situation. However, as the night wore on, the tension in the room grew.
That night, Anne was found dead in her apartment, but Yeager wouldn't learn of her death until the following day. David received a message on his phone, informing him of Anne's death. The message was short, shocking, and chilling.
Yeager was stunned when he received the news the next morning. "Anne?" he whispered, in disbelief. "No, it can't be..."
That morning, Yeager sat silently at his desk, his mind occupied with the events of the previous night. The death of Anne had shifted the entire investigation into a more dangerous and personal direction. He knew that if he attended her funeral, people would start to suspect something, so he decided to stay at school and continue his mission.
Yeager planned to head to the library to look for any new evidence regarding Jinny Baldwin and the corruption tied to the school's higher-ups. He knew the library was a goldmine for information—old archives, books, and perhaps even a clue or two that could connect the dots.
As he walked toward the library, Yeager's eyes landed on a familiar figure sitting near the window, reading a book. It was Raon, one of his classmates, known for being exceptionally smart and easy to recognize. His eyes were tired, his usual sharpness in class absent, and Yeager noticed that something seemed off.
Raon, who was always a quiet student with a calm demeanor, looked a bit different today—his posture slumped and his expression distant. Yeager hesitated, deciding to approach him.
Raon didn't notice him at first, too engrossed in the book in his hands. After a few moments, he looked up and saw Yeager standing there.
"Hey, what are you reading?" Yeager asked casually, trying to keep the conversation light.
Raon gave him a faint smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Just a history book. I guess I'm a bit behind in some of the topics." His tone was flat, like he wasn't really interested in the conversation.
Yeager studied Raon's face. There was something about him today that seemed off, as though he was carrying a burden.
"Is everything alright? You look a little... out of it," Yeager asked, his voice softening slightly, sensing that something was wrong.
Raon paused, his eyes lingering on the pages of his book before he slowly met Yeager's gaze. After a long silence, he sighed and spoke quietly. "There's a lot wrong at this school... I don't know how to explain it, but things aren't what they seem."
Yeager listened intently. There was more behind Raon's words than he was letting on. "What do you mean? What's going on?" Yeager pressed gently, leaning in slightly.
Raon ran a hand through his hair, looking like he was debating whether or not to share more. "Some people know more than they let on. Some things have been happening here... but I'm not sure if I should say anything."
Yeager's curiosity piqued. This wasn't just idle talk—it felt like Raon had information that could be useful. "You don't have to say anything you don't want to. But if you ever feel like talking, I'm here. Sometimes, it helps to speak up."
Raon's eyes flickered with uncertainty, and he gave a small nod. "Yeah... maybe. But the truth is, I feel like we're all stuck in a game we didn't choose, and the people at the top are playing with us."
Yeager leaned back in his chair, considering Raon's words carefully. There was a deeper meaning behind his statement, something that connected to the corruption and the mysterious deaths he was trying to uncover.
"You're not alone in feeling that way," Yeager said, offering a reassuring smile. "But remember, the right person can make all the difference when it comes to changing the game."
Raon didn't say much more, but Yeager could tell there was more to the story. As Raon returned to his book, Yeager stood up and made his way toward the library.
Before he left, he glanced back at Raon. There was definitely something more there—something hidden behind his usual calm façade.
Yeager made his way to the library, thinking about his conversation with Raon. There was a lot to unpack there, but for now, he needed to focus on the immediate mission. Raon might hold important information, but Yeager couldn't push too hard yet. He'd have to keep a close eye on him in the days to come.
As Yeager walked into the library, he felt the weight of the investigation pressing down on him. The more he learned, the more complicated it all became. But he was getting closer, and he couldn't afford to let up now.
One thing was clear: Raon was not just a bystander in this web of intrigue, and Yeager would need to tread carefully around him as he unraveled the mystery of the school's darkest secrets.
During break, Yeager headed towards Zevanya's classroom, hoping to distract himself for a while from everything that had happened. As he entered, he saw Zevanya sitting in the corner of the room, completely absorbed in her comic book. Her large headphones were on, and her expression showed that she was deeply immersed in the story. Yeager smiled slightly, finding it amusing to see his younger sister so focused.
However, when his eyes glanced toward Ariana, Zico, and their gang, sitting across the room, he noticed the atmosphere in the class seemed a bit tense. Ariana and Zico were chatting with their friends, laughing, while some members of their group occasionally glanced at Zevanya, who was sitting off to the side. Yeager felt a bit frustrated but knew this wasn't the time to involve himself in any of that.
Ignoring the situation around him, Yeager walked up to Zevanya, who was too immersed in her comic to notice his presence. With a mischievous smile, he pulled her headphones off her head.
"Hey, Zevanya, what's up? Don't you want to go to the canteen?" said Yeager, ruffling her hair. "I know you're hungry, and I need a buddy to eat with."
Zevanya furrowed her brows and turned around, looking a bit confused and annoyed at being interrupted from her comic world. "Kak, why are you bothering me?" she said, slightly irritated but also giving a small smile.
Yeager laughed. "Because you're way too focused on that comic. Come on, let's head to the canteen. I don't want to eat alone."
Zevanya stared at him for a moment, then finally nodded, adjusting her headphones back over her ears. "Fine. But just for a bit. I want to keep reading after."
Before they could leave, Yeager glanced back at Ariana and Zico, who were still talking among their group, clearly unaware of Zevanya's presence. Yeager couldn't care less about them at the moment. What mattered now was getting his sister out of there and making sure she was okay.
With one hand on Zevanya's shoulder, Yeager guided her out of the classroom and towards the canteen, though his mind remained alert, especially about what was going on behind the scenes at the school.
But their walk to the canteen wouldn't be as simple as it seemed. Zevanya might look calm on the outside, but Yeager knew very well that the social pressure at school could be brutal—especially for his younger sister, who was often the target of bullying. In his mind, Yeager had already made a decision: he would protect them both, no matter what happened.
At the cafeteria, Yeager and Zevanya sat at a table somewhat separated from the crowd, allowing them to eat in peace. Zevanya started eating her meal hungrily, while Yeager kept an eye on their surroundings, ensuring everything was calm. He knew that even though they tried to go about their day as normally as possible, there were still unresolved matters weighing on him.
After a few moments, Yeager looked at Zevanya and spoke quietly, as if only to himself. "Zev, I'm going to ask for early leave after break."
Zevanya looked at him briefly, confused by her brother's words. "Why? What's going on, Kak?" she asked, a bit worried.
Yeager took a deep breath before answering in a lower voice. "Noel's at home. He's not feeling well. I'm worried about leaving him alone. Besides, I already told school I'd step out for a bit."
Zevanya looked at him thoughtfully. "Oh... No, what's wrong with Noel?" she asked, her concern for her brother clear.
Yeager smiled, though his smile seemed a bit forced. "It's nothing too serious, just a mild fever. But I don't want to take any chances. I'd rather go home and make sure he's okay." He paused for a moment, running his hand through his hair before continuing. "Don't worry about me. I'll head out right after break."
Zevanya nodded, though there was still some worry on her face. "Okay, but let me know if anything happens. Don't take too long, okay?"
Yeager nodded, feeling a little reassured by her words. "I promise. You stay safe here, don't worry about anything else."
They continued eating, the silence between them comfortable and not awkward. Zevanya kept eating, while Yeager checked his phone briefly, making sure no important messages had come through.
In that moment, he couldn't help but think about how he would protect his siblings, especially Noel, who sometimes struggled to understand what was going on around him. Yeager knew full well the responsibility he carried, but despite the pressure, he couldn't back down. He had to remain strong for Zevanya and Noel, even if it meant sacrificing his own time and energy.
After a few minutes, Yeager glanced at his watch. "It's time to head back to class. I don't want you to be late," he said, standing up from his seat. "Let's go back. Don't dawdle."
Zevanya nodded and stood up, following her brother's lead. They both left the cafeteria, with Yeager already prepared to head home as soon as break ended. Yet in his mind, he remained vigilant—he knew that the problems they faced were far from over.
With determined steps, they walked out of the cafeteria and headed toward their respective classes. But in Yeager's mind, his worries didn't fade. He knew that whatever happened next, he couldn't let his guard down. There was still a lot to uncover, and he had to stay strong for his siblings.
That night, after a long day at school, Yeager felt exhausted, but something kept bothering him. As he sat in the living room, deep in thought, a sudden knock on the door snapped him back to reality. He got up and opened it, surprised to see Valerie standing there alone.
"Valerie? What's going on?" Yeager asked, slightly confused, as they usually met as a group with Darren and David when discussing serious matters.
Valerie stepped inside with a firm stride, her eyes serious. "I need to talk to you. It's about Anne." Her voice wavered slightly, though she tried to stay composed.
Yeager closed the door behind her and gestured for her to sit in the living room. "What happened? I just heard the bad news about Anne." He was beginning to feel uneasy, dreading what Valerie was about to say.
Valerie sighed and pulled out an envelope containing several photographs and important-looking documents. "Anne... she was murdered. And I think the culprit is someone close to us. Darren and David are busy at the station, so I came alone to tell you."
Yeager stared at her, his expression hardening. "Are you sure? This isn't just some coincidence?"
Valerie shook her head. "No. I've been digging into it. Anne received threats over the past few days. It's all connected to the investigation we've been working on—the murder of Jinny Baldwin and the corruption tied to the school's hierarchy."
Yeager rubbed his chin, his mind racing. "But why Anne? She was just a school counselor, right?"
Valerie nodded. "Yes, but she knew too much. She may not have been directly involved, but she had crucial information. Especially after she gave you evidence about Jinny Baldwin's murder and its links to high-ranking officials in the school."
Yeager could feel something wasn't right. There was more to this than they realized. "We need to find out who did this, Valerie. If they were willing to kill Anne, they won't hesitate to do the same to anyone else."
Valerie agreed. "I know. I've been trying to dig deeper, but whoever did this is good at covering their tracks. If we continue this investigation, we have to be extremely careful. There are powerful people involved."
Yeager sat silently for a moment, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. "Don't worry, Valerie. I'll keep going with this investigation. And I'll protect my siblings, especially Zevanya and Noel."
Valerie nodded, approving of Yeager's determination. "I'll keep looking for more information. If I find anything, I'll let you know. But be careful, Yeager. They might already be watching us."
Yeager exhaled deeply, realizing that this wasn't just a murder case anymore—it was something far bigger and far more dangerous. "I know. I'll be careful. Thanks for coming, Valerie. We'll find out who's behind this."
With that, Valerie stood up and left, leaving Yeager sitting in deep thought. Anne's death raised more questions than answers, and now, Yeager had to be more cautious than ever. Whoever was behind this wouldn't hesitate to eliminate anyone they saw as a threat.
Elsewhere, in a dimly lit bar, Zico Palma sat in a secluded corner, away from the noisy crowd. The air was thick with cigarette smoke, and slow music played in the background. He casually held a glass of liquor in one hand, while his other hand played with a few small pills scattered on the table.
Across from him sat a man with a sharp face and a strong build. He had the look of someone accustomed to the underworld—calm, calculating, and expressionless.
"So," the man said in a flat tone, "you're sure everything is going according to plan?"
Zico smirked slightly before popping one of the pills into his mouth, swallowing it without hesitation. The effects started kicking in, making his eyes glimmer with a hint of wildness. "Of course," he said, his voice slightly hoarse. "Anne has been taken care of. That was the first part of my plan. And now…" He swirled the liquor in his glass, staring at it before continuing, "it's just a matter of dealing with the ones trying to interfere. I don't like people meddling in my business."
The man across from him nodded slowly. "You mean that new student? Eren?"
Zico scoffed, chuckling softly. "Eren, huh? Interesting name. But I can tell there's something off about him. He's not just another student." He took a sip of his drink, then looked at the man sharply. "I want to know who he really is. Can you handle that?"
The man gave a thin smile and pulled out his phone. "I've already instructed some people to dig into it. But if he turns out to be a problem… do you want him to 'disappear' as well?"
Zico leaned back in his chair, his grin widening. "Hmmm… not just yet. I still want to play with him a little. But if he starts becoming a nuisance like Anne…" His eyes darkened as he tapped his finger on the table. "You know what to do."
The man gave a knowing nod. "Understood. I'll keep an eye on him."
Zico downed the rest of his drink, then chuckled to himself. His eyes gleamed with arrogance and madness. "Good. Because I won't let anyone mess up my perfect plan."
The music in the bar grew louder, but in that secluded corner, the air turned colder. Outside, Yeager was still unaware that someone was already watching him—and that the game had only just begun.