To ARISA

"Thank you, Kael. You've been a great help." 

"You're welcome, ma'am." Kael nodded at the kind, old woman after she gave him credit for a small job he had done for her.

Instead of worrying about his lost device, he decided to take on a few odd jobs for a bit more money, which he needed for his next move.

Kael made his way out of the apartment complex, arriving on the ground floor and moving towards the street. 

It was almost noon, and life seemed to be going on without a hitch. But that was far from the truth. Everywhere Kael went, all he heard were talks about the deaths of the future chosen heroes.

On the news, on the radio, on billboards and even by passing pedestrians; it was all they could talk about.

People expressed their worries about the situation, while others didn't think much about it. Regardless, the common trope was that their world was going to change soon.

With the presence of the chosens around, dungeon outbreaks were rarely a thing. The current heroes, while much of their private life was kept secret, did their jobs as the people expected.

Monsters that would have otherwise raised cities to the ground were quickly subdued by the actions of either one of the heroes or by the combined effort of two or more.

Due to the presence of these heroes, humanity has almost forgotten what it was like when the madness first began. Of course, they couldn't be blamed.

People had their lives to live, regardless of how chaotic things got. They needed something to do or risk worrying themselves to death. Such was the nature of man — they were creatures of habit. Humans were beings driven by purpose, regardless of where it led.

With a glance around the relatively calm residential streets, Kael began walking, going towards the main street, where he stopped a cab.

Getting into the cab, the passenger and driver exchanged pleasantries before the driver asked where Kael was headed. "Take me downtown, sir."

"You got it," The cab driver nodded and promptly got moving. 

Along with the changed world came advancements in technology. While mainly focused on the weapon side of the spectrum, the regular consumers were not left out. All vehicles run on electric power, courtesy of the new resources from the dungeons and evolved elements.

Kael looked out the window, his gaze following the passing pedestrians and buildings.

'The deaths of the future chosens aren't going to die down any time soon. Can't say I blame them…. Things would definitely be changing. Whether good or bad, that was for fate to decide.'

The drive to downtown was more than half an hour from the suburbs. Along the way, the driver engaged Kael in conversation, mainly about the current news. As predicted, there was uncertainty in the air. People were not sure how this would affect their lives. 

"I'm sure things will be fine." 

Kael said to the driver, though, there wasn't much assurance in his voice. It sounded like empty words spoken to acknowledge a person's worries. He was not obliged to offer any words of reassurance as he himself was not in such a position.

"Hehe, you don't sound very convinced yourself, mister." The driver laughed it off with a shake of his head. "I can see that you're dealing with it in your own way."

"Perhaps," Kael agreed. 

Naturally, his issues had nothing to do with the deaths of the kids. He was already fed up with the world and had nothing in it to hold him. What happened to others was not his concern.

The conversation died down soon after, the driver realising Kael was not much interested in listening to his ramblings, leaving the radio as the only sound echoing in the cab. The radio hosts could only speculate about the cause of death of the chosen heroes and how their loved ones were feeling — the standard propaganda.

Sometime later, Kael arrived at his destination, paid his fare and stepped out into the busy streets. Kael found a relatively free spot and moved to stand there, taking a moment for himself.

'It's been a while since I've been to this part of the city,' Kael thought as his eyes roamed the grand buildings, the advertisements and people. 'Life goes on, huh? It doesn't matter what others are going through. So long as there are people, life goes on…'

A sigh of resignation escaped his lips as Kael composed himself. He looked around to get his bearings and determine the direction he needed to go. Soon, he made his way through the busy streets, heading towards ARISA, which was a few curves and blocks away.

It only took a few minutes to spot the grand building with ARISA boldly written at the very top. Surpassing most buildings in the area, ARISA stood out with its signature dark-tinted walls and glass.

'To think the government would grant this much power to such an agency…' Kael was honestly perplexed. 'Just imagining the secrets they hold could drive one crazy.'

The ARISA building Kael was looking at was just one of the numerous ones they had all over the world. That was without mentioning the secret bases and facilities under their control. 

ARISA was that insane.

"Fuck…" Before Kael could move towards the building, his stomach growled in protest, demanding its due. "I haven't had anything solid since yesterday." 

With another look at the building, Kael turned around to find a restaurant. The young detective could wait. His brain needed all the energy it could muster for the thinking that lay ahead.

Kael quickly found himself a cosy small diner on the other side of the street, where he ordered something small for his grumbling stomach. As he enjoyed his meal with his regular bleak expression, he looked out at the streets, trying to drown out the constant talk of the children's death.

'Hmm…?' 

Kael furrowed his brows when something got his attention. Right on the other side of the street stood David West, staring right at him with a knowing smile on his face.

'This can't be just a coincidence…' Kael thought sceptically. 'Something is going on here.'

The young detective crossed the street, heading straight for the diner. His bright expression drew a few stares from the ladies around, but the man ignored them all, heading for Kael's small table.

"Hey, Mr. Neren." Dave smiled at Kael as he slid into the booth. "Two coincidences in less than 24 hours? This must be fate."

"Yeah, I don't think so," Kael replied flatly. "The first time might be a coincidence, but not a second time, especially in this situation. I find it hard to believe."