But my eyes widened as I noticed a familiar figure sitting on the sofa. Her velvet-colored eyes and long black hair immediately caught my attention. It was her... She then turned to me, her expression filled with a piercing glare.
"Hello... Brother."
"Airi."
The two of us stared at each other, a mix of emotions filling the room. However, our attention was soon drawn to Director Hoshino, who tapped her table to get our focus.
"Are you two done? Anyway... Airi, your report doesn't make sense at all. How did your squad, the top squad, almost fail the mission?"
Airi remained silent for a moment before responding. "There was a demon that cast powerful spells, weakening our defenses. It was a necromancer, capable of resurrecting the dead. Here are the images of the demon." Airi opened a folder and presented three images of the demon's appearance.
The demon had red skin and wore a tattered robe.
Director Hoshino nodded. "I see, but that doesn't mean you and your team couldn't defeat such a high-class demon."
"Apologies, Director Hoshino." Airi bowed.
"No worries, you may go now."
Airi looked at me and said, "Director Hoshino, I'd like to listen to Arihara's report as well."
Director Hoshino glanced at both of us. "After this, you may go."
"I will," She responded and looked at me.
Director Hoshino then turned to me. "Now, report."
I nodded and cleared my throat. "Today's report is about the expedition in Zone E. I met Squad 04 along the way, and we encountered a high-class demon named 'Ryujin,' a samurai demon."
"Hmmm, interesting," Director Hoshino smiled. "Continue."
I nodded. "There were no casualties, and only two injuries. The expedition was a success."
Director Hoshino nodded approvingly. "As expected, Arihara... Let me guess... You guided them, didn't you?"
I nodded.
Airi's glare intensified. "And what about Alice?" Airi asked unsatisfied.
"Alice... also wanted me to lead the mission, so I took on the role," I replied.
Director Hoshino clapped her hands lightly. "Good work. Give me the file report after this."
"Yes, Director."
"But... why would someone like him be able to defeat a high-class demon like the 'Ryujin'?" Airi questioned, her tone laced with skepticism.
I turned to her, meeting her glare head-on.
"I wonder," Director Hoshino smirked.
After the report, Airi and I left Director Hoshino's office. We walked down the hallway in silence, the tension between us palpable. Finally, Airi broke the silence.
"So, you're the hero now?" she said with a mix of annoyance and curiosity.
I sighed. "I wouldn't call myself a hero. I just did what needed to be done."
Airi scoffed. "Typical. Always trying to play the humble card."
I stopped and turned to her. "What's your problem, Airi? Why are you so bothered by this?"
"I told you to leave the agency, right!?" Airi's voice was filled with anger and frustration.
"Why would I leave my younger sister in this agency!?" I retorted, equally frustrated.
She fell silent for a moment, her expression pained. "Brother... You're actually an idiot!"
"And you're more of an idiot!"
Airi's hand shot out and slapped me across the face. "This is why... I hate you... I'm glad that no one acknowledges you here in this agency. You still treat me like a kid as always!"
I looked away, the sting of her words piercing my heart.
"I bet your friends or squadmates were just using your head, huh!?" She continued, her voice filled with bitterness.
I gritted my teeth, staying silent, unable to find the right words to respond.
"You're weak." With those final words, Airi left with the members of Squad 01.
Shin walked up to me, his gaze filled with concern. "You okay, dude?"
I sighed heavily, my heart heavy with the weight of the argument and walked over to Airi, grabbing her hand and forcing her to face me. I couldn't hold back my own frustration and anger, and I slapped her across the face. "Is this how you speak to your brother now!?"
The members of Squad 01 immediately reacted, kicking me back and stepping in between us.
"Hey, brother... Are you looking for a fight?" Senjo, one of the members, loomed over me.
"Enough, Senjo. Let's leave," Airi said, her voice tinged with a mix of anger and sadness.
With a final, disdainful look, Senjo turned around and followed Airi.
I slowly got up, my gaze fixed on Airi as she walked away. "I see how it is..." I turned to Shin. "Let's go, Shin."
Shin nodded and patted my shoulder, offering silent support as we left the agency behind.
As we walked out of the agency, exhaustion washed over me, causing me to kneel down. Shin quickly caught me, preventing me from falling.
"Woah, dude... chill," Shin said, his voice filled with concern. He gently released his grip on me. "Wait here, I'll go get the bike."
I nodded, closing my eyes and taking a moment to regain my composure. However, my thoughts were interrupted by a timid voice calling out to me.
"Are you Arihara Rei, Airi's brother?" a timid girl asked, looking at me nervously.
"What do you want?"
"Uhm... This is just... a message from me, but... I think... Airi is just worried about you," she stammered.
I sighed, my frustration still lingering. "Enough now... Thank you for trying to reassure me, but I don't need it."
"I-I see," she said softly, her voice filled with disappointment. She bowed and quickly left.
I'm such a fool.