Director Aaron stared intently at the incoming call flashing on his phone's screen. He hadn't heard from Orion Gail, the power artifact researcher he once collaborated with in years. With his curiosity piqued, he couldn't help but wonder what could be so important for Orion to reach out after all this time.
The name that appeared on the screen was unmistakably Orion Gail, the very same person with whom Director Aaron had developed a powerful technique. He allowed the phone to ring for a moment, contemplating whether he should answer the call or not.
Eventually, Director Aaron decided to pick up. "Orion," he greeted solemnly.
Surprised that Director Aaron answered, Orion Gail responded, "My, I thought you might ignore my call. You've surprised me, Director."
"Well, I did contemplate it for a moment. Your words seem to confirm my suspicions. Why did you call me?"
"I had a question for you. Did you know that Daron Finley was my student?"
Director Aaron was taken aback. "Daron was your student?"
"Yes, for the past few years. He recently graduated, so he's no longer my student. But I assumed you knew."
"Why do you want to know?"
"... I taught him the technique we developed together."
"You what?" Director Aaron's voice expressed his shock.
"And he has already succeeded in completing the Aspect Trapping step, Aaron. What do you think that implies?" Orion Gail inquired.
Director Aaron fell into silence, carefully considering the implications of this revelation. As someone who seeks truth and the pursuit of strength, he also knows what lies at the end of those terrible truths.
"Director, Daron knows our names. That system he has, which he told me about, it knew our identities. Which meant he knew we were the ones who created the technique I gave him."
"What? It has that kind of power?"
"Oh, I wish that was the extent of it. But you know what he said to me. Do you know how that system classified you, Director Aaron? It identified you as an ally of the Maken."
Director Aaron's frustration was palpable, and he had to restrain himself from acting impulsively.
"Is that so?"
"Daron is already involved in whatever plan the Maken has, Director. I'm sure you're aware of that, too. But without information from you, I don't know the extent of their plans. So, what will it be, Director?" Orion Gail pressed for answers.
Director Aaron gazed at the ceiling, regulating his breathing as he closed his eyes. A faint smile graced his lips as he responded, "I'm sorry, but I can not disclose anything about this matter."
Orion Gail let out a heavy sigh that echoed through the phone. "Of course you can't... Daron was kind enough to give me the power artifact he won in a competition. It allows me to further my research in greater depth. I thought I'd end this call with some good news."
"Ah, that's... good to hear. But why did he give it away?"
"According to him, it was useless to him. He could see the ability domain it possessed beforehand, and it required him to gain power through scars. Unfortunately, he couldn't form scar tissue, making it impractical."
"I see. Well, I hope he eventually finds an ability domain that suits him."
"Yes, I hope so too. Take care of yourself, okay, Aaron?"
"Right, you too, Orion."
Lost in his thoughts, Director Aaron remained still, contemplating the gravity of the situation that had unfolded. Memories of his past collaborations with Orion Gail and their joint creation of the powerful technique resurfaced, reminding him of their shared pursuit of knowledge and strength. But now, the revelation that Daron Finley, a former student of Orion's, had acquired their technique and already completed a critical step left him deeply concerned.
The somber tone of the conversation echoed in his mind, emphasizing the weight of the choices that lay ahead. He knew that uncovering truths often came with the burden of difficult decisions, and this situation was no exception.
Despite the urgency of the matter, Director Aaron understood the importance of caution and secrecy. The implications of Daron possessing the knowledge of their identities and the involvement of the mysterious Maken were disconcerting. He couldn't help but feel torn between his desire to protect vital information and his responsibility to address the unfolding situation.
With each passing moment, the weight on Director Aaron's shoulders seemed to grow heavier. He had always been driven by a relentless pursuit of truth and justice, but now he found himself facing an enigmatic scenario that demanded careful consideration and strategic action.
The phone's display eventually faded to black, signaling the end of the call. Director Aaron remained seated, his mind consumed by the complex web of possibilities that lay before him. The silence in the room was a stark contrast to the turmoil within his thoughts.
As the minutes passed, Director Aaron finally stirred from his contemplative state. The somber expression on his face reflected the gravity of the situation. He knew he had to tread carefully, making decisions that would impact not only his own life but also the lives of others involved.
Reaching for a notepad on his desk, Director Aaron began jotting down notes and sketching out possible courses of action. He understood that every choice he made would ripple through the lives of those around him, and he felt the weight of responsibility keenly.
The journey ahead was fraught with challenges and the potential for heart-wrenching revelations. Director Aaron steeled himself for the difficult choices that lay ahead, knowing that the pursuit of truth and the preservation of justice demanded sacrifices.
In the somber atmosphere of his office, Director Aaron resolved to navigate this intricate web of secrets and power, aware that every action he took would shape the fate of those involved. The path ahead was uncertain, but he was determined to see it through, guided by the principles that defined him as a seeker of truth and a guardian of strength.