Tap. Tap. Tap.
Leandro punched in numbers he had never used before; he never saw the need to.
He leaned back in his chair, eyes fixed on the phone, waiting. It rang once, twice. On the third ring, a voice answered.
—Hello?
The voice was soft, familiar. It's been years since he last heard it—and it hadn't changed one bit.
"Hello, Noona." Leandro said, pleasantly. "It's me, Leandro. Do you remember?"
—...
—Leandro? Ah yes, Myeong's son.
She sighed, but not out of frustration.
—And you shouldn't call me Noona. Auntie is fine.
Her tone was slightly chiding and gentle, a bit indifferent, but she had always been like that.
—What do I owe this call? It should be pretty late there.
Leandro checked his wristwatch and noted that indeed, it was well after one in the morning in Seoul.
"Sorry for disturbing you, Auntie. There was a lot going on recently as you can very well imagine, and I figured it was a good time to reach out and reconnect."
—So this is the reason, huh?
She sounded amused now, not the least offended. She probably knew he was lying, yet still played along.
—Hari and Nari have told me a lot about you, especially that kid, Hari.
"Have they?"
Leandor wondered if she suspected anything, not that he cared if she did—nothing would change. But she was keen and observant, likely to draw conclusions from very little information.
—You're all they talk about.
"..."
He closed his eyes, briefly.
She spoke soon after, her voice clear, cutting straight to the point.
—But I'm sure you didn't call just for small talk, Leandro. What is it you need?
"I wanted to talk about Hari Noona."
There was a short stretch of silence. Leandro stood up and walked over the windows, mindlessly staring at the expanse of buildings and lights.
—That child? Why?
By now, she should have an inkling. Leandro didn't mince his words.
"I heard she's got an arranged date coming up. One that could potentially lead to marriage, is that correct, Auntie?"
Despite his best attempt at keeping cool, a bit of edge seeped into his voice. It was a good thing he had a relaxing time with Bada—it loosened him a bit.
—... It has nothing to do with you.
"Of course it has." Leandro said, lightly. "She's been a rock for many people, including me. You wouldn't want her to waste her life on just anyone, Auntie, would you? She has made it clear that she isn't interested, and considering the rough times we're in, it seems like added stress she doesn't need."
There were no words said after that, and Leandro had to check his phone screen to see if she hadn't hung up on him.
—You and Hari...
"Yes. Me and her."
—Doesn't matter. You have no chance. We have chosen a nice and respectable family. The man can take good care of Hari, in ways neither you, or anyone else can.
—She's coming here, no matter what. She'll be safer.
"Safer?" Leandro had to hold back a laugh. "Come on now, Auntie, let's be real. Hari Noona wouldn't be any safer in the US than in Korea. In fact, I could make the argument she'd be better off staying here. I'd have the means to keep her safe, better than whoever this suitor of hers is, surely."
—Don't try to be clever with me, Leandro. This has nothing to do with—
Leandro spoke quickly to interrupt her, as he always did, but this time with no trace of civility or gentleness.
"I think you know full well this has a lot to do with me, Auntie. It shouldn't be difficult for you to understand where this is going and what I'm asking for, shouldn't it? I'm a Challenger. I've been in the Tower—I've fought monsters that would make that rich wimp you're vouching for shit his designer briefs in fear. I'll take good care of Hari Noona more than anyone could, and she'll never want for anything so long as she's by my side. Doesn't that sound like something you might want?"
—Leandro!
Her tone was startled and reproachful; she couldn't understand what had prompted Leandro to react like that.
He snorted softly. "He doesn't compare, Auntie." Leandro pressed, his tone unyielding. "Take him out of the picture and I can guarantee Hari Noona would be much happier in my care."
—He's the reputed son of a Colonel, Leandro. He has a strong military background and comes from an esteemed and influential family. Hari would be very well taken care of and wouldn't lack for anything, certainly not protection.
She heaved a deep sigh.
—What can you do alone? What power do you hold that an entire military base couldn't provide her?
Leandro laughed. "It's cute, Auntie. You've never really known me." He said, amiably. "Do you really think that if it comes down to it, that guy would stand in front of Hari Noona, even if it means facing death? When it matters the most, you need someone who doesn't hesitate, who doesn't falter, who's willing to go over the edge of madness and back. Do you think that guy is it?"
He waited but her end of the line remained quiet. Leandro had no doubt she was deep in thought.
—You're arrogant.
She eventually said, voice sharp with reprehension.
"Because I can back it up. In fact, why don't you come here as well? You'll be safer with us; I don't want Hari Noona and Nari to be concerned over your well-being when shit hits the fan. Think about it."
Leandro gave it a few moments' worth of reflection, but she was done for now.
"I hope you'll make the right decision—Hari Noona is going nowhere. I have my foot down on this. Take care, Auntie."
Without giving her the chance to respond, he rang off.
…
Meanwhile, in a mansion in the United States.
A stunning figure of indeterminate age stared intently at the phone in her hand. To a casual observer, she appeared as a young, incredibly delicate person—but if Leandro had been there, he would have instantly recognized her uncanny resemblance to Hari and Nari.
"Hah…" She didn't expect that kid's persistence. "What a brat."
Despite what her cold appearance conveyed, she felt amused by Leandro. It had been years—a decade, since the last time she saw him. She could never quite pin down an age for him, even when he was a kid. That moment their gazes crossed paths, it was as if she was staring at someone infinitely older than she.
It was an absurd thought when the subject that prompted it was actually a kid almost half her age. But that Leandro wasn't the child she knew from so long ago; he was something else, different—something greater. A Challenger; she knew of them. Humans who partook in the Monolith's challenges, killing monsters, clearing floors, reaping rewards, overcoming human limits.
Leandro was part of that group, huh?
She dialed a different number. It barely took two rings before it was picked up.
—Mistress, is something the matter?
A male voice asked on the other end of the line. Her butler had sharp intuition and always had an instinct for whenever she called or required his attendance—his record was just over a second.
She did not beat around the bush, her instructions given without room to be misinterpreted.
"Alfred, I need you to look into someone. He's a Challenger from South Korea; his name is Leandro Reyes. Track down as many details you can find. Do not disappoint me—make it a priority."
—... Immediately. Should I contact master?
"No... that won't be necessary."
Alfred was an ex-special ops mercenary, and he's been inside the Tower. She trusted him to produce results that'd match her expectations; if not, exceed it. He served her well until now, without question.
Leandro.
She pulled up a picture. Myeong had shared many such pictures with her, as did her own daughter. The boy had grown into a handsome man with a face that'd immediately catch one's eyes. As a child, he had always been solemn-looking—too serious and mature.
Now he looked more relaxed. A playful smile sometimes tilted that otherwise perfectly formed mouth. She continued scrolling, staring at the pictures of Leandro and Hari, taken and sent by the latter, either secretly or with Leandro's exasperated consent, which could be seen in many pictures, in the form of a knowing but indulgent half-smile.
Hari... and Leandro... she couldn't even begin to speculate what might have transpired between them—it was just... unexpected.
No, maybe it was.
She didn't think any of them would build a bond stronger than a familial one. Now her daughters were vying for the same man, in the same household. How absurd—unexpected it was indeed, but not unreasonable. She should have foreseen such a circumstance.
But back then she merely thought she was doing a favor to one of her old friends, and nothing more.
Perhaps it was a mistake.
"Hmm..."
It didn't take more than fifteen minutes for Alfred to call her back.
—Mistress. I have found the information you wanted. It's just that…
"Results. Speak."
—Leandro... he...
She frowned slightly at Alfred's hesitation.
—I am uncertain whether this is merely a fabricated tale or if there is truth to it. Surprisingly, uncovering information about that man and tracing his steps was easier than expected. Despite the lack of media attention, he is quite the topic of discussion among those in the know.
The woman listened attentively. Alfred's voice, usually flat and monotonous, had become filled with underlying tones. It wasn't excitement—it was confusion mixed with caution, apprehension and even a tinge of respect.
After taking a deep breath, he continued.
—Madam, there are rumors circulating that Leandro is responsible for clearing floors 1, 2, and 3. He's managed this feat with a small, disorganized group. Not only did he conquer the 2nd floor, where that tragedy occurred, but he also navigated the previously unexplored 3rd floor. According to my reports, the difficulty was so immense that it would typically require an elite team of at least 50 Challengers... and that's a conservative estimate. Naturally, there might be factors we're not taking into account, after all we lack accurate data concerning the Tower's rewards, which I've heard are not necessarily negligible depending on the Challenger's contribution.
"..."
—Madam?
"Keep speaking, Alfred."
—I haven't had enough time to deepen my understanding of Leandro's abilities. But if those rumors are anything to be taken at face value, it's quite possible that Leandro Reyes possesses talents bordering on the absurd.
—USA and Spain are paying attention to him, madam. I wouldn't be surprised if they sought to naturalize Leandro as soon as possible. Conventional weapons don't work in the Tower. The Department of State is already in a state of discussion to extend Leandro an offer via diplomatic channels. They're moving fast.
"I see…"
That... it was unexpected, indeed.
She closed her eyes, leaning back in her chair, her posture effortlessly graceful.
Leandro's claims were not mere empty words anymore, but she still stood grounded in her decision. As strong as that young man appeared to be, she didn't know how he could possibly match up to the might of the American military.
And yet...
Hari, that kid's feelings... she saw—heard—it every time he was mentioned. Her daughters liked Leandro and their attachment was too deep for it to be an inconsequential fling. That troubled her. Even if she allowed Leandro and Hari to be together, Nari would be left out and hurt. This was a difficult decision to make. She was not blind nor heartless; her girls were her utmost priority.
'Should I force Hari here? And Nari.'
She tapped her finger on her chin, lifting one slender, nylon-clad leg and crossing it over the other. Alfred's assessment alone was not conclusive—there was only one way to know for certain what that young man was truly capable of, and whether he was fit to be with her daughter.
She'd give him a chance, at least.
Alfred, not hearing anything, respectfully spoke up.
—Shall I make further inquiries to see if those are nothing more than rumors and exaggerations?
"That's unnecessary; thank you, Alfred. I need you to do one more thing for me."
Her eyes sparkled with a decision. "Alfred, I want you to book me a flight to South Korea."
—Of course, Madam. How long shall I arrange for your stay?
"Three days should suffice."
Three days should be more than enough to get a feel for that young man and come back—she couldn't stay away for long, unfortunately.
—Understood.
The line was cut.
...
Leandro had made another call, this time to his mother—Myeong.
She didn't answer.
He had been ringing her phone for the past 30 minutes already and to no avail; she wouldn't pick up. 'She must be busy.' Too busy. He didn't have any success calling his father either.
Such an auspicious timing for them to be unavailable. He tapped the tip of his phone against his chin, thinking, overthinking, because something wasn't right, no matter how hard he tried to rationalize otherwise. Leandro was aware this could all be his imagination running wild and yet...
He shook his head, sighing.
'I don't have enough time for a trip to the US and back.'
As much as he wanted to make sure they were fine, he had to prioritize the most immediate danger. The only silver lining was that they'd be better off than other countries. USA, Russia, China, Israel—at least for the first wave of Drifts that would appear, they'd be able to stand their ground.
Leandro had to trust his parents would call him once they had the chance. He figured something else might be going on.
With a heavy heart, he left them a message.
—It's Leandro. Call me soon; it's urgent.