The pixels moved, like unsolvable puzzle pieces, at an unimaginable pace until they finally came together to solve the puzzle. A brilliance Xerxes hadn't seen in days struck his pupils, causing him to squint. He blinked rapidly as he absorbed the familiar surroundings.
"An ambulance!" Xerxes hastily searched for his smartphone, which was in his pocket as usual. He supported Kai with one hand while dialing the emergency number with the other.
"I'm fine now." Kai grasped his hand, holding the smartphone. The call was still ringing when the wail of sirens from ambulances and police cars echoed from all directions.
"That was remarkably fast," Nova remarked as he approached them and extended his hand for Xerxes to take, helping him rise from the filthy road. Reminded of the others, Xerxes glanced around, expecting to see everyone, but only two solitary cars were parked next to each other. In the third car sat a boy with short brown hair in the driver's seat, his arm draped over his forehead, his head leaning back against the seat.
Xerxes looked up at Nova, whose grin was brighter than the blazing sun at that moment. He accepted the offered hand, getting back to his feet. Kai also stood up, still gripping his hand tightly.
Before transporting Lucas and Kai to the hospital, the first responders arrived and administered first aid. Xerxes declined to go to the hospital since he had no physical injuries, and Nova declined as well, stating he was well enough to go on his own.
The green coat draped over Xerxes's shoulders looked incredibly expensive, though it had gotten somewhat dirty with cobwebs and debris. Nonetheless, Xerxes made his way over to Nova, who was standing on the sidewalk, conversing with his manager, who had already gotten Nova a smoothie from the most popular café in the city.
"Nova, can I speak with you for a moment?" Xerxes said in a humble tone, as if addressing the earth beneath him, too anxious to face his manager, who was a stranger to him. Xerxes didn't notice or hear anything Nova did. He simply dragged him to a quiet spot after signaling something to his manager.
"What do you need to discuss privately like this? If you want my autograph or a photo, there's no need to be shy. We survived a dungeon together—it's the least I can do for you." Nova grinned proudly and swept his beautiful golden locks back with his fingers, not even arousing the possibility that Xerxes didn't even recognize him in the entertainment world.
"Sorry to disappoint you, but that's not what I want. I need something else right now, and I'm here to return your coat. Thanks for lending it to me." Xerxes removed the coat and thrust it into Nova's arms.
"What do you want from me then?" Nova asked with an arched brow.
"Cash. Can I borrow some money? I'll pay you back later." Xerxes asked without hesitation, since Nova was his only source of funds at the moment. The plan to spend his last bit of money and end it all was definitely off the table. He now had to reconsider if he truly wanted to give up or not. But first, he needed to go home—and for that, he needed the money.
Nova was unsure what to make of Xerxes shamelessly asking for money right after coming out of the ordeal, but he had no reason to refuse—he had plenty of it. He opened his wallet, pulled out every bill, and handed them to Xerxes.
"I don't need this much." Xerxes's hands were overflowing with cash. He didn't even bother to count it before accepting the entire sum, thinking about how easily Nova could be swindled. Xerxes unashamedly stuffed the bills into his pocket.
Nova didn't have the chance to respond before Xerxes swept all the money away in an instant. Amused by his questionable actions, Nova watched as Xerxes fled after having accomplished his goal.
"What?" Xerxes was seized by his arm as he attempted to head toward the nearby subway station by Nova.
"Let's grab a bite together." Nova suggested, just as a swarm of reporters and influencers hoarded him, eager to extract just a single word from him. Xerxes seized the opportunity to slip out of Nova's grip and escape before he could be surrounded again. He'd had enough socializing for at least a week—he just wanted to be left in peace.
"Xerxes, wait! Xerxes!" Nova called after him, but Xerxes pretended he didn't hear a thing. The crowd surrounding Nova showed no interest in him either. They didn't even recognize him as one of the survivors due to his unremarkable presence. He was completely overlooked by the throng.
Yawning throughout the hour-long train ride to the outskirts of the city, Xerxes finally reached the aging five-story building where he resided. He carefully avoided every corner, mindful of the landlord, who might be lurking nearby. The building lacked an elevator, as it was so old and on the verge of collapsing, so he had to climb five flights of stairs to reach his apartment on the top floor. Each floor contained only a single apartment, as the structure wasn't particularly large. He tore off the late rent notice, which had been affixed to his front door with clear tape, before unlocking the door and stepping inside.
***
Nova glanced disdainfully at the public officials from the special recruitment committee, his long-awaited meal interrupted by their intrusion. The only reason he agreed to answer ten of their questions was his genuine interest in the position of infiltrator. He took a bite of his double-patty burger as one of the officers began asking him a question.
"Who do you believe was the key figure in clearing the dungeon?"
***
Lucas had just closed his eyes when two officers entered the private hospital room.
"I thought I was done with the investigation of the dungeon," he said, slowly sitting up in bed.
"We're not with the police, Mr. Lucas," one of them replied. "We need to ask you a few questions regarding the people you were with in the dungeon."
***
"Hey, kid, this is the most important question of the day, so listen carefully," the female officer said to Kai, who was absorbed in his online game on his smartphone.
"Go ahead, I'm listening," he replied, his eyes never leaving the game screen.
The officer sighed but asked the question anyway. "Who was the person that made you feel safe in the dungeon?"
***
"Based on your answers, it seems you did most of the work in the dungeon, Mr. Lucas," the officer said, holding a notebook and pen, waiting for a response. "But if you had to choose one of the other survivors as the reason you made it out alive, who would you say it was?"
Lucas's gaze sharpened as he paused to think for a moment.
"If I had to choose, I'd say Xerxes—the one with the dead eyes and crow-black hair," he replied.
***
Nova set down his burger after hearing the question. He swallowed the chewed food in his stomach, and the corners of his lips curled into a slight grin as he answered with clear resolve.
"It's without a doubt, Xerxes."
***
Kai lost control of his character in the game, and it was frozen by the enemy. Finally, he looked up at the officer, who was waiting expectantly.
Kai didn't need to think twice.
"Xerxes," he said flatly.