Lassen was comfortably settled in his armchair, a novel in hand, while Adrian entered the room carrying a tray of snacks. Alex stood near the window, focused on a tablet, his expression neutral but concentrated. The villa was calm, but the silence was soon interrupted by the sarcastic voice of the system.
[Host, you're going to love this. Samuel Hart's article continues to stir things up. You're officially the most discussed genius on the planet.]
Lassen turned a page of his novel without even glancing up.
— Great. And how does that concern me?
[Let's just say your tranquility might become a thing of the past. Academics are debating your abilities, governments are speculating about your intentions, and Samuel Hart has become an international celebrity thanks to you.]
Alex shifted his attention from the tablet and calmly spoke up.
— It's true, Master. That article has elevated "Monsieur X" to the status of a living myth. But for now, no one has connected you, SpectraSys, and this mystery. We're still in the shadows.
Lassen finally put his book down and sighed.
— You know what? I don't care. Let them have their theories. System, mislead them, create distractions, erase what you can. Let them run in circles until they're exhausted.
[Ah, the embodiment of compassion. Very well, Host. I'll provide them with a digital labyrinth worthy of your high standards in… laziness.]
— Perfect. Keep me updated if it gets entertaining, Lassen replied, picking up his novel again.
---
At the National Police Headquarters
The Director General of the National Police was deeply engrossed in documents when one of his deputies entered in a hurry.
— Sir, the media attention surrounding the arrest of the spies is starting to become a problem. Politicians are demanding clear answers about the source of the information.
The Director removed his glasses and fixed his deputy with a serious gaze.
— We've already clarified this: confidential intelligence obtained through anonymous sources.
— But the journalists aren't buying that story. And Samuel Hart's article has only fueled their curiosity.
The Director sighed deeply. He knew that excessive attention on this matter could complicate things, but he couldn't reveal the truth. The trust Monsieur X had placed in him was a privilege he couldn't afford to betray.
— We stick to the official line. No additional information will be disclosed.
---
Back at the Villa
Adrian discreetly entered the room where Lassen and Alex were. He approached Alex and whispered something into his ear. Alex nodded and turned to Lassen.
— Master, Adrian reports that Macro's intelligence services are intensifying their efforts to learn more about Monsieur X. They want to understand why someone so brilliant is interested in our country.
Lassen smiled nonchalantly.
— And what do they hope to find? A picture of me reading with a sign that says, "Genius on Break"?
[That would be hilarious, but no. They're trying to link your involvement in the spy arrests to other events. For now, they know nothing, but their persistence might eventually yield results.]
— Good. The more they search, the more they'll get lost. And no one knows that SpectraSys is connected, right?
Alex nodded.
— Not at the moment. But we should remain cautious. If the connection between you and SpectraSys is discovered, it could become problematic.
Lassen shrugged.
— Then do what you need to do. Create fake projects, hire managers for SpectraSys, and keep them as far from me as possible. That's your domain, Alex.
Alex gave a slight nod, accepting the instructions.
---
In the Office of an International Newspaper
Samuel Hart sat across from his editor-in-chief, a man with graying hair and a stern expression.
— Your article is a masterpiece, Samuel, but it raises more questions than it answers. Why did Monsieur X help Macro? And why now?
Samuel, still exhilarated by the impact of his article, smirked slightly.
— Maybe he just likes playing the anonymous vigilante.
The editor narrowed his eyes, skeptical.
— That's not enough. You need to dig deeper. If you can link this genius to other events or organizations, it'll be the scoop of the century.
Samuel nodded, already thinking about his next leads.
---
In a dark, heavily guarded room, high-ranking officials of Geria were engaged in an animated debate.
— We need to figure out who Monsieur X is, one official declared. He represents a potential threat. Today, he helps Macro. And tomorrow? Who knows what targets he'll choose?
Another, more pragmatic official, calmly replied.
— We know nothing about him. He could be a person or a group. We need to start by identifying his motivations.
A heavy silence followed the remark. The idea of an anonymous genius capable of disrupting regional power dynamics weighed heavily on their minds.
---
Lassen, back at his villa, resumed his novel, a satisfied smile on his face. While the world fretted over him, he savored the tranquility of the moment, fully aware that his anonymity was his greatest weapon… for now.