Narrator
Meanwhile, in an old cave.
Yuri came forward and had a meeting with the minister, his arms crossed as the minister entered. The air was damp, heavy with silence.
Yuri's voice broke the stillness, calm yet edged with something sharp. "Couldn't find a less dramatic place for this, Minister?"
The minister's lips curled slightly as he took slow, deliberate steps forward. His movements were unhurried, like a man who never rushed unless necessary. "You always did hate this, Yuri. But I find that people are more... honest when surrounded by stone and darkness."
Yuri didn't react. "If you dragged me here for philosophy, you're wasting your time."
The minister chuckled, a low, knowing sound. "Fine. Then let's speak plainly. But first... I've noticed something." He paused. "You've taken a particular interest in Roy Celgius."
Yuri tilted his head slightly, the only sign of amusement. "You never miss anything, do you?"
The minister smiled, but his eyes remained unreadable. "It's my job to notice things."
Yuri exhaled slowly, as if weighing his words. "He's talented. That's all. I see potential in him. Potential worth shaping."
"Shaping," the minister repeated, as if testing the word. "And what, exactly, are you shaping him into?"
Yuri's expression didn't change. "A survivor. Someone who understands this world for what it is."
The minister studied him for a moment before stepping closer, his voice lowering. "Is that really all? Or is there something more you're not saying?"
Yuri's gaze remained steady. "If you have something to say, Minister, say it."
The minister's smile faded, his tone turning cold. "Loyalties shift, Yuri. Even the strongest ones. I've seen men swear their oaths one day and betray them the next." He let the words sink in before adding, "Tell me, should I be concerned?"
Yuri unfolded his arms and took a slow step forward, his voice dropping to something almost dangerous. "If you doubt me, Minister, then tell me, what's stopping me from snapping your neck here and leaving you to rot in this cave?"
The minister didn't flinch. "Because you're smarter than that." His voice was steady, his gaze unwavering. "You've always played the long game, Yuri. And I know you well enough to understand that you're not reckless. Which is why I need you to find the traitor among us. And even maybe the traitors..."
Silence stretched between them. The minister took a step back, his posture more relaxed, but his eyes remained sharp.
"There's a storm coming," he said quietly. "And I don't just mean war. The kind of storm that changes the shape of everything we know." He turned slightly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Some things are already in motion. Things that cannot be undone. We need to start taking precautions."
Yuri's gaze darkened. "And what, exactly, are you expecting me to do about it?"
The minister glanced toward the cave's entrance. "What you do best. Watch, listen, and act when the time comes."
He took another step toward the exit but then paused. His voice was softer now, but no less serious. "One more thing, Yuri. Don't forget about the kids."
Yuri's expression flickered for just a second.
The minister continued, his back now turned. "They're just like you, after all." he paused then finally said, "Survivors of an experiment..."
With that, he disappeared into the darkness, leaving only the distant echo of his footsteps.
Yuri remained still for a long moment, the weight of the conversation settling over him. Then, with a quiet breath, he muttered,
"Fool old man…"