[Main Story 8-1]
“Yesterday, a widespread Internet paralysis broke out in Loveland.”
“It has affected all websites in the city. On every homepage, there’s a signature by a hacker named Key.”
“It has deeply affected the daily lives of residents, but authorities have yet to respond as of 5pm today.”
“We have reports that an investigation has been launched, but so far no leads are forthcoming.”
It was on TV all night everywhere you turn.
Willow: Who is this Key guy? Is he well-known?
Kiki: You don’t know who Key is? He’s a legend among hackers!
Kiki started rattling off the deeds and exploits of this so-called hacker-god.
Kiki: Key showed up on the hacker scene a long time back.
Kiki: 17 years ago, he hacked the servers of a classified bio-research facility, said to be the worst cyberattack in 100 years!
As they gabbed about Key, a long-ago incident surfaced in my mind.
17 years back was when “Miracle Finder” debuted.
Being 5 at the time, I didn’t understand why my father got very busy all of a sudden.
Much later in life, I found out my father’s diligent reporting work saved the facility’s most classified file from being leaked.
His investigative piece caught massive attention, even in an era before the Internet became popular.
He tracked the incident and even made a documentary short that was the precursor for “Miracle Finder”.
He exposed the hacking before it could get worse, and Key just plain disappeared.
Willow: So you’re saying he’s resurfaced?
Kiki: Nah, he’s been back since last year, but… he’s been doing white-hat stuff.
{{MC}}: White-hat stuff?
My curiosity was suddenly piqued.
Kiki: In the past year, Key’s exposed a lot of malicious hackers and majorly reduced the amount of cyber crime occurring.
Kiki: And he leaves a calling card– his signature– every time he exposes someone, like Zorro! So cool…
Kiki: Even more amazing, no one’s ever met him. Some of his old programs have been found, but no one’s been able to crack them.
{{MC}}: He seems to be quite a flipper-flopper though, no?
Kiki: There are suspicions it’s not really him who crashed the net, but he’s the only one skilled enough…
Kiki: There’s a poll going around on the forums about why he pulled a 180. Apparently, the leading theory is…
Everybody held their breath as Kiki cleared her throat and slowly revealed:
Kiki: He. Has. Multiple. Personality. Disorder!
{{MC}}: Pbbfftt…
My curiosity got the best of me, so I did a search for Key.
“King of the Cyberworld”, “legendary hacker”, “most feared hacker”…
Every news item warned how skilled and fearsome Key is.
But the more I read, the stories started to take a bizarre turn…
“Former hacker-god Key obsessed with comic books!”
“Key hacked site just to sneak-preview Fullmetal Alchemist finale!”
“Loveland sold out of Key’s favorite comic in 1 hour!”
I was bewildered. How come this Key was so different from the one my father investigated?
The Key from my father’s notes was so silent. This mysterious return with a new temperament was making me believe the multiple-personality theory.
Too bad I have no idea how to reach him.
(Victor’s Call: Greeting With Pudding)
[Main Story 8-3]
I put the idea of interviewing Key aside to check out show proposals.
But then my cell phone vibrated, notifying me of an email from the Hacker Consortium.
I surreptitiously snuck the phone under the table and opened the email.
Dear BigDaddy123…
BigDaddy123? Is this a scam? Or a wrong email address?
I kept reading.
You are cordially invited to attend the annual Hacker Summit. Below is the address and password.
Wrong address it was, and I didn’t have BigDaddy123’s email to forward it to him…
Anna: Hey, are you with us?
Anna nudged me.
{{MC}}: I’m still trying to think of a way to contact Key.
Anna: Everybody’s looking for him. An exclusive would catapult us right to the top.
Kiki: Only if we were part of that scene, we might have some insider knowledge…
Part of the scene? I do have this email…
{{MC}}: What do you know about the Hacker Consortium?
Kiki: Oh my god, that’s like a collection of the best hackers in Loveland!
Seeing how in awe she was, I got the bright idea of going to that summit. Who knows what I might turn up?
Sorry, BigDaddy123. But after all, it was sent to my inbox. Maybe it’s fate…
At that thought, I winked at Anna.
{{MC}}: I might have an “in”.
Now that it was decided, I started digging up anything I could on the Consortium and their summit.
I came to find out they hold this every year to exchange information and hone their skills.
Because of stringent screening, only the best of the best were invited.
The email got to the wrong person, but at just the right time!
Naturally, I would have to spend the next three days cramming as to not blow my cover.
I ended up collecting reams of info. Anyone passing by my office couldn’t help but be impressed by the effort.
But only I knew I never got past the first page.
{{MC}}: I know what the words mean individually, but not when they’re strung together like this!
Three grueling days later came the summit. I navigated through winding alleys using GPS.
{{MC}}: Go straight down Gourd Alley next to 787 Gold Boulevard. Turn left at the 3rd intersection.
{{MC}}: 5th intersection on Sunset Boulevard, turn right, then 500 meters uphill…
{{MC}}: 199 Peacock Lane. I finally made it!
I looked up and did a double take.
[Main Story 8-4]
A giant “Cybercafe” sign was dangling in the wind over a run-down storefront with peeling paint.
This is the place where only the best of the best are supposedly convening?
I rubbed my eyes to make sure it wasn’t a dream.
Punkilles: B4sic g!rl, b4sic h@irstyl3…
{{MC}}: What did you say?
I suddenly noticed a man standing in the door with red, spiky hair covered in metallic bling.
Looking closer, there was actually an order to the chaos. Just like his hair, sticking straight up, not a strand out of place.
He eyed me and shook his head.
{{MC}}: Were you talking to me?
Punkilles: I c4n g!ve u a c00l n3w ‘do, m@ke u l00k f@bulou$.
{{MC}}: N–no, thanks…
I waved no and backed up.
{{MC}}: Did I come to the wrong place?
I checked the address, and it was correct. I still had 30 minutes before the meeting, so I went looking for help.
I circled the café a few times before settling on a group of weirdly dressed guys.
{{MC}}: Excuse me, is this the place for the Hackers Summit?
They looked me over.
Passerby: How do you know about that?
{{MC}}: I, uh… am here to participate…
As I tried to bluff my way through, one of the guys couldn’t help but laugh.
Passerby: First time, right? Remember to change into your costume before going in.
What? You have to dress up for the Hacker Summit?
Seeing my confusion, the guy pointed at his friends.
Passerby: We’re all hackers. When we meet irl, we gotta keep our identities secret. The more famous, the more secret you gotta be. Don’t you know that?
I shook my head in ignorance before catching myself and nodded.
So that’s how it is! Lucky I didn’t barge right in like this or my cover would be blown.
Looking at how I was dressed, I decided I needed a makeover to at least try to look the part.
I ran hastily into the only clothing shop around.
[Main Story 8-6]
{{MC}}: This oughta do.
I looked at my new self in the mirror, and something felt off.
I grabbed a ribbon and tied my hair up. That was a bit better.
Clerk: Wow, looking good, miss! This is a perfect fit for you!
{{MC}}: R– really? Can you tell it’s me?
Clerk: Of course, who wouldn’t recognize such beauty?
{{MC}}: Oh, forget it then…
Clerk: No, no, I can’t tell. I even forgot what you looked like just then.
Always tell the customers what they want to hear, I see.
The summit was about to begin, so I bought it without hesitation.
Holding down the brim of my hat, I jogged back to the café. The spike-haired punk was still at the door, tapping his foot.
He looked me over and then spewed out a string of numbers.
Punkilles: 5-8-9-0-4-8-5-3
So he’s actually the gatekeeper! No wonder he mistook me for a passerby before I got all dressed up!
I regurgitated the numbers I had memorized for so long.
{{MC}}: 5-7-9-8-6-7-1-1-9
He opened the café door behind him.
Punkilles: U w@nt a m3mber$h!p? 25% 0ff @ll purcha$es.
{{MC}}: No thanks…
I hurried through the door.
I followed a long, meandering corridor until I was just about dizzy before finally hearing the sound of people.
I opened a door to a simple, all-black-and-white conference room, with a wedge-shaped wooden ceiling panel suspended like a riddle above and seats welded out of 0- and 1-shaped metal pieces.
My heart beat faster knowing I was about to enter an unknown world under a false identity. I took a deep breath and kept going.
A few hackers congregated by the door talking about something, erupting in laughter from time to time.
Oh man, it’s like they’re speaking gibberish. I can’t understand a thing… Better just move along.
The room started to fill up. I moved carefully about with my back to the wall.
Hacker A: And who might you be?
A bunch of eyes suddenly turned in my direction. I froze in my best sneaking stance.
What should I say? …He was probably asking for my handle…
{{MC}}: I’m, uh, Big…Daddy…123…
I could barely say the name out loud.
Hacker A: First time, right? Remember to change into your costume before going in.
{{MC}}: Heh-heh… Gee, thanks…
I slowly tried to slink away.
Hacker A: So what’s your take on the quantum password transmission method he just suggested?
I once again… froze in place. What the heck is that?
Pop-up windows of info flashed through my mind, and then it all went blank.
{{MC}}: Well, about that, I think… uh…
I scoured my brain as hard as I could but couldn’t find a single thing to say.
Screw it! Just say something! Politicians do this all the time!
{{MC}}: Under certain situations, it’s viable. Under certain other situations, it’s, uh… not.
And with that I dumbfounded not only myself, but everyone in the room.
[Main Story 8-7]
Everyone ceased their chattering and looked quizzically at me.
I bit down on my tongue hard. What did I just say! Now would be a great time for an earthquake or tsunami or something!
??: Hey, you’re here.
A tall guy in a black hat waved at me and approached.
Was he… talking to me?
I wasn’t totally sure, but it felt like he was, even though I couldn’t quite see his eyes.
But he must have me confused with someone else… Oh, screw it, this is my chance to get away!
{{MC}}: Yeah, I got here late…
He nodded. The surrounding hackers resumed their conversations, but now it centered on the guy coming up to me.
Hacker B: BigDaddy123 and The Sysop know each other!
I let out a sigh of relief, glanced at the guy still standing there and then slipped off in the other direction.
{{MC}}: That was close…
The last time I was this nervous was when I went to LFG for the report…
So the guy must be The Sysop, but why would he talk to me? Did I disguise myself too well? And he sounded familiar…
I stroked the wig on my head and adjusted my sunglasses. This was unbelievable.
As the room started to fill up, I made myself scarce in a corner, checking out the high-tech surroundings and listening in on conversations.
If I couldn’t get in touch with Key, a piece on this secret summit might be a suitable alternative.
I scanned around curiously and saw Sysop staring at his phone in a corner alone.
Then, an announcement sounded, reminding everyone to sign in.
I mimicked others in accessing the touchpad on my seat and clumsily entered BigDaddy123.
??: So this is your seat, BigDaddy123?
I turned to see the guy in the corner had sidled up in the seat next to me.
And there was a playful little rise in his tone at the end.
It dawned on me that he knew I was an impostor just then and was only bailing me out of that jam.
I relaxed, but also blushed slightly.
{{MC}}: Thanks for what you did back there.
The Sysop: It’s all good. Besides, you were blocking the doorway and I couldn’t get in otherwise!
Okay, so that’s why.
{{MC}}: You won’t tell, will you?
The Sysop: Worry not. In my twenty-some years of hacking, I’ve never passed a secret on to anyone.
{{MC}}: Twenty-some years?
{{MC}}: You… you’re really 45? I can’t tell at all!
The corners of his mouth perked up a bit.
The Sysop: Actually, I’m 30, but would you believe I started junior high when I was 10?
That sounds like a real hacker! I nodded in awe.
That made him snicker.
The Sysop: (Chuckles) Did you really believe that?
The Sysop: And on top of that, I’m wearing a mask. You can’t even see my face.
{{MC}}: So that’s how you can tell such brazen lies…
I was a bit angry, but the guy just kept laughing.
His laughter calmed me down and I got that sense of familiarity again.
Not just his demeanor and voice, but even the way he teased people reminded me of someone.
{{MC}}: Is age a closely guarded secret among you hackers?
The Sysop: Not just age, everything’s secret… just like, even though they don’t know, I know that you know that I know you’re not BigDaddy123.
He paused.
The Sysop: That sounds a bit confusing. Anyway, the point is, your secret’s safe here.
{{MC}}: Does this mean there’s no way for me to find Key?
The Sysop: Wait, what? Why do you want to find Key?
{{MC}}: Well… I want to interview him.
I leaned close to Sysop and whispered.
The Sysop: Oh, so that’s why you got yourself in this ridiculous getup!
Hey, my disguise isn’t that bad…
{{MC}}: But this guy’s story is pretty strange, right? I heard he’s been on the up and up since his reappearance, only to turn around and start crashing sites.
The Sysop: So you think he’s a bad guy too?
I nodded, then shook my head.
{{MC}}: I just feel the turn was too drastic, although he did do bad things in the past…
The Sysop fixed his eyes on me, seemingly waiting for me to continue.
{{MC}}: Still, it’s wrong to jump to conclusions, especially when all we got is a sig.
He suddenly burst out into laughter.
{{MC}}: What, did I say something wrong?
He shook his head.
The Sysop: Au contraire, I thought that was very well said.
The Sysop: The world of data is comprised of 1’s and 0’s, but for humans it’s more than black and white.
[Main Story 8-10]
As I contemplated the meaning of his words, the lights above suddenly went out.
After a clicking noise, the lights slowly came back on.
What was that? I looked around and saw everyone was as puzzled as I was.
The sound of ticking followed, sounding very loud in the silent room.
Someone shouted “Bomb!”, and then the whole crowd panicked and rushed for the exit.
{{MC}}: Bomb?!
I looked up and saw red lights flashing in all four corners of the ceiling.
The Sysop: Uh-oh! We gotta run for the door!
He grabbed me and headed for the exit.
{{MC}}: Isn’t this a summit? Why would someone plant a bomb?
Hacher A: All the doors and windows are locked!
The revelation only made people mob the exit and bang on it even more.
Then, a bright red countdown popped up on the stage screen, showing: 08:57:09.
The ticks are synced with the countdown on the screen. It was a bomb!
I turned pale. I was just trying to crash a meeting! How could this happen!
I took my phone out but couldn’t get any signal.
Now what?!
As I searched for an answer, I heard the sound of keyboard-pounding next to me.
I turned and saw The Sysop tapping away on a miniature computer.
I couldn’t see his expression, but the feel of powerful concentration coming off him was unmistakable.
{{MC}}: We’re about to die, and you’re typing?!
He didn’t seem to hear me, remaining laser-focused on his device.
But it wasn’t just him. Other people also started to sit and bang away on their keyboards.
The cacophony of cries for help, banging on the door, and pounding on keyboards was bewildering.
I just stood there with a totally helpless feeling of not knowing what to do.
Then I remembered in hacker movies, the protagonist always saved the day at the last moment.
Is this what they’re doing, by hacking?
Is this what they mean when they say they’re waging a smokeless war?
I actually got excited watching these masters of their craft trying to save me as well as themselves!
The seconds ticked away. The countdown was now at 03:12:09.
Three minutes left. All I could contribute was prayers for a miracle.
We can do this, guys!
Then everything suddenly paused. The numbers on the screen stopped flashing.
Hacher E: I did it! I did it!
A guy in black surgical mask jumped up in celebration, his face flushed completely red.
The crowd burst into cheers, and many started hugging each other out of joy.
A miracle really did come! I was drained, but extraordinarily relieved.
{{MC}}: OMG! I was scared out of my wits!
The Sysop: That was too easy.
I caught every word despite the noise level.
{{MC}}: What did you say?
He didn’t reply but returned to working the keyboard.
A blinding red light shone over the crowd, making me squint.
The ticking resumed, only louder this time… and faster!
{{MC}}: What’s going on? Wasn’t the bomb defused?
I looked at the giant countdown on the screen, dumbfounded.
The numbers were in a rapid freefall. The crowd panicked again, this time in unchecked pandemonium!
The erstwhile composed hackers joined others in mobbing the door and yelling for help.
Only one guy remained seated in the empty meeting space, appearing unusually calm. Numbers flashed in a steady stream across his screen.
My legs, however, were trembling next to him. Is this the end for me?
He straightened himself up a bit and tapped “Enter” with a long finger. The countdown stopped.
00:02:45. Not even 3 seconds left. The silence was the repeat of the first.
I closed my eyes, anticipating the countdown to restart again. I couldn’t stand to face death.
A pair of warm hands gently held mine. I slowly opened my eyes.
There was no explosion like I expected. I was still alive!
The hoots and hollers all around nearly shattered my eardrums.
We’re saved!
I relaxed my clenched fists, leaving deep nail marks on my still-sweating palms.
My chest heaved up and down… I almost… I almost died…
It felt wonderful to have survived, but it’s not a feeling I would ever want to go through again!
Judging from how excited everyone looked, they felt the same way too.
I glanced back at the superhero who just saved us all. The man who dueled with Death and won, was him.
But he was still on the keyboard, as if that battle was just a daily routine for him.
{{MC}}: Thank you so much!
He turned to me and laughed.
The Sysop: For what?
{{MC}}: For saving my life, and everyone else here too.
The Sysop: You saw me do that?
The Sysop: Though, I gotta say, it took longer than I thought.
{{MC}}: You only just now realized this?
The Sysop: Yeah. But I just discovered an unknown server, and only one guy knows where it is…
{{MC}}: One guy?
The Sysop: Could it… Uh-oh, it’s not over, we gotta leave now!
The overhead lights shattered, plunging the room into total darkness. The crowd screamed and entered into an unprecedented panic.
{{MC}}: What’s going on?!
A calm voice next to me called out in the dark.
The Sysop: Don’t panic and head for the west exit!
The crowd began a mad dash in that direction. A pair of hands grabbed and moved me along.
The Sysop: Hold on tight.
{{MC}}: Okay!
We were packed in amongst the crowd, jostling toward a dim light ahead.
{{MC}}: There’s the way out!
With hope in sight, the crowd got excited again.
Suddenly, someone shoved me off balance and I fell, taking The Sysop down with me.
The Sysop: You okay?
He was concerned, and I was rattled enough not to realize he had just called me by name!
{{MC}}: I’m fine…
Footsteps rushed by us. When we finally got up, just a few stragglers were still running out the door. We were left behind and all alone.
I looked up in time to see the door slam shut in front of us.
The Sysop: Not good!
I pushed and pulled on the handle but it was locked.
I banged on the door and called for help in vain.
{{MC}}: We’re stuck!
I turned and took a step, but I stepped on nothing but air underneath me.
{{MC}}: Aaahh…
The Sysop: Watch out!
I shut my eyes tight and felt like I was in a warm embrace, followed by a weightless fall.
A vast darkness swallowed me whole!
[Main Story 8-12]
Outside the window was raining,
I slowly opened my eyes,
finding I seemed to be imprisoned
I couldn’t move.
The moan, the meow, and the ticking
In this dark room, all sounds came together.
I tried hard to reach out my hand
groping on the wall.
Suddenly I found something round and cold,
some metal like a button.
I pressed it lightly.
The ceiling cracked.
Sudden sunlight forced me to close my eyes.
Someone touched my face with his hand.
Who is he?
I forced my eyes open, but there was nothing but silent, endless blackness in sight.
I touched my cheek. There was nothing on my face.
It was just a dream…
I took a deep breath, still a little shaken.
What just happened? How did I fall? Where am I?
I noticed a warm arm around my back. My curled body didn’t hit the ground, but rather was cradled by someone’s chest.
The hot breath over my head and the strong heartbeat of that chest stood out in the dark.
I remembered someone catching me. Since we were alone together, I assumed it was The Sysop…
I turned my head, and the man behind me kept me steady.
The Sysop: Are you awake? Are you hurt at all?
A light came on, making me squint.
My face was held between a pair of hands, and I felt his hurried breathing.
{{MC}}: I’m all right… Are you hurt yourself? Thank you for…
The Sysop: I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.
He gently ran his fingers through my hair, and I felt completely reassured.
Wait a minute, The Sysop’s voice had changed… to one that was very familiar!
{{MC}}: You… you’re…
I couldn’t believe how familiar the voice was, or whose it was.
The Sysop: That’s right. It’s me.
He shone a flashlight at himself. The blond hair really stood out. He took off his hat.
Kiro: Finally, I can ditch this thing. It’s been suffocating me!
{{MC}}: Ki… Kiro?!
Kiro: Yep. Here I am.
I couldn’t believe the person who chatted with me, defused the bomb, and was holding me in his arms was Kiro!
Kiro: Why aren’t you saying anything? Did you get hurt from the fall after all?
He pulled my hands to him, looking them over carefully.
That endless warmth emanating from his palms almost made me cry.
He shielded me with his own body, then when he came to worried not about himself but me…
{{MC}}: Are you really Kiro? I’m not dreaming, am I?
Kiro: What? You don’t recognize me?
He stuck his face inches from mine and winked.
Kiro: The one and only genuine article, Miss Chips! Now tell me whether this is a dream or not!
I looked at the hat in his hand and decided to accept the truth…
The Sysop… is Kiro?
{{MC}}: What’s a superstar doing here as a hacker?
{{MC}}: That… That’s simply inconceivable!
I looked at Kiro, befuddled.
Kiro: Where do I begin… I’m at a loss for words myself.
Kiro: I’m a star AND a hacker. They’re not mutually exclusive. Just like you like to eat spicy hotpot, but also like plain steamed vegetables too.
{{MC}}: Yeah… that does seem to make sense… but still a little weird…?
Kiro: Today, Super Hacker is here to save the world.
{{MC}}: So you attended the summit as a hacker?
Kiro: Yes. Actually, I was under a false identity, just like you.
{{MC}}: What? Why?
Kiro: We’re both here for the same guy.
{{MC}}: What do you mean?
Kiro: You probably won’t believe any of this, but I’m telling you the truth.
Kiro: Actually, I’m Key.
That stopped me in my tracks. Did he just say he’s the Key who resurfaced after 17 long years?
{{MC}}: So Kiro is The Sysop who is Key? So, so… they’re all the same person!?
Kiro chuckled at my inane babbling.
Kiro: Yes, all three are the same person. Do you get it now?
Kiro: Wait, scratch that. I’m not The Sysop.
{{MC}}: But you just…
I still couldn’t wrap my head around that.
Kiro: I came to clear my name. Someone pretending to be me hacked those sites.
Kiro: So I hacked into The Sysop’s email and snuck in here posed as him, similar to what you did.
{{MC}}: But wasn’t Key around a long time ago? How did you…
I just blurted my thoughts like an idiot.
Kiro cracked a smile, and his eyes lit up.
Kiro: Actually, there are two Keys.
Seeing that I wasn’t going to interrupt, he continued.
Kiro: The Key from 17 years back was my mentor. At the time…
He stole a glance at me before continuing on.
Kiro: At the time, after he was exposed… he retired from the scene. One year ago, I assumed his name and brought him back.
Kiro: That’s why a lot of people think Key has split personality, because it really is two different people.
Kiro: I planned on just clearing things up and leaving, but then I saw you.
He suddenly raised his eyebrows.
Kiro: So I decided to stick around, especially with you in such a crazy outfit…
{{MC}}: Hey, you were dressed pretty crazy yourself!
Kiro: Yeah, and it was the worst! I couldn’t stand it, plus I had to talk in this low voice…
Kiro: But it’s just the two of us now. I can ditch the mask.
No wonder he helped me out of that bind. No wonder he seemed so familiar. No wonder…
I kept reconnecting the dots over and over in my head.
{{MC}}: Wait, if you recognized me from the get-go, then why did you string me along?
{{MC}}: I feel so stupid!
Kiro: You can be as stupid as you want in front of me.
He didn’t seem to care at all, but I shot him an angry look.
Kiro: Are you mad?
Kiro: I was going to tell you, but there was the bomb, and then we fell…
He kind of slinked his frame, batting his eyes like a guilty puppy.
{{MC}}: Fine! I won’t get mad… I know how important it is for hackers to protect their true identities.
{{MC}}: Your secret is safe with me.
Kiro: Mm. I trust you.
Kiro: It’s just between us two.
He grinned, and his eyes seemed to radiate pure innocence…
{{MC}}: I have another question.
{{MC}}: Where are we, and how did we end up here?
[Main Story 8-13]
Kiro shook his head.
Kiro: I don’t know where we are either…
Kiro: But someone impersonated me to try to draw me out and then planted a bomb to find out who the real Key is.
Kiro: I think, this whole thing is an attempt to get at me.
Having accepted the fact that Kiro is Key, I was finally realizing what he meant about clearing his name.
{{MC}}: So you just said Key wasn’t behind this massive cyberattack?
Kiro: Of course not. I wouldn’t do something so tasteless! Besides, my sig ain’t that ugly!
Kiro: But how did you get here anyway? And how did you choose that get-up?
{{MC}}: The summit sent me BigDaddy123’s invite by mistake. I seized the opportunity and here I am.
Kiro’s brow furrowed as he pondered over something.
Kiro: What are the chances they mistakenly sent a hacker invite, and us ending up in the same place? Unless…
{{MC}}: Unless what?
Kiro: Unless someone sent it to you on purpose to draw you there.
{{MC}}: Why would they do that?
Kiro: Not sure yet.
There were more questions than answers, making me even more confused. Staring into the darkness, a wave of guilt came over me.
{{MC}}: Sorry for me tripping, otherwise we’d be outside right now…
{{MC}}: Not only did you not clear your name, but you’re trapped here because of me.
He locked eyes with me and shook his head, a look of regret in his eyes.
Kiro: It’s not your fault. I got you into this… But don’t worry. I won’t let them succeed.
{{MC}}: Well, don’t you worry either, because I’ll help you clear your name once we get out!
Kiro: All right, I’ll remember that, Ms. Fancy Producer! First thing’s first though, we gotta get out here.
He patted my hair, his blue eyes gently reassuring me in the dark.
{{MC}}: Okay.
He scanned the surroundings, took out his miniature computer and began to work his magic.
The screen showed a rapidly rotating blueprint.
Kiro: We’re in a secret room.
{{MC}}: Secret room?
{{MC}}: There’s actually a secret room underneath this place?
Kiro: I didn’t count on that either, and from the looks of it, the room was built quite a while back.
{{MC}}: What do we do now?
Kiro: Come on, did you forget you’re talking to Key? I’ll get you out!
Kiro: Check this out. I made a 3D model of the room. This is where we are now.
Kiro: According to this, there are three connected secret rooms, the last one leading to the venue’s back door.
Once Kiro starts working– rather, I should say once he starts hacking– he becomes almost a different person.
This Kiro in front of me, who shone like the sun, put my mind to ease.
Honestly, I’ve felt safe ever since seeing how collected he was dealing with the bomb.
I trust him. There’s nothing for me to fear as long as he’s around.
{{MC}}: But… I still don’t get it…
Kiro: Right now all we gotta do is find a way to the upper level, then go through two more secret rooms, and that’s it!
He pointed all around the diagram.
I looked at the 3D map and all I could do was nod.
Kiro: Alright, let’s go find the exit to this room.
As soon as he uttered those words, his flashlight went out.
{{MC}}: What now?
Kiro: Oh no! This was a solar-powered flashlight that hooks up to my cell phone. The battery ran out.
{{MC}}: Use my phone.
I took out my phone to find I couldn’t get it to turn on.
{{MC}}: That’s weird, it still had half power last time I checked…
Kiro: No problem, I’ll fix this in a snap. Watch me!
A strange shuffling noise came from somewhere and made me sidle up to Kiro.
Kiro: You wanted to learn about Key, right? Well, he’s right in front of you.
He said that out of the blue. The shuffling I heard died down a bit, and I forced myself to calm down.
{{MC}}: You… You’ll let me interview you?
Kiro: This is your golden opportunity. Ahem. Hello, Miss Chips. I’m Key.
He lowered his voice and seemed to switch into another persona.
{{MC}}: Nice to meet you. I’m {{mc}}. As a hacker, what work of yours are you most proud of?
He mulled the question over before answering in that low voice.
Kiro: I feel… my signature is particularly a work of art.
The low voice suddenly got a few octaves higher, and his tone couldn’t help revealing an underlying pride and pomposity.
{{MC}}: Pbbfftt… Don’t all hackers just manipulate code? Who brags about having a nice signature?!
Kiro: Don’t knock it! I designed my own special font and even copyrighted it!
He said it in a way that hinted great disdain for his imposter’s inferior signature. Kiro can be so straight-up cute.
Kiro: Are you feeling more relaxed now?
I paused, suddenly realizing I wasn’t nearly as anxious as before.
Kiro: Actually, when you stop thinking about it, it’s not so scary.
Kiro: Chatting is the best way to get rid of tension.
Kiro: Remember that one time when I was a nervous wreck before a concert and you chatted me out of it?
{{MC}}: Yeah, I lost my pen recorder too.
Kiro: Right. Well, from then on I always find someone to talk to when I get the jitters. It makes me forget how nervous I am.
Kiro: Okay, I’ve got it all hooked up!
A beam of light shone forth. He cocked his eyebrow at me.
Kiro: Finally we can stop fumbling around in the dark.
{{MC}}: Wait, why do I feel something’s not right…
Kiro: What? You sense a trap or something?
He sidled up to me nervously.
{{MC}}: You said the flashlight is solar-powered?
Kiro: Yeah. I can get you one after we get out of here.
{{MC}}: But if there’s enough sunlight to power it, you don’t need it to see anything…
It took a few seconds, but eventually a look of understanding flashed across Kiro’s face.
Kiro: Hey, you’re right! Why didn’t I realize that?
All my anxieties were gone as I looked at Kiro’s depressed face.
He’s a genius, but there’s still that classic absentminded cuteness mixed in.
Maybe he’s the one who’s solar-powered, radiant as he is.
[Main Story 8-14]
With the flashlight, we discovered the room we were in had no windows, and the only door was padlocked.
He held up the lock, then opened his phone’s camera app.
A miniature probe popped out from the side of the phone’s lens, and he poked it into the lock.
His computer screen followed the movement of the probe inside the lock, generating a schematic of its internal makeup.
{{MC}}: …That’s awesome!
He put down the lock and started working on the keyboard, his face all solemn under the glow of the screen.
Kiro: Oh, I don’t talk when I’m on the keyboard, but just tell me if you start feeling scared.
He looked at me in complete sincerity.
{{MC}}: Okay! I always think you look so different when you’re typing away like that.
Kiro: I look even cooler, don’t I?
{{MC}}: Not just cooler, but more reassuring.
Kiro: Now that’s the ego boost I needed!
He winked, then lowered his head and resumed clacking away.
A loud pop came seconds later, seemingly the sound of the lock opening.
{{MC}}: Success!
Any celebration was cut short immediately by a tremor under our feet.
{{MC}}: What’s going on?
Kiro: {{mc}}!
His voice was coming from above me. I raised my head, and a white light hit my eyes.
Kiro was rising while the ground beneath me descended. We were getting farther apart!
Kiro: Give me your hand!
I got on tippy toes and tried to stretch out as far as I could.
I broke out into a cold sweat as the gap between us grew.
Kiro: Almost… Just a bit more…
He leaned forward as much as he could, eyes brimming with concern and urgency.
The ground suddenly stopped quaking.
When our fingertips finally touched, Kiro grabbed onto my hand tight.
The surfaced beneath me sank away as I dangled in the air.
I glanced down into an endless chasm and started pulling myself up by Kiro’s hand.
Our lives rested in our intertwining hands.
Kiro: Hang on, you got this!
I braced my feet on the side of the steadily rising wall, then felt a powerful pulling force on my arm.
I was pulled to safety and could hear Kiro’s rapid breathing right by my ear.
Kiro: Are you all right? Are you hurt?
He was mere inches from the face. A bead of sweat on his nose showed my reflection.
I realized I was half kneeling and practically laying in Kiro’s chest.
I never had a closer look into his pure, starry eyes than now…
I just kept staring deeper and deeper.
Did the earth shake again? How did I get pulled into his warm embrace?
His heart beat like a drum.
His breathing in my ear had me all stirred up to the point of distraction.
Kiro: Don’t worry. I’ll protect you. I promise.
{{MC}}: Yeah…
I looked up and found he was looking at me, staring deeply into my eyes.
{{MC}}: I’m okay…
He laughed in relief, chasing off every last bit of fear I had.
Kiro: I didn’t pull too hard just then, did I? Is your hand hurt?
He held them and checked carefully.
Before I could answer, I was startled by a thin trail of blood running down his wrist.
{{MC}}: Your hand!
He then noticed a small cut that showed up redder juxtaposed with his glistening skin.
Kiro: Oh… I guess I scratched it just then…
I reflexively reached for a band-aid.
{{MC}}: Oh! I left my purse in the conference room!
Kiro: It’s okay. I’ll be fine. It’s not like this never happened before on a movie set.
Kiro: Plus, I’m a man. I can handle a little bleeding.
He gently rubbed my hair to console me.
{{MC}}: But it’s still bleeding quite a bit…
I had nothing on me that could stop the bleeding, and there was nothing to clean the wound either.
After some thought, I took off my hair ribbon and tied it around his wrist.
Blood soaked through the ribbon, and my hand shook, but with a few wraps I managed to stop the bleeding.
{{MC}}: It isn’t the best dressing job, but it has to do for now.
I looked up and saw a look on Kiro’s face as comforting as soft sand on the beach at night.
Kiro: Thank you, {{mc}}. I think this patch-up job looks pretty good.
Remembering that it was because of me he got hurt, I lowered my head.
{{MC}}: I’m sorry… You cutting your hand… it’s all my fault…
He sat down next to me.
Kiro: It’s not your fault at all.
Kiro: See, you even stopped the bleeding.
Kiro: There’s nothing to be afraid of, {{mc}}. I’ll protect you.
His smile made me fuzzy and warm inside.
{{MC}}: I don’t think we’re in that room anymore…
Kiro: Yeah, we’re in the second room.
Kiro: This place… this is more dangerous than I thought.
The room was completely sealed without any door.
{{MC}}: Then let’s find if there’s any way out.
I stood up only to be grabbed tightly by a pair of hands.
In the chilly darkness, I somehow sensed the sound of warm blood moving through veins.
My heart skipped another beat.
Kiro: Don’t let go of my hand. The ground could break apart again…
I reflexively clutched his dry, warm hand.
[Main Story 8-17]
We did a round and found nothing in the room.
It was just like an iron-walled… prison cell. The thought sent a shiver down my spine.
Kiro: Weird, not one clue…
{{MC}}: Yeah, the last one at least had a lock.
Wooo… Wooo…
I couldn’t make out whether it was a gust of wind or an animal crying, but it gave me goosebumps.
{{MC}}: Did you hear that?
Kiro: Yeah… I think so…
He held my hand even tighter.
Kiro: I remember seeing a cat café nearby this place. Judging by the sound, we should be close to the third room.
The noise got louder and a familiar image popped into my mind.
As I groped the wall, my fingers ran across a cold, round object.
It’s from that dream!
All I could hear was my heart pounding.
Given the previous encounters, I wasn’t about to dismiss any vision or dreams.
But in such a dangerous situation, was it be safe to put all my trust in a dream?
{{MC}}: Would you trust me if I said I might know a way out?
There was a second’s pause in the darkness, and then Kiro’s voice rang out resolutely.
Kiro: I would.
No questions. No hint of doubt. Just a straight answer.
He squeezed my hand as if to offer support.
I took a deep breath and pressed the object.
One, two, three seconds went by and… nothing.
{{MC}}: Could it be… I was wrong?
As soon as I said the words, the metal object under my fingertip suddenly popped back out.
{{MC}}: Ah!
A pale light flickered toward me.
Then a silhouette quickly jumped in front of me, without a moment’s regard for his own safety.
Kiro: Watch out!
Kiro shielded me with his body. I peeked over his shoulder and noticed pale, white dots began to appear.
{{MC}}: On the wall!
The dots of light steadily multiplied, covering the wall.
{{MC}}: Is this… some kind of test?
Kiro: My mentor once mentioned a hacker in America who could transmit data through laser pulses.
Kiro: Just code the info as photon beams and it will come off as random, meaningless dots.
Kiro: That hacker vanished without a trace after making headlines with his attack on the White House.
He was fixated on the dots with hope, admiration, regret and other emotions I couldn’t decipher.
He then sat down, turned on the mini-computer and worked the keyboard again.
He eyed the changing dots on the wall, and then periodically his head would drop as his fingers flicked rapidly over the keyboard.
After surviving the previous encounters, I wasn’t nearly as flustered now.
I never doubted Kiro’s skills, even if he claimed it was the Mystery of the Century for hackers.
Then he suddenly stopped, his brow in knots.
{{MC}}: What?
His normally cool-as-a-cucumber demeanor was replaced by a stunned expression I’d never seen before.
He looked at me, his bright eyes flashing a sign of hesitation.
Kiro: Nothing… I just zoned out for a second there. Don’t worry.
He smiled and returned to the task at hand.
The dots vanished one by one to the tapping, until only one was left in upper left corner.
He walked up and touched the brick marked by the dot.
The brick retracted to reveal a chip the size of a fingernail underneath.
{{MC}}: Wow, that was amazing!
Kiro: But of course! When we get outta here, I’ll give you an exclusive first interview. Sound good?
His expression was full of youthful energy and confidence.
After the final dot faded, a passage appeared. Kiro took my hand and cautiously entered.
{{MC}}: We should be out of here pretty quickly, right?
Kiro: Yeah, the third room should lead to the back door.
{{MC}}: Good! Because your hand is starting to bleed again.
Seeing the band soaked through with blood had me worried.
An arm squeezed me around the shoulder.
Kiro: Relax, it’s a badge of honor for us superheroes!
We nodded at each other and stepped into the third room.
No sooner had we set foot on the floor, a loud “bang” was heard.
{{MC}}: What was that?
Kiro: Uh, {{mc}}, is the wall moving?
It didn’t seem to be… I rubbed my eyes, took another look, and my jaw dropped.
The wall is closing in on us!
Kiro: Quick, get behind me!
Kiro inserted the chip into the computer. A screen popped up on a side wall with strings of numbers unintelligible to me.
He pounded on the keyboard fiercely.
I tried to calm my breathing, since the last thing I wanted was to have him distracted.
The already small room got smaller with every second that went by.
He pressed “Enter” repeatedly, but the wall still inched its way toward us.
We’re going to be trapped forever if this keeps up!
Kiro’s forehead beaded with sweat. My palms were getting colder in the already chilly room.
When the wall got to few feet from us, I started pushing against it in desperation.
I would settle for buying Kiro even just a second.
While sweat poured down his cheeks, Kiro seemed to mutter something.
Kiro: If this wasn’t the code, it should be…
He sped up, turning the numbers on the screen into one giant blur.
He’s been protecting me this whole time. I can’t let him shoulder this burden all on his own.
I racked my brain over every little detail, trying to figure the whole thing out.
He said this was a plan to draw him out, so logically this was set up specifically to target Key.
If that was the case…
{{MC}}: Right or wrong, my intuition’s telling me this test was designed around Key.
{{MC}}: Maybe the solution is numbers holding some special meaning to him…
The tapping stopped. I turned around to see Kiro with his eyes closed.
I softly took his hand.
[Main Story 8-19]
He squeezed my hand firmly.
A battle was still raging in his mind.
What I thought was an ordinary secret room turned out to be a Pandora’s box to the past.
But it’s now way past the point of no return. It’s do or die. Kiro had known this since the 2nd secret room.
There’s a girl to protect, and no matter what, I will be with her to the end.
She did think it has something to do with Key…
Kiro turned slightly pale as he recalled the last time he saw his mentor, how he was tapping away swiftly at his keyboard.
The man had entered a string of numbers incomprehensible, yet intriguing to the young Kiro.
After two men in black took his mentor away, he snuck in, turned on the computer, and stared at the numbers.
The numbers!
It’s a longshot, but better than no shot!
Kiro opened his eyes to my puzzled face.
Kiro: Do you trust me, {{mc}}?
Kiro: I’m about to try a code that could save us… or kill us.
Kiro: I…
{{MC}}: I do.
I answered before he could finish.
Just like he trusted me unconditionally before.
Nothing is more precious in this world than trusting your life to another.
He took a deep breath, and I held mine as well as he entered a set of numbers.
The wall stopped.
{{MC}}: Yes! Yes! Yes!
I shouted for joy.
Kiro: Your intuition saved us.
He looked at me with sweat still running down the face.
{{MC}}: So the code had something to do with you?
Kiro: Not me. My mentor.
{{MC}}: Your mentor?
Kiro: My mentor left those numbers the very last time I ever saw him.
He stared straight ahead with clarity and determination.
{{MC}}: What are you thinking?
Kiro: Something my mentor said.
{{MC}}: What was it?
Kiro: We shall stand in darkness as we defend the light.
[Main Story 8-21]
After he said that, the wall started rolling back.
A light shone down from the ceiling, and letters appeared on the side wall.
{{MC}}: Black Swan…
!!
Isn’t that the mastermind that Gavin said sent the order to abduct me?
More lines appeared.
The Black Swan Collective.
We come from the future, with the sole mission to accelerate human evolution.
We possess Evol. We create all.
No one can stop us, for we hold the world in our hands.
The Queen will soon awake.
We look forward to marching together into a new world.
My palms went frigid. My heart felt like it had been smashed into by something.
I looked over at Kiro. He was staring at the wall unmoved, but his eyes were overcome with emotion.
Pictures began to flash on the screen, one after another, the scenes depicted all not quite clear.
A sealed room with no sunlight.
An empty experiment table, with several beakers of chemical compounds next to it.
A wall full of file cabinets.
People in white gathering under a surgical lamp.
At that, I heard the sound of blood rushing through my temples.
It felt like old memories torn from deep within the mind. I just stood there, as if all time had stopped.
The images on the wall became more and more clear as faded fragments surfaced in my consciousness.
Mottled, dark, cold. A distant call, repeating over and over, deep and rasping.
Memories I’ve sealed and buried.
My body started to shake. Every nerve, muscle, and bone in my body felt entombed in ice.
I didn’t even have the strength to clench my fist.
My twitching fingers were suddenly covered by Kiro’s hands. He pressed my head to his chest.
In my trance, amidst the darkness, I felt covered in warmth.
I closed my eyes, trying to eject whatever was ravaging my mind in favor of warm sanctuary.
Kiro: I’m right here. It’s gonna be okay.
With that, it felt like that gaping hole in my heart was plugged.
I could hear his heart beat, strong and sure.
The man who would never let go of my hand in any peril.
The man who made a solemn vow to protect me for life.
The man who, in his inimitable way, could banish my worst fears.
Like now, keeping me from the cold with his warm embrace.
Assurance and attachment grew where once fear and suffering took root.
With my head in his chest, I couldn’t see how carefree joy faded from his face, replaced by a grim concern.
Kiro consoled the girl in his arms while locking his eyes on the images on the wall.
A brown-haired girl lay peacefully on an experiment table, eyes shut.
Thank god she’s not seeing this.
Thank god I’m with her.
From posing as me, to planting a bomb, to the secret rooms.
I thought I was their target. I never thought that who they were after all along, was her.
But did they go through all this elaborate setup just to show her these images?
Can’t be. Not that simple.
When I saw her again, she already couldn’t remember the past.
Alright. Then I’ll protect her. Protect her from her past.
Still, why go through all this today just to make her see her past?
Looking at the girl in his arms, he couldn’t dare imagine…
How would this have turned out if I hadn’t come today?
Kiro pressed his lips on the girl’s cold hair and tightened his embrace.
She was what, five years old then? And that was the first time I saw her.
The first time, lying side by side on an experiment table together.
[Main Story 8-23]
It felt like I had a long dream. It had a cell, a mask, sunshine, and a boy with a great smile.
I opened my eyes and the bright light all but blinded me.
I heard electronic beeping, smelled pungent solutions, and saw people in white walking by.
Am I in a… hospital?
I took in my surroundings and noticed I was in a hospital bed. Wasn’t I in a secret room just now?
Was it all really just a dream?
I pulled my hands out from under the sheet, then spotted a hat on the nightstand.
Oddly-shaped, jet black… this was Kiro’s hat!
So all that really happened…
Under the hat I found a distinctively signed statement from Key intending to clear his name.
And a tin of small candy.
It had a note on top that made me grin.
Script: The fruits of our victory! P.S.: I’m working on my penmanship.
I unwrapped a candy and put it in my mouth. The sweet flavor of green apple ran wild on my tongue.
Wow, that’s sweet…
Nurse: You’re awake?
I hurriedly put down the candy and nodded.
Nurse: You just had too much excitement for one day. You’ll be all right after some rest.
{{MC}}: Thanks!
Nurse: I’m going to continue my rounds, so let me know if you need anything.
{{MC}}: Excuse me, um, how did I get here?
Nurse: You mean who brought you here?
Nurse: A man in a mask and a hat carried you here. Oh, that’s the hat right there.
Nurse: He left after making sure you’d be cared for. Miss, did something happen to you?
{{MC}}: No, nothing happened. The guy’s my friend.
The nurse eyeballed me up and down, a bit skeptical.
Nurse: So is this the fashion trend these days?
I looked at the funky jacket I was wearing and nodded, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
The nurse came back again not long after.
Nurse: You got a visitor.
Visitor? So soon? But I just got here!
{{MC}}: Did he give a name?
??: It’s me.
A familiar yet distant voice.
The deep dark eyes I saw made me skip another heartbeat.
Fluorescent lights flickered overhead. A breeze blew through the half-opened window.
And there he was, looking the same as always.
Lucien stood before me, flowers in hand.
The lighting in the room made it hard for me to make out his expression.
He approached, set the flowers down, sat next to me and gave me a tender glance.
{{MC}}: Lucien…
{{MC}}: What are you…
Lucien: I’m here to see you.
As always, he knew exactly what I was thinking.
Lucien: I did say we’ll meet again soon.
I nodded.
I had so many questions to ask him, only to swallow each one back down.
In the silent stillness of the room, my emotions were racing.
I held tightly to the blanket, not knowing where to begin.
A sensation suddenly crept up my finger. I looked down to see Lucien tucking my hands back under the sheet.
Lucien: Try not to catch a cold.
Realizing that my eyes were glued to him, Lucien suddenly let out a resigned laugh.
Lucien: I’ll tell you everything you want to know, but for now, you have to rest.
Neither of us spoke for a while.
The room was quiet enough for me to hear my own breathing and heartbeat.
I suddenly blurted out.
{{MC}}: I… I want to know now.
I bit my lip, expecting him to put me off again…
Lucien: Alright.
That caught me by surprise. He remained quiet, just content with staring at me.