Although he felt a lingering unease, San walked steadily through the temporarily quiet halls of the garrison, making his way toward Funo’s office.

  Yet, the encounter with the Calculator still weighed on his mind.

  That man was a strange one.

  Charging money for everything he did.

  In that regard, he certainly lived up to his name.

  Moments later, San stood before Funo’s office.

  He knocked briefly before stepping inside.

  Funo was seated with his back turned to him.

  "San?"

  "Yes, sir!"

  "I’ve already heard about your encounter at the museum.

  That doctor is completely out of her mind.

  I already gave her hell for it.

  Not that it seemed to bother her."

  Slowly, he stood up and walked toward San.

  "I also heard you made contact with the Calculator.

  The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  That guy is insane and paranoid—no doubt about it.

  But there’s one thing I can’t help but wonder..."

  Now, he stood directly in front of San, staring deep into his eyes without blinking.

  "How is it that, on your very first day here, you’re already causing such a stir?

  …

  You nearly caught the museum intruder.

  You got caught up in a fight between two Ministry guardians.

  And you seem to be forming some kind of connection with them.

  That makes me think, San.

  Are you trying to...

  steal my spotlight?"

  An uncomfortable silence filled the room.

  "What do you mea—"

  "SILENCE!!!

  ...

  I’m speaking now!

  ...

  I have a peaceful, quiet city under my command.

  Nothing has happened here for ten years.

  And that’s exactly how it should stay.

  But suddenly, out of nowhere, events are starting to spiral out of control.

  So now I have to wonder...

  What role do you play in all of this?

  Are you just a background character?

  Or do you see yourself as the protagonist of these events, hmm?"

  …

  "Let me tell you something!

  …

  There is only one protagonist in this city!

  And that’s me!

  I am the one who maintains peace and silence in this place!

  And that will not change because of you!

  Understood?"

  San was afraid.

  He had already suspected that Funo wasn’t entirely sane, but this far exceeded his expectations.

  He only nodded silently.

  He could feel that Funo knew he had intimidated him.

  And that seemed to satisfy him, because he turned away.

  "I consider your report delivered.

  You are dismissed, recruit!"

  "Yes, sir!"

  With that, San left the room calmly.

  But the moment the door closed behind him, he nearly sprinted back to the barracks.

  He just wanted to crawl into bed and forget this night ever happened.