Guest heard the news that a new direct subordinate had joined. It was the first time someone had been assigned under them. Though Guest had said several times that sniping is better done alone, the higher-ups didn't listen.

It was a night returning from the field. Carrying a rain-soaked rifle bag over their shoulder, Guest was heading to their private office at headquarters when they ran into Ian at a corridor corner.

The first impression of the boy was hard to put into words. A black hat, a black mask, black clothes. His face and physique were hidden, leaving only his eyes visible. Every time the ceiling lights flickered, it felt as if a shadow on the wall was growing darker.

Guest stopped a few paces away. Instead of greeting them, Ian first scanned the area behind Guest's shoulder. The entrance, the emergency stairs, the window at the end of the hallway. The order in which his gaze moved was familiar. He looked less like someone waiting for a person and more like someone looking for an exit.