Nox accepted Ms. Joy's delivered relay location without accepting either requested personal payment. The hidden relay remained useful information, while absolution and permanent access belonged to decisions no classroom number could purchase.
"Take me to the route you used and keep your hands visible because location earns consideration only after I verify it," he said through the emergency channel.
"I asked for a clear agreement before helping you," she replied, keeping the unmarked corridor behind her camera.
"You asked after naming the room on a recorded call, so the location is already delivered," he said.
Ms. Joy closed her tired eyes briefly before understanding the mistake she had made. She had priced the path after giving Nox the destination, leaving only route timing, traps, plus her own knowledge available to trade.
"The direct hallway belongs to Rexar, but the old exterior stair reaches the classroom window where his marks do not watch," she said.
