In the outer area of the Alepou property, where the tunnel leading to the valley was located, stood a facility resembling a border checkpoint. A guardhouse positioned between an entrance and an exit road, equipped with two large steel gates that regulated traffic, was surrounded by a reinforced concrete wall with four watchtowers and barbed wire.
The personnel assigned to security at the entrance consisted of two agents in each tower, ten more patrolling the area between the walls and the tunnel, and two officers in charge of the guardhouse who controlled entry and exit. All wore tactical gear from special forces and carried M4 rifles, maintaining constant surveillance of the area around the clock.
Nezu and Aizawa, who had just arrived, were forced to wait outside. They were not allowed to enter the family's territory until a member of the Alepou family confirmed the reason for their visit and designated someone to meet them and guide them to their destination. This ensured they didn't stray from the path while remaining on the property.
– This isn't what I expected when you mentioned this referral case would be special – Aizawa muttered wearily, raising an eyebrow at the large number of guards at the entrance – This kid lives with more security than many government buildings or private companies, and this is just his entrance.
– The Alepou aren't an ordinary family; they're perhaps one of the most powerful families in Japan and the world – Nezu said calmly, leaning on Aizawa's shoulder – For one of their heirs to apply to our academy, especially given the unique nature of his case, warrants the special treatment we've arranged.
Suddenly, the heavy iron gate swung open with a metallic clang, revealing a black Land Rover Defender 90 that slowly pulled up to a stop in front of Nezu and Aizawa.
A peculiar figure stepped out of the passenger seat. It was a man of hybrid appearance, with features from multiple animals, but a distinctly human silhouette. His body was covered in dark blue fur; his head was that of a wolf, while his hands and feet resembled the talons of an eagle. A long, reptilian tail swayed slowly behind him.
He wore a brown trench coat over a blue shirt and jeans held up by a thick belt. At the corner of his mouth, a half-extinguished cigar seemed to be a natural part of his face. His dark hair, tied in dreadlocks, swayed gently in the breeze.
– Sorry for the wait – he said in a deep, authoritative voice, calmly observing them – I will be your guide while you are in the mansion and on the family's property. You can call me Chimera; I am in charge of security here.
– Get in the car, we're going straight to the mansion – Chimera said, not giving them time to reply as he got back into the vehicle.
Aizawa and Nezu got in, taking in all the leather upholstery and luxurious details of the SUV, but what stood out most was the driver. She didn't even look at them when they got in, just started driving, her eyes fixed on the road.
She was a woman with shoulder-length dark blue hair, light blue eyes, fair skin, and an athletic build, along with a faint, luminous, star-shaped mark on her neck. She wore a white suit with a white snake insignia.
– That woman seems familiar – Aizawa murmured incredulously, unable to believe who was driving. – Isn't that Sirius? One of the victims of the Dictator case.
Those simple words caused the previously calm and quiet atmosphere to cool considerably. Sirius, who still kept her eyes on the road, began to grip the steering wheel tightly.
– Those topics are sensitive for Sirius and many others in the mansion – Chimera said suddenly, having remained silent since her introduction throughout the journey. Her voice was so deep it left no room for discussion – I appreciate it if the subject isn't brought up again while I'm within Alepou territory.
– I'm sorry, it was imprudent of me – Aizawa said, shaking his head to recover from the disbelief of seeing a heroine. The last time he'd seen her, she'd been staring blankly into a hospital, diagnosed with irreversible mental damage – It's just that the situation feels surreal.
– Where will we meet with the Alepou? – Nezu asked suddenly, changing the subject to ease the tension.
– They'll receive you in a room in the main mansion – Chimera said, turning her gaze back to the window – It's a small room in the south wing of the mansion.
– Sounds cozy – Nezu said in a friendly tone, looking at Aizawa – Will all the Alepou be present at the meeting?
– It's rare for all the siblings to be in one room, and this is no exception – Chimera said calmly. "But I can assure you that those who are present will be enough for the others to accept whatever they say and agree to at the meeting."
– Sounds like they're the family's de facto leaders – Nezu said, intrigued and trying to get more information – Can I know a little more about them?
– You'll know when you meet them – Chimera said, ending the conversation with that comment.
Nezu was left with his usual faint smile, while Aizawa looked annoyed by the rude response, but he didn't say anything about what had happened earlier.
After that, the atmosphere remained tensely silent until the car stopped at the roundabout around a fountain with a statue of a white snake coiled around a volcano.
– The snake is Lefki's logo – Chimera mentioned, getting out of the vehicle, noticing Aizawa and Nezu's interested expressions at the peculiar artwork – Most of the servants who work at the mansion wear a badge with it on their clothing, as a sign of their loyalty to the young heir.
– That's peculiar. I know the Alepou family crest is a white rose – Nezu said, intrigued – It represents the family's splendor and purity."
– In the family, each member in the line of succession has a personal crest – Chimera said – It's a kind of internal coat of arms that distinguishes each era of the family.
– And specifically Lefki's, what does it mean? – Aizawa asked, interested in the peculiar family tradition
– The volcano represents the tragedy that shaped the young heir and the family that accompanies him now – a voice suddenly spoke, its sound exuding elegance and refinement – The serpent reflects the promise made during that event.
The voice belonged to a young woman who appeared unexpectedly on the steps of the main entrance. She had fair skin with a pearly sheen, smooth and even in texture; her shoulder-length dark blue hair was straight-cut with perfectly symmetrical bangs, not a single strand out of place. She wore an impeccable long black dress with a high neckline, matching heels, and white gloves that reached her elbows.
– It is an honor to meet the UA principal and Professor Eraserhead – the young woman said, giving a small curtsy before looking at them with a smile and a polite tone, her gaze fixed on both of them – My name is Saiko; I am the Alepou family's assistant, and I will be accompanying you to the meeting. I was overcome with emotion and decided to welcome you before the event.
– It's an honor to meet you, Miss Saiko – Nezu said from Aizawa's shoulder, looking at the young assistant with interest – I suppose, then, that we'll go straight to the hall?
– That's correct. The Alepou don't like to have many events outside their routine – Saiko said, shaking her head to the side with a polite smile – If you would be so kind as to follow me, I'll take you to the Alepou in charge of the meeting.
With that, Saiko turned and began walking leisurely through the mansion, followed by Aizawa and Nezu. Chimera lagged behind, bringing up the rear. The two U.A. students took the opportunity to admire the furniture, paintings, and decorations that adorned the hallways.
The dark wood floor, covered by a red carpet with small engravings of the Lefki coat of arms, allowed only the sound of the four of them to be heard, as no one spoke a word the entire time.
– Well, this is the designated meeting place – Saiko said, stopping in front of the largest door in the hallway – I'll escort you inside. Chimera, you stay outside and keep an eye on the area, if you please.
Chimera nodded silently before standing by the door. Saiko opened it, allowing both U.A. members to enter, immediately focusing their attention on the five figures waiting for them inside the room.