I perched on the edge of a skyscraper.
City lights flickered below.
Chaos simmered in the streets.
But tonight… I wasn't here for chaos.
I was here for Mira.
---
> [System Alert: Mira Presence Detected Nearby]
She emerged from the shadows like she always did—effortless, calm, untouchable.
---
"Waiting for me?" I asked.
"No," she replied with a smirk.
"But I have information you need."
"…Does it come with a warning?"
"Always."
---
She floated closer.
Symbols danced around her briefly—this time not to manipulate. Just to emphasize presence.
---
"Your actions are drawing attention," she said.
"Not just hunters or exorcists. Observers. Rogue spirits. Even… factions you haven't met yet."
---
> [System Alert: Faction Awareness Increased]
"…Great. More watchers."
"Not just watchers," Mira corrected.
"Players. Ones who will interfere directly if you aren't careful."
---
I leaned against the ledge.
"…And what am I supposed to do?"
---
She let out a soft laugh.
"Understand them. Anticipate them. And above all…"
She paused.
Her eyes flicked to the city below.
"…Don't trust appearances. Authority hides weakness behind rules, rogue spirits hide strength behind chaos, and observers… they only reveal what benefits them."
---
> [System Analysis: High-Level Strategic Advice Logged]
"…So basically, I have to think ten moves ahead for everyone?"
"Yes."
"And that's just the start."
---
She handed me something—a small holographic projection of symbols and data.
> [Data Received: Hidden Faction Network Map]
"…That's… a lot."
"More than a lot," she said.
"This shows where hunters, exorcists, and rogue spirits typically patrol. Probable intersections. Weak points in authority arrays."
---
I studied the projection carefully.
Patterns. Loops. Predictable behaviors hidden beneath chaos.
---
"And… the Observers?" I asked.
Mira's gaze darkened.
"Partial data only. They don't like revealing themselves. You'll have to infer the rest."
---
> [System Alert: Strategic Planning Required]
"…Sounds fun."
> [System Note: Sarcasm Detected]
I ignored it.
---
She leaned back.
"One more thing," she said.
"Chaotic Signature… it's not just a tool for defense or influence. It can manipulate perception. But if you overuse it…"
She let the silence hang.
"…You'll attract more than you can handle."
---
> [System Warning: Skill Overuse Hazard Logged]
"…Noted," I muttered.
"I like living, remember?"
Mira smirked.
"I know. That's why I'm giving you this."
Then she faded into shadows.
---
Alone, I studied the network map again.
Hunters' loops, exorcists' arrays, rogue spirits' curiosities…
And gaps.
> [Insight: Multi-Faction Strategy Possible]
---
I exhaled.
"…Time to plan. Carefully."
---
Above the city, the wind stirred.
Secrets hung in it.
And someone—or something—was watching.
---