[Alright, Mr. Origin Expert.]

If that's what you want to believe, then you are free to do so.

⟦⟦It's the truth, and we both know it.⟧⟧

[Like I said, whatever you say.]

If he believes that I have no actual need to forcibly create distance between me and others and attack those that try to close that distance because they can actually never close that distance because my heart has grown so cold that I'm simply incapable of forming any sort of relationship with them, then power to him.

As I always say; to each their own.

⟦⟦So the reason you pulled those pranks is that you found them amusing. Nothing more, nothing less.⟧⟧

[I won't deny that.]

My capability of loving, liking, trusting et cetera others aside, I pull pranks simply because I'm bored and need a cheap laugh or two.

⟦⟦At the expense of the mental health of others.⟧⟧

[There's nothing I can do about collateral damage; it is inevitable.]

⟦⟦Fair enough,⟧⟧ he chuckled. ⟦⟦Anyway, see ya later. Your children are causing a ruckus outside. Haven't you taught them any manners?⟧⟧

[We've been… out of touch for some time.]

⟦⟦Right, right. Anyway, see ya.⟧⟧

[I hope you don't.]

⟦⟦Don't worry, I'll just watch you secretly. Until next time.⟧⟧

Wow.

Anyway, the connection has been cut, so it would seem he really went back.

Let's just hope that he won't come back.

Now, let's handle these big gurls, who by the way, were still staring at me coldly.

Which was to be expected, of course. Not because I'm the reason behind Noelle's current condition (which I am, but for reasons different than what they believe), but because the conversation I had with that wanker was finished within nanoseconds.

That's the beauty of our private communication channel. It's like whenever I start talking to him, time slows down to such an extent that it practically stops.

Though it would seem he can manipulate the time difference and make that channel operate in real time, meaning a conversation through that channel would take the same amount of time as it would take in real world-

Hmm?

My oh my.

The moment she noticed the members of the New Dawn Guild glaring at me, Jennifer's eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

These guys are fucking noobs at keeping secrets, aren't they?

What if this raises Jennifer's suspicion?

I mean, it doesn't take a motherfucking genius to understand that all the members of New Dawn Guild glaring at their newest member right after claiming that they would catch the piece of shit who pulled that horrible prank on Noelle, their comrade, is a bit suspicious.

And because Jennifer knows that the piece of shit they're talking about is none other than the guy who introduced the Elixir to them, she might get suspicious of my identity.

As a result, she might try to investigate me but obviously won't find anything.

So, the fact that I'm someone she or anyone she knows has never seen before, that I'm the R&D Head of an upcoming guild and that I'm basically off the grid might raise her suspicions even more.

All in all, why the fuck did I make the entire Elixir thing so elaborate.

It was supposed to be a small adventure; in and out in 20 minutes. Yet it somehow turned into a fucking global scale operation.

And you know what?

It's all because of this Jennifer.

She kept asking questions and because I wanted to stay in character, I continued making shit up.

Like bruh, rules about using the Elixir, their life being in our hands and blah blah? I literally thought all of that on the spot.

Fuck you, Jennifer.

I hope you hit your toe at the side of your table, then fall off a cliff just high enough to not instantly kill you but still break your bones, so that you die an exceptionally excruciating death.

Jesus, Azell and Voloha are going to question me about this as well. I'll have to provide them with an entire framework to run things smoothly.

…

Hmm, framework…

Actually, you know what?

Let's do it.

Let's make an organisation.

An organisation that stays in the shadows and runs the world from there.

Hmm, that idea is not that bad, actually.

And I will be that organisation's shadow leader; a leader that will hide in plain sight.

In fact, I'll make it in such a way that even Azell and Voloha won't know that I'm the one running things.

Now that sounds exciting.

Gotta plan for this later.

Since I have already started a stupid operation, I might as well use it to stave off some boredom.

But it is still going to be a pain in the ass in some ways; I'll have to ensure that it doesn't become more trouble than its worth.

And it all started because I wanted to play an epic prank.

This is just wow.

Anyway, let's get back on track because holy shit that sure was an elaborate digressing.

Time to finesse these motherfuckers.

"Yes, I'm sure you will," I smiled. "This reminds me though. What was today actually about?"

"Hmmm?" Azell's frown turned upside down as he raised his eyebrow.

"I mean, we were called to the Royal Castle on such short notice, and then you had to attend a meeting where I wasn't allowed. And now we're having a party where almost everyone is a big shot."

"Ah, that…" he slowly nodded, perhaps understanding my intention behind asking this question.

Gotta stay in character.

"Yes, that."

"Well…." He trailed off. "I can't tell you."

"Oh come on! I thought you trusted me more than this!"

"It's not about trust. I just cannot tell you, even if I wanted to."

"Did you swear an oath or what?"

"Something of that sort," he shrugged.

A non-disclosure agreement, to be more precise.

"Wow," I sighed. "Is there absolutely nothing you can tell me?"

"You can think of it this way," an amused smile appeared on his face. "We are going to change the future."

"We are?"

"Yup. It's going to be fun."

"I shall be looking forward to it then."

"You should. We are probably going to need you."

Well, I'm the one running this operation so of course you'll need me.

"Oh, are we, now?" Jennifer asked with widened eyes.

By the way, the others had stopped glaring at me by now. Would have been awkward if they hadn't.

I was actually expecting them to continue staring at me like I was a sexy woman donned in a bikini on a beach in a middle eastern country to, I dunno, protest my methods or some shit, but they were smarter than I thought.

Which means they are probably going to pull some other weird shit later on.

Fuck.

"Mark my words," Azell's lips curled into a happy smile. "We WILL need him."

"Looks like you have once again managed to find a hidden gem," Jennifer sighed in amazement.

"It was a pure coincidence this time."

"Why don't such coincidences happen to me, hmm?"

"Maybe I'm just that lucky."

Wow.