Isaac Westcott's laugh echoed inside the transparent office.

Hundreds of battle‑mechs outside glowed with icy blue weapon‑lights.

Straightening his cuffs with elegance, he let confidence flash in his gray‑blue eyes.

"Now—shall we take another look at the balance of power?"

His voice was smooth as silk, yet carried an inescapable pressure.

"The four of you—no, to be precise, three Spirits and one unknown gentleman—are surrounded by DEM's finest troops."

"And I alone hold the authority to blast you all to pieces."

Tohka clenched the Sandalphon, violet eyes blazing.

"Coward! If you're so sure of yourself, fight me one‑on‑one!"

"A duel?"

Westcott chuckled as if hearing a joke.

"Dear princess, this isn't a fairy tale. Here, victory belongs to whoever controls power."

His gaze drifted over Nia and Kurumi.

"Sister. Nightmare. Surely you two grasp your situation."

Pages of Nia's [Rasiel] fluttered; her face turned pale.

"The troops outside carry the newest spirit‑interference devices… Even Spirits would struggle to break through…"

Kurumi's clock‑eye ticked, yet a faint smile lingered on her lips.

"Ara~ Things do look rather grim, don't they?"

Ellen remained outwardly calm.

Knowing she was merely a captive, she held her tongue.

Better than anyone, she understood DEM HQ's defenses—a net even Spirits could scarcely breach.

Satisfied by their reactions, Westcott finally fixed his eyes on the still‑silent Rei Ao.

"And you, mysterious Mr. Rei Ao."

"You're not a Spirit. Your abilities interest me. Cooperate with DEM's research and I'll guarantee your safety."

Rei Ao raised a brow, amusement glinting in his rainbow eyes.

"Oh? Research?"

"Naturally." Westcott spread his arms as if unveiling a grand vision.

"With spatial manipulation under DEM's command, we can forge a far more perfect world!"

He strolled to the liquor cabinet, poured red wine, and swirled the glass.

"Miss Tohka, Miss Nia—your Angels possess staggering destructive and omniscient powers."

"Miss Kurumi's command of time is even more enthralling."

He took a sip.

"Just imagine these powers properly harnessed, not squandered by immature Spirits—"

"Shut up!" Tohka snapped.

"Who are you to decide how Spirits should use their power?!"

Westcott smiled coolly.

"Because your lives rest in my hands."

Setting down the glass, he pressed another hidden button.

All the mechs' weapons powered up together, emitting a shrill whine.

"Last chance—surrender and become DEM test subjects. If not…"

He left the threat hanging; the meaning was obvious.

The air seemed to freeze.

Tohka and Nia looked nervously at Rei Ao; Kurumi kept her enigmatic smile; Ellen stared daggers at Westcott, eyes conflicted.

Rei Ao sighed lightly. "Finished?"

"What?" Westcott frowned.

"I asked if you'd finished your last words."

Rei Ao's rainbow pupils suddenly blazed, and with a snap of his fingers—

The sound was small, yet it thundered in every mind.

In that instant, every mech outside halted.

Then—all at once—they rotated, aiming every barrel at Westcott inside.

"What?!"

Panic flashed across Westcott's face.

"What are you doing?! The Spirits are the targets—fire!"

The machines remained still, crimson targeting lasers fixed on him.

Ellen drew a sharp breath. "They're… under control!"

Westcott wheeled toward Rei Ao, true fear showing for the first time.

"What did you do?!"

Lounging on the sofa, Rei Ao crossed his legs.

"Nothing. Just borrowing the army you're so proud of."

A handy bit of mental mastery.

He gestured; every mech advanced a synchronized step, doubling the pressure.

"Looks like I'm holding the bargaining chips now."

Sweat beaded at Westcott's brow, yet he forced composure.

"Impressive power, Mr. Rei Ao. But you must realize—DEM's reach is global. Even if you kill me, the hunt for Spirits will continue."

Rei Ao shrugged.

"That's irrelevant. What matters is—do you want to stay alive now?"

Silence fell.

Westcott's mind raced. At last he exhaled and raised his hands in reluctant surrender.

"What do you want?"

Rei Ao glanced at Tohka.

"My little princess, your call."

Tohka straightened, bow still aimed.

"DEM must stop hunting Spirits. Permanently!"

Nia nodded frantically. "Yes! We just want a peaceful life—not to keep running!"

Westcott's expression shifted subtly.

Slowly he lifted his hands higher.

"If that is your demand… I agree. From today, DEM will cease all anti‑Spirit operations."

His tone sounded sincere, but a cold glint hid in his eyes.

"Ah."

Rei Ao suddenly laughed—sending a shiver through Westcott.

"You know, Mr. Westcott?"

He rose and walked over, stopping inches away.

"I've met plenty like you."

"Outwardly yielding, inwardly plotting betrayal."

Rainbow eyes pierced deep.

"You just thought: 'Pretend to agree, then once they leave, launch a global Spirit extermination,' didn't you?"

Westcott's pupils shrank.

"How could you—?"

"Because I can read minds, idiot."

Rei Ao's smile vanished, replaced by icy killing intent.

"I already gave you your chance."

~~~

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