CHAPTER 57: CHEERS

The Order is the most powerful and influential organization in the world. It is the reason why we, humanity, live not in fear, but with the certainty that tomorrow will be another ordinary day.

The Empire of Aurora, the Republic of the Palms, or any other country in the world... None escape the influence of the Order, even though each state maintains sovereignty over its own territory.

The strength of the Order did not only stem from its Enforcers, whose power was unmatched, nor from its Directors, the most powerful Transcendents, but from the Absolutes.

Because all five existing Absolutes were part of the Order, ruling it together.

The Empire itself owed its stability to the Emperor, who was also an Absolute and a member of the Order’s Supreme Council.

---

Sirius, like anyone with an internet connection, knew what the Order was. And yet, joining it was akin to joining the global elite something that had never been in his life plans.

In truth, Sirius had never even considered awakening. Living the life of an ordinary man had once seemed like a lofty goal... one he ultimately only brushed against.

"No way. Become a workaholic for life? Besides, it’s your fault we’re being hunted! All I asked for was to be sent to prison like any citizen who committed a crime."

Sarah remained calm as she brought him back to reality.

"You never had a choice. The moment you awakened, you were already under the jurisdiction of the Order. Your only alternative would have been to join another state and enlist in its army. But chances are, you’d be dead long before that. In fact, the only reason you’re still alive right now is because I’m here.

Even a Transcendent wouldn’t act without consequence. Sadly, the moment I board that train, you’ll die without him even needing to come near you. After all, they’re the only humans capable of committing the perfect crime."

Sirius felt the urge to strangle her to scream that it was her job to protect weak civilians like him from the powerful.

He sensed she wasn’t telling him everything, that she may have decided on her own to make them work for the Order, and that all this talk about a Transcendent was just a cover.

"I can’t decide this alone. My sister and Lucy get a say too."

"Fine. I’ll give you an hour or two to convince yourself you actually have a choice."

"An hour to decide the rest of my life? What kind of joke is this..."

murmured Sirius, defeated.

Seeing she had nothing more to do there, Sarah turned to leave. But she stepped back for one last announcement:

"We’re leaving at dawn. My colleagues will come to escort you and the others to the train ahead of time. So if you’ve got a thing for one of the nurses, now’s the time to confess."

Her words made Sirius snap. He grabbed a tray by the bed and hurled it at the door.

Too bad. Sarah dodged it by simply closing the door... and left.

---

With that task crossed off her list, Sarah began wandering the streets of the capital. She had changed out of her business suit and into a gorgeous evening gown.

She needed to ensure that even after she left, she could keep a watchful eye—and ear—on everything happening in the Empire.

Sarah visited several bars, casinos, and other city venues.

There was no sign that said "black market" to guide her directly.

Being new in town, she had to consult the local criminal equivalent of a phone book: a website where you could find places to buy information.

Of course, such a site could only satisfy "rookies", not someone in her league.

Still, it was a good starting point.

She went through several agencies, but none inspired confidence. None seemed capable of handling the task she had in mind.

However, one name kept coming up: The Dark Ghost.

From what she gathered, it was a new organization boasting that it could deliver any kind of service. Their only limit? The depth of your wallet.

Sarah grew intrigued. For such a young group to have made a name for itself so quickly in such a harsh, cutthroat market was worth noting.

Digging deeper, she was even more surprised to discover that the news article revealing the fall of Invictus had apparently been sold by the White Ghost , leader of the Dark Ghosts.

Sarah now felt they might actually be capable of fulfilling the service she needed.

She thus decided to meet this so-called White Ghost in person, to assess his worth.

Unfortunately, she found no way to directly contact The Dark Ghost. According to her sources, they were the ones who chose their clients not the other way around.

Out of options, Sarah paid various smaller agencies to pass along her message.

At 2 a.m., just as she was about to give up, she received a text from an unknown number. It invited her to a café well-known in the United Nations City.

She had heard its name earlier that day from civil servants at the Imperial Palace.

When she arrived at the café, it was a recently renovated, modern two-story building.

The sign read: Nowhere Else Café & Bar.

Seeing how close it was to the Imperial Palace, she could only assume the owner had serious guts to base a criminal organization here.

("He might just be the one...") she thought.

As soon as she stepped through the door, a bell rang.

At this hour, the café was nearly empty, save for a few night owls on their break.

Waiting for her at the entrance was a young woman in a formal suit.

"Miss Sarah Harley, the owner is expecting you upstairs. Please, follow me."

As soon as Brenda finished speaking, she began walking ahead to show the way.

They climbed the stairs in silence.

Once they reached the bar, Brenda exited through a door behind the counter, leaving Sarah alone with Victor.

The bar was empty. Only the faint sound of jazz in the background broke the silence.

Sarah walked over to the counter and took a seat before ordering:

"A drink, please?"

"Long day? A glass of whiskey might help you unwind."

"Bartender’s recommendation"

"Good choice," said Victor, grabbing a bottle from the top shelf one he reserved for special occasions.

He poured a glass for Sarah, then one for himself.

"Is the boss always behind the counter?"

"Only when a lovely lady stops by."

Sarah smiled, playing with her glass.

"Appearances can be deceiving. These days, beauty is just a mask one that’s easily lost."

"I know enough to say yours is eternal."

"What do you know about me?"

"Everything you’ve done since arriving in the capital, and the reason you’re sharing a drink with me tonight."

"A drink with you? You flatter yourself. Still, if you can deliver on this job, I promise this won’t be our last drink together."

"Nothing that happens in the Empire from gossip to what the Emperor ate or who he slept with will be hidden from you. As long as you pay us... with another service."

Sarah was satisfied.

"I have the means. How does diplomatic immunity sound?"

Victor raised his glass.

"Cheers."

They clinked glasses, sealing a long-term deal.