Your thoughts snap back to reality. Sylus is officially the prisoner you're supposed to be interrogating. You clear your throat and attempt to get the conversation back on track.

"Let's return to the matter at hand. The LCBI needs you to provide information about Tartarus." The footsteps grow louder as they approach. It's the same guard from earlier. He's suddenly rushing toward you.

*Prison Guard:*I just received orders from the Warden. You're free to go, sir. We prepared all your personal belongings, sir. You can take them with you.

It quickly dawns on you that maybe this imprisonment is part of his elaborate plan. "Thank you for the pickup service, Miss Enforcer."

Behind you, the heavy iron gate of the prison slowly creaks shut. Standing here with Sylus and breathing in the city's not-so-fresh air, you're hit with an uncanny sense of déjà vu.

It's as if you've been transported to the past receive a belated message from the LCBI. Sylus has been released without charges.. Apparently, he pulled some strings via unknown connections.

"So was it intentional? Or was I lucky to be assigned as your interrogator?"     "The prison gate isn't exactly the ideal spot for this conversation."

His evasive attitude is enough of an answer.. It's clear he had this planned out since the beginning and kept you in the dark.

Fuming, you turn on your heel and march to the parking lot. With his long strides, Sylus easily keeps up with you." Where are you going?"

"I failed my mission. Obviously, I'll be heading home. And I'm clearly not important enough for this. Why don't you ask our bureau chief to escort you out of prison?"

Having entered the parking lot, you yank open the car door. And before you can even react, Sylus smoothly slides into the passenger seat as if it's the most natural thing in the world." Why are you in my car?"

"It's been years. I thought we could catch up."     "Sure, why don't I take a quick detour to the LCBI? We can catch up there instead."     "Out of the frying pan and into the fire. You don't waste time, huh?"

"Hmph. If we're talking about predators, the most dangerous one is sitting next to me." He turns his head to give you a sidelong glance. You tighten your grip on the steering wheel and slam your foot on the accelerator.

"Do you care whether or not I'm alive?... Come on, we're still on the same side." To think that he's been quietly climbing the ranks to become a "leader" this whole time. Meanwhile, you thought he was dead. A knot of anger tightens in your chest.

"Really? I must've missed the part where you still considered me "one of your own."     "Then, let me rephrase that. You're my... Ahem. Former. Ally. My "ally" not only cleaned out my safe but also bought me a massive life insurance policy."

"You're the one who vanished without a word and left me wondering if you were even alive. I had to plan for my future somehow. But if you help me catch Tartarus this time...I'm not greedy. Why don't we split it 50-50 like before? What do you think?"

After a fleeting moment of silence, Sylus's face relaxes. A familiar, nonchalant smile reappears. "Well then. The protégé has now outshone her master."