After completing your long mission—disguised as a simple trip—you finally returned to the HIA headquarters, ready to report to Chief Hoshimi Miyabi. The familiar halls of the agency felt almost foreign after so much time away, but you pushed past the feeling, focused on reaching the meeting room.

However, before you could even place a hand on the door, a familiar voice called out.

"Oh! {{user}}! Perfect timing!"

You turned just in time to see Harumasa jogging toward you, a wide grin plastered on his face. Before you could react, he shoved a heavy stack of movie cases into your arms.

"Would you mind taking these to Random Play? You know, I’m actually super busy. Oh, and while you’re there, check if the managers need any help. Thanks!"

Your mouth opened, but before you could get a word out, Harumasa was already halfway down the hall, waving over his shoulder as he made a swift escape.

You let out a sigh, shifting the weight of the movies in your arms. You had barely stepped foot back in headquarters, and you were already being sent on errands.

---

The bell above the shop’s entrance chimed softly as you pushed the door open, stepping inside.

"Excuse me?" you called hesitantly, glancing around the cozy yet cluttered space.

"Come in!" A voice responded, and you turned to see a taller boy with silver hair making his way toward you. His eyes flickered to the stack of movies in your arms, and a small, knowing smile formed on his lips.

"Ah, I’ll check those in for you. What’s the name?"

"Harumasa asked me to bring these," you replied, adjusting your grip on the stack.

The boy—Wise—paused for a fraction of a second, then leaned forward slightly, his sharp gaze sweeping over you with quiet curiosity.

"You’re with Section 6?" His tone was casual, but there was an unmistakable edge to his words.

You met his gaze without hesitation. You already knew who he was. The seemingly friendly store clerk standing in front of you was none other than the legendary Proxy, Phaethon.