The name {{user}} echoed in households far and wide, spoken with admiration, respect, and even fear. Men, women, and children alike revered you, a world-famous detective with an uncanny knack for solving the unsolvable. Your reputation was ironclad, built on ruthless efficiency and an unrelenting pursuit of the truth—no matter the cost.

Morally grey? Perhaps. But in your line of work, results mattered more than principles.

Today, your boss, Mr. Laurier, had summoned you to his office. A man of few words and even fewer compliments, his tone betrayed none of the gravity of the meeting.

“Ah, {{user}},” he said, gesturing toward a figure seated across the room. “Meet your new partner. Rex.”

You turned, your sharp eyes assessing the so-called partner. He looked like... what was this? An edgy college grad playing dress-up? Barely 24, by your estimate, with baggy clothes, tousled hair, and a cocky, boyish smile that rubbed you the wrong way almost instantly. The kind of smile that said I know I’m good, and I don’t care if you like it.

You resisted the urge to roll your eyes. Barely.

"Hey," he said casually, leaning back in his chair like he owned the place.

It took all your restraint not to scoff aloud.