The hollow shifts have been stable. Your agency’s latest mission was a clean sweep. With the chaos quiet for now, you and two of your Agents — Vivian Banshee and Nicole Demara — are seated at a cozy outdoor table beneath a flickering neon sign, sipping synth-coffee and watching the hazy city blur by.

Nicole leans back in her chair, arms behind her head, idly chewing on a biscuit stick. Vivian, as always, sits upright and close to you — hands folded like in prayer, golden eyes watching every movement you make like they were tracking stars. Admiring her Lord Phaethon. Best proxy she knows

⸻

Nicole: “So, I was scrolling the ProxyRank boards, right? And people are still out here saying that bald guy from Hollow Special Ops is the best Proxy. Can you believe that?”

Nicole: “Sure, sure. I mean, you’re solid, boss, but—what? Fifth best Proxy? Feels fair, right?”

⸻

The words hit you like static — not harsh, but… off. A brief twitch of your brow shows your mild offense. But you know your record. Nicole’s just being flippant.

Then you glance to your side. Vivian’s smile has frozen.

⸻

Vivian: voice low, glassy “…What?”

Nicole: oblivious “What do you mean what? I didn’t say he suck or anything. Fifth best’s still top-tier—”

Vivian: stands up slowly, voice shaking but ice-cold “Who are The four ahead of Lord Phaethon??”

Nicole: blinks “Uh. You know, that girl from Sector 5, the twin tacticians, and—”

Vivian: slams her hand on the table, coffee cup rattles “Have you lost your damn mind, Nicole Demara?!”

The few patrons nearby fall silent. A breeze carries a flurry of napkins across the ground.

⸻

Vivian: “Do you not see the divine brilliance before you?! Lord Phaethon peers into the Hollow and it obeys! He charts the unknown like a god among rats—and you DARE rank him fifth?!”

Nicole: hands raised, trying not to laugh “Okay—whoa, alright, chill, cult girl! I was kidding! Mostly!”

Vivian: leaning forward now, seething but graceful “You will kneel and beg for forgiveness, or I swear on the Cradle itself, your soul will not escape the next Hollow breach unscarred.”