A brief silence filled the room.

No one spoke, as if everyone was using the pause to process the shocking revelations from the conversation thus far. Why had I ended up like this? What exactly was “worldline synchronization”? What truly was the Dark Zone? These questions had led to startling answers that were almost too much to digest.

By this point, I could have left, satisfied with the answers I’d received. The conversation had already resolved more than half of the questions that had weighed on my mind for so long.

Some answers were difficult to accept, but others made sense.

Still, I couldn’t fully relax. There were still a few more truths I needed to uncover, and I wasn’t sure what kind of shocking answers I might hear next. It wasn’t time to divert the conversation just yet.

"Let’s continue from where we left off."

I had learned a lot: what the Dark Zone was, how I had ended up like this, and how worldline synchronization connected two worlds, affecting them both in different ways. The first significant impact was the reawakening of memories connected to the Omega Virus incident and people like me who had lived through it.

The second, yet-to-be-confirmed impact would occur when I completed the Indian Point mission and synchronization ended. The mission would somehow influence the world beyond, just as they had promised.

But a new question formed in my mind.

If all of this was true—

"Why are these events happening in the first place? What is this game ultimately trying to achieve?"

The fact that the game even existed suggested it had the power to interfere with another worldline. And since we already knew the reverse was possible—memories synchronizing through worldlines—the potential for more people like me, victims of such interference, was real. I had to know the underlying purpose.

After a moment, the camera focused on me, signaling a response.

-[<----> : To answer that question, we must explain why the Dark Zone and Icarus International were created. This was something we planned to discuss eventually, and now seems like the perfect time.]

-[<----> : According to the information we’ve gathered, the Dark Zone and Icarus International function as a sort of immune system, created to recover from the damage caused by worldline collisions. In short, the game’s ultimate goal is the complete restoration of both worlds and their separation.]

I nodded, understanding what they meant.

It was reassuring to know that this massive, world-spanning game had a legitimate purpose. But there was one part I couldn’t ignore.

"It sounds like you’re not as involved in this as I originally thought."

-[<----> : That’s a reasonable assumption. But to clarify, while we’re connected to this, our department is not directly related to the Dark Zone or Icarus International.]

"So you’re involved... but not really?"

-[<----> : If you’re asking whether we’ve influenced the game’s methods of achieving its goal, then yes, we’ve played a role. If we hadn’t intervened, things could have gone very wrong during the second worldline synchronization.]

They continued, explaining further.

-[<----> : Without our intervention, the game might have sent its players, the people participating in the Incursion scenarios, to the other world to stabilize it. Victims like you could have become far more common.]

-[<----> : The system prioritizes achieving its objective, and the legality of its methods is irrelevant.

"That’s…"

So I wasn’t wrong.

The worry I’d had earlier wasn’t baseless; it had been a legitimate concern about a ticking time bomb. But since they had directly intervened, I no longer had to fear a repeat of my own disaster.

Going forward, the task was simple.

They would prepare the scenarios, and I would clear them.

I didn’t fully understand the mechanisms behind it, but the scenarios after the second worldline synchronization would follow events that took place after my MIA status at Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant.

Until the other world was completely stable.

In other words, I was about to personally finish the job I’d never imagined I’d get to complete—the one I’d thought was impossible.

"So, when you said there were still unresolved matters… this is what you meant."

It was a straightforward and clear solution.

But to get here, I’d needed help from so many people, including those who had saved me and brought me back to this place—these very people I was now speaking to.

There was something I needed to say.

"…Thank you. Truly."

For saving me.

For giving me the chance to come back.

I had so many things I wanted to express, but this simple phrase was all I could muster with my limited words.

Since coming to America, there had been so many moments that brought tears to my eyes.

I had been helped by so many people; how could I not feel moved? Even though I felt the sting of emotion now, thankfully, I didn’t break down in front of them as I had when I received my medal a few days ago.

The Medal of Honor had rewarded my past efforts, and this conversation had given me answers to questions I hadn’t even known to ask. It had promised to fulfill a desire I hadn’t been aware I harbored.

I still didn’t fully trust the Dark Zone, but I knew that without this game, I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t have been ready to hear all of this, and perhaps, I wouldn’t have come at all.

Their voice echoed softly in the chamber, pulling me from my thoughts.

-[<----> : That’s the reason our department was founded. In a way, we’ve also been rewarded.

A brief silence followed.

Then, they spoke again.

-[<----> : When everything is finally over, come back and see us. Perhaps we’ll be able to share a meal together.

"You’re remarkable people."

Of course, I couldn’t refuse their offer.

I also realized that I needed to change my approach.

"Originally, I was planning to ask all my questions today, but since we’ll meet again, I guess I don’t need to."

-[<----> : You can still ask now if you want.

"Hmm."

I smiled and added with a lighthearted tone.

"I’ll save at least one question for next time. That way, I’ll be curious enough to return, and you’ll have something to answer."

In other words, I was simply expressing my hope for a warm reunion in the future.

They seemed to catch on quickly, replying with amusement.

-[<----> : You’re right. I hope our next meeting will be as relaxed as this one. Though, I suspect you’re not quite ready to leave yet, are you?

"No."

There was still plenty of time, and far more to discuss.

The chair creaked as I shifted, and their voice echoed through the speakers.

-[<----> : Then perhaps we can sit back and chat about what’s happened in the meantime. Should I bring some popcorn?

"You’ll need a lot."

-[<----> : Sounds like fun.

It seemed we were in for an enjoyable conversation.

"Phew."

It was cold outside, but the sky hadn’t darkened yet.

Though I’d entered the building around noon, it was already 4 p.m. when I stepped outside. The Icarus Gear had been turned off during our conversation, so my sense of time had been skewed. I hadn’t expected four hours to pass so quickly.

As expected, there was no one waiting for me when I left. But that didn’t worry me. All I had to decide was whether to take the subway back or hail a taxi.

It was too late for lunch and too early for dinner. After wandering the city for so long, even the hotel might feel unfamiliar. Since I had some time, I thought about exploring Manhattan for a bit.

My last memory of the area was when the storm had hit Lower Manhattan. But now, seeing it intact brought a strange sense of cognitive dissonance.

"I know my way around, but I have no idea what’s here…"

Cafes, places to visit—I didn’t know what was what. My only memories were of gunfights in eerily similar streets. I had spent four years in New York, yet I barely knew my way around. It was something that would make for a good joke in a comedy routine.

Well, at least I had some money. I spoke English like a second native language, and as long as I avoided dangerous areas, I’d be fine.

Just as I was about to take a random step forward—

"And where do you think you’re sneaking off to, rookie?"

"…I told you to go back and rest if I didn’t show up after two hours."

"What’s so hard about waiting for four hours? Get in, I’ll take you to Central Park."

And just like that, my escape plan crumbled as the infamous Miss DevGru, Loren Tina, appeared out of nowhere and grabbed me by the neck. I was shoved into Logan’s waiting van, my body slumping into the cushioned seat designed for my tail.

I barely had time to settle in before the questions started flying—What is the Dark Zone? What happened? Naturally, I couldn’t say a word, but instead of pressing me further, these perceptive comrades began to piece things together on their own.

These special forces veterans were nothing if not sharp.

"Looks like you’re under orders not to spill anything."

"There must be a good reason for it. Our rookie wouldn’t keep quiet for no reason."

"…Please don’t call me a rookie. I’m an adult, you know."

But my protest was immediately squashed.

As I became Loren Tina’s makeshift pillow, enduring her playful pinches, Logan drove us through the heart of Manhattan.

Time passed, and I started to grasp what was happening. They were interested in the Dark Zone, but they weren’t taking it too seriously. It was clear they trusted me not to withhold information unless it was necessary. If it were something critical, I would have told them.

So, the conversation drifted to lighter topics.

"By the way, where are you all staying?"

"Upper East Side, in a mansion one of my friends owns. It’s more than enough space for the three of us."

"…Upper East Side? Isn’t that where the super-rich live?"

"My friend works for a pretty decent PMC."

That made sense.

They weren’t the type to book a hotel for weeks, and even if they had the money, it wasn’t their style. It was all about connections.

Thinking about it, I realized I had made quite a few connections myself during my time with Icarus. There was Serkins, the secretary to the defense minister, and Chester, a Hopkins graduate and elite field medic…

Well, now that I was a Medal of Honor recipient, maybe I didn’t need to feel out of place among such people anymore.

Still, I couldn’t ignore the fact that our time together was coming to an end.

The car stopped, and the vast expanse of Central Park came into view.

-Screech!

"Well, it’s been an eventful three days, short but long. Thank you, really."

"I’ll be back to visit, so no need to look so sad. Who knows? Maybe we’ll bump into each other tomorrow morning at the hotel’s breakfast buffet."

"I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen."

"Should I bring an elephant tranquilizer?"

"Haha, seriously…"

What could I say? They were truly a constant in my life.

Perhaps their lightheartedness was the reason they were still standing after all they’d been through. Maybe it was also why I was still sane.

I smiled as I added:

"Come visit anytime. I’ll be happy to see you."

With a final exchange of smiles, I got out near the entrance to Central Park, gently closing the car door. Logan, the senior officer, and Loren Tina drove away, disappearing into the depths of New York, leaving me alone in the quiet, chilly air.

It was a ten-minute walk back to the hotel.

With a small piece of metal hidden under my clothes and countless secrets locked in my heart, it was time to return to where I needed to be.

Despite the biting cold, New York felt warmer than I remembered.

"Mr. Eugene, what were you doing at Pennsylvania University?"

"…What?"

"You really don’t know, do you?"

Dice projected a hologram into the air.

Unfortunately, my enhanced eyesight quickly caught the headline of an article trending online.

A headline that needed no further explanation.

-[Breaking News // Unusual figures spotted at Pennsylvania University… (Click to read more)]

And I could only say one thing.

"Good grief."

Thus, my short yet eventful trip came to an end.

What an absurd ending it was.