The Heart of the Underdog

Remond stirred awake, groaning.

"Huh… what?! Why is my head spinning so much?" he muttered, rubbing his temples. He blinked a few times, trying to get his bearings. "Hey… where am I? What the…?"

As his vision cleared, he realized he was in a courtyard. The architecture and surrounding atmosphere felt distinctly Japanese—tranquil, yet unfamiliar.

"What happened?" he mumbled, trying to piece his thoughts together. "The last thing I remember, I was heading to Sid's house and ran into that old man. Yeah… I attacked him. But after that…" He frowned, his brow furrowed. "Did he knock me out? How is that even possible?"

While Remond struggled to untangle his thoughts, the soft creak of a door interrupted him. He turned, startled, as a girl about his age stepped into the courtyard. She had an air of calm confidence and a warm smile that put him slightly at ease.

"It seems like you've regained consciousness now," the girl said, her voice gentle but steady. "My name is Yuki Dieng. But just Yuki is fine."

Her smile was bright, almost disarming, but Remond's confusion didn't waver.

"Uh… nice to meet you, Yuki," he replied, a little hesitant. "But could you tell me where I am? I'm actually in a hurry—I've got somewhere I need to be."

Yuki tilted her head slightly, her expression softening.

"Don't worry so much," she said reassuringly. "Grandpa told me you'd be concerned. I'll explain everything, okay?"

Despite his urge to leave, something about Yuki's calm demeanor and promise of answers made him stay. He nodded reluctantly.

"Alright. Go ahead."

Yuki folded her arms and took a step closer.

"First, let me clarify something—my grandpa had nothing to do with that fire. That day, he went to meet your uncle to warn him and offer protection. But your uncle refused his help. He should have listened… poor guy."

Remond's expression hardened as her words sank in.

"Wait a minute," he interrupted. "How did your grandpa know Dr. Edwards? What kind of danger was he in? And why was that serum so important that it cost my uncle his life? Not to mention—why were we attacked by an assassin at school?"

Yuki sighed deeply, her bright smile fading into a more serious expression.

"To be honest, my grandpa, your uncle, and the people who attacked you are all connected to one organization—the Axiom Syndicate."

Remond's eyes widened in shock.

"The Axiom Syndicate? What's that?"

Yuki's tone grew darker, and her gaze drifted as if recalling unpleasant memories.

"It's a shadowy organization that operates in secrecy. Their main goal isn't entirely clear, but one thing's for sure—they'll stop at nothing to eliminate anyone who threatens their interests. Your uncle and my grandpa were both part of it."

Remond's voice grew louder, his frustration spilling over.

"Dr. Edwards… was part of such an organization? For what reason?"

Yuki looked at him, her expression softening with understanding.

"Your uncle was hired for a top-secret research project. Grandpa doesn't know the full details, but he does know it was something dangerous—so dangerous that, once your uncle realized it, he severed all ties with the Syndicate. He hid his research from the world."

She hesitated before continuing, glancing at him with a touch of sympathy.

"Have you ever wondered why he lived in such a gloomy, isolated place, leaving behind everything?"

Remond clenched his fists, his head bowed.

"Yeah… that does make sense," he admitted quietly. "So he was hiding from them. But there's one thing I don't understand—how's your grandpa involved in all of this?"

Yuki's face lit up with pride.

"My grandpa's not a bad person—believe me. He's actually an undercover spy for the IADR."

Remond raised an eyebrow.

"IADR? What's that?"

Yuki looked almost amused at his ignorance.

"You don't know about them?" she teased lightly. "The International Agency for Diplomatic Relations. It's a global organization formed by world leaders to maintain political, societal, and economic balance. Their goal is to eliminate threats like the Axiom Syndicate to ensure peace and order."

Remond's jaw dropped slightly.

"Wow… so your grandpa's a big deal. I never expected to get so many answers from someone my age."

He chuckled, his tone lighter now. Yuki, however, narrowed her eyes in mock annoyance.

"Hey! Are you making fun of me?" she demanded, her hands on her hips.

Remond quickly raised his hands in defense, laughing.

"No, no! I didn't mean it that way. I'm just surprised at how much I don't know about this world."

Yuki smirked, shaking her head.

"Yeah, that clueless look is written all over your face."

Remond smiled but quickly turned serious again.

"Sorry, but I really need to leave now."

Before Yuki could stop him, Remond moved swiftly toward the door. But as he opened it, he froze. Standing in front of him was the old man he had attacked earlier. His sharp eyes gleamed with a calm yet intimidating presence.

Remond took an involuntary step back, startled.

"Y-You again…"

The old man gave a slight bow, his voice steady and commanding.

"Greetings, young man. I trust my granddaughter took good care of you. And don't worry about your appointment—it's already been taken care of."

Remond stared at him, his disbelief evident.

"How… how did you do that?"

The old man's lips curled into a knowing smile.

"If you want answers, how about staying for dinner tonight? We'll talk more then."

His piercing gaze made it clear this wasn't a casual invitation. Remond hesitated, torn between wanting to leave and his growing curiosity about the man and the situation. Finally, he sighed.

"O… okay," he said reluctantly.

He knew he couldn't leave now—not until he got the answers he was searching for.