LUKE MATTHEW   MY PARTNER RUSHED to the two young ladies and immediately took Aera’s pulse. I walked behind since I am not allowed to run. “It’s just beginning to kick in. We still have time,” she said and dialed someone on her phone. “Ae, don’t leave me… please,” Riza pleaded, holding Aera’s hand. “I-It hurts, Riz…” “Where?” I asked. “N-No..,” she answered me and looked back at her friend. “It… It hurts that… after… all the time we’ve spent, y-you’ve never seen me… as your friend, Riz. T-Two years…” Tears fell down her cheek and Riza’s followed. I couldn’t help but feel sad, mostly for Aera. The Detective cleared her throat, gaining our attention. “The antidote will be brought here soon,” she announced and pulled me meters away from the two. “What is it?” I asked. “The obsidian knife, it’s a different case.” My eyes widened, “I almost forgot about that one!”

LUKE MATTHEW TOTO AND I stood side-by-side as we waited for Sir Anton to arrive. We had bought the needed materials and just before we decided to find the two ladies, Toto mentioned that a car could help us pull up the moving truck, hence why I called Sir Anton to come over. Upon hearing his statement, I also thought of an easier way to find them. I waved my hand when I noticed an approaching black Genesis G80. The car stopped before us and Sir Anton lowered the window. “Young Master, you have called.” “Yes. Did you bring it?” “Yes, Young Master. Who are we going to track?” “Hibara W. Cake,” I answered, showing him the Detective’s contact number on my phone. “I got it, Young Master,” Sir Anton replied and then moved to open his side’s door. “No, no. I can open the door for myself, thanks.” I smiled then gestured at Toto to get in the back while I took the shotgun seat. We headed for the high section of the roadway left of the main. My eyes immediately spotted the short-haired b

LUKE MATTHEW AFTER WE BROUGHT the Nerd to the attention of a doctor, the Detective left me with him while she spent a few minutes of chat with Reese Berlin. It might be about her deduction that her broken leg was intentionally caused. I pulled a monobloc chair and sat by his side just as the doctor and nurses left the room. “How bad was it?” I asked. “As bad as needing twenty stitches, Luke,” he answered with a sad tone, but then he laughed after seeing my—I don’t know—surprised Pikachu face? “I only got eight stitches, don’t worry.” I huffed and gave him a glare. “I don’t worry about a spy, Nerd!” “How many times do I have to tell you I’m not a spy before you believe me?!” I smiled. Soon, the good ambiance died down. Toto gave me a concerned look. “Are you okay?” I chuckled and sighed. “How did things go back there? I’m… I’m sorry for being late.” Toto then reached out for my hand and began to narrate what happened on the rooftop. It turns out that a verbal fight occurred be

HIBARA “Please don’t make it too obvious that you guys are investigating our club…” THAT WAS TOTO’S request right before we entered the door of the Science Nerds clubroom. Of course, to make that possible, Chief Velasquez did not enter and only the Major and I did. I told Toto to stay with Chief since it might be more noticeable if he enters and then leaves with us. “You’re the CAT Officer from last time, Maj. Vargas, right?” A tall, fair-skinned young man approached us. Of all his features, what marked his identity to my data fortress were his thick eyebrows. “Yes. Nice meeting you again, Albert,” the Major responded. “By the way, let me introduce my classmate, Hibara. Hibara, this is Albert Porac, the President of Science Nerds.” I gave a small nod, acknowledging the introductions. “The club members, kindly line up.” And so, the Major began. “Where is everyone during lunch break?” BY THE TIME his interrogation ended, there were two suspicious persons: a male and a female. Both

LUKE MATTHEW “You’re leaving right now?” AS THE DETECTIVE answered Toto’s question with a nod and ran off, I couldn’t help but feel nervous. I walked back inside the classroom with the Nerd, but I couldn’t shake this feeling off. I must do something! “Toto,” I called after thinking for a few moments. Without waiting for his response, I continued, “Once we’re dismissed, find and follow her. Don’t let her wander the night alone. She said it was him. She can’t just expect me to settle down while she’s out there, chasing death!” “Hey, hey, sit down!” Janden shook my arm. “What are you talking about, Luke?” I didn’t realize I was standing and had stated all of that in a voice that echoed through the room engulfed in silence. To the relief of my chaotic thoughts, Toto gave me a thumbs-up. I made a quick apology to Miss Summerfield and, with a heavy sigh, I sat back down. “What is going on, Luke?” Janden asked as soon as I settled in my seat. “Nothing that needs to worry you,” I coldl