[BBC HUB]

This has been one of the darkest weeks in recent history. From the apocalypse... to today’s tragedy in Maybach Town, where thousands lost their lives.

As the nation struggles against the growing threat of the Impures, newly uncovered documents suggest that the Raystar Association secretly operated an experimental facility dedicated to creating artificial Impures.

Tonight, we reveal everything. Are other Associations a part of such experiments? How long has this been going on and what are the next actions that will be taken?

Stay tuned to find out more!

The news echoed through the background as they walked into the Association building. The large display screens featuring the news report for the day.

Selena supported him as they walked through the Association hall. Whispers and chatters breaking out as they passed by.

His body still ached from the battle.

Doctor Cho’s treatment had dulled most of the pain and covered up the injuries but he still wasn’t fully recovered.

Even so, he’d only come to the Association for one reason.

"Big brother!" As they stepped into the reception Katie’s voice tore through the air as she ran straight at him, ramming into his thigh as she wrapped it in a tight hug.

Nicholas froze.

The tightness in his chest finally loosened.

They were safe.

Tears streamed down her face as she hit him on his legs, "Big brother left Big sister and Katie! Katie was scared!" Katie yelled as the tears slipped down her eyes like an uncontrollable fountain.

Nicholas patted her on the head and she glanced up, her bright brown eyes meeting his, "Big brother is here and he beat the brat that made Katie scared"

’He can be so sweet around his sisters and be a total asshole everywhere else... It feels like he’s a different person.’ Selena watched him quietly.

He’d even mimicked Katie’s childish way of speaking just to comfort her.

Somehow...

It suited him.

Just seeing this part of him she couldn’t help but think to herself.

’He’s really cute’

The words echoed in her head and her face flushed red. Selena quickly glanced at the side cutting off the contact.

From the distance, Dana who’d observed the scene had a grin on her face, ’Hehehe, I smell peak romance plot’ Dana thought a mischievous grin climbing up her face as she walked up to them, "Phantom you really did a great job out there. I’d love to say thank you personally, Sir Eric might’ve not made it if you didn’t interfere" Dana said calmly.

"In a way... this disaster may have worked in our favor.

Ronald’s crimes are public now. The other council members won’t be able to bury this one.

If they try anything now, they’ll only dig their own graves. If things went south, the Association would’ve been the ones taking the hit from the public" Dana said letting off a sigh of relief.

"Doesn’t that mean the other council members might try to pull another stunt to get back at him" Selena asked a deep frown on her face.

"Not quite, unless they completely want to lose their positions and assets. I’m sure Eric would most likely cook up something to deal with the rest of them. He’s been looking for this opportunity for decades...."

’Wondering how he must’ve felt smashing Ronald’s head off, that was the one he hated most.’ the thoughts completed in her mind leaving a wry smile on her face, ’He’s not going to stop talking about this for months’ Dana thought feeling the headache forming.

"... And you!"

PA!

Selena’s hand slammed into the back of his head, Nicholas glared at her.

"Don’t go doing stuff without proper guidance... Things could’ve ended a lot worse."

"....." Before he could reply.

"Don’t scold big brother!" Katie retorted as she slapped Selena’s thigh, Selena glanced down at the little girl surprised and in awe.

Katie pulled Nicholas away from Selena hugging him tightly, glancing at Selena with a defensive stance as she stood in front of Nicholas.

Dana couldn’t help but chuckle at the adorable sight, but she cleared her throat and quickly added, "Please do let us know before taking actions like these... Especially when it comes to the council. Those crafty bastards always know how to twist the narrative. If you had been hit with the plague X I’m sure people would’ve thought differently" Dana said.

’Well, I honestly don’t care what people think. I only care about them’ Nicholas thought glancing down at Katie who was still protecting him and turning his gaze further away he could find Marina’s eyes lingering on them filled with the constant worry.

Her eyes caught on him and she smiled softly, ’she’s been through a lot within the past couple hours and probably has a lot to talk about’ Nicholas could tell from the look in her eyes, but he wouldn’t bother himself with that at the moment. He would deal with that when they got home.

’.... And speaking of the plague X what exactly started the plague?’ Nicholas thought, his brows furrowing.

He knew he couldn’t simply ask Dana, since that must’ve been classified information, but Nicholas had piqued interest in it and was really interested in knowing how exactly it worked.

"That said, you’ll be receiving two National Awards of Excellence. For both the Denvi Town incident and the incident at Maybach Town" Dana’s words dragged him back to reality and he turned his gaze to her.

"Previously we planned a state award, but the impact of your two missions you completed were quite severe so we thought a country award would be better. Also they come with reward money" Dana said her eyes gleaming with stars as she looked at Nicholas.

A small smile tugged on the side of his lips as he heard her words, ’Dana seems to understand me more these days’ he thought in acknowledgement.

"Usually, we arrange a guide to tell you how it’s meant to go but right now..." Dana coughed as she closed her eyes peeping at Selena slightly from the side of her eyes.

Selena quickly caught her gaze and could see the mischievous grin climbing up her face, ’Don’t tell me...’

"... So Selena will be your guide, I believe she’s attended the ceremony before so she should know how it works"

"You—"

"Alright I’ll be heading off, see ya!" Dana said as she scurried away before Selena could complete her words, ’Anything for the romance plot.. don’t disappoint Selena!’ she thought, winking at Selena as she left the room.

Selena felt the world around her spiral, ’Dana!’