Leighton Code's Partner and Jenny's Doubt
The academy raid incident had shaken the nation, and for the next few days, only minor tasks came down from the higher-ups. Patrolling near the city, discovering and capturing small rebel hideouts—simple stuff like that. Along the way, I tossed a few cans of food to pitiful-looking civilians and shook down the ones pretending to be poor for some corn. Small thrills. Whenever we found grenades or explosives in rebel dens, I'd siphon off a bit and stash them in my inventory. Just in case they came in handy later. Priest guns showed up often too, but they were like ticking time bombs that could blow up in your hand at any moment, so I skipped those. Reliable pistols supplied to the agents were plenty good enough. Better design, grip, stability—why bother with the junk?
As I wandered the academy grounds, mulling over how to ask Jenny to relieve my side effects today, someone called out to me.
"You're Minho Moralis, right?"
A low, rumbling baritone vibrated against my eardrums. I turned to see who it was. A middle-aged man with wavy black hair swept back, his stubborn, tightly pressed lips giving off a lion-like vibe that matched his deep voice perfectly. I met his piercing gray eyes head-on.
I knew exactly who he was at a glance. The original story's protagonist, Leighton Code.
"Yes, that's me. And you are?"
"Chief Agent Leighton Code."
"Apprentice Agent Minho Moralis. It's an honor to meet you."
Seeing the guy from the story in the flesh was novel, but not exactly honor-worthy. More like spotting a celebrity or YouTuber in person. I'd felt the same during Top Beast Survival. 'Not as impressive as I imagined.' I'd had high hopes since he was the protagonist, but facing him now chipped away at the illusion a bit.
EDP-427 was handy in situations like this. No need to fake excitement over empty pleasantries.
Still, as the story's top dog and chief agent, I figured I should stay on my toes while he was around. Leighton didn't react much to my words, just pressed on.
"You're not an apprentice agent anymore. You're a full agent now."
"A full agent?"
"I stopped by the headmaster's office to pick a new partner. They said they'd promote you on the spot, considering your recent achievements. For whatever reason, the higher-ups seem to like you."
It must've been decided today—news hadn't reached me yet. Guess they hadn't told him the details of how I'd wiped out those rebels a few days back. Hiding it even from the protagonist? They were serious about security.
'Makes sense. To the government, even the protagonist's just a sharp sword they swing well.'
"Headmaster Grayham called you a promising talent. Said you could rise to be the next best after me."
"Thank you."
"Got no assignments? Mind helping me out for a bit?"
"Of course. What do you need?"
"Like I said, looking for a new partner. Was gonna check them out myself, but meeting you changed my mind."
Leighton explained, his gray eyes fixed on me. He'd planned to snag the top apprentice—me—as his partner, but I already had one. Rather than sift through the academy's so-so talent, he'd have me pick instead. Figured someone talented like me would have an eye for it.
I had zero eye for it, but passing up the chance to handpick the protagonist's partner? No way. I followed him without protest.
We ended up in a classroom full of apprentice agents. I scanned their files on the side table, thinking it over slowly.
'Who should I pick to make it look like a smart choice?'
Top scorer? Solid mid-tier? Or sabotage him with total deadweight?
Nah. Too obvious a play could piss off Leighton outright, and I'd lose more than I'd gain.
'Better go with something safe...'
Then, in the corner, I spotted a guy slyly rolling his eyes. Should've just stood there waiting for his name, but sneaking peeks meant no EDP-427. Amateur move.
With full agents defecting to rebels left and right, no reason apprentices wouldn't. Just another glaring security hole, and it suddenly made sense how Leighton pulled off the rebellion in the story. Wild.
"Harris Declun."
"Yes, sir!"
The rebel hopeful snapped to attention at his name. I turned to Leighton.
"Solid grades, awakened a useful ability. Physical stats are average, but it could help plenty depending on how you use it."
"Is that so."
The file in my hand floated up on its own and drifted to Leighton. His signature ability from the story: telekinesis. He'd levitate multiple guns and fire them in unison, taking on dozens alone.
"Not bad. Vision disruption, huh... Lots of ways to use that."
Harris Declun's ability messed with sight—nothing like invisibility or sound nulling, but it could confuse gun directions or make weapons look longer or shorter. Perfect synergy with Leighton's multi-weapon telekinesis.
"Thanks for the rec. You can head out. Apprentice Agent Harris Declun, you're with me."
"Yes, sir!"
Leighton left the room first, Harris trailing. As he brushed past me, I grabbed his arm and whispered.
"Next time, work on your acting."
"......!"
Didn't want him getting caught and killed before he could sway Leighton—that'd be a waste. Leaving the wide-eyed guy behind, I exited too.
For a second, I imagined my old pal John Peralta, the first spy to kick the bucket, giving a thumbs-up from the afterlife. With a replacement planted by Leighton's side, he'd rest easy now, right?
Leighton's arrival at the academy meant the government's downfall was nearing. While he took over bit by bit, I needed to build ties with the rebels myself.
And the perfect start? My cute senior, Jenny Windfield.
......
Click.
Jenny Windfield stepped out of the shower and saw Minho sprawled on her bed like he owned it. She'd wondered why he hadn't barged in with some weird excuse to shower today like always. But seeing him like that, nothing seemed wrong.
'Hm?'
As she approached her desk to tidy up before bed, a pill bottle caught her eye. Her daily EDP-427 dose.
'Did I leave it here?'
It wasn't her usual spot—odd, but she brushed it off as nothing and crawled into Minho's arms like always. At first, sleeping cuddled up felt weird, but now his warmth was addictive. Without it, she'd feel chilly.
The next day on patrol, Minho stepped away briefly. Normally, she'd wait in the car. But a sudden question popped into her head.
'Where does Minho slip off to every patrol?'
A curiosity she'd never had before. Today, an unusually strong impulse took over, and she couldn't resist. She got out and followed him into the alley of the residential area.
"......so take it and share with your family."
"Thank you!"
Click, click, click.
She saw a kid clutching something from Minho, darting off the other way. Minho's lips curved up ever so slightly as he ruffled the kid's hair.
"Hngh...!"
"......?"
Shocked, Jenny stifled a gasp and ducked behind the wall.
'He smiled...?'
Fearing he'd spot her, she hurried back to the car. But that image stuck in her mind.
'He stopped taking the EDP-427?'
By the book, she should report it upstairs and wait for disposal orders. But her heart felt strangely unsettled. As Minho returned and sat beside her, she stole glances, thinking.
'No. Nothing certain yet. Just circumstantial.'
Her unusually racing heart seemed to cheer that decision.
'But if he really stopped the meds... what do I do?'