"I'll do as you say," Reika said, her voice steady. "I only wish to serve you."
I blinked. "That… is a weird goal."
Scratching my cheek, I watched as she simply smiled, tilting her head slightly. "I don't believe so. Regardless, if that means joining Ouroboros, I shall do so."
"Great," I said, clapping my hands together. "Glad we're on the same page."
She nodded, still watching me with an expression that was far too composed.
"Anyway," I continued, leaning forward slightly. "I have some information for you."
Reika's brow furrowed slightly. "Information?"
I nodded. "As you know, the cult isn't just some scattered organization—it's an empire in the shadows, deeply rooted and incredibly powerful. But not all of it is after you."
Her fingers twitched slightly against the table. "So who is?"
"Your project—" I met her gaze, "—was under the jurisdiction of one of their Cardinals. Cardinal Akasha."
Her lips parted slightly as she echoed the name. "Cardinal Akasha…"
