Y/N: Could you please stop looking at me like that? I'm not changing my mind on what I said.

Sitting inside a room that a certain trio was growing used to, one of the occupants stared at the director with an annoyed glance. Her glare was unmoving, persistent and clearly getting on the man's nerves.

Trapped between the duo, Roland awkwardly sat in his seat, unsure about what to do. He wanted to defuse the situation before it could get worse but both Angela and Y/N's glares were enough to tell him that interfering would be equivalent to him stepping in front of a firing squad.

Angela: You almost died.

Y/N: And Malkuth did. We almost failed to suppress Scorched Girl because of something YOU didn't even stop to think about!

Angela: There was no reason for me to believe that something like this could occur.

Y/N: That's the problem! You even said it yourself: "The librarians are under the Abnormalities' control"!

The unwilling assistant stood at the top of his height and faced the humanoid machine. He followed this action by pointing an accusatory finger at her.

Y/N: You know how these things are made AND behave more than any of us currently awake and you never thought, I dunno, that maybe them being under their control could potentially create some complications?!

Angela: This is a first for me as well. Do not place the blame on me.

The AI crossed her arms under her chest and retaliated with her own gaze of annoyance. The Fixer heaved a sigh as he realized that the situation wouldn't de-escalate until he did something to stop them. Taking his courage with a powerful grip, the uninvited guest swiftly stood between them.

Roland: Come on, let's just all take a deep breath, I'm sure it'll help us.

Y/N: Unfortunately, the only one that truly needs it probably doesn't even possess the lungs required to take one.

Roland: You too Y/N.

Y/N: ....Fine.

The agent pinched the bridge of his nose and heaved a sigh as a way to evacuate his emotions. One breath, a second one and even a third passed until the chained soul opened his eyes to stare at the object of his merciless emnity. He held onto the book he was carrying around as a way to calm his nerves before raising his voice.

Y/N: Listen, I'm not asking for a damn miracle. I'm just-

As he tried to resume his train of thought, his momentum came to an abrupt stop. His words fueled by negative emotions became cold, neutral. His anger could no longer find the one spark needed to ignite itself, leaving behind a lethargic man.

Y/N: You know what, nevermind. Why do I even bother? Hava would have had a wonderful time ripping into your mentality but I'm not her.

He slowly returned to his seat and gave one final look at the director.

Y/N: I don't have the energy to deal with a disappointment.

Angela: ...!

His words and tone of voice, although not exactly the same, reminded her of a memory she wished to never remember. Her hands tightened into fists as the image of a single man flashed in front of her eyes. Her body was churning and her mind was boiling, flooded with repressed emotions.

She could feel the ground rumble beneath her feet, or perhaps it was her own emotional self imaging that sensation? She couldn't tell and the man sitting across from her definitely didn't help her.

Roland: Ma'am?

Y/N: I suggest you take a step back Roland.

Roland: Huh?

Curious about the mysterious instruction given to him, the guest took one look at the duo and stepped away from the crossfire. Why did he warn him to not get closer? As he pondered on the matter, the AI jumped back into the action and aimed directly for the assistant.

Her feet left behind a trail of agony mixed with a fury that sent shivers down Roland's spine. She stomped past the exact spot where he was standing a moment ago, making him fear what could have occured if the ex-employee had not warned him.

Angela: Do not ever repeat those words. Do not look at me with those eyes and do not speak to me with his voice.

Roland: ...'His'?

Y/N: ...

The librarian witnessed a sight that was more than uncommon, unbelievable would be more accurate. Looking down at him was a visage revealing her inner feelings when it came to his mental jab aimed at her. Such a scene was a perfect scenario for the man to stand his grounds, raise his objections and scream about his unfair situation in her face. Yet, he did none of that.

After waking up from a terrible nightmare that stil gave him goosebumps just thinking about it, he confronted an abnormality that took the lives of many workers he gained bonds with and even himself multiple times and fought against the librarian held hostage by the small girl, a colleague that turned into a monstrosity that killed Malkuth before his own eyes. This led to this moment, with almost no time for him to recuperate after hearing her berate him about trying to assist with the suppression of the abnormalities. All of this in the span of a full day at most...

...His mind was strained. His last outburst of emotion took everything out of him, leaving behind a mentally exhausted man that lacked the will to endure yet another ordeal. This was also worsened by the sensation of feeling like his body was tearing apart the moment he tried any sudden movement.

So instead of retaliating, he took her metaphorical bullet and blew up his own brain with it, finishing the job she couldn't do.

Y/N: If I annoy you that much then you should have left me down there to rot.

He expressed no annoyance in his tone, as if stating a fact. Under normal circumstances, the ex-captain would have spiked his words with a tint of emotions but the events leading to this scene with no moment for him to recover made him go from an unreasonable rage to an emotionless depression.

He was fatigued and it was showing in his voice and manners.

Y/N: If you hate me that much, why did you still drag me back here?

Angela: ...

Y/N: Angela.

Her facial expression loosened upon hearing her name coming from the one who always tried to use it with a spiteful twist. Her mind processed her actions, leaving her internally mortified. She lashed out at him, a part of her was twisting in agony upon realizing what she did, a part that she couldn't properly understand.

Y/N: Why did you awaken me, someone who only was hostile against you, and not anyone else? Why was your first action to undo that? Tell me.

The machine remained motionless for a moment, her stare becoming blank as she tried to formulate an answer. Her thought process was still disturbed by her sudden surge of emotions that was swiftly cut by the direct words of the assistant. As she opened her mouth to respond, her mind, her perfect memory capable of witnessing everything quicker than everyone else, was blank.

Why did she awaken him, someone who only treated her like the man she loathed? The lack of immediate response made her question her own actions. WHY did she do such an action?

She glanced back at the worker, who replied a silent stare.

Roland: Man, the mood is definitely not gonna recover at this rate.

Y/N: I'll leave you with that, you have more important things to deal with.

To prove his point, the agent pointed towards a certain point of interest behind the both of them. Confused for a moment, Angela turned her head, only to be met with a gap in space, allowing them to observe a trio they have never seen before, their future guests.

Y/N: You'll find me at the entrance.

The man stood up from his chair in an attempt to slip away from the conversation. In a way, ironically, doing so was for both his and Angela's sake. He needed some time to rest his head with something he was used to and she needed the space to clear her head from her intrusive thoughts.

Still taken aback by the question the employee gave her, she barely missed his departure. However, once she did, her reaction was immediate. She grabbed his sleeve and held him in place, causing the locked doll to turn his head.

Angela: I can deal with the guests myself, just stay here.

Roland: ...?

The Fixer blinked once out of shock upon hearing a surprisingly calm voice slip from between his unexpected employer's lips. Even the one receiving her order remained frozen for a moment.

Y/N: ...Are you trying to act kind?

Angela: Take it however you want.

Those were the only words she returned before pushing him back into his seat with an unnatural calmness and delicacy. The librarian did not think much of it, glad to take a pause after going through many ordeals in a row but Roland noted how the way she moved him was akin to someone trying to not break something fragile.

Roland: So, these are our next guests?

He asked with his usual carefree smile on his face, his hands deep in their pockets like always. The last thing he wanted was for the both of them to resume their bickering and thus, changed the subject.

Angela: They look to be on the same level as our previous guests in terms of appearance.

Y/N: ...Was that an insult?

The worker's question was left unanswered by the duo nearby, causing him to glance back at a trio who looked much livelier than they ever could. Just like them, their group was composed of a single girl and two men. She was busy cleaning her knives, silently heeding the words of the men talking next to her.

Taein: Former members of a killer Syndicate, now registered to an Office and doing Fixer work... I still can't believe it.

The one who seemed to be in charge sat down on an abandoned box and leaned against the wall, mumbling those words. His statement was followed by a comment from the busy girl.

Naoki: Their Office is a weird one. Can't believe they accepted people like us despite knowing what we did.

McCullin: Remember what the boss said. There are so many Offices and Fixers these days, so standing out from the others is the best way to survive in this industry.

As their conversation continued, on the other side of the window, the exhausted librarian blinked once before attempting to get up for the second time, trying to use what was going on as a way to slip his way out. His action was quickly stopped by the Director sitting nearby.

Y/N: We're not doing this.

Angela: Indeed we aren't, now sit down before I make you unable to walk.

Y/N: ...

A sigh of defeat slipped from his lips. The moment his rear landed back onto his seat, the pale librarian's gaze moved from him, taking the pressure along with it.

The tale of the cold and merciless workers presented to them was simple and far from original in a desolate world like the City: an Office wanting to grow bigger and known in a vast industry hires cold-blooded "demons" to mutilate their targets in order to make their Office known for their talent. Said "demons" were discussing about the oddity of that decision but still going along with it.

This strange way of advertising their workplace was definitely... radical in a sense but it worked. Unfortunately for them, those willing to pay for their services were people lower or on the same level as them, not one with the fame to make them known.

Roland: ...Even rascals like those can join Offices these days, huh.

Y/N: Can't they just place posters once every 5 meters like a sane person instead of hanging mutilated bodies to show off their Office?

The librarian burdened by the weight of his own fatigue mumbled under his breath as he placed a hand against his forehead. While he was busy shaking his head with a mix of disapproval and disappointment, the AI turned her head towards the Fixer.

Angela: And that doesn't count as raking yourself over the coals, because...?

Roland: Listen, I may not look like it, but I used to be hot stuff, y'know? Then, things happened and I hit rock bottom.

Y/N: What did you even do to do that, did you piss on someone's lawn? Considering that you can hang bloodied bodies in the streets, I can't imagine what you've done to get here.

Roland: It's a long story...

Angela: It can't be that complicated.

Roland: Sorry ma'am but you haven't seen what I've seen, you would have said the same in my shoes.

Y/N: ...What was your job like then?

Roland: Huh?

Angela: Hm, I would like to know as well. What did you do for a living?

Roland: Oh, I did some stuff here and there, all kinds of work. Doing things within my capabilities!

Y/N: ...

Angela: ...

The duo attached to the Library slowly turned to face each other for a moment before focusing back on the man dressed in a suit. Afterwards the both of them gave in unison a look saying "That doesn't answer anything".

Roland: Please don't give me the same look, I'm not lying!

Y/N: ...

Angela: So you haven't done a single noteworthy work.

Roland: Tch, you didn't have to go with those words.

Y/N: Sorry Roland but the way you answered didn't help your case.

Roland: You're not wrong...

A sigh followed before the man assigned to Keter's floor made his exit, preparing himself to face the guest that would soon arrive. Aware of that, Angela gave one last look at the mentally drained employee and snapped her fingers, vanishing from his sight.

Y/N: ...

Now all on his own, the ex-agent lightly slapped both sides of his head and took a deep breath in order to temporarily get rid of the burden he was carrying. Finally, after closing his eyes for a quick second, he opened them and formed a wide smile on his face.

Y/N: "Welcome to the Library dear guests~"! Yep, I should be good with that.

Angela did tell him to take a break for and as much as he would have liked to do just that, a voice whispered in the back of his head, a grim reaper reminding him of what will happen the moment he dozes off.

Was he ready to pile up yet another ordeal? The answer was no and thus, with his usual smile, the assistant walked in the direction of the entrance. Their guests may be psychopathic devils but it wasn't gonna stop him to try to welcome them with the best attitude he could muster.

...

The machine who went ahead of him had the same general idea in the back of her head as she appeared in front of the trio. Her usual smile was given to them and the loud fingersnap alerted them of her presence.

Angela: Greetings, dear guests-

However, and to her surprise, the pale humanoid blinked once out of surprise upon sensing the cold metal of Taein's weapon slash her body. Due to her mechanical nature, the weapon barely damaged her body, leaving the Fixers in awe for a moment.

Taein: What the... She's pretty damn sturdy. How much did you spend on that bod?

With that single action, the director's mood immediately dropped and a frown replaced her welcoming expression almost instantly. She expressed her displeasure with an annoyed exhale.

Angela: There is no need to needlessly exhaust yourself, dear guest. You'll need to rampage with all you have soon enough.

The attacker also frowned, tightening his hands into fists while maintaining his attention on the woman standing in front of them. She surprised them once and he wasn't about to let her do it a second time.

Taein: I don't like your soft tone.

Unfortunately for him, that attention was wasted once a mysterious voice emerged from nowhere, or at least that is what the guests thought at first.

Y/N: Welcome dear guests to-

Time slowed down around them as the girl named Naoki swiftly turned her body. Her eyes flashed crimson and with a single second, the air in front of her was cut and began to bleed. The assistant desperately tried to jump to avoid the unexpected slash and tripped, causing him to collapse. His head slowly rose up, allowing everyone to witness a large gash visible across the left side of his face.

Naoki: Looks like they still have some with blood in them.

Y/N: ...

The chained puppet remained silent and stood up, placing his left hand against the bleeding wound. Footsteps followed his decision, a sound that was growing familiar with each passing day for the unwilling helper.

By the time he realized what was happening, the newcomer was surprised to see Angela's back right in front of him, forming a barrier between him and the guests. Of course, she wasn't fully using herself as a shield for him but simply stood in their path, telling them to know their place without uttering a single word.

Naoki: This is interesting. You're definitely not human.

Angela: ...

Taein: Look at her face, you definitely hit the bullseye with that one.

McCullin: Yet another surprise...

The girl of the group silently spun her knifes and observed the one blade stained with the assistant's blood. Finally, she glanced at the duo in front of her eyes.

Angela: May you find your book in this place.

The air around them froze as she told them to proceed onwards. Taein and McCullin took the invitation and stepped in the direction of the stairs leading upward.

Taein: Come on Naoki, we won't get anything by killing them.

His words made the final member follow his direction, but not before sending one final stare at the librarian hidden behind Angela.

Naoki: I don't want to dirty my blade with filth anyway.

Finally, they began their ascension towards the top of the Library, leaving behind an injured employee and his furious boss. The former lowered his shoulders as he let the girl's final words echo in his head.

Y/N: Getting called trash after meeting someone for the first time, kinda stings...

Angela: Are you alright?

Y/N: I guess, not like I can die anyway with you here.

The ex-captain removed his hand now completely covered in blood, the crimson liquid did not waste any time and began dripping on the floor below him. A side of his face was covered with the same red mixture, making the AI frown.

Angela: I told you that I could take care of this.

Y/N: I'm not deaf, I just ignored you.

Angela: ...

Y/N: Look I'm good... I mean, not now, I'm still bleeding but BEFORE that I was. I'm gonna die of boredom if you decide to just lock me inside that room with nothing to do.

His face tried to show a smile but blood entered his mouth, causing him to spit on the ground after almost gulping it. The machine observed him for a moment before grabbing his arm.

Angela: I'll take care of this.

Y/N: Heh, you gonna nurse me? Did you prepare an outfit as well?

Angela: ...

Y/N: Not my best joke, the fatigue might be getting to me.

A snap of Angela's fingers was the last thing heard in the entrance before the silence return.