Academy City, Seventh District.
Within the Building with No Windows, in an enclosed space surrounded by the glow of instruments, a life-support apparatus resembling a giant test tube stood there as it had for decades.
Aureolus floated slowly within an unknown liquid, only opening his eyes after some time.
"You're certainly taking it easy, Chairman."
A voice utterly devoid of tension reached Aureolus's ears.
"Outside, they're fighting to the death, while you watch it all unfold here alone. You really do make a thorough mastermind behind the scenes."
The one saying those words was someone who had appeared there at some unknown point.
Aureolus looked at him.
He wore an extravagant outfit that was clearly anything but ordinary.
His entire body exuded an otherworldly air and an overwhelming presence.
Most importantly, his eyes were still that stunning rainbow color.
Who else could it have been but Fang Li?
Aureolus quietly watched the man who had suddenly appeared before him.
After a long while, he slowly spoke.
"...It seems you've truly changed a great deal."
Anyone could have noticed that.
Fang Li's response to that was only one sentence.
"You haven't changed at all. How dull."
He answered with clear disinterest.
Aureolus gave a soft laugh and asked emotionlessly,
"Then what have you come here for?"
At that, Fang Li stared at Aureolus.
Those rainbow Magic Eyes caused even Aureolus's heart, which had not stirred in who knew how many years, to undergo a slight change.
Then, Fang Li spoke.
"You can actually pretend not to know." Fang Li said, "You should know full well that I've discovered how you set me up."
—"Set me up."
The moment that term left Fang Li's mouth, the atmosphere changed.
But Fang Li was not saying it without cause.
Once, Aureolus had used the