They were all pretenders, hiding their true selves beneath false masks.
Backstage.
Akane Tsunemori, Sei Riku, and Lin Yan monitored their every move. Nothing they did could escape their eyes.
"Don't worry. We've already cast Heavenly Net. Whether it's Ginoza and the others or the Automated Machines, everything has been deployed. Everything is ready; all we need is the east wind. Now we just wait for the fish to take the bait."
Sei Riku spoke quietly.
"They're all wearing projections. How are we supposed to tell which one is Talisman?"
Akane Tsunemori did not doubt Sei Riku's abilities despite his confidence. She simply had no idea how to distinguish the real one from the fakes.
"This is a masquerade ball."
Sei Riku explained.
"In truth, everyone is still feeling uneasy. As for why they still came, they each have their own agenda. Think about it: in a social venue, no matter what happens, at least their lives won't be at risk. But this place is completely different. If a conflict breaks out, even an inconspicuous fruit knife could lead to bloodshed."
"That's right. A group of strangers... anyone with normal intelligence wouldn't do something this foolish."
Lin Yan agreed with that assessment.
A concise and clear explanation.
Akane Tsunemori, who had always harbored doubts, nodded in sudden understanding. She seemed to understand why they had chosen to act now. She gave a fairly sweet smile. In such a tense atmosphere, she could not help feeling somewhat uneasy.
"I understand much more now. Thank you for explaining."
"It's nothing."
Lin Yan suddenly noticed the dance floor and casually pointed over. Someone had emerged from the cloakroom, wrapped in a Talisman projection.
"Our position isn't ideal. If we make a move rashly, we may end up harming other people." Sei Riku considered