After that exchange at the technical symposium, Benjamin and Rex traded a knowing glance.
They did not acknowledge each other immediately. When the event ended, they simply exchanged personal contact codes naturally, like ordinary technology enthusiasts.
A few days later, Benjamin received a message from Rex on his communicator, inviting him to his residence to "discuss technical matters in depth."
"This guy used to call me a madman. When it comes to betting his life, he's even crazier than I am."
Looking at the words on his communicator, Benjamin took a deep breath, visibly nervous.
After calming himself somewhat, Benjamin raised his head and looked at the luxurious villa before him.
This was Rex's residence, located in an upscale neighborhood on the outskirts of Anvil Star's capital city.
It was a mansion with its own private courtyard, minimalist in appearance yet brimming with design.
Benjamin entered as instructed. The interior was spacious, but its furnishings were exceptionally sparse, even somewhat cold and austere.
"Welcome, Benjamin." Rex stood in the middle of the living room.
He had already shed his work clothes and changed into comfortable casual wear, though those glasses still rested on the bridge of his nose.
Yet something in his eyes had changed—a suppressed excitement and sharpness.
"Rex, it's been a long time." Benjamin nodded, sweeping his gaze across the corners of the room. He could faintly sense weak fluctuations from energy fields.
They were not supernatural energy, but devices based on this world's technology, operating to block conventional surveillance and signal detection.
Clearly, this was a carefully constructed safe house.
Without much small talk, the two sat down at a table covered in metal panels and went straight to the point.
"How did you wake up?" Benjamin asked first.
Rex pushed up his glasses, a trace of