Better to Lose Our Humanity Than Our Beastliness

"Is this an invitation?"

The sudden invitation and the leap in logic nearly left Vader behind. He stared at Alvin in surprise, but out of politeness, he still declined. "I'm sorry, Mr. Valshus, but I don't think I'm suited to be a Wallfacer's assistant. Besides, I'm very happy with my current job."

That was the truth.

He didn't believe these Wallfacers were better than him.

But his current job really was a better fit.

And yet—for some reason, whenever he met the young man's gaze, Vader always felt as though his thoughts were being seen through.

In front of him, Vader felt as if he were stripped bare, with no secrets at all.

That feeling made Vader very uncomfortable.

"Is that truly what you think?"

Alvin, seated in his chair, suddenly leaned forward a little. It was as if stars were reflected deep in his eyes, and a glimmer of light could see right through to a person's heart. "You're a clever man. But that's exactly why you can see what others can't—like the future of failure, for instance. Isn't that right?"

Vader's face seemed expressionless, but the corner of his eye twitched ever so slightly. "I don't know what you mean, Mr. Valshus."

He hated that kind of gaze.

One that could see the deepest secrets in a person's heart.

"If you have nothing else, I'll take my leave, Mr. Valshus."

Vader abruptly stood. He didn't want to get tangled up with this "Wallfacer" any longer, because he was afraid the deepest secrets in his heart would be dug up, too.

He quickly left his chair, turned, and walked toward the door, as if fleeing in panic.

He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt this way. This young man put him under immense pressure!

But just as Vader