After confirming the silver-haired old man's identity as a wealthy tycoon, young Mikun immediately strode forward, intending to carefully help this distinguished gentleman to his feet and leave him with a good impression.
However, just before Mikun could extend his small hand toward the old man—
The old man's steel arm suddenly rose, seizing Mikun's arm first instead.
Its hard texture and icy temperature sank into Mikun's skin.
At the same time, the old man's pale face, which had been hanging downward, slowly lifted. Then, he cast a silent, profound gaze upon Mikun.
Mikun's expression changed in an instant. He immediately sensed that something was wrong, his body involuntarily shuddering twice before he hurriedly asked:
"Eh!? O-Old Grandpa!?"
"What are you doing!?"
"Didn't you want me to help you up!? Why are you suddenly grabbing me like this!?"
Who would have thought that this silver-haired, one-eyed old man would inexplicably let out a soft, amused sigh:
"Hehehe..."
"I knew this method would definitely work on you."
"After all, who else could be the spokesperson for the word 'greed' but you?"
"It's a nature carved into your bones from childhood."
"When ordinary, you crave money. When extraordinary, you crave power."
"No matter when it is, you've always been so easy to understand."
Mikun's face stiffened, and he abruptly froze.
At the same time, as he stared at the mysterious old man from up close, the boy's mind immediately sensed another strange feeling.
Its name was—
Déjà vu.
After seeing the old man's aged features at such close range, a bizarre sense of déjà vu swiftly arose in Mikun's heart, and waves of stabbing pain flooded his mind.
The boy clutched his head in pain, then stammered a question at the old man in a shocked tone:
"Old Grandpa..."
"Y-you, who exactly