"Benson... Melissa..." Klein's weak voice rang out inside the damaged Black Thorn Security Company.
"We're both here..." Benson knelt beside Klein, lowering his head and bringing his ear closer so Klein could speak more easily without straining himself.
"You don't actually need to do that." Klein smiled. "I probably won't die before these flames go out. I'm not as fragile as you think."
Benson pressed his lips together, glanced at Round Deer lying nearby, and nodded.
Melissa crouched down too, tentatively reaching out. After Klein nodded his permission, she gently took his hand.
The members of the Mandated Punishers and the Machinery Hivemind stepped back, giving Klein and his family enough space.
An apologetic smile rested on Klein's face.
"As you can see, the organization I joined is actually an official Beyonder organization."
"I'm sorry I never told you about the supernatural side of this world. I didn't want you to get dragged into any of this."
The guilt on his face was genuine, but it wasn't for hiding the existence of Beyonders. It was for what he was about to say.
He felt guilty because he was about to deceive his brother and sister into believing he was dead, making them grieve for several days.
Still smiling, Klein continued, "Soon, someone will come to have you sign a nondisclosure agreement. They'll ask for your opinions and whether you want to become Beyonders."
"The Beyonder path is extremely dangerous. I honestly didn't want you to walk it, but I eventually realized that in this world, having some abilities is necessary."
"You can accept, but you'd best not advance beyond the middle Sequences."
He spoke softly.
"You don't need to be too sad. I'm just... going to sleep for a while."
Seeing the looks in his brother's and sister's eyes, Klein