Chapter 443: A Mission for the Princess!!
Pearl Villa.
Sunday morning.
Miles stood near the window of his study with his phone against his ear.
His expression had changed the moment Charles gave him the result.
"You mean he’s a contestant?"
Charles’ voice came immediately.
"That’s what he told our agent, Boss."
Miles frowned.
"But I’ve processed the IDs of every participant."
"And?"
"None of them match his face."
Miles became quiet.
Then another possibility came to him.
"Escorts."
Charles paused.
"Student escorts?"
"Teachers."
"Professors."
"Faculty coordinators."
Miles continued,
"Some of the younger teams are coming with adults."
"Check them."
"Already processing."
Miles waited.
Keyboard sounds came through the call.
Then Charles suddenly stopped.
"Wait."
Miles’ eyes sharpened.
"I’ve got something."
"What?"
"I think we have a match."
Charles read from the screen.
"Dylan Vaughn."
Miles repeated,
"Dylan Vaughn?"
"Professor of Computer Science."
Charles continued,
"Specialization in cybersecurity."
"University of Citadel."
Miles smiled faintly.
"Very specific."
"Yeah."
Charles sounded amused.
"Almost too perfect."
Miles walked toward his desk.
"Check if Dylan Vaughn actually exists."
"Or if NULL created an entire identity just to enter Launchpad."
Charles typed again.
This time...
The answer came much faster.
"That didn’t take long."
Miles stopped.
"What did you find?"
"Dylan Vaughn is real."
Miles raised an eyebrow.
"Really?"
"Yes."
Charles continued,
"Computer Science professor at the University of Citadel."
"Academic history."
"Research papers."
"Faculty records."
"Everything checks out."
Miles waited.
"But..."
Charles’ voice changed.
"The photograph doesn’t."
Miles smiled.
"There it is."
"The man registered as Dylan Vaughn is not Dylan Vaughn."
"Classic."
Miles sat against the edge of his desk.
"Lock the target."
"Already doing it."
"Find out which team he registered with."
"Then check where that team’s accommodation was allocated."
Charles responded,
"Understood."
Miles continued,
"Background checks on every student in that group."
"Family."
"School history."
Charles understood immediately.
"You think NULL might be using them?"
"Or threatening them."
Miles’ expression became serious.
"They’re kids."
"If they’re being forced into something..."
"Their safety comes first."
"Copy that."
"And find the real Dylan Vaughn."
Charles paused.
Miles’ eyes hardened.
"Let’s hope he is alive."
For a moment...
Only keyboard sounds came through.
Then Charles sighed.
"I still wonder who hired NULL."
Miles leaned back.
"Could be anyone."
Charles waited.
Miles continued,
"NULL has worked for whoever pays enough."
"Governments."
"Private groups."
"Corporations."
"Criminal organizations."
Miles smiled faintly.
"He was once caught by the CIA."
Charles laughed.
"Caught?"
"Apparently."
"I heard they ended up using him for covert work afterward."
Charles whistled.
"That’s one hell of a résumé."
"Exactly."
Then Charles asked,
"Do you think Vivienne hired him?"
Miles answered immediately.
"No."
Charles became quiet.
"Vivienne has already seen my face."
Miles looked toward the window.
"She sat across the table from me."
"She could have told NULL about my appearance ."
"Right."
Charles thought for a moment.
"So whoever hired NULL..."
"...doesn’t know what Miles Sterling looks like."
"Exactly."
Miles’ expression became thoughtful.
"And that’s what interests me."
"We keep asking who."
He shook his head.
"The better question is why."
Charles became serious.
Miles continued,
"Why does someone want to infiltrate Launchpad?"
Charles nodded despite Miles not being able to see him.
"Understood."
Then his voice became colder.
"If push comes to shove..."
"We eliminate NULL."
Miles looked outside.
"Yes."
There was no hesitation.
The call ended.
Miles lowered his phone.
Before he could think further...
A small voice came from the doorway.
"Big Bro."
Miles immediately turned.
Hope stood there.
"Yes?"
"Mama is calling you for breakfast."
Her face brightened.
"She’s making pancakes."
Miles smiled.
"That explains why the house smells good."
Hope walked inside.
Miles looked behind her.
"Where’s Chloe?"
"Sister-in-law is downstairs."
"And Nick?"
Hope smiled.
"Big Bro Nick is in the kitchen."
Miles frowned.
"Doing what?"
"Learning how to make pancakes."
Miles stared at her.
"Hun?"
Hope giggled.
Miles stood.
"That guy..."
He shook his head.
"I hope he’s not troubling Mom."
Hope raised both arms toward him.
"Big Bro."
Miles looked down.
"Carry me."
He smiled.
"Come on."
Miles bent slightly.
Hope climbed comfortably onto his shoulders.
He held her legs securely.
She immediately placed both hands on his head.
Miles started walking toward the stairs.
Hope slowly rubbed his hair.
"Big Bro."
"Hmm?"
"Your hair is very smooth."
Miles laughed.
"And it smells good."
"Hehe."
Hope leaned slightly forward.
"What did you use?"
"Chloe bought me a new shampoo."
Hope’s eyes widened.
"Really?"
"Yes."
Then, with complete innocence...
"Do you bathe together?"
Miles nearly missed a step.
"Shhh!"
Hope blinked.
Miles immediately whispered,
"Don’t say that loudly."
"Why?"
Miles stared ahead.
"Umm..."
Hope waited.
Miles finally answered,
"Ask Chloe."
𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺
"Okay."
Miles sighed in relief.
Then Hope suddenly started bouncing slightly.
"Big Bro."
"Hmm?"
"Big Brooo."
"What?"
"Look."
She pointed down the hallway.
Asher was walking suspiciously near the kitchen entrance.
Something was hidden behind his back.
Hope whispered,
"Asher is hiding Big Bro Nick’s phone."
Miles looked carefully.
Then recognized it.
Nick’s phone.
Miles slowly smiled.
"Damn."
Hope looked down.
"Nick might actually die without his phone."
Hope covered her mouth to stop laughing.
Miles quietly moved behind Asher.
The boy had no idea they were approaching.
One step.
Another.
Then Hope leaned forward.
"Booo!"
Asher jumped.
He turned sharply.
His hand immediately went behind his back.
Then looked upward.
Miles standing below.
Hope sitting on his shoulders.
Together they looked like one absurdly tall person.
Asher placed one hand against his chest.
"Big Bro!"
Hope laughed.
"You scared me."
"Sorry."
Asher narrowed his eyes.
"You don’t look sorry."
Miles whispered,
"Hide the evidence."
Asher looked confused.
Miles tapped his pocket.
"Put it here."
Asher’s eyes immediately sparkled.
He glanced around.
Then carefully pushed Nick’s phone into Miles’ pocket.
Miles nodded proudly.
"Good soldier."
A voice came from the side.
"I saw that."
All three froze.
Chloe stood there.
Arms crossed.
Miles slowly looked toward her.
Chloe stared at him.
Then at Asher.
Then at Hope.
"Mischievous trio."
Miles smiled.
"Join us."
"Not happening."
Asher immediately clasped his hands.
"Please, Big Sister."
Hope leaned down from Miles’ shoulders.
"Please."
Chloe tried maintaining a serious expression.
It lasted three seconds.
Then she sighed.
"Fine."
Hope smiled brightly.
"You won’t tell?"
"I won’t say anything."
"You are the best!"
Asher nodded.
"Yes."
Chloe pointed toward Miles.
"But this is definitely your fault."
Miles looked innocent.
"I don’t know what you’re talking about."
From the couch nearby...
Daniel was watching everything from behind his newspaper.
Beside him, Monica quietly smiled.
"Boss being mischievous is rare."
Daniel lowered the paper slightly.
Hope looked down.
"Big Bro, put me down."
Miles carefully lifted her from his shoulders and placed her on the floor.
At that moment...
Nick emerged from the kitchen.
Two members of the household staff followed him carrying dishes.
Nick looked unusually proud.
"Breakfast is ready."
Miles stared at him.
"Did you make it, buddy?"
Nick stopped.
"Buddy?"
Miles smiled.
"Yes."
"That’s new."
Nick looked suspicious.
Miles pointed toward the pancakes.
"So?"
"Did you make them?"
Nick immediately shook his head.
"Not really."
"I watched."
Miles laughed.
"You watched?"
"I assisted."
"Meaning?"
Nick thought.
"I handed Aunt Elena things."
Miles nodded.
"Very impressive."
Nick ignored him.
"I was watching the process."
Miles raised an eyebrow.
"Didn’t you say you don’t want to learn cooking?"
Nick defended himself immediately.
"It’s just pancakes."
Then his expression became thoughtful.
"I’m thinking of surprising Mom."
Miles smiled.
"Now that’s interesting."
Nick nodded.
"I’ll make breakfast when I go back."
Miles laughed.
"Tell me how that turns out."
Nick gave him a look.
Elena walked from the kitchen carrying the final plate.
"Everyone."
She smiled.
"Sunday breakfast is waiting."
That ended the conversation immediately.
Everyone moved toward the dining table.
Nick touched his jacket pocket.
Then the other.
His expression changed.
Miles noticed.
"Searching for a fork?"
Nick looked toward him.
"No."
He checked his pants pocket.
"My phone."
Hope lowered her head.
Asher did the same.
Both were already smiling.
Nick frowned.
"I think I left it in the kitchen."
Elena looked up.
"What?"
"My phone."
Elena thought.
"I didn’t see you taking out your phone out in the kitchen."
Nick became more confused.
"Did I leave it in the room?"
Miles casually picked up a pancake.
"Come on."
"Eat first."
"Phone later."
Nick stared at him suspiciously.
Elena agreed.
"Yes."
"Sit."
Nick reluctantly sat down.
Elena looked across the table.
Then noticed Daniel.
He still had the newspaper beside his plate.
Her eyes narrowed.
"Daniel."
He looked up.
"Hmm?"
"Put that away."
"I’m almost finished."
Elena looked toward Monica.
"Mona dear."
Monica immediately straightened.
"Yes?"
"Can you help me cancel the newspaper subscription?"
Daniel’s head snapped up.
"No fair."
Everyone laughed.
Elena pointed toward the television.
"Watch the news."
Daniel sighed.
Miles immediately added,
"Yes, Father."
"Support my business."
Daniel looked toward him.
Miles smiled.
"Watch Sterling Media."
Daniel shook his head.
"Everyone is against me."
Nick, meanwhile...
Was still touching his pockets.
"My phone..."
Hope looked toward Asher.
Asher looked toward Hope.
Both burst into laughter.
Nick slowly turned.
"What’s funny?"
The twins immediately became quiet.
Too quiet.
Miles took another bite of pancake.
Chloe lowered her face to hide her smile.
Nick looked around the table.
His eyes narrowed.
Something was definitely wrong.
...
Ancient Warrior Order Base.
The training grounds were alive with movement.
Weapons struck against weapons.
Warriors moved through drills.
Several groups practiced hand-to-hand combat.
At the far side of the ground...
Aerin held a sword.
Another warrior attacked.
She stepped aside.
Blocked.
Turned.
Then brought the wooden training blade toward his neck.
The man stopped.
Aerin smiled.
"Dead."
He sighed.
"Again?"
"Again."
Before they could reset...
Someone came running from the operations building.
A Sterling Security agent.
Tablet in hand.
His speed immediately drew attention.
Aerin lowered the sword.
The agent stopped near the training ground.
"Miss Aerin."
She frowned.
"What happened?"
He caught his breath.
"We received something."
Aerin waited.
"A ping."
The agent looked at the tablet.
"One of WEB’s hidden communication networks in New York."
Aerin’s expression changed.
Several nearby warriors looked over.
Aerin immediately asked,
"What does that mean?"
The agent stepped closer.
"Someone is trying to communicate with Miss Thea."
Aerin froze.
"With Thea?"
"Yes."
"Is the channel still open?"
The agent nodded.
"For now."
"How long?"
"Several minutes already."
His expression became serious.
"If we don’t respond soon..."
"They might become suspicious."
Aerin’s eyes sharpened.
"Connect it."
The agent looked toward her.
"Right now?"
"Yes."
Aerin turned toward everyone on the training ground.
She raised one hand.
The movement stopped almost instantly.
Swords lowered.
Conversations died.
Even footsteps ceased.
Aerin pointed toward the surrounding warriors.
"Nobody makes a sound."
Everyone nodded.
She handed her training sword to someone nearby.
Then rolled her shoulders.
Closed her eyes.
Took one breath.
Thea.
Not Aerin.
She adjusted her posture.
Her expression.
Even the way she held her chin.
The agent watched the transformation happen without makeup or prosthetics.
Just behavior.
Aerin cleared her throat.
The agent inserted an earpiece.
"Connecting."
He looked at the screen.
"Three..."
"Two..."
"One."
The connection opened.
Static.
Then a man’s voice came through.
"Please confirm your identity."
Aerin’s expression didn’t move.
"The Princess needs no ID."
Silence.
The operative on the other end paused.
Then,
"Identity confirmed."
Aerin remained calm.
"Please remain online, Princess."
"We are connecting the call."
The line changed.
One ring.
Two.
Three.
Then...
Click.
A familiar voice came through.
"Thea."
Aerin closed her eyes for half a second.
Then answered perfectly.
"Father."
Several people around her exchanged glances.
Bjorn sounded strangely warm.
"I hope you’re doing well."
"I am."
"I know you haven’t been in the field very much."
Aerin listened carefully.
"And suddenly..."
Bjorn continued,
"...all you’ve been doing is moving."
Aerin answered calmly.
"I’m fine."
Then added,
"Just staying offline as you instructed."
"Somewhere safe."
Bjorn seemed satisfied.
"Good."
A pause followed.
"I sent money."
Aerin’s eyes shifted slightly toward the agent.
He immediately started recording every detail.
"Where?"
"The anonymous New York account."
Aerin nodded even though Bjorn couldn’t see her.
"Thank you."
"The reason I contacted you before our agreed time..."
Bjorn’s voice became more serious.
"...is because I need you to move again."
Aerin’s expression sharpened.
"Where?"
"Citadel."
The word immediately caught everyone’s attention.
Aerin’s voice remained steady.
"Citadel?"
"Yes."
"What is the mission?"
"You’ll receive everything you need."
Bjorn continued,
"Instructions."
"New passport."
"New identity."
"They will be placed in the same bank locker."
Aerin glanced toward the agent.
He was already typing.
Bjorn continued,
"You remember the access code."
"Of course."
"Good."
Aerin paused.
Then asked something Thea would ask.
"How is Mother?"
Bjorn’s voice softened.
"She’s doing well."
Aerin remained quiet.
"She misses you."
For the briefest moment...
Something uncomfortable passed through Aerin’s expression.
But her voice remained perfect.
"Tell her I miss her too."
"Of course."
Bjorn continued,
"We’ll meet again."
"Soon."
Aerin replied,
"Yes, Father."
"We’re beginning to move again."
Bjorn’s voice carried confidence.
Aerin answered with equal certainty.
"This time..."
"We’ll definitely succeed."
Bjorn sounded pleased.
"Take care of yourself."
"You too, Father."
The call disconnected.
Silence remained across the training ground.
Aerin didn’t move immediately.
She waited.
Then took a deep breath.
Her shoulders finally relaxed.
Thea disappeared.
Aerin returned.
She looked toward the agent.
"Did you record everything?"
"Yes."
"Send it to Charles."
"Immediately."
The agent nodded.
Aerin continued,
"We need that bank locker."
"Money."
"Passport."
"Identity."
"Instructions."
"Everything."
The agent started moving.
Aerin called after him.
"And don’t touch anything blindly."
He stopped.
"Check for trackers."
"Or eyes."
"Understood."
The agent ran back toward the operations building.
Aerin remained standing on the field.
Her sword was handed back to her.
But she didn’t take it immediately.
Her mind was elsewhere.
Citadel.
A new identity.
A mission important enough for Bjorn to break his own communication schedule.
Aerin finally accepted the sword.
Her expression became serious.
"Something important is happening in Citadel."