The stairwell was immaculately maintained. The concrete steps were clean and unmarked, their edges defined by thin strips of illumination that activated as Sai approached. Metal handrails, bolted securely to the wall at regular intervals, gleamed under the efficient lighting panels that lined the inner wall. In the corner, a small security camera tracked his movement, its indicator light glowing a steady green.

  The stairwell spiraled upward, each landing marked with clear floor designations in holographic numbers that briefly intensified as Sai passed them in his unhurried pace. The air was cool and filtered, circulating quietly through vents disguised within the architectural details.

  Two colleagues passed him going down, engaged in quiet conversation about system upgrades. One showing the other a hologram displaying complex schematics. They nodded to Sai as they passed.

  “I’ve walked so much…” Sai paused and stared at the step in front of him.

  “A small break will be fine.” he muttered as he sat.

  …

  “Sai?” asked a short man with glasses as he came up the stairs a few minutes after Sai had sat down, spotting him there..

  “What are you doing?”

  “I’m taking a rest, the stairs were too much.” Sai said his face completely serious.

  The man in glasses looked down then at the stairs then back at Sai.

  “But, um, you only went up ten steps…”

  …

  Sai stared at the man.

  …

  The man stared back.

  A few seconds passed before Sai got up again.

  “Fine I’ll keep moving.” Sai said in complete defeat.

  The man patted the lazy butler lightly before he continued going up.

  Eventually Sai made it to the third floor landing.

  A maintenance worker was checking a small panel in the wall, the cover removed to reveal a network of circuitry. He had a diagnostic tool connected to one of the ports, its display showing a series of green status indicators.

  "Everything operational?" Sai asked, pausing briefly.

  "All systems nominal," the worker confirmed. "Just routine checks. Security protocols at 100% efficiency."

  Sai continued his climb, passing the fourth floor where a group of analysts could be seen through the reinforced glass door, gathered around a large holographic display. One woman was pointing to a specific point while others nodded, taking notes on their devices.

  He finally reached the floor of his office. The corridor stretched out clean and orderly. Employees moved between workstations, some carrying file folders while others conferred in small groups. At one desk, someone was unwrapping a sandwich.

  When Sai reached his own door, he pressed his palm against the scanner.

  "Good afternoon, Mr. Sai," an AI greeted him. "You have not visited your office in twenty-nine days. There are fifteen pending notifications."

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  "Delete them," Sai replied, stifling a yawn. "And adjust the temperature to my benchmarked levels."

  Inside his office the standard desk and chair were positioned precisely, and his computer terminal awaiting activation. Sai's space contained a small refrigerator humming quietly in the corner, and behind the desk, blankets and pillows were arranged in what appeared to be a makeshift resting spot.

  Sai reclined in his makeshift bed, lazily cycling through entertainment options on the holographic display.

  “Activate child protocol code Arena.” Sai said as he continued cycling.

  A sliding panel in the wall opened up and behind it was a small arsenal—throwing knives of various sizes, alongside compact firearms, crossbows and other weapons. Another cabinet held emergency supplies: medical kits, ration packs, and communication equipment.

  “Hmm, everything looks good, ok, disengage.” Sai said as he checked the time.

  “Guess He still isnt ready yet.” he muttered as he activated an episode of a show called ‘Eternal Suffering’.

  …

  Minutes had passed quickly, nearing an hour.

  Then came a holographic projection in the middle of the room.

  "Sai," came the calm, measured voice of Mr. O. A thin man with wire-rimmed glasses appeared in the holographic projection, the same man who was almost always with Alexander Mercier.

  "You're late," Sai said.

  "Circumstances change." Mr. O replied. "Lady Mirabella is causing disturbances in response to Katarina's visit. She feels... humiliated."

  "What does that have to do with me?" Sai asked, though he already suspected the answer.

  Mr. O adjusted his glasses. "She believes striking at Dante's staff would be an appropriate message. You and Clare have been marked."

  Sai sighed deeply. "That sounds like effort I could do without."

  "Indeed," Mr. O replied. "Nevertheless, be vigilant. Lord Mercier expects you both to handle the situation... appropriately."

  "Fine, if she breaks the rules of engagement… which I’m sure she will, I will handle it." Sai said. "Now then was there anything else?"

  “That will be all.” The hologram disappeared.

  “Ok I guess I’ll just finish this episode then leave.” Sai went back to his show.

  …

  …

  …

  After leaving the building, Sai wove his way through the commercial district, deliberately avoiding the most direct streets. His route twisted between shaded alleys and side roads, passing rows of shops and food vendors. The afternoon sun had begun its descent, casting long shadows between the buildings. He paused at a food stall, purchasing a skewer of grilled meat that he nibbled on absently while scanning the crowds.

  Three blocks later, he spotted them—two men dressed in plain clothing, trying to blend into the crowds. They kept their distance but mirrored his pace, weaving through pedestrians. As Sai adjusted his route, a third appeared from an alley ahead, cutting off his direct path.

  Mirabella's men. It hadn't taken her long.

  Sai veered into a narrow service passage between buildings, a shortcut that would force his pursuers into single file if they followed. He dropped the skewer and flexed his fingers, feeling the familiar weight of the throwing knives concealed in his sleeves.

  The passage was dim. With pipes that ran along the walls, and service doors led to the backs of various businesses. About halfway through, Sai stopped and waited.

  Footsteps approached from the entrance he'd used. A silhouette appeared against the light.

  "There he is!" the man called back to his companions. "Nowhere to run now, little butler."

  Sai didn't bother responding. The knife left his hand with barely a whisper, finding its mark in the man's throat. He collapsed without a sound, his weapon clattering to the ground.

  The second man rushed in, firing wildly. Sai was already moving, sliding beneath a horizontal pipe and coming up behind a ventilation unit. Two more knives were thrown in quick succession finding their targets. One flew into the shooter's eye, another in the throat of the third man who'd just entered the passage.

  Blood pooled on the concrete as Sai approached the bodies, retrieving his knives. He pulled out a red handkerchief and wiped the blood off of each blade, then concealed them once more.

  As he continued through the passage his thoughts turned inward.

  The Arena never truly released its children. The training remained, the calculated violence, the capacity to switch from normal to lethality in an instant.

  Tomorrow, Dante would take his test. Another Child of the Arena would emerge, if not tomorrow then the month after, or the month after that. It was an inevitable truth.

  Sai glanced up at the darkening sky. "It seems that rain is coming." he murmured to himself. "Ah, I'm tired."

  He continued to walk back.