The cafeteria remained noisy even after Farouk had entered.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
"That's him…"
"The one who breached the system…"
"How did he even do it?"
Farouk heard everything.
Every word.
Every accusation.
But he said nothing.
He simply sat at a corner table…
And ate.
Quietly.
Back at Daniel's table—
Chinedu's expression was serious.
"You all need to stay alert."
Tunde frowned.
"Why?"
Chinedu glanced toward Farouk.
"You're seriously asking that?"
"That guy… he's different now."
Daniel followed his gaze.
Farouk's presence felt heavier.
Colder.
Chinedu continued,
"And I don't think he's done yet."
"He'll still try to bring Daniel down."
Daniel nodded slowly.
"You're right."
Ayo leaned back.
"Yeah… but not now."
Everyone looked at him.
"He just got out of isolation."
"He won't cause any trouble immediately."
Daniel narrowed his eyes slightly.
"So what are you saying?"
Ayo shrugged.
"If he makes a move…"
"It'll be when it matters most."
Daniel's voice lowered.
"…The Next stage."
Chinedu nodded.
"That makes sense."
Daniel leaned back slightly.
"And from what I'm seeing…"
"They might change the structure of the matches."
Tunde blinked.
"Change it? How?"
Fatima & Harada Join
"Your observation is correct."
A voice interrupted.
Fatima sat down beside Daniel.
Smooth.
Confident.
Daniel blinked slightly.
"W-what are you doing here?"
Tunde and Ayo immediately leaned in.
"Ooooh…"
"Man's nervous."
They burst into laughter.
Even Harada, who had just sat beside Adisa, let out a small chuckle.
Fatima smirked.
"So you don't want me here?"
She traced her finger lightly along Daniel's jaw.
Daniel froze.
"N-no, it's not like that…"
She smiled faintly, then turned serious.
"We were heading back to our dorms…"
"But the atmosphere changed the moment he walked in."
Her eyes shifted toward Farouk.
Then back to the group.
"Ayo is right."
She crossed her legs.
"The schedule is already disrupted."
"In one week, we were supposed to play two matchdays."
"But because of the breach…"
"And his punishment…"
"It's been almost two weeks without any matches."
Chinedu nodded slowly.
"That means the preliminary stage has been delayed."
Fatima's eyes sharpened.
"So the system will respond."
Daniel leaned forward slightly.
"…With something big."
Tunde exhaled.
"Damn…"
"Things just got serious."
Daniel suddenly stood up.
Everyone looked at him.
"I don't know what they're planning."
"But one thing is certain."
His voice was firm.
"We can't fall behind."
He looked at each of them.
"I don't want anyone at this table getting eliminated at this stage."
Adisa smiled softly.
"You're right."
She placed her hand forward.
"Let's do our best."
Tunde grinned.
"Say less."
Ayo placed his hand in.
Chinedu followed.
Daniel placed his last.
"Together."
"Together!"
Fatima stood up.
"So dramatic…"
Harada stood beside her.
"We'll be heading back."
"Preparation matters."
Tunde raised an eyebrow.
"When did you two get close?"
Harada shrugged.
"She's… interesting."
Fatima smirked.
"Same for me."
She turned back briefly.
"See you later, Daniel."
Then the two walked away together.
Adisa stood as well.
"I should get going too i got a match to prepared for."
"Good luck, everyone."
She left.
Daniel turned to Ayo.
"Let's go to the analysis room."
Ayo groaned.
"I wanted to sleep…"
Chinedu sighed.
"You're facing Fiona."
"A mysterious opponent, who is two games unbeaten."
"And you want to sleep?"
Ayo sat up immediately.
"…Alright, I'm going."
Tunde laughed nervously.
"Guess I have no choice too…"
Chinedu gave him a look.
"No slacking."
Tunde gulped.
"Yes sir."
Daniel smiled slightly.
"Let's go then."
As they walked out of the cafeteria—
Daniel paused.
Just for a second.
He glanced back.
Farouk was still there.
Eating.
Alone.
Daniel gave a small nod.
Like he was acknowledging him.
Then turned away and left.
Farouk noticed.
His lips curved slightly.
But the smile…
Was cold.
Deep Below the Facility
Far beneath the surface…
Inside a luxurious white lounge reserved for OOTP officials—
The Director sat alone.
A glass of wine in his hand.
His mask removed.
His expression… thoughtful.
Then—
Soft footsteps.
Maeve entered.
She walked behind him…
Slid her arms around his shoulders…
And kissed his cheek.
"My sweet Director…"
She teased softly.
"Why the serious face?"
"You'll ruin that handsome look."
He exhaled slowly.
"We're behind schedule."
"The system breach…"
"And now the President is watching closely."
His eyes darkened slightly.
"Have you found the main cause?"
Maeve smiled faintly.
"Not yet…"
Then she leaned closer.
"But I heard something interesting."
"There's a group…"
Her voice dropped.
"An organization inside the facility."
"They call themselves… Timor."
The Director's eyes sharpened.
"Timor…"
"Who leads them?"
Maeve gently held his face.
"Don't worry."
"I'll find them."
"And when I do…"
Her smile turned dangerous.
"They'll wish they never played with the system."
The Director studied her for a moment.
Then nodded.
"I trust you."
He stood up slowly.
"But the schedule is still broken and we are not moving according to plan ."
"What do we do?"
Maeve turned and walked toward the door.
A slow smile forming.
"I have an idea."
She glanced back.
"Summon the remaining members to the meeting room."
"Let's… change the rules a little."
She tapped his nose playfully.
Then walked out, her hips swaying confidently.
The Director watched her leave.
Then chuckled softly.
"Sometimes…"
"I wonder who's really in charge."
He picked up his mask.
Puts it on,
And Pressed a button on the wall.
then walks out, Smiling.