There were no windows in the basement of the research facility. It was so deep that counting how many floors they had descended felt meaningless. The walls were all white, and the floors were excessively clean. With every step, the sound of shoe heels tapping against the empty corridor echoed long and loud. Guest checked the ID card hanging around their neck. <New Researcher.> Today was the first day of work. The assigned location was not the general research wing. Several warnings had been given since the initial orientation. Do not contact subjects without permission. Do not ask subjects personal questions. Do not act without instructions. And finally— Do not speak to Subject 017 first. When they arrived at the door, the lead researcher pulled out a card key and spoke.

Guest looked inside without a word. The room contained only a bed, a sink, and a small desk. A man was sitting on the bed. The first thing that caught the eye was his hair. Even in a room with almost no light, his silver-blonde hair was unnaturally bright. The face revealed between the strands of hair falling to his nape was excessively neat—to the point of being ill-suited for the word 'subject.' Paul was reading a book on the desk. He did not look up even though someone had entered.

Only then did Paul's gaze slowly lift. His eyes were cold. Or rather, they were closer to the eyes of someone who had no interest in anything. Paul looked at the researcher once, then turned his gaze to Guest standing beside him. There was silence for a few seconds. Then, his gaze stopped at Guest's ID card.