My heart tightened abruptly. I thought to myself that fate really had a twisted sense of humor. Hugo and I had managed to cross paths so unexpectedly in the vast city of Solaris, of all places.

Four or five years had passed, but he was still the same. He wore a sinister expression that masked itself with a smiling facade, like a tiger with a deceptive grin.

But suddenly, he dropped the mask, revealing his true colors.

I maintained my composure and looked at him coolly.

Ardie sensed that some