– CHAPTER FIVE –

  RABBI WORSE DEVIL

  Americ-Ana felt her entire body tingle, as if thousands of invisible needles were pricking her skin. A chill ran through her feet, legs, hands, and arms, then gathered in her chest. The cold rose up her neck, passed over her face, and she felt as though all that frost were being absorbed by something in the middle of her head, inside her head.

  Then came the heat. It traveled through her feet, legs, hands, and arms, and also gathered in her chest. It rose up her neck, passed over her face, and once more she felt it being drawn into something at the center of her head, deep within.

  Slowly, she opened her eyes. Everything was dark. Silent.

  A few meters ahead, Americ-Ana saw a tiny luminous dot in the darkness. It began to grow, expanding until its light filled the entire void, revealing a massive lion, it had to be at least the size of a house.

  Not that Americ-Ana had ever seen a lion in person, aside from the Chancellor who once appeared in the form of a green lioness. But this one before her definitely did not seem like any ordinary lion.

  She then realized the glow came from what she identified as a diamond, positioned above the lion’s eyes.

  Her first reaction was fear in the face of that colossal figure. Then, a kind of peace began to bloom in her chest.

  She saw beams of light passing through her body. No! They weren’t passing through, they were coming out of her body, from her heart.

  The light that emanated from Americ-Ana’s heart moved toward the light streaming from the stone above the lion’s eyes. When the lights collided, she felt as if a magnet were pulling her body toward the creature.

  She turned her attention to the light emerging from above the lion’s eyes. It wasn’t a stone. It wasn’t a diamond. It was a star.

  When Americ-Ana realized it was a star, not a stone, the lion seemed disturbed by the revelation.

  While she had believed it to be a stone, a diamond, everything felt in balance. But when her senses told her it was a star, the lion was shaken.

  Suddenly, a distant thought surfaced: A giant lion? Could it be the Chancellor of the Portals?

  But no... the Chancellor had appeared as a green lioness, not the color of the one now before her. And besides, she hadn’t been that large, nor that beautiful.

  Then, little by little, Americ-Ana’s memory began to return. First, she remembered wearing a uniform with numbers. Then, entering a room. Then... wait... no... Those horrible marks on her face. The tattoos that wouldn’t come off. Those damned QR Codes that had brought her nothing but trouble.

  That wasn’t... the hearing... she had been arrested...

  Wait... gold coins... dozens... no, hundreds... no, thousands... millions... billions of gold coins...

  Then, the giant lion charged at her. She didn’t know what to do. There was nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. She simply stood still, stared at the creature, and waited, for her end, or whatever it was that was coming.

  As it drew near, the lion opened its enormous mouth. But instead of sharp teeth and a red tongue, Americ-Ana saw lights. Not white lights, colored lights.

  With the momentum of the run, the lion leapt and landed upon her, mouth wide open. Americ-Ana had been swallowed by the great beast.

  Americ-Ana felt as if her body were sliding down a giant spiral slide. Lights of every color began flashing beneath her, beside her, and above her.

  Then, she heard a voice calling her name. A distant voice, growing louder. And then, like a snap, she heard a shout:

  “AMERIC-ANA!”

  Her first thought was: Damn! I’m late. I need to get up and make breakfast for Mister Bacon. Aunt Karen’s already yelling at me.

  But it wasn’t Aunt Karen. It was the Chancellor of the Portals leaning over Americ-Ana, her expression stricken with panic.

  Americ-Ana found herself lying on the ground, the Chancellor above her, trying to lift her up.

  “My God, you scared the life out of me, honey! Where were you?” Asked the Chancellor, pulling her up into her arms.

  “What do you mean, where was I? Where am I?” Asked Americ-Ana, completely bewildered.

  "Honey… you’re on the Route Axis Mundi," replied the Chancellor, helping her to her feet.

  "I’m sorry, Madam Chancellor, but I have no idea what you’re talking about," said Americ-Ana, trying to steady herself. She felt dizzy.

  "Honey, I’m the one who should be sorry. I sometimes forget just how different our realities are. But don’t worry. I promise I’ll explain everything and answer all your questions. For now, we need to hurry or we’ll miss our Einstein-Rosen," said the Chancellor, tugging Americ-Ana by the arm.

  As they walked briskly, Americ-Ana began regaining her senses and looked around, trying to understand where she was. The place seemed to have no ceiling. The walls rose upward, but the point where they should have ended, where a roof ought to be, could not be seen, or simply didn’t exist. The ground was paved with small stones.

  As she followed behind the Chancellor, careful not to trip, Americ-Ana caught a colorful reflection on her shoes. Her eyes followed the beam of light to its source. What she saw was beyond belief.

  At the center of that place stood what could only be described as a giant’s work of art: a tree of astronomical proportions. It had the shape of a tree, with branches and leaves, but it wasn’t a tree as Americ-Ana knew it.

  It was entirely made of stained glass. The trunk and branches appeared to be sculpted with precision, using countless pieces of tinted glass in shades of blue, red, green, yellow, and orange. Each fragment seemed set with the care of a meticulous craft, held together by an almost invisible metal framework.

  From above, an intense light, resembling the sun, shone directly upon the tree and its surroundings, casting vibrant patterns on the ground like a living mandala.

  The tree remained still, yet the interplay of light and color gave the illusion that it was moving.

  As she walked, mouth agape at the monumental structure, Americ-Ana bumped into a passerby, causing the objects the person was carrying to fall to the ground. She startled, and instinctively began to apologize, quickly helping to pick up the scattered papers.

  One of the documents caught her attention. The title, in bold capital letters, read:

  ULTRASECRET OPERATION: DETHRONED.

  WRITTEN BY AMERIC-ANA DELSILVA.

  She tried to read the contents, but the owner of the document snatched it back quickly.

  "I'm sorry, it was an accident," said Americ-Ana, awkwardly.

  "It's nothing. It’s alright," replied the passerby.

  Upon hearing that voice, Americ-Ana was startled. She looked immediately at the person. She couldn’t believe it. Blinked once, twice, three times. Her jaw dropped. Standing before her was someone identical to herself. Same face, same height, everything, including the QR Code markings on the face.

  Before she could say anything, the Chancellor approached and pulled Americ-Ana by the arm.

  "No, no, no, honey! Don’t even think about it. Speaking to her would cause you irreversible harm. Not just to you, but to the entire structure of what exists," said the Chancellor, resuming her hurried pace.

  It was then that Americ-Ana realized. That place was filled with other “Americ-Anas” and other “Chancellors.” Multiple versions of themselves rushed past, wearing different clothes, with varied haircuts, some even taller. An Americ-Ana with green hair. A Chancellor with QR Codes marked on her face. Both caught Americ-Ana’s eye as they crossed her path.

  "Please, wait! Madam Chancellor! Where am I? What is this place?" asked Americ-Ana, her voice choked.

  The Chancellor noticed the girl was about to cry. She stopped walking and faced her.

  "Honey… listen carefully to what I’m about to say. You need to trust me one hundred percent, okay? I would never hurt you. You are my responsibility right now. We’re late, and I promise I’ll explain everything when the time is right. But for now, I need you to trust me and follow me. Otherwise, we’ll miss our Einstein-Rosen."

  Americ-Ana nodded.

  The Chancellor led her to the root of the stained-glass tree. There, several booths and turnstiles stood, where other Americ-Anas and Chancellors were entering and exiting frenetically.

  The Chancellor approached one of the booths.

  "This is where we pay for our wish to come and go. Don’t be alarmed by what you’ll see. Just watch, stay calm, and breathe deeply. Everything will be fine," said the Chancellor, turning toward the person inside the booth.

  There was another Chancellor in there, identical to her. The one in the booth said:

  "You know what you have to do, honey."

  The Chancellor pulled a small leather-bound notebook from one of her pockets, tore out a page, and placed it on a golden scale. The sheet of paper weighed more than what was on the other side of the scale.

  The one in the booth was about to authorize the passage, but then said:

  "Wait a moment, honey! There’s something different about you."

  "Ah, yes… I thought you wouldn’t notice, honey. I’m with the girl. She’s the second scholarship student accepted by Equal One Zero Academy since the tragedy. Classes begin on Monday, and today is already Saturday. We’ve just come from a rather intense hearing. If you could go easy on me, I’d really appreciate it."

  "I understand, honey. But just for the record in the Logbook, I need to see your license."

  The Chancellor opened her mouth and pulled out a gleaming golden badge, as if made of pure gold.

  The one in the booth examined it, wrote down the numbers in the Logbook, and said:

  "Have a good trip, honey! Take care."

  The Chancellor gave thanks, took the badge back, and gestured for Americ-Ana to step forward.

  As she approached, it was no longer the Chancellor in the booth, it was another Americ-Ana.

  "Since it’s your first time, spit on this side of the scale," she said, pointing to the empty plate.

  Americ-Ana looked at the scale and was horrified: on the other side lay a human heart, pulsing and covered in blood.

  The one in the booth insisted:

  "Go on. You can spit."

  Americ-Ana gathered saliva, leaned forward, and spat onto the empty side of the scale.

  The plate with her spit became heavier.

  "Very good! You may pass. Have a good trip!" said the Americ-Ana in the booth.

  Americ-Ana joined the Chancellor on the other side of the turnstile.

  Beyond the turnstile, several buses were parked, with countless Americ-Anas and Chancellors boarding.

  They stopped in front of a bus whose license plate read:

  "What transforms us is not the place we come from or the one we’re going to, but what happens along the crossing."

  They climbed the steps. The driver was yet another Chancellor, wearing a uniform and cap.

  "So good to see you, honeys. Come in and make yourselves comfortable," she said, smiling.

  They found two empty seats and sat down.

  The vehicle departed immediately. Americ-Ana noticed that the bus windows were made of mirrors. Nothing outside could be seen, only her own reflection.

  The Chancellor took a deep breath, looked at Americ-Ana, and said:

  "Okay, honey. I know your head must be spinning and spinning. But now is the time to answer all your questions."

  Americ-Ana scratched her head and said:

  "Sorry, Madam Chancellor… there are so many questions, I don’t even know where to start."

  "No problem, honey. Breathe deeply, take your time, organize your thoughts. This time here belongs entirely and exclusively to you."

  Then, Americ-Ana closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and asked:

  "Okay, Madam Chancellor. I think before anything else, it’s important to know: what is this place we’re in? Who are all these people who look like the two of us?"

  "Well, honey," the Chancellor replied naturally, "this place we’re in is called the Route Axis Mundi. And right now, we’re inside an Einstein-Rosen."

  Americ-Ana’s expression showed confusion, so the Chancellor continued:

  "The Route Axis Mundi is a place where all realities meet. There isn’t just one reality in all that exists. There are multiple possibilities in a person’s life, and those possibilities don’t just exist in your reality. They exist in their own realities."

  Americ-Ana looked even more bewildered.

  "Okay… I’ll give you a really simple example so you can understand, honey. Imagine you wake up and go have breakfast. You hesitate about what to eat. On one hand, you could have pancakes with orange juice. On the other, toast with coffee. Which would you choose?"

  Americ-Ana looked ahead, then upward, and answered:

  "Well, actually, I’d choose both!"

  The Chancellor let out a loud laugh.

  "You’re adorable, honey. But let’s suppose you choose pancakes with orange juice. That would be your reality. But… what if I told you there’s another reality of yours where you chose toast with coffee? That possibility exists. And with it, all the consequences it may bring."

  "Consequences?" asked Americ-Ana.

  "Yes. Imagine that in the pancake-and-juice reality, the juice was spoiled. You drank it without noticing the expiration date and, hours later, you got sick. That’s the consequence of your choice in that reality. Now, if in the other reality you chose toast and coffee, but the toast was so hard it broke a tooth, then you’d have to go to the dentist."

  Americ-Ana thought for a moment.

  "I think I won’t eat pancakes or toast."

  The Chancellor laughed even louder.

  "You’re brilliant, honey. But look: there are also good consequences. The pancake might be a nutritious meal that gives you strength for an amazing day. The toast might give you just the energy you need to ace a test. What I’m trying to say is: it’s not just the good or bad outcomes that shape these realities, it’s both. And that applies to everything you do in life. Every choice creates impact. Do you understand, honey?"

  "Yes! I’ve changed my mind now. I’m going to eat pancakes with orange juice and toast with coffee every morning."

  The Chancellor laughed again.

  "You’ve caught the spirit of it, honey. And the best part is, there’s also a reality where you have pancakes with orange juice and coffee with toast, and your day turns out wonderful."

  The Chancellor looked upward. Her expression revealed that a new thought was forming.

  "Now, honey, let’s suppose there’s a place, a point in the universe, where all these realities intersect. Like an airport, a bus terminal, or a train station. That place is here. And it’s called the Route Axis Mundi. This is exactly where all our versions meet. That’s why I told you not to speak with that other Americ-Ana. Her reality is a different one. And if she answered you, it could alter the choices in your own reality. And that’s dangerous, because what makes you you, with all your pains, glories, failures, and victories, are precisely the consequences of your own decisions. If anything changes, you would stop being you."

  Americ-Ana looked at her reflection in the mirrored window of the bus and wondered if, somewhere out there, there existed a rich Americ-Ana, with a house of her own, taking care of her grandparents the way they deserved.

  The Chancellor continued:

  "This bus we’re on is an Einstein-Rosen. It allows us to travel between these possibilities, realities, and consequences. Each one has its own portal, and it’s through the Einstein-Rosen that we cross those portals."

  "And where are we going?" asked Americ-Ana.

  "To the Thoth Precinct, located inside the Geburah Pyramid," said the Chancellor in a solemn tone.

  Americ-Ana wondered what they were going to do at a precinct, but the Chancellor anticipated the question.

  "Honey, I know you haven’t asked that yet, but I’ll go ahead and give you the answer. That way, things will be clearer and you won’t suffer from negative thoughts."

  Americ-Ana wondered whether the Chancellor could read minds, since she was, in fact, beginning to think bad things about the destination of that trip.

  "I’m going to give you a quick and simple explanation about the THE-IMPERIUM bunker and its structure," the Chancellor continued. "From what I can tell, in the few times I visit what’s called the common reality, or the common world, there are things that, to us, are simple, everyday, and completely normal, but that leave you astonished. And I don’t blame you."

  Americ-Ana wondered whether it was normal for everyone in the THE-IMPERIUM bunker to have green hair and turn into felines.

  The Chancellor continued:

  "THE-IMPERIUM is the name given to the collection of bunkers that make up the place where we live."

  The Chancellor looked upward, as if searching for loose words in the air.

  "Honey, I’m going to try to explain in simple terms so you can understand how the system of the THE-IMPERIUM bunker works."

  The Chancellor moistened her lips.

  "Imagine that the THE-IMPERIUM bunker is made up of several smaller bunkers. It’s like a country with states. You could say that THE-IMPERIUM would be the equivalent of a country. And within this country, that is, within the THE-IMPERIUM bunker, there are other bunkers that function like states."

  The Chancellor made shapes in the air with her hands as she explained.

  "There’s the QUEEN ORION bunker, which holds three pyramids inside it. Each of these three pyramids serves a function, a purpose, within THE-IMPERIUM. The three pyramids that are part of the QUEEN ORION bunker are: The Geburah Pyramid, which is where the Thoth Precinct is located, among other things. The Chesed Pyramid. And the Tiferet Pyramid."

  The Chancellor was counting the pyramids on her fingers.

  "There’s also another bunker called ENIGMA GEMINI. In that bunker, there are two pyramids: the Principissa Tarantula Pyramid and the Prince Equal One Zero Pyramid, the latter is where you’ll be studying; the inhabitants of the THE-IMPERIUM bunker who are school-aged usually attend Equal One Zero Academy."

  After moistening her lips again, the Chancellor continued:

  "And finally, there is the SOLOMON COLISEUM bunker, which holds only one pyramid: the Solomon Coliseum Pyramid. That bunker is where the KING MatNat games take place, it’s what governs the entire structure of THE-IMPERIUM, and consequently, the entire structure of humanity on planet Earth."

  After a brief pause, the Chancellor concluded:

  "That is the full structure of the THE-IMPERIUM bunker. To summarize: the QUEEN ORION bunker holds three pyramids, Geburah, Chesed, and Tiferet. The ENIGMA GEMINI bunker holds two pyramids, Principissa Tarantula and Prince Equal One Zero. The SOLOMON COLISEUM bunker holds one pyramid. All of this together forms the THE-IMPERIUM bunker."

  Americ-Ana wore an utterly bewildered expression, which did not go unnoticed by the Chancellor.

  "The THE-IMPERIUM bunker, with all its structure and branches, began construction in the 18th century. But I won’t go any deeper into that, or we’d spend days and days just talking about the history of the THE-IMPERIUM bunkers. But don’t worry, honey! I know everything seems confusing and like a lot of information all at once. That’s why you’ll have a specific course about this at Equal One Zero Academy. You’re going to love it! The name of the course is History of the Enlightened."

  After a brief smile, a sign she was enjoying the conversation, the Chancellor went on:

  "As for the Hollywood sign, it was added much later. But the THE-IMPERIUM bunker already existed beneath Mount Lee."

  "You mean the THE-IMPERIUM bunker and all its structure is underground?" asked Americ-Ana.

  "Yes. THE-IMPERIUM began as a regular bunker. Over time, the world’s most powerful people gained so much knowledge and wealth that they started to feel threatened by common people. So they joined forces and formed a settlement that became the most restricted bunker in all of humanity."

  "But why don’t those people share that knowledge with the rest of the world?" asked Americ-Ana.

  "You asked the right question, honey. And now comes the part I love most. They don’t share it for the same reason no one hands a nuclear weapon to a child to play with. It’s dangerous. Destructive. Irresponsible. What keeps the THE-IMPERIUM bunker restricted isn’t pride, it’s survival. For everyone. Knowledge without conscience becomes poison in the wrong hands. What was meant to heal becomes a weapon."

  "But then why don’t they teach the world to have that responsibility?" countered Americ-Ana.

  "Excellent question, honey. No one is born ready. Even the inhabitants of the THE-IMPERIUM bunker were once ignorant. And this is where you enter the story, honey. You are the second common person ever to gain access to all this. A prototype. During your time in the bunker, you will be constantly observed so we can understand how an ordinary person reacts to secrets that could change entire realities."

  Americ-Ana felt a chill. To be watched all the time? Her, who only ever wanted to go unnoticed?

  "The THE-IMPERIUM bunker is like the District of the world’s richest people. And Equal One Zero is their school?" she asked.

  "Exactly. Equal One Zero Academy teaches the youth of THE-IMPERIUM, those of academic age, to master hidden knowledge with safety and conscience."

  "And what exactly do these students study?"

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  "They study what we call the Ars Goetia. A power that dates back to the most ancient times. To know the Ars Goetia is to know the foundation of every civilization and every advancement the world has ever known."

  Americ-Ana looked once more at her reflection in the window of the Einstein-Rosen and felt a kind of fear, the fear of not being able to handle knowledge and information capable of changing an entire civilization, and all the implications such advancement would bring. She took a deep breath and asked:

  "Who is Helena Blavatsky? You said I was the second common person to have access to the THE-IMPERIUM bunker. And I also paid attention when the government lawyer said Helena Blavatsky disappeared without leaving a trace. What happened?"

  The Chancellor looked forward, took a long breath, and said:

  "Honey, you’ve touched on something very important, and very delicate. Just as the dosage of a medicine can become poison if not administered correctly, the mysteries of the THE-IMPERIUM bunker can also become fatal if they’re not used the right way."

  The Chancellor kept her eyes fixed on nothing as she spoke, as if reliving a heavy past:

  "Her real name was never revealed. Some say it brings bad luck. Others say it’s kept secret to prevent worse things from happening. When Helena Blavatsky entered THE-IMPERIUM and began studying at Equal One Zero Academy, she was fleeing the Second World War. THE-IMPERIUM saw the perfect opportunity to shelter someone in need, and at the same time, study how a common person would respond when exposed to so much hidden knowledge. So, to protect her from the Nazis and keep her identity secure, she was asked to choose a new name for official records. And she chose: Helena Blavatsky."

  Americ-Ana wondered if, at some point, she too would be asked to change her name. With her face plastered all over the newspapers, maybe changing her name would actually be a blessing.

  The Chancellor went on:

  "Many years ago, when Helena Blavatsky began her studies at Equal One Zero Academy as the first common person to access what had once been restricted to the elite, there was a highly respected professor. He came from a noble family, was immensely wealthy, and was engaged to one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. This professor was Helena’s patron. And, over time, he became fascinated by her intelligence. It was rare to see a scholarship student stand out so remarkably among young people born into power. He began getting too close. And though he wasn’t born Jewish, this professor became a Rabbi. He said it would help him understand more deeply the Ars Goetia and the mysteries of humanity."

  The Chancellor seemed to hesitate as she went on. She drew in a deep breath.

  "The Professor began inviting Helena to dinners at his home. She met his fiancée. The two became friends. But fascination turned into obsession. And then, the Professor made an irreversible mistake: he used the Ars Goetia to end the engagement. He invoked the Daemon Astaroth. He asked her to break off his betrothal and make Helena his bride. But Helena didn’t feel the same. She found it all strange, the age difference, the fact that he was her professor, and his constant, suffocating presence. Helena became frightened and told everything to the Professor’s fiancée."

  Americ-Ana listened in silence, her heart pounding. What kind of power was that, used to seduce, to dominate, to destroy?

  "The Professor found out. And once again, he invoked Astaroth. This time, he asked her to take control of him, to give him the courage to do what needed to be done. Astaroth possessed him. He went to his fiancée… and killed her. Then, he tried to flee with Helena. But she refused. Rejected him completely. In that moment, the angel who limits Astaroth’s power appeared. But the Professor, consumed by the Daemon, was stronger. He defeated the angel. And killed Helena."

  Americ-Ana felt a chill crawl up her spine.

  "From that day on, the Professor came to be known as Rabbi Worse Devil. He carried with him the seal of Astaroth and vanished. Some say he still wanders through forgotten places, sustained by Astaroth’s vengeful spirit. Personally, I believe what he can’t bear, deep down, is that Helena never loved him back. Others say he was killed by Astaroth. That the Daemon, unable to be controlled by any angel, devoured him and returned to the depths of hell. And there are those who say Astaroth still roams the world, spreading death, disorder, and tragedy… Feeding, above all, on the thirst for vengeance of those consumed by unrequited passion."

  The bus came to a sudden stop. Americ-Ana was startled by the abrupt halt of the vehicle, still shaken by the dense and terrifying story she had just heard. Her reflexes made her feel like a child who, after hearing a ghost story, is suddenly surprised by an adult, only to heighten the fear.

  And that was exactly how Americ-Ana felt in that moment: frightened. Deeply afraid. As if at any moment, Rabbi Worse Devil and Astaroth might appear out of nowhere.

  The Chancellor noticed Americ-Ana’s fright and quickly said:

  "Honey, don’t worry. Nothing bad is going to happen to you."

  "I don’t know if I want to go through with this..." said Americ-Ana. "I mean... going to a place where I’m already threatened just for being who I am."

  And then she thought: living in the common world had already been hard enough, with ordinary people wanting to harm her. Going to another dimension, where complex and demonic beings held the power to cause infinitely worse things… that was far too terrifying.

  "Honey," the Chancellor continued, "I know what I said was frightening. But please understand, your presence in THE-IMPERIUM has been greatly anticipated, and contested. Hearing and seeing both good and bad things is part of the process. It’s up to others to say or do terrible things. But it is solely and entirely up to you to decide whether that will stop you from following the journey of life. That choice is yours. Besides, this whole story about Rabbi Worse Devil and Astaroth, they’re just versions of versions of stories told by other people. Gossip, speculation. So many versions born from a single event that today it’s nearly impossible to know what’s true and what was made up."

  The Chancellor paused, looked at Americ-Ana with warmth, and said:

  "I think I came on too strong with you right at the beginning of our relationship. I’m sorry for that. My intention in telling you all the theories ever invented about this case was precisely to prepare you, for any gossip or intimidation you might face. I’d rather you hear it all from me, whether it’s truth or fiction, which no one knows for sure anymore, than be caught off guard by someone who wants to hurt you. One thing you can always expect from me, Americ-Ana, is clarity and truth about anything that concerns you. Because I see a lot of myself in you."

  Americ-Ana was surprised:

  "You see yourself in me? What do you mean?"

  To her, it seemed almost impossible that someone from THE-IMPERIUM, that elitist, secret society, could see themselves in an undocumented immigrant, practically homeless, penniless… with nothing.

  The Chancellor smiled sweetly:

  "Yes, exactly. I see a lot of myself in you. Just like you, Americ-Ana, I didn’t have many opportunities in life just for existing. Listen… I didn’t study at Equal One Zero Academy, and I didn’t grow up in THE-IMPERIUM. I had to work and study a lot to become a Chancellor of the Portals."

  Americ-Ana’s eyes widened.

  "You didn’t study at Equal One Zero Academy? I thought pulling impossible things out of your mouth, turning into a feline, and having green hair were all part of some unknown technology."

  The Chancellor smiled:

  "You really are delightful, honey. But let me explain it more clearly. I’m not one hundred percent human. My mother is human, just like you. But my father… is a Shed."

  Americ-Ana interrupted:

  "Shed? I’ve heard that somewhere before..."

  She searched her memory and said:

  "Oh, right! I remember now! That guy who showed up in Aunt Karen’s kitchen said he was half Shed. He also had green hair, like you. And just like you turned into a lioness, he turned into a cat."

  The Chancellor smiled with tenderness.

  "Yes, yes, honey. You’re talking about that clumsy nephew of mine. Seth."

  "That’s right! He said his name was Seth."

  "Well then, honey. As I was saying: I’m half human, half Shed. I am, so to speak, of two races. And to be honest, it’s never been easy being who I am. Humans don’t consider me human enough. Shedim don’t consider me Shed enough. I live on the threshold between both worlds. And if there’s one thing humans and Shedim, and many other beings, seem to value, it’s genetic purity. Pure blood. Unmixed lineage. My parents couldn’t afford to send me to such an expensive and exclusive academy. So I studied and worked however I could. The first thing I did was apply for the position of Chancellor of the Portals at Equal One Zero Academy. And I got it. That’s why I see so much of myself in you. Because, just like me, you exist despite all those who, with their statistics, swore you shouldn’t exist. And that’s exactly what makes you special, Americ-Ana."

  Americ-Ana felt awkward hearing that she was special just for being who she was. For simply existing. So she asked:

  "Madam Chancellor, what is a Shed? Your nephew said it was something like a ‘hybrid squared.’"

  "Yes, honey. Let me explain it better. There are beings who, in the common world, were portrayed as legends, religious figures, or spiritual entities. But we exist, for real. To be Shed, Americ-Ana, means to come from an ancient people, invisible, who live between what is seen… and what is felt. We hear what no one else hears. Sense what others pretend not to feel. And sometimes, we change form just to fit into the world, or to survive it."

  The Chancellor ran her hands through her hair and continued:

  "My hair is green because, like many Shedim, I carry in my roots the memory of forgotten forests. And when I’m facing the unknown… when I feel danger… or when I need to protect someone I love, I become a lioness. It’s instinct. It’s the way Shedim show the world that we’re still here."

  The Chancellor paused to reflect, then added:

  "There are people in the common world who capture the essence of the Shedim perfectly. One artist I admire a lot is named Aaron B. Heimlich. His works capture the spirit of the Shedim with remarkable accuracy. I don’t look like what he paints, because I’m half human. But my father, he looks exactly like the figures in Heimlich’s paintings."

  Americ-Ana grew even more curious:

  "And your nephew, Seth? He’s Shed and human… but is he something else too?"

  The Chancellor burst out laughing.

  "Yes, yes, honey. Seth is very special, though he drives me absolutely mad. I’m the daughter of a Shed and a human. That makes me a hybrid. But Seth is the grandson of that same Shed and that same human, and on his mother’s side, he’s the grandson of a human and a Lilim. That makes him, as he likes to say, a ‘hybrid squared.’"

  The Chancellor smiled again.

  "That boy… sometimes I want to strangle him."

  "The bus has been stopped for a while now. Did something happen? Are we getting off soon?" asked Americ-Ana, anxious.

  The Chancellor replied:

  "Don’t worry, honey. We’ll get off soon. This stretch of the Route Axis Mundi usually has traffic. But we’ll be out of this Einstein-Rosen in no time," she said with serenity, almost carelessly.

  Meanwhile, Americ-Ana was nervous and anxious about having just left a courtroom and now having to go to a precinct. She already imagined tall, heavily armed guards on all sides.

  Then, a robotic voice echoed loudly:

  "Attention, all passengers heading to the QUEEN ORION bunker: gather your belongings and proceed to the nearest exit."

  "At last, we’ve arrived. Let’s go, honey!" said the Chancellor, rising and walking toward the back of the Einstein-Rosen bus, beneath a sign that read “EXIT.”

  As she stepped off the vehicle, Americ-Ana found herself in a place that resembled a subway station, with grimy tiles covering every wall. There were two doors: one red and one blue.

  The red door looked like old wood, with patches covered in what seemed to be mold. Next to it, an elderly-looking homeless man lay on the ground, leaning against the wall, wrapped in a filthy blanket.

  The blue door was also wooden, but richly adorned, with carvings in Louis XVI style. Beside it, a blonde young lady in an elegant dress sat on a chair of the same design.

  The Chancellor and Americ-Ana stopped in front of the two figures. The beggar said:

  "Only those who want a fate like mine may enter here."

  The young lady also declared:

  "Only those who want a fate like mine may enter here."

  Instinctively, Americ-Ana took half a step toward the young lady. But the Chancellor headed toward the door beside the filthy beggar.

  "Honey, no! That’s not the way. This is the way," she said, pointing to the red door.

  Upon hearing that, the young lady rose from her chair with elegance, stepped toward Americ-Ana, and said:

  "Sweetheart… are you alone?"

  Americ-Ana replied that she was with the Chancellor. Then the young lady responded:

  "How long have you known this woman?" she asked, looking the Chancellor up and down. "She seems a bit… odd. Do you really trust her?"

  "I met her… I think it was this morning…" said Americ-Ana, but before she could finish, the young lady interrupted:

  "Sweetheart… I think you’re in serious danger. Come in here. I’ll go get help. This all feels very suspicious."

  Americ-Ana felt caught in a bind. She looked at the Chancellor, who had her hand outstretched, saying:

  "Honey, this way. Trust me!"

  The filthy beggar added:

  "Yes, this is the way," he said, rubbing both hands together and letting out a laugh with his yellow, rotting teeth.

  "Sweetheart, come in here. You’re in danger. Come on, quickly!" The young lady stepped closer and grabbed Americ-Ana by the arm.

  "Honey, no! Not that way. Trust me!" said the Chancellor, grabbing Americ-Ana’s other arm.

  Suddenly, the beggar stood up, seized Americ-Ana’s arm, and let out another cackling laugh.

  The young lady began to scream:

  "Help!!! HELP!!! Someone please help!!! This child is in danger! Call the police!!!"

  "Honey, trust me! This way!!!" cried the Chancellor, pulling her, along with the beggar, toward the old red door.

  Americ-Ana was caught in the middle. On one side, the Chancellor and the beggar pulling her toward the red, aged door. On the other, the young lady screamed for help, trying to drag her into the blue door.

  Then, all of a sudden, the Chancellor let out a roar. Americ-Ana turned to look at her, terrified. The Chancellor’s mouth had transformed into a massive lioness’s snout, with large teeth and a red tongue.

  The young lady fell backward in shock at the roar and the transformation. On the floor, she began to convulse, foaming at the mouth. Within seconds, her arms and legs elongated, revealing enormous claws. She was no longer a young lady, she had become a monstrous creature, humanoid in shape, with the traits of a giant spider.

  The creature flung open the blue door. A massive blaze erupted from within, rushing straight toward Americ-Ana, but was stopped by the beggar, who drove a broom handle into the creature’s chest.

  "The girl’s a newcomer! Her guardian chose my door!" he shouted, laughing.

  Americ-Ana staggered back, panting, drenched in cold sweat.

  The monster collapsed, lifeless. The beggar turned to the Chancellor:

  "That’s the seventh one today. Many arrive without knowing how to tell the true path into QUEEN ORION. There was one in particular I hadn’t seen in years. He seemed to choose the wrong door on purpose. So I sent him to KING NedLud."

  The Chancellor, still catching her breath, replied:

  "I can imagine. Thank you, Chancellor Neo. Have a wonderful day, by the way! We need to go in. Come on, Americ-Ana, honey, let’s go!"

  "Always at your service, Chancellor Velyra," said the beggar, breaking into a fit of laughter as he unlocked the red door.

  Still in shock, Americ-Ana followed the Chancellor through the red door.

  Inside, everything was dark.

  Suddenly, lights flickered on, revealing an elevator.

  "Sorry, honey. I forgot to tell you about this portal rule. Those two figures are always here to test and persuade those who enter THE-IMPERIUM with the wrong intentions," said the Chancellor, her face now normal again, no trace of feline features, slowly catching her breath.

  Americ-Ana was pale. Her heart felt like it was beating a thousand times per minute. She struggled to breathe as she asked:

  "You called that man a Chancellor. Is he really a Chancellor?"

  "Yes, honey. That’s Chancellor Neo. He’s been stationed there since the construction of the QUEEN ORION bunker, here on the Route Axis Mundi. He changes form sometimes to test the intent of newcomers. But he can always be recognized."

  Still catching her breath, Americ-Ana asked:

  "Chancellor Neo said he sent someone to KING NedLud. Who is that king?"

  The Chancellor replied:

  "KING NedLud is just a horror story grown-ups made up to scare disobedient children. He's like the 'Boogeyman' here in THE-IMPERIUM. When Chancellor Neo said that, he probably meant that person didn’t have a very happy ending."

  Americ-Ana took a deep breath, recovering, and asked:

  "Madam Chancellor… you mentioned pyramids existing inside the bunkers of THE-IMPERIUM. What are these pyramids like? What are they for?"

  At that moment, the elevator began to move. It was going down.

  The Chancellor then replied, with an enigmatic gleam in her eyes:

  "All of THE-IMPERIUM’s bunkers contain pyramids. They are where the inhabitants live and work. By the way… WELCOME!!!"

  She turned and pointed toward the back wall of the elevator.

  But there… there was no longer a metal wall.

  In its place, the elevator now revealed a panoramic view. And as it descended, Americ-Ana saw before her a landscape she had never, not even in her wildest dreams, imagined could exist.

  When Americ-Ana realized what she was seeing, the elevator was already descending from the top of a massive wall made of countless waterfalls and dense, wild vegetation stretching out in every direction. The shape of that colossal structure gave the impression that a giant had carved a rectangular pit into the Earth itself.

  At the center of the landscape, Americ-Ana saw a smaller rectangle, something like an artificial island made of white stone, surrounded by a canal of blue waters flowing down from the waterfalls. Aligned atop that artificial island stood three mirrored glass pyramids, perfectly symmetrical. On the pyramid to Americ-Ana’s left, she read a large golden sign that said TIFERET. On the central pyramid, another identical sign read CHESED. And on the final pyramid, to her right, the letters spelled GEBURAH, also in large golden characters.

  As the elevator continued its descent, the Chancellor pointed to one of the pyramids and said:

  "Look, honey — that middle pyramid, the one labeled CHESED, is where all the Legislative Power of THE-IMPERIUM is concentrated. Now that pyramid to our left, marked TIFERET, is where all our Executive Power is based. And that last one, to our right, labeled GEBURAH, is where all our Judicial Power resides, and that’s where we’re headed."

  Americ-Ana felt a knot in her stomach. Her first thought was that she’d have to go through yet another hearing in another courtroom. But before she could say anything, the Chancellor added with enthusiasm:

  "Honey, you’ll study all of this at Equal One Zero Academy. You’re going to love that subject!"

  At that moment, however, all Americ-Ana could think about was staying as far away as possible from anything even remotely connected to the word “judiciary.”

  The elevator stopped, and the doors opened.

  There were three white minibuses parked outside, each with a sign corresponding to one of the island’s pyramids. The Chancellor stepped into the minibus labeled GEBURAH, followed by Americ-Ana.

  The vehicle crossed a bridge that connected the elevator platform to the island of the pyramids, passing over the canal of water that flowed down from the countless waterfalls. With each kilometer the minibus advanced, Americ-Ana thought about jumping out and running back to the elevator. But those thoughts were quickly swept from her mind when the vehicle entered the floating island, and she found herself in awe of the three pyramids now seen up close.

  From the top of the cliff, the pyramids hadn’t seemed that large. But now, standing before them, they rose as if they meant to touch the heavens. Only now, as they approached, did Americ-Ana notice that inside the mirrored glass pyramids stood several buildings with Roman columns in shades of beige, white, and light gray.

  The Chancellor nudged Americ-Ana and said:

  "See those buildings inside the pyramids? They’re the headquarters of the powers each one represents. The people who work in those buildings also live here. So the QUEEN ORION bunker, with its three pyramids, isn’t just the seat of THE-IMPERIUM’s public institutions, it’s a complete city. Or better yet, three complete cities."

  "But I thought THE-IMPERIUM was just one big bunker. A single bunker," said Americ-Ana.

  "Good observation, honey. In fact, what the inhabitants of your world, the common world, are meant to believe is that there’s only one bunker. But in reality, there are three bunkers that make up a single empire: the QUEEN ORION bunker, the ENIGMA GEMINI bunker, and the SOLOMON COLISEUM bunker, together, they form the THE-IMPERIUM bunker."

  The minibus turned right and headed toward the entrance of the GEBURAH pyramid. There, the Chancellor and Americ-Ana got out of the vehicle and walked toward the security checkpoint for entry and exit.

  Upon arriving, the Chancellor approached the information desk and spoke to the guard on duty:

  "Fac Foedus, honey! I’m the Chancellor of Portals from Equal One Zero Academy, Velyra Atticuz Cheedarc. I’d like to enter this pyramid, Geburah."

  A man in a security uniform and cap asked:

  "Fac Foedus, Madam Chancellor! Please tell me which locations you intend to visit and the reason," he said, picking up a clipboard and a pen.

  "I come on behalf of Equal One Zero Academy and the company Novaxtraai to retrieve the belongings of Helena Blavatsky, which are being held at this pyramid’s precinct," the Chancellor replied matter-of-factly.

  "But why would you be retrieving items that were confiscated by the Thoth Precinct?" the guard asked.

  "Because classes at Equal One Zero Academy start this Monday, and I’m here with the new scholarship student who will be taking Helena Blavatsky’s place. I have with me the official request signed by Director Popess Rock. Would you like to see it?"

  But before she could finish, the guard already had his eyes wide open, pointing his phone at Americ-Ana.

  "My God! No way! Is this truly the second girl from the common world to be chosen by the app to enter THE-IMPERIUM? Why is she wearing prison clothes? And look at those QR Code markings! This is amazing! I can’t believe I’m standing in front of the new scholarship student!" he exclaimed, completely thrilled.

  Americ-Ana had been so overwhelmed since leaving the hearing with the Chancellor that she had completely forgotten she was still wearing the prison uniform. And worse, she’d forgotten about the damned QR Code tattoos stamped across her face.

  Her first instinct was to hide behind the Chancellor and lower her head.

  "Mr. Security, you’re frightening the girl," said the Chancellor.

  But the guard didn’t hear a word. He was too absorbed in filming the moment.

  "My God! I can’t believe this! Can I get your autograph? Please?" he whimpered, handing her his clipboard and pen.

  Americ-Ana was stunned. Frozen. Never in her life had anyone asked her for an autograph. She looked to the Chancellor, who gave her a silent nod of encouragement. Then, with trembling hands, she took the clipboard and pen and began to write… or almost.

  In that moment, Americ-Ana asked herself a question she never imagined she would: “What do people even write in an autograph?”

  She’d seen plenty of artists on TV and the internet signing autographs, but she had never actually stopped to think about what they wrote. After all, she had never met anyone famous herself.

  So, she decided to simply sign her name and handed the clipboard and pen back to the guard.

  "My God, what an incredible name! A-M-E-R-I-C-A-N-A. This is by far the most patriotic thing I’ve ever seen. Girl, no matter what anyone says, you’re more American than most people I know!" said the guard, starstruck.

  "Mr. Security, do you still need my credentials and Americ-Ana’s signature?" asked the Chancellor.

  "Not at all! No need! You’re both cleared! Welcome to the GEBURAH Pyramid!" said the guard, opening the gate.

  Americ-Ana looked back and saw the guard picking up the phone, calling several people.

  After passing through the security checkpoint, the Chancellor and Americ-Ana headed toward a taxi stand. As they walked, the girl asked:

  "Madam Chancellor, what does Fac Foedus mean?"

  "Fac Foedus means ‘Make Pact.’ It’s how the inhabitants of the THE-IMPERIUM bunker say hello and goodbye. It’s like ‘Aloha’ in Hawaii."

  As they approached the vehicle at the taxi point, Americ-Ana caught sight of the scale of that place inside the mirrored pyramid. It was a true metropolis beneath a dome of glass.

  At first glance, what caught Americ-Ana’s attention were several, what appeared to be large rings of polished white metal, floating in the air, at the height of the buildings. Inside those metallic circles pulsed something that resembled a light, flickering on and off at high speed.

  The Chancellor searched for Americ-Ana, looked around, and saw the girl frozen in place, mesmerized, staring up at the rings above. She slowly approached, stood beside her, and also lifted her gaze. Noticing the girl’s focus, she said:

  “Honey, tell me, please: based on what you know from the common world, what do you think those suspended circles are?”

  “I have absolutely no idea, Madam Chancellor. But if I had to take a wild guess, I’d say they’re some kind of satellite that transmits Wi-Fi. Like a giant modem,” Americ-Ana replied.

  The Chancellor laughed brightly and responded:

  “Excellent guess, honey. Your associative perception is impressive. But that’s a JUMP CHRONOS STATION.”

  Upon hearing the term, Americ-Ana pictured a group of people jumping on a trampoline. Sensing her confused look, the Chancellor quickly elaborated:

  “Honey, in the common world, public transportation developed through the creation of steam trains. Then came subways, suspended monorails, maglevs, and eventually hyperloops. But here in the QUEEN ORION bunker, as well as throughout THE-IMPERIUM, we’ve gone far beyond that. What you’re seeing is a kind of futuristic subway. People travel through these machines and arrive at any destination in less than a second. That blue light that blinks from time to time at the center of the ring indicates there’s a person inside, crossing this dimension at that very moment. You’ll learn all about it at Equal One Zero Academy. And you’re going to love every moment of it. I’m sure.”

  The Chancellor sighed and continued:

  "But loving to study doesn’t mean I love the 'thing' or 'object' being studied. Some technological advances are killing people’s presence."

  Americ-Ana furrowed her brow. How could that “kind of futuristic subway” be killing someone’s presence?

  But before she could say anything, the Chancellor began a speech meant for an audience of one: Americ-Ana.

  "Technology doesn’t scare me, honey. What scares me is what it’s done to time. Time used to be a trail, full of stops, encounters, unpredictability. Now they want to turn it into a tunnel, straight and silent, where no one sees anyone. You just jump and there, you've arrived. But… what about the journey? What about the story between point A and point B? Look... I write by hand. Paper, pen, ink smudges, handwriting, all of it carries emotion. Every page is a small battle won. In digital, you just delete, correct, redo. The trace of the soul is lost. Movies? Oh… movies were a ritual. You left the house, picked out a VHS tape, went to the theater and...—"

  But the Chancellor was cut off by the honk of a vehicle.

  Interrupted, she snapped back to her "normal" state, saying:

  "My goodness! Honey! We’re late! We have so much to do! Let’s hurry! We need a car!"

  Americ-Ana kept pace with the Chancellor's quick steps and felt lost amid so much information. The Chancellor walked back and forth, looking for a car that wasn’t already taken. She approached a red vehicle with the symbol of a black horse rearing on its hind legs, opened the door, and said:

  "Come on, honey! Please, get in."

  Americ-Ana held the door to climb in, but the Chancellor stepped away at the sound of another distant honk.

  When Americ-Ana looked, she saw the Chancellor hugging someone she apparently knew.

  Americ-Ana looked at the driver of the vehicle and said:

  "Sorry, sir. I don't think we're going in this one."

  She then approached the Chancellor, who was still holding her acquaintance in a long embrace. The Chancellor said:

  "Look, honey! This is Bylly. Say Fac Foedus to Bylly!"

  "Fac Foedus! It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Bylly!"

  Bylly, a Black woman with long purple braids that reached the floor, replied:

  "Fac Foedus! My goodness! She is so fluffy! Adorable," said Bylly, pinching Americ-Ana’s cheek.

  "You didn’t think I’d let you come to the Geburah Pyramid without taking a ride in my beast, did you?" said Bylly, letting out a loud laugh.

  She turned to Americ-Ana and said:

  "Fluffy, this one here is a character. She’d swim across the ocean if it meant choosing between death and using one of those fancy teleportation machines"...and let out another booming laugh.

  "You know me too well, honey!" said the Chancellor.

  "You bet I do, fluffy!" replied Bylly. And the two burst into loud laughter.

  "But what have you got here, honey?" asked the Chancellor, turning her attention to the vehicle parked behind them.

  "Oh, just look at this beauty, fluffy! It’s a Lamborghini Lanzador 2029, the brand’s first fully electric model. Picked it up last week and I’m already out on the streets," said Bylly proudly, pointing to a metallic blue sports car.

  "Honey, Bylly is a vintage car collector. She loves things from the past, and that’s exactly what makes her so ‘honey’ to me," said the Chancellor, turning to Americ-Ana.

  The two burst into loud laughter again.

  Somewhat hesitant, Americ-Ana asked Bylly:

  "Excuse me, Mrs. Bylly… but if you’re a vintage car collector, why is this car from the year 2029, which hasn’t even been released yet?"

  The Chancellor and Bylly roared with laughter once more.

  "You’re very observant, fluffy!" replied Bylly. "It’s just that here in THE-IMPERIUM, we consider vintage, retro, nostalgic, out-of-date, out-of-fashion… to be things that don’t even exist yet in the common world."

  "That’s right, honey!" added the Chancellor, addressing Americ-Ana. "Just like me, she’s fierce when it comes to the topic of ‘technology as the enemy of the soul.’"

  Again, they laughed together in delight.

  Bylly turned to the Chancellor and asked:

  "Where are you two headed, fluffies? I'll take you!" she said, motioning toward her vehicle's door.

  The Chancellor and Americ-Ana took their seats in the back. The Chancellor placed her belongings on the front seat beside Bylly. But before starting the vehicle, Bylly said:

  "Almost forgot, my fluffies. I need to scan your codes," she said, picking up a handheld scanner.

  The Chancellor raised her right wrist. Bylly brought the scanner close, and it emitted a green light over the Chancellor’s wrist, followed by a soft approval beep.

  When Bylly turned to Americ-Ana, the girl rushed to say:

  "I'm sorry, Ms. Bylly... but I don't think I have that."

  The Chancellor intervened gently:

  "Don't worry, honey. Your code is the set of QR Codes tattooed on your face."

  Bylly brought the reader close to the QR Codes on Americ-Ana’s face, and the device let out another approving beep.

  On the way to the precinct, Americ-Ana asked the Chancellor:

  "Madam Chancellor... will these QR Code marks disappear or will they stay forever?"

  "They will stay, honey. THE-IMPERIUM has very strict policies regarding people from the common world who enter without genetic ties, social standing, or financial status. Since you're of school age and will study at Equal One Zero Academy, you're a scholarship student. THE-IMPERIUM’s government feels safer when people know a scholarship girl is among them," the Chancellor replied.

  Bylly, who had been listening from the front seat, chimed in:

  "Fluffy, but that doesn’t mean she has to wear prison clothes, right?"

  "True, honey. I was going to take you to a clothing store right after we left the precinct, but we’re running late. There’s no time for shopping," said the Chancellor.

  "No problem, fluffies! I’ve got a vintage jeans set in the backpack under the seat. Just grab it and put it on," Bylly replied.

  "Thank you so much, Ms. Bylly," said Americ-Ana, genuinely relieved she wouldn’t have to walk around in prison clothes any longer.

  Then, Americ-Ana felt a weight in her stomach. She didn’t have a single coin to pay for the new clothes.

  "Don’t even think about it, fluffy! This is a welcome gift to THE-IMPERIUM," said Bylly, when Americ-Ana asked about the cost of the outfit.

  "Since we’re on the subject, Madam Chancellor," said Americ-Ana, "besides coming out of your mouth, where did all that gold come from, the coins you used to pay my bail? I don’t have any way to repay you, not even if I wanted to. A billion dollars is just impossible for me."

  Suddenly, a wave of fear washed over her. What if the Chancellor, hearing this, changed her mind and sent her back to prison in Los Angeles?

  But the Chancellor let out a loud laugh and said:

  "Don’t worry, honey! It’s all courtesy of the Master. He’s very generous. If he ever wants to collect, he’ll show up and tell you himself. But that hardly ever happens. The Master has a very big heart."

  "Master? What Master?" asked Bylly, glancing away from the road to look at the Chancellor.

  "Master? What Master?" the Chancellor replied, confused. "Who said Master?"

  An uncomfortable silence lingered for a few seconds. Until Americ-Ana asked:

  "In terms of money, Mrs. Chancellor... I work at the Golden Glow Studio Beauty Salon. With the salary I earn there, I send help to my grandparents, who couldn’t come with me to the United States. I don’t know if it will be possible to study at an academy here in the THE-IMPERIUM bunker and also keep working at my current job."

  The Chancellor smiled again and said:

  "Don’t worry, honey. As long as you're under the care of THE-IMPERIUM, focus only on your studies. Your grandparents will receive all the help they need. The Master... I mean... I will personally make sure they have everything they need."

  Bylly cleared her throat, turned her attention to Americ-Ana, and asked:

  "So, fluffy, tell me the gossip about that girl who faked the QR Code. That was a scandal."

  Americ-Ana remembered Marie Carter and said:

  "Yes. Exactly. In fact, I want to ask you, Madam Chancellor, if it’s really true that I was the one chosen. Because Marie Carter came first. It was all over the news."

  "All fake, honey. All fake. After Seth returned to Equal One Zero and said he had gone after the wrong girl, that is, you, Americ-Ana, I went to Marie Carter myself to see if she had actually been selected by the app. But it was all fake." The Chancellor replied.

  The vehicle finally stopped. The Chancellor, who was seated behind the front passenger seat, opened the door to step out first. Bylly grabbed her arm before she could leave and said:

  "Fluffy, you know they have an Ophanim at the Thoth Precinct. All public buildings in THE-IMPERIUM have an Ophanim. You know how dangerous they are. Promise me you’ll be careful?"

  "Why are you telling me this, honey?" the Chancellor asked. "Besides, I know how to handle an Ophanim. It’s always been my biggest dream to have one in my office at Equal One Zero."

  "Yes, I know you've always wanted an Ophanim. Take care, fluffy!" said Bylly.

  The Chancellor stepped out of the vehicle.

  Americ-Ana thanked Bylly for the clothes and followed the Chancellor.