Bloodline Evolution: I Can Choose Opposing Paths-Chapter 79: Correlation and Causation

The morning sunlight spilled across the streets as the two of them made their way through the busy district. Imperial City was completely awake.

Everyone seemed eager to finish their errands early so they could attend the largest concert in Imperial City that evening.

Miu walked beside him, shrouded in Aqua Veil, but he was getting better at seeing her silhouette. She had her hands tucked inside the pockets of her hoodie.

"You know," she muttered, "it’s kind of weird having a personal bodyguard."

"You hired me," Aren replied.

"I thought you’d just stand in the corner and look intimidating," she said. "Not listen to my life’s story."

Aren was about to respond when his phone vibrated in his pocket. The caller ID flashed a familiar name.

Daniel Lancier.

He answered immediately.

"What’d you find?"

Miu glanced over curiously but stayed quiet. Daniel’s voice came through the speaker.

"Well, first of all," he said, "I didn’t find a way inside the auditorium."

Aren frowned slightly.

"What happened?"

"That place was crawling with security," Daniel replied. "I’m not exaggerating either. There must’ve been at least a hundred guards, if not more."

Miu nearly choked beside him.

"A hundred?"

"Yeah," Daniel continued. "And that’s just the ones I could see without getting suspicious looks."

"I tried circling the building a few times, but the moment I got close to any entrance, they were already watching me."

"So I backed off," he finished.

Aren exhaled slowly.

"That confirms it."

Even for a celebrity concert, that level of security was absurd.

"Still," Daniel added, "the night wasn’t a complete waste."

"I did some digging on Argent Shield."

Aren slowed his steps slightly.

"Go on."

"They’re bigger than I thought," Daniel said. "Private security company offering protection to a wide range of personnel."

"That part we already knew," Aren replied.

"Yeah, but here’s the interesting thing."

Daniel’s tone sharpened slightly.

"They’re currently lending out their services to another company."

"What company?"

"A Mystic research firm."

Aren stopped walking. Beside him, Miu took two more steps before noticing and turning around.

"What kind of research?" Aren asked quietly.

Daniel didn’t hesitate.

"Bloodline mutations."

The words hung in the air for a moment. Pedestrians passed them on the sidewalk, narrowing their eyes as they crossed the crosswalk.

"The company’s been pouring a ridiculous amount of money into studying unstable or evolving Bloodlines," Daniel continued.

Aren’s gaze drifted toward Miu.

"And what’s the name of the company?"

There was a brief pause on the line before the senior answered. "Aetherion Research."

Another name he didn’t recognize. But did correlation really mean causation?

"Right," Aren replied. "I’m heading to the meeting now, talk to you later, Daniel."

"Okay," the voice on the other side came through, "See you at the concert, Junior."

Aren slipped the phone back into his pocket as he and Miu approached a tall glass building on the corner of the street.

Unlike the flashy neon signs scattered throughout the East Ward and the College District, the building carried a far more corporate look.

Harmonia Talent Management.

Aren looked over at Miu for a second.

"So Harmonia’s not your last name?"

"Nah, it is," she replied casually as he lifted Aqua Veil. "But I’m the agency’s biggest, so they just rebranded around me."

"Confident, are we?" Aren snorted quietly and followed her inside.

The lobby was already busy with employees moving between elevators and reception desks. A few heads turned when they recognized Miu, though most were careful not to stare for too long.

One of the receptionists stood immediately.

"Miss Harmonia, the meeting room has already been prepared."

"Great," Miu replied with a lazy wave. "Lead the way."

They rode the elevator up to one of the upper floors before stepping out into a hallway lined with glass conference rooms.

The receptionist stopped in front of a large door and knocked lightly before opening it. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Inside, several people were already seated around a long table.

The atmosphere felt far more serious than Miu’s casual attitude and attire suggested. The same man Aren had seen in the gray suit stood up the moment they entered.

"Miss Harmonia," he said with a relieved smile. "Glad you could make it."

So he was her talent manager. Looks meek, but will keep an eye on him.

Miu gave him a small wave.

"Morning, Mr. Park."

Only then did the man notice Aren standing behind her. His smile faltered slightly.

"It’s you from last time?" he said, tilting his head. "How come you’re here?"

"Well, my friend turned out to be an Urban Hunter," Miu said casually. "So I just hired him as my personal bodyguard."

Mr. Park hesitated for a moment before clearing his throat. It was obvious he didn’t entirely believe her, but he also didn’t seem to have the authority to argue.

"Well... if Miss Harmonia believes it’s necessary, then we won’t object."

Across the table, another figure remained seated quietly. Aren recognized him immediately.

The Line 3 Mystic that guarded the backstage corridor yesterday. Aren subtly withdrew his ether, presenting himself as nothing more than an Adept-Grade Mystic.

"Allow me to introduce myself," he said calmly. "Director Han. Argent Shield Security Division."

His gaze lingered on Aren for a fraction longer than necessary.

"Argent Shield will be responsible for all security operations during tonight’s performance."

Another man was inside who looked at Aren, but seemed not to care as he vaguely introduced himself to be the Stage Director.

The meeting officially began.

Slides appeared on the large display at the front of the room with details about audience capacity, sound systems, and routine logistical details.

But Aren barely paid attention to the presentation. Instead, he listened carefully.

Eventually, the stage director looked over to Director Han and spoke up.

"The equipment you asked for yesterday should be fully installed now," the man said as he flipped to the next slide.

"You said it was supposed to stabilize soundwaves to prevent unexpected fluctuations, right?"

"It’s from our very own partners," Director Han nodded easily. "To ensure that our idol’s voice doesn’t cause any more problems—"

"Like that of the Lorianne Festival."

Aren immediately felt Miu tense beside him. Her hand trembled slightly. Without saying anything, he reached over and placed his hand over hers as a quiet reassurance.

Again, the conversation drifted back to his only lingering question. The machine...

He had to find out what it was.