Shards of War: Eclipsian Secrets

Chapter 46

The next morning, Matsu awoke with a clear sense of purpose. The lingering thoughts from the previous night solidified his resolve: it was time to confront Sargon and Taigo about the secret project. He went through his usual routine with his sisters, making sure they were ready for school before driving them to their respective campuses. As they got out of the car, Yumiko gave him a curious look.

"Are you alright, Matsu? You seem a little... focused today."

Matsu smiled, trying to ease her concern. "Just got something important to take care of, that's all. I'll be fine."

Iyomei, sensing something in his tone, simply nodded. Khamenei, always the more outspoken one, gave him a playful punch on the arm. "Just don't go getting yourself into trouble, okay?"

He chuckled, "I won't. Promise."

Once the girls were dropped off, Matsu's demeanor shifted as he drove towards the Chancellery. The usual route felt heavier with the weight of what he was about to do. When he arrived, he parked and made his way into the building with a sense of determination.

As he walked through the halls, he received the usual nods and greetings from the staff. His destination was clear: his office, where he could quietly wait and observe. He settled into his chair, his gaze occasionally drifting to the door as he considered the confrontation ahead.

He knew Sargon and Taigo's schedules well enough; they often left the building around the same time. Matsu decided to monitor their movements, waiting for the right moment to catch them together—or at least within a short enough window—to ensure he could follow them without arousing suspicion.

Hours passed, the rhythm of his work only partially distracting him from the task at hand. As he reviewed documents and responded to messages, he kept an eye on the time, his senses heightened.

Around midday, a soft knock on the door drew his attention. Matsu looked up to see one of his assistants peeking in.

"Mr. Kagayaki, Sargon Valako just left his office. Taigo Izata is scheduled to leave within the next thirty minutes," she informed him.

Matsu nodded, keeping his expression neutral. "Thank you. Keep me posted if anything changes."

As the assistant left, Matsu stood and began gathering his things. He couldn't afford to appear too eager or nervous; the key was to remain composed. He slipped out of his office and made his way towards the exit, using a side corridor that allowed him to leave the building without drawing too much attention.

Outside, he moved quickly but casually towards the parking lot. He spotted Sargon's car in the distance, its sleek form glinting under the midday sun. Matsu leaned against a pillar, pretending to check his phone while keeping Sargon in his peripheral vision.

A few minutes later, Taigo exited the building, heading towards his own vehicle. The timing was perfect—they were close enough that he could follow them without being noticed, but not so close that they would be suspicious.

Once both cars pulled out of the lot, Matsu slid into his own vehicle and followed at a safe distance. He knew where they were headed; there was a private research facility on the outskirts of the city, one that wasn't widely advertised. It was the logical place for them to conduct their secret work.

As he drove, Matsu's mind raced with how the confrontation would play out. He needed answers, but more than that, he needed to understand why they were doing this and if they truly believed it was worth the cost.

Arriving at the facility, Matsu parked a few spaces away from where Sargon and Taigo had stopped. He waited for them to enter the building before stepping out of his car. Taking a deep breath, he approached the entrance, his footsteps echoing in the otherwise quiet parking lot.