Chris:
Hahahahahaha… you guys are so funny. And the look on your faces—you're really selling it. Ha… I can't… breathe… haaa… woooh… Just give me a minute.
Come on, you can't fool me. I'm not that stupid. Cut the act.
…Guys?
Why is no one saying anything?
Okay, you win—I'm starting to get worried.
Ryan… what do you look like…?
Huh? Emma too…?
Come on, Dalia…
Oh, Reader, you seem calm. Tell me this is a joke…
Tommy: This is Arthur, by the way.
Chris: Oh, nice to meet yo—WAIT, WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU ON? Answer me first, you idiot!
Tommy: So, Ron… whatever we say, it will happen. Correct?
Ron: Correct.
Tommy: Then release them.
Ron: No.
Tommy: …I tried.
Arthur: Ron, can you give us a moment, please?
Ryan: So…
Arthur: Wait… not far enough.
Dalia: We—
Arthur:
Shhh. Just a little bit more. Keep walking… okay, that's fine. Now what?
Dalia: Hmm… what should we do?
Chris: About what? Someone explain.
Ryan:
I don't know… do you think that was real?
Arthur:
Right, you said something about an illusion. Maybe that's it.
Dalia:
You really don't understand how that works. Besides, illusions only work outside the tower. It can't be that.
Ryan:
Yeah, that's right… and if it was an illusion, then how did we get a call? Even Chris got one.
Chris:
Speaking of me—someone… hello? I don't get it… I don't exist?
Arthur:
What should we do?
Tommy:
Why should we do anything? Let them decide.
Ryan:
Yeah, then it becomes their problem. But—
Dalia:
The situation may escalate. What do you think, Chris?
Chris:
Oh, now you can see me? Don't bother asking my opinion.
Ryan: What?
Chris:
I said don't bother asking my opinion. You ignored me, now I ignore all of you.
Dalia: You're not really upset, are you?
Chris:
Yes, I'm upset. Treating me like I'm invisible—first of all, rude. Second, don't talk to me.
Dalia:
Baba, sweetie, love… we already explained everything to you. Why are you even upset?
Chris: You should've said something sooner.
Ryan:
We literally did. This whole conversation was us trying to figure out what's going on. Did you not listen?
Chris: I did…
Ryan: Then you should've known how confused we are.
Chris: Sorry… I just don't like being left out.
Dalia: Trust me—no one does.
Ryan:
Wait… why are we even worried? They're all just individuals with no real power.
Arthur: Can you elaborate?
Ryan:
If we lived in the old ages—wars broke out over arrogance, or some stupid trivial thing that pissed the king off… like "respect."
But that was in the past.
Arthur:
In other words, the difference between leaders back then and leaders now is simple. Back then the king had all the power. Now? He still has power, but so do many others.
Dalia: What? That's really confusing.
Arthur:
Okay, imagine Ryan is the father of ten children. He disciplines them… abuses them… hits them—whatever description paints the picture.
Every day they grow more afraid of him. Their hearts drop at the thought of displeasing him. With that fear, they feel like they must keep him content.
From that point on, their feelings get twisted… and they start to believe they chose to think that way.
Ryan: That's a weird example… I don't get what you're talking about.
Arthur: Moving on. Do you know the most taboo thing for humans?
Tommy: Hmm… thinking…
Arthur: Fear, you perv. Fear.
Tommy: I didn't say anything!
Arthur:
I saw your eyes glow just now....
Anyway.... fear makes humans feel small in front of whatever they fear. So to push it away, what will the ten brothers do?
They'll replace the fear with one of four things: anger, humor, sadness, or nothing.
Dalia: Nothing?
Arthur:
Yes. But that doesn't mean they feel nothing. They feel more than anyone—more than the sensitive ones even. They just don't understand their own feelings, and they chase a feeling instead of just… feeling.
Tommy: That's cool and all, but don't you think you're flying too far from the topic? Can you land the plane, please?
Arthur: Sorry… I'm used to...
"haaahh…"
"huuuh…"
"huuu…"
In short—those brothers will channel all that anger and everything else toward each other or strangers… but never toward their father Ryan.
Until they find a way to face their fear, their whole existence will feel hollow.
Their only purpose becomes avoiding their father's anger—plotting against each other, throwing each other under the bus.
To hide they were once afraid they will go a way far.....and never go back at all...
even if the fear factor disappeared...
That's how power worked back then. Maybe not in the exact same sense, but the fact remains…
Power today is like fire — it burns anyone who stands against it.
But there's always something that keeps it in check… water.
And just like fire grows when flames join together, water also becomes stronger when it gathers.
There are also things that can smother fire, like dirt.
And fire has its allies too.
When you put all of them together in one system, you get a system that doesn't fall apart just because one person leaves or stays.
Ryan: Right. The answer is obvious. Even the United States and Russia — the two biggest powers — their leaders are replaceable. There's always someone else.
Arthur: And there isn't just one of ten children waiting to take revenge.
So we're all in agreement…
Ron, come here, please.
Ron: I've waited long enough. So… what did you decide?
Arthur:
Well… we all agreed that the power system people rely on nowadays isn't like the old days. And if someone controls that power, there's always an opposite force keeping it in check. Like fire and water. If they clash, they both disappear.
Ron: Arthur… what the hell are you talking about?
Arthur: Ah—sorry. Drifted off again. Anyway, we'll choose number two. For the reason I just mentioned. Adding to that....They're replaceable.
Ron: Hahahahahahaha— eheh— hahahahahaha
How can someone be so naive…? Hahaha… Two because of how power is today ? That's the funniest thing ever…
Arthur: I don't understand… Why are you—
Ron: —laughing? I don't even know what I expected. I always see, in fiction, characters who comprehend everything instantly and give the perfect answer… but that was all fake, huh?
Dalia: Ron… who are you?
Ron: That would've been the perfect question—if you used it a little earlier.
I'll tell you one thing to make you believe that all of this is real…
I'm from the Association.
Dalia: No… you're not…
Ryan: The Association…? How could that be true…?
Tommy: Ass-ociation… hahaha.
Arthur: What is that?
Dalia: The New Dawn of Power.
Arthur: That doesn't explain anything at all…
Ryan: Well… in short, it was exactly what the name suggests—an Association that suddenly appeared around the world. It gained a lot of influence, and many speculated it would become the new world leader…
Arthur: Hmm… a suspicious, powerful organization that rose out of nowhere.
Dalia: But aside from the stereotype—the evil everyone was waiting for them to reveal—it was the opposite. Their ideals were justice and fairness.
They stayed out of politics, never tried to claim power, so they weren't a threat to any government. They even helped them.
People started seeing them more like a charity than a political organization.
Arthur: So… that proves what exactly?
Ron: Such childish thinking… but before that—
Didn't you forget something?
Ryan: Ha...
Ron: How's your family?
Tommy: My family...? Do you want to be adopted or what? Why are you asking?
Ron: While we're waiting for the phone to ring, let me tell you something.
You said that power is now combined in one system, and that this system has many opposites equal in strength to keep each other in check…
And you said the people inside the system are replaceable, because there's always someone beneath them.
But you made one mistake. I'm surprised you didn't bring it up, Arthur.
Arthur: And what could that possibly be?
Ron: Sure, in front of the system, people are replaceable. There are a lot of them, after all.
But what about to other people?
Arthur: What about them?
Ron: People can't be replaced. Not to other people.
You only have one father. You might have a father figure, yes… but he will never take your father's place.
That doesn't mean he's less than your father — but he's not him.
Arthur: And that changes what, exactly?
Ron: Everything, Arthur. Everything.
The only flaw — and the greatest quality — of the system is this:
People are replaceable compared to the system… but not compared to each other.
Arthur: And that proves what?
Emma: Não... isso não pode ser real…
Ron: I don't know what that meant, but it seems like she gets it.
Emma: "Liga pra vovó agora… RYAN!"
Ryan: What?
Emma: "AGORA, PORRA!"
Tommy: You can understand that witch?
Ryan: Witch? Don't talk like that about my sister.
Tommy: Yeah yeah… wizard.
Dalia: Enough of that. What did she say? She was screaming. Is everything okay?
Ryan: She told me to call Grandma. Right now.
…It's not answering.
Ron: You've got a smart sister. She actually understood what I was saying.
Dalia: Emma, what are you pointing at…? The phone? You want me to call someone? Who— Ryan, translate.
Ryan: She's saying all of you should call your families.
Dalia: …Why?
Okay, fine…
…
…
…
Dalia: That's… weird. No one's answering. I called every phone in the house—no one's picking up.
Tommy: Nothing weird on my end.
Arthur: Did they answer?
Tommy: That would be weird.
Ryan: They didn't answer.
Tommy: Yup.
Ryan: And that's normal.
Tommy: Pretty much.
Dalia: Moving on, for the thousandth time… Emma, why—
Ring… Ring… RING.
Ron: It's about time… Whoever's phone is ringing, just answer it.
Tommy: I—I can't…
Ryan: Come on, Tommy, enough playing around.
Tommy: I swear I'm not! My heart just— it suddenly started attacking me…and goes louder and louder… I can't even move my finger to answer…
Ryan: Your heart is attacking you? Stop messing—
Oh… my phone is ringing too.
Ron: Then answer it.
Ring… Ring… Ring… Ring… Ring…
Ron: Ryan. Answer it.
Ryan: I'm… scared. Why? Where did this fear come from…?
Ring… Ring… Ring…
Ron: The sound stopped. Did you answer it?
Emma— you turned your phone off. At least you understood what I meant.
Ring… Ring… Ring…
Chris: …Wow.
Ring… Ring…
Ryan: You feel it too… don't you?
Chris: I feel like my heart's about to explode. Why do I feel like this…?
It's like… accepting a call from hell.
Ron: Feeling poetic, are we…?
Dalia, you're next.
Ring… Ring… Ring… Ring…
Dalia: Oh… I get what you're saying.
It's like my heart is warning me not to pick up… like this call is bad news itself.
However… I just need to breathe in…
and out…
In…
Out…
Here— let me hold your hand, Reader…
Phone:...
Dalia: Oh—I forgot to put it on speaker…
Phone: …Your family is safe with us. Just focus on saving the Prime Minister…
Tommy: What…? That's it? Ryan was worried for nothing…
Dalia: Yeah, I thought the call would be about something more serious… Anyway, I didn't expect that.
Ring… Ring… Ring…
Ring… Ring… Ring…
Ring… Ring… Ring…
Chris: What do we do? Do we answer it? Everyone except Lina, Arthur, and Dalia is getting a call… Is it the same person?
Ryan: Unlikely. They wouldn't call all of us at the same time…
Chris: How about this: we all answer, put it on speaker, and mute it.
Ryan: Why?
Chris: Just do it. There's no time…
---
Phone (Ryan): Your grandma is safe. Save the President of the United States.
Phone (Chris): We have your family. They'll stay safe as long as you save the President of Mother Russia.
Phone (Tommy): Your family is under our protection. Focus on saving the great President of China.
Phone (Emma): We will protect your father… and try to retrieve your grandmother. Save the President of Spain.
Ryan: What was that all about…?
Dalia: That was weird.
Tommy: They want to protect our families from what exactly?
Chris: And why didn't Lina and Arthur get a call?
Ron: Perhaps they're still searching…
Chris: Searching for what?
Ron: For weakness.
Ryan: Huh? What now?
Ron:
Maybe I was a little vague. It's Understandable if you didn't get my hint. But that phone call was as blunt as it could be.
That was obviously a threat. Did you really not get it?
Dalia:
Get what? You started rambling about "perfect answers," then an AI video shows up on TV… then people call us you claim you're from the association.. will prove it....and all the talk about replacing people in systems, compared to other people..... It has to be bullshit.
Ron: ...
Dalia: Well, I'm tired of this. I've been stuck on this 10th floor long enough. I'm moving up now.
Come on, Reader, let's go.
Ryan: Wait! We'll join you—right, guys?
Chris: Yeah, let's go. Bye, Ron. See you later.
Ryan: Wait a moment… Lina, Emma, why are you still sitting? Stand up—come on.
Ron: Sigh. First of all… if this was my doing, how did I know your grandma doesn't live with your father?
And another thing—
Ryan: Is that supposed to scare us?
Ron: Oh, you mean this gun? Nah, it's just for demonstration.
Chris: Is that a decoy?
Clack… Click
Ron: Do you wanna take the chance?
Ryan: Stop pointing it at us!
Ron: well stand right there....I'm sorry to trouble you guys.
Arthur and Lina, stand over there.
Ryan and Chris, please stand here.
The rest of you—there. Good.
Dalia: Drop the gun. We'll do what you say.
Ron:
Chris and Ryan are on the left. In the middle—Lina and Arthur. On the right—Dalia, Tommy, and Emma.
Chris got a call telling her family is safe and she must "save the Russian president."
In other words: We have your family. Turn the train to the right. Kill the five presidents.
Ryan got the same call.
Lina and Arthur never received a call. Do you know why?
Chris: Because you're delusional. There is no reason. Now drop the fucking gun.
Ron:
I don't know Lina's story...bec of the..... language barrier.....But from the way Emma reacted earlier, they could understand us…...but we couldn't understand them....for some reason...
Arthur told us his story: the only member of his family is supposed to be in the tower. They couldn't get him.
And I believe Lina has a similar situation. Right?
.... Look—she nods.
Dalia: So you're saying all of that was real? How? How could you be from that Association? They're the good guys.
Ron:
We tried to avoid conflict with governments. But as our influence grew, they noticed us.
Sooner or later they would join hands to wipe us out.
So we made a plan.
Arthur:
How would that help you? And what did those people do to deserve being dragged into this?
Ron:
Look at the picture from the outside.
Imagine the five countries learn that the others didn't call them first… that they went behind their backs, kidnapped families to force them into killing their own presidents.
And imagine the two countries realizing the other three did the same.
Dalia: You want to destroy their trust. Then what?... Even if it takes long... Trust can be rebuilds.....
Ron: We don't need more than a moment of doubt.
Ryan: To do what?
Ron: Our Association has members in high positions in every country. We all share one dream:
One law. One country. No "they" or "them." Just us.
Ryan: You still didn't answer how.
Ron:
I'm not obligated to answer. I'm the one with the gun.
…But where's the fun in that?
Here—see? I throw it away.
How? Fine.
The people who called you are from our Association. The vice president—and all the higher-ups—are ours..... Even the one that just called you.....
So when that moment of doubt hits, they will fuel the anger inside governments and on the streets.
Tommy: To do what?
Ron: To overthrow the governments....
.....Which will put us on top.
Arthur: Why tell us?
Ron: To know what reason you have for your grieving.
Dalia: Grieving…?
You mean the price for all this… is our families' lives?
Ron: Yes.
Dalia: That can't be. Then why us?
Ron: You weren't lucky.....That's all.
Dalia: Lucky…? No. I can't deal with this.
Come on, Reader—we're leaving.
Fine, stay with them. Here—take my phone. Tell them I don't participate in this.
Chris: Wait, Dalia—!
Ryan: She's gone… What do we do?
Arthur: Let's just sit down first.
Chris: Ron… who are you?
Ron: I'm no one… that deserves to bit. nown.
Arthur: I think there's something you're still hiding.
Ron: That's the twist of the story. I have to hold onto it... First what will u do....
.....
......
........
...........
Clap… Clap…
"Awww, don't be scared. Daddy's here now…"
Chris: Who the hell are you?
"Your savior....Or your nightmare.
Depends on the mood.
…... William."