"Which institute are you exchanging with?" Natsume asked Alhaitham curiously.
"Shirohato Pharmaceuticals."
"Hey! I remember that place is linked to the Black Organization. Are you walking into danger?" Even as she said it, Natsume trusted him; he was rational and never acted without a plan.
"It's fine—just a routine academic exchange."
Sensing his calm, Natsume said no more. Part of her consciousness lived in him, yet in many ways he was his own person, aware of his limits and capable of protecting himself.
Still, she added, "If you need help, say so."
Alhaitham nodded.
When the conversation ended, Natsume prepared to release Lisa as well.
Lisa wore a violet minidress; her chestnut hair was swept over one shoulder, an Electro Vision dangling from her throat like a pendant.
Natsume threaded a wisp of consciousness into Lisa. Moments later green eyes opened; Lisa sorted the new memories, then smiled. "Little Cutie, long time no see—well, I saw you in the mirror earlier, but this angle is a first. Amusing, hmm~."
It was the first time Natsume had been teased by a beautiful older woman—even if it was herself—and she felt her cheeks warm.
Lisa noticed and leaned closer. "Little Cutie, are you blushing?"
Natsume turned her face away, switching topics. "A-hem. Lisa, what identity did you get?"
Seeing her embarrassment, Lisa obliged. "Let me think… big sister just landed a job as the new librarian at Beika Library—starting next week."
Another identity tied to Conan's plot, Natsume realized. Future personas would probably weave into the storyline as well; sooner or later each one might appear before Conan himself.
Alhaitham and Lisa had their own lodgings, so Natsume didn't detain them; if anything came up they could reach her through the system.
Just then Paimon announced the daily commissions, and Natsume headed out to earn some Primogems.
After two hectic days she had saved enough for roughly three pulls—still far from the coveted ten.
From dailies and the occasional side quest she found the work much like Teyvat's chores: find a cat, deliver a parcel, or stand in as a temp. The rewards were meager—nothing matched the Primogems of a world mission.
She could only hope more world missions would spawn so she could reach ten pulls soon. With only three members, their "organization" felt painfully understaffed.
While Natsume grinded for Primogems, Alhaitham arrived for his formal exchange with Shirohato Pharmaceuticals.
He reached the institute punctually; the Person in Charge was already waiting at the entrance.
Spotting him, the Person in Charge hurried over.
After brief pleasantries, sensing Alhaitham's lack of interest in small talk, the Person in Charge cut to the chase and introduced him to the research staff.
Throughout the session Alhaitham spoke little, yet each concise remark gave the scientists significant insights.
The more they listened, the more they admired his erudition; eventually they invited him to view certain half-finished projects—those safe for outside eyes—hoping for improvements.
During the tour Alhaitham felt faint scrutiny and casually noted the discreet surveillance camera tucked in a corner, betraying nothing on his face.
Everything was transmitted to the monitor room, where Gin and Vodka of the Black Organization sat watching.
Since the institute fell under their control, any visitor had to be observed to prevent prying eyes or pilfered data.
The facility was Gin's responsibility. What he'd expected to be a dull routine watch suddenly intrigued him. "Interesting."
Vodka caught the shift in his senior's mood. "Boss, is the outsider up to something? Want me to handle him?"
Gin's glance froze Vodka halfway out of his seat. "No. He simply noticed the cameras."
"Huh? Those things are well hidden—how did he spot them?" Vodka never doubted Gin; if Gin said the man had seen them, then he had. He only wondered how a mere researcher could do it.
Gin's lips curled. "Send a few foot soldiers to test him."
"Got it, boss."
Gin's eyes stayed fixed on the calm face on the screen, his grin widening. If you're a rat from another organization, watching that composed mask crack and run red… that would be exhilarating.
During a short break Alhaitham went to the restroom.
Walking back, he studied the corridors.
A girl appeared ahead—short brown hair, white lab coat, cup in hand, obviously heading to wash it.
Matching her to the anime, Alhaitham deduced this was Shiho Miyano still within the organization.
Shiho eyed the unfamiliar man warily. "Who are you? You're not staff."
"Alhaitham, visiting scholar, invited for today's exchange."
She knew a guest was expected but hadn't paid attention; apparently it was today. Reassured he had no ties to the organization, she relaxed.
Seeing no further questions from her, Alhaitham moved to pass.
"Wait." Noting his student attire—he looked barely twenty—Shiho hesitated, then called out.
Alhaitham glanced back.
"If you've no urgent business here, leave as soon as you can." Without waiting for a reply she turned and walked away.
Alhaitham's brows lifted slightly at the warning, but he showed no other reaction and continued down the corridor.