Reyna Cabana blinked against the harsh studio lights, feeling sweat gather beneath her carefully applied makeup. Her crimson hair had been styled into an elegant updo that felt too tight against her scalp, and the designer dress theyâd squeezed her into made breathing a genuine challenge. But she maintained her cool smile, the one that had been photographed and analyzed by fashion blogs across Valoria.
"And weâre back with our special guests, the unstoppable Cabana sisters!" Park Hyun-Jaeâs voice carried through the studio. Her pearl-white blazer caught the light as she turned toward Reyna with a shark-like smile. "Reyna, a historic day for you! The big announcement, live on our show. Youâve officially accepted your recommendation slot at New Vein Academy. Tell us, which of the five prestigious student guilds will be graced by the next great Cabana?"
Reyna uncrossed and recrossed her legs, taking a moment as sheâd been coached. Make them wait. Create anticipation. She gave a slow, cool smile.
"Iâm thrilled to announce Iâll be joining the Scarlet Phantoms." Her voice came out in the low, smoky tone that her media coaches had drilled into her for months. "Their focus on raw combat power and relentless offense aligns perfectly with my own philosophy."
Sterling Weaver slammed his fist on the desk, his weathered face lighting up. "A fantastic choice! A real fighterâs guild!" He shot a pointed look at his co-host. "None of that parade-pony nonsense from the Sentinels."
Isaiah Foster adjusted his glasses, his expression remaining neutral. "An interesting, if predictable, choice. The Phantomsâ casualty rates in simulations are 15% higher than the academy average. A high-risk, high-reward strategy for a top prospect."
Reyna felt her eye twitch but kept her expression composed.
Just smile through it. Donât tell this number-crunching asshole what you really think of his statistics.
Park Hyun-Jae smoothly redirected the conversation. "The nation is excited about this incoming class. Many are calling it the most promising in a decade. Of course, all eyes are on yourself, the VHCâs darling Celeste Vance, and the enigmatic Isabelle Okoye. How do you feel about that rivalry?"
Reyna gave a delicate, rehearsed shrug. "Competition is the fire that forges the strongest steel. I have the utmost respect for both of them and look forward to testing my skills against theirs."
What absolute bullshit
.
"And one last question before the break," Park leaned forward, her voice dropping into a conspiratorial tone that made Reynaâs stomach clench, "the one all of HeroNet is dying to know... is there a special someone? A lucky young man who has captured La Sirenaâs heart?"
Reyna laughed. "My only love is the battlefield, Ms. Park. Iâm afraid any suitor would have to be strong enough to survive a sparring session first."
Pendejo. Like Iâd ever talk about my love life on national television.
"Well, there you have it, folks! La Sirena is focused solely on her meteoric rise!" Park turned to the camera. "Weâll be right back with Veronica âVeroâ Cabana discussing Olympus Risingâs new project. Donât go anywhere!"
The "ON AIR" light went dark. Parkâs professional smile vanished as she turned to her producer, discussing something in hushed tones.
Reyna slumped back into the couch, the elegant posture gone. Her shoulders dropped, and she rolled her neck, feeling it crack.
"Jesus fucking Christ," she muttered, too low for the mics to pick up. "I thought she was going to ask me about my favorite color next." She glanced at her sister. "Youâre up."
Beside her, Veronicaâs transformation was even more remarkable. The bubbly "Vero" persona evaporated like morning dew, replaced by sharp, calculating eyes and a set jaw. This wasnât the nationâs sweetheart idol-Hunter anymore.
This was the CEO of Olympus Rising, one of the most powerful guilds in the country.
Reyna leaned closer. "
ÂżEstĂĄs segura de esto, hermana? ÂżPresionar por Bermudas de nuevo?
"
(Are you sure about this, sister? Pushing for Bermuda again?)
Veronicaâs eyes hardened. "
Es necesario. La gente se ha vuelto complaciente.
"
(Itâs necessary. People have grown complacent.)
"
ÂĄEs una causa perdida!
" Reyna hissed, her composure cracking. "
¥Trece S-Ranks, Vero! ¥Trece de nuestros mejores héroes, convertidos en monstruos! ¿Quieres enviar a mås gente a esa picadora de carne?
"
(Itâs a lost cause!) (Thirteen S-Ranks, Vero! Thirteen of our greatest heroes, turned into monsters! You want to send more people into that meat grinder?)
Veronicaâs face became a mask, her eyes distant. "
Hay cosas en juego de las que no puedo hablar todavĂa. ConfĂa en mĂ. Necesitamos que el pĂșblico vuelva a hablar de ello. Necesitamos que exijan acciĂłn.
"
(There are things at stake I canât talk about yet. Trust me. We need to get the public talking about it again. We need them to demand action.)
Reyna recognized that look. It was the same expression Veronica had worn when sheâd taken out a second mortgage on their childhood home to fund the initial startup costs for Olympus Rising. The face of someone who had already made her decision and wouldnât be swayed by argument or emotion.
"Fine," Reyna switched back to English, her voice resigned. "But if this blows up in our faces, Iâm blaming you."
"Thirty seconds back, ladies!" called the floor producer.
As Veronica touched up her lipstick, Reyna pulled out her phone, scrolling through her SnapGram feed. The top post was from the official "Gate Break" accountâa photo of her and Veronica on set, already accumulating likes and comments at an astronomical rate.
"And weâre back in five... four... three..." The "ON AIR" light flashed red.
Reyna slipped her phone away and pulled her "La Sirena" mask back on, crossing her legs and straightening her spine. Whatever was happening behind the scenes with Bermuda, whatever games her sister was playing with the VHCâthat could wait. Right now, Reyna had a role to play.
"Welcome back to Gate Break!" Parkâs voice filled the studio. "Weâre joined now by S-Rank sensation and Olympus Rising Guild Master, Veronica Cabana!"
Veronica flashed her signature sunshine smile, her entire demeanor transformed. "Vero-chan is SO happy to be here today! Especially with my adorable little sister making her big announcement!"
God, weâre both such frauds
, Reyna thought, maintaining her cool smile as the cameras panned back to her.
But at least weâre good at it.