Most people only see what they are shown.
Meira Sen was not like most people.
At just 16, she had broken into a simulated CIA server during a cybersecurity competition—for fun. Her IQ had been measured twice to confirm: 189. The daughter of two top-level intelligence officers, she wasn't born into luxury like Arya's bullies. She was born into secrets.
She had only one obsession: Truth.
And today, she felt that truth sitting across from her.
Arya.
---
Eden District Academy – Library Room 3B
Arya gripped her book tightly. The calm in Meira's voice unsettled her more than yelling ever could.
"Why… why are you here?" Arya asked.
Meira tilted her head slightly.
"You've changed. Overnight. You used to walk alone with broken sandals. Now your bag is worth more than this school's yearly tuition. And then I tracked your school records. There was a timestamp last night—your entire digital history got... polished. Like someone wiped it clean and rewrote it in gold."
Arya's voice wavered. "I didn't do anything—"
"I know. You didn't. He did."
"...My brother?"
Meira gave a small smile. "Yes. And I think he's smarter than me. Which scares me."
Arya's breath caught in her throat.
---
Zenith-9 Penthouse – Nightfall
Reyan sat across from a digital display, arms crossed, staring at Meira's face on screen.
> [Target: Meira Sen. Classification: High Intelligence Asset. Motivation: Curiosity. Threat Level: Moderate. Potential: Valuable.]
> "System," Reyan said, "Track her movement. Has she talked to anyone else?"
> [Not yet. She's only spoken to Arya. She's holding the secret—for now.]
Reyan's fingers drummed on the glass table.
> "She's not driven by greed… she's driven by logic."
> "Prepare a test. A meeting. Let's see what she does with power."
---
Next Morning: Secret Invitation
Meira found a white envelope inside her school locker.
No name. No seal. Just one sentence:
> "If you want to know the truth, follow the black car after school. Come alone."
She stared at it, mind racing.
She could alert her parents.
Or she could go.
Her curiosity chose for her.
---
4:30 PM – Outside the School
The same black AI HoverCar that Arya rode in appeared again—but this time, no one stepped out.
Meira approached cautiously.
The door opened for her.
No driver. Just a screen.
> "Welcome, Meira Sen. Your guest pass has been approved. Please fasten your seatbelt."
She stepped inside.
---
Zenith-9 Tower – Upper Floor Chamber
Meira walked slowly into the quiet room. There was no one at first.
Then the lights dimmed slightly.
And from behind a glass wall, Reyan appeared.
He was dressed simply: black coat, gloves, sharp eyes.
Meira studied him instantly. No wasted movement. Calm breathing. Confidence without ego.
"Reyan," she said. "So it's you."
He nodded. "You're sharper than most adults I've met."
"Why bring me here?"
"To offer you something."
"I don't take bribes."
He smirked. "This isn't a bribe. It's a test."
---
The Test
A panel rose from the floor with two objects:
One was a flash drive labeled "Truth"
The other, a credit chip worth one billion rupees
Meira's eyes flickered.
"Choose," Reyan said. "You can walk out with the money. Or plug in the drive and see something no one else on Earth has seen."
"Is this a trick?"
"It's your choice."
She didn't hesitate.
She picked the drive.
Plugged it in.
---
On the Screen
Files opened.
Government documents showing corruption networks.
Secret projects funded by Ryu Holdings—water, food, education for millions.
Transaction logs leading to the fall of 14 human trafficking groups.
Real-time satellite footage of slums being rebuilt under unknown names.
A hidden folder labeled: "The World After Us"
Meira sat back slowly.
"You're rebuilding the world in the shadows..."
Reyan stepped closer.
"I don't want attention. I don't want thanks. I want to fix things quietly… and protect Arya."
She looked at him seriously.
"And if I told someone?"
He shrugged. "You wouldn't be standing here if I didn't think you were smarter than that."
Silence.
Then Meira nodded.
"I want in."
---
System Notification:
> [New Asset Recruited: Meira Sen]
Role: Analyst, Strategist, Counter-Intelligence]
Loyalty Level: Unknown (Developing)]