[Location: Code Geass – Area 11 – Ashford Academy – Private Building.]
Lelouch Lamperouge, a young high school student, lay sprawled across his bed, one hand resting on his forehead as he sank into his thoughts.
It had, without question, been an exhausting day.
Just minutes earlier, upon returning home, he had vomited everything he had eaten. He removed his stained jacket, wiped his mouth, and after taking a shower to wash away every trace of grime, collapsed onto his bed.
Not only had he obtained an extraordinary ability capable of controlling people—though it required direct eye contact to activate—but he had also taken his first steps in a long-planned revenge against his father and the Holy Britannian Empire.
The memory of his recent victory over his elder brother filled his mind with endless possibilities.
Although he had successfully executed that opening move, Lelouch was fully aware that it was merely the first piece placed upon the vast chessboard he had begun to play on.
The power of Geass had opened a path toward his revenge, but he knew it would take far more than that to stand against a colossal empire.
The white Knightmare, Lancelot, had made one thing painfully clear: no matter how formidable his Geass was, there were obstacles it could not overcome on its own. He would need resources, allies, and flawless strategy.
Ding!
Just as he was contemplating his next move, a strange sound interrupted his thoughts.
Immediately after, a holographic text window appeared before his eyes.
[You possess a truly remarkable ability. But it can be easily neutralized.]
Lelouch narrowed his eyes, carefully assessing the floating window. Though the situation was unusual, he did not appear startled; after all, the day had already been filled with revelations far more shocking.
In his world, holographic technology was nothing new. What troubled him was the implication that someone was watching him—and worse, that they knew details about his ability.
This meant his anonymity might already be compromised.
'An enemy? An ally?' he thought as he slowly sat up on the bed, his mind already calculating the possible consequences.
If someone knew about Geass, he needed to determine quickly whether they were a threat—or a potential asset.
Ding!
[So then. Do you want more power?]
[Yes. / No.]
A second holographic window overlapped the first, presenting a clear and concise question.
His gaze locked onto the floating text.
"More power?" he murmured to himself.
The question was intriguing—and in a sense, tempting. But Lelouch was not one to act impulsively, especially when faced with something so ambiguous.
The first thing he analyzed was the origin of the window. While holographic technology existed in Area 11, this did not appear to originate from any conventional device.
Whoever was behind it possessed resources and knowledge far beyond known technological limits.
'Neutralized…' He repeated the word silently.
The suggestion that his Geass could be countered was not entirely surprising—but it was deeply concerning. He had already considered the possibility of limitations, yet he had not expected to be confronted so directly, and so soon.
The message was not an outright threat, but it was a reminder of his vulnerability.
Anyone who understood his power could become an obstacle on his path to vengeance. The real question was whether this entity was friend or foe.
His thoughts returned to the offer: more power.
Lelouch knew strength was essential. Though he possessed intelligence, Geass, and a strategic mind that made him a formidable player, none of it was enough to topple Britannia on its own.
But what price would that power demand?
The conditions were unclear. Accepting blindly would mean playing by someone else's rules—and that ran counter to his very nature.
Finally, he addressed the window, his voice cold and calculated, never breaking eye contact.
"What kind of power are you offering? And what is the cost?"
He knew better than to answer immediately.
Rather than rush, he sought more information—testing the waters, forcing whoever was behind the window to reveal themselves.
To Lelouch, accepting or rejecting without understanding was like moving a piece without seeing the board: an unforgivable mistake.
Yet, contrary to his expectations, nothing happened.
Several minutes passed before he concluded that the other party would offer no further explanation.
Lelouch let out a quiet sigh, though his expression remained unchanged. He leaned back onto the bed, closing his eyes as his mind continued to work.
'It doesn't matter…' he thought.
If the entity behind the window expected a swift answer, then this silence could be manipulation—or a test. Either way, restraint was his strongest defense.
The fact that the window neither vanished nor responded confirmed one thing: whatever this entity was, it could not force him to act.
'If they're playing a game with me, then I'll have to learn the rules on my own.'
For now, he chose to ignore the window. His immediate priorities remained unchanged—strengthening his position in Area 11, exploring the limits of his Geass, and above all, protecting his identity.
At last, he spoke again, a faint ironic smile forming on his lips.
"If you intend to tempt me with power, do a better job next time."
With that, he closed his eyes, allowing himself a moment of rest as he planned his next moves on the board of his life.
He suspected this would not be the last attempt—and when the time came, he would be ready to face it on his own terms.
Ding!
[Truly impressive. Since it would be boring without you anyway, I'll ask one last time. Do you want more power?]
[Yes. / No.]
Lelouch's eyes slowly opened, fixing on the holographic window. This time, the tone felt different—as though the entity itself were testing his resolve.
He sat up on the edge of the bed, resting his elbows on his knees, fingers interlaced before his face in his familiar pose of deep contemplation.
"One last time, huh?" he muttered, not bothering to hide the irony in his voice. "An interesting choice of words."
He knew accepting more power carried risks. No one offered such things without expecting something in return, and the price remained unknown.
Yet he also understood that without calculated risks, his ambition would remain forever out of reach.
His teeth clenched slightly as his mind ran through every possible scenario. If this entity could offer something that brought him closer to overthrowing Britannia, he could not afford to ignore it.
Finally, determination flashed in his eyes.
"Power without control is meaningless. If you're offering something, it will be on my terms. But since you insist…"
He reached out and selected "Yes."
His gaze hardened.
"Don't forget who I am. If you think you can use me, you'll soon realize that I'm always the one who controls the board."
[Yes (Selected). / No.]
[At last! You certainly took your time. Either way—welcome to the 'Part-Time Workers Group!']
Confusion and irritation washed over him.
And the instant he finished reading— Everything turned white.
_____
[Location: White World – Waiting Room.]
The space seemed endless—a white canvas devoid of shadows or defined edges.
Lelouch Lamperouge appeared in the center of the void, momentarily disoriented before quickly regaining his composure.
His eyes scanned the surroundings, and almost immediately, he spotted two figures a short distance away.
Both were seated in armchairs that looked utterly out of place in a world with nothing else in it.
Lelouch quickly assessed them.
One, with slightly long, messy brown hair, appeared relaxed yet alert, a calculating gaze hiding behind a superficial smile.
The other, also brown-haired but with indifferent eyes, radiated an unsettling calm—as though observing everything from a position of advantage.
Without a word, Lelouch stepped forward, maintaining a relaxed posture while his mind worked feverishly.
'They look like high school students… but this place… there's clearly more to them.'
"It seems I'm not the only one who's been brought here," he said at last, his tone calm yet deliberate. "This is rather interesting, wouldn't you agree?"
The brown-haired youth—Light Yagami—observed Lelouch with a polite smile, though his eyes evaluated every movement of the newcomer.
'Another one… and he doesn't look like an amateur. That gaze, that posture… he's sharper than the indifferent one.'
Still, Light kept his tone friendly.
"Ah, another arrival," he remarked, leaning forward slightly. "It seems we're all here for some reason…"
The comment, innocent on the surface, was a clear attempt to seize initiative—analyzing, probing, and possibly asserting control.
Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, who had remained silent until now, watched the exchange with barely concealed interest.
Though he appeared indifferent, he was carefully analyzing both Light and Lelouch.
'They're testing each other—like wolves gauging the alpha. No need to interrupt.'
Lelouch immediately sensed their intentions.
One sought to dominate the conversation; the other preferred to observe from the shadows.
Underestimating either would be a mistake.
With a faint smile, Lelouch took a seat in one of the empty armchairs, crossing his legs with practiced elegance.
"That's true, but…" he replied calmly. His gaze moved between Light and Kiyotaka, searching for insight. "What truly connects us here is something far more… significant."
He paused deliberately before adding a single word.
"Power."
The word hung in the air, heavy with intent.
Light maintained his smile, though his mind raced.
'So he won't fall for simple tricks… Does he know about the Death Note?'
Aloud, he answered with measured caution.
"Power… is certainly fascinating. And dangerous, in the wrong hands. I believe the real question is how one chooses to use it."
Kiyotaka finally spoke, his voice cold and distant.
"So you're both here for something so banal?"
Each remark was a subtle provocation—Light testing Lelouch's ambition, Kiyotaka openly challenging them both.
Lelouch tilted his head slightly, a barely perceptible smile crossing his face.
'Both dangerous… and interesting in their own way.'
"Power," Lelouch continued softly but firmly, "is merely a resource. What matters isn't just how it's used—but who controls it. And more importantly, who controls those who believe they possess it."
Light's expression remained neutral, though the words echoed sharply in his mind.
'Are you suggesting you can win this ridiculous game of manipulation? Who do you think you are?'
Kiyotaka watched the dynamic with quiet curiosity.
'He controls himself better… and none of them are willing to reveal their hand yet. Predictable—and manipulable.'
The silence that followed was broken by a new presence.
A figure emerged in the distance, appearing from nothing.
All three turned toward the newcomer, each preparing mentally for what was to come.