These people are not normal

[Location: Code Geass - Area 11 - Ashford Academy - Private Building.] 

Lelouch Lamperouge, a young high school student, lay on his bed with one hand resting on his forehead, lost in thought. 

It had certainly been an exhausting day. 

Just minutes earlier, upon arriving home, he had vomited everything he had eaten. After removing his soiled jacket, cleaning his mouth, and taking a shower to rid himself of any trace of filth, he collapsed onto his bed. 

Not only had he acquired an extraordinary ability to control people —though it required direct eye contact to activate— but he had also set his plan of revenge into motion against his father and the Holy Britannian Empire. 

The memory of his recent victory over his older brother filled his mind with possibilities. 

Although he had managed to execute this initial move, Lelouch knew it was merely the first piece on the vast chessboard he had begun to play. 

The power of the Geass had opened a path to his revenge, but he was fully aware that he would need much more than that to challenge the enormous empire. 

The white Knightmare, the Lancelot, had demonstrated that despite the formidable nature of his Geass, there were obstacles he could not overcome with that ability alone. He would need resources, allies, and an impeccable strategy. 

Ding!

Just as he was considering his next moves, an unusual sound interrupted his thoughts. 

Immediately after, a holographic text window appeared before his eyes. 

[You have an impressive ability. But even that ability can be neutralized.] 

Lelouch's eyes narrowed as he examined the window carefully. Despite the peculiar event, he showed no surprise; after all, the day had been filled with even more shocking revelations. 

In his world, the technology to generate holograms was not unknown. However, what truly concerned him was the fact that someone seemed to be observing him and, most disturbingly, knew details about his ability. 

This meant his anonymity might have been compromised. 

An enemy? An ally? he pondered, sitting up slowly as his mind began calculating the possible implications. 

If someone knew about the Geass, he needed to quickly determine whether that person posed a threat or could be useful in his plans. 

Ding!

[So. Do you want more power?] 

[Yes. / No.] 

A new holographic text window overlaid the previous one, presenting a clear and concise question.

His eyes, reflecting a calculating mind, locked onto the floating holographic window. 

"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 such ambiguity. 

The first thing he analyzed was the origin of the window. While holographic technology was known in Area 11, what he was seeing did not appear to come from any conventional device. 

This implied that whoever was behind it had highly advanced resources and knowledge, likely beyond known technological limits. 

Neutralized... he repeated the word that appeared in the first message in his mind. 

The suggestion that his Geass could be countered was not surprising, but it was concerning. He had considered the possibility of limitations to his ability, but he had not expected someone to confront him about it so directly, so soon. 

The message was not a direct threat, but it was a reminder of his vulnerability. 

Anyone who knew about his ability could become an obstacle in his path to revenge. The question was whether the one addressing him was a friend or foe. 

His thoughts focused on the offer: more power. Lelouch understood that strength was essential to his plan. 

Although he already had his intelligence, his Geass, and a strategic mind that made him a formidable player on the chessboard, he knew it was not enough to topple the Britannian Empire. 

But what price would that power demand? The conditions were unclear, and Lelouch was no fool. Accepting without further information would mean playing by someone else's rules, something that went against his nature. 

Finally, he addressed the message with a cold, calculated tone, his gaze fixed on the holographic window.

"What kind of power are you offering? And what's the cost?" 

Lelouch knew it was unwise to respond to the question immediately. 

Instead of rushing, he sought to gather more information, to play the cards he had and force the one behind the window to reveal their position. 

To his surprise, nothing happened. 

He waited several minutes before concluding that the other party would not provide more information. 

Lelouch exhaled softly, though his expression remained impassive. He lay back on the bed again, closing his eyes as his mind continued to work. 

Interesting... he thought, evaluating the situation. If whoever was behind the holographic window expected a quick response, their silence could well be a manipulation tactic or a test. In any case, Lelouch knew that refraining from acting impulsively was his best defense. 

The fact that the window neither disappeared nor responded only confirmed one thing: this entity, whoever it was, could not force him to do anything directly. He was still in control. 

If they're playing a game with me, I'll have to uncover the rules myself.

For now, he decided to ignore the window. His immediate priority remained strengthening his position in Area 11, exploring the capabilities of his Geass, and, above all, protecting his identity. 

Finally, he spoke again, with a faint ironic smile: "If you intend to tempt me with power, you'll have to do better next time." 

With that statement, he closed his eyes, allowing himself to rest while planning his next moves on the chessboard of life. 

He assumed this would not be the last time that entity would try to approach him, and when they did, he would be ready to face them on his own terms. 

Ding! 

[Truly impressive. Since it would be boring without you anyway, I'll ask you one last time. Do you want more power?] 

[Yes. / No.] 

Lelouch's eyes opened slowly, fixing his gaze on the holographic window. This time, the tone of the message seemed slightly different, as if the entity were evaluating his resolve. 

He sat on the edge of the bed, elbows resting on his knees, his hands clasped before his face in his classic posture of deep reflection. 

"One last time, huh?" he murmured, not bothering to hide the irony in his tone. "Interesting choice of words." 

He understood that accepting more power would entail risks. No one offered something like that without expecting something in return, and the price this entity might demand was unclear. However, Lelouch also knew that without taking calculated risks, his ambition would remain out of reach. 

Clenching his teeth slightly, his mind evaluated every possible scenario. If this entity could offer something that brought him closer to toppling Britannia, he could not afford to ignore it. 

Finally, with a flash of determination in his eyes, he spoke: "Power without control is useless. If you're going to offer me something, it will be on my terms. But since you insist..." 

He extended his hand toward the holographic window, selecting "Yes." 

As he did, his gaze hardened. "Don't forget who I am. If you think you can use me, you'll soon find out that I'll always be the one in control of the board." 

[Yes (Selected). / No.]

[Finally! You really took your time. Anyway, welcome to the "Part-Time Workers Group"!] 

A feeling of confusion and annoyance swept over him. 

Immediately after Lelouch finished reading, everything turned white. 

---

[Location: White World - Waiting Room.] 

The space seemed infinite, a blank canvas devoid of shadows or defined edges. 

Lelouch Lamperouge appeared amidst the void, briefly disoriented before regaining his composure. 

His eyes scanned the surroundings, and almost immediately, he noticed two figures a few steps away. 

Both were seated in armchairs that seemed to materialize out of nowhere, as if this place responded to their mere presence. 

Lelouch quickly assessed their postures and expressions: one of them, with slightly long, disheveled brown hair, appeared relaxed yet alert, his gaze betraying a calculating nature beneath a superficial smile. 

The other, also brown-haired but with cold eyes, exuded an almost unsettling calm, as if he observed everything from a position of advantage. 

Without a word, Lelouch stepped forward, maintaining a relaxed posture, though his mind worked feverishly. They're not ordinary students. This place, their demeanor... there's clearly more to them.

"It seems I'm not the only one brought here," he said finally, his tone calm yet laden with intent. "This is rather interesting, wouldn't you agree?" 

The brown-haired youth, Light Yagami, turned his head toward Lelouch with a polite smile, though his eyes analyzed every movement of the newcomer. Another one... and not an amateur. That gaze, that posture... he's playing at my level. Even so, Light maintained his affable and almost friendly tone. 

"Ah, another newcomer," he remarked, leaning forward slightly. "It seems we're all here for a reason. Tell me, what's your name?" 

The question, though innocent in appearance, was a clear attempt by Light to gain an advantage. Knowing someone's name was the first step to analyzing and, potentially, controlling them. 

Kiyotaka Ayanokouji, who had remained silent until now, watched the scene with barely concealed interest. Though he seemed indifferent, he was actually analyzing both Light and Lelouch. Both are testing the waters, like wolves sizing up the alpha of the group. But this isn't my game—at least, not yet.

Lelouch immediately recognized that he was surrounded by sharp minds. Light, with his charisma and control, was already attempting to take the lead in the conversation. Kiyotaka, on the other hand, seemed an observer who preferred to remain in the shadows.

He couldn't afford to underestimate them.

With a faint smile, Lelouch decided not to relinquish control so easily. He sat in one of the vacant armchairs, crossing his legs elegantly. 

"My name doesn't matter for now," he responded calmly. His eyes shifted between Light and Kiyotaka, seeking clues to their thoughts. "What seems to unite us here is something... more significant." 

He paused deliberately before adding: "Power." 

The word hung in the air, laden with intent. Lelouch carefully observed how the other two reacted. 

Light maintained his smile, but internally, he analyzed every detail. He's already testing the waters. An interesting opponent. Out loud, he replied in a tone that mixed understanding and caution: 

"Power... a fascinating word, but dangerous in the wrong hands. The question isn't whether we have it, but how we use it." 

Kiyotaka, who had been silently observing, decided to intervene, his tone cold and detached: "Power isn't always what it seems. Its true value lies in keeping it hidden until the right moment." 

Both comments were subtle provocations, each tailored to the personality of the speaker. Light sought to measure Lelouch's ambitions, while Kiyotaka positioned himself as someone who wouldn't play openly but whose power was undeniable. 

Lelouch tilted his head slightly, a barely perceptible smile crossing his lips. Both are dangerous in their own way. This will be interesting.

"Power," Lelouch continued, his tone soft but firm, "is a resource, like any other. What matters isn't just how it's used, but who controls it. And, more importantly, who controls those who believe they have it." 

Light maintained his neutral expression, but that last statement resonated in his mind. Are you implying that you can win this ridiculous manipulation game? Who do you think you are?

Kiyotaka, for his part, observed the dynamic with a mix of curiosity and detachment. Both are playing an open game, but neither wants to show their cards yet. That makes them predictable... and manipulable.

The silence that followed was interrupted by a new presence. A figure appeared in the distance, emerging from nowhere.

The three turned toward the newcomer, each mentally preparing themselves for what might come.

/////////////////////

Yes. I know his real name is Lelouch Vi Britannia.