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 they'd 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 we're back with our special guests, the unstoppable Cabana sisters!" Park Hyun-Jae's 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. You've 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 she'd been coached. Make them wait. Create anticipation. She gave a slow, cool smile.

"I'm thrilled to announce I'll 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 fighter's 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 Phantoms' 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. Don't 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 VHC's 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 Reyna's stomach clench, "the one all of HeroNet is dying to know... is there a special someone? A lucky young man who has captured La Sirena's heart?"

Reyna laughed. "My only love is the battlefield, Ms. Park. I'm afraid any suitor would have to be strong enough to survive a sparring session first."

Pendejo. Like I'd 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. "We'll be right back with Veronica 'Vero' Cabana discussing Olympus Rising's new project. Don't go anywhere!"

The "ON AIR" light went dark. Park's 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. "You're up."

Beside her, Veronica's transformation was even more remarkable. The bubbly "Vero" persona evaporated like morning dew, replaced by sharp, calculating eyes and a set jaw. This wasn't the nation's sweetheart idol-Hunter anymore.

This was the CEO of Olympus Rising, one of the most powerful guilds in the country.

Reyna leaned closer. "¿Estás segura de esto, hermana? ¿Presionar por Bermudas de nuevo?" (Are you sure about this, sister? Pushing for Bermuda again?)

Veronica's eyes hardened. "Es necesario. La gente se ha vuelto complaciente." (It's necessary. People have grown complacent.)

"¡Es una causa perdida!" Reyna hissed, her composure cracking. "¡Trece S-Ranks, Vero! ¡Trece de nuestros mejores héroes, convertidos en monstruos! ¿Quieres enviar a más gente a esa picadora de carne?" (It's 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?)

Veronica's face became a mask, her eyes distant. "Hay cosas en juego de las que no puedo hablar todavía. Confía en mí. Necesitamos que el público vuelva a hablar de ello. Necesitamos que exijan acción." (There are things at stake I can't 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 she'd 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 wouldn't be swayed by argument or emotion.

"Fine," Reyna switched back to English, her voice resigned. "But if this blows up in our faces, I'm 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" account—a photo of her and Veronica on set, already accumulating likes and comments at an astronomical rate.

"And we're 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 VHC—that could wait. Right now, Reyna had a role to play.

"Welcome back to Gate Break!" Park's voice filled the studio. "We're 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, we're both such frauds, Reyna thought, maintaining her cool smile as the cameras panned back to her. But at least we're good at it.

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