Zechs was trying very hard not to show his worry and panic. But it was extremely hard, even for someone like him. Who didn't even bat an eye when his closest friend died. But he had never loved someone like this before. And he had never been told he could do nothing about a situation as an adult. Zechs always could cope better if he could do something.

But Hakuba's words had an unexpected effect. Zechs laughed, darkly and and morbidly, but he laughed all the same. He gave the Detective a more honest look than he intentionally had all evening.

"The scientists who designed the ZERO system were mad. But the man - the boy - who designed the security system around it is perhaps madder. But he was the finest warrior I have ever faced in battle. If you can best him in this, you will indeed earn my respect. He is not a force to be trifled with."