**Chapter 276: The Proposal**

"So, what is it?" I asked nervously, trying to keep my voice steady as I leaned forward in my chair, my eyes locked on Shigaraki's. Shigaraki's grin widened, and he seemed to be enjoying the cat-and-mouse game we were playing. "Ah, Vesper-chan, you're so impatient," he said, chuckling. "Very well, I'll tell you. The asset we're looking for is a certain... individual. Someone with a very valuable Quirk, one that could give us a significant advantage over the Hero Society." I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. "What kind of Quirk?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral. Dabi leaned forward, his eyes glinting with excitement. "Let's just say it's a Quirk that could allow us to manipulate the very fabric of reality," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Imagine being able to create portals, teleport short distances, or even bend the laws of physics to your will." I felt a surge of unease at the thought of such a powerful Quirk. "And who is this individual?" I asked, trying to keep my curiosity in check. Shigaraki leaned forward, his eyes locked on mine. "The individual we're looking for is someone who's been in hiding for a while now. Someone who's been protected by the Hero Society for far too long. But we believe you might be able to help us track them down." I swallowed hard, trying to process what Shigaraki was asking me to do. "And what's in it for me?" I asked again, trying to keep my tone neutral. Shigaraki grinned, a cold, calculating smile. "Oh, Vesper-chan, we're willing to offer you a significant reward for your help. A reward that will make it well worth your while to take on this task." I hesitated, unsure of what to do. Part of me was screaming to get out of there, to run as far as I could from Shigaraki and his twisted plans. But another part of me was curious, curious about the Quirk, curious about the individual, and curious about the reward. "What kind of reward?" I asked, stalling for time. Shigaraki leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together once more. "Let's just say it's a reward that will give you a certain... freedom," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Freedom from the Hero Society, freedom from the law, and freedom to do as you please." I felt a shiver run down my spine at the thought of such freedom. But at what cost? And what exactly did Shigaraki have planned for me? I knew I had to tread carefully, but I also knew I had to know more. "I'll need time to think about it," I said finally, trying to keep my tone neutral. Shigaraki grinned, a cold, calculating smile. "I expected as much, Vesper-chan," he said, leaning forward. "Take all the time you need. But be warned, the longer you take, the more... complicated things may become."