The skyscraper stood at a 175-acre plot of land, boasting more than a hundred floors.
As Noa entered the lobby, he was immediately struck by the air of sophistication and cutting-edge technology that permeated the space. The walls were made of shimmering glass, displaying holographic projections of computer codes and digital landscapes.
Massive screens adorned the area, showcasing real-time data from various sources, a testament to the corporation's position at the forefront of technological advancements.
A polite receptionist greeted Noa, "Welcome, soldier. Please scan yourself at the security checkpoint. It seems you missed it since the alarm next to me is beeping."
"Oh, sure. I'll head over there," Noa nodded, approaching the security checkpoint.
"It's okay. We can do it right here," the receptionist suggested, pulling out a metal detector device. She proceeded to scan Noa from head to toe.
Noa didn't mind the presence of the pretty receptionist. He extended his hands and allowed her to perform her job.
The metal detectors emitted a soft beep as Noa passed through, indicating that nothing suspicious was detected.
"Alright, you're clear," she said.
"Thank you," Noa smiled. "By the way, why is there a sudden meeting call? It's normal when I was at the military base, but this is an office."
"It appears that Infrablack Corporation is in immediate need of additional personnel. Many important invited guests are coming today, and we need to be prepared for anything that might happen," the receptionist explained.
"I see. So, where will the meeting take place today?"
Instead of leaving Noa to figure it out on his own, the receptionist directed him to a sleek, high-speed elevator.
"The meeting is on the third floor," she said.
Noa expressed his gratitude once again and stepped into the elevator, which swiftly whizzed him up to the upper floors of the building.
Upon arriving, he noticed that several other team members had already gathered, each displaying a nervous demeanor that mirrored his own.
The door swung open, and in strode their superior, Command Sergeant Major, a towering and formidable figure known as Commander Vanguard. His sharp intellect and no-nonsense demeanor earned him the respect of all.
Standing before the assembled soldiers, their gazes fixed attentively upon him, Commander Vanguard emanated authority. With a commanding presence and a confident tone, he delved into the intricate details of the mission ahead.
"Soldiers," Commander Vanguard began, his voice brimming with determination, "We have an important project ahead of us, one that demands our unwavering dedication and exceptional skills. The success of this mission hinges on our ability to meet the technical requirements, adhere to the timeline, and achieve our predetermined goals."
He continued, "As you are all aware, Infrablack Software Corporation has been diligently working on new projects over the past few months. Today, these projects will be officially inaugurated. I call upon each and every one of you to rise to the occasion and contribute to its resounding success."
A surge of excitement coursed through Noa. He saw this as his opportunity to showcase his capabilities. If he succeeded with this, he could potentially uncover any information about his missing father.
Commander Vanguard's gaze swept across the room, ensuring he had the undivided attention of every soldier.
He pressed on, his words clear and concise, "The technical requirements are high, but I have complete faith in your abilities. We must familiarize ourselves with the latest technologies and equipment, in addition to leveraging our military skills, to ensure the safety and smooth execution of the event."
Emphasizing the significance of teamwork, he stressed the importance of working together to deal with any obstacles that might arise.
After outlining the soldiers' assigned tasks, Commander Vanguard divided them into several groups, each responsible for occupying specific positions around the building. The soldiers' names had already been registered in the system, allowing them to verify their assignments independently.
Once the meeting concluded, Commander Vanguard exited the room, and the soldiers were guided to their respective positions, ready to fulfill their duties.
When Noa checked his assigned position on the system, he saw that he was assigned to a cyber security related project team, and the map directed him to an office. Following the guidance, he made his way towards another room on the fourth floor.
Approaching the door, a hologram materialized and scanned his face to verify his identity.
Upon stepping into the room, Noa was captivated by the sleek and modern interior. The walls, constructed of transparent glass, allowed natural light to flood the space, creating an atmosphere of openness. The pristine white marble floor and lofty ceiling added to the sense of sophistication.
The office had an open-plan layout, with spacious workstations scattered throughout. Each workstation boasted a large, flat-screen monitor.
As Noa walked further into the room, a group of designers huddled together, discussing ideas about what features they might add in their current software. Nearby, software engineers diligently coded the latest software updates, while a customer service representative engaged in a holographic video call with a client.
Suddenly, a hidden door swung open, revealing a burly man with an intense expression. He glanced at Noa and remarked, "This is my first time seeing you."
"Yes. It's my first time here. I'm assigned here for duty after a year of training," Noa replied.
The man nodded understandingly and said, "Ah, I see. That's why you still have a fresh face. Enjoy your work."
The man felt friendly compared to the other employees who were too engrossed with their work. That was only to be expected since everyone had a chip implanted to restrict them, ensuring they remained fully committed to their tasks.
Noa's eyes scanned the room, searching for a familiar face among the crowd. He was expecting to see So-Rin but he could not find her.
"Is it possible for me to explore the other rooms in this building and see the projects as well?" Noa inquired, turning to the man beside him.
"Of course. You have access to this area. However, certain parts of the building are restricted and can only be entered by superiors and authorized personnel," the scientist clarified.
Noa nodded, taking in the information. He continued to look around, hoping to spot his friend. He wanted to give her a pleasant surprise if he could find her.