Me, Kyra, and Cynthia were awaiting Overseer Azrael's word on the building we were wary to be associated with Heathen. It wasn't until a few days after our summary with the chief advisor that we got the answer we'd been waiting for.
[ Russo's apartment building as discussed will unfortunately not be Operation Zenith's focal point ]
The chief had sent out an email with this subject line for all three of us to see. My heart dropped a little in seeing these words, but still, I read through to see what would become of our finding.
[ As substantial as our investigative findings on the apartment building are, unfortunately, Overseer Azrael does not see as much merit in it as we do. As you may know, you three are one of two divisions added in addition to Overseer Azrael's task force. His bias for the actual divisions of his task force, divisions one through eight, have worked against you and your research. Since you three are not officials of his task force, he does not heavily consider your findings to be as fruitful as those of his actual task force. This is why he has chosen not to have all of Operation Zenith pursue what you have found.
But, and very fortunately, Overseer Azrael has not completely ignored the discoveries made in the apartment building. Although he is not willing to diverge all of his divisions in your direction, he is willing to support further exploration into the building's peculiar traits by adding the tenth division to your investigation.
This will mean that in addition to the three of you, Emanuel, Third, and Fourth from the tenth division will be joining your research. This bears good news.
Since your combined investigation will now consist of three members in the Upper Four: Second, Third, and Fourth, Overseer Azrael has decided to add an official member of his task force to the group as well. Joining you will be "J" of the first division. You may all know him by his codename, "Man in Black."
As you may be aware, "J" is the most elite breacher and combatant in Overseer Azrael's task force. You can consider him the substitute in combat power for Garren's absence. His main purpose in joining the investigation is purely for protection services. Overseer Azrael has assigned him with the task of ensuring the safety of the named V.I.P.'s: Second, Third, and Fourth. Although that is what Overseer Azrael emphasized, you can be sure that "J" will protect everyone.
To conclude, the investigation into the supposed "Heathen" building will continue, now with additional members and power. I have transferred this information over to General Michael, considering that he was the one originally in charge of your division and the tenth division. He will soon set up a meeting for everyone in the investigation to go over the methods and goals moving forward.
Good luck,
Chief Advisor. ]
I finished reading and closed the email. Taking a deep breath, I felt my chest contract a little tighter than usual.
I was very tense.
I realized that from this point onwards, things were going to be stepped-up a notch. I was now going to be working alongside two more from the Upper Four, Third and Fourth, with their extremely strong Fractals. I would also be in the presence of the prestiged "Man in Black." With so much firepower added to our arsenal, encounters akin to Russo's or the receptionist's would bend heavily in our favor.
Looking at our entire group statistically, I would be seen as the weakest link. Everyone had Fractals and essential capabilities they could contribute with, while I alone was Fractless.
I had a lot to prove.
Now alongside the heavy hitters of A.X.A., it would be even more difficult for a Fractless like me to stand-out in any way. Another mishap like the one with Invidan, and I'd be overshadowed completely.
I had no choice but to prove my worth. Not only to reassure myself, but to honor the names of those victim to the ones looking down on us.
Sixth.
Ninth.
Tenth.
Garren.
My success would be attributed-to by their sacrifices. I was not planning to let their efforts die in vain.
Although our mission moving forward was not Operation Zenith's focal point, it was my own focal point.
I planned to find the Sin of Discrimination soon.