Chapter 4 - Offering

The next morning, Joseph was diligently working on collecting junk parts when his boss called out to him, "Joseph!"

 

Joseph stopped his work and turned towards his boss. "Yes, boss?" he responded.

 

The boss said, "There is someone who wants to see you."

 

Curious, Joseph followed his boss to meet this mysterious visitor. As he approached, he saw a beautiful woman with a unique feature: her eyes seemed to be prisms, reflecting various colors as the sunlight on them. She introduced herself with a warm smile, "Hello, nice to meet you, Joseph. My name is Eliza."

 

"Nice to meet you," said Joseph, with polite smile.

 

Eliza didn't waste any time and got straight to the point. "We've seen a lot of potential in you during the mech pilot test, Joseph. We want you to join us at The Silver Prism, an organization for people like you. So, what's your answer?"

 

Joseph contemplated for a moment before responding, "The Silver Prism? I'd like to join, but I haven't obtained my mech pilot license yet."

 

Eliza reassured him, "Don't worry about the license; we'll handle it. When you're ready, I'll meet you tomorrow."

 

With that, Eliza left, leaving Joseph with a curiosity.

 

During lunchtime, Erina made her way to Joseph's workplace with a meal she had prepared for him. On her way there, she happened to pass by Eliza. When she finally reached Joseph, she greeted him with a smile and said, "Hey Joseph, I came here to bring you lunch."

 

"Hi, Erina. Thank you for this lunch, and let's eat together," Joseph warmly greeted Erina. They sat down and began to enjoy their meal.

 

Erina couldn't help but asked Joseph about the lady "Joseph, who's that lady?" she inquired.

 

Joseph took a moment to answer, then replied, "Oh, that lady? She's Eliza. She offered me a chance to join her organization as a mech pilot."

 

Curious, Erina asked, "So, what's your answer, Joseph?"

 

Joseph responded, "I've decided to join them. She's going to meet me tomorrow."

 

Erina smiled brightly and congratulated him, saying, "That's wonderful, Joseph! I'm really happy for you. Your dream is finally coming true."

 

"Thankyou Erina" said Joseph with feeling a blank

 

"Whats the matter Joseph? Aren't you happy?" asked Erina

 

Joseph hesitated for a moment and then admitted, "I don't know how I feel, Erina. Everything is happening so suddenly."

 

Erina smiled warmly at Joseph and said, "It's like your prayers and hopes are finally being answered. This is going to be a new chapter in your life, Joseph, and I believe you're going to succeed."

 

Joseph nodded, his heart feeling lighter with Erina's support. "If that's what you mean, then I'll choose to believe it like that. Thank you, Erina," he expressed his gratitude and Erina with warm smile.

 

"Goodbye, Joseph. Take care," Erina said with a smile before heading on her way back home. Joseph waved her off and returned to his work.

 

At night Joseph return home and entered the house and called out, "I'm home."

 

Jennifer, who was in the living room, turned to him and asked, "How was your day at work?"

 

"It was fine, but something unexpected happened. I met someone named Eliza, and she offered me a chance to join her organization called The Silver Prism as a mech pilot," Joseph replied.

 

Jennifer looked at him with a warm smile and inquired, "And what did you decide?"

 

Joseph hesitated for a moment before answering, "I said yes, Jennifer. I'm going to join them. But, you know, I can't quite explain this feeling that's come over me all of a sudden."

 

Jennifer looked at Joseph with a comforting smile and replied, "Joseph, what you're feeling is completely natural. It's the excitement of a new opportunity, a chance to pursue your dream. Embrace it, and remember that we're here to support you every step of the way."

 

Joseph nodded, his worries starting to fade away, and he said, "But I'm going to miss you, Jennifer, and I don't know when I'll be able to visit you..."

 

"It's okay, Joseph. I understand. If there's a chance, feel free to visit me," said Jennifer as she hugged Joseph, providing him with comfort and reassurance.

 

After their embrace, Jennifer reached into a drawer and retrieved a necklace. She handed it to Joseph, saying, "This is for you, Joseph. It was with you when the day I found you, and I want you to wear it."

 

As usual, Joseph wore his necklace. The next day, he met with Eliza. "Hello, Joseph. Good morning. Have you made your decision?" Eliza inquired.

 

Joseph replied with determination, "Yes, I will join you."

 

"Good. Now, follow me," Eliza instructed. Joseph followed her as she led him to The Silver Prism's motherbase. To his surprise, it was a massive ship that had landed safely.

 

"Welcome to The Silver Prism. Come to my office," Eliza said, gesturing for Joseph to follow her.

 

While Eliza and Joseph were walking through the ship, they encountered various employees, engineers, and pilots. Each one of them saluted and addressed Eliza respectfully as "boss."

 

Joseph asked Eliza, "A boss? How can a young woman like you be the boss?"

 

Eliza replied, "A young woman? Hahaha, what are you talking about? I'm already in my late thirties."

 

"But you look young, Eliza," said Joseph.

 

Eliza remained silent, and they continued walking to her office.

 

As they entered the office room, Eliza offered Joseph a seat and began the interview. She asked, "So, Joseph, you worked as a Junk Part Collector, huh? How long have you been doing that?"

 

Joseph replied, "Around 2 years. I've been working as a Junk Part Collector."

 

"I see... We've already watched the footage of you during the mech pilot test, and we see a lot of potential in you to be a mech pilot," said Eliza.

 

She continued, "Joseph, what drove you to become a mech pilot?"

 

Joseph replied, "Becoming a mech pilot is my dream. I want to serve our society, to be their savior" as Joseph he doesn't told his true intention what drove him to be a mech pilot, but the truth is, he's still remember the word from the mysterious old man.

 

Eliza continued, "Joseph, you must understand that being a mech pilot is not just about being a hero or a savior to serve society. You must understand that some people will see you as a hero or savior, while others will see you as their enemy. You cannot satisfy both parties."

 

Joseph replied, "I understand that, but I have my own principles."

 

Eliza leaned back in her chair and regarded him. "So, a junk boy like you has principles, huh? You must remember, Joseph, that The Silver Prism is more than just a private organization. We're a paramilitary group with no affiliation to any major powers. We're dedicated to eradicating war through armed interventions. Essentially, we're freelancers, and I'm the foundation."

 

Eliza she continued "Our philosophy. We believe in a world where war and conflict no longer plague humanity. We're driven by the idea that armed interventions, when necessary, can bring about a more peaceful world. However, it's a path filled with ambiguity and moral complexity."

 

She continued, "As members of The Silver Prism, we must make difficult choices. We must be prepared to bear the weight of our decisions, knowing that some will see us as heroes while others will view us as the enemy. It's a challenging journey where we aim to minimize suffering and protect the innocent, but it often means we have to confront those who perpetuate violence."

 

"If that whats you believe in your philosophy then i joined" said Joseph

 

"Alright then, a pleasure to work with you Joseph" Eliza extended her hand, and Joseph shook it firmly, sealing their agreement.

 

"Follow me, Joseph. We're going to meet our engineers and bring your mech here," Eliza said with a confident smile.

 

Joseph followed Eliza, a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling inside him. He couldn't wait to introduce his mech to the experts of The Silver Prism.

 

Once they reached the hangar, Eliza introduced the engineers. "Joseph, these are our talented engineers: Sally, Max, and Kotu. They'll be taking care of everything related to your mech's maintenance and upgrades."

 

Joseph greeted them with a friendly nod, feeling a sense of relief knowing that his mech would be in capable hands.

 

Kotu eagerly asked, "Joseph, can we see your mech, the control system, its mechanism, and the core?"

 

Joseph replied with pride, "Sure, you can." He proceeded to show them his scratch-built mech, assembled from collected junk parts.

 

Max couldn't help but express his amazement, saying, "What is this? Even the control system is incredibly complicated."

 

Sally chimed in, equally impressed, "To think that someone like you could build a mech like this."

 

As Kotu examined the mysterious GENESIS core, he raised an eyebrow and remarked, "What is this core? I haven't seen a model like it before, and it's labeled G.E.N.E.S.I.S."

 

Eliza remained silent, her thoughts returning to the conversation she had with Commander Alexander about the GENESIS. She decided to withhold the information for now.

 

Eliza led Joseph to another part of the ship and introduced him to his trainer, Jericho. She explained, "Joseph, this is Jericho. From now on, he will train you to become a better mech pilot, and remember, a great mech pilot needs to develop strong mental and psychic abilities as well."

 

Jericho extended his hand with a welcoming smile, saying, "Nice to meet you, Joseph."

 

Afterward, Eliza showed Joseph to his own room, where he would stay during his training. She said, "And this is going to be your room. Rest well tonight, as tomorrow will be the start of your intense training."

 

The next day began with Joseph on his intense training with Jericho as his trainer. From dawn until dusk, they worked tirelessly to improve Joseph's skills as a mech pilot. Jericho pushed Joseph to his limits, honing his reflexes, tactical thinking, and psychic abilities.

 

Under Jericho's guidance, Joseph learned advanced combat techniques, practiced precision shooting with his mech's weaponry, and delved deep into the intricacies of controlling his mech. They also focused on developing Joseph's mental resilience, crucial for a mech pilot who might face intense combat situations.

 

Throughout the grueling training sessions, Joseph's determination and dedication shone. Despite the challenges, he showed remarkable progress, impressing both Jericho and Eliza with his unwavering commitment to becoming the best mech pilot he could be.

 

Meanwhile Eliza paid a visit to Commander Alexander's office, where he awaited her arrival. After exchanging pleasantries, the Commander inquired about Joseph's progress.

 

"He's doing well," Eliza began confidently. "Jericho has taken charge of his training, and it's confirmed that the young man possesses the GENESIS core."

 

Commander Alexander nodded, acknowledging the significance of this discovery. "I see. In that case, Eliza, ensure his safety. The GENESIS core is a valuable asset, and we must harness its potential for the greater good."

 

Eliza met his gaze with a firm commitment. "You have my word, Commander. Joseph's training and safety are among our top priorities." With their understanding clear, Eliza departed from the Commander's office,

 

The next day, after Joseph had completed his grueling training under Jericho's guidance, the sense of accomplishment filled the air. Jericho congratulated Joseph on his progress. "Congratulations, Joseph. You've completed your training," said, Jericho.

 

However, their celebration was short-lived as Eliza entered the training area. She had a stern expression on her face. "No, Joseph, you're not done with your training just yet," she announced, her voice unwavering. "You must prove yourself by completing your first mission. It's the ultimate test to demonstrate that you're ready."

 

Joseph's curiosity was piqued as he asked, "My first mission?"

 

Eliza confirmed with a decisive nod. "Yes, your first mission. Come with me."