The sun shines brightly on the wet sidewalk. The little morning dews that reflect the light is simple but pretty. The rain was surprisingly heavy the night before but this morning's view certainly makes light of it.

I walk across a few corners, occasionally sprinting between blocks. I hold my slightly heavy slingbag as I make my way through the central of J Faction. Through the crowds, across the crossings, a few detours in building gaps and alleyways...until I reach the entrance to the East Quadrant. I've been running since earlier, at least I can catch a ride here. "When I get off, I'll book it." I think to myself as I was getting the ticket to Hakraski Station.

I can't be late, this job was one of my few chances at earning quick cash. Reptile Cleaning Company is a place that allows anyone to work as long as they can fit the requirements. Aside from the fact that you don't need experience since they'll teach you for the year you're there as a recruit, the pay is decent even if you're working part-time. By decent, I mean "at least makes ends meet" as long as I live alone. Really, this huge place is such a forgiving company.

I make my way to the office as I have been instructed, follow the guide along with other recruits, put on my blue uniform over my clothes in the changing room, and it's time for first hands-on learning at this company.

...

I mean, I expected it, but for a job that's literally about cleaning, this is harder than I thought. I'm cleaning this entire room by myself? Why are there so many different types of cleaning tools for the same job?! Why is there a mysterious looking liquid oozing from that vent? And apparently this is normal! How is this in any way normal??

*Sigh,* I take a deep breath and tell myself to man up and deal with it. It's hard but it's not like I won't get used to it. Let's see...everyone else is doing their tasks diligently. Seems like I'm the only one complaining. But then again, what is there to complain about? Ahh...*"I can't do this...",* thinking is hard, I should just do what I need to do.

____

After a grueling first day, I managed to pass the tryout. A test to see whether or not the recruits even know what they're doing or going to do. A surprising amount of people are absolutely inept at it. Though looking at them now...hmm...guess even desperate people aren't really desperate. After a some time has passed, us recruits who passed are now being called back to the examination room (we were made to wait in seperate rooms based on excellency during the tryout.) Three senior cleaners, each holding files, are now calling names one by one. Seperating and grouping us...hmm? Couldn't they just do this earlier?

*Something's off...,* my thoughts were interrupted when someone tapped my shoulder. It was the person behind me.

"huh?", I ask the stranger.

"Don't space out, the both of us were called. Recruit 256 and 231 they said. Look, the guy on the middle is darting his eyes everywhere, ahaha." The stranger says, though despite his...no, her? Despite...their tone, I don't think think they mean any harm."

"E...huhhh???", I ask rather surprised. " S-s-shouldn't we go to them now???"

"I know, just waited for you to stop pondering." They say, not really a comforting statement.

Without thinking much, I grab them by their arm and forcefully dragged them towards our supposed actual guide.

"Woah, hey!", they said, surprised. " Man, you could've just said so..."

"I DID say so! C'mon, use your legs, don't tell me you actually want me to drag you towards him." I say, a bit annoyed. They looked at me a bit astonished.

"Hmm, well, okay then."

The man in the Black Outfit glanced at us a bit, but in contrast to my expectations, he just sighed.

"Huh? What's this? Thought he'd be mad..." They say, sounding a bit sad for some reason.

"Well, isn't it a good thing? At least he's kind even for just this one time." I tell them.

"..."

"?"

"Taravir. It's a mouthful so call me Tara instead. Kinda weird we're the only two guys in this guy's team."

".....eh?"

"Come on now, I told you my name so tell me yours. The other teams are already starting introductions and our goddamn guide went away somewhere for some reason."

"Oh...Jess. That's my name."

"...Kinda jealous that your name is very short."

"Don't be, Taravir is a unique name."

"But it's a mouthful. I don't like it."

"..."

"Pf..."

We started chuckling amongst ourselves.

"Ahaha, you are a funny one. Earlier you were so timid and caught up in your thoughts, then moments ago you sounded so serious, and now you're complementing me and even joking around a bit. Mood swings much?" They chuckle more, almost sounding like they'll burst into laughter the more they think about it.

"H-hey! It's not like...uhh..."

"Ahaha! Now you're finding reasons just because I pointed out something simple! You're funny, really!"

"Stop! Seriously just stop!" My face was red beyond belief.

"Aww...don't be like that. Fine, fine. I'll stop...pff.."

"..."

I give up. Though they did stop laughing their weird smile is enough of a sign to show that she didn't actually stop laughing. Ah, whatever, our guide is back and we seem to have gotten along well. Though it was a bit annoying, can't say it was a bad experience.

"Hey, that guy's back. You should seriously stop doing that."

"I am...I did stop didn't I...pffft..."

"*Sigh*"

The other groups were starting to go do their own things. As with us too.

"Seems like you guys are the only ones assigned to this group. Well, at least you get along. Now then...since everyone else has dispersed might as well brief you guys here and now. Got enough space from the others so this shouldn't be much of a problem." He says, a bit carefreely.

"...?" The both of us felt that there was something slightly off with that statement.

"What? There something wrong? Sure you two can guess why we still split the recruits up even though they were already grouped by efficiency."

"What do you mean?" Taravir asks, with a very serious tone. They were glaring at him even.

"I...I'm confused too..." I say, it's not like I'm lying.

He opens his mouth,"Ehh, you guys say that but I'mm sure you've noticed *some things.* The information I'm gonna tell you guys are rather common knowedge but in this context, and by that I mean higher than this place, well, guess for yourself."

"...Not very convincing. In fact, it's more confusing." Taravir states again.

"Come now...do I have to explain every nitty-gritty? I mean...almost 1/4 of the notes I'm supposed to tell you I already did."

"Then tell us the rest. And if what you already said is already *almost 1/4* of what you were supposed to tell us then elaborate." I speak up very firmly. Seems he was taken aback.

"Ugh...good thing I brought copies. Here, follow along with I'm gonna say. Still need to give you guys a tour of this place too...."