Lloyd POV
Standing before the towering edifice of Sapphire Heights, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and trepidation. The luxurious hotel, with its gleaming façade and imposing presence, seemed like an unlikely choice for the headquarters of the Order of Assassins. Yet, its opulent surroundings provided the perfect cover for their clandestine operations, offering assassins anonymity, privacy, security, and access to targets.
As we gazed up at the impressive structure, Pluto's question broke the silence, drawing my attention away from the imposing building.
"Why did you choose a hotel?" Pluto inquired, his curiosity evident in his tone. "Out of all the choices."
I considered the question for a moment, pondering my decision to align ourselves with the Order despite my reservations.
"Well, for one thing, it's inconspicuous," I explained, gesturing towards the grand exterior of Sapphire Heights. "It's not the kind of place where people would expect to find an organization like the Order of Assassins operating."
Pluto nodded in understanding, though he still seemed unsure about our chosen location.
"Plus," I continued, "it offers us a level of security and access to resources that we wouldn't have elsewhere. And let's not forget the convenience of having everything we need right at our fingertips."
Pluto mulled over my words, gradually coming to terms with our unconventional choice of headquarters. "Alright, I see your point," he conceded, albeit reluctantly. "But it still feels a bit... risky, doesn't it?"
I offered a reassuring smile, though inwardly, I couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that lingered in the back of my mind.
"It's a calculated risk," I replied, my tone confident despite my reservations. "And sometimes, you have to take risks to achieve your goals."
Before we even set foot inside the grand lobby of Sapphire Heights, a cheerful woman approached us, her demeanor exuding warmth and hospitality.
"Hello, you must be Lloyd and Bois," she greeted us with a smile, extending her hand in welcome.
Pluto, always one to assert his own identity, shook her hand firmly. "Call me Pluto," he corrected her with a friendly grin.
As she led us into the opulent interior of the hotel, she began to extol its virtues. "Sapphire Heights isn't just any hotel; it's a world unto itself," she explained, her voice tinged with pride.
We exchanged curious glances as we took in our surroundings, the lavish décor and bustling activity of the lobby hinting at the hotel's prestigious reputation. Guests of all ages and backgrounds were milling about, some checking in at the front desk while others lounged in the plush seating areas.
"As interns here, you'll have the opportunity to experience the inner workings of one of the most prestigious hotels in the world," the woman continued, her words captivating our attention. "From learning the art of hospitality to understanding the intricacies of event planning and guest services, this internship will offer you invaluable insights into the hospitality industry."
She led us toward the check-in desk, where a team of impeccably dressed staff members stood ready to assist us with our needs. "As interns, you'll have access to all areas of the hotel," she elaborated, her enthusiasm infectious. "From the bustling kitchens to the elegant ballrooms, you'll be able to immerse yourselves in every aspect of hotel operations."
I nodded along, already envisioning the potential benefits of such an internship. With access to the inner workings of the hotel, I could gather valuable information about its layout and security measures, crucial details for our mission.
"But remember," the woman added, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "there's more to the Sapphire Height than meets the eye. Beneath its glamorous exterior lies a world of secrets and intrigue. Who knows what mysteries await those who dare to uncover them?"
With that tantalizing remark, the woman gestured for us to follow her as she led us toward the elevator, eager to show us the wonders that lay hidden within the hotel's labyrinthine corridors. As we stepped into the elevator, I couldn't shake the feeling that our internship at Sapphire Heights would be anything but ordinary.
…
Pluto's brows furrowed in contemplation as he scrutinized the paper provided by the school, his expression reflecting his skepticism. "So, overall, the internship would provide the interns with a well-rounded learning experience, helping them develop essential skills, gain industry knowledge, and prepare for future careers in the hospitality sector?" he queried, his voice laced with doubt. "I don't think any of those skills will be of use."
"You're right," I replied, setting down my cup of tea and meeting his gaze. "Those skills are not what we are here for. We are here to get stronger."
We were currently seated in the break room, having just concluded a lengthy tour led by the hotel staff. For the past 45 minutes, we had been shown the various facilities and amenities of Sapphire Heights, but my mind was preoccupied with other thoughts. I glanced at the map that the woman had given us, my mind already pondering where within the hotel's expansive confines an entire organization could be concealed. Pluto, sensing my distraction, leaned in closer, his voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper.
"Why do we need to train with bloodthirsty assassins?" he queried, his concern evident. "We are ability users, and you are stronger than them combined."
I leaned back in my chair, considering his words carefully. "That is why we need to train," I explained, my tone grave. "Do you remember what happened to me during the Elemental Games? I experienced an ability overflow, and I don't want that to happen again."
Pluto's expression softened with understanding, the memory of that harrowing experience still fresh in his mind. He took a sip from his glass, the clink of the ice cubes against the glass echoing in the quiet room. There was no need for further explanation; he knew the importance of honing our abilities and preparing for any future challenges that may arise.
A hand gently touched my shoulder, drawing my attention away from the map I had been studying intently. "Are you guys the interns?"
I looked up to find a young man standing before me, his features strikingly familiar. For a moment, I felt a pang of unease, as if I had encountered him somewhere before. His resemblance to the man I had met at Blossom Peak was uncanny, and I couldn't shake the feeling of déjà vu. Quickly composing myself, I averted my gaze, unwilling to betray any hint of recognition. I noticed the distinct black tattoo on his hand, identical to the one I had seen before. It was clear that he, too, was associated with the Order of Assassins.
Pluto, ever the sociable one, rose from his seat to greet the young man. "Yes, we are," he replied with a polite smile. "Are you an employee here?"
The young man returned the handshake, his demeanor calm and collected. "Indeed I am," he confirmed. "I've been a part of this community for quite some time."
I nodded in acknowledgment, intrigued by his response. "You seem quite young. Have you recently joined the staff?" I inquired, attempting to steer the conversation in a casual direction.
A shadow passed over the young man's face, and he hesitated for a moment before answering. "I used to have an older brother who worked here," he explained, his tone tinged with sadness. "I joined the staff as soon as I had the opportunity."
His words sent a jolt of realization through me. So, he was the younger brother of the man I had eliminated during our encounter at Blossom Peak. Although I felt no remorse for my actions, I knew that revealing the truth could complicate matters significantly. Suppressing any outward signs of discomfort, I maintained a composed facade, silently resolving to tread carefully in his presence.
I raised an eyebrow inquisitively, unable to resist probing further into the young man's past. " 'Used to'?" I echoed, feigning curiosity. "Did he leave for a better job?" It was a calculated question, intended to gauge his reaction and ascertain whether he was aware of his brother's demise. If he showed any sign of ignorance, it would suggest that the organization was concealing the truth from him.
The young man's expression shifted imperceptibly, a flicker of discomfort passing through his features before he composed himself. "Ah, no," he responded, his tone tinged with melancholy. "Unfortunately, he met an untimely end. It was a tragic loss for our family." His words carried a weight of sorrow, hinting at the depth of his grief over his brother's demise.
My suspicions were confirmed. The organization had indeed kept him in the dark about his brother's fate, shielding him from the harsh reality of his death. I maintained a neutral expression, masking any hint of surprise or concern that might betray my knowledge of the truth. It was a delicate balance, navigating the complexities of deception while keeping my true intentions hidden.
Pluto glanced at me, sensing the tension in the air, but I offered him a reassuring nod, silently signaling that everything was under control. As the conversation continued, I resolved to proceed with caution, mindful of the delicate web of lies and half-truths that surrounded us. In the world of espionage and intrigue, deception was often the only currency that mattered, and I was prepared to play the game to its fullest extent.