Morning light filtered weakly through grimy windows, casting a dull glow over the Containment Hub. Haruto, Edward, and I walked through the large sliding doors, greeted by the pervasive scent of rotting flesh and industrial cleaners. The facility was a hive of activity—workers in heavy-duty gear scurried about, their movements efficient and precise as they dealt with the remains of Abyssal Creatures.
The Hub's interior was a chaotic symphony of noise: the constant hum of machinery, the clatter of tools, and the occasional hiss of steam. Carcasses of Abyssal Creatures lay sprawled on metal tables, waiting to be processed. Lesser Scourges, with their spiked limbs and insect-like exoskeletons, were being dismantled alongside Intermediate Terrors, which were bulkier and more intimidating even in death.
I took a moment to scan the environment, noting the diversity of the remains. The creatures varied not only in size but also in their grotesque features. Some had hideous, almost serpentine forms, while others resembled twisted, oversized versions of terrestrial predators. The sight was a grim reminder of the threat we faced daily.
Shiori, our supervisor, approached with her usual authoritative air. Her hair was pulled back into a tight bun, emphasizing her strong features and the no-nonsense attitude she carried. Her sleeves were rolled up, revealing muscular arms that spoke of years of labor. Her sharp brown eyes, often stern, now held a flicker of expectation.
"Morning," she said, her voice brisk and commanding. "We've got a significant amount of work today. The remains from yesterday's battle are more complex than usual, and I need everyone to be at their best."
She gestured to two new faces standing nearby. One was a tall woman with auburn hair tied back in a ponytail and vibrant green eyes that sparkled with confidence. The other had a slender build, sharp features, and deep brown eyes, her dark hair framing a reserved but intelligent expression.
"This is Lana Stone and Amira Rahman," Shiori continued. "Lana's from the U.S. and has a background in engineering and combat support. Amira specializes in Abyssal anatomy and medical sciences."
Haruto looked at Shiori, raising an eyebrow. "We've already got a solid team working together. Do we really need to bring in new people?"
Edward nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we've been handling things pretty well on our own."
Shiori's expression remained unyielding. "This is your new team. Lana and Amira's expertise is crucial for today's tasks. Adjusting is part of the job. Now, let's get to work."
I met Shiori's gaze, acknowledging her directive with a nod. "Integrating new members will be necessary for optimal performance. I'll make sure our skills align."
Lana stepped forward, her smile friendly and her tone light. "You seem pretty focused, Nexus. Is this your first time dealing with these kinds of remains?"
I extended my hand to her, my response measured. "It's only my second day here. I'm still adjusting."
Lana chuckled softly. "Well, it's good to have someone who takes things seriously. Pretty boys like you are always welcome."
Haruto, ever eager to join the banter, grinned and gestured to himself. "What about me? Am I a pretty boy too?"
Before Lana could respond, Amira spoke, her voice soft but thoughtful. "It's impressive how calm you stay amidst all this. Seeing these creatures up close can be pretty unsettling. They look so different in person compared to how they're described."
I looked at Amira, my expression neutral but with a hint of appreciation for her observation. "Staying composed is essential. Emotional responses can compromise efficiency. I find that focusing on the task helps manage the discomfort."
Lana's smile widened as she took in my response. "Well, it sounds like you've got a good handle on things. That's a valuable trait around here."
Amira nodded, adding, "Definitely. Not everyone can keep their cool with these things. It's a skill in itself."
The conversation remained light, with Lana and Amira's friendly curiosity balancing my reserved demeanor. I kept my responses brief, maintaining a certain distance to avoid revealing too much about myself.
The team then began working. The facility buzzed with activity as we tackled the day's tasks. Lana's strength was evident as she handled the more challenging parts of the carcasses, her movements precise and confident. Amira's careful approach ensured accuracy as she navigated the complex anatomy of the creatures. I observed their techniques, contributing efficiently and adapting quickly to the workflow.
The disassembly of the creatures was methodical and intense. Each stage required meticulous attention to detail, from removing the outer exoskeletons to carefully extracting usable materials from within. The Intermediate Terrors, with their thicker hides and more complex internal structures, demanded even greater focus.
I noticed Lana working beside Haruto, her movements fluid and practiced. She was clearly skilled, and her presence had a positive impact on the team's efficiency. Amira, on the other hand, worked more quietly but with an evident depth of knowledge. She handled the more delicate tasks with a precision that spoke of her background in medical sciences.
Haruto, ever the social one, used the opportunity to chat with Lana and Amira. "So, Lana, do they teach you how to disassemble monsters in the U.S., or is that just a natural talent?"
Lana laughed. "A bit of both. You'd be surprised what you pick up when you're motivated. Experience and skill go hand in hand."
Shiori, clearly focused on the task at hand, shot Haruto a disapproving look. "Less talking, more working. These carcasses won't process themselves."
Haruto grinned sheepishly but continued to exchange playful remarks with the group. Despite Shiori's scolding, his light-heartedness helped maintain a positive atmosphere.
As we worked, I couldn't help but notice the way the team was starting to gel. Lana's straightforward approach complemented Amira's careful precision, while Haruto's easygoing nature helped balance the intensity of the task. I found myself adapting to their dynamics, contributing where my efficiency and tactical mindset were most needed.
Around midday, we took a break to grab lunch. The cafeteria was a stark contrast to the noisy, hectic environment of the processing area. The quiet allowed for a more relaxed conversation, and the change of pace was welcome.
Edward, taking a bite of his sandwich, glanced around. "It's a good thing we only had to deal with Lesser Scourges and an Intermediate Terror yesterday. I don't even want to think about facing anything stronger."
Amira nodded, her expression contemplative. "Yes, anything beyond an Intermediate can be overwhelming. If a Forsaken showed up, it would likely obliterate the base. We're lucky it hasn't happened."
Lana leaned back, taking in the surroundings. "The way they rank these creatures—Scourge, Terror, Forsaken—it's like each level is more twisted than the last. It's a terrifying hierarchy."
I listened, adding my thoughts when appropriate. "The ranking system is designed to reflect the threat level. It helps us strategize effectively and prioritize our resources."
The conversation flowed naturally, with everyone contributing their thoughts and experiences. It was a rare moment of camaraderie amid the demanding work, and it helped solidify our growing team dynamics.
Lana, looking thoughtful, added, "You know, the most dangerous part of dealing with these creatures isn't just their strength. It's their unpredictability. You can never be sure what you're going to get until you're face-to-face with them."
I nodded in agreement. "That's why preparation and adaptability are key. Knowing the characteristics and behaviors of each type helps us stay ahead."
As lunch wrapped up, we returned to the Hub to continue our tasks. The work was demanding but manageable. The team's cohesion had improved, and the efficiency of our operations reflected that.
The remainder of the day involved carefully dismembering the carcasses, extracting usable materials, and disposing of the rest. Shiori's presence was a constant reminder of the high standards expected, but her approval was evident in the way she observed our progress.
As the clock neared 4 PM, Shiori gave us a nod of approval. "Good work today. Clean up and store your tools. We'll continue tomorrow."
The day ended as we tidied up our workspace, carefully storing away our tools. The hum of the Containment Hub's machinery slowly quieted, replaced by the rustle of workers finishing their tasks. I noticed Shiori lingering near the exit, her gaze focused on me with a level of intensity that hinted at something more than just the day's work.
"Nexus," she called, her voice carrying a hint of something unspoken. "Before you head out, there's something we need to discuss."
I turned to face her, my expression neutral but attentive. "Understood."
She nodded, her stern demeanor unchanged. "Meet me in my office in the administration building next to the supply room. It won't take long." Then she left swiftly not looking back.
As I turned to leave, Haruto shot me a teasing grin. "Looks like you hit a nerve with Shiori. Maybe you were too focused today—should've thrown in a joke or two."
Edward chuckled and gave Haruto a light shove. "Nexus doesn't need to lighten up. If anything, Shiori probably just wants to commend him."
I kept my expression neutral, brushing off their remarks. "It's likely just a standard debrief. Nothing to worry about."
Haruto smirked, giving me a playful nudge. "Just don't let her chew you out too much."
Without a word, I walked toward the administration building, my mind already turning to what Shiori might have to say.
'Although, I have a pretty good idea of what it might be about.'