After the academy closed for the day, Logan Pendragon from the Alpha region stepped into the sleek black car waiting for him outside the gates. His driver, Jonathan, greeted him warmly.
"Good evening, young master Logan. How was class today?" Jonathan asked, glancing at Logan through the rearview mirror.
"Very well, Jonathan," Logan replied, his voice calm but distant as he settled into the back seat.
"Off to the Pendragon estate, then?" Jonathan inquired, ready to head to their usual destination.
Logan shook his head slightly, looking out the window. "Not yet, Jonathan. I need to go to the Delta region. I have to check something at the Squad Zero headquarters."
Jonathan raised an eyebrow in the mirror. "The Delta region? But, young master, you could check Squad Zero's department here in the Central City. It would be much more convenient."
Logan leaned back, his expression growing more serious. "The department here doesn't have the information I need. The Delta headquarters is the only place that holds what I'm looking for."
Jonathan nodded respectfully, knowing better than to question the young Pendragon further. "Very well, young master. But be sure to inform your father about this visit when you return."
Logan smirked, his piercing blue eyes flickering with a hint of amusement. "I will, Jonathan. Don't worry."
The car pulled away from the academy and headed toward the Delta region, weaving through the busy streets of Central City before crossing the border into the Delta. Logan's thoughts were elsewhere, focused on his task. Squad Zero's headquarters held crucial records that he needed to access—information that could determine his future within the academy and beyond. His ambitions were high, and he wasn't one to leave things to chance.
As they neared the Squad Zero headquarters, something caught Logan's attention. He noticed a commotion on the side of the street—one of the noblemen from his region, Snknifes, was bullying a small girl, laughing cruelly as she cried. Logan's eyes narrowed. He despised such behavior, especially from someone who lied to his father about being ill.
But before Logan could even intervene, he saw a familiar figure—that peasant, Asher Starline—marching toward the scene. Asher was filled with rage as he confronted Snknifes and threw him to the ground like a rag doll. Logan watched, intrigued, as Asher picked up the girl and offered her comfort.
"Interesting," Logan muttered to himself as the car slowed to a halt.
"Young master?" Jonathan asked, unsure of what Logan was thinking.
Logan didn't respond immediately, his eyes still locked on Asher. There was something about that boy—something raw, untamed, and full of potential. He had seen Asher around the academy, heard the rumors about him being hated and feared, but Logan had always dismissed them as irrelevant. Now, however, Asher had his attention.
"Stop the car," Logan finally said.
Jonathan obediently pulled the limo over as Logan stepped out to confront the scene, and the rest unfolded: Asher's bold defiance, his strength, and his complete disregard for Logan's noble status. Logan wasn't sure whether to be amused or insulted by Asher's attitude, but one thing was certain—this boy wasn't like the others.
As Logan drove off after the encounter, his mind remained on Asher. "Squad Zero," Logan muttered to himself. "That peasant boy I'll need to get some information about him I'll though record later. For now let me focus on reaching squad zero herd quarterChapter 9: The Search for Information
Logan stepped out of the sleek black limo as they arrived at Squad Zero Headquarters, a massive, advanced building with towering spires and reinforced walls. The structure radiated power and prestige, fitting for one of the most elite squads in all of Elaris. Logan straightened his coat and made his way to the glass doors, which slid open automatically.
Inside, the air was cool and the lobby was impeccably clean, with sleek, modern furniture. Behind the front desk sat a receptionist with a warm smile.
"Hello, welcome to Squad Zero Headquarters. I'm Ashley," she greeted, her voice professional yet friendly. "Do you have an appointment, or are you just visiting today?"
Logan gave a brief nod. "I'm here to see Captain Kael Arcturus," he said with an air of authority, fully expecting that his request would be granted immediately.
Ashley's smile faltered for a moment. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry, sir. Captain Kael isn't available at the moment."
Logan frowned, clearly displeased. "I don't have time to come back later. I need to speak with him now. This is important."
Ashley maintained her composure, her voice still calm and polite. "I understand, but there's nothing I can do at the moment. If you'd like, I can take your contact information, and we'll have Captain Arcturus get in touch with you as soon as he's available."
Logan clenched his jaw, frustration building. "I need information from him—about someone. What about Vice Captain Liora? Can I speak with her?"
Ashley's face grew more apologetic. "I'm afraid Vice Captain Liora isn't available either. She's currently with the captain on an important mission, and I don't know when they'll be back."
Logan took a step back, clearly annoyed. "So there's no one here who can help me?"
"Not with the kind of information you're looking for," Ashley replied, still calm despite the growing tension. "I really am sorry, sir."
Without another word, Logan turned and headed toward the exit, his irritation palpable. "Have a nice day, sir," Ashley called after him, though Logan didn't bother to respond.
As he stepped outside, Jonathan was already waiting by the limo, holding the door open. "No luck, young master?" he asked as Logan climbed back into the car.
"None," Logan replied curtly, shutting the door behind him.
"Shall I drive us back to the estate, then?" Jonathan asked as they pulled out of the parking lot.
Logan shook his head. "No. Head to the teleportation station. I need to return to the Alpha region. The car won't make it in time."
Jonathan nodded, making a quick turn toward the teleportation station. "Very well, young master. We should be there shortly."
Logan sat back in the plush leather seat, his mind racing. He had expected Squad Zero Headquarters to provide the information he needed, but now he'd have to find another way. Time was of the essence, and the delay was frustrating.
As they approached the teleportation station, Logan's thoughts drifted back to the encounter with Asher Starline. That boy was a wildcard, someone who didn't fit into the usual mold of the academy. Perhaps there was something more to him, something that could be useful.