A woman's voice answered, steady and composed, "Understood, sir," accompanied by the faint shuffle of papers.
"Subject profiles," she began.
Yoichi Hasegawa
Age: 16
Status: Abducted/Forcefully taken
Adaptable and quick, with natural leadership qualities.
Kadeen Luminia
Age: 16
Status: Abducted
Resourceful, exceptionally intelligent, and proficient in combat. A quick thinker who makes calculated decisions.
Ewald Darshaft
Age: 17
Status: Purchased from traders
Observant and calm under pressure. Skilled in problem-solving and never reveals his hand too soon. Highly unpredictable.
Nijimu Ghent
Age: 17
Status: Recruited
Short-tempered and defiant, especially under command. Despite his brashness, his capabilities are undeniable.
Juravell Jingo
Age: 16
Status: Recruited
Charismatic and deceptive, skilled at guising intentions. Swift, stealthy, and efficient when necessary.
Mark Vorath
Age: 17
Status: Rescued from captivity
Responsible and fiercely loyal. Exceptional at assessing situations and finding the least risky solutions.
"These are all of them, sir," she concluded, stepping back signaling her task was done.
The man leaned into his chair, his fingers brushing lightly along the edge of the armrest. "I see," he said after a pause, deciding... "Get them ready. They leave tomorrow." His words slowed, a sharp edge creeping into them. "And tell Ruven to keep a close watch."
Without hesitation, the woman bowed and exited. Her footsteps echoed softly against the polished floor, fading into the silence of the room.
"What's your take on them, Aspen?" the man asked, his words seemingly directed at the empty space beside him.
A figure emerged from the shadows with steady, unhurried steps. His hands buried inside the his black coat he had on. Though his face was obscured by a blindfold, he turned toward the man with uncanny accuracy. Making the blindfold he had on seem almost irrelevant.
"They'll suffice," he responded with a smooth grounded voice, almost conversational. "They're capable enough for what's ahead."
The man let his hands rest on his lap, almost carelessly, as he leaned further into his seat. "And the border?"
Aspen tilted his head slightly, as though conjuring an image from memory. "Möglich is still stationed at their camp. He hasn't stirred much.. it feels like he's waiting, though for what, I can't say. A signal maybe, or an order. Odd behavior for someone planning an attack, especially knowing Kisuke would have been alerted by now.
"But his soldiers, they're another story. They've been wandering into Heichi. Drinking themselves into oblivion, slipping into motels. They don't bother paying half the time. It's a mess, but they always leave before anyone can deal with it."
The man closed his eyes for a brief moment, a sigh escaping his lips. "Still nothing?" he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.
After a beat, his eyes opened again, sharper now. "They'll handle Möglich. They should. I don't care about the others, just him."
Aspen's head tilted slightly again, as though weighing his words. "And if they can't?"
A short, dry laugh escaped the man. "They will." His voice left no room for doubt. "You'll watch them, won't you, Aspen?"
He straightened slightly, the shadows playing across his figure. "If that's what you want."
The man's eyes gleamed faintly, though his face remained composed. "Follow them if you have to, but don't let Ruven know. Watch, but don't interfere."
Aspen gave the faintest nod and, without another word, retreated back into the shadows, his presence fading as quickly as it had appeared.
×××
They were more relaxed now, the tension from Haze's earlier briefing having eased somewhat until the sound of movement beyond the door drew their attention.
The door creaked open, and she stepped in.
Her entrance alone shifted the energy in the room. She moved with effortless grace, her strides unhurried yet confident, her figure framed by fitted black leather trousers that hugged her form like a second skin. Solid boots that grounded her elegance with practicality, while her charcoal-gray blouse, with its softened sleeves, exuded understated sophistication.
Her face drew their attention instantly, as if it had been sculpted with the care reserved for a masterpiece. Her cheeks holding a natural flush that seemed almost kissed by the softest touch of pink, giving her a vibrant, almost ethereal glow. Her lips, delicate and perfectly shaped, gleamed softly, catching the light like freshly bloomed petals kissed with dew.
Her hair was as dark as obsidian, styled perfectly and held in place by a classy medium-sized hairpin that shimmered softly in the dim light. Loose strands of hair gracefully framed her face, giving her an effortless allure that seemed almost magical, as if the universe had conspired to ensure she looked stunning from every angle.
Mark lifted his head, and his breath caught in his throat. In that moment, he forgot where he was, who he was... mesmerized by her sheer presence. A soft, enchanting fragrance wafted in with her, richer and more alluring than the koh he had praised earlier.
The others were no less affected. Expressions shifted, eyes widened; even the silence grew heavier, as though the room itself had paused to acknowledge her. Only Kade seemed to keep his composure, though his usual calm cracked briefly, a flicker of awe in the first fleeting seconds before it disappeared.
She walked to the center of the room with quiet confidence, her posture upright and composed. Her eyes briefly scanned the group before she turned toward the door. Pausing, she raised her hand, motioning for them to follow.
"You all reek of sweat," she said plainly, her voice calm but cutting.
Without waiting for a response, she pushed open the door and led them down the corridor. They followed in silence, the lingering smell of the room fading as they walked. Reaching another door, she stopped, opening it and stepping aside. Inside was a bathing area, steam gently rising in the air.
"Go on," she instructed, gesturing for them to enter.
Once they were inside, she stepped back and turned to leave, her tone crisp as she added, "Return when you're done." With that, she disappeared down the hall, her presence fading as quickly as it had arrived.