Volume 1, Chapter 5: Tell no lies

Undercover

Underground interrogation room, Frozen Prison, 5th Floor, Nazarick

The images of the battle outside of Carne left Nigun with a dread never before experienced. Nigun's core was sufficiently rattled by the sheer scope of the devastation and the colossal strength demonstrated by the two unknown individuals.

He was left with a huge concern in his mind: who were these mystery individuals, and what were their intentions? How could they easily eliminate a whole squad of well-trained soldiers?

Nigun couldn't help but wonder whether they were a part of something bigger, something more frightening. They were far more powerful than anything he had ever seen, leaving him feeling completely defenseless and exposed. Nigun wondered if they were even humans, given how easily they controlled the environment and evaded attacks.

He felt a sensation of impending dread come over him as the terrifying notion crossed his mind that these people may be the harbingers of an approaching calamity. He made an effort to focus on something else, but his thoughts kept returning to these people's imposing presence.

His heart is thumping in his chest as he awakens in a cold sweat. He can still clearly recall the event because it happened so recently. He attempted to move, but his arm felt weak and heavy. He panicked when he saw he was dangling from the ceiling by a chain. The room was barely illuminated, creating a gloomy and frightening atmosphere.

When he attempted to shake the chain off, it simply rattled loudly and resounded throughout the room. He could see dried blood on his wrist and realized that he must've been hanging there for quite some time. His thoughts raced with concerns about how he got into this terrifying circumstance as he fought to free himself.

He peered around the dark room and noticed one of his subordinates hanging from the ceiling, motionless and pallid, his lower half twisted at an unusual angle, and blood spilling over the floor. He began to panic as he desperately looked for any hints or ways to get away. His terror was heightened by the odor of decay and the strange quiet, which made him wonder if he was imprisoned in some sinister nightmare.

"I'm surprised to see you're still alive," a voice from the shadows said.

As he searched for the source of the sound, he froze, his pulse racing in his chest. The voice continued, "But don't worry, you won't be for long." The terrifying words sent chills down his spine and made him even more desperate to escape before it was too late.

"Who or what are you, and where am I?" He stammered, his voice shaking with terror. The voice laughed sinisterly, reverberating across the night.

"Oh, you'll find out soon enough," it said cryptically, sending a shiver down his spine. He realized he had to get out of this nightmare circumstance and find the truth before it engulfed him completely.

A dark silhouette could be seen moving in the distance, barely apparent against the pitch-black surroundings. His heart hammered faster in his chest with each stride. The figure showed itself to be a lovely woman wearing a full-body rubber suit, holding a meathook in her right hand with blood splattered on her face and a terrifying smile. As she approached, he sensed something off-putting about her presence. Her eyes appeared to possess a darkness that made him shudder, and her unsettling grin just added to his dread.

"Good night, captain of the Sunlight Scripture, Nigun... Grid Luin? What kind of name is that?" She purred, her voice dripping with a chilling mix of mockery and amusement.

"Who are you?" he stammered, his voice trembling. The woman's chilling laughter echoed through the night as she responded,

"I'm just an interrogator; don't mind me. But I have some questions for you, Nigun Grid Luin. You see, your actions have consequences, and I'm here to make sure you face them." Her words sent a wave of dread crashing over him as he realized that this woman held knowledge of his darkest secrets.

"Interrogator? So you're here to extract information from me," Nigun Grid Luin said, his voice filled with both fear and defiance. "Well, I won't give you satisfaction. I have been through this before, and I know how to keep my mouth shut. You may think you have power over me, but I won't let you break me."

"Your men said exactly the same thing," she remarked, a malicious grin on her lips as she pointed to the dead man still hanging from the ceiling in chains. "It didn't take long for him to spill, and the last thing he said was that he was just following orders, in which he and his team were kept in the dark, and that you are his commanding officer, therefore you are ultimately responsible for his actions." Her eyes gleamed with a combination of curiosity and defiance as she leaned in closer. "So, how long do you think you can keep your secrets hidden for? The truth will always find its way out."

"Yeah? What can a fragile-looking woman like you possibly do to uncover my secrets?" he scoffed, a smug smile playing on his lips. "I've been in this game for years, and I've outsmarted countless adversaries. You underestimate me." She cackled mockingly, her laughter echoing through the room.

"Oh, fuck. I haven't laughed like this in a long time. Also, in response to your inquiry, why don't you ask your men? Oh, no, you can't because he's dead. He didn't even fight for his life, and I haven't even gone serious; I'm still on level 2 of 10 in terms of difficulty. But, because you believe you're stronger than him, "captain," let's skip the first two levels and jump right to the third." She stated it with a wicked grin and confidence in her eyes.

"What?" Nigun asked, confused. "What do you mean by skipping the first two levels?"

"You see, level 3 is where the real fun begins," she went on, a nasty grin on her face.

"What the fuck is a level 3?" said the captain, his voice shaking with terror. As she drew in closer, the woman's smile widened, her eyes shining with cruel joy.

"Level 3," she said quietly, "is when I start getting creative with my torture methods. It's the point at which pain becomes an art form, and your agony becomes my masterpiece. I am the maestro of suffering, and your body is my canvas." Her voice was full of malice as she delighted in the captain's mounting anxiety. She took a glass of crimson liquid off the table and swirled it about, a nasty smirk on her face.

"You see, I'm not allowed to conduct such brutal experiments unless there's a compelling reason. But, happily, he told me to "enjoy myself" and allowed me complete freedom to explore the depths of my cruel mind. There are no bounds to the atrocities I can inflict on you now. Every scream and moan will be music to my ears as I compose a symphony of agony that will leave you pleading for mercy." She took a leisurely sip from the glass, relishing the thought of the captain's imminent torture.

"He? You mean the tall guy with the black armor?" Nigun asked, his voice filled with curiosity and a hint of fear. The woman nodded, a sinister smile spreading across her face as she replied,

"Yes, that's him. He didn't want to do it, so he gave me the honor in his place. I must say, I was quite pleased when he approached me with the proposition. But let's not waste any more time talking about him. I only have two hours; what do you say we get straight to the main event?"

Nigun's heart raced as he processed the woman's words, realizing the gravity of the situation. He couldn't help but wonder what awaited him during this impending torment. The woman picked up a glass of red liquid and showered it over Nigun's face, the liquid dripping down his chin, and somehow he felt rejuvenated by its touch. The woman's eyes gleamed with a mixture of excitement and sadistic pleasure.

"What did you just pour on me?" Nigun asked, his voice trembling with both fear and curiosity. The woman smirked, her lips curling into a wicked grin.

"Just a high-grade healing potion; I can't have you dying on me too soon," she said sarcastically. Nigun's perplexity intensified as he attempted to understand the woman's motives.

"Why would you heal me if you plan to torment me?" he questioned, his voice wavering with uncertainty. The woman's sinister laughter filled the room, sending chills down Nigun's spine.

"I have a feeling you won't last the first five minutes of torment without it," she taunted, her eyes gleaming with sadistic pleasure. "So every time you're on the brink of death, I'll heal you just enough to keep you alive and suffering. And don't you worry about whether I had enough potion to heal you completely? I assure you, I have an endless supply," she said, her voice dripping with malice.

Nigun's heart fell as he grasped the full magnitude of his predicament: he was stuck in an endless circle of misery and torment. She put on a raincoat and goggles and returned to him, holding a bizarre tool with a row of serrated teeth on a moving chain.

"Now..." A wicked smile spread across her face as she pressed a button on the tool. The chain holding the row of serrated teeth whirred to life, moving in a circle along its track. "First question: what is your purpose in attacking the village of Carne? What is your purpose, and who gives you the orders? I advise you to answer truthfully, as your pain will only intensify with each lie you tell." His eyes darted around the room, searching for any possible escape. But he knew there was no way out of this nightmare.

"Go to hell!" he spat defiantly, his voice filled with a mix of anger and desperation.

"Now now, Nigun, last warning I'm going to give you: who issued the order to attack Carne and assassinate Gazef?" Nigun's defiant response only seemed to amuse the woman. She leaned in closer, her voice dripping with menace. "You seem to forget that we have our ways of making you talk, Nigun. So, I'll ask you one last time: Who gave the order? I assume you know the job of a torturer," she continued, her eyes narrowing with a sinister glint.

"And believe me, I'm very good at what I do. Hell, I'm the finest there is. You have the option of cooperating and sparing yourself undue anguish, or defying us and suffering the repercussions. It is all up to you. I personally want you to choose the latter just for the hell of it, but my superior has instructed me to give you one final chance to provide the information we seek. So, Nigun, I encourage you to think carefully before making your decision."

"Do whatever you want to me," Nigun sneered, his defiance unwavering. "I will never tell you anything. My faith in the Six Gods is unshakeable, and I will not betray them."

"Don't think you're going to meet them just yet, Nigun. We have ways of breaking even the most devout believers. You will talk, one way or another. Now, say hi to this beautiful piece of engineering; we called it a chainsaw. These serrated teeth will cut through your flesh and bones, inch by inch, until you beg for mercy." Nigun's eyes widened with fear, but he remained resolute. "You can torture me all you want, but my loyalty to the Six Gods will never waver. I would rather die than betray them."

"Your left knee it is," the woman snarled, circling Nigun with the chainsaw in hand. "They say the knees are one of the most agonizing places to be in pain. Let us see whether it is correct." She muttered this while lowering her goggles to her eyes, pulling the raincoat hood up over her head, and menacingly revving the chainsaw.

His heart pounds in his chest as he steels himself for the agony that awaits him, understanding that escape is no longer an option. She places the chainsaw in front of his left knee and carefully slides it forward, the serrated teeth digging into his flesh.

Nigun's cries fill the room as searing pain shoots through his body, causing him to tremble in pain. The serrated, razor-sharp teeth continue to rip into his skin, bones, and muscles, leaving a path of blood and gore in their wake. Nigun's eyesight blurs as he battles to stay awake, his body convulsing violently from the agony.

"Blimey, this is kind of fun," the woman chuckles sadistically, relishing in Nigun's suffering. "I should've done this more often." The woman's voice echoes with a twisted delight, her eyes gleaming with perverse pleasure.

As the chainsaw cruelly continues its unrelenting assault on his knee, each excruciating second feels like an eternity. Nigun's left leg separated from below the knee and dropped to the floor with a painful thud after the single most excruciating minute of his life.

The agony spreads throughout his body, leaving him gasping for breath and unable to comprehend the horrifying truth that has been pushed upon him. A cruel smile spreads over her lips as she takes up the severed limb, raises it aloft in front of his face, and splashes another healing potion from her vial onto the stump of his leg. The agonizing anguish temporarily decreases, replaced by a tingling feeling as the potion begins to heal his amputated limb.

"Now that you've had a taste of Level 3, I need information about your beloved Slane Theocracy. I require the identities of their operatives, their plans, and any flaws they may have—any and all information on their inner workings. Tell me all you know, and I swear to put a bullet through your skull as soon as possible," she sneers, her eyes glittering with cruel satisfaction. Nigun's mind races, divided between the pain flowing through his body and the terror of what would happen if he refused to participate.

"Go..." Nigun whispers hoarsely, his voice barely audible.

"Go?" The woman leaned closer to Nigun, her expression shifting from sadistic pleasure to curiosity.

"Go fuck yourself," Nigun snarled, collecting his last ounce of defiance. The woman smiled maliciously, her delight visible in her eyes.

"Bravo! I like your confidence," she said, her voice oozing with admiration and amusement. "Round 2 then," she said, her voice full of enthusiasm. "I expected you to fight, and goddamn, I was right. You know how to keep me entertained. Please, let me introduce you to my subjects."

She snapped her finger, and four female guards emerged from the shadows, surrounding Nigun, wearing the same raincoat and goggles and carrying the exact same chainsaw as her.

"Girls, show our guest here what's on the special menu for tonight," she said, a sly grin on her face. The guards laughed as they approached Nigun, their chainsaw blades gleaming in the dim light.

As the guards moved in on Nigun, their chainsaws closed in on him, and their eyes glittered with sadistic joy. With twisted delight, the woman sipped her drink and watched what was about to happen come together. As Nigun's fate hung in the balance, the atmosphere in the room became tight, his heart thumping in his chest.

The woman relaxed back in her chair, crossed her legs, and smiled contentedly. She opened a Vynil record album and began flicking through the pages, seemingly undisturbed by the imminent peril, until halting her attention and settling on a certain record.

'Hmm? 'Winter... classic,' she murmured aloud, her eyes twinkling with a malicious gleam. She placed the record on the turntable with a flick of her wrist and delicately dropped the needle onto its surface.

The record began to play a haunting violin melody, filling the room with a melancholic yet captivating atmosphere. As the four female guards walked closer and closer to Nigun, they lowered their goggles and revved up their chainsaws, slowly examining his body and choosing which limb to start with.

"Oh, and, Nigun... enjoy the symphony of your demise," she said quietly, a malicious smirk on her lips. Except for the eerie tune and chainsaw revving that seemed to taunt Nigun's imminent destiny, the room went silent. She poured another bottle of wine, savoring the smell of the rich, aged grapes as it filled the glass. She leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs and taking a sip, relishing the anticipation of the gruesome spectacle about to unfold. The flickering candlelight danced on her face, casting sinister shadows that mirrored the darkness in her heart.

"Girls... let the show... begin."

Intro song :

Voices by Disturbed

Conference Room, 9th Floor of Nazarick

Pandora and Narberal return to Nazarick after both battles they participated in at Carne Village. They have already ordered their peers to assemble in the conference room for a debriefing. As they enter the room, they notice the tense atmosphere among them.

Pandora takes a deep breath, preparing himself to address the concerns and questions that are sure to arise during the meeting. He looks around the room, taking in the faces of his peers. Their expressions range from curiosity to apprehension, and Pandora knows that it is his responsibility to ease their worries and provide them with the information they seek.

He takes his place at the head of the table, with Narberal by his side. As the others settle into their seats, Pandora coughs to clear his throat, signaling that he is ready to begin. The room falls silent; all eyes are now focused on him.

"Thank you for joining me today, everyone. I value your attendance and the time you have taken out of your hectic schedules. Today, we have an important agenda to address, and I can promise you that your thoughts and ideas are greatly appreciated. Let us get right to work on the issue at hand and work together to achieve success. Charon, please bring up the essential data and any project updates you have. I encourage everyone to join fully in the debate and to voice any concerns or thoughts they may have. Let us work together to build an open and collaborative atmosphere in which we can solve any difficulties and develop inventive answers."

[Affirmative. activating the holographic projector display now. Inserting all known data. All data is confirmed and up-to-date. Displaying data now.]

As Charon finished his announcement, the holographic projector in the middle of the circular table lit up, projecting a detailed visual representation of the current situation. The display showed various known individual, group, and environmental factors that were relevant to the challenges at hand. Everyone gathered around the table, their eyes fixed on the holographic display.

"This is the first location we establish contact with: the village of Carne. It is situated near the edge of the forest, which the locals refer to as the forest of Tob. This village housed a population of approximately 100 residents from 20 different families," Pandora explained, pointing to a cluster of dots on the holographic map.

"Their main source of income was agriculture, with crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans being their primary focus." The holographic display also showed the village's proximity to a nearby water stream near the edge of the forest, which served as their primary water source for irrigation and daily needs."

"Yesterday, the Special Intelligence Division reported an attack on the village by a platoon of knights disguising themselves with armor from the Baharuth Empire. We believe they're tasked with inciting chaos to draw the attention of an individual by the name of Gazef Stronoff. Gazef Stronoff, a renowned warrior and the Captain of the Kingdom's Warrior Troop, is highly respected for his skills and loyalty."

"The attackers' motive remains unclear, but it is suspected that they aim to get him out of the picture to weaken the kingdom's defense. Gazef Stronoff's presence alone is enough to deter potential invaders, making him a key asset in maintaining stability within the kingdom. If the attackers succeed in eliminating him, it could create a power vacuum and leave the kingdom vulnerable to further attacks."

"However, they are not the main force; their sole purpose was to draw him out, eliminate his escort as best they could, and reduce his number. The main attacking force was following his group to the village as soon as he left a nearby fortress city, E-Rantel. The main attacking force, consisting of highly skilled magic casters and battle-hardened warriors, is led by their captain, Nigun Grid Luin."

"This group was one of the six scriptures from the Slane Theocracy, a powerful nation known for its religious zeal and militaristic strength. The six scriptures were elite units like our very own Black Ops Division, trained to carry out covert operations and execute high-risk missions. Nigun, as the captain of this formidable force, was known for his strategic brilliance and ruthless determination to fulfill their mission." The holographic projection showed a rotating 3D rendering of Nigun. Everyone in the room paid close attention to the holographic projection.

Pandora then continued, "Fortunately, Narberal and I, along with our agents, managed to eliminate both groups, preventing further losses to the village. Gazef lost half of his men in the process, but he survived and is now on his way back to the capital of Re-Estize. Our satellite tracking of him shows that he has reached the outskirts of the capital safely."

"By saving him, we managed to put him in debt to us, which will be advantageous for future negotiations and alliances. Gazef's men observed our battle with Nigun's group, so we can assume Gazef has been informed of our strengths and capabilities. This knowledge could potentially deter any future aggression from him or his allies, but it could also put us at a disadvantage since we have shown our cards too early, potentially drawing too much attention to our organization."

"I expect someone will start to investigate who Narberal and I are, where we come from, and what our true intentions are. This could lead to unwanted scrutiny and potential threats to our mission. It is crucial that we remain cautious and vigilant in order to protect our identities and the secrecy of our objectives. We may need to consider implementing additional measures to ensure our safety and maintain the element of surprise in future encounters."

Everyone listened closely to Pandora, and he continued, "Now, we have managed to bring Nigun and his lieutenant that led the first group, Baravac, to Nazarick and have been served the best of what Neuro and her room full of sick and twisted experiments have to offer. She managed to obtain valuable information from them, shedding light on their plans and potential threats to our organization."

Everyone instantly glanced towards Neuro, munching on a plate of cookies, her mischievous grin hinting at the dark secrets she held. The room fell silent, knowing very well how she had a knack for extracting information out of someone, whether willingly or not.

"Stupid question, but I've got to ask anyway. Just what the hell did you do to them anyway?" Yuri asked, breaking the tense silence. The curiosity in her voice was evident as she leaned forward, awaiting Neuro's response.

"Have you ever twisted a human leg like a pretzel? Or pulled someone's still beating heart out of their chest? Those screams are just satisfying; you should try them someday. And don't get me started on the chainsaw; those things can really make a mess. I practically showered in blood that day." Neuro's voice dripped with a chilling nonchalance as she described her sadistic actions.

Yuri raised her eyebrow, disgusted and disturbed by Neuro's response. She couldn't fathom how someone could find pleasure in causing such harm to others. It made her question the true nature of Neuro's twisted mind.

"Didn't Pandora tell you to "question" the captives and not cut them like lamb chops?" Yuri furrowed her brow, struggling to comprehend Neuro's lack of empathy.

"And I did, both times, actually," Neuro replied, a wicked grin spreading across her face. "Let's just say they're not easy to persuade with less dramatic methods. So I had to ask Pandora for his clearance to allow me to resort to more extreme measures. But don't worry; I always make sure to extract the necessary information and release the poor guy out of his misery." Neuro stated it with a hint of sadistic satisfaction.

"How can you enjoy doing shitty things like that?" Yuri asked, unable to hide her disgust. Neuro's grin only widened as she shrugged nonchalantly.

"I guess it's just the thrill of power and control," she replied, her voice dripping with amusement. "Besides, someone has to do the dirty work, right?"

"You don't say," Yuri said, shaking her head in disbelief. "I can't imagine finding pleasure in someone else's suffering. It's just not right." Neuro's expression remained unchanged, a chilling reminder of her twisted nature.

"Come on, don't give me that fucking holier-than-thou attitude," Neuro retorted, her voice laced with a hint of mockery. "I dirty my hands so the others don't have to. It's a necessary evil in this messed-up world. And hey, at least I find some enjoyment in it." Yuri's eyes narrowed; her disdain was evident as she struggled to comprehend Neuro's perspective.

"How vain of you to consider yourself a "necessary evil"; that twisted sense of self-importance is truly repulsive," Yuri replied, her voice dripping with contempt. "There is nothing admirable about reveling in the darkness and causing harm to others. It's a cowardly excuse for your own sadistic tendencies."

"That's damn rich coming from you. Last time I remember, your hands aren't exactly clean either," Neuro retorted, a sly smile playing on her lips. "We all have our own ways of navigating this twisted world, Yuri. Mine may be darker, but at least I embrace it instead of hiding behind a facade of righteousness."

"I don't see how your twisted ways are any better," Yuri replied, her voice dripping with disdain. "Embracing darkness and causing harm is never justified, no matter how you try to justify it. There's always a choice to do what's right, even in this twisted world."

"Then you're a fucking naive fool," Neuro spat, her eyes narrowing with contempt. "You'll learn soon enough that the world doesn't reward righteousness. It devours it. Try to see it from my perspective; do what I do, and maybe you'll understand why I've chosen this path. "

"No, thanks. I'll just stick with delivering instant kill; that way I won't dirty my hands," Yuri retorted, her voice laced with a mix of sarcasm and disdain.

"Aww, then where's the fun in that?" Neuro chuckled, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint. "There's an art to getting your hands dirty, my dear Yuri. It's all about the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of seeing your enemies crumble before you."

Demiurge, who was listening to Neuro's, decided to chime in as well, saying, "I somewhat agree with Neuro, Yuri. Delivering pain is an art rarely mastered. It's not just about physical harm but also the psychological torment that comes with it. The power and control you feel when you break someone down is exhilarating." His sinister smile matched the darkness in his eyes, making Yuri question the true nature of her peers.

"See? He gets it," Neuro chimed in, nodding in agreement with Demiurge. "The thrill of manipulating someone's emotions and watching them crumble under your influence is a unique kind of power. Sure, it might be nasty and not everyone's cup of tea, but for those of us who revel in it, there's nothing quite like it. I can't quite explain the rush that comes with it. It's like a surge of adrenaline, knowing that you have the ability to control and manipulate others to your advantage. It's a dark and twisted satisfaction that only a select few can truly understand and appreciate."

"You know what? Forget I ever asked you about this. I don't want to know whatever twisted satisfaction you derive from it. It's unsettling to think about the potential harm that can be caused by such power. Let's just get back to the original topic and move on from this disturbing conversation." Yuri looked at Pandora as if urging him to stop this off-topic conversation and bring the focus back to their original discussion.

Pandora coughs and nods, realizing that her conversation with Neuro has taken a dark turn. He quickly steered the conversation back to their original topic, hoping to leave behind the unsettling thoughts that had been brought up.

"Now, where were we again? Ah yes, through Neuro's interrogation, we managed to obtain some crucial information about what the theocracy has intended to do. Neuro, if you will, please share the details you uncovered during the interrogation. It's important that we stay focused on this information and strategize our next steps accordingly." Pandora directs the attention to Neuro.

"Thank you, Pandora. Through my torture session with Baravac and Nigun, I was able to extract valuable information regarding the theocracy's plans. The theocracy planned to eliminate Gazef to weaken Re-Estize's military power since he is the most powerful human in the kingdom. Gazef comes from a common background but has proven himself to be an exceptional warrior and leader, earning the king's respect and admiration and granting him a noble title."

"The nobles of the kingdom didn't approve of this and saw Gazef as a threat to their own power and influence. However, Gazef's loyalty to the king and his dedication to protecting the kingdom made him a beloved figure among the common people. So some of the noble families plotted to assassinate Gazef on the field away from the kingdom to make it look like a tragic accident or the result of an enemy ambush."

"What's worse is that the underground organization that helped these nobles carry out their plans was directly feeding Slane Theocracy with information about Gazef's movements and vulnerabilities. Apparently, when he sets off to Carne, he does not bring the kingdom's five treasures, probably plotted by these nobles to further weaken his defenses against Sunlight Scripture's attack." Neuro explained it to everyone.

"Excuse me, I have something to add about the Eight Fingers." Nigredo raised her hand and spoke up. "While we have yet to send scouts to infiltrate the kingdom, we have observed a group of potentially dangerous individuals who seem to be affiliated with Eight Fingers with our satellite. They go in and out of a certain establishment in the city, suggesting a possible base of operations. However, their movements are highly guarded, and it is difficult to gather concrete evidence against them."

"Our satellites have detected traces of narcotics, along with many women chained and dragged to the establishment," Aureole continued. "My best guess? A potential human trafficking operation exploiting vulnerable individuals for profit"

Shalltear also joined in the discussion, saying, "Our scouts too have reported suspicious activities in the forest just outside the Re-Estize capital. They have reported a small army of armed individuals gathered in a small camp in the forest. Scouts report that their weapons and armor are not standard issue for any known military or mercenary group in the region. They may also be a part of Eight Fingers."

"Thank you for your additional reports, Nigredo, Aureole, and Shalltear. This will help us better understand the situation and make informed decisions," Pandora stated, expressing gratitude to the three members who provided valuable information.

"Now, before I start issuing orders, any questions? Pandora scanned the room, his gaze lingering on each member of the team.

"Very well. Now that we have enough intelligence, our diplomacy specialists and their teams can begin their operation to infiltrate the kingdom by posing as trade companies. They will conduct their investigation and gather crucial information about the kingdom's inner workings, political landscape, and potential allies or adversaries. This will enable us to devise a strategic plan and make informed decisions during the mission. I would advise everyone to be ready to change and adapt to new situations and challenges that may arise during the operation. Flexibility and quick thinking will be key to ensuring the success of our mission. It is important for our specialists to establish trust and build relationships with key individuals within the kingdom to gain further insights and leverage potential alliances to our advantage."

Pandora glanced at Sebas, the team's specialist in diplomacy and negotiation. "Sebas, your expertise in building rapport will be crucial in establishing those connections," he said. "Remember to approach each interaction with respect and open-mindedness, as it will help us navigate any cultural differences and foster mutual understanding."

"I will execute this task with utmost professionalism and sensitivity," Sebas replied confidently. "In addition, I would like to ask other divisions for assistance should we encounter any challenges beyond my expertise. I'm fully aware my teams are fully capable of disposing of any unwanted adversaries, but to maintain our cover and ensure the success of our mission, it would be wise to not engage in any unnecessary conflicts or confrontations. We request that the Black Ops Division handle these adversaries in our stead, as they are specifically trained for covert operations and have the necessary skills to handle such situations effectively. Their expertise in handling high-risk scenarios will greatly enhance the chances of a successful mission outcome while minimizing any potential risks or complications." Sebas said, looking at Shalltear, Solution, and CZ. Sebas' words were met with nods of agreement from Shalltear, Solution, and CZ.

"That is an excellent point, Sebas." Pandora added, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Your cover would be the most important aspect to maintain during these missions. If you feel that a problem arises, immediately contact them and retreat." Sebas nodded, acknowledging Pandora's advice.

"Absolutely, Pandora. Shalltear, I shall rely on you to provide backup and ensure our escape routes are secure." Sebas said, looking directly at Shalltear.

"Sure, just call me in the moment you need me." Shalltear replied confidently. Solution and CZ exchanged glances, silently expressing their agreement with Sebas' decision.

"One last thing, I forgot to tell you all," Narberal added, stepping forward. "The older sibling, which we saved back in Carne, has figured out our identities. Our arrival here is apparently already prophesied by religious followers of the 41 Supreme Beings. They believe we are the chosen ones who will bring about a new era. One of the things that she told me was that the first sign of this prophecy coming true was the boom that caused earthquake-like tremors throughout the entire world. And two, every mortal being will receive an increase in power and abilities the longer they are in our presence, whether physically or intellectually, which she displayed by being able to piece together fragments of information through observation and intuition alone."

"Wait. So you're telling me that not only has our arrival been prophesied, but it also has a profound impact on the world and its inhabitants?" Albedo asked with worried eyes.

"Yes. And that's not even the worst part," Narberal replied grimly. "The prophecy also foretells of a great war between us and an army of powerful enemies, and this world will be the battleground where the fate of both sides will be decided. The prophecy also mentions the existence of Nazarick, our home base, or what the mortals of this world refer to as the holy sanctuary. It is said that mortals from around the world will seek shelter and protection around Nazarick, believing it to be the only safe haven against the impending chaos."

"And who foretold this prophecy?" Albedo asked. "Was it someone from our world or a mortal from this realm?" She wondered if the prophecy held any weight or if it was merely a fabrication created by those seeking power or control.

"She didn't know who the prophet was," Narberal replied. "But according to the stories she heard growing up, the prophet was a priestess during the age of the Six, given direct knowledge from the 41 Supreme Beings themselves. It is said that this prophet possesses immense foresighting abilities and is able to accurately predict future events with astonishing accuracy. However, there are also skeptics who believe that the prophecy is nothing more than a myth, passed down through generations for entertainment purposes."

"Great. That's just what we need right now—another factor to complicate our already complex situation." Victim exclaimed, frustrated by the additional layer of complexity added by the prophecy.

"Hold on, now; perhaps we could use this prophecy to our advantage," suggested Aura, trying to find a silver lining amidst the chaos. "What if we reveal ourselves to the world? Slane Theocracy is the common problem of every mortal in this world, and if we can prove that this prophecy is true, it could unite the other nations against them."

"That would be too risky," cautioned Victim, his frustration still evident. "We don't know how mortals will react to the revelation of our existence. It could lead to fear, panic, and even more chaos. And how would they even believe us without any concrete evidence? How would a child of a divine being prove their heritage to a skeptical mortal?" Victim's concerns were valid, as the repercussions of such a revelation could be unpredictable. However, Yuri proposed a different approach.

"Instead of revealing ourselves outright, how about we do it gradually? How about we use this Carne village as a testing ground to gauge the reactions of mortals? We can start by subtly introducing small miracles or blessings and observing how they respond. This way, we can gather evidence and build trust before revealing our true nature. It may take time, but it could be a more effective way to bridge the gap between divinity and skepticism." Yuri's suggestion offered a strategic and cautious approach to addressing Victim's concerns while still working towards the ultimate goal of proving their divine heritage.

"That might actually work," Victim admitted, his skepticism slowly fading. "By starting small and earning their trust, we can gradually reveal our true nature without overwhelming them. It's a patient approach, but it could lead to a stronger bond between mortals and the divine."

"Yeah? Like what?" Aura asked, intrigued by the idea. "What specific steps do you propose we take to gain their trust and reveal our true nature?"

"Why don't we, the diplomacy experts, begin by offering assistance to mortals in their daily lives?" Sebas suggested. "We can help the villagers rebuild their homes, provide medical aid, offer guidance in their agricultural practices, provide security, free education, etc. By actively showing our willingness to help and support them, we can gradually earn their trust and create a sense of unity between mortals and us."

"Their village is pretty wide and would need some serious work if you wanted to build a wall around it for security," added Aura. "It would take time and resources to construct a wall of that scale."

"I'm sure it won't be a problem, Aura. We can allocate our less essential resources and manpower to the construction of the wall," reassured Sebas.

"Well, whoever is going to be in charge of that will need to have a solid plan in place. Isn't Carne close to a fortress city? What do you think would happen if passersby who knew the village suddenly saw a hundred-foot, three-and-a-half-mile wall made of a material none of them had ever seen before? A material that seems impenetrable and out of place in a peaceful village like Carne? It could raise suspicions and potentially lead to conflicts or unwanted attention," suggested Aura.

"She got a point," chimed in Luciant, nodding in agreement. "A wall of that size and strength would definitely draw attention from neighboring villages, towns, and potentially even larger kingdoms. The wall alone could endure more damage than other kingdoms' walls combined. It could provoke envy or even hostility, as it would signify a level of technological advancement that surpasses their own. Additionally, the villagers might question the source of such a material, wondering where and how it was obtained."

The discussion erupts into a heated debate as some of the gathered throw in their concerns about the potential consequences of building such an imposing structure. They argue that it could lead to strained diplomatic relations with neighboring kingdoms, who might perceive it as a show of aggression or dominance.

Others voice worries about the economic implications, questioning whether the strong, durable, and never-before-seen resource used to construct it will lower the price of other building materials, potentially causing financial instability in the region.

"Order!" Pandora slammed his fist on the table to silence the growing cacophony of voices.

Everyone turned their attention towards him, waiting for his next words. Pandora took a deep breath, his expression serious.

"All of your concerns are valid and will be taken into consideration. There are positive and negative side effects to this wall construction suggestion. That is why we're having this meeting today, so let's discuss all the possible implications thoroughly, starting with the positive ones. Demiurge, I need your insights." Pandora looked directly at Demiurge, who was known for his expertise in analyzing potential outcomes.

"First and foremost, one of the benefits of constructing the wall would be increased security, given that we intend to use Carne as a bridge between us, the children of Supreme Beings, and the mortals. If I am correct in my assumption that Carne will receive a significant boost in technological advancements and infrastructure development, it will benefit more than just the residents of Carne; an extremely fortified and strategic location is a place worth considering for trade and commerce, potentially attracting more people to settle there. Carne will grow from a small village unable to support itself to a bustling metropolis with a diversified and active community. That takes us to the negative consequences."

"Because of the amount of attention given to Carne, neighboring kingdoms may become envious and attempt to conquer or exploit Carne for their own gain. For example, if the kingdom in which Carne is located, the Re-Estize kingdom, sees how quickly Carne is developing and the opportunities it provides, they may perceive it as a danger to their own authority and resources. It makes little sense for a tiny village like Carne, whose sole source of revenue is agriculture, to suddenly become more powerful economically and militarily. All sensible kingdom leaders would realize that they would use all means required to have what Carne has."

"Even bigger problems arise if the Re-Estize kingdom discovers who might be wealthy enough to support Carne's growth. I'm assuming they're already aware of the world's economic position, so any news of a rapid spike in economic power in Carne Village would undoubtedly raise concerns and perhaps lead to undesirable violence." Demiurge told this to everyone in the room before turning his head to face Pandora.

"On the other hand, you know how mortals are; it's that damn void in their hearts that drives them to seek power and wealth. Even if we approach them honestly and freely, telling them that we are Supreme Beings' children, they will remain doubtful and wary of us. It's in their nature to mistrust and scrutinize anything that contradicts their views or threatens their present power system. It's something that not even the Supreme Beings can change." Demiurge sighed in resignation.

"This all seems too complicated; why can't we just come knocking on their door and say, 'Hey, mortals, we are the children of the Supreme Beings, here to bring you peace and prosperity? So lay down your weapons and allow us to assist you.'" Shalltear interposed, her voice brimming with rage. "That would save us a tremendous amount of time and effort. But sad mortals are frequently hesitant to change, especially when it comes from superior entities. How hard can it be for children to comprehend that we simply want the best for them? Sometimes it's like trying to argue with a brick wall." Shalltear said, her arms crossed and shaking her head in dismay.

"Why can't you use that teeny-tiny brain of yours to come up with a better solution, ya fucking dingus?" Aura rolled her eyes and scoffed. "Did you not hear what Lord Momonga said in the Grand Square? The descendants of the Six are being supported by a mysterious, most certainly powerful organization capable of not only ambushing an entire squad of Black Sky, our most elite operators, but also successfully strolling right under our nose and stealing crucial information. We're clearly up against a highly capable and well-connected adversary; exposing our identities to mortals too soon will only put us at a disadvantage! Sheesh, you can be such a fucking moron at times." Aura expressed her dissatisfaction through her voice.

"Because I don't want to wait and see our enemies gain even more power and resources. Every second we waste discussing puts us at greater risk. This cat and mouse bullshit isn't doing us any good; I say we go big or go home. As the saying goes, "high risk, high reward." Shalltear responded to Aura's worries.

"You're talking about abandoning our stealthy strategy and throwing discretion and the element of surprise out the fucking window. Our lives are at stake here, Shalltear. We can't afford to make hasty judgments because we're impatient. We require a well-thought-out strategy that reduces casualties while increasing our chances of victory. Rushing into something without thinking about the repercussions might be our undoing. Stop fooling around and consider the bigger picture." Aura responded, her arms folded and her face solemn.

"Oh, so you're comfortable sitting here doing nothing while our enemies are potentially gaining the upper hand?" Shalltear snapped back, her voice dripping with frustration. "We can't just wait for the perfect moment to strike. Sometimes, taking calculated risks is necessary to achieve our goals." She leaned forward, her eyes locked with Aura's.

"That's fucking suicidal, you oversized mosquito. You basically want all of us to throw ourselves into a pit of certain death," Aura replied, her voice laced with sarcasm. "There's a difference between taking calculated risks and being reckless. We need a plan, not blind impulsiveness." She maintained her unwavering gaze, refusing to back down.

"No sacrifice, no victory." Shalltear stands up from her chair, leaning forward towards Aura.

"Don't you fucking quote that line to me," Aura said, her annoyance palpable in her tone. "If you want to die, that's fine, but don't expect us to follow in your foolish footsteps." Aura's comments hung in the air, the tension between the two growing with each passing second.

"That's enough, both of you!" Pandora once again slammed his hand on the table, his voice booming through the room. The sudden interruption silenced the heated argument, and all eyes turned to him. "We are a team," Pandora continued, his gaze shifting between Shalltear and Aura. "Both of you calm your heads and remember why we are here. We have a mission to accomplish, and we cannot afford to let personal conflicts get in the way."

He looked around the room, his eyes meeting the concerned and tense expressions of his peers before continuing, "Now, I like both your perspective and opinion of our current situation, and I think there's a benefit in doing both at the same time. This may sound counterintuitive, but I think we could achieve a better outcome if we stayed in the shadows while still making our presence known, so let's discuss this approach. Aura, I want to hear your thoughts." As he spoke, Aura leaned forward, her brows furrowed in deep thought.

"Well, I think that revealing our cards too soon could potentially backfire on us," Aura responded. "However, if I were to reveal my identity to mortals, I would definitely begin with the elves. They are more likely to understand and accept our presence since they have a strong connection with nature. Furthermore, the majority of them are devoted believers of ancient traditions and beliefs, which may make them more open to the possibility of supernatural beings like ourselves. According to the intelligence obtained by Nigredo and Aureole's Special Intelligence Division via satellite, the elves revere the 41 Supreme Beings, with my mother and Lord Blue serving as patron gods. What do you anticipate will happen when their patron gods' heavenly son and daughter unveil themselves to the elves?" Aura shared her speculation with a hint of excitement.

"Hmm, you made a rather intriguing point," replied Pandora, pondering the potential outcome. "Considering the elves' deep-rooted reverence for their patron gods, it is possible that their belief in supernatural beings will be reinforced. The revelation of the divine son and daughter could make it easier for us to establish a stronger alliance with the elves, as they may see us as a direct connection to their patron gods. Nigredo, do we know where the elven capital is located? I want both Aura and Mare to visit the capital and personally meet with the elven leaders. This will allow them to showcase their divine heritage and further solidify our potential alliance."

"That's where things get complicated, Pandora. They're located just south of the Slane Theocracy, their capital, which is in the vicinity of a crescent-shaped lake, known as the... well, the Crescent Lake. It is said that the elven capital is hidden within the depths of a dense forest, making it difficult to locate for outsiders. The elves also employed powerful enchantments and illusions to protect their city from unwanted intruders."

"Is it protected against space manipulation as well?" asked Pandora, his curiosity piqued.

"Indeed," replied Nigredo. "The elves have mastered the art of space manipulation and have incorporated it into their enchantments. This makes it extremely challenging for anyone to teleport or manipulate space within the vicinity of their city."

"Me and Mare might be able to work this out." Aura said, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Yeah? What do you have in mind?" Aureole asked, leaning in closer to hear Aura's plan.

"I can't quite explain it, but trust me, this is just a cake walk for us," Aura said confidently.

"I trust your decision, Aura. How soon can you and Mare start working on it?" Pandora asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Give me an hour to gather my thoughts and discuss them with Mare. We'll start working on it right away," Aura replied. "I have a feeling we can make this happen sooner than we think."

"Then I'll leave the details in your capable hands," Pandora said, relieved to have Aura and Mare taking charge. "I have complete faith in your abilities." He then turned to the rest of the team and said, "Let's continue, next topic."

"Narberal and I will go undercover to the nearby fortress city, E-Rantel, to gather more intel for this mission." He glanced towards Shalltear, Solution, and CZ and added, "I need to borrow two from your Black Ops Division to accompany us. Do you have any recommendations for who would be the best fit?"

"Take your pick. McCear is incredibly intelligent and the most well-rounded, but his temper can sometimes get the best of him. Zara is the best long-range expert in her class, but she can be a bit reckless. Rufio is smart and charismatic, but his tendencies to crack inappropriate jokes annoy the fuck out of me." CZ said, considering her options.

"A clown. Now that's my kind of person." Lupusregina said it with a mischievous grin.

"Of course he would; you probably had the exact same brain." Solution retorted, rolling her eyes. "But hey, at least he knows how to lighten the mood and keep things entertaining."

"Lighten the mood and keep things entertaining? If he didn't have his combat expertise and intellectual mind, I would've hanged him for disrespect and lack of professionalism." Shalltear said, furrowing her brow.

"ANYWAY. Lamarr is an excellent defense-oriented fighter, but he is a chicken when it comes to taking chances or confronting unexpected obstacles. Finally, Aetheon is perhaps the most reliable and dependable member of his class. Prodigy-level stealth capabilities, unrivaled weapon accuracy, and the ability to think outside the box make him a priceless addition to any squad." Shalltear continued, her voice filled with admiration.

"I was actually surprised that he didn't try his luck with the Black Sky." CZ inquired, her voice tinted with interest.

"We didn't plan on going all out, so maybe just a close-range fighter and long-range support would suffice. I'm interested in McCear and Zara. Can you tell me a little about their background?" Pandora asked, his eyes glinting with intrigue.

"They were ex-lovers in the same class since the academy days, as far as I know. They served in the army for quite a while after graduating before applying to the Special Forces. Here's where things get funny: neither of them knew the other had applied until they ran into each other during the final selection process, and, as you might expect from former loves, they had a bit of a dramatic reunion. Both received the top ratings during the selection process, which astonished everyone. Because of their skills, they were frequently ordered to work together on missions, although unwillingly, which sometimes resulted in some uncomfortable and awkward situations. Their entire relationship is something you only see in a romantic comedy, filled with hilarious misunderstandings and constant bickering." Solution said to Pandora, chuckling at their past antics.

"But fear not; when the situation called for it, they could put aside their differences and work together seamlessly. Just try to ignore the constant banter and focus on the impressive results they achieved as a team. Oh, and I almost forgot, don't keep them sleeping in the same room." CZ warned Pandora.

"And why is that?" Pandora asked.

"I've heard from some of my division's members that they occasionally heard moaning and bed squeaking coming from their room at night. It appears that they have a proclivity for...extracurricular activities." CZ responded nonchalantly. "You may interpret that information however you see fit."

"Ohhhhhh, tch tch tch," Pandora sighed, shaking his head. "Well, I suppose as long as it doesn't interfere with their work and they maintain professionalism during the day, we can turn a blind eye to it."

"You do you, "team leader"." CZ said monotonely.

"Then I'll take McCear and Zara for my upcoming undercover mission. Can you have them at my office later today? I need to brief them on the mission details and ensure they are fully prepared." CZ nodded in acknowledgment.

"Consider it done. I'll have them ready for you by this afternoon."

Pandora glanced at everyone in the room and said, "If there's nothing else that needs to be discussed, let's wrap up this meeting and get back to work. Aura and Mare, to the elves. Sebas, Lupusregina, Yuri, and Victim go to Carne village and begin our diplomatic outreach program and explain to the village chief about the wall proposition. Narberal and I, along with the two Black Ops operatives, will go undercover to E-Rantel. Any question?"

The team members nodded in understanding, and Pandora continued, "Alright then, this meeting is adjourned."

9th Floor Hall, Nazarick

Pandora and Narberal strolled out of the conference room and into his office, discussing the next steps and planning how to proceed. "Narberal?" he said, looking at Narberal. "Why are you suddenly so quiet? Does something bother you?"

Narberal did not respond right away. Pandora sensed a faint strain in the air, as if Narberal were battling with a choice or her own thoughts. Something was clearly bothering her, and Pandora knew he had to give her the space and time she needed to handle it.

"If you have something you want to share, Narberal, I'm here to listen," Pandora softly soothed her. Narberal came to a halt and turned to face Pandora, her countenance a mix of reluctance and vulnerability. She took a long breath and gathered her thoughts before speaking.

"First, let's go to the office. I'd prefer to discuss it in a more private and comfortable setting," Narberal proposed. Pandora nodded and led the way to their office, giving Narberal the opportunity to open up in a secure and confidential environment.

Narberal closed the door behind them as they entered Pandora's office, providing a sense of solitude. Pandora motioned for Narberal to take a seat on a sofa in the corner of the room.

Narberal sat down next to him, close enough for their thighs to touch against one another. The unexpected physical contact surprised him, but he quickly understood that it brought a degree of comfort and trust to their conversation.

"So... what do you want to talk about?" Pandora asked, breaking the silence. Narberal took a deep breath and leaned her face close to Pandora's, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. She hesitated for a moment before finally speaking up, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I... I wanted to talk about us," she confessed, her eyes searching Pandora's for any sign of reciprocation. Pandora's expression softened, a hint of curiosity and anticipation flickering in his eyes.

"Go on," he encouraged gently, his hand unconsciously reaching out to rest on Narberal's knee, a subtle reassurance in the midst of vulnerability.

"I've been wanting to open up about my feelings for a while now," Narberal continued, her voice gaining a bit more confidence. "I've realized that I care about you deeply, and I can't ignore these emotions anymore." She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before continuing, "I understand if you don't feel the same way, but I needed to be honest with you."

Pandora, surprised by Narberal's sudden confession, felt his own heart skip a beat.

"Where does all of this come from?"

Pandora's mind raced as he tried to process Narberal's unexpected vulnerability. He had always seen her as strong and independent, never imagining that she harbored such deep emotions for him.

Curiosity and a hint of hope filled his voice as he asked, "What made you realize your feelings?"

"I never had the courage to admit it before," Narberal replied, her voice trembling slightly. "I've always had feelings for you, but I never thought you would feel the same way. It was only when I saw how you cared for me and how you were always there for me that I realized my feelings were more than just admiration or friendship." Her words hung in the air, creating a sense of anticipation as Pandora waited for her to continue.

"It took me a while to realize that I was in love with you. I couldn't ignore the way my heart raced whenever you were near or how my thoughts constantly revolved around you. It was a daunting realization, but now that I've mustered the courage to admit it, I can't deny my feelings any longer." Narberal's confession left Pandora speechless, unsure of how to respond to the depth of emotions that had been revealed.

Pandora gets up from the sofa and paces back and forth, attempting to understand what Narberal said. He inhales deeply, his mind whirling with competing ideas and emotions. Unsure what to say, he finally stops pacing and looks directly into Narberal's eyes, his own filled with surprise and vulnerability.

"That is a lot to take in," Pandora finally manages to say, his voice trembling slightly. "I never expected...this. I need some time to think about everything."

"Can't you just tell me what you're feeling right now?" She asks softly, her voice filled with genuine concern. Pandora hesitates for a moment, searching for the right words to convey his inner turmoil.

"It's not that simple," he replies, his voice laced with a tinge of frustration. "I need to process everything and sort out my own feelings before I can articulate them to you." Narberal was about to object, but a knock on the door interrupted her, causing both of them to turn their attention towards it. They exchanged a quick glance before Narberal got up to answer it.

"Who is it?" she called out, her voice filled with curiosity.

"It's McCear and Zara, Lady Narberal. You called for us?" McCear said this through the door.

"Good, you both finally arrived," Narberal replied. "Yes, Pandora and I did call for you. Come in; there's something important I need to discuss with both of you."

McCear and Zara stepped into the room and sat on the nearest chairs, eager to hear what Narberal had to say. They knew that when she called for them, it meant there was a matter of utmost importance that required their attention.

"You will be assigned to go undercover with me and Pandora to the Kingdom of Re-Estize; we're going to pose as a new adventuring team in order to gather information on a potential threat to Nazarick. This mission is of utmost importance, and failure is not an option. We will need to blend in seamlessly and earn the trust of the locals while keeping our true identities hidden. I have requested that CZ provide me with two of her best personnel to assist us in this mission, and she recommends you both." Narberal explained.

"She also said that you two have a... complicated history together, but she assured me that you are both highly skilled and capable of working together effectively. So before we begin our journey tomorrow, I want you to tell me about everything that has transpired between the two of you. What happened that led to this complicated history? Why're you both constantly arguing with each other after training, and what's with the moaning sound your fellow division member heard coming from your quarters for the past week?"

Narberal asked McCear and Zara Narberal's stern gaze bore into McCear and Zara, demanding answers to the questions that had been plaguing her mind. She wanted to understand the root cause of their constant arguments and the mysterious noises emanating from their quarters.

"We, uh, were in a relationship before we enlisted in the military, but things didn't work out, so we called it quits. However, it appears that our unsolved difficulties have recently resurfaced, causing violent disagreements and emotional outbursts." Zara nodded in understanding as McCear explained.

"We've been trying to work through our past and find closure, but it's been difficult. We've both understood that we need to confront our unsolved issues in order to move forward and find peace. It's been a difficult path, but we're determined to do the required work to make amends and find closure."

"And as for the moaning sound, we, uh, have been sexually active. It's a way for us to reconnect and express our love for each other. However, we understand that it can be disruptive to others, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused. We're actively working on finding ways to be more considerate of our neighbors while still maintaining a healthy and fulfilling relationship."

Narberal listened to their explanation and nodded understandingly.

"Very well. But please keep in mind that our next task will demand your complete professionalism. We cannot afford any interruptions or diversion during this important task. So, whatever your personal problems are, I want you to put them aside and concentrate completely on the work at hand. When you're undercover, there's no such thing as off duty; therefore, I expect you both to keep your sexual drives and wants in control. The mission's success is our first concern, and any personal conflicts might jeopardize that goal. I am certain that you both recognize the importance of the situation and will take appropriate action." Narberal's stern tone emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism in their line of work.

"Certainly, ma'am. We will do all in our power to ensure that our personal lives do not interfere with the mission; if such situations arise, we will address them quietly and quickly," Zara responded with a nod.

She glanced at McCear, who mirrored her resolute expression.

"Good," Narberal continued. "We'll go at first light tomorrow. Report to Kater in the armory and have him and his staff prepare your equipment and supplies for the trip, get some rest, and maybe get intimate with your loved ones before we depart," Narberal advised with a small smile.

"Thank you very much, Lady Narberal. Please excuse us while we make the necessary preparations," Zara politely remarked.

McCear continued, "We will ensure that everything is in order and that we are mentally and emotionally prepared for the mission ahead."

They turned to go with a final nod of appreciation, intending to make the most of their time before departing.

McCear and Zara left Pandora and Narberal's office and headed down the 9th floor corridor to the armory, where they would prepare for the next mission.

McCear couldn't help but gaze at Zara as they went and asked, "Zara. Do you want to do it again tonight? We probably won't get another chance like this before we go on this dangerous mission." Zara smiled and nodded, realizing the value of cherishing their moments together in the face of the uncertainty that lay ahead.

"Sure. Let's do it, but I have a request."

"Of course, what is it?" McCear replied, curious about Zara's request.

Zara took a deep breath and said, "I want us to promise each other that no matter what happens during this mission, we'll always find our way back to each other."

"I promise, Zara. No matter what obstacles we face, we will always be together."

They continued to walk the hall before Zara wrapped her arms around McCear's waist, seeking comfort and reassurance in his embrace.

"McC- no... dear?" Zara's voice trembled as she spoke, and her eyes filled with worry. "I can't bear the thought of losing you again. When I heard your team depart for your first mission and get wiped out, you were left in critical condition. I don't know if I can handle that kind of pain again."

McCear's heart ached at Zara's words, understanding the weight of her fears. He reached out and gently cupped her face, his voice filled with sincerity.

"Zara, I promise you that I will do everything in my power to come back to you. I won't let anything or anyone stand in the way of our future together."

Zara's eyes softened, and she leaned into his touch, finding solace in his words. They hugged for a while before she pulled away, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Thank you, McCear," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude. "Knowing that you're by my side gives me the strength to face whatever comes our way."

McCear held her hand tightly, their fingers intertwining as they walked the corridor together.

"Hey, McCear. I've got one more request," she said, her eyes filled with determination. "Don't pull out tonight."

McCear's eyes widened in surprise, his brows furrowing slightly. "What do you mean, don't pull out?" he asked, confusion evident in his voice. She took a deep breath before responding, her gaze unwavering.

"What the hell do you think when a girl asks her lover "Don't pull out"?" she asked, her tone slightly exasperated. McCear's confusion turned into realization, a blush creeping up his cheeks.

"Oh," he stammered, "you mean... are you crazy? You want me to... finish inside you? That's hella risky." He struggled to find the right words, his mind racing with thoughts of the potential consequences.

"What's the matter? Most guys would kill for a request like that," she replied, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and disappointment. "Come on, don't be such a worrywart. We've been together for years, and I believe you'd make a great father. Plus, we've discussed starting a family before, remember? You and your damn overthinking, fuck. Trust me, we can handle whatever comes our way. Let's embrace this opportunity and create a beautiful future together."

"We aren't even married yet, Zara. Your dad isn't exactly thrilled about us living together, let alone having a child."

"Bitch please. You punched him before, three fucking times, may I add?" Zara said this with her three fingers pointing at him. "And besides, it's our life, not his. And since when are you scared of him?"

"I didn't; I just don't like his negative opinion of me."

"So what are we waiting for? Don't tell me a Black Ops operative like you is afraid of a little disapproval from your future father-in-law."

"Are you sure? This is a big step for both of us," he replied softly, his voice filled with concern. She looked into his eyes, her determination unwavering.

"Yes, I'm sure. It's a symbol of our trust and commitment to each other, and I believe we're ready for it." McCear took a deep breath, his own determination growing.

"Alright then, let's do this together. I trust you completely," he said, his voice filled with love and reassurance. "Your dad is going to kill me when he finds out."

"Oh, he definitely will," she chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "But we'll face him together, just like we're facing this next chapter in our lives."

"Easy for you to say," McCear replied with a smirk. "You're the one who has to break the news to him."

"The fuck? I thought we were in this together," she exclaimed, her playful tone turning serious.

"If I'm drowning, I'm dragging you down with me," he said, his smirk fading into a genuine look of concern. "I'm just playing with you, but seriously, we'll figure it out together. We always do."

"Goddamn right, you are," she said, a hint of relief in her voice.

"Now come on, Kater is waiting for us. I'd say we roast the fuck out of him, just like the old days," he suggested, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"One day he'll have had enough of your antics and finally give us a taste of our own medicine," she chuckled, the memories of their past pranks flooding back.

"Yeah, but what's he going to do? He's a quartermaster; even if he doesn't like me, it's his job to make sure we have what we need," he shrugged, confident in his own mischief. "Besides, we've always managed to charm our way out of trouble before." She nodded, a smirk playing on her lips.

"True, but let's not push our luck too far this time. We don't want to give him a reason to actually turn against us. He might give you a faulty weapon or conveniently "lose" our supplies," she warned, her eyes glinting mischievously. "We'll have to be more discreet with our pranks this time, just to be safe."

"Shit, you're right. Dude's a little dramatic, and he definitely holds grudges. We don't want to end up on his bad side for real." McCear twitched his eyes nervously, his mind racing with thoughts of the potential consequences. "That goddamn overly dramatic attitude of his can really escalate things quickly."

The Armory, 1st Floor, Nazarick

McCear and Zara arrived at the armory on the first floor of Nazarick, their footsteps echoing through the dimly lit corridor. As they entered, the sight of countless weapons and armor greeted them, arranged meticulously on racks and shelves. The air was heavy with the scent of metal and oil, with dozens of staff members bustling about, inspecting and maintaining the equipment.

"Now where is that soap opera actor like Quartermaster?" McCear said to Zara, glancing around the bustling armory.

"Beats me. Hard to look for a short guy in a place where the racks displayed are at least sixty feet high," Zara replied, squinting her eyes to scan the towering shelves.

"If you're here to annoy the fuck out of me, you've succeeded," a voice called out from behind them. They turned to see Quartermaster, a short man with a gruff demeanor, approaching with a smirk on his face.

"Kater... I didn't see you there; maybe grow another foot or two and we'll notice you," McCear retorted sarcastically. Kater chuckled, unfazed by the comment.

"Fucking McCear... How the fuck are you still alive? I thought you died back then during Operation Chasm Run." Kater said, shaking his head in disbelief. McCear shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, you know me, Quartermaster. I've got nine lives," he replied with a mischievous grin.

"I'll be counting the days you finally fucking kick the bucket," Kater muttered under his breath, unable to hide his disdain for McCear. "All those dumb and risky stunts you always pull during high-stakes missions will one day bite you in the ass, and I'd pay good money to see it happen. Old age isn't going to be what takes you down, that's for sure." McCear chuckled, unfazed by Kater's animosity.

"Who are you? My mom? God damn." McCear rolled his eyes, brushing off Kater's comment.

"This is just academy days all over again," Zara thought, watching the two bicker. "Would you two shut the hell up already? Fucking clowns... McCear, just tell him why we're here, and let's get this over with. We don't have time for your petty arguments." Zara's frustration was evident in her voice as she tried to maintain control of the situation.

"I already know; Lord Pandora has already informed me of your next mission. Follow me this way; let's get you geared up so I can enjoy the rest of my day without your damn nonsense." Kater led McCear and Zara towards the melee weapons rack, where a wide array of swords, axes, and maces awaited them.

They entered an isle lined with shelves filled with gleaming weapons of all shapes and sizes. Racks are filled to the brim with deadly tools of destruction, each one begging to be wielded in battle.

"Here we are; let's start with your melee weapons," Kater said, gesturing towards the impressive display. "Choose wisely, as your lives may depend on it."

"How about that third-generation whip sword I've been hearing about, RB-3?" McCear asked, eyeing a sleek, futuristic weapon hanging on the wall. "I would love to try that baby out in the field." Kater nodded approvingly, reaching up to unhook the RB-3 from its display.

"When did you become interested in art?" With a grin, Kater inquired, handing McCear the RB-3. "Bastard sword design: a 40-inch blade 40 times folded from pure tibermalthium, divided into eight sections held together by a series of high-tensile alloy cables stored inside the hilt and a super-strong electromagnetically controlled magnet. It has a built-in lightning and plasma generator, just in case you're feeling really bloodthirsty. Simply push the hilt button and watch the sparks fly."

"Impressive piece of technology," McCear remarked, examining the RB-3 closely. "But I need another, less technological advanced weapon for my mission. Something more discreet and lightweight, yet equally lethal."

"Look around; take a pick," Kater replied, gesturing towards the array of weapons displayed.

"How about that right there?" McCear pointed to a glowing blue sword with a sleek design.

"No no no no fucking no... anything but that!" Kater exclaimed, his eyes widening in alarm. "I'd rather die than let you have it."

"Why is that? What's wrong with the blue sword?" McCear asked, puzzled by Kater's extreme reaction. "It's Noxtroy Industries last ever creation before their demise at the hands of the rebel forces. This is one of those antique collector's items that people would kill for. I had to ask a lot of favors and risk my life to get my hands on it. It's too valuable to just give away." Kater's voice trembled with a mix of fear and desperation as he pleaded with McCear to reconsider.

"Ohh? So you sneak behind your wife's back and risk your life just to acquire a valuable collector's item?" McCear asked, raising an eyebrow. "Are you sure you won't give this to me?"

"I know that look! What the fuck are you thinking inside that twisted mind of yours?" Kater exclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of anger and disbelief.

"Remember that night you got fucking wasted and woke up in a stranger's bed? Gee, I wonder how your wife would react if she found out about that." McCear taunted, a smirk playing on his lips. Kater's face turned pale, his eyes widening in shock as he realized the extent of McCear's knowledge. "Last time I checked, your wife isn't exactly known for her control over her temper. Imagine the fireworks that would ensue if she found out about your little escapade." McCear's words hung in the air, creating a tense and uncomfortable atmosphere between the two men.

"You wouldn't dare..." Kater stammered, his voice trembling with fear.

"Want to find out for yourself?" McCear taunted, a sly grin spreading across his face.

"Aaaarghhhh... FINE! I'll "lend" you the sword, "lend" not "give", and you better bring it back in one piece... fucking prick." Kater's face flushed with anger as he reluctantly agreed to McCear's demand.

"Thank you very much, dear Quartermaster," McCear said with a mocking tone, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "Rest assured, I'll take good care of it. After all, I wouldn't want to disappoint you."

"You better keep your promise," Kater warned, his voice laced with skepticism. "If anything happens to that sword, you'll regret it." McCear chuckled arrogantly, his confidence unwavering.

"Oh, don't worry," he replied dismissively. "I'll return it to you without a scratch. You have my word."

"Fucking bellend," Kater muttered under his breath, his distrust evident in his eyes. "Zara, what do you need?" Kater asked, turning his attention to Zara, who had been silently observing the exchange.

"I need something less for close range and more for long-range attacks," Zara responded, her voice calm and determined. "I've been practicing my marksmanship, and I believe a bow would be the perfect addition to my arsenal." Kater nodded approvingly, impressed by Zara's dedication to improving her skills.

"Very well," he said, his tone softening slightly. "Let's move to the ranged weapons section." Kater led Zara through the rows of weapons, passing swords, spears, and daggers along the way. Zara's eyes scanned the assortment of bows, her fingers itching to hold one in her hands. As they reached the end of the aisle, Kater pointed towards a magnificent compound bow, black and orange in color.

"This is the Manticore, a fifth-generation high-performance bow," he says. "It's lightweight, durable, and extremely accurate. The string is composed of a high-tensile polymer and has an adjustable pull weight that can go as high as 660 pounds. Its revolutionary design lowers vibration and noise, making it ideal for covert hunters. It is also foldable for convenient carrying around. A number of buttons on the handle regulate the bow's settings and quiver, allowing for quick and easy alterations in the field."

"The Manticore also has a cutting-edge eye contact system that adjusts sight and aim based on the user's eye movement. This cutting-edge technology provides pinpoint accuracy and enhances overall shooting performance. Furthermore, the Manticore has an integrated range finder that precisely detects distances up to 3300 yards, giving hunters critical information for making accurate shots. The quiver could hold up to 73 arrows in a three-tiered design with a rotating mechanism with arrowhead storage that could hold various sorts of arrowheads. This enables hunters to quickly swap arrowheads based on their target and hunting conditions. The rotating mechanism also enables rapid and easy access to arrows, eliminating any distractions or delays in the field."

"Daaaaamn, now this is what I'm talking about!" Zara exclaimed, her eyes widening with excitement. "Then I'll take this Manticore bow. Oh, I almost forgot; I also need different types of arrowheads."

"Sure, I'll pack you with standard 4-blade broadheads, field points, basic high explosive heads, armor-piercing heads, electro-shock heads, poison heads, acid heads, and a grapling hook head," Kater replied, listing off the various arrowhead options. "With this wide range of arrowheads, you'll be prepared for any situation or target you encounter."

"Actually, there's one more type of arrowhead that I would like to add to my collection," Zara said eagerly.

"And what is that?" Kater asked, curious to hear Zara's request.

"The thermobaric arrowhead," Zara said with a mischievous smile.

"The fucking what?!" Kater exclaimed, taken aback by Zara's unexpected choice. "Nuhh uhh, that's beyond what's allowed."

"Come on, Kater, don't be such a buzzkill," Zara replied, rolling her eyes. "I'm going undercover, behind enemy lines; god knows what kind of situations I might encounter. The thermobaric arrowhead would give me a tactical advantage and increase my chances of survival."

"IT'S A HIGHLY DANGEROUS AND UNCONVENTIONAL WEAPON!" Kater interrupted, raising his voice. "We have strict regulations for a reason, Zara. I can't just hand you something like that without proper authorization. Lord Pandora will have my head if he finds out I gave you a thermobaric arrowhead without following protocol." Zara sighed, frustrated by Kater's reluctance.

"I understand your concerns, Kater, but this mission is too important to let regulations hold us back. We need every advantage we can get to ensure success and protect our people. Come on... What would Supreme Being Momonga do?"

Kater hesitated for a moment, contemplating Zara's words. He knew that Supreme Being Momonga was known for his strategic thinking and ability to bend the rules when necessary. Taking a deep breath, Kater finally relented, realizing that perhaps this situation called for some flexibility in order to achieve their mission objectives.

"Fine... But if we're court martialed, I'm bailing the fuck out of dodge," Kater added, a hint of worry in his voice.

"Now that's more like it," Zara said with a smirk. "Don't worry, Kater. We'll be "extra" careful."

"McCear, now I see why you and Zara are a couple... You're both fucking insane," Kater chuckled, shaking his head.

"You haven't seen shit yet, Kater." McCear grinned mischievously. "But hey, sometimes a little insanity is exactly what we need to get the job done."

"Whatever... If we're done here, I'm going; I had enough of your crazy antics for one day," Kater said, rolling his eyes. He turned and walked away, leaving McCear and Zara behind, still grinning at each other.

Black Ops Division Barracks, 3rd Floor, Nazarick

After a wild night with Zara in her private sleeping quarters, McCear couldn't sleep due to the adrenaline still coursing through his veins. He decided to take a stroll down the dimly lit corridors of the Black Ops Division Barracks, hoping the quiet atmosphere would help calm his restless mind.

"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, why did I agree to this?" As he walked, McCear couldn't help but replay the events of the night in his head, questioning his decision-making.

"Her dad is so going to kill me when he finds out," McCear muttered to himself, his anxiety growing with each step.

"I'm not dad material; why did I agree to this?" he thought, feeling a wave of panic wash over him.

After an hour of mindless walking, McCear finally reached the kitchen on the ground floor of the barracks building. He swiped his ID card at the entrance, hoping to distract himself from his mounting worries.

As he entered, the familiar smell of coffee and chatter filled the air, providing a small sense of comfort amidst his inner turmoil. He goes to the large, four-door refrigerator and pulls out a pack of cold beer.

"Why the glum face?" A voice asks from behind him, causing McCear to pull out his sidearm in surprise and point it towards the source of the voice, but the voice quickly raises their leg, stopping his hand from pulling the trigger.

"Aetheon? The fuck are you doing here this late?" McCear exclaimed, lowering his weapon and releasing a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

"I was here every day at this hour; it kind of became my routine," Aetheon replied, scooping the bowl of strawberry ice cream with a spoon and taking a casual bite with his leg still raised. "The question is, what are YOU doing here at this hour?" McCear hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much he should reveal.

"I...I needed some time alone," he finally admitted, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "I thought cracking open a cold one could help me clear my mind and sort through some things."

McCear glanced down at the unopened can of beer in his hand, contemplating whether or not to take a sip. Aetheon lowered his leg, sat back in the chair behind him, and continued to scoop his ice cream into his mouth.

"Is your girlfriend acting weird again? It wouldn't surprise me at all; you're both weird." Aetheon sarcastically remarked with a flat tone, unconcerned about McCear's feelings.

"No... not really, and none of your goddamn business," McCear replied, annoyance evident in his voice. He took one of the beer cans in the pack he was holding and cracked it open, taking a long swig to drown out Aetheon's snide comment.

"Romance and our line of work don't exactly go hand in hand, huh, McCear? Sucks to be you," Aetheon continued, a hint of amusement in his voice. He drank his chocolate milk slowly, savoring the sweetness as he watched McCear's irritated expression before continuing, "But hey, at least YOU still have someone to come home to. Some of us aren't so lucky."

McCear's annoyance deepened, his grip tightening on the beer can as he muttered under his breath, "Yeah, well, maybe it's better that way. Because if I were your girlfriend or wife, I wouldn't want to come home to someone like you either." Aetheon scooped another spoon, unfazed by McCear's comment.

"I wouldn't go there if I were you," Aetheon replied calmly, taking another bite of his dessert. "I wouldn't want to red this floor with your blood."

"I thought you're a black ops, Aetheon, not a chicken," McCear retorted, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "Or are you just all show and no go?"

Aetheon chuckled, putting the ice cream bowl down and sipping the chocolate milk one last time.

"You know, when you stepped here into the kitchen, I could smell a female shampoo lingering on you, which made me think that you just showered—probably after hours of hot and steamy sex. I wouldn't want to sadden your girl by telling her that her man got killed by the refrigerator door, wouldn't I?" Aetheon teased, raising an eyebrow.

"You keep her out of this," McCear replied sternly. He put his hand on the table as he stood up, still eyeing Aetheon. "Or the last thing you'll see is my fist crushing your skull," McCear warned, his voice filled with a menacing undertone. Aetheon smirked. He stood up with both hands on the table and leaned in closer to McCear.

"Careful now, McCear. There's a reason I'm a Black Ops Captain and you're not," Aetheon taunted. "I wouldn't want you to embarrass yourself in front of your precious little girlfriend and soon-to-be wife," Aetheon sneered, his words dripping with condescension. "A widow isn't something I would wish upon her."

McCear started to leak out his aura, and his body started to produce steam as his anger reached its boiling point. His eyes narrowed at Aetheon, a fire burning within them. Aetheon's aura starts to leak out as well, with a purple ethereal wolf holding a sword materializing behind him. The tension in the room grew palpable as the two men stood locked in a fierce gaze before another man entered the room, breaking the intense standoff.

"Whoa... I smell a storm brewing in here," the man said casually, trying to lighten the atmosphere. He glanced between McCear and Aetheon, sensing the weight of their animosity. "This is like that one scene where the ex-boyfriend and the husband finally confront each other in a dramatic showdown. All we need is the soundtrack playing in the background to complete the scene." The man's attempt at humor only added to the awkwardness, as both McCear and Aetheon remained silent, their eyes still locked in a battle of wills.

"Rufio, what the hell are you doing in the kitchen at this hour?" McCear finally broke the silence, his voice dripping with disdain. Aetheon turned his gaze away from McCear and towards Rufio.

"I could ask you two motherfuckers the same damn thing; kitchens are usually for cooking, not staring contests with an aura of tension," Rufio retorted, his tone laced with sarcasm. "You two were practically ready to rip each other's heads off, which I'm sure some cannibals out there would appreciate. What? You two finally decide to turn into bats and wander to the kitchen this late at night?"

"You and that damn clown attitude will get you into trouble one day," McCear replied, his voice dripping with annoyance.

"Way ahead of you, chief. Lady Shalltear almost had me hanged if Lady Solution hadn't intervened," Rufio chuckled. "All thanks to my combat expertise and years of service in the Black Ops." Rufio bragged, kissing his bicep and flexing it for emphasis. McCear rolled his eyes, unimpressed by Rufio's self-praise.

"Combat expertise or not, you better watch that sarcasm of yours. It's better if you died by hanging in Lady Shalltear's order; at least that way, you'd die rather quickly. If it were Lady Neuro, then... the things she does... I wouldn't even wish it upon my worst enemy," McCear said, shuddering at the thought.

Rufio twitched at the mention of Lady Neuro's name, his bravado fading slightly.

"Yeaaaaaaaah... I heard about the last person she interrogated, that scripture captain, and the poor guy will never be the same again; he just stared at the ceiling of the 5th floor's Frozen Prison with empty eyes for the rest of his days. I wouldn't even want to imagine what she did to him. It's like she has a twisted talent for breaking people's spirits and leaving them completely shattered." Rufio said it with a shudder in his voice. "I've seen her in action, and it's terrifying. She knows exactly how to push someone to their breaking point, mentally and emotionally. It's as if she feeds off their despair."

"Wait... you've seen her in action? When?" Aetheon asked, his curiosity piqued. Rufio hesitated for a moment before responding.

"It was a few years ago, after the rebellion had been crushed. She was interrogating one of the captured rebels, and I was ordered to guard her and ensure the prisoner didn't escape. I watched her break every bone in his body, one by one, without flinching. She healed him back, only to carve the poor guy with salt-tipped blades. It was horrifying to witness, but that's not even the worst part." Rufio paused, his voice trembling slightly.

"What's worse than that?" Aetheon asked Rufio took a deep breath before continuing, his voice filled with unease.

"What's worse is when the prisoner keeps resisting and is unwilling to spill any information. That's when she called the Supreme Being, Momonga, and asked for his permission for level 6 torture. Lord Momonga, being the ruler of the Supreme Beings, had the power to grant such a request. And when he did, Lady Neuro actually felt bad for the prisoner and actually prayed for his soul to find peace in the afterlife. And then... well, let's just say things got really intense. And that's only level 6 out of 10, most of the time she was limited to levels 2 and 3, which I doubt not even Black Ops like us could handle. That will forever be the day I will never forget for the rest of my life." Rufio said as he tried not to puke from the overwhelming memories.

"Well, that's definitely a story I won't forget either," replied McCear, scratching his head in disbelief. "I can't even imagine what levels 7, 8, 9, and 10 must be like if level 6 was that intense."

"Only one person ever experienced level 10 with their mind still intact, and that was before Lady Neuro was even born; the torture was carried out by the Supreme Beings themselves except Lord Momonga," a voice explained as she entered the kitchen. McCear, Aetheon, and Rufio immediately knew who she was and straightened their posture as a sign of respect.

"Commander Bellial, ma'am!" they exclaimed in unison, acknowledging her authority.

"At ease, I'm just here to grab a quick snack," Commander Bellial replied, her voice commanding yet warm.

She walked over to the refrigerator, pulled out a big box of brownies, and proceeded to take a bite, savoring the rich chocolate flavor. As she enjoyed her snack, she glanced at the three men with a raised eyebrow and asked,

"What in the bloody hell are you three doing in the kitchen at two in the morning? McCear, didn't you and Zara have an undercover mission with Lord Pandora and Lady Narberal later today? Shouldn't you be in bed?" Bellial took another bite of her brownie, chewing thoughtfully as she awaited their response.

The three men exchanged sheepish glances before McCear finally spoke up, "Sorry, ma'am. I just couldn't sleep, so I thought a cold beer would help, but Captain Aetheon and Rufio had the same idea. I'm sorry, Commander, but you just said only one person ever experienced level 10 torture, and it was carried out by the Supreme Beings themselves, except Lord Momonga. Who is this person that you mentioned?"

Bellial paused, considering the question for a moment. She took another bite of her brownie, savoring the rich chocolate flavor before answering,

"I don't know; nobody knows for sure. The records of that particular event have been erased from history. It's as if the Supreme Beings wanted to keep it a secret, even from their most loyal followers. All we have are whispers and rumors passed down through generations about why only Lord Momonga was not present during that particular torture done by the Supreme Beings. Some say that whoever this person is is related to Lord Momonga himself, and probably Lord Momonga was unwilling to witness the pain inflicted upon them. Others speculate that Lord Momonga was forced by the other forthy Supreme Beings to stay away, as they feared his compassion might interfere with them in gathering the information they desired. Regardless of the truth, the absence of Lord Momonga during the torture has become a subject of intrigue and speculation among the followers, leaving them to wonder about the mysterious connection between him and this unknown individual."

Bellial paused for a moment, her eyes scanning the room as she carefully chose her next words.

"Although I had my own suspicions about Lord Momonga's absence during the torture, maybe it's too far-fetched, but I couldn't help but wonder who this unknown individual could be." Bellial cupped her chin in thought, her gaze fixed on a distant point.

"No, maybe I'm just overthinking things. It's possible that Lord Momonga simply had other pressing matters to attend to during that time." She shrugged, dismissing her own speculations. "Anyway, I'm taking this back to my room; you three return to yours too in a minute." Bellial said, breaking her train of thought. She carefully picked up the box of brownies and started walking towards the exit. "You never saw or heard anything, got it?"

McCear, Aetheon, and Rufio straightened their pose again and nodded in unison.

"Yes, ma'am. We never saw or heard anything," they replied obediently.

"Great, one word and..." Bellial puts her fingers to her neck in a slit motion, signaling the consequences of breaking their promise. She continued walking, leaving them standing in the kitchen with fear etched on their faces.

As Bellial walked away, the three of them exchanged curious glances, wondering who this mysterious person was and how they were related to Lord Momonga.

McCear quietly returns to Zara's personal quarter, swiping his ID card into the door's security system. The door slides open with a soft hiss, revealing a standard military barracks-style room with a large bed in the middle of the small room and Zara sleeping naked, only half covered by a blanket. McCear tiptoed towards the bed, careful not to wake Zara. He carefully took off his shirt and pants and quietly climbed into bed behind her, tucking his arm around her waist.

"Where the fuck have you been?" Zara mumbled, her voice heavy with sleep, slowly opening her eyes and turning around to face McCear. She squinted at him, trying to make out his features in the dimly lit room.

"Sorry, I couldn't sleep, and the beers called to me," McCear replied sheepishly, his eyes avoiding Zara's gaze. "I didn't mean to leave you here in the middle of the night. I should have left a note or something." Zara sighed, her irritation fading as she placed her head on McCear's chest.

"That is the single worst fucking apology I've ever heard," Zara muttered, her voice tinged with amusement. "I mean, how can a bloody beer be more enticing than sleeping next to me? That's it. I'm officially insane for going to marry an idiot like you." McCear chuckled, wrapping his arms around Zara and pulling her closer.

"Goddamn, you started to sound like my mom. Did you suddenly turn into a pregnant woman and gain a sudden overprotective nature?" McCear teased, planting a soft kiss on Zara's forehead. Zara nervously laughed, avoiding McCear's question.

"No, you damn goofball; I'm just worried about you. You know how clumsy you can be sometimes, and I don't want anything bad to happen to you." McCear smiled affectionately at Zara, understanding her concern.

"Alright, alright, jeez, way to kill the mood," McCear playfully responded, pretending to be offended. Zara playfully rolled her eyes and lightly pushed him away.

"Oh, please, like you don't secretly love my overprotectiveness," she teased back, leaning in for another kiss.

"What? You mean that time with Enbellam? She doesn't mean it; she teased everyone in our academy." McCear chuckled, wrapping his arms around Zara. Zara twitched slightly at the mention of Enbellam's name; if there is one person she can't stand, it's Enbellam.

"That is such bullshit; she has been eyeing you since day one; the way she looks at you is not just teasing. Thank the Supreme Beings, I became a black ops agent and got to keep you all to myself; that bitch can't touch what's mine," Zara whispered, her voice filled with possessiveness. "Fucking Enbellam, she thinks she can entice you with her hourglass figure and flirtatious behavior." McCear chuckled nervously, averting his gaze.

"Yeah... crazy, huh? She and her perfect body." McCear retorted, his eyes still avoiding Zara's intense stare as he scratched the back of his neck.

"I'm sorry, what the fuck did you just say?" Zara asked, pushing McCear back slightly with a hint of anger in her voice.

"No, no, that's not what I meant," McCear stammered, desperately trying to backtrack.

"Are you fucking serious right now?" Zara asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"I-I-I-I didn't mean it like that," McCear stammered, his voice filled with panic. "I just meant that she has a nice, well-endowed physique, that's all." Zara's eyes narrowed, her suspicion growing.

"Ohhhhh, so that's why you and every guy in our class can't seem to take their eyes off of her," Zara said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Because she looks like a beauty queen, and you just can't help yourselves." McCear's face flushed with embarrassment as he struggled to find the right words to defend himself.

"N-N-N-No, I didn't mean it like that," McCear stammered, his voice trembling. "I was just trying to compliment her appearance and not try to compare yours to hers or anything. I know you're beautiful in your own way, Zara." Zara rolled her eyes, clearly not convinced by McCear's explanation. "Come on, are you seriously lumping me in with all those animals?"

"I don't know; you tell me," Zara retorted, crossing her arms. "Never have I ever been compared to another woman in my face by my own boyfriend on my own bed nonetheless... Better yet, why do you say "her perfect body"? It's creepy, and I don't like it; it's as if you know what her body looks like intimately."

"Aww, fuck, what the hell did I get into?" McCear muttered under his breath, realizing the gravity of his words. He took a deep breath, desperately searching for the right words to salvage the situation.

"Zara, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel that way or compare you to anyone else. It was thoughtless and insensitive of me. I love and appreciate you for who you are, and I promise to be more mindful of my words in the future."

Zara, still narrowing her eyes, took a moment to process McCear's apology. She could see the sincerity in his eyes and hear the remorse in his voice. Slowly, her tense expression softened, and she nodded, acknowledging his apology.

"You better. I don't like you complimenting another girl in front of my face right after we just had sex," Zara replied sternly, squeezing McCear's cheeks lightly in her hands. "But I appreciate your apology, you big goof. Now fucking hug me and let's sleep; we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow." Zara leaned in and wrapped her arms tightly around McCear, feeling the warmth of his embrace.

McCear squeezed her back, burying his face in her hair.

"I'm sorry, Zara. I didn't mean to hurt you," he whispered, his voice filled with remorse. They held each other for a moment longer before finally settling into a peaceful sleep, with McCear recalling an event from his past—one secret that he swore he would die before revealing to anyone, not even Zara.

Thirty years ago... Albaun Base, planet Marimold

McCear, suspended inside a glass tube filled with regeneration fluid, felt a surge of memories flood his mind. The image of his teammates torn apart limb by limb replayed in vivid detail. He could still remember the smell of blood and the sound of their screams echoing in his ears. The mission had been a nightmare, haunting him every day since.

'McCear, get out of here! I'm out of magic and ammo! Fall back to the gate and bring the VIPs back home! I'll be right behind you,' his captain yelled, his voice filled with urgency and desperation.

'I'm not leaving you, captain!' McCear shouted back, his heart pounding in his chest. His captain grabbed his neck and looked him dead in the eyes.

'You listen to me, goddamn it!' He gave McCear a magazine from his fallen comrade's gear. 'You take this, and you drag those VIPs to the gate! I'll cover you as long as I can. We'll regroup and make our way back together.'

McCear nodded, leaving the last person on his team behind as he sprinted towards the VIPs. He made sure every VIP went through the portal safely, urging them to move quickly. McCear glanced back at his captain, stabbed in the chest by a large bug raised a few meters off the ground, still alive, trying to attack.

'CAPTAIN!' McCear screamed in horror.

Despite the pain, the captain continued to fire his weapon at the bug and killed it before falling to the ground with the bug's spear-like appendage still protruding from his chest. The captain looked at him from a distance, giving his last smile and nod of approval before detonating the explosives strapped to his body.

'NO... CAPTAIN, NOOOOOOOOO!'

The massive blast engulfed the bugs and sent McCear backwards through the portal, back to their home dimension. After landing back in their home dimension, McCear lost his consciousness due to the impact of the explosion. When he woke up, he found himself suspended inside the regeneration tube, surrounded by a faint blue glow.

He stayed in the tube for four days, undergoing a complex process of cellular regeneration. He can't move his body during this time, as the regeneration process requires complete immobilization. McCear's mind, however, remained active and alert, allowing him to see and hear everything happening around him.

He observed the medical team monitoring his vital signs and discussing his progress, as well as his fellow black ops operatives going in and out of the medical facility from minor injuries sustained during missions. Some were kind enough to talk to him and offer their condolences for his current situation, while others simply nodded their heads to greet him when passing by.

But on the fifth day, one of the operatives approached him with a blank expression on his face. McCear saw his name tag and a captain rank insignia on his uniform: Aetheon Bergenzer, the captain in charge of the team, the Grave Wolves.

McCear felt a wave of unease wash over him as he noticed the captain's unreadable, blank, statue-like expression. The man walked closer to the glass partition separating them and leaned in to read a folder that he was holding tightly in his hand with the cover marked "694612: McCear".

"Cerill "McCear" Houling... Accepted into the Black Ops program five weeks ago. Subject passed the entrance exam with top marks, along with Zarramey "Zara" Debinswigh, and showed impressive teamwork and problem-solving abilities. Excellent close-quarter combat skills were observed during simulated missions. Magic power and control are slightly above average, with lightning and fire-based affinity and an exceptional defense against magical attacks. Subject also displayed a natural talent for strategic thinking and quick decision-making, making them a valuable asset in tactical operations. Overall, the subject's combination of exceptional skills, teamwork abilities, and magical prowess makes them a promising candidate for future missions requiring both physical and magical expertise. Assigned to the team, Blue Miasma, under the command of Captain Reese."

The man closed the folder he was holding and looked up at McCear; his face still didn't show any emotion.

"Wow... first mission, and your entire team was killed in action. That's unfortunate, but it speaks volumes about the dangers of the field we operate in. However, I have to wonder... I've known Reese for decades, and I know he's not the type to make careless mistakes. There must be some reason for your team's unfortunate outcome. Maybe it was really just an unaccounted factor, or maybe..." He paused, leaning his face closer to the glass as if trying to read something in McCear's expression.

"Or maybe you made some weird newbie mistake that put the entire team at risk. I don't mean to accuse you, but it's weird that the Blue Miasma would get wiped out after a new member joined. Try to keep your next team alive, should you get the opportunity to join another one. I wouldn't want to visit their families and give them their personal belongings as a reminder of their loved ones' demise." The man said it with a cold, stern tone. His words hung in the air, heavy with accusation and suspicion. McCear felt a chill run down his spine, realizing that this man held him responsible for the tragedy that had befallen their team. The man turned back towards the door and exited the room, leaving McCear alone with his thoughts.

After ten more days in the regeneration tube, the medic declared McCear fit for duty. He emerged from the tube, feeling his body moving on its own once again. He slowly moved every limb, testing his strength and flexibility.

He immediately went for a quick run outside around the infirmary, relishing the feeling of the wind against his face and the ground beneath his feet. He spent the next hour doing punches, kicks, rolls, and stretches to further assess his physical capabilities. McCear was relieved to find that he had regained his full range of motion and strength.

He was ordered to rest in the infirmary until further notice. The medical staff wanted to monitor his progress and ensure that there were no unforeseen complications. McCear reluctantly complied, returning back to his room and deciding to watch the news to pass the time.

'We bring you back to our top story of the day,' the news anchor announced, 'where another rebel attack happened, this time targeting Amtach Armaments Headquarters in Belomer, north of Primis. A recent report given by the famous Commander Bellial of the Black Sky team, the Reeling Goats, revealed that the attack was meticulously planned and executed by a group known as the Crimson Hawks. This rebel group managed to download confidential information regarding Amtach Armaments' latest technological advancements and strategic plans.'

'As investigations continue, authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the Crimson Hawks or their associates. One of our Supreme Beings, Lord Touch, has issued an investigation into the matter, promising swift and severe consequences for those responsible. This attack marked the 7th rebel attack in the past year and, additionally, the 4th most significant breach in terms of scale and potential impact. Efforts are now underway to strengthen cybersecurity measures and enhance intelligence sharing among relevant agencies to prevent future breaches of this magnitude. Sports at 11,' the news anchor concluded as the news program transitioned to the next segment.

McCear turned off the holographic display and leaned back to his bed. He couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as he contemplated the increasing frequency and severity of these rebel attacks.

'First, my team, now this? Things are getting out of hand,' McCear muttered to himself. He knew that immediate action needed to be taken to address the growing threat. As he closed his eyes, trying to fall asleep, a knock suddenly interrupted his thoughts. McCear opened his eyes and sighed, realizing that sleep would have to wait. He got up from the bed and went to answer the door, hoping it wasn't more bad news.

"Yea-"

"Hello, McCear. Long time, no see." The girl at the door greeted him with a warm smile.

"Enbellam?! What are you doing here? You look good!" McCear exclaimed, surprised to see his old friend standing in front of him. An incredibly beautiful, green-haired, yellow-eyed girl stood before him, radiating a sense of familiarity and nostalgia.

Enbellam, a girl from the same class as him back in his academy days, was probably the single sanest person in a class full of eccentric individuals. They had lost touch after graduation, and McCear had often wondered what had become of her.

"Please, come inside. Sorry if the room looks awry; as you know, this is an infirmary, not a first-class hotel," McCear chuckled, leading Enbellam into the small, cluttered room. "So, what brings you here after all these years? I haven't heard from you since we graduated. How have you been?" McCear asked, genuinely curious about Enbellam's life since they last saw each other.

"Ahh, the usual. Some good things, and some are bad." Enbellam sat on the side of the bed. She looked around the room, noticing the familiar medical equipment and the minimalistic decor. "I've been keeping busy with work and trying to navigate through life's ups and downs," she replied with a hint of exhaustion in her voice.

"Yeah? Where did you work after graduation?" McCear inquired, leaning forward with interest.

"I tried to get into journalism but ended up working in a bakery instead. Surprisingly, I actually fell in love with baking and decided to pursue it as a career. It's been challenging, but also incredibly rewarding to see the joy on people's faces when they taste my creations."

"Really?! Damn, girl, that's quite the unexpected turn of events! It's amazing how life can lead us down unexpected paths, but it sounds like you've found your true passion. I'd love to try some of your baked goods sometime." McCear said it excitedly with a wide grin on his face.

"Well, lucky me. Here, I brought some freshly baked cookies for you to try!" she replied, handing him a small box filled with an assortment of treats. "I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy making them."

McCear opened the box filled with all kinds of delicious cookies, from the simple chocolate chip to the more elaborate macarons. The aroma wafted up, filling the room with a tantalizing scent. McCear couldn't help but take a bite of a chocolate chip cookie, savoring the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.

"These are amazing!" he exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with delight. "You truly have a talent for baking."

"Glad you're enjoying it." Enbellam said with a smile, her cheeks blushing slightly. She folded her jacket and put it down on the bed, watching McCear eat the cookies she brought like a child, devouring his favorite treat. She smiled, stars twinkling in her eyes as she continued to look at McCear's face before slowly fading into a sad expression.

"I watched the news a couple weeks ago; I heard about what's happened to your entire team. I'm sorry for your loss," Enbellam said softly, her voice filled with empathy. "I can't imagine how difficult it must be for you."

McCear's smile faded as he nodded, his eyes reflecting the pain of his recent tragedy. He slowly stopped munching and put the box down on the table; his appetite was suddenly gone.

"Thank you," he replied, his voice filled with gratitude. "It means a lot to hear that from someone."

Enbellam watched tears glisten in McCear's eyes as he tried to hold back his emotions. She stood up from the bed and pulled him into a gentle hug, offering him a comforting presence.

"There, there, it's okay to let it out," Enbellam whispered softly, her voice filled with empathy. "I'm here for you, no matter what."

Enbellam pulled McCear to the bed and lay there with him still on her chest, feeling the rise and fall of his breath against her.

"Don't say a word, McCear. Just close your eyes and let yourself feel whatever you need to feel," Enbellam murmured, gently stroking his blonde hair. "I'll be right here, holding you tight."

McCear slowly dozzed off, finding solace in Enbellam's comforting presence. As he drifted into sleep, his troubled thoughts began to fade, replaced by a sense of peace and security. Enbellam continued to hold him for hours, the afternoon turning into the darkness of the night.

He slowly opened his eyes and saw his head still resting on Enbellam's chest, their bodies entwined. The room was bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, casting a tranquil ambiance. McCear looked up and saw Enbellam sleeping peacefully, a gentle smile playing on their lips. She opened her eyes and met his gaze, her eyes filled with warmth and affection.

"Good night, sleeping prince." Enbellam whispered softly, her voice carrying a sense of tenderness. McCear felt a surge of contentment wash over him as he returned the smile.

"Good night, uhh... Class rep?" McCear hesitated, stumbling over his words. Enbellam chuckled softly, her laughter echoing in the quiet room.

"Seriously? When was the last time you called me that?" She teased him, playfully nudging him.

"I don't know, when did we graduate again?" McCear replied with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Enbellam's smile widened as she playfully butted his forehead with her own.

"Oh, so you're going to use that as an excuse now?" She teased, her tone filled with mock indignation. They both laughed, their laughter intertwining with the warmth of the room as they settled into an awkward silence.

"Sooo..."

"Sooo..."

Enbellam took her right arm off from hugging McCear and pulled his hair to the side, revealing a small scar on his left cheek. She traced her finger gently over the scar, her touch light and affectionate.

"You got this from the fight you had with Lyon back then. I was there that day when it happened." Enbellam continued tracing, her eyes fixed on McCear's as she recalled the memory. "It feels like a lifetime ago, doesn't it?" She said it softly, her voice filled with nostalgia. McCear nodded, a wistful smile playing on his lips as he gazed into Enbellam's eyes.

"Yeah... Mr. Daint had me doing public service for weeks after that. Lyon really knew how to land a punch." McCear chuckled, the memory bringing a mix of pain and amusement. Enbellam's fingers continued their gentle exploration, silently conveying her understanding and support. McCear felt weird about her intimate touch, but he also found solace in it.

"What? You don't like it?" Enbellam teased with a mischievous glint in her eyes. McCear shook his head, his cheeks turning slightly pink.

"No, it's not that," he replied softly. "It's just... I've never had someone care for me like this before." Enbellam's smile softened, and she squeezed his hand reassuringly.

"Well, get used to it," she said tenderly. "Because I'm not going anywhere."

"Well, that doesn't sound creepy at all," McCear joked, trying to lighten the mood. Enbellam chuckled and playfully nudged him.

"I promise, it's not meant to be creepy," she reassured him, her eyes filled with warmth. "I just want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what." Her finger slid downward, pulling his chin up, and she touched his lip gently. McCear awkwardly darted between her eyes and lips before finally meeting her gaze.

"Uhh... Enbellam? This is getting a little too intense for me," McCear stammered, his voice betraying his nervousness.

"Hmm... I can't hear you with your mouth full." Enbellam said, her hand still on his cheek.

"Fu-Full? Full of what?" McCear asked, his confusion evident in his voice. Enbellam's mischievous smile widened as she leaned in closer to his face.

"Full of this..." She whispered, her lips brushing against his as she kissed him softly. The room seemed to fade away as their lips met, leaving McCear feeling a rush of emotions he couldn't quite comprehend.

Their lips connected, sending a jolt of electricity through McCear's body. Time stood still as they lost themselves in the passionate embrace, their hearts beating in sync. The world around them ceased to exist, leaving only the intensity of their connection.

She slowly broke the kiss and pulled away, her eyes locked with his. McCear's chest rose and fell with each breath, his mind still reeling from the overwhelming sensation.

"This is, uhh... weird," McCear stammered, struggling to find the right words to express his confusion.

"I know..." she replied softly. She placed her hand on his chest, slowly tracing circles with her fingertips. "Damn... you black ops guys really do have a good-looking physique. I wonder how you look without anything on." She smirked playfully, leaning in to kiss him again.

She pushed him to the bed as she got on top of him, her lips never leaving his. She unbuttoned her shirt and unzipped her skirt, revealing her vuloptous body. He couldn't help but be taken aback by her sudden boldness.

His mind raced, torn between desire and caution. As she continued to undress, he found himself questioning whether he should give in to his desires or maintain a level of caution. He pushed her gently away, breaking the kiss.

"Wait," he whispered, his voice filled with uncertainty. "This is a bad idea." He struggled to find the right words, his heart pounding in his chest. "We need to think this through before we go any further."

"What's there to think?" She leaned down again to kiss him, her lips lingering on his for a moment before she pulled away. "Why is this even a question? We're both consenting adults, and life is too short to overthink everything. Let's just follow our hearts and see where it takes us."

"No, no, no. This is really a bad idea," he insisted, his voice filled with concern.

"What are you afraid of, McCear? What's the worst that could happen? We won't know unless we take a chance and see where this leads us. Trust me, it'll be worth it." She unhooked her bra and tossed it aside, her confidence growing with each daring move.

"Are you really sure about this?" he asked, his eyes filled with uncertainty. "I don't want to ruin our friendship or make things complicated between us." She paused for a moment, looking deep into his eyes.

"Try me," she replied softly, her voice filled with sincerity. "Or are you afraid of a virgin taking charge?"

McCear hesitated for a moment, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts. He knew that taking this step could change everything, but her boldness and assurance intrigued him. Finally, he took a deep breath and made up his mind to embrace the unknown.

"Ahh, fuck it..." He pulled her down to him and kissed her passionately, letting go of all his reservations.

Moaning sounds reverberated through the hall of the infirmary as their bodies intertwined in a passionate embrace. Every injured patient and exhausted nurse turned their heads towards one room on that floor, curiosity and anticipation filling the air.

Aetheon, who was passing by the infirmary, couldn't help but be drawn towards the crowd of people gathered in the hall leading to the room. Intrigued, he approached one of the nurses on standby and asked what was happening.

"Who's resting in that room?" Aetheon inquired, his curiosity piqued by the intense atmosphere surrounding it. The nurse glanced at him with surprise.

"Captain Aetheon, sir. That room is occupied by one of the black ops operatives who were treated here for the past two weeks, the one who lost his entire team." The nurse explained, her voice filled with sympathy.

"Let me guess... Cerill Houling?" Aetheon asked, his brows raised, unamused by the nurse's response. He sighed and shook his head. "That fucking newbie..." Aetheon muttered under his breath, frustration evident in his tone.

"You know what? Let him have his fun rearranging the inside of whoever is in the room with him." Aetheon said with a dismissive wave of his hand before turning his head towards the rest of the onlooker.

"Now all of you, dismiss. This is just common everyday loud sex; nothing to see here." Aetheon's words were met with a mix of amusement and relief from the onlookers, who quickly dispersed, leaving Aetheon alone with his frustration. He walked towards the room and stopped in front of the door.

"Hey, McCear... Do us all a favor and hump and pump at lower decibels. We don't need free porn blasting through the walls," Aetheon called out sarcastically, hoping to make his point clear. He sighed heavily, realizing that his plea would likely fall on deaf ears. "Fuck it... My point is, keep it down!"

"He's so going to eat your ass when you're out of here." Enbellam said with a smirk, laying on top of McCear, covered with a blanket. McCear rolled his eyes and chuckled, not bothered by Aetheon's comment.

"I'll deal with him later," McCear replied nonchalantly. "Besides, it's not like we're breaking any rules here. I was ordered to relax and rest with any means necessary, and this is exactly what I'm doing."

Enbellam nodded in agreement, knowing that McCear had a valid point. Sex, in technicality, falls under the category of relaxation and can be a means of stress relief. As long as it is consensual and does not interfere with their duties, there should be no issue with their actions.

"Imagine the headline," Enbellam chuckled. "Black Ops operative found scandalous with a baker.". Enbellam imagined the media frenzy that would ensue if their relationship was exposed.

"That will not happen." McCear was warily sensing Enbellam's excitement. "I'm afraid this—whatever this we just had—cannot continue."

Enbellam's smile faded as McCear's words sank in. She slowly raised her head from McCear's chest and looked into his eyes, sad and confused. McCear hesitated on how to break the news gently, knowing that Enbellam's feelings would be hurt. She carefully raised her body and sat up on the bed. She chuckled slightly, sadness lacing her voice, shaking her head.

"So that's it, huh? This is goodbye? This is it?" Enbellam's voice trembled with a mix of disappointment and resignation. She had hoped for something more, but now she understood that their connection was not meant to last. McCear could only nod in response, closing his eyes as he felt a pang of guilt. He knew that he had to be honest with Enbellam, even if it meant breaking her heart.

"I see... I guess I was just holding onto false hope." Enbellam stood up from the bed, picked up her clothes, and began to dress herself. She tried to hide the tears welling up in her eyes, determined not to let McCear see how much he had hurt her.

"Enbellam... wait."

"Save it... I understand that you still had feelings for Zara and that you couldn't reciprocate mine... I, uhh... I just wish you had been honest with me from the beginning." Enbellam's voice trembled as she spoke, her heart breaking with each word. With a deep breath, she turned towards him and said, "Keep the memories we shared. They were real to me, even if they weren't to you."

She picked up her folded jacket and wore it over her shoulders before swiping the door's electronic lock, opening the door to leave. As she stopped in the doorway, she turned her head back one last time, a single tear escaping down her cheek.

With a faint smile, she whispered, "Eat the rest of the cookies; they will get bad if they sit there too long. Take care of yourself." And with that, she stepped out into the world, ready to begin a new chapter without him.

McCear stood in the doorway, unable to shake the feeling of emptiness that washed over him. He watched as she walked away, her silhouette gradually fading into the distance. Slowly butting his head against the doorframe, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to consume him.

'What the fuck did I just do?' He muttered to himself, his voice barely audible. He punched the wall with his right fist, feeling a sharp pain shoot through his hand.

Blood began to trickle down his knuckles, staining the wall. The physical pain provided a temporary distraction from the emotional turmoil raging inside him, but it couldn't erase the regret that now weighed heavily on his heart.

"Ahh, fuck... I hate my life."

He slumped down onto the floor, unsure what to do next. The electronic lock on his door blared a loud beep, indicating that someone was trying to contact his room.

He wiped the blood off his hand and reluctantly got up, his curiosity piqued by the unexpected interruption. With a sigh, he approached the intercom, wondering who could possibly be reaching out to him at this moment.

"Yeah?"

"Mr. Houling, there's someone in the lobby visiting you." The voice on the intercom sounded urgent, causing McCear's curiosity to intensify.

He hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether he should ignore the visitor or entertain their presence. However, a glimmer of hope flickered within him, tempting him to embrace the possibility of a much-needed distraction from his troubled thoughts.

"Who is it?" McCear asked, his voice tinged with both curiosity and caution.

"A black ops operative by the name of Zarramey Debinswigh... She claims to be your ex-girlfriend. Should I allow her in?" The voice on the other end of the intercom responded.

'Zara? The hell is she doing on this planet?'

McCear's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Zara's name. Memories of their tumultuous past flooded his mind, making him question whether he was ready to face her again. However, curiosity got the better of him, and he couldn't resist finding out what she wanted after all these years.

"Yeah, sure... Let her in."

"Thank you, sir. I'll inform her of your room's location and send her up."

After a few minutes of dressing himself appropriately for the unexpected visit, McCear took a deep breath and prepared himself mentally for the encounter. He knew that seeing Zara again would bring up unresolved emotions and possibly reopen old wounds, but he was determined to handle it with grace and composure.

The electronic lock rang out, signaling Zara's arrival at his door. McCear took one last moment to steady himself before opening it, revealing a girl in an all-black standard-issue black ops uniform.

Her piercing, dark brown eyes met his dark gray eyes, and for a moment, they both stood frozen in time, the weight of their shared history hanging heavily in the air.

"Zara..."

"McCear." Zara suddenly jumped into McCear's arms, embracing him tightly. Her voice trembled as she whispered, "I thought you died; the entire Blue Miasma except you are dead." McCear held onto her, his grip tightening as he fought back tears.

"I managed to escape, Zara," he replied softly. "But the rest of my team wasn't as fortunate. The mission went horribly wrong, and I barely made it out alive."

Zara's eyes filled with tears as she listened, her heart aching for the loss he had experienced. She couldn't imagine the pain and fear he must have endured during the mission.

"I'm so sorry, McCear," she said, her voice filled with genuine sympathy. "I can't even begin to understand what you've been through. But I'm here for you now, and I'll do whatever it takes to help you heal."

"Thank... you..."

"What's wrong with you? You seem distant and troubled," Zara asked, concern evident in her voice. "Is there something else on your mind?"

"No... it's just that... last time I remember, we're still on break." Zara threw a jab at his chest.

"Very funny, asshole. I travel who knows how far to this planet just to see your ass, and you had the audacity to make a joke about it?" Zara's frustration was clear in her tone. "I thought we were going to have a serious conversation, but if you're not willing to open up, then maybe-"

McCear pulled her close to a kiss, interrupting her mid-sentence. The intensity of the moment silenced Zara's frustration as their lips met, conveying a depth of emotion that words couldn't capture.

"Same old Zara, why can't you just shut up and enjoy the moment?" McCear whispered against her lips, his voice filled with a mixture of playfulness and desire. Zara's irritation melted away as she surrendered to the heat of their passionate embrace and pushed him to the bed.

"You fuckin-fuck it; let's skip this bullshit and just fuck me already," Zara moaned, assaulting McCear's lips with a hungry kiss.

The room filled with the sound of their urgent desires, drowning out any lingering frustrations or inhibitions. The entire infirmary was once again awoken and drawn by the loud cries of pleasure echoing through the halls.

"Nurse Pinot, don't tell me it's him again?" Aetheon asks the nurse, scratching his eyes, still sleepy from the commotion. Nurse Pinot nodded, a tired expression on her face.

"Yes, it's him again. But with a different woman this time, sir." She sighed, feeling a mix of annoyance and sympathy for the patients who were disturbed by McCear's escapades.

"Then who the hell is this playboy bringing into the infirmary now?" Aetheon muttered under his breath, frustrated by the recurring disruption.

Pinot glanced at the patient chart in her hand and replied, "According to the records, it's a new visitor named Zarramey Debinswigh."

"I know her." Aetheon's eyes narrowed as he recognized the name.

"You do, sir?" Nurse Pinot asked, her curiosity piqued. Aetheon nodded, his expression turning serious.

"Zarramey Debinswigh, aka Zara, is one of the black ops operatives from the team Eagle Eye. I know her captain; I'll give him a call in the morning." Aetheon sighed at her arrival.

Aetheon rubbed his temples in annoyance and muttered under his breath, "That man never seems to learn his lesson... That fucking bellend."

Outro song :

Dance Macabre by Ghost

Sorry for the reupload. I forget to paste the last subplot before closing the tab and leave for a doctor's appointment.