Introduction
Although Team BE-COOL has yet to earn Nexus's approval, Eugene sees potential for their growth and decides to reach out. This mission unfolds against the backdrop of a high-society party, with a hidden illegal casino lurking in the shadows.
1.A Discreet Request for Cooperation
Once again, Velforia buzzed with life, its pulsing music and flashing lights dominating the atmosphere as crowds of young people danced. In a secluded VIP room, shielded from the noise by soundproof walls, Tria, Harold, and Quincy sat with a message handed to them by a staff member, summoning them to this room.
At the far end of the lavishly decorated room, Eugene sat elegantly on a sofa. "Thank you for coming. Please, have a seat." As the three sat down, Eugene poured himself a glass of wine.
Quincy kept up a cheerful front but remained cautious. "Why here at Velforia? Could he have noticed something about Shadowbane?" Quincy's eyes scanned the situation, taking in every detail.
"There's something I'd like you to help with," Eugene began calmly.
"With us?" Tria asked, tilting her head in curiosity.
Eugene sipped his wine gracefully. "The day after tomorrow, a high-society party will be held at the Hotel Grande. We've uncovered information that an illegal casino will be operating behind the scenes."
Quincy raised an eyebrow. "Really? But why ask us?" Harold, equally intrigued, added, "Yeah, what exactly do you want from us?"
"An undercover investigation," Eugene replied with a knowing smile. "Since this is an event for the elite, Roy and Nicholas would draw too much attention. But you three could blend in seamlessly."
Quincy nodded, listening carefully to each of Eugene's words, scrutinizing his intentions. Who is this guy, really?
"But… what does Roy think of this?" Tria asked nervously.
Eugene waved a hand dismissively. "They don't know about it. They'd only object."
"I see…" Harold murmured thoughtfully.
"This is perfect! It's our chance to prove ourselves!" Quincy chimed in with cheerful enthusiasm, while also keeping a cool head, analyzing the situation. An illegal casino… I'll need to find out where Eugene is getting his information from.
"What do you say?" Eugene asked, glancing around at the three. "Of course, you're free to decline."
"Let's do it!" Quincy declared enthusiastically. Tria nodded with determination, "I'd like to give it a try!" Harold joined in, "Alright. I'm in too."
Quincy, with an upbeat voice, announced, "Alright! Team BE-COOL, ready to roll!"
Eugene smiled in satisfaction. "Thank you. Now, let's go over the details of the mission."
2.Eugene's Training
In his mansion, a former noble estate fallen from grace after the Great Catastrophe thirty years ago, Eugene conducted Tria's training. The chandelier in the grand ballroom cast a soft glow over the room.
"At an elite party, social dancing is paramount," Eugene began, standing in the center of the room. "The waltz, in particular, is the crowning jewel of any ballroom." Tria, dressed in a simple practice dress, listened intently, a hint of nervousness on her face.
"Let's start with the basic steps," Eugene extended his hand to her. "Keep this distance from your partner, place your right hand below their left shoulder, and rest your left hand in theirs. Maintain a straight back…"
At that moment, Tria's posture shifted naturally into a flawless ballroom stance.
"Oh?" Eugene raised an eyebrow slightly.
A soft waltz rhythm began to play, and as Eugene initiated the first step, Tria matched him perfectly, moving in sync without hesitation.
"One, two, three… one, two, three," Eugene murmured. "Natural turn… and reverse turn."
Their movements were perfectly coordinated. Tria's steps were graceful, the hem of her dress swaying elegantly with each motion. Astonishingly, she anticipated the next steps with ease, handling even advanced moves seamlessly.
As the music changed to a quickstep and then to a foxtrot, Tria continued to dance with remarkable precision and poise.
"You…" Eugene asked quietly as they danced. "Have you ever been taught dance before?"
"No," Tria replied, sounding a bit bewildered. "But it feels like my body remembers somehow…"
With each step, her movements became more refined. The way she held herself, the angle of her chin, even the direction of her gaze—everything conveyed the grace of an aristocratic lady.
When the music stopped, Eugene paused in thought. "Now, let's assume we're at an actual party," he said, describing the scene. "When a gentleman approaches to escort you, how would you respond?"
Tria gracefully opened a fan, giving a courteous bow while maintaining an appropriate distance. Her gestures were effortless, exuding an air of natural elegance.
"And what about conversing with the guests?"
"Make eye contact while responding with a gentle, upward gaze," Tria replied, executing the interaction flawlessly.
Eugene nodded quietly. "Finally, let's try the dress for the event."
From a large dress case, he took out an exquisite ball gown—a pale pink velvet adorned with gold embroidery. When Tria reappeared, dressed in the gown, Eugene's eyes softened. The dress suited her perfectly, giving her the appearance of a dignified young lady of noble blood.
"Remarkable," Eugene said quietly. "There's nothing more I can teach you."
3.Infiltration at the Party
In the grand hall of the Hotel Grande, the soft light from crystal chandeliers cast an elegant glow across the marble floor. Noble gentlemen and ladies mingled, forming circles of quiet conversation.
From atop the grand staircase, a vision appeared that elicited gasps and murmurs from the guests. Tria, in a soft pink gown, looked as if she were a rosebud just beginning to bloom. Her silk dress shimmered in the light, the pearl embroidery from her neckline to hem enhancing her delicate presence.
Her long, golden hair flowed gracefully, while Eugene, dressed in a dark navy tuxedo, stood beside her, escorting her with impeccable composure. The two looked like they had stepped straight out of a classic portrait, exuding an air of timeless elegance.
"What a vision…"
"Such a pure, delicate young lady, like morning dew in early spring."
"And her escort… how graceful he is."
"They complement each other perfectly."
Admiring whispers spread across the hall. Though Tria felt a hint of nervousness, it only added to her charm, and she returned the glances of the crowd with natural grace.
"Stay calm," Eugene whispered softly. "Your pure, unguarded appearance is your greatest strength tonight." Tria nodded subtly, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush, the excitement of her first real social event shining through.
The clear notes of string instruments signaled the start of a waltz. Eugene gave a deep bow and extended his hand to her.
"May I have this dance?"
Tria responded with a gentle, poised nod. "Yes, I'd be honored."
As the two began to dance, the hall's attention naturally focused on them. Eugene's refined movements complemented Tria's gentle elegance in perfect harmony. Her soft pink dress swirled like petals caught in a spring breeze.
"They're marvelous together,"
"The young lady's innocence and the gentleman's grace blend beautifully."
Harold, watching with a glass of wine in hand, was struck by Tria's transformation. "She looks like a true noblewoman. What kind of training did Eugene give her?" he wondered to himself, while Quincy, equally captivated, couldn't take his eyes off Tria.
The orchestra's music filled the hall, enveloping them all. Each time Tria's dress swayed, it caught the chandelier's light, casting a delicate glow, as if they were dancing in a dreamlike world.
"You're captivating the entire room," Eugene murmured as they danced.
"Yes," Tria replied, a shy smile crossing her slightly flushed face. "It feels surprisingly natural, even to me."
A single, pure rose blossomed in the ballroom that night, gracefully led by her elegant escort.
4.Harold and Quincy's Success
In a corner of the main hall, Harold adjusted the tiny device hidden in the collar of his server uniform. The 10-millimeter disc, a high-performance listening device he had developed himself, was ready for action.
"Starting check," Harold counted off in his mind. "Directional mic, wireless transmitter, noise-canceling—all systems normal."
The device began picking up nearby conversations quietly. "Oh, Baron, it's been ages!" "Indeed, though the last casino night was a disaster for me." Harold discreetly moved through the guests, serving wine and subtly gathering voices. The collected audio was transmitted automatically to Eugene's receiver.
Meanwhile, Quincy was serving wine when he nearly slipped. "Ah!" He tilted the tray, and the glasses wobbled, almost spilling—but at the last second:
"Ladies and gentlemen!"
Quincy spun gracefully, catching the tray and rebalancing it in a move that seemed like a flawless performance.
"Oh my!"
"What splendid agility!"
A small round of applause rose from the ladies nearby.
Quincy smiled charmingly. "Tonight's special attraction: The Balancing Wine Act!" His lighthearted comment drew attention, effectively diverting eyes from Harold's covert activities.
"That server is rather dashing, isn't he?"
"Trained in the royal capital, perhaps?"
"The Hotel Grande certainly has a flair for entertainment."
Harold's device continued capturing snippets of conversation. "Regarding the next casino night?" "Ah, the usual venue." "You might want to invite the ladies this time." Key details flowed into Eugene's receiver with each passing moment.
Suddenly, an older gentleman addressed Quincy. "Young man, have we met somewhere before?" Quincy replied with a perfect smile, "I do apologize, sir. This face is a precious heirloom from my mother, and it's my good fortune that many find it so familiar." The gentleman chuckled at his witty reply.
Meanwhile, Harold's device kept gathering vital information, transmitting it smoothly to Eugene. By the end of the evening, Harold exhaled a small sigh of relief.
"I simply must attend another one of these parties," a guest remarked.
"Such delightful service," added another.
As the chandelier lights glimmered softly overhead, Team BE-COOL's infiltration was a quiet success, completed without a hint of suspicion.
5.Discovery of the Underground Casino
In the Team Nexus operations room, Eugene carefully reviewed the information displayed on his tablet. As he analyzed the collected conversation data, he marked the map.
"I've pinpointed the location," he announced. Roy and Nicholas silently studied the map. "It's three blocks east of the Hotel Grande," Eugene continued. "The casino operates every Friday at midnight. Security is layered, with strict surveillance."
Nicholas scanned the data. "Armed security?"
"Yes," Eugene confirmed. "Four guards at the front entrance, two on each floor, and additional guards at the back entrance."
Roy's expression grew serious. "It's time to start planning the operation."
"But first," Eugene said, standing up, "we'll need extra support. Particularly with camera control and communications jamming. I'd like to enlist Harold's tech skills."
Roy crossed his arms, considering. "Alright. I'll reach out to him."
A few days later, Team BE-COOL arrived in Velforia's VIP room after receiving a message from the staff.
"Why the sudden call?" Harold asked, looking around.
"I called you," Roy replied.
Eugene began explaining. "We've located the underground casino, and next Friday at midnight, we'll be launching an operation."
"So, what do you need from us?" Quincy asked, a rare serious expression on his face.
"We need your support. Will you help us?" Roy said intently. "Harold, can you take control of the surveillance cameras and security system?"
"I can," Harold replied confidently. "I'll use the communications device we deployed at the last party to hack in."
"Good. Then we're officially requesting your assistance. Will you take on this mission?"
"Absolutely!" Quincy leaned forward, excited. "This is a huge opportunity for BE-COOL! We're all in!"
"Understood," Nicholas, who had been silently observing, spoke up. "Quincy, you have some skill. I want you up front, backing us in the field."
"Yes, sir!" Quincy replied enthusiastically, though inwardly surprised that his abilities had been recognized. These guys… who are they, really?
Roy looked kindly at Tria. "Tria, I can't have you on the front lines, but I need you to monitor the area around the building and act as our emergency contact."
"Got it!" Tria nodded, eager to contribute.
"If there's any danger, don't hesitate to get out," Eugene cautioned.
"We'll avoid a frontal assault," Roy continued. "We'll enter through the back and head to the upper floors. Harold, create blind spots in the camera coverage."
"Understood," Harold nodded.
"Listen closely," Roy's voice took on a hard edge. "This is a real operation. There's no room for half-hearted efforts."
"We're ready," Harold and Quincy replied in unison.
"Then," Eugene said, standing up, "let's start detailed planning tomorrow in our operations room."
Tension filled the VIP room in Velforia. With the goal of shutting down the underground casino, the two teams prepared to unite their efforts.
6.Underground Casino Takeover
In the Team Nexus operations room, Harold focused intently on the security camera feeds displayed across three large monitors. Behind him, Eugene kept an eye on the overall situation.
"Switching rear entrance cameras to looped footage," Harold announced, fingers flying over the keys with concentration. "Roy, Nicholas, I've created a 30-second blind spot."
"Roger that," Nicholas's low voice crackled over the comms.
Eugene analyzed the setup. "Four guards at the front, all armed with holstered 9mm handguns. They're on two-minute patrol rotations and equipped with batons as well."
A message came through from Tria. "The back alley is clear."
"Good, let's begin the operation," Roy decided calmly, as he, Nicholas, and Quincy slipped into the shadows and approached the rear entrance.
"First-floor security room—two guards," Harold relayed in a tense voice, switching the camera view. "They're approaching from the right hallway, armed with batons and holstered sidearms."
"They look like they've had combat training, likely ex-mercenaries," Eugene added.
In the dim hallway, Roy and Nicholas moved with flawless synchronization. Roy swiftly disarmed the first guard, locking his arm and relieving him of his weapon, while Nicholas slipped behind the second guard, expertly knocking him out with a precise strike.
"All clear. Moving to the second floor," Nicholas reported.
"Wait!" Harold's voice suddenly tensed. "Something's wrong with the cameras on the second floor!"
Alarms blared, and the building braced for action.
"Their surveillance system has re-engaged! We've lost control!" Harold exclaimed, beads of sweat on his forehead as he furiously typed away. "Their defenses are tougher than anticipated!"
"The guards are armed!" Tria's voice cut through over the comms. "Guests are panicking and fleeing!"
"Roy, Nicholas," Eugene's voice was calm but urgent. "Armed guards are gathering near the stairwell."
Roy and Nicholas now faced over ten guards, all holding batons and sidearms. The duo moved in sync as the fight began.
Roy charged from the front, expertly deflecting an incoming baton and countering with a knee strike to the enemy's gut. Reading the next opponent's movement, he threw him back, sending him crashing into the group behind.
Nicholas approached from the side with precise, cold efficiency. He twisted an opponent's wrist, disarming him, and in the same motion, struck another guard's weak point, neutralizing him.
"Enemies are concentrating on the third floor now," Harold announced from the operations room, monitoring the video feed. "Six near the elevator and four in the lobby."
The battle on the second floor intensified. Roy dismantled the guards' formation with a series of well-placed strikes. Anticipating one guard's swing, he stepped in, executing a throw that sent his opponent crashing into others, creating an opening.
Quincy, joining the fight on the front lines, used his knowledge of knife techniques to skillfully block and parry attacks, keeping pressure off Roy and Nicholas.
"Roy, on your right!" Eugene's voice warned over the comms. Roy instinctively moved against the wall, and Nicholas and Quincy immediately covered him, blocking a guard attempting to raise his gun.
"There's a police car pulling up in front!" Tria's worried voice came through from outside.
"Understood," Eugene responded calmly. "Stay in a safe position and wait."
On the battlefield, the trio moved with increasing refinement. Roy's powerful strikes and grapples disrupted the enemy's stance, Nicholas's precise blows efficiently incapacitated guards, and Quincy's tactical positioning filled in the gaps, enhancing the team's coordination. Soon, the second-floor guards were all down.
"All clear! Moving to the third floor!" Roy's voice rang out.
The three hurried up the stairs, where another wave of guards awaited them. However, having cleared the second floor, the guards' morale was already shaken. After a few minutes of fighting, they completely secured the casino's third floor.
"Area secured," Nicholas's calm voice confirmed over the comms. "Transferring control of all surveillance cameras to the police." Harold swiftly tapped on his keyboard to complete the transfer.
"Operation complete!" Roy grinned. "Flawless teamwork. Thank you, everyone—you all did an outstanding job."
It was a moment that demonstrated the strength and coordination of both teams working together.
7.Building Trust
In the Nexus operations room overlooking the night cityscape, the mission footage replayed across three large monitors. The center table was strewn with tablets and reports, creating an atmosphere that left the BE-COOL members feeling slightly tense.
"We'll start the debrief," Roy announced, placing his hands firmly on the table as he began. The monitor displayed the casino's floor plan, then switched to live footage from various areas within the building.
"First, regarding the surveillance control," Roy said, switching the view to the scenes captured on each floor.
"Harold," he said, fixing a steady gaze on him, "your pre-planning to identify blind spots in the camera layout was impressive. Your ability to hack the security monitors was critical to our success."
Harold glanced down at the thick report, scratching his head modestly. "I still have a long way to go. When the alarm went off, I panicked a bit…"
"But you handled it calmly," Nicholas interrupted quietly. "Thanks to that, we secured the entry route."
"Preparation and practice paid off," Eugene added smoothly, taking a sip of coffee. "I didn't expect anyone could control such an extensive security system so seamlessly." The large screens showed footage of each floor during the mission, with the security room's monitors displaying nothing suspicious, even as Roy and his team steadily advanced.
"Next," Roy said, switching the footage again. "Let's discuss the combat performance."
The screen displayed scenes where the team faced off with security guards. Amid Roy and Nicholas's efficient maneuvers, Quincy's skills were also on full display, particularly in the stairwell fight on the second floor. Their teamwork overturned the disadvantage of being outnumbered.
"Quincy," Roy's gaze shifted to him, "your moves were beyond what we expected. You anticipated Nicholas's blind spots in his shooting, and your timing to block the guards was spot on."
Quincy leaned back in his chair with his usual casual confidence. "Well, martial arts are a gentleman's craft," he joked.
"No," Nicholas cut in, expressionless. "You have solid fundamentals. Those moves showed real combat experience."
The footage moved to the entry on the third floor, where Roy approached from the front, Nicholas from the left, and Quincy from the right, forming a triangle that broke through the guards' numbers with precision.
"You…" Nicholas began, directing his unfinished question at Quincy, a heavy silence filling the room. Eugene quickly softened the tension. "We can leave that for now. Today, let's focus on what you achieved as a team."
"Agreed," Roy nodded, then turned to Tria. "Tria."
"Y-Yes!" Tria sat up straight, visibly nervous.
"You did well, too. You maintained surveillance of the main entrance, continuously reporting any movement without losing sight until you received the order to withdraw. Excellent work for your first mission."
"Thank you!" Tria let out a small sigh of relief, her expression easing.
Roy scanned the group. "This operation has shown us your abilities and potential. Going forward, I'd like you to join Team Nexus on future missions, as official allies."
Harold leaned forward in surprise, and Tria caught her breath.
"However," Nicholas added firmly, "consider this a trial period. Don't let your guard down."
"Yes!" Harold replied enthusiastically. "I'll do whatever I can."
"We'll give it our all too!" Tria added with determination.
Quincy spun in his chair with a playful grin. "Looks like we're getting into the real deal now."
With that, the joint debrief for both teams concluded, marking a new phase in their alliance.
8.Quincy's Inner Thoughts
On the way home, the BE-COOL trio walked through the city streets at night. Harold, still brimming with excitement, was eagerly talking about improvements he could make to the communication system. "Miniaturization is still a big challenge, and we also need to enhance stability…"
Tria laughed warmly, nodding along. "Harold, I'm so glad everyone recognized your skills!"
Walking slightly behind them, Quincy found himself quietly comforted by Tria's smile. Unlike his usual carefree facade, he felt a calm warmth deep inside. Catching himself, he quickly looked away, turning his attention back to Harold.
"Hey, Harold," Quincy called out.
"Yeah?" Harold turned around.
"Your skills… they're the real deal," Quincy said, with none of his usual teasing tone.
"Oh? Well, maybe, but I still have a ways to go."
"No, I mean it. Without your hacking skills, that mission wouldn't have succeeded."
Harold stopped in his tracks, turning to face Quincy. "You were amazing too, Quincy. The way you coordinated with Roy and Nicholas—it was like you'd been working together for years."
"Well, I guess I just have a knack for it," Quincy chuckled lightly, though something flickered behind his smile.
"Ah!" Tria suddenly exclaimed. "Look at the time! Harold, we need to get back!"
"Shoot!" Harold said, alarmed. "Maximus is going to lecture us!"
"Alright, let's call it a night!" Quincy announced cheerfully, glancing in Tria's direction almost instinctively. "Let's do our best tomorrow."
"Yeah!" Tria replied with a bright smile. The three waved goodbye to each other, a quiet yet unmistakable trust now blooming among them.
Quincy walked alone down the lamp-lit street, moving at a slow, steady pace. As he glanced up at the night sky, the starlight shimmered faintly in his eyes. Tria's smile came back to him, warming him once more. Unsure what this feeling was, he continued down the quiet street, his figure gradually disappearing into the night.