INT - GRAND COVENANT ORDER ENTRANCE - 3 pm
She started walking inside, trying to push aside the racing thoughts that filled her mind.
I'll be in a different department. I won't need to talk to him. In fact, I don't need to see him at all!
The idea brought a brief sense of relief, though it quickly faded. I need the money now. I'll find another job later.
But the question lingered. Why do they even pay that much? Her thoughts shifted again, uncertainty creeping in. And the antidote, is there any chance it's real?
Her mind briefly wandered to Yuka—she could still pursue her dream profession again, but that was a far-off thought now, tangled in the web of her present worries. Her mind spun like it always did—thoughts darting this way and that as she entered the building. People moved around her, walking with purpose, all just as busy as she'd been moments ago.
The sun beat down on her as she descended the stairs, the heat pressing against her skin.
"Hello, I'm here to accept the offer." She extended the folder in her hand, hoping to make this quick and easy.
The receptionist's eyes widened for a split second as she recognized the folder—a sleek black one with a distinct badge, a rare item that only the Major General issued. It was a request that couldn't be questioned. Despite her brief shock, she quickly masked her reaction, her face returning to its composed professionalism. "Follow me, please," she said, her voice steady, though her hands betrayed a slight tremor as she gestured for Evah to follow.
As she walked through the halls, she overheard a man shouting, "Five red! We need the Phoenix now!" A number of people rushed out of the room, their footsteps hurried. The phone on the receptionist's desk continued to ring incessantly.
They said this department doesn't do anything, just enjoying their position as law enforcement, but as Evah watched the flurry of activity around her, she could tell they were working hard—much harder than anyone gave them credit for. Her gaze flicked to the phone, still ringing non-stop, and she realized just how much was happening behind the scenes.
She didn't linger, continuing her journey to the HR department. Thirty minutes later, all the documentation was complete, but the unease in her stomach remained.
INT- Evah's Room - 6 pm
Evah couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement as she removed her sandals. I'm going to be working with Dr. Riko, she thought, the excitement bubbling up in her chest. Dr. Riko, the top Originator in the country! This is a dream come true. The thought almost made her giddy, but there was also a flutter of nervousness that followed. He's a genius, and I'll be his assistant. What if I mess up?
She placed the sandals on the shoe rack, the clink of the metal against the wood pulling her back to reality.
They said I can start tomorrow. The thought grounded her, but her mind quickly spiraled again. The goal is to stay away from him. She hung her jacket on the hook, the fabric brushing against the wall. I'll be working with Dr. Riko, the best Originator in the country. No involvement with the Order's troubles, no complications with anyone.
Her bag was placed on the table, but her thoughts wandered back to Dr. Riko. I can't believe this is happening. I've idolized him for so long. He's the best there is, and now I'll be learning directly from him. It's everything I've dreamed of. She stood still for a moment, allowing the excitement to wash over her again, though it was mixed with a hint of unease. But he's a genius. What if I can't keep up?
She looked at her reflection in the mirror, her gaze narrowing slightly as she studied her face.
Five years in a low rank… she thought, the familiar sting of jealousy creeping up on her. Erion doesn't make sense. He's everything I'm not. Maybe I'm too young for a better career, but the way he spoke today… he looks down on me. I can tell.
Her hands gripped the edge of the table, her frustration bubbling up again. I want to be angry at him, but I know better than anyone how to sabotage my own confidence.
Her chest tightened. I thought I was good enough, but all that confidence is gone now.
She remembered the HR officer's words as she finalized the documents: "You'll be under Dr. Riko's care. You're lucky! He's very kind, and you'll learn so much from him."
Dr. Riko, the Top Originator, a prodigy whose name was known in every corner of the country. He had won awards and broken records before many of his peers even had the chance. But I've never seen a picture of him, she thought. And I had no idea he'd chosen to work for the government.
She clicked the light on, the soft glow filling the room and giving her a fleeting sense of optimism.
Tomorrow, I'll start a new job. I'm not a waste!
She stood tall, hands on her hips in a mock display of confidence. I'll be one of the best.
But then, her thoughts once again drifted to Erion. Just please don't let me get anywhere near him.
Her phone buzzed, an incoming call flashing on the screen: Yuka.
Evah's hand instinctively hovered over the green button. No, she thought, hesitating. I can't let her know. She'll be furious. She'll worry about me being in danger at the CGO.
She exhaled sharply. I was the one who told her not to trust Erion, but here she was, on the brink of working for him.
With a resigned breath, she answered the call.
"How was your day? Did you get the new job?" Yuka's voice sounded cheerful, but the concern was clear in her eyes. Her braided hair framed her face, her smile warm.
Evah hesitated. I'm not good at lying, especially to Yuka, her best friend. But she had no choice.
"Ye-yes!" she stammered, immediately regretting the hesitation.
"Congratulations!" Yuka's face lit up, her smile infectious. "Where is it? A top hospital again? Or maybe a tech company?"
Evah forced a smile. I can't tell her the truth, not yet. "Oh, it's just a small company. I wanted a change, something smaller with a closer team."
Yuka blinked, clearly puzzled. She knows I always aim for the big companies, Evah thought. She knows I need the money too. But she's trying to cheer me up.
"That's great, Evah! Small companies can be great to start with. They treat people better," Yuka said, her voice trying to sound reassuring.
Evah felt a twist in her stomach, guilt gnawing at her. She'll never be okay with me working with the CGO. The weight of it was heavy on her, knowing how much Yuka hated the idea of her being involved in dangerous situations.
"Thanks, Yuka," she murmured, the words feeling hollow. She'll understand.
Next Day
-INT - Grand Covenant Order- 8 am
On her first day, everything was going according to plan. She was introduced to every department, each one a new world to explore.
"This is where the Investigators work; they handle Cloak operations," the HR staff explained, her voice soft.
"They do undercover missions," HR personnel whispered. Her eyes linger on the people around her, sensing the quiet tension in the air. A few colleagues smiled at her, offering brief but warm greetings. Something she didn't expect.
"There are others, like the frontman and middle-man. Each team typically needs someone in those roles, but it's a bit complicated," the HR staff continued. "You don't really need to worry about that yet." They continued their walk, with Evah following, processing everything with wide-eyed curiosity.
"Your role is simple: just provide what they request," the HR staff added with a reassuring smile.
Got it, Evah thought, feeling a little relieved.
"You'll also have access to the resources here to propose any ideas you have. If they're approved, we can implement them." The HR staff smiled brightly, which sparked a flurry of ideas in Evah's mind.
Anything I imagine... She thought back to what Erion had said, his voice clear in her memory. I can really create anything.
Her mind began to drift as she was introduced to a slew of new faces, but she barely registered them. Her thoughts were consumed with possibilities—new ideas to present, new things to create.
"Okay, let's stop by and say hi to the Major before I introduce you to your team," the HR staff said, breaking Evah's concentration.
What? Evah froze in her tracks.
Before she could voice her hesitation, the HR staff had already reached Erion's office door.
She knocked, and Evah hurried to catch up, confusion creeping into her chest.
"The Major General is out. Do you need anything?" A woman with hunter-green hair, gentle eyes, and soft, nude-painted lips greeted them. She exuded an effortless elegance.
"Oh, hi, Hilda!" the HR staff called out. "This is Evallithyia Arsenault—she's joining the Innovation Team as Dr. Riko's Chief Assistant."
Evah's heart fluttered, and a nervous excitement filled her chest. Why does that sound so... good? she thought, her stomach tightening in the most unsettlingly pleasant way. Chief Assistant to Dr. Riko? It felt surreal. The title carried weight, authority—a level she'd only dreamed of reaching. It felt like the moment she'd always hoped for had finally arrived, but the feeling of butterflies in her stomach made her wonder if she was really ready for it.
Evah bowed slightly, offering a polite smile. Erion's secretary? The thought struck her with a small pang of uncertainty.
She's so... perfect. She has to be his lover, right? Evah admired Hilda's poised beauty, feeling a hint of awkwardness.
"Miss Arsenault, it's a pleasure to meet you," Hilda greeted warmly. "I've heard a lot about you. Sorry the Major's out; he's on a 'Command drive.' But he'll be back later."
The HR staff nodded. "Well, that's unfortunate. Let's head to your team now."
Saved! Evah sighed in relief as they moved on.
They walked toward a glass door, the sign on it reading: Authorized Personnel Only - Innovation Department.
The door opened, and Evah was greeted by her new team. Smiles and introductions followed as she stepped into the room, feeling both overwhelmed and exhilarated.
"I'll leave you here, Miss Arsenault ," the HR staff said, her tone warm. "Tomorrow, you'll meet Dr. Riko for sure—he's in an important conference right now. For today, just get familiar with everyone. You'll be working closely with Dr. Riko, leading the team together. Make sure you get to know your team members."
Evah bowed, a nervous but excited smile tugging at her lips. This will be my home, she thought, her heart racing with anticipation.
Her eyes roamed over the station set up for her—state-of-the-art technology, everything she could possibly need at her fingertips. My originator's heart is on fire!
"Miss Arsenault?" A lab-coated colleague approached her, offering a polite smile.
"Hello! I'm Evallithyia Arsenault, and I'm looking forward to working with you," she said, offering a slight bow. Her smile was warm, but as she spoke, she noticed all eyes were on her.
Everyone wore the same white lab coat as she did, but there were subtle differences. The others had short-sleeved coats that barely reached their elbows, while hers was a three-quarter sleeve with a longer back. Is this because of my position? she wondered. Maybe Dr. Riko's coat is full-sleeved and longer, too.
One of her new team members eagerly volunteered to give her a tour of the lab, showing her all the tools she'd need. I can build anything I want here! Her eyes sparkled, her imagination running wild as she gazed at the equipment around her.
Maybe this is a good choice after all.
"I'm really excited to work with you, Miss Arsenault," her colleague said, his voice laced with respect. "You were handpicked by the Major General himself."
Evah felt a strange sense of pride, but also unease. They're all talking to me like I'm some senior person, someone important. The respect they showed felt odd, like something she wasn't entirely sure she deserved.
It's weird, she thought. All my life, I've been looked down upon, treated like I was replaceable. And now, here I am, getting all this respect, in this new facility...
She smiled back, but it felt a little forced. I need to be professional. Erion is my superior here. I have to remember that.
There were only ten people on the team, and the laboratory itself was spacious, buzzing with the hum of cutting-edge technology. Evah sat down at her desk, her hands eager as she set up her computer, ready to dive into the work ahead.
An hour passed in a blur of focus. She unpacked power boards, a programmable brain chip, and a few wires, laying them out neatly on her desk as if arranging the pieces of a puzzle.
Another hour slipped by, the steady rhythm of time marking her progress. Evah grabbed the manuals for all the machines in the lab, poring over them, page by page. She wasn't just reading—she was absorbing every detail, making sure she didn't miss a thing. I can't afford to make mistakes. Not here. Not with Dr. Riko watching.
Hours passed, but she barely noticed. The sense of urgency in her chest kept her moving forward, driven by a need to prove herself.
I can't believe it. Her heart swelled with excitement. I have all these resources, and I have the freedom to originate my ideas. This is what I've always wanted.
She remembered Erion's words, a quiet echo in her mind: "You could have saved a lot of lives."
I will! she thought with determination, pushing aside the doubts that still lingered in her chest.
Suddenly, a knock on the glass door startled her, pulling her out of her thoughts. She realized that most of her team had already left. In fact, the lights in the lab were dimmed, and the room had grown eerily quiet, except for the glow of her station.
"Eh?" she muttered under her breath.
"Working late?" The glass door swung open.