A skyscraper pierced the clouds. In its front yard, a fountain with a dolphin statue shimmered among trimmed hedges. Two guards were chatting in front of the HQ's main entrance. Their black uniforms gleamed under the sun, each one carrying a katana like a spine.
"Seriously? They're going on another expedition?" The first guard spoke in surprise.
"Yeah, I heard this is the biggest one yet! Both the AEOC and UEOC will be sending their 1st units in this expedition. " The second guard confirmed.
Suddenly, their conversation was interrupted by a man wearing the same clothes them. They stopped talking as Missio adjusted his collar, striding towards the guards. The guards tensed up.
"Stop, Identify yourself." The second one questioned Missio.
Missio was dumbfounded.
"You don't recognize me?"
"Stop joking, sir. Provide identification." The guard declared solemnly.
Missio pointed to his chest. The guard raised a brow and looked at him with a confused expression. Missio froze – his hand touched his chest, but it was empty.
'Shit, my insignia.'
He remembered his insignia which he had received the day before at his promotion ceremony.
"I... uh..."
He stuttered and stepped back out of nervousness. His heartbeat rose, sweat dripping from his face. The guards were looking at him with serious faces.
'I'm an idiot.'
He cursed inwardly. He pushed a button on his music box and stretched out his palm. Suddenly, a burst of light came from his hand. It blinded the two guards. By the time they recovered, Missio was holding the insignia on his palm. He calmly placed it on his chest and pointed at it again.
"Now, do you see?"
The two focused their attention on the insignia. It was made of gold and the logo of the EOC was imprinted on it. Three stars were attached to that insignia. Both guard's eyes widened. They stood at attention and saluted Missio with respect.
"Greetings! Lieutenant General!"
The first guard quickly entered a password into the digital lock. The heavy metal door slid open. Missio nodded at them and entered the building. He could sense the unease and nervousness in their bodies but chose to ignore it. He entered the lobby and the entrance closed behind him. The lobby had lofty ceilings and many enforcers in it. There were two staircases leading to the next floor, between them was a reception desk. A portrait of a man was hung above the reception desk. The man had flashy red hair with golden eyes; he wore a toga picta and a laurel wreath. He marched towards the reception desk.
"Yes, what can I help you-Huh?! Lieutenant General? What brings you here? I'm quite sure you should be in your office…office. Ah, you want directions to your office. Am I right?"
Missio nodded anxiously. The receptionist told him the location of his new office and went back to her work. Missio thanked the lady and ascended the stairs. From there, he entered the elevator and pressed the button to the second highest floor. He drew a deep breath. He had just been promoted to Lieutenant General of the black ops division yesterday.
It was an amazing achievement, and it was even more amazing that he had done it at such a young age.
"This is too much pressure for me, man…No, I shouldn't be like that…I'll try to make it work."
After several minutes, the doors of the elevator slid open. He stepped out, entering a long hallway. One side was made of glass while the other was made of fine metal. He paced down the hallway, making his way to a metal door. He scanned his insignia on the scanner and the door opened with a hum. He stepped inside his office which was made of shining steel with a balcony behind it.
He turned around and saw a television on top of the entrance. He walked towards the desk, sliding his palm along its surface. He placed his katana on the desk and sat down. He leaned back and gripped the armrest tighter than he meant to.
'Creating that insignia took a lot more than I expected…'
He rested for a moment, then picked up a nameplate with his name engraved on it. A sense of satisfaction washed over him as he smiled.
'Would you be proud of me right now?'
As he thought that, memories flashed before his eyes. His pupils dilated and he threw the nameplate down. He clutched his head, his breath becoming rapid. After a while, he sulked into his chair, his breathing shallow but steady.
***
The two guards were drawing sharp breaths. They had almost stopped the Lieutenant General for Pangea's sake. Although, it was also his fault for not bringing his insignia.
"We almost got in a lot of trouble…" The first one Blurted.
"Remind me to be more polite in the future. If there is one for me…" The second guard Cautioned.
They both calmed their nerves and stood in their posts. After a while, a car parked itself in the parking lot. Out of the car came four individuals who wore the exact same outfit as them with a katana fitted behind each of their backs. They stopped at the entrance to the HQ.
"Please, provide identification." The first one said.
They handed their IDs to the guards. The first man had spiky brown hair and eyes with brown complexion. The other man had fuzzy ginger-red hair, little hazel eyes and wore glasses. The first girl stuck close to the man with the ginger-red hair. She had short light blue hair that went a little past her shoulders and blue eyes with a heart shaped face. The other girl had braided golden-blonde hair with amber eyes and an oval face. After checking their Id's, the guards handed them back and opened the entrance.
"Have a nice day, seniors." The guards voiced.
"Yeah, you too buddy." The brown-haired man replied.
They entered the lobby and ascended the stairs. After a ride on the elevator, they strolled through the hallway, making it to Missio's new office. A mischievous smile formed on the brown-eyed man's face as he knocked on the door. Missio leaned forward, opening his mouth.
"Come in."
As he gave a command, the door recognized his voice, opening itself to the individuals outside. Missio raised a brow as the shadow of a man stood in the doorway. He narrowed his eyes and saw it was his best friend.
"Krishna?" He exclaimed.
"Hello, Lieutenant General~" Krishna teased.
"Please, don't tease me. I'm already stressed as it is." Missio heaved a sigh.
"No worries, captain~. This humble private won't harm you at all…" Krishna said in a sarcastic voice.
"Just die, you jerk." Missio blurted.
"No." Krishna replied.
"Oh! Missio, I'm so happy for you. Say, how do you like the new office." The blue-eyed beauty asked.
"Oh, Eira. I like it. It's okay." Missio replied.
"Missio, Congrats on your promotion. I hope you continue to do great things in the future." The amber-eyed girl commented.
"Thanks. You're still as optimistic as ever, Mary." Missio smiled.
They then chatted for the next five minutes. Missio's digital clock hit nine and he instantly turned towards it. The time reflected on his eyes, and he stood up quickly. He grabbed the katana on the table, sliding it into its sheath.
"Time for training, guys." He walked past his friends.
"Already? But wait, you look more excited than usual." Krishna sulked.
"Of course. Now, get you lazy butt up." Missio said.
Krishna snorted at his captain's comment but eventually stood up. Henry and Eira were already outside Missio's office. Mary trailed behind Krishna who was striding down the hallway.