It was early June, and Terra had already entered the scorching heat of summer.
Loken Tank, temporary breakroom for external security personnel.
The air conditioning hummed, and the fans continuously blew, creating a cool breeze that made people disinclined to move.
Even though a heavy rain had fallen an hour ago, it did little to alleviate the sweltering heat of the mobile city's summer heat island effect.
To the side, a small, colorful television continuously played today's midday news.
"An explosion occurred this afternoon at the Rhine Lab Industrial Park in the Takela Valley High-Tech Development Zone, resulting in a small-scale power outage in the park.
According to Rhine Lab, the incident was caused by a failed experimental accident, with an external laboratory glass being destroyed. There were no further losses, nor were there any casualties.
However, according to eyewitnesses and related video footage, a giant humanoid creature appeared on the outer wall of the Rhine Lab main building.
The giant humanoid creature, seemingly composed of flames, released a massive pillar of fire into the sky, appearing to be some kind of Originium Arts. The meteorological bureau detected a huge surge of Originium energy that dispersed the rain clouds in the sky.
This makes it hard not to wonder if Rhine Lab is conducting dangerous weapon experiments, and how the safety of citizens can be guaranteed…"
On the television, a Liberi Nona from Saint Foucault City Television was reporting on the day's major events.
Although her tone was a bit sharp, everyone knew that the councilor behind this TV station was at odds with Rhine Lab.
"Hmph… So boring. Why are only the two of us left here to monitor? And it's all corridor surveillance, not a single person to be seen. How dull."
Sitting on a soft sofa, a Volpe girl with long brown hair and pointed ears, dressed in a sharp black security uniform with the letters "BS" printed on its logo, complained.
"Say something, Liskarm. We're clearly being bullied, aren't we? This is workplace oppression, no, workplace bullying!"
The Volpe girl put down her uncharged thermite sword, closed her dark golden eyes, stretched her arms, tensed her plump thighs encased in black stockings, and let out a big yawn.
"The security work at Loken Tank is very important. Not only does it involve high risks, but there are also many secrets we shouldn't see. We are new, and lack experience, so from the perspective of both the employer and the captain, it's impossible for us to be entrusted with heavy responsibilities."
On the other side, a Vouivre / Wyvern girl with short gray hair and towering blue-green horns sat at a table, maintaining a small firearm.
For non-Laterano people, obtaining a firearms license is a complex process. Those who can handle small firearms are all sharpshooters who have undergone professional training and are guaranteed to have complete mastery of their weapons.
"What we need to do is to find opportunities to demonstrate our abilities within the limited chances we get, and strive to end our probation period early to become official employees."
Unlike the somewhat casual Franka, Liskarm's expression was serious, and her equipment was tidier.
On the spotless riot shield placed on the table, there was a public casting unit. Coupled with her slightly heavier equipment than Franka's and the same delicate black stockings, it indicated her role as a Shieldguard.
For Wyverns, there was no more suitable job than Shieldguard.
"Franka, you just arrived at Loken Tank and almost trespassed into a restricted area. If you continue to be so lax and truly violate discipline, you could easily be dismissed, and might even have to pay compensation."
Her uniform also bore the "BS" logo.
Blacksteel—Blacksteel International.
Headquartered in Columbia, it is a private security consulting firm and one of the widely known security contractors, with its core business being to provide private security consulting and defense contracting services.
In addition to providing common armed forces, Blacksteel International also has "Biological Protection Response Personnel (B.P.R.S)."
In the increasingly serious practice of Originium safety, not all mercenaries are willing to venture into dangerous situations to deal with Infected incidents that could cause them to become ill.
Thus, B.P.R.S came into being.
Franka and Liskarm were "interns" who had recently joined Blacksteel International. They were a partner team and hadn't known each other for too long.
Although their combat strength was already on par with ordinary mercenaries, Franka's swordsmanship aside, Liskarm's identity as a Wyvern alone was enough to let anyone know that she was not to be trifled with.
But in the meticulous Blacksteel International, especially in BPRS, where Originium contamination incidents could occur at any time, they still had much to learn.
"Hmph… Boring. Are all Wyverns as rigid as you? Smile a little. We're here to work and earn money, not to be imprisoned. There's nothing wrong with being a little happy."
Looking at her partner with dissatisfaction, Franka felt that if she had to partner with this Vouivre / Wyvern stick-in-the-mud forever, she would definitely get depressed.
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