Early the next day, Kaior returned to the Card Mage headquarters. The pathways were filled with agents moving back and forth, holding tablets and files, appearing all busy preparing something important.
The usual lazy and clumsy movement was now gone, replaced by a more serious attitude. Kaior was clear it had something to do with the upcoming mission and the briefing that was about to take place.
As Kaior dove into the building of the conference hall, he met another officer.
"What are you still doing here? Do you want your seniors to wait? Kaior, move, move. The boss will arrive in minutes," the officer said hurriedly.
'So it's Father causing such a ruckus in here. No wonder,' Kaior laughed inwardly.
After probing around, he figured out that the briefing wasn't taking place in the building of any of the four departments—neither the Espionage, Intel, the Reapers, nor the Investigation Department. It was taking place in the main building of the Card Mage Police.
Kaior felt his blood boil at the idea. He had never stepped into this building ever since he arrived here. This was mostly because the meetings held in this place were always reserved for four-star officers and captains. He didn't expect to get in there this early.
Within, Kaior found out a number of officers moving in the same direction. Here, the corridors were not only bigger but also felt a lot calmer. The sound of footsteps rhythmically clapped on the transparent floor while the officers moved to their various destinations.
It wasn't hard for Kaior to notice Nyx and the others. All he had to do was follow the crowd now.
"Hi Kaior. The result of those who had been selected for this mission will be revealed today. Are you not excited to figure out if you're going? Ah, knowing your father, you're probably on that list already. Me, on my part, I can't be certain," like in her habit, Leli started explaining, almost biting her nails in anxiety.
"Kaior has nothing to worry about that. He is ready for the mission. I just hope I get selected too," Nyx's voice was calm and measured, appearing like if she wasn't selected, everything would be fine. But Kaior could clearly see otherwise.
"Let's just wait and find out. But you both have shown incredible strength back at the cathedral. I sincerely believe it will be okay for the selection. Furthermore, it's just a banal escorting of some dangerous guys. It shouldn't be too complicated," Kaior said.
However, the stress didn't seem to reduce on Nyx's face. Walking just behind them, Kaior was unsure of what to do. Gathering his courage in between his fingers, he seized her palm into his and continued moving forward like nothing had happened. A flustered expression flashed on her face, but she didn't run away. And the duo simply went through the crowd into the conference hall.
'It wasn't that difficult after all.' Kaior's heart could finally slow down. He didn't expect such a simple thing to require that much courage—probably due to it being his first time. 'The last time I held someone's hand like this was that of Mom.' Kaior had vague memories of her, as if his mind was intentionally hiding them from him. Already used to this bizarre feeling, he cast the thoughts away and found his place with his friends.
Kaior, Nyx, and Leli sat at the forefront of the hall, mainly because Kaior was used to being in the first row. From here, all the other officers on the seats above could clearly see them. The conference hall was rowdy—so loud Kaior felt his ears would explode at any moment.
However, before the chatter grew too heavy, a group of people walked onto the stage. Fabian had a perfectly fitting black suit, winged with elegance and presence. At his side, Danzan had made a huge effort, wearing a suit that was ironed with shining black shoes.
"The captain is elegant," Kaior felt the urge to take a picture of this memorable view.
"Have you seen Danzan? Oh, so handsome," Leli couldn't help but say.
"For once, our captain looks like something," Nyx said bluntly.
As if he could sense their thoughts, Danzan cast an annoyed gaze in their direction.
Taking the lead was the unparalleled Mirelle Dorothy, her hair combed into circular rings that cascaded behind her back. In an elegant black suit, she walked without any hesitation, her expression as neutral as it had always been.
After they arrived, the trio walked slightly backward and lined themselves in a row—as if waiting for something. When they did that, the hall suddenly became quieter, as if everyone was holding their breath.
'Here he comes,' Kaior thought.
As if answering his thoughts, an elegant figure walked into the hall, his every move marking a halt in the thoughts of the officers. Taller than most, he scanned the hall with eyes deeper than anything they had ever seen.
"Good morning," he said. "I am glad so many of you answered the call. The Card Mage Police has been shaken due to recent events. I blame myself for not being there to guide you all in this tumultuous moment," he said.
"No, you don't have to, boss. We are proud to say you believe in us enough to allow us to handle the important matters," Fabian remarked.
"Yeah, kind of a good boss, I must admit," Danzan added.
Mirelle was about to say something when Magnus cut her off. Elegantly, he continued, "We have a new challenge that awaits us…"
While listening to the speech, Kaior didn't miss the awkward moment that had just happened. Although most didn't pay attention, he did—mainly because Mirelle had shown a strange attitude toward him, and now it looked like there was an unresolved issue between her and his father. 'What the hell does she really want from us?' Kaior was wondering.
"The upcoming mission will be broadcast live by the media. Our task will be to escort a series of criminals to the new secured detainment center. I count on you all for your cooperation to help this mission go on successfully. I am not talking to the Investigation, the Espionage, the Intel, nor the Reapers in particular—I am talking to all of the Card Mage Police.
The names of those who will be onboard shall now be communicated. If you're not selected, that doesn't mean you don't have the required skill to be useful—it simply means you might not be right for this mission, not that you aren't good enough. Thank you, all," Magnus said.
After which, he left immediately, taking with him Danzan and Fabian.
It was like Danzan and Fabian were intentionally leaving the dirty work to be done by Mirelle—for her to bear the resentment of those who would not be selected. Still, no one found it strange she had been the one in charge ever since Magnus was on his trips.
"I will now display the names of the selected individuals. If you see your name, follow to the third briefing hall of the building. There, you will get all the specific details about the mission," Mirelle said calmly, and then pressed a button on the podium.
The massive wall behind her lit up, displaying a series of names. The names were grouped into two categories, called L and M. It wasn't hard for Kaior to find his name—it was the third one in the M category.
"As expected of Daddy's son," someone cursed from the seat just above them.
Kaior's face twitched slightly, but he didn't get angry. This was bound to happen anyway. He would prove them wrong with his actions, not now, he said to himself. He then began inspecting the other names. The first one was Danzan Monera, second was an inquisitor called Donsento Mar. After which came Kaior and the others.
"Danzan will be leading the team?" Kaior had a very strange feeling about all of this.
"This will be the opportunity to see your captain in action. So lucky, Kaior. Unfortunately, it looks like I'm not good enough for this mission," leli said with a disappointed smile.
" Looks like you're on your own for this one, Kaior," Nyx said with a smile.
" Wait, you aren't coming?" Kaior's eyes flickered in surprise. This didn't make sense.
" No, there has to be an error somewhere,' he said. Although in terms of explosive power, Nyx was lacking like most of those not selected, her abilities had immense value in group battles and for survival. Without the pocket hourglass, Kaior didn't dare to imagine what would have happened to them in the past.
" I will try to talk to Mirelle. There must be a mistake. You can't stay back," Kaior kept repeating, unwilling to accept the result.
" It's fine, Kaior. I just hope you will be safe on this new trip. I wouldn't want something bad to happen to you. They are waiting for you," she said, her smile never fading from her face.
Kaior felt disarmed by it, unable to add anything more to it.
"So lucky, Kaior. Not only do you get a girlfriend, you also get to go on a super fun mission. This is too much," Leli said, feigning being vexed to tears.
"Strange, I thought being his girlfriend opened privileges. Looks like some are inadequate. Unless they aren't that close either."
"Not so loud, they might hear us. "
" Oh really? "
Kaior, about to leave to meet Mirelle, halted midway.
"It's useless, Kaior. They can keep talking if they feel like it. Who cares about what they say?" Nyx said.
But Kaior's face was uncontrollable, and before he knew what happened, a resounding slap echoed.