It's eleven in the morning when the knock comes.
I don't need to look through the peephole to know who it is.
"Mister Eclipse."
Of course she's using that name now.
Oriana stands there, her pale grey eyes staring past—or maybe straight through—me. She doesn't wait for an invitation; she just steps inside like she owns the place.
"I know," I say before she can speak again. "I'm ready."
She tilts her head slightly, inspecting me. Then her gaze drifts to my chest of the dark blue suit of the Oceanus Association that I was given yesterday—or rather, she is looking for my nametag where it should be.
Her cane taps lightly against the floor as she moves closer.
"Mister Eclipse, your tag… you have to wear it. It's the law of every Board. Agents must display their rank at all times."
I nod, already knowing why this rule exists. Mixing normal people with Agents is dangerous. Imagine some poor civilian accidentally picking a fight with someone who can tear apart steel with their bare hands. No one wants chaos like that. Tags are meant to prevent misunderstandings—and keep everyone safe.
Still, wearing it feels strange. Like putting on a crown made of lead.
With a sigh, I pull the nametag out of my pocket and clip it around my neck. The weight settles heavy against my collarbone.
Agent: Eclipse | King | Oceanus Association – Rose Board Section 1
Once Oriana confirms I'm properly tagged, she exhales softly, visibly relieved. "Then we're good to go."
As if on cue, four Pawns step into my cramped room. All Oceanus Association, all dressed in crisp uniforms that make them look more polished than anything I've ever owned. They glance around briefly, then start gathering my bags without a word.
"They're here to help you move," Oriana explains unnecessarily.
I can't believe this is happening. Yesterday, Maria called to congratulate me—congratulate Eclipse —and told me I'd be moving to better accommodations. Something fitting for a King-Rank Agent.
"Say…" I hesitated during the call. "Is this the right thing to do? Making me an Agent and all?"
Maria didn't answer directly. Instead, she asked, "Is Oriana there?"
Oriana leaned closer to the phone and replied, "I am here, Miss Maria."
"Listen," Maria continued. "From now on, you'll live with Steven. Or should I call him Eclipse? Tehee..."
The awkwardness was all mine. Oriana didn't seem fazed by any of it. She kept her usual calm demeanor, like living with a guy she barely knows wasn't even worth questioning.
If Valeria were awake, she'd protest for days. But she's still sleeping in her hospital bed, oblivious to how much my life has changed overnight.
"We're finished here," Oriana announces as the Pawns carry out the last of my belongings.
We walk down the stairs together. My stomach churns with questions I haven't found the courage to ask yet. Is she okay with this arrangement? Does she think it's weird too? Or is this just another mission for her—a task to complete?
When we reach the street, a sleek black car waits for us. It gleams under the weak sunlight filtering through the smoggy sky. I don't know much about cars, but even I recognize luxury when I see it. This isn't the kind of vehicle someone like me dreams of owning—it's the kind you only see in ads or passing by in districts far beyond my reach.
And now, here I am, climbing inside.
The interior smells faintly of roses. Sweet, calming, almost otherworldly.
I glance at Oriana, who's sitting beside me, her blind eyes somehow fixed intently on me.
"Mister Eclipse, are you nervous?" she asks after a moment.
"Eh?"
"You've been tapping your shoe against the floor for a while now."
"Oh." I stop immediately, though the motion had been unconscious. "I'm all right. It's just… Now that we're at this point, I'm not sure where I'm heading anymore."
She smiles faintly, leaning back into the seat. "We're heading toward the center of the Rose Board. That will be your new home… our new home."
Her words linger in the air as the city rolls by outside the tinted windows.
The Rose Board is infamous for its hierarchy. The richer and more powerful you are, the closer you live to the heart of the district—the towering skyscrapers of the Rose Cooperation buildings. These structures aren't just offices; they're symbols of dominance, wealth, and influence. At the very core lies the source of the Board's prosperity: the Rose Corporation.
Their products are legendary. One of their most famous creations is the perfume distilled from their genetically engineered roses. A single whiff can erase stress, soothe frayed nerves, and bring peace—even to hardened criminals. It's used extensively in rehabilitation programs across the Cities, making the Rose Board the safest place to live despite its cutthroat politics.
No wonder there's so little crime here. Who would dare cause trouble when everyone smells like tranquility?
Now that I think about it, the scent in the car matches that exact fragrance. It's subtle but unmistakable. Was it sprayed intentionally? For me? Or does Oriana use it herself? Either way, it's working. Despite everything swirling in my mind, I feel calmer than I should.
Neither of us speaks for a while. The hum of the engine fills the silence.
When we arrive, the difference between my old neighborhood and this one hits me like a punch to the gut.
Gone are the cracked sidewalks, flickering neon signs, and crumbling facades. Here, the streets are wide and clean, lined with trees that look like they were planted yesterday.
The buildings shine like jewels, glass walls reflecting the muted sunlight.
People walk by in tailored suits, talking quietly into earpieces or carrying briefcases that probably cost more than my entire previous life.
Instead of stairs, we take an elevator. The temperature adjusts automatically as the doors close, keeping the air perfectly cool. The ride is silent except for the soft chime announcing each floor.
The Pawn Agents bow deeply before leaving us in front of our new door.
As always, Oriana steps forward first, unlocking the entrance with practiced ease.
Inside, it's exactly what I expected—and more.
The apartment is massive. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the skyline, letting in natural light that makes the polished marble floors glow. The furniture looks expensive but understated, blending functionality with elegance. There's a kitchen stocked with appliances I've never seen before, a living area big enough to host a small party, and bedrooms that could fit my old studio apartment five times over.
Valeria would lose her mind if she saw this place.
"Does it look good?" Oriana finally asks, breaking the silence.
I didn't answer her but she knows exactly how I feel.
She smiles, satisfied. "I hoped this would lift your mood a little. Because we also have one last thing to do today."
My heart skips a beat.
For a moment, she lets the suspense hang in the air. Then—
"We're going to open an office in the Rose Board. And as your tag says…" She pauses, gesturing to my chest. "…you'll be the one managing it."