I open my eyes.

I am momentarily blinded by a burst of lights that lasts for three seconds, after which reveals the compact sleeping area. I configure my location by tapping my left knuckle on the wall, then recline on a small bed that can barely accommodate my five-foot frame.

Despite the enclosed space, I stretch my toes and wrists to help circulate the blood around my body. If I had tried to lift my arms, then they stop by my waist in any direction, and it was nowhere near enough to bend them. The same would occur if I lift my head up to a certain height as the walls would slam into my head. The only course of action was to slide my right arm up my torso until I could tilt my head to see the time on my I.S.D.

8:00 am.

Had it been the previous day, I would have arrived ten minutes late for my occupation at Arbiter. Given that my responsibilities have been postponed until further notice, I am unsure of how to best utilize my time going forward. My schedule had been strictly determined by my duties, but now that they are no longer necessary, I am unsure of how to proceed.

The application on my device enables me to unlock my bed, which then slides outwards from the head.

After being temporarily blinded by the bright rays radiating from the ceiling above, I regained my vision and noticed forty-five individuals who had just returned from work lying on their beds in a state of weariness.

Thank you for your hard work today. Rest well.

Following swift observation, I deduced that seventeen individuals were situated outside, enjoying the radiance. Simultaneously, twenty individuals were still bathing, while the remaining eight promptly retired to their private quarters after cleansing themselves.

The presence of individuals freely roaming around suggests that this place is considerably less stringent than my previous sleeping quarters. Typically, at 8:05 am, most rest facilities would shut down to conserve power. However, the lighting remained constant here, and the heightened security protocols only increased my doubts.

By placing my hand on the metallic walls beside me, I create a grid of the entire building inside my mind to conduct an analysis of the structure I am residing in. I had intended to do so before resting, but yesterday's venture proved to be quite physically and mentally exhausting.

As far as I could deduce, the structure's exterior is indistinguishable from any other landmark, but the intricacies of its interior are quite perplexing. What captured my attention were the inner workings of the seemingly cubic exterior.

To exemplify, the material inside was flexible like wet clay and would change depending on the person who interacted with it. In addition, the walls were only a facade. Given that most living spaces were constructed from sturdy building materials, this is undoubtedly peculiar.

As if it were alive.

A ping came from my door, and a towel ejected in front of me.

Another peculiarity was the actual space surrounding my bed, which was considerably smaller than expected. At first, I presumed that the cause being my diminutive height, however, that was not the situation.

Upon observing the sleeping quarters of other residents, I am taken aback by the degree of personalization and individualization present in each of them. My initial assumption was that one of Morrigan's development sectors had created a new motorized system or application. However, upon observing my bed area collapsing back into the mold, it became evident that this was not the case.

This is not Progressian level technology. It is too far in advance, yet I realized it was familiar, though I cannot recall where from.

The walls were designed to adapt based on the user's height, width, and desired sleeping temperature. The pseudo mattress aligns with the shape of your spine, ensuring maximum comfort and assisting breathing when required.

Impressive considering the average sleeping residence.

Nonetheless, that is not the entire situation. My customary abode has been a proficient location that required only the essential amount of space to accommodate individuals in a single structure. As a result, my quarters mirror this approach; however, other residents seem to deviate from this rationale.

These rooms have the unique advantage of limitless upward expansion, resulting in tens of thousands of total square feet, which in turn provides a sense of liberation and unrestricted movement - a luxury that is truly unparalleled in Progressia. Of course, that is why few people stay at this location other than the incredibly affluent; with a single night’s stay here at a Morrigan owned establishment normally would cost a hefty sum of points, with the cheapest being two hundred thousand points, but because last night’s work, I can bask in luxury that only the most influential could experience.

For comparison, two hundred thousand points is the equivalent of three years’ annual salary for the average Progressian.

I can comprehend why this place would have such a high value, especially considering the mystique of its personal space. That and travel is smoother without loitering because of the stricter rules enforced.

I doubt it, but I might be missing crucial information.

Until this locale I had figured that the “Morrigan standard” has been about the amount of efficiency filling every crevasse of their amenities to take care of your every need specifically detailed to the person on every level and that one sense of choice then why not change the design of the building as well? Aesthetically, it is the same metallic grey block in every inch of our home except for the bright yellow lights constantly flooding out of every window; even then, those were few as I counted only ten windows. Frankly, if you did not know the location directly from your map, then you could easily mistake this area for any other resting stop.

It was as if someone wanted it to mirror the look of the other buildings, which piqued my curiosity. Still, something bothers me about the building itself. None of the technology I have mentioned exists outside of this building, to my knowledge. This is all Morrigan exclusive and far out of their parameters unless they have Sis or the founder’s blueprints.

Was it possible that the missing link between this building and the beast rests somewhere inside this location? Or maybe something far more like that missing person beside him, the theorized creator.

“Oh my.” I said aloud, catching myself.

In my many years of service without so much as a day off for myself, I never thought about the architecture of our city and despite this so-called comfort it only further reminds me of this lonesome feeling in my chest that I work so desperately to forget. Yet until the day before yesterday, when that thing first appeared, I never bothered thinking about this feeling.

I wonder why I am thinking of such things now. Is this merely to pass the time, or was it a catalyst from meeting that creature? I wonder?

From the day I joined Kayla and subsequently Arbiter, reuniting with Matty, took precedent over any feelings on the matter for the longest time and now here I am with all the time in the world pondering pointless topics. In time my name will change from Kayla to Morrigan, finally removing the defective status and bringing my potential into reality, yet there was a sorrow feeling in my chest about losing a name of an organization that took me in when I had nowhere else to turn.

How frustrating. I should enjoy this brief luxury, yet I cannot. I feel too empty inside. Befuddling, I am.

As if all my work up to this point was not enough, but here I am, waiting for a call to meet Matty again. Hoping that by some miracle, I could see Sis again. To hear her call out and embrace me, to tell me stories of the world outside our own. I remember a creature that she used to tell us about and one that we found simply incomprehensible, but as she spoke, it seemed to come to life right before us.

An air borne lizard with breath of the elements soaring through the air with scales far more durable than our precious metals. I have long forgotten its name, but I will never forget that enthusiasm with which she describes it.

After locking up my room scanning with my I.S.D; I headed to the showers, checking my messages along the way. There were many who stared at me to no surprise as newcomers cannot afford this place, but I ignore them. If any try to speak to me, I simply teleport past them and continue searching for a reply from the Chief.

Nothing.

I assume the Morrigan meeting will happen sometime this week, but I had hoped it would be much sooner than that because I want to see him as soon as possible.

I sigh, accepting that I had no Arbiter work, nor did I have any need to attend academic courses any longer for at least a week since Kayla and Morrigan will handle the transition for both fields.

At least it means I will not be seeing that creature again.

Good riddance.

Somehow, even thinking that felt wrong, but I could not explain why. Was it because she looked exactly like Sis?

No.

Sis died long ago. I accept that. I need to. Despite having numerous genetic engineering labs, Matty will never allow them to tamper with her biological data. One of the many promises we made together. That is why that thing is an impossibility.

A glitch. An impracticality.

There is just no way it could remotely be related to Sis.

Once I finish reading through the Chief’s report of last night, I finish up my shower in the cleaning sector.

The cleaning sector is, as the name states, the place for you to sanitize. It also held the supplies for the janitorial staff jobs of which were primarily for those in Kayla. Jobs that require no intellect or basic training and simply following instructions make one more than qualified for it.

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Perfect for defects like how I used to be before I could fully utilize my abilities, yet even now I feel like I too am no different from a defect.

Back to the cleaning sector, its expanding rooms, even the showering area is the same as any other place in the building. Four walls to rinse you of waste, then you scrub yourself with the all-purpose soap they drench, you finally fan on all six directions to blow dry.

You then receive fresh clothes for the day they provide through a tube underneath the slot in the front. Rather than clean your clothes, the system finds exact matches from storage, then returns your freshly washed originals when it is time to sleep. This system worked even if you transfer to a different location as it relies on your scanner id on I.S.D, though time of recovery would vary.

I changed into a new casual outfit. A black bodysuit that keeps me warm and becomes see-through in light, a thin long sleeve white button-up shirt and a mandatory grey uniform jacket for students that was complimented by similar colored skirt that stretched down to my knees with an easily detachable section in the middle with straps to add further protection if needed.

Lastly, accessories comprising shoes that distribute heat throughout your body. These materials are made from fabric develop by the Morrigan family in recent years, and if not for them, we would be still wearing the same ineffective coats as that beast child. Now that I think about it, nearly all the developments in the recent four years were by the Morrigan branch. Even the reason we no longer needed protection on our exposed skin was because of the soap produced by Francis Morrigan himself to wash our body, increasing our bodies naturally high, resistant to cold temperature.

After dressing myself, I grab my I.S.D and by force of habit teleport out of the building ready to begin my morning patrol on the rooftop of the Morrigan building but when another stood in my usual position, the reminder of my new circumstances hit harder than the blustery winds.

I truly had nothing to do today.

No work with Arbiter.

No meeting with Morrigan.

Not even studies outside my personal.

I am at a loss.

Michael Kayla, a six-year-old teleporter like me although not quite as developed as I, stood in my usual spot.

Three years ago, I used my influence and capital to convince higher ups to allow me to adopt him and the remaining children scheduled for termination. They are neither under Kayla nor Morrigan; instead, they are a part of a separate Zero Division solely funded and cared for by me. Sentimental as it may be, I wish to carry Sis legacy in these children, though it proves to be difficult at times.

Unlike average Progressians, they refuse to study, find themselves easily excited and distracted and the proficiency of their powers are suboptimal to where I would prefer.

But in spite of all that, they are putting in the effort. Silly and infuriating at most times, I understand them. Resign to accept their place, they lash out as I used to with Matty and Sis. Perhaps that is why I helped them more than I should.

Oddly enough, Michael found himself attached to me the most out of all ten children and is by far was the most diligent. His help in maintaining order when I am not present provides such ease, though he seems to not falter that authority when I am around him.

“Taking over my position, I see. You are certainly moving up, Michael.”

“Sthophia. Sthurprithe to sthee you here.” As soon as the young boy finishes, he covers his mouth, embarrassed to speak.

“Speak.”

“But.”

“Justh between usth okay.” I tease, making him light up brightly as he nods.

Two of the main reasons the children were commissioned for termination: the difficulty they have communicating and the ineffective grasp of their abilities.

For instance, I have spatial manipulation powers that give me control over my surroundings and myself. However, Michael can only control up to two people at once and limited it to the x and y axis, not the z axis. Not to mention he cannot access either axis simultaneously either, which is understandable on his low grade.

The others face similar issues, though varying from child to child.

Which begs the question why is he here? He could not have teleported himself up here so that meant he used the staircase meaning…

A glance at the sweat on his face and sporadic breathing reveals all.

“How does it look, Michael?”

But I will not berate him for it. As Sis always said, ‘allow children to be children’.

“Good. The exthecutives made it on time and everyone elthe ith on the way.”

“And what of the ones oversleeping?”

“Ejected!” He does a little salute pose I taught him. Something Sis showed me, so seeing it regularly helped my morale on a day-to-day basis.

“I expect no less from my replacement.”

“You are our number one. I cannot beat you yet. Yet!”

I was not sure if that second yet was neededbut again; I chose to let it go.

“You are number one, stho. Oursth.”

“Were you not boasthting about your promotion to the Chief yesthterday. How you would take histh posthition sthoon enough.”

“I wasth happy but I do not feel good now.”

I understood how he felt. It was the same as when I left Sis or Matty's side to go elsewhere, leaving me feeling saddened then. Even more so now and with my transfer, it would be natural to feel lonely during such a sensitive age.

“Then take this to alleviate the pain.” I reach into my pockets on my skirt to grab the gift I had prepared for today just to have them empty. Then I remembered I left them on my bed the other night, which meant they were still there. How inconvenient, but with my power it did not differ from stretching my body.

I extended my empty palm to the perplexed Michael, then a second later, a black plastic device with a chain attachment appeared.

“Really?! Thanksth Sthophia!” He yells embracing my stomach rubbing it with his head. It was out of conduct to act in such a way as an Arbiter but…I will excuse it for now. “What isth it?”

“A sthilent alarm for emergenciesth, sthpecifically if you or the others ever find yoursthelf in a sthituation you cannot handle alone pull on thisth chain an—.”

“Oooh!” Without hesitation Michael yanks the chain and a loud high pitch ring exploding into both of my ears nearly deafening me. Even though my eardrums had been stabbed by the intensity of the sound, Michael seemed confused and shook the device as if that would fix it, not understanding that the noise rang at a silent frequency that only I could hear.

For a brief explanation, my ability augments the space around to direct the sound into my ears similar to a funnel so that I can extract as well as analyze most sounds within my range, but the frequency of around the ten hertz range and as the only one I can hear at that range no matter where he was so that I could be at his precise location at all times when he needs me.

I pull on the chain a second time to deactivate it and actively forgave him for his lack of inhibition as he is a child.

“In any case, it works, so only use it when you are absolutely sure you are in danger. Understand?”

“Yesth ma’am.” He salutes again.

“Now, let us continue your analyzing training. If you can increase the amount of space that you can mentally process, then your power proficiency can increase drastically.”

“Okay!”

“So, close your eyes and I will find a person with distinct details, then you point to them.” He nods and we begin.

At first, I planned to single out a few people with markings or notable patterns in their movements, but then I saw them walking down the street without the beast anywhere nearby. Both of them dressed head to toe in warm clothing, but what caught my attention was it wearing that very device it stole from my sister the day before and, even worse, showing it to that beast’s child as if it were her own. My gut burns and I almost jump over to take it back.

But I stop myself.

I knew the possibility of leniency against my previous interference, but if I did anything now, it may contaminate my chances of meeting Matty.

“Sthophia?”

Children can be quite perceptive to changes in emotions and I will not allow myself to show this boy that side of me.

“Sorry Michael, but I just remembered I have to attend to other business. Can I put faith that you will continue training on your own?”

“Okay…” He replies, slumping his shoulder.

Diligent and patient, as always Michael. But children have much of a lower emotional threshold than adults, so I should ease his stress a bit before it becomes too much for his mind to handle.

“If you behave, I will play jump ball every day after classes this week.”

“Really Sophia? Can the others play too?”

“Of course, but only after they finish their assignments.”

“Okay!” He yells hopping excitedly. “I will tell the others.”

“You do that. I will take my leave then.”

“Bye Bye Sophia.”

Still feeling a bit frustrated, I jumped over to the only place in the city where I could ease this burden.

“Morning Sis.” I sat down by the large oak tree next to her metal gravestone. “Sorry to bother you again, but I have nowhere else to be today, so if you do not mind, can I stay for a while?”

Of course, I knew she could not reply. I was no fool, and yet it made me feel better when I pretend as if she were able. Every day before I had to work with Arbiter, I visited her and maintained her resting place, hoping that Matty would show up one day, but he never did. Not once.

“If you were here, you would probably say, ‘Took ya sweet time getting here didn cha’ and ‘where are my snackies,’ right?” I notice a dirt streak from the night before on her gravestone. “Just a moment.”

I transport myself back to the cleaning sector of the luxurious hotel. Here, the janitorial staff's equipment secured behind a translucent green barrier. I search for a bucket of water and a loose cloth, which amount to approximately forty-five points. Although this is equivalent to the cost of three meals, I am not overly concerned. I placed my items down and went to get more, including my meals. When I returned to Sis, it was already nine and Michael would have been in his classes.

“I am back, Sis. What were we talking about? Ah yes, your snacks.” I wet the cloth and began gently scrubbing the slab. “Unfortunately, our city runs a pill system now, so I cannot bring you anything, or at least anything you would like. You would have hated them, anyway. Humorous considering you invented them.”

Do ya like em?

“I do not mind. They provide enough nutrients to get through the day and take little time to consume.”

Well, that sucks.

“Indeed, it does.”

I spent the rest of my morning there replanting seeds and retrieving more water to tend to the field of bright, colorful flowers resting around her. Taking care of this place is difficult, especially when you consider that even the Morrigan establishment is smaller than her gravestone in terms of size. If that place stores half an average city block, then Sis resting place accepted four entire blocks on her own.

Matty and I bought and transformed four blocks into our special home in Progressia. The flowers were by far the most difficult part, considering the weather. I had to develop flowers that could live a strong, lengthy life within the slightly above freezing temperature that we inhabit. After two weeks of trial and error, I finally found the right breeding combination, and it was worth the effort. Nowhere else in the entire city could you see colors this optimistic. Luster only second to Sis herself.

My original intention was to engage in conversation with her for the entire day, remaining by her side until came for me to depart and tend to Michael's training and rest. Despite this, that matter incessantly occupied my thoughts throughout my stay.

Was it because of her appearance, or was there more to it?

I want to know, and with this new position, I will find out the reason behind its existence. No, I should act now while I have time to investigate rather than do nothing. If I cannot interfere with them, then at the very least, I should observe them to see what intent it may have, as well as getting more information on the child of the beast. I will begin watching those two to find out what mysteries they hide.