The current time is 21:50, with ten minutes remaining until the third shift's transition and the second shift's conclusion for rest. Positioned atop the rooftop directly across from the beast's dwelling, I, Sophia Kayla, the sub lead and second in command of Arbiter, await my orders. A building composed of precisely one hundred floors and houses four hundred and thirty-five rooms, comprising one hundred non-functional areas. The average traffic comprises four thousand active individuals.

“Confirmation. Time twenty-one fifty-five. Proceeding with Operation Maze. Code zero dash 542.” The voice came from my tiny headset in my right ear. My board leader and chief Frank Kayla oversees my current mission.

Ever since I left the facility, he has been watching over my every move to ensure my successful development.

“Stalking Prey.” I confirm.

“Recognize, Hunter, you are free to begin operation. Confirm?”

“Confirm.”

“Do you understand the primary aim of this mission?”

“Investigate the target, find their objectives.”

“Recognize.”

Second rank and the only child out of the five Potential Aces taken in by the Kayla family, as well as being the only Morrigan they could afford to let go.

Gossip among the higher ups informs me that my exponential growth makes them regret that decision, but none of it is my concern.

Four years ago, today. Is it too much to call it a coincidence?

Happy anniversary, as Sis would say. She would say many things. Some of that made sense. Unsurmountable, that did not. But we always found it enjoyable, or at least, I found them to be amusing.

But exactly four years ago today, that was the last time I saw either of them. One because they went missing, the other…

“Chief, may I ask you a question?”

“With haste, as it may interfere with the operation.”

This mission triggers memories of my stay at the facility, where I was gifted extensive guidance, such as combat instruction and cognitive enhancement exercises. But what stands out the most in my memory is the time I spent with my siblings.

Although we were not genetically close enough to belong to the same generation, I belonged to the 45th and 98th variations, while Matty was composed of the 100th and 110th. Sis was unidentified, something puzzling to me to this day. A trio that together synchronized to the amazement and against the behest of the researchers watching over us, but now I do not even know where I begin.

“What is your justice, Chief?”

“To keep the peace and enforce the laws. Do not ask such a foolish question again.”

“Understood.”

The same response that any other Arbiter member would give. One directly from the first day we enter and one we must repeat daily.

A memory digs its way back up, flashing its way into my head. The one of when the three of us were in the middle of eidetic memory training. During that particular training exercise, they mandated us to read a research paper of one hundred pages, transcribe it without errors, and if we failed to do so, they subjected us to punishment. We continued to perform this task until we executed it with no errors. Sis, having completed her training, made the decision to neglect her subsequent task and converse with me as I was completing my application for the Arbiter curricular examination.

I was six years old.

Back then, I had lost my purpose. Unable to either use my abilities or keep up my education with the others, left me dragging far behind them. Something I continue to loathe to this day.

You do not find purpose; we will bestow them.

The motto that our city hails is at the highest importance so that not a single person has to fret over what the value of their life. Calculated and thrust upon you from the moment they breathe life, leaving many to resign and accept their place. Such overwhelming control that made even my patrol irrelevant until recently.

To be a Morrigan along all the other Potential Aces.

All the stranger that I learned to become one through Kayla. To restate, I did not have control over my abilities as I do currently and deemed a failure by higher ups, which inevitably led to my decision to join Kayla; Morrigan subgroup for rejects.

I ran away.

Why? Simply put, I felt that is where I stood amongst my peers, especially Sis and Matthew. Compared to them, I am an afterthought left to exist beneath their large, boundless shadows.

A rejection among the elite specimen of Progressia.

But when I looked at my near completed application with one last question remaining, one that left me stumped, as it always had.

And as she always had, Sis was there to help me solve it.

Beautiful white hair smooth as the touch, body so light yet able carried so much weight and vibrant red eyes reading off my Ability Neutralizer, predecessor to the Information Service Data otherwise known as an I.S.D, with a a sly grin.

Sis, what does justice mean to you?

Why tha ask Sophi?

Do not laugh, okay?

Sure. I would never laugh at ya, my dear Sophi.

Although I understood well that Sis would never do something horrible as to laugh at my aspiration, faux as they were, it remained uneasy to ask. The primary cause being the program I plan to join separately from them because I no longer belong amongst the other Potential Ace candidates. To this day, I recall the courage required to respond to her and her endless patience, and frequently reminisce about them...

I-I want to be an Arbiter.

This, in fact, was a lie. A false narrative told by a naïve child trying to hide shame. An escape from mediocrity and desire to no longer besmirch them with my presence. To take a role as a spectator befitting that ineptitude as they continued to shine blindingly forward.

The law guys, right?

Y-yeah.

That’s so cool Sophi, I knew you’d find somethin’ ya like to do. So, what’s the problem?

This is when my mindset changed, the simple child swiftly swayed by the praises of her elder sibling. So drastically, that an escape became a core purpose down to my last cell. I just wanted to make them proud to any degree and although I understood I may never hear them do so again, I suddenly felt empowered to do so. To take that risk, no matter how improbable it may have been.

They have this question on it I cannot answer.

Lemme see. Sis says taking the device from me as if getting it closer would help. What’s justice mean to you…I don’t get it.

Me either. What do I do? If I — sniff — can’t get in, I’ll…I’ll.

Although not seconds ago I dreaded leaving them transitions to the fears of being rejected by a branch made of rejects. A silly thought in hindsight then, however, now I see Sis knew all along that I did not belong with the Morrigan’s. Their methods did not suit me and instead of confronting me with that grim fact, she rather allow me to feel positive about my transfer. To allow me to be by their side from another angle rather than separate.

Wisdom beyond her years and frightening amass of intellect in every and all subjects. Even my current self to her would never be comparable.

Hm mhm mhm. Leave it to Big Sis! ‘To do good things even if it’s not good and make good things happen’ aaand send.

Sis!

Trust me Sophi, you’re like, super smart, super cute and super strong when ya put yer all in it. You’ll get in.

Really? But I cannot eve- Stopping with her finger.

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

But you will, one day, Big Sis promises.

I extend my pinky, the same as that day, but unlike that time, no one was there to grasp it.

That is my justice. To do good things and make good things happen.

“Hunter.” Chief interrupts my nostalgic memory and I see the target that I was here to trail. By this time, the streets were empty, leaving ‘it’ as the only thing in my sight. “From here on radio silence, and I will observe your actions. Report back when the operation proves successful.”

“Understood.” I remain calm, but just a glance at that thing is enough to stir deep-seated emotions I did not know existed until yesterday. I could not comprehend why that thing was making me so enraged, but I refused to allow my emotions to control me.

With communications muted, I drop off the building backwards, closing my eyes for a better view of the world around me. Every minuscule movement by the people inside the building behind me, the slight force of the winds as I reach terminal velocity during my descent, along with those reaching five miles in a radius around me and my target.

My vision comes from an extension of my abilities, spatial manipulation. It requires two extensions of these skills that I have developed.

First, by calculating the sound waves emitted around me, I can detect anything that may seem silent to the average person but is loud and clear for me. Second, I use those sound waves, analyze it in my mind as they vibrate around me to create a fully detailed grid using echo location of the area. In less than a second, no less. To summarize, once a target is in my range, there is nowhere they can hide from me.

I teleport to a nearby building two blocks away from the target as there is no need for me to reveal myself yet.

The target ran through alleyways, avoiding the blind spots that the cameras were unaware of in my presence. They are more intelligent than what the report showed because they effortlessly maneuver past the cameras and conceal their movements.

Not only that, but their physique was more impressive than I could have hypothesized. In ten minutes, she clears to travel thirty miles on foot, nearing the outskirts of the city.

Although I am one of the Potential Aces with the most robust physical ability, I am certain that even I cannot cover such a distance on foot within that timeframe, while Matthew, with his exceptional skills, probably can.

After the target had moved beyond the range, I transported myself to the alley where they were previously located to gather evidence. Simultaneously, I continued to track it through my spatial echo location abilities. Using a specialized instant bonding spray, I could create a mold of the target's bare footprints, and subsequently analyzed the hair pieces left behind by her swift movements.

As the report described, it was white just like…continuing; it seems much more luminous than the report concluded, strange considering that it did not have a shelter to clean itself.

How did it become so clean in such a short amount of time? No doubt the Beast and his kin’s involvement.

I put on a pair of latex gloves, storing the evidence with a sealed bag and teleporting it directly to my Chief to examine it. As I whiff of the hair reminding me of a familiar scent, I felt a sharp chill behind me but when I turned to see.

Nothing.

It disappears as quickly as I notice it.

I map the entire area in my mind and see that the entire area around the target became blank. I could see nothing in that area, and that meant they were jamming my signals with a frequency that matched their own. Sound emitted in waves and if you can produce a wave that is the complete opposite, then it will cancel the other. My teleportation has two requirements for my calculations to work. First, as long as I have been to an area, I can access them at my discretion and secondly by my echo location, but I no longer can use that I simply switch methods.

“So, you have thought this far imposter, but it is nowhere near enough if you want me to stay off your trail. You should have done so from the very beginning if—.”

The target stops moving at the edge of the barrier, and it stops my heart.

“No. You would not dare.”

The chances of this scenario being a mere coincidence were slim.

When I realized where exactly she was, I dropped all my evidence and immediately tried to teleport over, but I could not. I was stuck in an alley with no explanation on why my abilities stopped working.

Did I overuse my powers? No, I had more than enough stamina. Then why can I not move?

I feel my rage building inside of me, but I kept them in line like I had for years, knowing I cannot afford to slip up even if she is involved.

“A shame.” I say, trying to ignore this gut-wrenching desire to teleport over.

Despite this, the pictures of that site between the barrier and the city, which is the only place where organic life can develop freely, are too overwhelming for my logical thinking. I teleport out of her sight and the sight almost made my anger almost boil over. That disgusting creature is clawing its hands into the dirt looking for something, but because of the interference I could not ascertain where. It is repulsive enough that such a lowly creature granted life and, even worse, wears the flesh of my beloved sister, but now it tramples here, of all places.

Unforgivable.

Pulling out six needles and I ready my attack but remember the mission again, sealing the lid on my rage. I cannot allow my emotions to consume me because if I fail here, then my four years of work wasted. I clench my fists as the six needles stab into my palm as the warm blood eases my nerves.

I am sorry, Sis, but I cannot intervene. Please be a coincidence and nothing more. Leave her alone at least and let her rest.

I slow my breathing, calming myself while thinking solely on my mission.

Observe it, watch it, and collect data on it.

That is all I have to do.

Observe it, watch it, and collect data on it. I repeat.

It stops digging, pulling out a bag and device out of the ground, holding it in its hand with a smile on its face.

That is when I saw what that thing desired this whole time.

In its hand held a rusty barely function Ability Neutralizer buried with the body behind it. This entire time I have been biting my lip till it bled holding back, but when my eyes saw the skeletal arm of a young girl decaying out of the hole, I lost control.

“How dare you!”

I stab three needles into it: two on the calves of each leg and the other on the hand holding the A.N. Despite its best attempts to dodge, nothing could beat an instantaneous projectile. It falls to the ground screaming in pain, only fueling my fury.

“Do not use her voice! Take off her face! Return her treasure! It is all she has left, and you intend on taking that too!”

As it collapses, I throw three more into its other arm, then again on both legs, ensuring it will not escape me.

“First you dare wear her face now you! You.”

My eyes went back to the skull and flashes of those last moments flare inside me.

That if I had been this powerful. Then.

That if I was. There.

She would be. Here.

“You! You! Ahhhh!”

As I prepare to throw one last needle to end its repugnant life, I remember Sis and her thought.

How would she manage things?

If I killed for pleasure or vengeance, even one pathetic as this one, what would Sis think?

I toss the needle pinning the creature to the ground and go over to pick up the A.N off the ground, ignoring it so that I can return it back to its owner.

Only take lived to protect the innocent.

Sis would never forgive me for taking a life for any other reason than to protect. Each life is special, no matter the method of creation. She would want me to be better and not let myself fall so low. That was her justice and had to be mine.

An icy chill snuff out my anger as that same feeling from earlier in the alley returns except drastically viler. My core shaken as I stand there helplessly against this unknown force.

No, it is not an unknown.

If that thing is in this state and I am trapped here, then only one person could be involved. The only being to match our city’s greatest forces, only he had this presence.

The Beast: Syrus Akachi.

Expecting this to be the end, I turn around despite my better judgment to give one last fight to defend Sis, but just like before, as quick as this feeling came; it disappears. When I turned back to the creature was gone alongside the device from my hand. My fury returns in full force, only to be taken in by grief as I fall to the ground, looking at the skeletal remains in front of me.

“Damn! Damn! DAMN IT!”

Sorry Sis. If only I was stronger back then, then you would still be here. Maybe then I could accomplish the things you believed I would do.

Teardrops slide down my face as I miserably try to keep myself together.

Despite experiencing emotional distress, I must deliver my report. Therefore, I tap on my earpiece to explain the situation. I was determined to complete my mission and reconnect with my sole surviving sibling, Matty. Hence, I strived to gather myself and express myself in my customary fashion, albeit pitiful.

“Chief, the suspect caught onto me, and the Beast knows about our movements as well. I take full responsibility for my actions.” I say, wiping the last of my tears.

Chief remains quiet, but I know he heard everything. All I could do was await his judgement.

“Splendid work Sophia. I will inform the higher ups of your findings.”

“But Chief, the Beast detected me. Should I not be punished for my failure?”

His presence would indicate his prior knowledge. The situation was unpredictable, and the transmission was lost upon your arrival in the area. Nonetheless, you have successfully validated our suspicions and elucidated the objective of both parties involved. Given the circumstances, the outcome was successful, and higher-ups will acknowledge by considering the context, particularly since it confirms one of their theories. Anticipate the forthcoming promotion.

“You do not mean.”

“Yes. You will have access to rank S classified information. You can begin your search for your brother, reunite with the other potential candidates, and learn the last moments of your sister.”

Rank S had information on any subject that only a handful of people may ever see. Potential aces like I, or a few like Chief or Francis Morrigan and their singular assistant that they keep on a tight grip. Out of the five potential aces, I was the only one not granted this information because I joined the Kayla Aka the Arbiter group.

“Thank you.”

I warn you. The path ahead you have chosen is harsh. Tread carefully, especially around that Morrigan. I have sent a special key code on your device, giving you access to a shower and bed paid for in advance. Rest well and remain vigilant for upcoming information.”

“Understood.”

With that, the Chief ends our communication, and it was time for me to go home, only I could not. Sis needs to rest far before I could, so I use my powers to move her back in place along with the dirt on top then pat it just like how she…

Time to go home. I walk on the path down the hill and at the bottom glance over my shoulder one last time to see Sis off. There is a tombstone made by Matt, with a special engraved metal that will never decay. It's placed in front of a tree I biologically engineered.. We bought this land for her using all our points, four billion points, but for her it was not near even enough.

“Your dream will come true, Sis. Little sister promises.”