The officers recorded the numbers displayed on the screens. They arranged the information into categories depending on the contents and the completion rate.

At the centre of the room surrounded by officers moving in and out, an A.I. supervised the process. He took the form of a stern-faced commander donned in a navy-blue military uniform.

"The completion process confirmed. Mission D-247-01E has been completed. Proceed to send out the rewards to Team D-551-R," the A.I. said. The officers sprung to action and filled their papers.

In a stressful environment, an officer opened the window to let the air circulate. A wind blew his papers across the room, flying up and down in a circular motion. He immediately shut it and rubbed his eyes, temporarily blinded by the sunlight he hadn't seen in days.

The incident didn't gather any attention. Everyone was busy minding their business. The chaos within surpassed the blunder. The screens changed their display, revealing a new roll of information.

Though they had an online database, the officers were obligated to record the information on traditional paperwork in case of emergency.

They typed and proofread their data before moving to another pile of information. Each completion was a little bit of money for them, so they had to work as fast as possible.

"A new Mission: Investigation Type. Codename: B-784-96X. Location: D-34–Mistwood boundary," the A.I. said.

Everyone in the room turned to the screens and blinked a few time. They rubbed their eyes, stunned by the Codename of the Mission.

"What are you waiting for? Send the announcement!" a superior said.

Like a heatwave, the shout prompted everyone to snap out of their shock and start working.

The Human Empire divided its territory into five parts, naming them from A to E. With every ascending letter, the Sector would become more dangerous and complex. A Codename: B Mission would mean that the difficulty was akin to surviving a battlefield in Sector B.

"The announcement has been sent," an officer said. The other officer scanned his result and marked his completion.

"The completion process confirmed. Mission D-445-79A has been completed."

With Missions coming in and out, these officers became the backbone of the mercenary system of City D-34. They would continue to work until the sky fell.

...

The moonlight pierced the dust clouds and engulfed City D-34, its shade reflecting against the black surface of the skyscrapers.

The city bustled with great activities, fighting the tranquillity of the night. On the streets, the neon light permeated the atmosphere, inviting the travellers to take a rest at the surrounding shops.

In front of the stores, holograms displayed the objects of interest, from the gun models to luxury goods to sensual choreography. At the market, all kinds of mercenaries gathered and passed their boring night by wasting their money on their desires.

Inside the most expensive and famous hotel in City D-34, the excitement of the youth faded into a mature vibe. The highly patterned design and sophisticated colour schemes instilled the illusion of high-class and control to the customers.

"Dear customers, what would you like to have?"

"Get us the usual. Some for him too." A red-haired muscular man turned to another man who wore glasses and had a smaller build. "Don't want to try mine?"

"Boss, why do you insist on coming here? That waitress, Giata or whatever, has already left."

"Tardium, are you pretending? Why can't I come here? Do I have to hook a girl every time I come here?" The Boss sighed and ignored Tardium. After his confession fell through, it had become the subject of ridicule.

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As they exchanged insults, the hooded lady beside them silently contemplated. She clasped her hands and prayed, her eyes each glowing in blue and green.

"Dear customers, please pardon my intrusion," a feminine voice interrupted the chatter. The waitress, holding a tray with one hand, professionally served the drinks, revealing her curve.

"Patricia, we'll play with you later. Leave us for now." The Boss tapped the waitress's forehead after he slipped a credit card to her. With her cheeks reddened, she nodded and walked away.

Tardium smiled. "What did I just say?"

"Whatever, let's drink." The Boss raised his glass and met with Tardium's. Though the hooded lady didn't move her hand, a blue light enveloped the drink and carried it.

"Cheer!"

As soon as the glasses clinked, the Boss swallowed his drink in one movement, draining the whole glass in less than a second. Tardium attempted the same feat with less success.

They continued their conversation, the topic ranging from mundane annoyance to speculation about the nobility. As the lady didn't say anything, they assumed she didn't mind.

From three different devices, three noises rang at the same time. The trio opened their phone and read the message.

"Mission B-784-96X." The Boss glanced at the lady. He needed the feedback from her. Order B, though paid well, would endanger their lives.

The lady raised their head, her feature exposed to the world. Her smooth, snow-white skin glittered in soft light. Compared to her, the waitress from before was merely a failed product.

Knowing the expression, the Boss sighed and stood up. Once the lady made up her mind, no one could force her to change.

As a prideful Arbiter, she trusted in her judgement more than the ordinary commoners. With her background, she had received great cares and training, boosting her confidence further.

"If the lady says so." Tardium scratched his head. He wouldn't object now that the lady expressed her approval.

"Let's go. The shop is closing." The Boss paid the bill and rushed out. He didn't stop to watch his credits dropping or the disappointed waitress.

"Boss, the shop won't be going anywhere." Tardium caught up to the Boss, leaving the lady alone.

Though she sat alone, no one dared to approach and flirt with her. Her display of Fons had instilled awe and apprehension to the onlookers.

Once she exited the hotel, another figure peeked from beneath her sofa and followed his owner. His restless and heavy footstep attracted all attention.

As a slave, he had the signature collar and worn-out clothes, though his eyes remained fierce. He wiggled his tail and showed his sharp teeth, the main characteristic of a Beastkin.

"What a rare sight." After the lady and her slave left, the topic of the onlookers became about them.

Within The Empire, it was rare to see the Beastkins. They were one of the Lesser Races, governed by The Empire. Though most of them remained inside the Beastkin Federation, some got sold as slaves to various members of the Great Races.

...

In an empty room, two figures stood at the centre, sensing the silence of the night. The darkness extinguished all distraction.

"Careful." Princess held Angelica's hands and transferred Fons into her. She guided her to draw a complicate design, permeating it with Fons.

Though there was a circuit, Princess controlled Fons to move outside of it. Angelica tensed as the Fons circulated inside her body. She closed her eyes and absorbed the method Princess used. In fear of missing something, Angelica overworked her battery to record the entire process.

She moved her hand, engraving Fons into the air. A blue light assembled into a spell formation. Through her imagination, she saw a pattern emerging from a chaotic mess.

"Open your eyes and see the result."

Angelica gradually opened her eyes and stared at the formation before her. Despite its faint radiance, she felt like it was the brightest hope she had ever seen.

Princess guided Angelica to touch the formation. It imploded into a tiny dot of light. The light fueled Angelica with excitement she never thought she had.

As an android, she couldn't cast any spell. Her body was mechanical and lacked the innate talent to control Fons. Nevertheless, Princess patiently guided her until she managed to cast her first real spell.

"Mistress, thank you." Angelica looked at Princess, her eyes dimmed. Because of her body, she couldn't shed tears of joy or grief.

"It's nothing. Helping you is helping me." Princess let go fo Angelica and watched her casting the spells.

Despite being an android, Angelica felt nervous when she was alone. She lapsed into autopilot and let the Fons move through the circuit.

"Angelica, you must control the system."

Princess placed her hand on Angelica's head and sent a wisp of Fons into her. A lukewarm sensation startled Angelica. She focused her attention and guided the Fons.

She cast an illumination spell and motioned her hand. The light circled her before resting on her palm. Its warmth stroked her hand, simulating her perception.

Like a child, she moved her arms and watched the light followed. She got confident and led it by her fingertip, swaying from left to right. The light moved across her vision and left a lingering spark, forming a cursive pattern.

"You love it," Princess said, her eyes staring at the ceiling directly at where the moon should be.

If her plan was smooth, she would have a good chance against a group of four strong men, thought it would be a delicate plan and a hard battle. Fortunately, she was in the darkness while her enemy was out in the open.

Once she laid her trap, she would lead her preys right into it. Before they could realise, she would have sunk her fangs.