The city streets pulsed with the usual morning rhythm as I stepped through the hospital's glass doors. Sunlight warmed my face. It felt heavy, a silent reminder of my promise to Mr. Lawton. It was now a bond I couldn't break. Behind me lay the comfort of familiarity; before me stretched an uncharted road.
A sleek black sedan waited at the curb. Its tinted windows reflected a blur of passing people. It was like a shield raised against the world. Mr. Lawton stood by the open door, unaffected by the heat. He was a polished figure in an immaculate suit. The quiet power of his posture almost made the morning pause. He inclined his head, acknowledging my approach with a faint, unreadable smile. “Ready for what’s ahead?” His voice, calm and precise, carried a weight that left no room for doubt.
I swallowed and forced a steady reply. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”
As I sank into the leather seat, the scent of polished wood and leather embraced me. The soft hum of the engine signaled departure. In the traffic, my thoughts drifted to familiar faces. Masato's steady gaze was like a shield. Lawrence, in constant search, had quiet intensity. Kristine's warmth was an anchor in any storm. What would they think if they knew? I could almost feel their worry, and beneath it, I hoped for their understanding.
Beside me, Mr. Lawton broke the silence as we cruised down the highway. “A lot on your mind, Rei?” The casual tone masked a quiet scrutiny, sharp enough to make me shift in my seat. Was he reading my hesitation? I forced myself to answer. “Just... taking it in.” He nodded, as though the answer met some invisible standard. “Good. You're expected to ask questions in the first steps."
“So, we’re going straight to WEO headquarters?” I tried to ground myself in practicality. He raised an eyebrow, the slightest hint of amusement breaking through. “Not quite.” We veered into downtown. The skyline closed in as buildings loomed. Their glass facades glinted in the sunlight like a city of mirrors. The sedan stopped before a tall marble building. Its clean, gleaming façade hinted at power.
“This isn’t headquarters,” I remarked, an edge of skepticism creeping in. Mr. Lawton’s smirk was so brief I almost missed it. “Let’s call it a part of the journey.” Inside, the lobby opened into a vast, polished space. The organizers arranged every detail in luxury with precision. We ignored the elevators in plain sight. We took a private lift to the top. It opened into a stairwell that led to the rooftop. A tiltrotor plane awaited, its rotors spinning in a friendly manner.
"This is our transport to headquarters," Mr. Lawton said, above the engine's low thrum. “The location isn’t exactly accessible by conventional means.” I admired the aircraft. It was a sleek, stealthy metal marvel. They designed it for precision and durability. Every inch radiated high-tech readiness, and my heart skipped as I imagined what lay ahead. Mr. Lawton, catching my stare, noted with quiet pride, “The WEO doesn’t skimp on technology.”
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Climbing aboard, the reality of my choice settled in, pressing down like gravity. This wasn’t a step—it was a leap, one that left the ground far below. Inside, the cabin was all smooth leather and glowing displays. It had advanced controls. It was a place meant to whisk you away from the familiar.
“Buckle up,” he instructed, securing himself across from me. “The ride’s about to get... unconventional.” The words had landed when we shot up, breaking through the clouds. The city dropped away. As we soared, I leaned back. The engines roared, mixing with the rush of thoughts in my head. After minutes of open sky, something shimmered in the distance.
“There it is—WEO HQ. The Astral Spire.”
I sucked in a breath as the sky fortress appeared, suspended high above the clouds. Its central Warp Tower gleamed, a beacon of power and technology. Smaller floating structures, bristling with weapons, surrounded it. It was a fortress in every sense.
The anti-gravity engines hummed with a faint, strange pulse. The spire loomed—a promise and a warning. A shiver ran through me, knowing this was only the beginning. Mr. Lawton noticed my stare, his expression softening as he pointed out a faint shimmer in the air. “That’s the Grace Field," he said. “It keeps the spire hidden and protected.”
We passed through the invisible barrier. A tingle washed over my skin like a current. As the rotors slowed to a stop, I released my seatbelt with trembling hands. Mr. Lawton, composed as ever, motioned toward the open platform. “Welcome to WEO HQ,” he announced with solemn pride. “From here, we’ll take the lift to the main tower.”
Stepping out, I took in the view—the endless stretch of sky and the dizzying height. The lift doors opened with a quiet whoosh, ushering us into a vast atrium, stretching up for what felt like miles. Light danced on polished metal walls, shimmering like a dream.
Espers moved with purpose. They were a mix of age and experience. Their backgrounds held both skill and raw potential. Some wore badges and insignias. Others, in casual attire, marked their paths in the organization. Holographic displays floated throughout. They showed real-time mission updates and hotspots where grace particles clustered.
Mr. Lawton guided me through the buzz of activity, his voice dropping to a softer, almost reverent tone. “This is the nerve center of the World Esper Organization. Every decision, every mission—it all starts here.”
He gestured to a holographic globe. It had pulsing hotspots, marking locations rich in magical energy. “See those bright areas? Grace particle concentrations. Places where reality blurs.” I watched, mesmerized, as the map pulsed in rhythms like a heartbeat.
He led us on until the crowds thinned. The surroundings grew more intense. We passed through layer upon layer of security. Each checkpoint was more advanced than the last. Finally, we stopped at a towering door. It slid open to reveal a circular chamber.
The walls shifted, becoming a dense, green forest. It was so vivid I could almost smell the pine. I hardly noticed Mr. Lawton’s movement before something heavy landed in my hands. I froze, staring down at a shotgun, the weight of it pressing into my palms.
“What... what am I supposed to do with this?” I demanded, my voice wavering as I looked up, only to find him gone, like a ghost. My heart thudded as a voice echoed through the chamber, smooth and emotionless.
[Assessment test starting]
Before I could react, A figure emerged in the shadows. Monstrous creature with glinting eyes and claws that scraped the air. Instinctively, I tightened my grip, my breath coming short. Alone, I held a weapon that I had little experience using. I found myself surrounded. I felt the weight of a choice that might have become my cage.
[End of Chapter]