Zane’s handshake was steady and warm, like gripping a sun-baked stone. The firmness of his grip grounded me, easing a knot in my chest I didn’t even know was there. For a moment, the noise and tension of the room faded, replaced by the calm weight of his hand anchoring me, like a lifeline in a sea of unknowns.

Around us, people moved with purpose. Footsteps echoed in rhythmic taps against the linoleum, blending with murmured voices and the static crackle of a walkie-talkie. Harsh fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting long shadows that flickered over faces filled with expectation—and wariness. Glances darted my way, measuring me like an unfamiliar puzzle piece, unsure how I’d fit.

Two figures stood nearby, watching intently. Casper leaned back with his arms crossed, his black hair streaked with blue framing a sharp gaze. His posture was tense, shoulders coiled like a spring. Next to him, Oliver fidgeted, tugging at his sleeve and glancing between me and the floor.

Casper scoffed, eyes narrowing. “Didn’t know we were handing out invites,” he said, each word laced with sarcasm.

I met his stare, my voice steady. “Mrs. Carmen assigned me,” I replied. “If you’ve got a problem, take it up with her.”

Casper’s smirk deepened, his disdain barely hidden. “Mrs. Carmen, huh? We’ll see if you’re worth her time.” He held my gaze for a second longer, then turned away, dismissing me.

Oliver gave a quick, apologetic look, but he stayed silent, tugging at his sleeve.

I clenched my fists, irritation prickling under my skin, but before I could react, Zane stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. “Come on, Casper,” he said with quiet authority. “Give him a chance.”

Casper muttered something under his breath, but after one last glare, he walked off. The tension in my chest loosened, though a faint edge lingered.

Zane turned to me with a reassuring smile. “Don’t let him get to you,” he said softly, almost as if sharing a secret. “Casper’s all bark. He’ll come around.”

I exhaled, letting the irritation fade. “Maybe standing up to him wasn’t the best start.”

Zane chuckled, his warmth grounding. “He’s like that with everyone. Trust me; you’ll get used to it.” He gestured down the hall. “Come on, let’s show you around. You’ll be here a lot, so you might as well get familiar.”

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Our footsteps echoed as we moved down the cool hallway. A faint metallic scent lingered in the air, mingling with the hum pulsing through the walls, almost like the quiet heartbeat of the building. Each step pulled me deeper into this world, vast and unfamiliar, as if it, too, were sizing me up.

“So,” I asked, breaking the silence, “where to first?” Zane shot me a grin. “Let’s meet the team. The captain’s out, though.”

We passed rows of doors marked with strange symbols and unfamiliar names, each one hinting at lives just out of reach. Zane finally stopped at a door labeled “Daisy.”

“Here?” I asked, glancing at the nameplate. He nodded, a smirk playing on his lips. “Daisy’s… a little different. Just, uh, don’t let her sweetness fool you.”

He knocked, nudging the door open. I stepped in—and was hit from the side, nearly knocked off balance.

“Gotcha!” a bright voice chirped. I turned to see a girl with sparkling eyes and a flowered ribbon in her hair, grinning like she’d won a game.

“Wait… who are you?” she asked, brushing off her skirt. She looked at Zane, wide-eyed. “Zane, who’s this? Your new friend?” Zane steadied me, smirking. “Rei,” he introduced. “He’s joining us.”

Her eyes lit up. “Well, Rei, I hope you’re ready! And, uh, sorry for the sneak attack.” I raised an eyebrow, pretending to be unfazed. “Do you tackle everyone who walks in here?”

She laughed, a bright sound that filled the room with warmth. “Only the ones I haven’t met yet. Keeps things interesting, right?” Zane chuckled, shaking his head. “Maybe ease up on the tackles, Daisy?”

She shrugged, completely unbothered. “No promises! You guys make life interesting!” She waved as we turned to leave. “See you around, Rei!” Out in the hall, I couldn’t help but laugh softly. “She’s… definitely unforgettable.”

Zane grinned. “Yeah, she’s something else. And by the way—she’s Mrs. Carmen’s daughter.” I stopped, blinking. “Wait—she’s related to Mrs. Carmen?”

Zane’s grin widened. “Didn’t catch the resemblance? Trust me, though, their personalities are night and day.”

“Good to know,” I said, still processing. He motioned toward the next door, labeled “Andrei Stellar.” “Ready for another introduction?” I raised an eyebrow. “Is he going to tackle me too?”

Zane laughed. “Nah, Andrei’s… more laid-back. You’ll be fine.” He opened the door, and I stepped into a room glowing with the soft, blue light of monitors. Gadgets lined the walls, casting a futuristic feel over the space.

“Andrei, come say hi to the new guy,” Zane called out. The figure at the desk looked up, adjusting his rectangular glasses, his gaze calm and observant.

“You must be Rei,” he said evenly. “That’s me.” I looked around at the gadgets. “Did you make all this?”

A hint of pride flickered in his eyes. “Every piece. Keeps me busy.” He gave me a thoughtful look. “So, you ready to be part of the team?”

I nodded, a sense of calm settling over me, like the warmth of Zane’s handshake. “Ready as I’ll ever be.” Andrei gave a slight nod. “Welcome to the team, then.” Zane waited at the door, leaning against the frame. “So, ready to see your new room?”

I waved to Andrei and followed Zane back into the hallway. “First impressions of the team so far?” he asked, grinning as we walked.

I thought for a moment. “They’re… definitely unique.” We stopped at a door with no nameplate. “Well, this is your room, Rei.” He opened the door and motioned me inside.

The room was plain and functional—just a bed, desk, and wardrobe. A stark contrast to the rooms I’d just seen. Silence settled around me as I took it all in, feeling strangely heavy. “It grows on you,” Zane said, giving my shoulder a friendly clap before leaving. “Settle in.”

As the door closed, the silence deepened, wrapping around me. Alone in the quiet, the weight of everything settled—a new team, new faces, Casper’s challenge still lingering. I glanced at the empty room, the cold walls closing in. But beneath the uncertainty, a familiar spark lit up inside—a goal I’d clung to since I was a kid.

Maybe this was my chance to prove myself, to finally fit in, to be the hero I’d dreamed of becoming.

[End of Chapter]