Bypassing the protections around the HQ, Leila felt only a few wards resist her passing. Since she was keyed in, they let her through without trouble, though she knew she now possessed enough power to smash them into pieces should she wish to.

She appeared on the top floor from the shadow of a large plant and strode confidently through the polished corridors of the Headquarters. Her steps were measured, her posture exuding the calm assurance of a seasoned warrior.

Leila eye-smiled at the secretary, feeling the woman's power brush over her to ensure she was who she appeared to be, even though she must have seen her emerge from nothing.

Refraining from brushing it aside, Leila allowed the woman to do her job, receiving a nod when the process was done. The door to the Director's office opened by itself, and she walked into the familiar room.

The sleek office was a study in understated power. Polished surfaces reflected the soft lighting and the expansive windows offered a commanding view of the city. It was a space designed to impress and intimidate. Yet, Leila entered with a composed demeanor, her years of experience as an Awakener and with the man sitting behind the desk giving her a confidence that matched the room's grandeur.

The Regional Director, a man of common features and carefully measured gestures greeted her with genuine warmth. "Leila, let me congratulate you on achieving A-rank again. It's truly a remarkable accomplishment, especially considering your age." He said, his smile cordial.

"Thank you." She replied, taking the seat opposite him. The past few days had been a blur of shaking hands and carefully avoiding commitments while staying far away from any Guild headhunter.

The Director's first order of business was to discuss the logistics of her rank-up test. "It's a formality, of course, but necessary for the official documentation. We must maintain protocols." He explained, giving her a commiserating smile. Considering the jump in power between B and A-rank, Leila felt it was warranted to ensure people were as strong as they said they were. Otherwise, they'd be given missions that would see them immediately dead and, more importantly, clearance and authority far beyond what they deserved.

Thus, Leila nodded, understanding the importance of following protocol within the organization. However, her mind was occupied with more pressing concerns. She had been picking back up her investigations into the days leading up to the KLF terror attacks on New York, and her progress had been frustratingly slow, hindered by roadblocks that seemed to appear at every turn.

As the conversation shifted to her new Talent, Leila became cautious. The Director's questions were probing, almost too keen. "It's an enhancement of my existing abilities." She deflected, unwilling to reveal her power's true extent. She had learned the hard way that knowledge was as much a weapon as any physical skill.

I'd like to think Alfred's trustworthy, but this is not the kind of thing I can just reveal. There is rot here, and I have no idea how far up it goes.

The Director's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of disappointment crossing his features. Leila noted the change, her instincts warning her there was more to this meeting than a simple congratulatory exchange.

Seizing the opportunity, Leila steered the conversation towards her investigation. "As you probably already know, I've been looking into the days that led up to the KLF attacks, trying to understand how they could have slipped past everyone, but I haven't managed to find much beyond some excessive laxity. I was hoping you might have some insights." Again, Leila would have liked to reveal her suspicions to the man. Still, considering how long Alfred Meyer had spent in the organization, he might be tangentially involved with the mess she was slowly uncovering, or at least know the people behind it personally. She needed to sound him out before outright declaring what she suspected.

The shift in the Director's body language was subtle but telling. He leaned back, his expression becoming more guarded, his friendly demeanor receding like a mask slipping off. "I'm afraid I don't have the information you seek, Leila. The matter is being handled at the highest levels in DC."

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Leila ground her teeth, frustrated at the door she could almost physically feel closing, and pressed on, trying to gauge his reactions. "But surely, with your connections and tenure, you must have heard something? Any information could be crucial."

"As you well know, clearance must be respected. Once you have achieved the A-rank officially, I might be able to say more." He replied evasively.

"So there is something going on, then?" She asked directly, not wanting to deal with any more deflections. She'd feel much more relieved if she wasn't the only one working on the issue. She wouldn't stop her own investigations, of course, but it would mean that the AA wasn't wholly involved with the mess. If what she ended up uncovering turned out to be just some negligence and clumsy efforts to cover it up, she would throw a party, considering how high the stakes were.

Again, Director Meyer gave a non-committal answer, evidently having decided that he had already said enough. "Reviews of past behavior are constantly ongoing, as you know. If something important comes up, I'll be sure to let you know, since you feel so strongly about it."

Clearly, he was stonewalling her, avoiding direct questions and skillfully navigating away from any substantial disclosure.

As the meeting drew to a close, Leila felt a mix of confusion and suspicion. The Director's reluctance to share information and carefully orchestrated neutrality pointed to a deeper involvement or knowledge of the events surrounding the KLF attacks. She had come into the meeting hoping to find an ally, but she left questioning his motives and wondering if he was part of the problem.

Once a symbol of organizational authority, the sleek office now felt like a facade, hiding secrets and agendas far beyond what she had initially suspected. Leila's mind raced with possibilities and theories. Could the Director be involved in the KLF mess? Was he protecting someone, or was he protecting himself?

Alfred Meyer had always seemed to be an honest and dedicated public servant, ready to do his duty whenever he was called upon. Now, Leila couldn't help but cast doubt on that image.

Leila's trust in the Association had always been tempered by realism, but now it was tinged with a growing sense of distrust. She realized her search for the truth would be more challenging and dangerous than anticipated. What had once looked like bureaucratic resistance to oversight was starting to seem like deliberate obstructionism.

The constant questions about her new Talent also didn't help her suspicions, as they were considered faux pas among Awakeners, something the Director and his advisers, who had hounded her for information with barely credible excuses, should have known.

Leila exited the Director's office with a mind swirling with doubt and suspicion. Seeking counsel, she made her way to her mentor.

Marcus, a towering figure with a well-groomed mustache and a bald head that seemed to add to his imposing presence, was someone Leila had always trusted for his wisdom and straightforward nature.

Stepping out of the elevator a few floors down, she navigated the familiar corridors until she reached the door marked with his name. She knocked and entered, finding the nab seated behind his desk, his massive frame making the office furniture look almost miniature.

"Marcus, I need your perspective on something." Leila began without a preamble, her tone betraying her concern even as she worked to ensure no transmission or sound could leave the room.

The man looked up, his mild expression softening the hard edges of his powerful physique. "What's troubling you, little Leila?" He asked, his voice a deep rumble that was oddly comforting.

She recounted her meeting with the Regional Director, emphasizing his evasive responses and the subtle shifts in his demeanor.

Marcus listened intently, stroking his mustache thoughtfully. "The Director wasn't always the mild-mannered bureaucrat he presents himself as today.” He said after a moment. "He used to be known for his ruthlessness, a trait that served him well in the early days of the Association. When trying to interpret his behavior, you must remember that he's cultivated this new persona quite deliberately."

I knew he had a hard side, considering how mad he got when we discovered the Golden Sun's infiltration, but this is a whole different level. I have basically nothing hinting that he might be involved with covering up what happened, but his evasiveness and the way his people have been stymying my efforts make me think there might actually be something.

"The situation within the Association is becoming increasingly precarious." Marcus continued, his voice low and serious. "Especially for those of us at higher ranks. There are actors behind the curtain, unseen forces trying to manipulate us like puppets."

Leila felt a growing sense of unease. The web of intrigue and power plays within the Association was more intricate and dangerous than she had realized. "What should I do, Marcus? I can't just sit back while there's a chance that the Director, or someone else at his level, is involved in something this nefarious."

Marcus regarded her with concern. "Be cautious, Leila. You're a powerful Awakener, but that also makes you a target. Don't make too many enemies. Keep investigating if that is what you want to do, but do it subtly. You can't afford to tip your hand too soon with tirades or by acting like the inquisition, especially because you have no authority in this matter, officially."

There was a light reprimand in the man's words, and Leila sighed, knowing she might have revealed her suspicions. She hoped she had been vague enough with her questions, but there was no doubt that the Director now believed her to be investigating something. "I'll be careful." She promised, already thinking about what her next steps might be.