—Atlas.

「Yes, Mr. Rosemont.」

—Establishes connection with the CSP.

 「Immediately.」

I leaned back on the textured cotton seat of the vehicle. My shoulders felt heavy, my head ached as if someone had tried to pry it open with an electric saw, but what bothered me the most, was having to wait.

I hated waiting for the answer from the other side, especially since I knew that as an active operative I didn't have to, but I had to submit to it.

After about half an hour, I heard a voice.

[Officer, provide us with your license plate number, your serial number and the reason for your call] —the voice that answered me on the other end was just as empty as my interior. She had so little interest in doing her job that I was even capable of noticing his misery.

—Central, this is Investigator Rosemont, badge number 3B-302. Serial number Z3R0-4X1S-7398-XR4. I request permission to establish connection with the Intelligence Department Number 12 of the Federal District of the DSA.

My voice on the intercom echoed in the void of the net. The chip in my head was interfering with the intercom electronics, but to change it I needed to go through surgery and other paperwork; something I didn't plan on doing.

As I waited for an answer, my impatience forced me to lean forward and stick my head out the tinted front window of the police car. When I did, I could see the AP drop.

The AP was caused by a complex interaction of Old World atmospheric gases, particularly carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, with the abundant metal ions in the planet's soil and rocks. The gases combined to form sulfuric acid and carbonic acid, which were then absorbed by clouds that formed in the New World planet's atmosphere.

As the clouds become heavier and more dense, they eventually release their acidic content as rain, which falls to our planet's surface. Acid rain corrodes buildings and infrastructure, destroys crops and vegetation, and poisons the planet's water sources.

Or so it happened in the past.

Although its effects continue to affect poor districts, most central structures are covered in an intelligent biological organism called "Morphovivum modificans" that adheres to concrete and metal and modifies it to its heart's content. The curious thing about this organism is that despite the years in the New World, it has not yet managed to forget its essence. Therefore, on each structure in which it is applied, this organism modifies it according to what it used to be used to. That's why it's normal for major cities to look like kingdoms from medieval times, because the organism was taken from the Old World.

Suddenly, the voice of the lifeless soul on the other end of the intercom spoke.

[Officer 3B-302, your request has been authorized. The line will be diverted to the requested Department.]

Without wasting any further time, I received the transfer immediately.

[Investigator Rosemont?] —said a female voice with evident surprise— [It's a pleasure to hear from you after so long... How have you been?]

—Looking forward to getting back on duty —I replied in my typical bitter, curt tone—. I need you to pass data from the region I'm in to my fairy's brain implant.

[O-oh yeah. I'm sorry. Atlas was the name of your fairy, if I remember correctly, right? H-hahaha... Yeah, my memory isn't that good. By t-the way, uh, do you have plans this weekend?]

—Yes, work.

[Wow, me too! Don't you think it's an extraordinary coincidence? What do you think if we meet in a bar to work on our things with each other's company? I mean, as co-workers, of course, hahaha... Yeah.]

「Mr. Rosemont. My database has processed the mapping of the Republic District.」

Without wasting any more time, I cut off communication with the Intelligence Department and it takes me a few minutes to get past the interference.

The patrol began to lift off the ground and the blue overhead light began to spin wildly like a beacon searching for its missing ship.

 * * *

The Republic District was what for the New World would be the Old World. The only difference was that here the ruins were stone buildings, with broken glass and obsolete cars. It was a gold mine filled with gadgets that reminded us of what was once the most modern human civilization on the planet.

Here lived the misery of the New World society. Humans without resources, those who could not adapt. Criminal organizations had their backyard on every corner, the trafficking of living beings was as normal as exchanging a piece of stale bread for a gold coin. But above all things, in this filthy and rotten District, with overpopulation and famine, lived the Xenos. The exiled races that crossed the portal of the Old World. There were also the intelligent monsters that had escaped from the Gates and for some reason had decided to live here.

I was a DSA Investigator, responsible for conducting research, capturing/containing creatures, and conducting field operations. 

And the DSA was the Department of Supernatural Affairs established in the mid-19th century, during the Industrial Revolution, in response to the growing threat posed by supernatural creatures and phenomena.

The primary mission of the DSA is to protect the public from supernatural threats, maintain secrecy, and preserve the balance between the New World, the Old World, and the Portals or Gates. DSA investigations cover a wide range of creatures, from traditional vampires and werewolves to darker creatures like chimeras and elementals.

But today, my work was different.

「Mr. Rosemont. Might I suggest you wear the Sentinel uniform?」

—Depends. Is it a whim, an opinion or a possibility? —I asked as I picked up my revolver.

「It is a suggestion, Mr. Rosemont. Like suggesting not to use the regulation revolver, instead of the Oberon.」

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

As Atlas finished speaking, a compartment under the seat to my right opened, presenting a briefcase-sized case. Inside it rested the Oberon.

It was a weapon with a sleek, streamlined frame finished in a matte black, giving it a sophisticated and intimidating appearance. The grip was ergonomic, designed to fit comfortably in the hand and provide maximum stability and control when shooting.

The revolver fires high caliber rounds specially designed to penetrate even the toughest skin of the most robust creatures. The rounds are loaded into a six-round cylinder, which can be easily swapped out for a fresh one when empty.

On the other hand, the Sentinel uniform consisted of a form-fitting black jumpsuit made of a durable yet breathable material, providing maximum flexibility and mobility. The jumpsuit featured a high neckline, which tapers towards the neck to ensure maximum coverage, with a zip front closure for easy on and off.

The sleeves of the coverall are fitted and end just above the wrist, allowing free movement of the hands while providing adequate protection. The jumpsuit's torso has multiple pockets, allowing for the storage of various tools and equipment needed for the investigation.

Used with a tactical belt, with various loops and hooks to attach additional tools and accessories. The belt also includes a small pouch for the storage of a communication device, allowing seamless communication between team members.

For additional protection, a navy tactical vest is worn over the overalls, with reinforced padding on the shoulders and chest. 

To complete the outfit, we researchers wear sturdy black boots with non-slip soles, which provide maximum grip and stability on any surface. The boots have a steel toe cap and reinforced heel for added protection.

Above all else, we wore an all-black trench coat.

After equipping myself with everything I needed, I got out of the vehicle following the red lights of Investigator Amoretti's patrol car.

The neighborhood we were in had no name, like most unregistered streets. But their houses were metal squares of torn concrete and worn paint, piled one on top of another.

At the entrance to one of these apartment complexes was a Field Agent, a rookie tasked with aiding and assisting the Investigators.

—Good afternoon, Investigator... —the young man took off his hat while he searched for my badge—, Rosemont. You've arrived just in time, Investigator Amoretti is inside. Let me lead the way.

Receiving such respect and education considering that we were both twenty years old was strange to the eyes of others. But even stranger was receiving a formal greeting from any member of the public forces.

When we entered the "house", we walked down a long wooden corridor. The humidity had been in charge of eating a large part of the walls, so in reality they were only rotten leagues that covered portions of the wall. From a distance, I could already hear the noise of the brutes causing a mindless ruckus.

—Move, you filthy fucking orc! Walk, trash!

A junior officer was dragging an adult green by the neck. If it wasn't for the fact that the green one was handcuffed, surely that officer wouldn't be screaming so much.

—Are you planning to lick his ass or why the hell are you staring at him so much?

When I heard this voice, I turned to the front only to find another lower-ranking officer holding a scanner. His face bore the characteristics of a man filled with contempt.

—Eyes up, put your attention here, mutant.

Following his "orders" I approached the scanner in his hand and allowed the red light to examine every pore of my skin.

The officer stepped aside and I received the image that I had already imagined. To begin with, the house was more of a sacrificial temple because of the blood on the floor and the drawings of magical runes on the wall. There was a fairy's head, rabbit's feet, and some bird's feathers, all in a bowl.

—Answer the fucking questions you're asked, you fucking old Xeno!

—Ma'am, don't you understand that if you don't give us the necessary information, this whole process will be slower and therefore worse for your children? It only obstructs our work.

—Just leave me alone with her for a few seconds, we'll see if she continues to maintain that stubbornness.

The voices came from a group of four officers.They surrounded a female of approximately 40 years sitting on the ground and covered in a once white robe.

His hair was dark and disheveled, with some strands braided. His kind usually wore armor made from animals bought on the black market or metal plates scavenged from garbage dumps. However, she is wearing a tattered tunic, adorned with bones, spikes, and other such items.

His easy features were rough and angular, with a prominent brow ridge and deep-set eyes of brilliant yellow.

In short, she was an orc witch.

—There were a total of twelve individuals. All of the same race.

When I heard the female voice, I knew who the owner was. 

Amoretti was a woman of rare qualities for someone of her profession, and not in a bad way. She was a particularly graceful woman, her features were too feminine, which made her popular among the members of the DSA. But for some reason unknown to me, Amoretti didn't seem very inclined to personal relationships, even sexual ones. Although it was true that our genetic modification had removed much of our emotions, the need to satisfy sexual pleasure still remained with us.

When I saw her, Amoretti was carrying a "stuffed" brown bear with her.

—Apparently, the orc female was trying to summon an entity called "K'sarjakkr", an ancient orc shaman and had gathered a group of infants of her race to sacrifice them.

「Sounds like she has done us a favor.」

—I take it the artifact is here? —I asked, looking around the corner where a group of orc children huddled together from the cold.

—Unfortunately, not. However, the female orc surely has information on her location.

Amoretti was right. Even in the New World, the orcs still lived as tribes, and according to the information received, the thief had been a green one. Maybe she could bring us closer to our goal.

—Bring a child. The biggest one.

Amoretti obeyed me without question and brought the minor closer to my side, made him kneel down and look at the woman in front of me.

—You can wait outside, we'll take care of the rest —I said, looking dead-eyed at what seemed to be the leader of the group of officers.

—Uh? What are you trying to do bossing me around being a fucking mutant? —complained the guy who hadn't stopped screaming all this time.

—I've been assigned to question the witness, Investigator. I can't and I won't give up my place unless you bring an order to me —the one I answered was the one I addressed, the most sensible of the four.

—I didn't specifically ask you to leave, just order your subjects to follow orders. Sure, if you have some authority.

My taunt seemed to pay off as the no-nonsense officer's eyes narrowed.

—Subject?! Who the fuck do you think you're calling a Subject?!

Suddenly, the emotional officer brought his hand to his waist, but before going any further, the indisputable metallic sound of an Oberon echoed through the room.

—Touch the holster of your gun and I'll blow your head into a thousand pieces.

Amoretti was aiming the muzzle of his Oberon over the officer's ear.

The stubborn young man broke out in a cold sweat when he heard the internal roulette heat up his cartridges.

—I want you to think about it. At this distance, a bullet capable of opening a hole one meter high and wide in a concrete wall. What do you think this weapon would be capable of doing to a body of flesh and blood like yours? —Amoretti asked, no doubt or fear in his voice.

But following the ways of any human, the officer did not give up so easily and, in fact, responded.

—It would be a privilege to be able to feel, unlike you, marginalized mutants...

Provoking Amoretti, the young man was about to move his finger, when suddenly the voice of reason sounded.

—That's enough, Fitzgerald —said the sensible officer—. Go to the exit, I'll catch up with you in a moment.

The other two officers led Fitzgerald away while he kept his eyes on Amoretti. A look of contempt and hate that we were used to.

I turned towards the sensible officer and extended my open hand towards him.

—Investigator Rosemont, it's a pleasure to meet you.

The man stared at me for a moment, as if he were measuring me. But after that moment, he accept my handshake.

—Galahad Neville, Second Division Public Safety Officer.

I let go of his hand and walked past him.

—Mr. Neville, I'm not the one to lecture on behavior, nor do I have the right, much less the obligation, to talk about the methods of others, but I would like you to consider speaking personally with your colleagues. Maybe in the future it could help them keep their jobs.

My eyes fell on the female orc, as she glared back at me with disdain.

—What does that mean...?

Ignoring Galahad's questioning voice, I placed my hand on the female orc's cheek and lifted her upper lip with my thumb.

—I'm here to ask a few questions —I said, examining the female orc—. I do not intend to revoke your jurisdiction over the arrest. Don't worry about that, Mr. Neville. Amoretti, bring the young man here —I ordered with my authoritative tone. When the green youth fell in front of the female orc, I could see that she was trembling slightly. Something that until now had not done.

I really didn't need to be so nice and cordial after being threatened by a force, even a DSA Field Agent had more authority and power than a Public Security Forces Captain.

—What exactly are you looking for? —Galahad asked, growing irritated.

—Mr. Neville, I thought your people were aware that a DSA member's mission is confidential. Now, if you will allow me...

I straightened up in my position and stared at the female orc.

—Hello, Ms... —I held up a finger and Amoretti answered behind me.

—Urglukha.

—Very good, Miss Urglukha. Before I start with the questions, I would like to make something clear to you. I am a man of little patience. So, if I ask you something, I sincerely hope that you answer me and don't make me repeat myself.

Urglukha seemed not to hesitate to show me those eyes full of irrepressible fury. She had probably been through a lot in his life here. An aimless soul.

—Recently one of your own has obtained a priceless artifact through immoral methods. The artifact belonged to a Unity aristocrat, so you should certainly be sure who I'm talking about. Urglukha, I need you to tell me where he is.

But contrary to all my talk, all I got in return was spit on my cheek.

I narrowed my eyes and turned to the boy kneeling next to me.

—It seems your mother doesn't like you very much.

I took my Oberon out of its holster and aimed it at the young man's head. I covered my face with my forearm. As the cylinder spun to the right, a bullet capable of piercing concrete pierced the young orc's skull and sent his brain material flying.

「 I detect no vital signs of the organism. Mr. Rosemont, would you like me to examine the body more closely?」

When Atlas finished saying that, I could feel as if something was detached from my body. It was like a part of me had just disappeared... Then I saw her.

She had long white hair that fell in a rivulet over her frail shoulders, and his skin was pale, looking almost sick. His features were perfect, to say the least, his eyes were a radiant blue, his lips small and his nose upturned. She was wearing an all white wedding dress and her wings were closer to an angel's than a fairy's. 

She was Atlas.

"Could you look for traces of the artifact?"

「Of course, I'll start the general scan in a bit.」

Suddenly, I noticed that the manacles holding Urglukha broke and the female orc started a rampant charge in my direction. Sadly, Amoretti cut her down as soon as she took the first step in my direction. It was curious to see a 1.70 meter human woman hold down a 2 meter monster as if she were a child.

—MY SON!! MY BELOVED AND LITTLE! MONSTER, DOOMED BEAST!!! I'LL KILL YOU! I SWEAR I'M GOING TO KILL YOU WITH MY OWN HANDS, YOU HUMAN TRASH! NATURE DEFORMATION!

—Did I or did I not tell you that I am a man of little patience? —when I turned to see Galahad, the officer was staring in terror at the black blood all over his uniform. All that ego in himself was gone— Mr. Neville, would you please hand me the smaller calf?