Practicality and efficiency, the entire basic idea for the construction of Efflium, and most of the Fortress Cities, has these two characteristics as essential pillars.

Due to its limited space, all space must be used in a way that provides high-level efficiency. Whether through better division of spaces, large-scale use of vertical architecture, elimination of waste, compaction of structures and buildings, among others.

That is why it is common to see narrow connecting streets, narrow internal corridors, houses with small and compact rooms, few wide streets, few squares and few useless spaces.

But each building is planned to avoid inconvenience to citizens and provide agility in any movement they make.

A very obvious example is the fact that the entire city is cut through by 3 wide streets that form circles around the Efflium Multisport Stadium. The largest road, which is the largest circle, is closest to the edge of the city, the smallest road is closest to the stadium, and the last road is the one between the smallest and largest.

All residents use these main roads to travel between the different Zones of the city. However, the road to enter the military zone, as well as this entire zone, is isolated from the rest of the city.

A high wall, about 7 meters high, and several watchtowers protect the entire perimeter. No one enters without authorization or a sensible reason. Furthermore, to enter the military zone of the city, you must pass through checkpoints and receive a tracking bracelet.

Of course, for those who work, live or study in this zone, there is no need for formalities. They have a different identification card from the rest of the ordinary citizens.

“Mr. Gunn, I heard that you were rejected by Miss Rosen. I was shocked when Robert told me.”

“I see that news spreads like wildfire. Hahaha, but unfortunately it's true.”

At that moment, at one of the checkpoints between the residential sector and the military sector, Gregory accompanied by Monique was passing by talking to the officer responsible for checking in their IDs.

“For God's sake, Mr. Gunn, if she rejected someone like you, who does she think would want to form a pact with a Parahuman like her?”

While scanning the IDs and confirming their authenticity, the officer talked enthusiastically to Gregory.

“I didn't give up, Robert. Yesterday was the first attempt, she'll give in sooner or later.”

“Hahahaha, that's how you say it, Mr. Gunn. She may have her flaws, but her strength is top-notch, I'm sure you'll get brilliant results. Here it is, all right.”

After completing the procedure, the officer returned the two IDs to Gregory.

“Nobody's perfect, but I believe that too, Robert. Thank you.”

Taking the IDs and putting them in his wallet, Gregory saluted the officer. The officer saluted back, and then glanced at Monique, who was leaning against the wall a few meters away, then spoke in a low voice to Gregory:

“But I think it’s hard for her to surpass Monique as your partner, Mr. Gunn. Let’s agree that the competition is unfair, wouldn’t it be better to find a way to buy her license from the Academy?”

“I thought about it, but the resources are lacking to buy a license for an S-Class Hound from the Academy. With Miss Rosen’s help, I’ll be able to accumulate resources to make that happen in the future, so I have to stand firm even if I’m rejected 10 or 15 times. It’s for me and for them…”

"Have I told you that I admire you a lot?”

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“Yes…”

“Be it or not, know that I admire you a lot."

“Hahaha, Have a good day, Robert.” Smiling, Gregory said goodbye to the officer, before turning and walking towards Monique.

“Have a good day, Mr. Gunn, and I hope you succeed as soon as possible before the State Tournament. It’s 3 months away.” The officer replied, before returning to his post while waiting for the next person to check in.

With access cleared, Gregory walked towards Monique so they could pass through the access passage together. However, while Gregory was cheerful and energetic, Monique was leaning against the wall the whole time.

She had her arms crossed and looked at the ground in dismay, every now and then a yawn would come out of her mouth. Her tired expression showed that she wasn’t in the mood to deal with boring things.

“Here. Let’s go.” Reaching her, Gregory handed her her ID and started walking towards a short tunnel that led to the other side of the wall.

“I want to go home, Greg… I want to sleep…” Mumbling and walking with heavy steps, Monique followed him, discouraged and dissatisfied.

“I don’t care, M. Whenever you take 2 doses of Testonitus, you pass out for almost 2 hours. What do you think would happen with 3 doses? You’ve been out for 5 hours, M. It’s almost 5 p.m., the Superintendence is almost closing.”

Ignoring his partner’s situation, Gregory continued walking quickly to where a parking lot was located.

“You could have come without me… I’m sleepy, Greg, I want to lie down and sleep.”

In front of the parking lot, Gregory took out his ID again and passed it through a digital identifier. It scanned the ID and also Gregory’s retina and then authorized his access to the building.

“I don’t care. You got your reward, now it’s time to work.”

After entering the building, the two entered a small elevator near the entrance and went up to the 5th floor, where they wandered through the countless vehicles that were parked. Until they found a black Agusta Brutale 1000 RR with two black helmets attached.

“Shouldn’t we take the GT-R?” Monique asked, noticing Gregory’s choice of vehicles.

But ignoring the comment, he went to the motorcycle and took off the helmets, giving one to Monique and putting the other on. Soon after, he bent down and took the key from the small compartment of the motorcycle.

“Here… You have 5 minutes to get there…” Handing the key to Monique, Gregory spoke in a serious tone.

“Greg, I-”

“Hurry up, M.”

Monique wasn’t confident in the situation. It was normal for her to ride the motorcycle, but she didn’t want to ride while she was in a daze. It would be dangerous for Gregory. Falling and getting hurt from a motorcycle fall is serious and could even kill depending on the speed and type of accident.

However, Gregory interrupted her and her expression darkened, making it clear that he wouldn’t accept excuses. This was also a way to force Monique to be responsible and better control her own mental and physical condition.

If she didn't want them to crash, she had to use her senses and drive carefully…

Click

Having no other alternative, Monique got on the bike and put the key in the ignition before putting on her helmet.

Vrrruummmmm

As soon as she started the bike, the powerful roar sounded, the sound of the engine was addictive at a low volume, but the echo in the parking lot made the noise spread like a trumpet in the middle of a gallery.

Vrrruumm Vrrruumm Vrrruummmmm

Accelerating to warm up the engine, Monique waited until Gregory was comfortable in his seat to accelerate up the parking ramps and out of the building.

As soon as they got out, Monique accelerated quickly on the flat and slightly curved track, quickly reaching 250km/h and accelerating even further.

Gregory, who was already used to the speed and trusted Monique's expertise, didn't hesitate to hold onto Monique's waist as he felt the speed slowly increase. Meanwhile, he counted the seconds until they reached their destination.

Vrrruummmmmm

At high speed, Monique's driving expertise became even more evident as she overtook cars, vans, trucks and even other motorcycles that were also going relatively fast.

Monique's overtaking was as smooth as sliding on ice, there was no hesitation or sudden movements. She also controlled the speed to stay at the engine's limit for as long as possible, letting the engine show all its power.

She only slowed down when she was reaching the intersection she needed to take to go towards the Hunters and Hounds Superintendence. She then turned right and accelerated for a brief period before finally reaching her destination.

Vrunnnm Click

Already in the parking lot inside the Superintendence complex, Monique stopped and turned off the motorcycle. Getting off the back of the motorcycle, Gregory took off his helmet and looked at the watch on his wrist.

“4 minutes and 12 seconds. Very good, M.” He said with a smile and looking at Monique who had already taken off her helmet.

“Thank you...” She replied with a slight embarrassment, then took the helmets and attached them to the motorcycle and put the key away.

“When we get back, I promise you can sleep at ease. I’ll take care of the preparations for the mission...”

Monique just nodded happily before the two of them left the parking lot and headed towards the main building. On the way, they passed by the same place where Gregory was rejected. In addition, they greeted several familiar Hounds and Hunters and other Academy Aspirants like Gregory.