“Go on, he is waiting for you.” Livia insisted.

Brian hesitated before the imposing door of High Director Aleron's office, his hand hovering above the brass handle. With a deep breath, he pushed it open and stepped inside.

"There you are," Aleron said from behind his desk. "Please, have a seat."

Brian obeyed, settling into the plush chair opposite the High Director. Aleron leaned back in his own chair and smiled while steepling his fingers.

Brian felt a moment of discomfort as Aleron's blue eyes remained fixed on him.

"Thank you for coming so promptly," Aleron began. "I have a special assignment for you, one that I believe you're uniquely suited for."

"Of course, High Director." Brian nodded, eager to prove himself. "I'm more than happy to assist."

A nagging thought tugged at his mind. Too quick. He cursed himself inwardly. Back on Earth, he would never agree to a project without first learning all the details. But this was Valteria, and the government had done so much for him already. Plus, he'd been itching for an excuse to grind more stats.

"Excellent." Aleron's voice pulled Brian back to the present. "This assignment is two-fold."

Aleron leaned back in his chair. "The first part is to investigate a valtite anomaly near Restview Station. Our surveillance department suspects it's coming from Chrono Chasm, the chronovore's territory."

Brian's face fell at the mention of the chronovores. He thought it was obvious, but he asked anyway. "High Director, are these… chronovores, time devouring monsters?"

Aleron nodded, remaining neutral. "Yes, they are. But in the ten years I've been High Director, they've never been a threat. While some can manipulate time using valtite, the effects are usually not something to worry about."

Thinking about it, it didn't make sense. If chronovores and their time manipulation abilities were so insignificant, why were energy readings from their territory cause for concern? He bit his tongue, though, not daring to question the Director's assessment.

"However," Aleron continued, pulling Brian out of his reverie, "aestari are forbidden from venturing into Chrono Chasm. The few decimators who have dared to enter have never returned." He leaned forward, locking eyes with Brian. "We suspect they've been trapped in time loops or fallen victim to some other chronovore trickery."

As Brian mulled over the mission, he started recalling the time travel tropes in science fiction stories. It seemed like every narrative had its own rules on whether changing events in the past could alter the future. He wondered if that was because each universe had its own set of rules, or if it was simply a lack of understanding on the part of the writers.

I wonder which of those stories would be accurate, Brian told himself, shaking off his concerns. I hope not to have to find out firsthand from these chronovores. But then another thought occurred to him, would I even know if something had changed in the past?

Focus, Brian, he silently admonished himself. There's no point in getting lost in hypotheticals right now. “I understand,” he replied.

"Additionally," Aleron said, his tone shifting slightly, "I'd like you to attempt to complete the dungeon under Restview Station. That’s the second part of the assignment."

Brian’s ears hurt by the mere memories of the grueling dungeon under Heavenstone Outpost. His heart raced as he recalled the deadly hums and narrow escapes. But all of that went away as he thought of the potential rewards that awaited – more opportunities to amass more valtite and grow stronger.

"Regarding your team," Aleron continued, "I've assembled some of the finest decimators Arcasium has produced." With a wave of his hand, he summoned a man with a rugged, battle-scarred face into the room.

The man strode in with a perpetual five o'clock shadow that clearly spoke of countless missions and hard-won victories. His strong build and mercenary attire suggested not only physical prowess but endurance as well.

"Nasar Spriter," Aleron introduced, gesturing towards the seasoned warrior, "one of the best independent mercenaries and top-notch decimators available."

Brian rose from the comfortable chair; Better than his cheap office chair.

"Good to meet you," Nasar said, offering Brian a firm handshake. His grip was strong, his confident tone leaving no doubt that he was ready for whatever challenges the mission might hold. He focused on Nasar.

[Aestari (Glow) - lvl ??? : Amplification]

[Spatial Core] Detected - This core enhances spatial awareness, allowing the bearer to perceive the position and movement of objects and beings in their surroundings with pinpoint accuracy.

Aside from his friends who recently acquired the Olfactory and Auditory cores, Brian hadn’t encountered another decimator with a valtite core. He initially thought Nasar’s abilities would be similar to those of his Oculus Core. But as he reflected on it, he realized that many of these cores were designed to enhance the user’s senses, making their functions indeed very similar.

"Likewise," Brian replied. Nasar Spriter was clearly powerful. Not only was his energy rank the same as Darius’s, but he also had a strong valtite core. However, Aleron had hand-picked him, and that was a risk Brian wasn’t willing to take.

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"High Director, I appreciate your selection," Brian began cautiously, eyeing Nasar Spriter as he spoke, "but I would like to recruit my own team for this mission." He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "The people I have in mind... they've saved me multiple times and proven their worth. Trust and loyalty are essential in this world, and these individuals have earned mine."

Aleron's eyebrows raised in surprise, and a flicker of annoyance crossed his face. Nasar Spriter, on the other hand, remained impassive, waiting to hear Brian's reasoning.

"Please, sir," Brian interrupted, his voice firm yet respectful. "This… post-apocalyptic world demands both trust and power. I need to know that the people beside me have my back.” His gaze flicked to Nasar Spriter, who had been silently standing left of Aleron. “No offense, Nasar."

"None taken," Nasar replied with a shrug, nodding in understanding.

The room fell silent as Aleron considered Brian's words, he leaned back and steepled his fingers. Finally, a smile graced his lips, and he nodded. "Very well, Brian. I understand your concerns and will respect your decision. Choose your team. But remember, this mission is of utmost importance."

“Thank you.”

"Good," Aleron said, turning his attention back to Brian. "Now, let me be clear: your main objective in the dungeon is to retrieve the artifact and bring it back to the directorate headquarters. Understood?"

Brian's thoughts drifted to the first artifact that he and Serdna had surrendered to the government. It had housed the Whispering Core - a tremendously powerful core - a fact that was always in the back of Brian’s mind. Ever since his unexpected arrival in Valteria, it had become clear that the directorate was perpetually in pursuit of valtite cores. Mandrix had even been slated to turn over Brian’s own Oculus Core to these government overseers.

Yet, as valuable as cores were, Brian suspected that these artifacts were of an entirely different order of magnitude. They were undoubtedly of immense significance - why else would they be sequestered within a remarkably concealed dungeon, a place so impenetrable that no one had managed to gain entry? The importance of these artifacts was indisputable.

"Of course," Brian responded, his gaze meeting Aleron's without faltering. "High Director," Brian interjected, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. "May I ask a question related to something else?"

Aleron quirked a brow, intrigued. "Proceed."

"There's something... a term that keeps cropping up: the Calamity. It's linked to the Valtite System, have you heard of it?" Brian asked cautiously and observed Aleron's face for any sign of recognition.

Aleron's steepled fingers paused in their rhythmic tapping. "The Valtite System... and the Calamity, you said? Interesting." He sighed, leaning back. "I must admit, I remember you mentioned the Valtite System, but these are not terms that I'm familiar with. However, it does warrant further investigation. I will see to it that information is sought and relayed back to you."

Brian nodded, relieved yet disappointed that Aleron didn't have immediate answers. "Thank you, High Director," he said.

"One last thing," Aleron added, his tone softening slightly. "If you're successful in this assignment, I want you to work beside me, and help me build a Valteria that is better for the aestari. You will have access to every resource Arcasium has to offer. Together, we can ensure the prosperity of our people."

Aleron's proposal stoked a wildfire of resolve, Brian had never imagined such an opportunity would present itself, and he knew he couldn't let it slip through his fingers. "Thank you, High Director," he said, his voice firm. "I won't disappoint you."

"Very well, then," Aleron said, seemingly satisfied with Brian's commitment. "I trust you'll handle this assignment with the utmost care and diligence." He dismissed them with a wave of his hand.

"Of course, High Director," Brian promised.

As Brian left the room, he and Nasar Spriter locked eyes for a brief moment, silently acknowledging each other's presence.

***

Brian stepped outside into the cool air and the brightly lit night sky.

"Hey, Brian!" Sophia's voice broke through his reverie as she approached him with a smile. "What was the meeting about?"

"I've been tasked with putting together a team for a new assignment." Brian replied as he stroked his chin. “Oh, and we have to explore another dungeon.”

"Ooh, pick me, pick me!" Sophia teased, raising her hand like an eager student. "I promise I won't let you down."

"Of course," Brian responded, attempting a smile. “Actually, you kinda didn’t have a choice.”

Giggling, Sophia waved a dismissive hand. "Well, obviously since I am the leader."

“Woah! Hold on, I’m the one meeting with the higher ups,” Brian said.

“Exactly, you are like… an assistant.” Sophia shrugged.

Brian's face shifted and he raised his fist. "Alright, now that that’s settled, we need to take care of something very important!”

“Yes boss!” Sophia’s eyebrow shot up. “What would that be?”

He nodded, clapping a hand on Sophia's shoulder. “We need one last cup of kofrix!” Brian clenched his fist. “We'll need our wits about us for this mission."

There was a pause in their banter. Brian looked over at Sophia. “Sophia, do you remember the term that I told you, ‘The Calamity?’”

Sophia furrowed her brow in thought. “Hmm… Yes, I do. It was linked with the Valtite System, wasn’t it? Also, you said the reptile-person mentioned it too, didnt you?”

Brian nodded. “Exactly. I asked Aleron about it, but he didn't know anything. I’m starting to get worried, given the countdown that keeps appearing. It's linked to the term.”

Sophia stopped walking, turning to face Brian, concern etched on her face. “A countdown? That sounds... ominous. But Brian, I know even less than you. How long do we have?”

“About a cycle and a half.”

“Alright, but,” she squeezed his hand, “we’ve faced all kinds of crazy shit here. We’ll figure this one out, too. Together.”

Sophia nodded, her eyes twinkling. They walked side by side towards the nearby káfx, Brian appreciated every moment of Sophia's company. She always seemed to know how to lighten the mood and bring him back from the depths of his thoughts.

"Hey, Brian," Sophia said suddenly, breaking the silence that had fallen between them, "don’t you dare go into the dungeon without me. I’m still mad that you took Serdna to the last one.” Sophia stared at Brian and grabbed his hand. “You know I'll always have your back, right? No matter what crazy mission you're on."

Brian looked at her, the corners of his mouth lifting into a small smile. "Yeah, I know," he replied, reaching over to give her hand a reassuring squeeze. "And I have yours too."

"Good," Sophia said, beaming at him. "Now let's go get that kofrix. We've got a super powerful artifact to find."