The Administrative Tower is the tallest building in Harmony. It's a bit taller than Harmony's rose-like tree. It's 10 stories tall and each floor is in some shape of a trapezium. As a result, the building stands skew, yet sturdy. Some of Harmony's tree branches grow beside the Administrative Tower. The windows on the building all collectively form a rose, with the top 3 floors having the petals.

There is a meeting on the top floor, where Marie-Jane's Guild Leader Office resides. The participants in this meeting are the 2 Co-Guild Leaders, Marie-Jane and Consus, and the group of Israr, Easton and Kiran. The room has a few chairs, some cupboards and a desk.

"So you believe these 2 can be protectors?" asks Marie-Jane. She's reading Kiran and Easton's files.

"Yes!" says Israr enthusiastically. "I think they'll be fantastic. They're both athletic and determined." He points to Easton.

"I've seen Easton fight and observe situations. He's capable." Israr now points to the other suggestion. "Kiran can't keep himself out of trouble and will get himself killed. I can tell. I think this will keep him safer."

Kiran rubs his head. "That's not…"

Consus speaks up, "That's a good assessment." He lies on a branch outside Marie-Jane's office. "The Trials train us to face what we can and retreat when necessary. It sounds like Kiran lacks the skills in both."

"But that hasn't stopped him from helping," responds Israr. "He has the heart and potential."

"Hmm," Marie-Jane taps her pen against her chin. "I don't know. They have the vigour, especially if they sneak on and continue to disobey me." Marie-Jane glares at Easton and Kiran. Kiran sits stiff, but Easton gazes out the window. She thinks, "The Trials also train the ability to understand ranking. Understanding authority is key to survival. Even if they don't know who I am, I know the pressure I exert, yet both seem unaffected."

She puts her pen down and looks at Israr. "What do you suggest?"

"Kiran should focus on improving his physical body and combat capabilities. He should be able to get away from trouble based on his movements. Alternatively, Easton should work on his movements. He has crazy stamina, he should learn how to use it effectively."

"Those are great suggestions. I'm surprised a red-rank at Sharmeija has this insight."

Israr smiles. "I've read a lot of books, Ma'am. All to help someone become as strong as they can. I guess I learnt a bit from it."

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Marie-Jane corrects the stack of paper. "Consus, do you have anything to say?"

"You said we needed 3 right? This seems perfect."

"You're just happy you don't have to work overtime."

"That also helps."

Marie-Jane looks at Kiran and Easton. "All right. They can be protectors. Joseff is out right now but should be back soon. I will ask him to draw up a schedule for training and shifts for you two."

"Thank you!" exclaims Kiran.

"Don't thank me yet. The training is hard. You face wild animals as a protector. It isn't easy and they may kill you. That said, you did run away from a boar on your first day, so maybe luck's on your side."

"I don't care," says Easton and stands up. "It was only dangerous because of that girl. The next time something comes for me, things will be different." He turns and leaves the room.

When Easton mentions 'that girl', Kiran thinks, "Right, I haven't seen Emily at all."

Israr stands up next. "I'll look after Easton. He reminds me a lot of my friends. Thank you for your time!" He bows and leaves after Easton. Kiran follows soon after, thanking them the same way Israr did.

"The newborns are interesting this year, huh?" remarks Marie-Jane. "Even at the White Ranks, they excitedly talked about this cycle."

"Reminds me a bit of our cycle," says Consus.

"It does," states Marie-Jane. "Hopefully history doesn't repeat itself."

Kiran and Israr finish leaving the Administrative Tower.

"Let me talk to Easton alone for a bit. I'll see you later, Kiran! Rest well!"

"Okay, Israr. Bye!"

The 2 wave goodbye as Israr runs after Easton.

Kiran gazes around Harmony's inner section. "Mm, where's Emily?" He walks around the beautiful nature and workmanship. Other Harmony members sit on benches and talk, some play board games on their porches and others walk up and down the paths. He walks up to members and asks if they've seen Emily. They all nod no.

He sees Anu and Mehaki stand outside the Medical Centre, the building with the red cross.

"Hi, Anu! Hi, Mehaki!"

"Kiran! It's good to see you on your feet," says Anu. "Feeling better?"

"Yes! The medicine you gave me helped a lot. I feel so energised!"

"That's good." Anu tilts his head and smiles.

Kiran remembers that Emily works at the Medical Centre. "Anu, does Emily work with you?"

"Ah! Yes. She makes my job easy. Why?"

"I want to thank her. I think she took care of me while I was knocked out."

"That's not possible. I forced her on a break due to the load of patients I had to treat. I don't want to overwork her. I think someone else had to come. We have a few nurses."

"Oh..." Kiran thinks, "Then who was that? It was a youthful voice. I haven't seen another young girl here, besides that scary-looking one. She wouldn't come to help me, would she?"

"If you want to see her, I know where Emily is," states Mehaki. "She hasn't come down to eat. I want her opinion on the food."

She takes out a neatly wrapped bag and gives it to Kiran. "Take this to her please."

"Okay! Which way?"

Mehaki takes Kiran's shoulders and turns him in a direction. "That way, towards the sun. It leads to a nice view over a hill. If you do get lost, don't worry, I'll come find you. But you're capable, right?" She looks with her violet-coloured eyes straight into Kiran's blue eyes.

"Yes!"

"Atta boy." Mehaki taps his back and he goes to Emily.

Anu turns to Mehaki. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"If I call someone muscular, is that an insult?"

"Of course," Mehaki glares at Anu. "That is seriously offensive."

"Oh gosh!" gasps Anu "I didn't know. I'll need to apologize to Easton…"

"Call him 'devilishly handsome'. That's the new way to say it. He will forgive you immediately."

"Really? That seems a bit… romantic."

"The world has changed Anu. Remember, I'm younger than you. Trust me."

"Thank you Mehaki! I can always count on you."

"I got your back." She smirks and gives a thumbs-up. Anu turns around and walks back, humming to himself as he returns to the Medical Centre.

Mehaki laughs. "He's so gullible and clueless. It's adorable. Let's go see if I can convince Namrah to think the same."