Chapter 39: Roles and Models

A massive reptilian beast, resembling a mythical Komodo dragon, twisted its massive body to swing its powerful tail violently toward the team of agents behind it. But just before the crushing blow could connect, near-invisible strings shot upward from Silas’s fingertips, binding the tail mid-air and halting its devastating arc.

Simultaneously, two Sarahs, one being the original and her duplicate, flanked the creature at either side. They sprinted alongside the beast while dragging their blades deep into its sides, carving deep gashes through its scales as they moved in perfect synchronization.

Then above them was Elaine who descended from her aerial position, landing squarely on the monster’s head. With a decisive thrust, she drove her blade through its skull, delivering the killing blow. The massive creature slumped to the ground with a heavy thud.

“Good job, guys,” Amir called from beside the control console, pressing a button that ended the simulation. The digital scenery dissolved around them, revealing the stark walls of the simulation chamber. Three agents stood catching their breath after completing their third training challenge.

Amir watched from the sidelines, his earth-manipulation abilities were useless here, as the simulation couldn’t replicate actual rock and soil for him to control. Instead, he participated in exercises that didn’t require supernatural abilities.

“You used your abilities pretty well,” Elaine said to Silas, offering him an encouraging nod. Silas sonly gave a slight nod in response, exhaustion evident in his posture. He felt more drained than the others, having pushed his abilities to their limits while Elaine provided guidance on integrating his powers with the team’s tactics.

Suddenly, speakers crackled to life throughout the entire USOV facility, the announcement echoing through every corridor and room: “Attention all available agents! You are expected to be at the General Briefing Hall in ten minutes. Chief Director Lucien Cifer will be with us momentarily.”

The announcement sent a wave of urgency through the building. Agents hastily concluded their activities, abandoned conversations mid-sentence, and hurried toward the briefing hall. In the training room, Team C began preparing to leave.

Elaine’s excitement was palpable, and though she remained silent, her entire body language betrayed her enthusiasm. She always looked up to the Chief Director, seeing him as something of a role model.

“Maybe today you’ll finally get that autograph,” Sarah said with a grin.

“Elaine was furious for days because she couldn’t get one the last time he was here,” Amir added, laughing alongside Sarah.

Elaine chuckled. “Come on, that’s not fair, guys.” Silas observed the exchange quietly. He’d certainly been placed in a lively team.

Meanwhile, Liam sat alone in the cafeteria when the announcement reached him. He had been examining the double-serrated sword the director had allowed him to keep. With a quiet exhale, he rose to his feet and dismissed ’Dark Titan’ back into his system’s inventory, deciding to deal with it later. Dark Titan was the name he gave to the weapon.

Less than three minutes after the announcement, two GMC Yukon Denali SUVs rolled through USOV’s gates in formation. The guard at the entrance stood at attention, maintaining his salute until both vehicles passed. The SUVs parked near the main entrance and then its doors opened, as men in immaculate suits and dark sunglasses emerged—except for Lucien, whose glasses were prescription lenses for vision correction, something his old age required.

Six agents remained outside, standing guard around the vehicles while Lucien proceeded alone. Director Garene Grey waited at the entrance and when Lucien approached, they shook hands formally. “Welcome, Director,” Grey said.

“Thank you,” Lucien replied with a simple nod, and together, they walked toward the general briefing hall.

Inside the hall, available agents had already assembled in their team formations, standing at attention. Elaine gripped her sheathed sword tightly, barely containing her excitement. The rest of Team C stood beside her, with Liam positioned behind them.

As footsteps echoed closer, Elaine whispered to Sarah, who stood to her right, “Here he comes.” Grey and Lucien entered the hall, and Lucien stepped onto the podium while Grey took position beside him. All murmurs and idle chatter immediately ceased.

The sight of the Chief Director made Elaine grin with such excitement that she reached over and squeezed Sarah’s hand. Sarah startled momentarily at the unexpected contact but then smiled, understanding this aspect of Elaine’s personality.

“Good day to you all,” Lucien began. “Good day, sir!” the agents responded in perfect unison, their voices echoing through the hall. Admiration was visible on many faces throughout the assembly. “Thank you,” Lucien continued. “Recently, threat levels throughout Michigan has been on the rise, but so far you have managed to do what was needed to maintain peace and protect civilian safety. I thank you all for that, and especially Director Grey for his impeccable work with USOV Michigan.”

He paused briefly before continuing. “Over the next three days, I’ll be here in Detroit. I ask that you kindly accept my presence. Thank you.” He concluded by placing his right hand over his chest and offering a slight bow before stepping aside.

Grey took the podium. “Alright, agents, return to your duties,” he said giving a firm nod. The agents turned and filed out through the entrance doors while Grey and Lucien exited through a side door, making their way to Grey’s office.

They settled into the cushioned chairs positioned in front of Grey’s main desk. Lucien glanced around and asked, “Where’s your assistant?”, referring to Kent, whose absence he had noticed.

“Oh, he’s currently working an investigation,” Grey replied. “Alright,” Lucien said, then cut straight to the point.

“I’m not going to lie, Grey. The President is growing anxious. These recent high-level threats Michigan has been facing, while profitable for the high-tier factions, still have no identifiable cause. The President thinks maybe a family branch is setting up operations here.”

“It’s none of that,” Grey said flatly.

“That’s exactly what I told him, but here’s the thing, I have to leave Michigan with something concrete. The boy, where is he?” Lucien asked, referring to Liam.

“One second…” Grey moved to his desk and pressed a button on the intercom device and spoke into it calmly, “Agent Liam, report to my office.”

Liam was with Team C when his name was called.

“Ooouuu, the Chief Director has only been here five minutes and he wants to see our rising star,” Sarah joked, patting Liam on the back.

“I wish I were in your shoes right now,” Elaine said wistfully.

“And I wish I wasn’t, but oh well…” Liam shrugged as he left the field agents’ room and made his way toward Director Grey’s office.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep