The Bearu branch on the small island near Centauro was quiet, the waves crashing softly against jagged cliffs below. Inside the main building, the office of the commander, Diapolde, was neat and imposing.
The old man, always in his dark suit, sat at his mahogany desk, a chain with a cross symbol resting on the table beside him. His hand moved swiftly across the paperwork, filling forms and reports with meticulous care.
Without knocking, the doors swung open. Ravva entered, his red suit catching the light, the blue cape adorned with twenty-nine stars and white stripes trailing behind him. His blond hair glimmered, black eyes sharp and full of unsettling confidence.
"Captain," he said, voice calm yet commanding, "I took care of the human-fused situation in Centauro. Dorothy is no more."
Diapolde looked up, his face calm, and nodded. "Thank you, Ravva."
He leaned back slightly in his chair. "I heard you were with Zorala on the island?"
Ravva's lips curved slightly. "Yeah, I was with him. Why?"
"Leave, and call him to my office," Diapolde said firmly.
Ravva's smile widened. "Gladly. My job is done, after all."
As Ravva turned to leave, Diapolde's voice stopped him. "Next time… knock before you enter, or there will be punishment."
Ravva chuckled softly, closing the office door behind him.
Walking through the corridors, Ravva came across Zorala waiting patiently.
"Lieutenant," Zorala said.
Ravva gave him a light pat on the shoulder. "Diapolde wants to see you."
Zorala hesitated. "Why?"
Ravva's expression was unreadable, his smile faint but confident. "Go in."
Zorala nodded and approached the office. He knocked firmly.
"Come in," Diapolde's voice commanded from within.
The chapter ends here.