INT- CGO LABORATORY
"Congratulations, Miss Evah!"
Doctor Riko's hand landed warmly on her shoulder, shaking her with a proud grin that crinkled the corners of his eyes.
Meanwhile, Evah sulked in silence. I can't believe he shushed me like a dog. That Erion… She puffed her cheeks, then exhaled sharply. Better not to dwell.
"We have to celebrate this!" Riko announced, clapping once and turning to call the whole lab's attention.
"Really? Congratulations!" Mika beamed, clapping her hands.
Evah's lips tugged into a reluctant smile. She could feel their sincerity, bright and untainted. So different from Erion's teasing.
"It's not the certificate yet," she said, bowing slightly. "But I'll do my best."
"Same thing!" Henry chimed in, waving his hands like a banner. "Of course you'll get it!"
Two weeks. One week of relentless classes, followed by another week dedicated to the actual project study. It was during the latter that most participants collapsed under the weight of it all. She remembered—last year's passing rate had been barely one percent across the entire country. This path was never meant to be easy.
The rest of the team echoed their cheers, voices overlapping, the small lab bubbling with energy. Evah wanted to feel pressured, but instead she felt… buoyant. Their faith in her was overwhelming, maybe even a little scary.
The worst thing I can do is fail. Her chest tightened. I won't. Not this time. Yuka… I want to tell Yuka first.
"Okay, it's settled," Riko declared, hands on his hips, "we're getting pork barbecue tonight—my treat!"
The room erupted.
"Ehhh?! But I was supposed to treat everyone!" Evah protested in her head, her mouth falling open. But it was useless. Doctor Riko will always insist.
The chatter turned to food orders, laughter bouncing off the walls, until a sudden ding from the overhead speakers froze everyone mid-sentence.
"This is…" Mika whispered.
Erion's voice spilled from the intercom, calm, clipped, and unmistakably authoritative. "No one's going out after work."
The mood sank in an instant. Even Evah stiffened. This version of him—the 'Major General' version—it's scary.
"If I'm not invited."
A ripple of laughter broke the tension, background voices bleeding through before the mic clicked off.
"Sorry, everyone," Erion said again from the other side, obviously talking to people. "The Ardents heard you. They're asking to join."
Laughter, cheers, and jokes flew around the room again. Mr. Perfect Boss, Evah thought bitterly. Of course everyone loves him.
She hated to admit it, but… things were better here. Safer. For the first time in years, she could just focus on work, without fear of her inventions being stolen or buried.
Even if it was thanks to him.
LATER THAT NIGHT – K'YIN DISTRICT – Y'RUEN – 7 PM
The restaurant was straight out of a dream.
Inside, rows of traditional white chandeliers hung from the ceiling in a neat line, casting a soft, golden glow across the room. A single long table stretched down the center, its short legs bringing everyone close to the ground where cushions supported their seats. In the middle, plates of meats, vegetables, steaming soups, and bright sauces filled every gap, while each guest had their own grill built into the table. The smoke curled upward, caught quickly by hidden vents above—an elegant detail that blended practicality with design.
A perfectly designed space, Evah thought, her eyes lingering on the polished wood and gentle garden view beyond the sliding doors. This must've cost a fortune.
But when she looked away from the details, it wasn't the room that stole her focus—it was the people. Most of her colleagues had gathered along the right wing, laughing and leaning over their grills. They'd insisted Doctor Riko sit at the head, his smile as grounding as ever. To his left sat Evah, Mika beside her, while across the table more teammates filled the air with chatter—office updates, harmless gossip, bursts of laughter between the sizzle of cooking meat.
Evah found herself smiling faintly. The warmth of it all sank into her chest, loosening a knot she hadn't even realized was still there. For once, she wasn't fighting, running, or proving herself. She was just… here. Surrounded. Accepted. Safe.
"In no time, we'll have two doctors in the lab!" Mika cheered, raising her glass.
Evah laughed nervously. They have too much faith in me. It's… concerning.
Riko glanced at his phone, brow furrowing. "Erion should be here by now. Did the Ardent encounter problems?" He began dialing.
"It's good if you can talk to the Ardent doctors," he added, covering the speaker. "They'll help you a lot."
Evah nodded absently, her mind drifting. She recalled the Order's branches
Cloak — intelligence gathering.
Phantom — covert assassinations.
Iron Clad — heavy combat and infiltration.
Ardent — field medics.
But her mind was elsewhere. And just like in que the door opened.
Erion stepped inside casually, sneakers left at the entrance, plain white socks padding against the polished wood. His outfit was always a simple dark jacket, white shirt, dark pants—but his grin… that damnable grin lit the whole room like a flame.
Behind him, four others followed. Three women and a man, all in uniform—Ardent members, no doubt.
Evah barely noticed them. Her eyes were locked on the jester smile she hated.
Why is it always him?'
Next chapter: Trapped between guilt, loyalty, and pride, Evah finds herself caught in a storm of emotions when a secret slips out. Erion denies fault, but Riko's gentle confession tips the balance—and Evah's heart. Yet, when Erion's patience runs thin.