After the design department, Malric followed Cross once more through the labyrinthine corridors of Sector Zero. The walk was quiet but comfortable, the kind of silence that came from trust. Eventually, they arrived at a dark, polished black door with glowing blue trim.
"This is your private residence within Sector Zero," Cross explained. "Each member has a personalized suite, designed to accommodate comfort, recovery, and training. You'll find yours fully equipped."
The door slid open automatically as Malric stepped forward, revealing a space that made his jaw drop.
The room was massive — more like a luxury apartment than a dorm. The floors were marble-tiled with shifting hues of obsidian and sapphire. A massive bed with ultra-soft linens took center stage, flanked by smart walls that responded to his thoughts, changing the room's lighting and mood instantly.
To the left, a sleek black desk held a holographic terminal already linked to Sector Zero's internal network. To the right, a sunken lounge area with a wall-sized monitor and ambient speakers played calming instrumental music. A door led to an ensuite bathroom, which looked more like a private spa: rainfall shower, a jet-streamed tub, and scented steam dispensers.
Shelves filled with rare books, drawers stocked with clothes, even a small kitchenette loaded with his favorite snacks and drinks — all meticulously customized. It was as if someone had gone into his brain and pulled out the perfect environment for him.
Malric dropped into the lounge chair and stared at the ceiling, letting out a long breath. For the first time since he'd arrived in this world, he felt… still. Grounded. Cared for.
This place… it's more than just a base. It's a home.
A soft chime echoed from the wall.
[One item has been delivered from Design Department.]
A sleek, black box materialized on the nearby pedestal, sealed with Seraphine's signature.
Malric approached it slowly and cracked it open.
Inside was the initial prototype for his hero costume — elegant, dark, and pulsing softly with blue energy veins.
A note lay on top, handwritten in swirling script:
"The first draft. Try not to cry from how good you look. —Seraphine ❤️"
Malric chuckled, setting it aside.
Sector Zero wasn't what he expected. It was better.