Ever since the news of the Sylvan squad's completion of the rare bonus harvest objective, the Tower's newsfeeds had been abuzz. Not just because they managed to gather the elusive Torcspores, but also because the agents were... different. They were Sylvans, a new race that many in the Tower hadn't encountered before.

  It had made them a unique sight and a hot topic of conversation in the Tower's social circles.

  Even now, as he sat in a meeting with the various department managers and other key personnel, the topic was hard to shake. Elspeth, Xashai, Alice, Gerald, and a couple of supervisors were seated at a large, polished table.

  They had just concluded a rather routine meeting, but the chatter afterward quickly shifted to the subject of the Sylvans. He listened to their discussion with a mild interest, content to let them speculate and gossip while he quietly made a mental plan for his next steps.

  "Hey, I've seen those Sylvans," one supervisor started, "They're quite a sight!"

  "I've heard some of the boys talking about them in the break room," the other supervisor added, "They think they're 'pretty cute.'" The man punctuated the words with air quotes.

  "They are unique, to be sure." Alice's voice cut through the chatter, drawing all eyes to her. "I met one of the dryads down in the lobby; we had a nice chat. She's rather pleasant."

  One of the supervisors smirked. "Right, but have you seen the Nymph up close?" he leaned in, his eyes twinkling. "She's quite the—"

  "—the well-respected Agent who has done excellent work on our most recent Directive," Elspeth interrupted, her gaze boring into the man, a clear warning to watch his words.

  "Uh, yes. Sorry. I just... nevermind." The supervisor looked sheepishly away, realizing he'd overstepped.

  Xashai leaned back in her chair, a small smile playing on her face. "They're quite popular with the Tower staff, regardless of why. You know, they might even have an advantage in certain negotiations. Beauty can be a powerful tool in the diplomatic arena."

  "Xashai, not you too," Gerald sighed.

  "What?" she chuckled, "I'm just stating facts."

  "Public relations," Alice said. "Xashai has a point. People are talking about them, and that's a good thing. We could utilize their... appeal for various benefits."

  "How?" Gerald asked.

  "Events, or special appearances, for starters," Alice answered. "They could be our face for certain projects or public-facing events, like charity galas or fundraising events. It could help us build better rapport with the city and boost the Tower's image. That's my field, and I could manage their appearances if needed."

  Elspeth spoke up, "They are still Agents, Miss Blankenship, and they do have regular duties to perform for the Tower."

  "Of course, I would ensure their primary responsibilities are not compromised," Alice assured her. "But, as I said, these would be special appearances, only when necessary. For instance, the grand opening for our new store is coming up soon. They could make a special guest appearance at the event, along with Mr. Mycroft."

  At the sound of his pseudonym, Zark'thul finally looked up. "Am I needed at such an event?"

  His persona as the rich, eccentric CEO was useful, but it also brought unwanted attention.

  Alice nodded enthusiastically, "Yes, Mr. Mycroft. It's important for our public image that the head of the company shows his support, especially for big events like this. You don't have to do much, just make an appearance, maybe give a short speech or two, and let me take care of the rest."

  The prospect didn't appeal to him. He was more comfortable in the background, pulling strings, than in the spotlight. But he had to concede that Alice had a valid point. If his presence could help, then he would oblige. "Alright, I'll be there."

  Alice beamed. "Perfect, thank you, sir. I'll make sure it's a grand event, one that will do our company proud. You won't have to do a thing except show up and look impressive, which," she glanced at him, "I don't think will be a problem."

  Zark'thul simply nodded, ignoring the latter part of her comment.

  "The Sylvans would certainly be a unique addition," Xashai added, a sly smile playing on her lips. "As long as they don't mind."

  "Good, I'll ask them, then," Alice said.

  "Aside from that," Xashai said, trying to steer the conversation back on track. "The Sylvans have really shown their worth in gathering these rare ingredients. Our revenue has seen a significant increase, thanks to their unique talents."

  She tapped a few keys on a tablet, and a holographic chart materialized in the air above the table. "If you'll look at the projections, you'll see that their contributions have had a substantial impact on our bottom line."

  The others leaned in to study the graph. The line representing revenue had taken a sharp uptick in recent days.

  Gerald whistled appreciatively. "Xashai's right. We're seeing a surge in demand for the Torcspores, and the Sylvans are the only ones who can consistently locate and harvest them. I've had a hard time keeping up with the demand on the storefront."

  Zark'thul listened in silence, absorbing the information, his fingers absentmindedly drumming on the table.

  While their fascination with the Sylvans was amusing, the practical benefits of their unique abilities were not lost on him. These Sylvans, particularly the dryads, possessed a profound connection to the natural world, making them exceptionally proficient in locating and gathering rare, elusive herbs and fungi that would elude the senses of other races.

  The Torcspores, in particular, were not only a lucrative commodity but also a gateway to an untapped market. They served as a crucial component in high-level potions, a sector of the market that his business had yet to penetrate effectively. With the Sylvans' help, however, they were now venturing into this new territory, opening up fresh revenue streams and expanding their client base.

  It wasn't just about the Torcspores, though. The Sylvans had also discovered other rare and valuable botanicals, further diversifying their product range. In the short time they had been employed, the Sylvans had already contributed significantly to the company's profitability—so much so that he even recruited another squad of Sylvans to bolster their efforts.

  Originally, he had intended the fourth floor to be designated to either the Research & Development or the Resources Processing departments. However, the capabilities of the Sylvans had swayed him towards a different approach. The entire fourth floor was now being converted into a greenhouse, a sprawling complex of meticulously controlled micro-climates, simulating diverse ecosystems to nurture an array of rare and exotic flora.

  It also served as the Sylvans' habitat, allowing them to thrive in an environment tailored to their needs. The construction of the greenhouse was a costly endeavor, but the returns were proving to be well worth the investment.

  Moreover, the prospect of the floor's unique environment had attracted a wealth of applications for the available positions, allowing him to select the most capable individuals for the job. Only the most skilled botanists, biologists, and agricultural specialists had been chosen to manage the complex.

  One of the supervisors in charge of the Sylvans and the maintenance of the fourth floor spoke up. "Sir, the construction of the fourth floor is nearly complete. We're currently in the final stages of testing and optimizing the environmental controls. Once it's operational, we anticipate an immediate increase in production capacity."

  Zark'thul nodded. "Very good. Keep me informed of any developments."

  After the meeting concluded, Zark'thul spent the next few hours in his office reviewing the reports of his various Agents. He had sent multiple squads on different directives, from routine patrols along trade routes to special missions aimed at acquiring valuable resources.

  He scrutinized the performance data of each squad, paying particular attention to the synergies between team members and how effectively they had used their abilities during the missions.

  With a satisfied nod, he updated each squad's standing orders. The REDLINE agents had recently completed a challenging combat directive, earning them some rest and recuperation time. Meanwhile, the Goblinoid squads were dispatched to an area abundant in harvestable resources.

  His eyes were drawn to one specific squad: the Sylvans. Despite their short tenure, they had already distinguished themselves. Not only were they proficient in gathering Torcspores and other rare ingredients, but their unique skills in wilderness navigation and camouflage had proven invaluable in several directives.

  In addition to their regular duties, Zark'thul also utilized them as an auxiliary unit, often pairing them with other squads for tasks that required their particular expertise.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  For the moment, however, they were off duty. Zark'thul decided to grant them a few days of respite in their new floor—their 'habitat.' He anticipated that they would want to acclimatize to their new surroundings and become acquainted with the unique features and functions of the floor.

  Deciding to inspect the fourth floor himself, he ventured to the central elevator.

  When the doors opened onto the fourth floor, Zark'thul found himself stepping into an entirely new world. The lush, verdant atmosphere enveloped him, replacing the clinical sterility of the Tower's interior with the vibrant chaos of nature.

  Sunlight—synthetic, yet indistinguishable from the real thing—poured through a high, glass-domed ceiling, illuminating the vast, cavernous space. Instead of the sleek, polished floors and gleaming walls of the lower levels, he was met with soft soil underfoot, a carpet of moss, and a tangle of roots and shoots.

  He took a moment to survey the fourth floor's expansive greenhouse, which was segmented into multiple forest biomes that replicated the Sylvans' native environments. The forest segments were demarcated by thin, transparent barriers, barely visible but effective in maintaining the unique conditions of each micro-climate.

  As he ventured deeper into the space, a dryad emerged from the shadows of a nearby tree. Her skin was an earthy green hue and her hair was a cascade of vibrant autumnal foliage. She wore a simple dress fashioned from leaves and vines. Upon recognizing him, the dryad approached with a graceful, fluid gait that seamlessly blended with the surrounding flora.

  Her golden eyes held his as she offered a respectful curtsey. "Greetings, Lord. What brings you here to our dwelling?"

  Zark'thul recognized her immediately.

  "You're the one I saved," Zark'thul began. "The corrupted dryad. What is your name?"

  "I'm Cerys, my lord," she replied.

  "Cerys," he repeated. "Is this habitat satisfactory for you and your fellow Sylvans?"

  She nodded, smiling gently. "Yes, it's a wonderful space. Thank you. The trees and plants are thriving, and we feel very much at home."

  He took in the space. "Is the environment not too harsh? There is the rainforest, the boreal forest, the tropical dry forest..."

  Cerys seemed surprised at the question. "No, it's perfect. Our kind are quite adaptable, you see. While each micro-climate here caters to a specific group of Sylvans, we can all inhabit each other's environments without issue. They are all just forests, after all. Even the fairy—our sprite—enjoys flitting between each segment; she doesn't seem to have any preference."

  "I see..." he said. That was convenient, and beneficial. It meant he could plan to scale the operation further. But more importantly, it meant there were no serious issues here. "Well, everything seems to be in order. As you were."

  Just as he turned to leave, another voice called out. "Ah, there he is! Mr. CEO himself!" This voice was youthful, almost chirping.

  A tiny figure darted from behind the trunk of a tree, zipping toward him. It was the sprite of the squad, Lirielle. She was a tiny creature, barely a foot in height, with a slender figure adorned in an outfit of shimmering cobweb silk that did little to hide her nubile body. A pair of translucent butterfly-like wings fluttered rapidly behind her.

  "Why so hasty?" she asked, hovering in front of Zark'thul's face. Her violet eyes, large and expressive, sparkled with lively energy. fluttering before him. "Stay awhile!"

  Cerys chided the small fairy, "Lirielle, show him some respect."

  "Oh, relax! I'm just trying to be friendly." Lirielle giggled before turning her attention back to him. "So, Mr. Boss Man, what's the story? Why are we being kept cooped up in this place? Not that I don't appreciate it, mind you. It's a charming forest, if a bit..." she glanced around, her voice growing soft as if not to offend, "limited. But really, shouldn't we be out and about, doing... stuff?"

  Zark'thul's attention was drawn to Lirielle's wings, his eyes tracing their delicate contours and the ethereal shimmer they cast in the artificial sunlight. "Yes... 'stuff'," he muttered.

  Cerys interjected, "Lirielle, you are being quite rude."

  "Am I? Just trying to break the ice. You're always so uptight, Cerys," she retorted before her eyes met his again. "But you understand, don't you?" Her voice was soft, almost pleading, "Being cooped up isn't fun, especially for someone like me. I need to fly free, to see the world!"

  "And you shall," Zark'thul said, "in due time."

  "Yes, that's why we have been tasked with exploring the Tower first, remember, Lirielle?" Cerys reminded her.

  Lirielle snorted playfully and swished her hand as if dismissing the idea. "Bah, I'd rather explore the city! I've been dying to see the sky, to feel the wind in my face. Not this 'fresh air' they've synthesized in this greenhouse. I want the real thing."

  Zark'thul's voice turned firm, but not unkind. "That's something you'll have to earn. Prove yourselves and your loyalty, and you'll be given more freedom and responsibility. That's the agreement you made when you joined my company."

  Lirielle sighed, the sound more of a melodramatic huff. "I know, I know. It's just a bummer, you know? We've got the whole city out there, ripe for exploring, and we're stuck in a building."

  "But this place is amazing!" A new voice chimed in, chipper and excitable. A dryad with mossy-green hair came bounding over to them, her face alight with wonder. She wore a similar attire to Cerys, a dress made from leaves and vines that wrapped around her figure in an organic embrace.

  "Myralis, there you are. What have you been up to?" Cerys asked, looking at the other dryad.

  "I've been exploring the other floors. You won't believe the things they have! There are these lights that glow without fire, and boxes that cook food without a flame. It's like magic, but it's not. I don't understand it one bit," Myralis replied, her words tumbling out in her enthusiasm. "They also have these rooms where water falls from the ceiling, and you can stand under it to get clean. And then there are the—"

  Cerys held up a hand, interrupting her. "Easy there, dear. Don't get too overwhelmed."

  Myralis giggled and nodded, "Yes, yes. I'll try."

  Cerys turned to Zark'thul, a wry smile on her face. "Forgive her exuberance. It's a new environment for us, and she's the youngest."

  Lirielle, still hovering near his face, chimed in. "Oh, our lord understands, don't you, Mr. Boss Man? He's probably the oldest thing in this Tower."

  He raised an eyebrow at her, and Cerys's reprimand was sharp. "Lirielle!"

  "What?" Lirielle replied, acting coy.

  He was unbothered by it, but didn't comment on their exchange. Instead, he asked Cerys, "Where are the other two?"

  "They're around," she replied. "Althea was sitting near a pond. The other dryad, Sylmae... well, you might find her wherever she chooses to sleep."

  A voice called out from above, "Speaking of which, hello there."

  Zark'thul looked up. There, perched on a branch, was another of the Sylvan squad. A lithe figure dressed in the familiar attire of leaves and vines. Her skin was a light shade of green, and her hair resembled cascading willow branches.

  The woman sat on a thick branch of a tall tree. She reclined against the trunk with a lazy grace, her legs dangling freely in the air. She stretched languidly, arching her back and raising her arms above her head.

  "I was just resting," she said with a yawn. "It's not every day we get to relax like this. It's... enjoyable." She offered a serene smile. "But it seems something is going on down there. Or is this just an informal gathering?"

  He nodded to her, and she dropped down from her perch. Landing with a soft thud, she sauntered over to the group.

  "Hi," she greeted them with a lazy wave.

  Lirielle giggled and flew over to her, settling on her shoulder. "So sleepy as always," the sprite teased, poking the dryad's cheek.

  The dryad batted her away playfully. "Quiet, you."

  "Sorry to disturb your rest, Sylmae," Cerys interjected. "Our lord was curious about our well-being and wanted to check on us."

  "Oh? Is that so?" Sylmae responded, her voice lilting as she leaned closer to him. "How sweet."

  "Sweet?" Zark'thul responded. "Hardly. It's efficient resource management. Unhappy or uncomfortable Agents don't perform optimally."

  Sylmae laughed, a rich, earthy sound. "As you say."

  He then looked at them each in turn. "Where's Althea?"

  "She's over there," Sylmae said, gesturing with a flick of her wrist. "In the pond. Swimming."

  Without another word, he moved toward the direction Sylmae had indicated. The four Sylvans fell in step behind him, their voices a symphony of whispers and murmurs. When they reached the edge of the pond, he noticed a figure in the water, submerged up to her shoulders, her pale blue skin shimmering in the faux sunlight that streamed through the dome's glass.

  He approached the water's edge, his shoes sinking slightly into the muddy bank. "Althea?"

  The figure—Althea—turned at the sound of her name. Her hair, long and silver, clung to her skin like the tendrils of some aquatic plant. She stood up, the water cascading off her, revealing the voluptuous curves of her body. She seemed unconcerned with her nakedness, walking towards him with a steady, fluid grace.

  "Yes, my lord?"

  He remained still as she approached, his gaze level. "I was checking on all of you."

  "How thoughtful," she murmured, stepping out of the water and standing before him. He towered over her, yet she showed no sign of intimidation. "We are enjoying ourselves here, this place is very... calming."

  Lirielle zipped over to him, hovering by his ear. "She's just glad she has a place to soak in. Nymphs aren't terribly exciting creatures, but they do have their charms."

  Althea shot Lirielle a glare. "Mind your tongue, sprite, or I shall dunk you in the pond and hold you there."

  Lirielle stuck out her tongue in return. "Try it, I dare you."

  Zark'thul eyed the playful exchange. "Is there a problem?"

  Althea shook her head, droplets of water flinging from her silver tresses. "Not at all, my lord. Our petite friend merely forgets her place on occasion, but I do not hold it against her." She paused, her eyes moving to him. "Would you like to join me in the water? It is quite soothing."

  He raised an eyebrow at her offer. "No. I don't require 'soothing'."

  The nymph tilted her head, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "Pity. I think you might enjoy it. No one is immune to the comfort of the water, my lord. It can ease the burdens of the busiest mind, should you choose to let it."

  Cerys coughed gently. "Althea, behave yourself."

  "Oh, let her," Sylmae said, her words slurred slightly as if half-asleep, "He could do with a little relaxation, surely?"

  Lirielle chimed in. "Yes! Relax, Boss Man! Come on, take a dip. Or are you afraid of a little water?"

  Their banter was... interesting. And not unpleasant, but this was not the time.

  "My mind is occupied with more important matters. Perhaps later," he replied, turning to walk away.

  "Later, then," Althea whispered. "I'll hold you to it."

  Zark'thul returned to the central elevator, leaving the Sylvans to their own devices. He wasn't entirely sure what to make of them yet. They were unusual, that much was certain, but their efficiency and skills spoke for themselves. They might not be his most battle-hardened squad, but in their field, they were unparalleled.

  The elevator doors closed behind him, and he pressed the button for the first floor.

  Suddenly, his AetherLink buzzed in his pocket. After taking it out, a red notification flashed on the screen:

  [Squad 1 is requesting an emergency recall from Directive 4-5! Recall or Ignore?]

  SQUAD 5

  Name: Cerys (Dryad)

  Role: Summoner

  Rarity: ☆☆☆

  Level: 7

  Status: Uninjured

  Morale: 80%

  Gear: Elderwood Staff – Summons gain 10% increased health and attack power.

  Abilities:

  ? Summon Vine Beasts – Calls forth three durable plant constructs to fight alongside the squad until destroyed.

  ? Sporeburst – Creates a cloud of spores that slows and weakens enemies' attacks in a wide radius.

  ? Thorny Retribution (passive) – Attacks against her or her summons cause minor damage to the attacker.

  ? Sap Surge (passive) – Summoned creatures explode in a burst of healing energy upon expiration, healing nearby allies.

  Name: Sylmae (Dryad)

  Role: Support

  Rarity: ☆☆

  Level: 6

  Status: Uninjured

  Morale: 80%

  Gear: Lifebloom Pendant – Restores a small amount of HP to the ally with the lowest health every 10 seconds.

  Abilities:

  ? Nature's Mend – Heals an ally for a moderate amount and grants a minor regeneration effect for 10 seconds.

  ? Barkskin Aura (passive) – Grants a small defense boost to nearby allies.

  Name: Myralis (Dryad)

  Role: Support

  Rarity: ☆☆

  Level: 6

  Status: Uninjured

  Morale: 80%

  Gear: Verdant Ring – Grants a 5% chance to remove a debuff from allies when healing.

  Abilities:

  ? Rejuvenating Bloom – Spawns a flower at an ally's location that heals nearby allies over 3 seconds.

  ? Verdant Shelter (passive) – Allies under Myralis's healing effects receive a minor shield.

  Name: Lirielle (Sprite)

  Role: Controller

  Rarity: ☆☆☆

  Level: 6

  Status: Uninjured

  Morale: 80%

  Gear: Prism Amulet – Increases the effectiveness of crowd control abilities by 10%.

  Abilities:

  ? Enchanted Whirlwind – Creates a magical vortex that pulls enemies toward its center, dealing minor magical damage over time and slowing their movement.

  ? Fairy Snare – Summons ethereal vines that entangle a single target, immobilizing them for 8 seconds.

  ? Tiny Size (passive) – Increases her dodge chance by 25%.

  ? Glittering Entanglement (passive) – Crowd-controlled enemies take increased damage from all sources.

  Name: Althea (Nymph)

  Role: Artillery

  Rarity: ☆☆☆

  Level: 7

  Status: Uninjured

  Morale: 80%

  Gear: Aquaflow Orb – Increases the area of effect for all AoE abilities by 20%.

  Abilities:

  ? Rain of Shards – Summons crystalline projectiles to bombard a targeted area.

  ? Hydrosurge – Creates a vortex of water at a target location, dealing sustained AoE damage to enemies for 8 seconds.

  ? Aquatic Barrier (passive) – Creates a water shield around Althea that absorbs a portion of incoming damage.

  ? Ebb and Flow (passive) – Her abilities have a chance to reduce the cooldown of other allies' abilities.