Today is a good day. The sun is shining? The wind is blowing by a machine, and most of all, I actually can't see the sun as I lounge in my room with a potato chip in my hand, watching anime.

  Or so I'd hoped. Reality, however, had other plans.

  "Again."

  Dr. Kline's voice echoed in the vast laboratory as I stood in the center of a reinforced testing chamber, my fists tightening and my tail swishing behind me in irritation. For the umpteenth time today, she was asking me to punch a steel dummy, and I was about ready to lose it.

  "I've already done this seven times," I muttered, letting the frustration seep into my voice. "What, do you want it completely flattened? Or are you just trying to annoy me, Doc?"

  Kline, leaning lazily against the console outside the chamber, smirked at me. Her clipboard hung loosely in her hand, a pen twirling between her fingers. "You're not wrong about the annoying part," she said, scribbling something down. "But we're here to collect data, not indulge your complaints. Go on, Erilith. Impress me."

  I groaned but stepped up to the dummy anyway. With a single, half-hearted punch, the steel structure crumpled like paper. I didn't miss the way her eyes sparkled with intrigue, even as her expression stayed nonchalant.

  "Another flawless performance. Marvelous," Kline drawled, clapping her hands slowly, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Now, onto the speed test. Don't look so thrilled."

  By the end of the session, I sprawled onto a chair in one of the observation rooms, my wings drooping slightly as I gulped down a bottle of water. My days had become a monotonous cycle of physical tests, scans, and the occasional "experiment" Kline claimed was necessary. I'd been in this facility for over a week now, yet I still hadn't been assigned to any missions or seen Claire again since that first encounter.

  "Hey, Doc," I called out as Kline entered the room with a stack of files. "Any chance you'll tell me what's going on outside? Or am I stuck here forever as your personal punching bag?"

  She plopped the files onto a nearby desk, barely looking up. "You're hardly a punching bag. More like a fascinating puzzle. But if you must know, things have been... tense."

  I raised an eyebrow. "Tense?"

  Her lips twitched into a smirk as she crossed her arms. "Let's just say you've arrived at an interesting time. Three high-profile individuals escaped custody recently, causing a bit of chaos for the organization. Claire's busy handling that mess. Meanwhile, you're here, and I'm tasked with figuring out what makes you tick."

  "Escaped?" I frowned. "Who were they?"

  "Classified," she said bluntly. "But let's just say they're trouble. That's all you need to know for now."

  My tail flicked in annoyance as I leaned forward, resting my chin on my palm. "Fine. What about HeCaTe, then? What's the deal with this place? All I've gotten so far is cryptic answers and endless tests."

  Her expression softened slightly, though that smirk never completely left her face. "HeCaTe is... complicated. It's a necessity in a world that's growing increasingly unpredictable. We handle variables—people, objects, and phenomena that defy explanation or pose a risk to society. Sometimes we contain them, sometimes we destroy them, and other times... we recruit them. Like you."

  My wings twitched involuntarily at her words. "Recruit? I don't even know what I'm supposed to do here yet."

  "That'll come soon enough," Kline replied, her tone suddenly serious. "But you should know this isn't some hero's journey, Erilith. HeCaTe deals in shades of gray. The sooner you realize that, the better."

  After another grueling day of tests, I finally returned to my room, half-expecting more paperwork or another random experiment. Instead, I found the usual meal waiting for me—a generous serving of grilled fish, rice, and a side of vegetables. It was always something nice, as if they were trying to keep me appeased. But today, there was something new: a small note folded neatly next to the plate.

  I picked it up, immediately recognizing Claire's handwriting. The message was simple:

  Wait and follow Dr. Kline's instructions. I'll come for you soon.

  A wave of relief washed over me. At least she hadn't forgotten about me. But that relief was quickly followed by irritation. Was I really just supposed to sit here and play lab rat until she decided I was worth her time? It felt less like I was an agent-in-training and more like a glorified test subject.

  Grumbling, I shoved the note into my pocket and sat down to eat. The food was good, as usual, but my mood soured the taste. Once I finished, I decided to distract myself the way I always did: with manga and TV.

  I flopped onto the bed, grabbing the latest volume of a series I'd been reading. The protagonist's struggle to balance their normal life with their supernatural abilities felt oddly relatable. After a few chapters, I switched on the TV, flipping through channels until I landed on the news.

  Most of the coverage was the usual fare—politics, scandals, and weather reports. But one segment caught my attention: a breaking headline.

  "Shinjuku Hospital Massacre Leaves 100 Dead, Suspect at Large."

  The screen showed chaotic scenes outside the hospital, swarming with police and emergency responders. Red and blue lights flashed across the faces of horrified bystanders. The name Sakuma Tamotsu appeared below a man in a trench coat, speaking to reporters with a grim expression.

  "Early reports indicate the victims were attacked with what appear to be claws and teeth marks," the reporter said, her voice trembling. "Authorities have yet to identify a suspect, but Detective Tamotsu has called in specialized operatives to assist in the investigation. Some are speculating supernatural involvement."

  My stomach churned. Claws? Teeth marks? My mind immediately flashed back to what Kline had said about the escaped prisoners. Could this be their work?

  I leaned forward, staring at the screen as if the answers would jump out at me. The detective's calm, commanding presence dominated the broadcast, but it wasn't enough to quell the rising unease inside me. What kind of monster could cause such carnage?

  Intrigued, I couldn't shake the feeling that this massacre might be connected to HeCaTe—or even to me, indirectly. The possibility that the escaped prisoners were involved nagged at me like a persistent itch.

  As the news switched to speculation, I forced myself to turn it off. My thoughts were racing. If those prisoners were involved, what did that mean for me? For HeCaTe? The massacre wasn't just a headline—it felt like a warning.

  I stood, shaking off the tension in my shoulders. A hot shower would help clear my head. I grabbed a towel and headed to the bathroom, letting the scalding water cascade over me. For a moment, the world faded away, leaving only the steady rhythm of droplets against the tile.

  As I washed, my thoughts kept circling back to the hospital massacre. It wasn't just morbid curiosity—it was an instinct, a gut feeling that the events were linked to everything happening around me. The prisoners, HeCaTe, and now this? It couldn't be a coincidence.

  Once I was done, I dried off and slipped into some comfortable clothes—my usual cozy nightwear. Feeling the fabric brush against my skin, I realized with slight embarrassment that I wasn't wearing a bra. Not that it mattered. I was alone, right?

  Just as I was about to climb into bed, a sharp knock echoed through my room.

  I froze, my heart leaping into my throat. Mostly from surprise, but not fear—I wasn't afraid, not really. That was the demon in me talking, keeping me grounded. Still, the timing was suspicious.

  Expecting Claire or maybe Dr. Kline, I cautiously opened the door. Instead, I was greeted by a large, buff man with striking white hair. My brain stalled for a moment, trying to place him. It was Ivan. His imposing figure filled the doorway, but there was an unusual expression on his face. Was he... blushing?

  It hit me like a truck. Oh. My nightwear.

  "I apologize for the late visit," Ivan began, his voice steady but his eyes momentarily flicking downward before snapping back up. "I need to speak with you about something important."

  Realizing the situation, I inwardly cursed and grabbed the nearest jacket hanging by the door, hastily throwing it on. "Right," I muttered, zipping it up. "Come in, I guess."

  My cheeks burned as I realized I should've at least thrown on a jacket. Ivan hesitated, his face a shade redder than I thought possible for someone so stoic. Still, he cleared his throat and walked in, his demeanor quickly shifting back to his professional self.

  Ivan stepped inside, his massive frame making my modest room feel even smaller. He glanced around, his expression unreadable, before settling into the chair near my desk. "I've been reviewing your progress," he began, folding his arms across his chest. "And I think it's time we talk about your placement."

  I tilted my head, confused. "Placement? You mean... like, a unit?"

  "Exactly," he said with a nod. "Specifically, Unit Five. But before I explain further, how much do you actually know about HeCaTe's units?"

  I frowned, crossing my arms. "Not much, honestly. Nobody's bothered to explain that part to me. It's all been tests and vague remarks."

  Ivan sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Figures. Let me break it down for you, then. HeCaTe operates through six specialized units, each with its own purpose and leader. We're a decentralized organization by design, tackling supernatural threats from multiple angles. Unit Five—where I think you'd fit best—is unique in its approach."

  I perked up, my curiosity piqued. "Unique how?"

  "Well," he said, leaning forward, "Unit Five specializes in direct engagement and field operations. They're the ones sent in when things get... messy. The leader, Commander Lucine, is one of the most skilled operatives we've got. She's a former military tactician, known for her no-nonsense approach. If you join, you'll be trained to handle high-risk situations and neutralize supernatural threats."

  "Messy, huh?" I mused, my tail flicking. "Sounds like you're the cleanup crew."

  Ivan smirked faintly. "You're not wrong. But they don't just clean up—they prevent disasters before they spiral out of control. It's dangerous work, but given your abilities, you're well-suited for it."

  "And the other units?" I asked, genuinely curious now.

  He leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Unit One is Intelligence and Reconnaissance—they gather information and track supernatural phenomena. Unit Two handles containment, ensuring dangerous entities or objects are securely locked away. Unit Three focuses on research and development, creating tools and strategies to deal with threats. Unit Four is Logistics—they keep the whole operation running smoothly. And Unit Six... well, they're a black ops division. Most of their work is classified, even to us."

  I nodded slowly, processing the information. "And you think I belong in Unit Five?"

  "Your combat capabilities make you an ideal candidate," Ivan said, his tone firm. "But it's not just about your strength. It's about your potential to adapt and thrive under pressure. From what I've seen, you have what it takes."

  I leaned against the desk, tapping my fingers on the surface. "And what if I say no?"

  He shrugged, though his eyes held a hint of challenge. "You'd stay here, continue training, and wait for another assignment. But let me ask you this—do you really want to sit around and let your abilities go to waste?"

  His words struck a chord. I'd been restless, yearning for a purpose beyond the endless cycle of tests. Maybe this was the opportunity I needed—a chance to prove myself.

  After a moment of silence, I looked up, meeting his gaze. "Alright," I said, a small smirk playing on my lips. "Sign me up. Let's see what Unit Five is all about."

  Ivan's expression softened, and for the first time, I saw a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "Good choice," he said, standing up. "Welcome to Unit Five, Erilith. After your testing with Dr. Kline, you can join the training tomorrow. Get some rest—you'll need it."

  With that, he left, leaving me alone in my room. As the door clicked shut, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. Unit Five, huh? This was going to be interesting.

  Just as I was about to climb into bed, my mind wandered back to Ivan's offer. What exactly did he want from me? He'd been cryptic, talking about potential and purpose, but the lack of specifics made it impossible to tell if he was genuine or just another manipulator.

  Did he really believe I had some grand role to play, or was this just a way to keep me in line?

  I turned over, clutching the pillow tightly as I stared at the ceiling. It wasn't like I had many options here. Staying meant being subjected to more tests and waiting for Claire's elusive guidance. Leaving? Well, that wasn't exactly on the table either. Not yet, anyway.

  Sleep came reluctantly, my thoughts tangled in uncertainty and frustration. I wasn't sure who to trust—or if trusting anyone here was even possible.

  The next morning, I awoke to the faint sound of footsteps outside my door. My heightened senses picked up the weight and pace immediately. Someone was approaching—deliberately, but not in a rush.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  I smirked to myself, stretching lazily. "Let me guess, Ivan? Back to make another inspiring speech about destiny?"

  Sliding out of bed, I peeked through the door and was greeted by Claire. She carried herself with the same composed, commanding presence, but her expression was softer than usual—almost apologetic, if I squinted.

  "Good morning, Erilith," Claire said, her voice calm yet firm, the kind that demanded attention without needing to raise in volume. "I hope I didn't wake you."

  I blinked at her, still processing the sight of her at my door. "No, I was... just about to sleep." My voice came out more monotone than I intended. Expressing emotions wasn't my strong suit.

  She smiled faintly, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "May I come in?"

  I stepped aside without a word, letting her enter. Claire took a quick glance around my room—a mix of spartan furniture and the clutter of someone trying to pass time. Her gaze lingered briefly on the stack of manga by my bed, but she said nothing, simply sitting on the chair by my desk.

  "I wanted to check in with you personally," she began, clasping her hands together. "I owe you an explanation for why things have been... disjointed since your arrival."

  I leaned against the wall, crossing my arms as I waited for her to continue. My tail flicked lazily, betraying my mild curiosity.

  Claire's eyes softened, and she sighed—a rare crack in her usually unshakable demeanor. "The truth is you were brought in during a rather turbulent time for HeCaTe. The three prisoners Kline mentioned caused more havoc than we anticipated. My attention has been divided."

  And of course, she knew about our meeting.

  I tilted my head slightly. "So, you decided to leave me as Kline's science experiment?"

  Her lips twitched upward, almost amused by my bluntness. "Dr. Kline's work is essential, but I understand your frustration. That's why I'm here—to clarify your role moving forward."

  She leaned forward slightly, her gaze locking onto mine. "You're not just another agent, Erilith. You're an independent operative under my direct supervision. While you'll work alongside the newly formed Unit, you'll only take orders from me. This setup ensures your unique abilities are utilized effectively and protects you from unnecessary bureaucracy."

  I raised an eyebrow. "And why me? You've got plenty of other operatives to choose from."

  Claire's smile returned, this time genuine. "Because you're different, Erilith. Your strength, your instincts, and even your... peculiarities make you an asset unlike any other. But more than that, I trust you."

  Her words hung in the air, heavier than I expected. Trust? That wasn't something I was used to hearing, especially from someone as calculating as Claire.

  I looked away, pretending to be more interested in the view outside my window than the sudden warmth creeping into my chest.

  "Trust, huh? That's a dangerous thing to throw around."

  Claire chuckled softly. "Perhaps. But I've made my choice."

  We sat in silence for a moment before she stood, smoothing out the slight crease in her blazer. "Let's discuss this further over breakfast. I'd rather not have this conversation on an empty stomach."

  As we walked through the sterile hallways of the facility, I found my senses overwhelmed—not just by the faint hum of machinery or the scent of disinfectant, but by Claire herself. Her steps were confident yet measured, her perfume a subtle blend of something floral and sharp. It was distracting, though I'd never admit it.

  My mind wandered despite myself. Enhanced capabilities came with their downsides, like picking up on every detail and overthinking them. Her movements, the way she occasionally glanced back to ensure I was following, even the way her words lingered in my head—it was a lot.

  I shook my head, trying to focus. Claire was speaking again.

  "You'll meet the rest of the Unit soon," she said, her tone businesslike. "But remember, your position is unique. While they'll function as a team, you'll operate independently when necessary. Think of yourself as... a wildcard."

  "Wildcard, huh?" I muttered. "Sounds lonely."

  Claire glanced at me, her expression unreadable. "Perhaps. But it also means freedom—freedom to act without being tied down by protocols that might hinder you."

  Her words struck a chord, though I wasn't sure why. Maybe it was the way she said them, like she understood more about me than I cared to admit. Or maybe it was just nice to have someone acknowledge my autonomy for once.

  By the time we reached the dining area, my mood had shifted slightly. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries greeted us, and I couldn't help but feel a small sense of comfort. It was a stark contrast to the usual coldness of the facility.

  As we sat down, Claire ordered for both of us—an omelet for her, pancakes for me. The meal was simple but satisfying, and for a brief moment, it felt like a normal morning. No experiments, no ominous news reports, just two people sharing breakfast.

  But, of course, it couldn't last.

  Claire set down her fork, her gaze turning serious. "One last thing, Erilith. About the massacre at Shinjuku Hospital..."

  I stiffened, the image of the chaotic news footage flashing in my mind. "What about it?"

  Her voice lowered slightly, enough to make me lean in. "It's connected to the prisoners. We believe one of them was responsible."

  I narrowed my eyes. "And you're telling me this because...?"

  "Because if you encounter them, I need you to understand the stakes," Claire said, her tone unwavering. "These aren't just rogue agents or common threats. They're dangerous, even by our standards. You'll need to be prepared."

  I clenched my fists under the table, a mix of anger and determination bubbling within me. "Understood."

  Claire nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Good. Now finish your pancakes. We have a long day ahead."

  As I dug into the meal, my mind raced with thoughts of what was to come. Trust, danger, freedom—it was all starting to feel real. And for better or worse, I was ready to face it.

  By the time we were done with breakfast, the big-busted lady from before arrived at exactly 9:30 A.M. I was looking at my phone while reading manga.

  I found out from Kline that she is Claire's personal assistant, and as someone who is on the average side, I can say for certain that she is quite huge. Like, what is this, an anime?

  She was holding a couple of papers with a few folders while walking towards us with a calm look on her face.

  "Claire-sama, the council has called for an Operative Briefing."

  A meeting? Is it about the three prisoners or something? I mean, it did reach national news with the hospital incident, but who are the council?

  "Well, it seems our breakfast has come to an abrupt end."

  Claire said, breaking the silence as she finished the last of her coffee. She stood, her chair scraping against the floor with a sharp sound, signaling her readiness to leave.

  I glanced up from my half-eaten meal, a sense of unease creeping up my spine. I hadn't exactly planned for the whole "underground organization" thing, and now I was left with a lot of questions. Still, there I was, following her lead. She'd hired me after all, claiming she knew what I was capable of—whatever that meant.

  "Guess so," I muttered, pushing my plate aside. It wasn't that I minded working with Claire, but the whole HeCaTe deal was still too mysterious for me. I wasn't exactly sure what they wanted with someone like me, but Claire seemed so certain of my abilities.

  She gathered her things quickly, a serious edge to her movements. "I'm heading to a meeting. Stay out of trouble," she said without glancing back.

  I rolled my eyes, even though I knew she couldn't see it. Stay out of trouble? In a secret organization, underground, working for a cause I barely understood? That was like asking someone not to breathe. But I kept my thoughts to myself. Claire was the boss, and she'd been clear from the start that this was bigger than what I had signed up for.

  "You don't need to tell me twice," I said, trying to keep my tone light, though I was still mentally processing everything.

  Before she left, Claire paused for a moment, her gaze flickering over me.

  "Remember, we protect humanity, and you can definitely make a difference."

  Her words lingered, and I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her statement than she let on. What did she think I could do?

  "Protect humanity...huh."

  I hadn't exactly been briefed on everything, and there were still so many gaps in my understanding of HeCaTe and what role I was supposed to play in it.

  An Agent? A member of a unit? I hadn't even fathomed how big HeCaTe could be.

  But I didn't ask. She was already walking out, and I was left with my questions, my half-finished breakfast, and the creeping sense that my involvement in this would take more than just what was on the surface. With Claire gone, it was just me and the quiet hum of the base. Time to figure out what came next.

  After Claire left for her meeting, I found myself wandering the halls of the underground base, trying to ignore the lingering unease. Dr. Kline was probably waiting for me, but I wasn't in the mood to be poked, prodded, or have my "unknowns" scribbled down in her ever-growing stack of data.

  My life had been perfectly normal before this. I wasn't some prodigy or chosen one—just a regular person trying to make it through another mundane day. Then I woke up one morning with horns, wings, a tail, and glowing red eyes. Talk about a rough Monday.

  They all assumed I'd always been like this, that I'd just been hiding my "true nature." I let them believe it because the truth was far more ridiculous. Even I didn't know what I was or why I'd changed. And the less they knew, the better.

  Dr. Kline's lab was, as always, a maze of screens, machinery, and sterile white light. She stood by a console, her fingers tapping rapidly across the keyboard as streams of data scrolled past. When she noticed me, her sharp gaze locked onto mine.

  "Erilith. On time for once," she said without looking up from her screen.

  "I try to keep my visits to you punctual," I replied, keeping my voice light. "It's the leaving part I like to drag out."

  She smirked faintly, but her attention remained fixed on the readouts. "No tests today," she said abruptly.

  I blinked. "Really? Did I finally manage to bore you?"

  "Hardly." She leaned back, crossing her arms. "We still don't know how or why you turned into... what you are now. But your physical condition is stable, and I don't want to push it. You should rest. Adjust."

  "Adjust to being a complete enigma? Sure, no problem."

  Her lips twitched in amusement. "Take the day. Tomorrow, we'll continue."

  Her lips twitched, but she didn't look away from her screen. "Take the day off, Erilith. You'll need it for what's coming."

  Great. Ominous as ever.

  I left the lab, deciding to take her advice—sort of. Back in my room, I shut the door and leaned against it, exhaling deeply. The day to myself, huh? That wasn't something I could enjoy, not with everything weighing on me.

  Instead, I focused on something that had become second nature over the past few weeks: magic.

  Sitting cross-legged on the floor, I closed my eyes and let the silence settle around me. Magic wasn't new to me—it had always been there, subtle and quiet, like a melody I couldn't quite hear but somehow knew the words to. But after the serum Claire gave me, it was as if someone turned the volume up, and I could finally make sense of the hum.

  I extended my hand, reaching for the faint traces of mana I could feel around me. It was subtle, like threads of light dancing just beyond my fingertips. With careful focus, I drew it in, shaping it into a small, flickering orb that hovered just above my palm.

  The energy pulsed gently, responding to my thoughts. I guided it through the air, weaving it into simple patterns. Lines, spirals, loops—small tricks I'd practiced in secret. It wasn't much, but it was mine, a reminder that even in the chaos, I still had something I could control.

  After a while, I let the energy fade and leaned back against the wall, staring at the faint glow left on my fingertips.

  If Claire or Kline ever found out about this, they'd have a million questions. But until then, this was my secret—a small, defiant piece of normalcy in a life that had turned completely upside down.

  As the light in my palm began to fade, my mind drifted back to Dr. Kline. Of all the people I'd encountered in this strange new life, she was the one I spoke with the most. Testing and analysis had an odd way of forging familiarity, and though I wouldn't call us friends—she seemed like the type who'd laugh at the idea—we'd grown closer.

  Since I'd discovered this strange ability to sense and manipulate mana, it had become my secret obsession. No one knew, not even Kline.

  Dr. Kline... she'd probably figure it out eventually. She had a knack for that, even when she wasn't trying. Throughout all the tests and examinations, she'd been the one constant. Her nonchalant attitude might've put others off, but I found it oddly reassuring.

  "Still no spontaneous combustions today?" she'd joked earlier in the lab.

  I'd snorted. "Not unless you count this morning's coffee incident."

  Her laugh had been soft but genuine, a rare crack in her otherwise relaxed facade. Despite her lazy genius demeanor, Kline was sharp. Too sharp. She hadn't outright said anything, but I could tell she suspected there was more to me than I let on.

  The orb of light in my palm flickered weakly, and I frowned, narrowing my focus. It was frustratingly inconsistent, this magic. I'd had wings, horns, and a tail for weeks now, and no one, not even Kline, had been able to figure out how or why it happened. They assumed I was born this way, though I had no idea why they'd believe that. Wasn't waking up as a demon overnight a plausible explanation? Apparently not.

  I mean, I am keeping things a secret, so I wouldn't be surprised.

  Kline, at least, didn't press too hard. Maybe that's why I'd grown comfortable talking to her. She didn't treat me like an experiment, even though that's exactly what I was to everyone else in this underground facility. Claire's voice lingered in the back of my mind too—her polite but commanding tone as she gave me the serum weeks ago. That woman had a way of making even a terrifying organization feel... inviting.

  Not that I saw much of her. Claire had her hands full being the director of HeCaTe, and while I suspected she had a particular interest in me, I also knew I wasn't her top priority. Kline, on the other hand, was always there.

  The light in my palm stabilized briefly before winking out again, and I groaned, leaning back against the wall. "Figures," I muttered.

  I couldn't blame the serum for this; it was just supposed to enhance physical capabilities and protect against the radioactive energies this organization dealt with. Everyone else seemed satisfied with the boost, but no one else had suddenly started sensing mana.

  It wasn't the serum. It was me. Or rather, it was this thing I'd become.

  Kline would roll her eyes if she knew I was spending my free time like this. "You've got the whole day off, and you're doing this? Get a hobby, Erilith," I imagined her saying.

  She wasn't wrong. But in the quiet of my room, surrounded by the mysteries of what I'd become, this was the only thing that made sense. If no one else could explain me, I'd figure it out myself.

  As for hobbies, I am an otaku.

  Anyways, my mana sensing and mana control were still not on the level I would consider nice.

  I spent the next few hours in my room, alternating between practicing my mana manipulation and diving into the latest volume of my favorite manga. The characters in the story faced their own supernatural challenges, and I found a strange comfort in their struggles. It was a reminder that even in a world filled with chaos, there were always heroes—albeit fictional ones—who fought against the odds.

  After a while, I decided to take a break from the mental gymnastics of magic and let my mind wander. I flopped back onto my bed, staring at the ceiling as I thought about the upcoming training with Unit Five. What would it be like? Would I be able to keep up with the others? The thought of being part of a team was both exciting and terrifying.

  I had always been a lone wolf, preferring to keep my distance from others. But now, I was being thrust into a world where teamwork was essential. I couldn't help but wonder how I would fit in. Would they accept me? Would they see me as just another experiment, or would they recognize my potential?

  As I pondered these questions, my thoughts drifted back to Claire. She had been the one to recruit me, the one who saw something in me that I didn't even see in myself. I couldn't shake the feeling that she had a plan for me, one that went beyond just being a member of Unit Five. But what that plan entailed was still a mystery.

  Just as I was about to drift off into a nap, a sharp knock on my door jolted me awake. I sat up, rubbing my eyes and trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. "Come in!" I called, curious about who it could be.

  The door swung open, revealing Ivan once again. He stood there, arms crossed, his imposing figure filling the doorway. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

  I shook my head, trying to play it cool. "Just contemplating the meaning of life."

  He chuckled, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. "I see. Well, I wanted to discuss your upcoming training with Unit Five."

  "Right," I said, sitting up straighter. "What should I expect?"

  Ivan leaned against the wall, his expression serious. "Unit Five is a unique group. We operate in high-stakes situations, often dealing with supernatural threats that require quick thinking and adaptability. You'll be trained in combat, strategy, and how to handle various entities. But more importantly, you'll learn to work as a team."

  I nodded, absorbing his words. "And what if I don't fit in? What if I can't keep up?"

  He met my gaze, his eyes steady. "You will fit in, Erilith. You have abilities that others don't, and that makes you valuable. But it will take time. Don't expect to be perfect right away. The key is to learn from your mistakes and grow stronger."

  His confidence in me was both reassuring and intimidating. I wanted to believe him, but self-doubt crept in like a shadow. "What if I mess up? What if I put the team in danger?"

  Ivan straightened, his demeanor shifting slightly. "Mistakes happen. What matters is how you respond to them. You'll have support from your teammates, and you'll learn to trust each other. That's the foundation of Unit Five."

  I took a deep breath, trying to quell the anxiety bubbling in my chest. "Alright, I'll do my best."

  Ivan nodded, a satisfied smile creeping onto his face. "That's the spirit. Now, let's get you ready for your first training session. You'll need to be prepared for anything."

  With that, he led me out of my room and through the winding corridors of the facility. As we walked, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was it—the moment I would step into a new chapter of my life, one filled with challenges and opportunities.

  We arrived at a large training room, the walls lined with various equipment and dummies for combat practice. A few other operatives were already there, stretching and preparing for the session. I recognized some of them from the briefings I'd seen, but I hadn't had the chance to interact with any of them yet.

  Ivan gestured for me to step inside. "Welcome to the training ground. You'll be working with them."

  As I stepped into the expansive room, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. The scent of sweat and determination hung in the air, mingling with the faint metallic tang of the equipment. My heart raced as I took in the sight of my new teammates. Four figures stood in the distance, their silhouettes sharp against the bright training lights.

  I felt a mix of excitement and trepidation wash over me. This was really the start, huh?