Dinner

They headed up the elevator. Verda still surprised how the trio is still following her. She has heard about them, about how somehow they are made priority of saving. She has also heard rumors how a guy named Derek was his son. She scoffed at the idea. It was ridiculous. He probably wanted to adopt him, just like how she and Harold were adopted. But then it would be superficial. Something is off about them.

As she stares into space Sylvie breaks the silence, "Can we work together to recreate the jars of liquid. Things would be easier."

"No. We already have enough people to work on this. Besides, I don't even know if you are qualified," She sneers at her as Sylvie looked at her offended. She hoped to talk to her now that she didn't looked so angry earlier. But it should had been otherwise. Since at most the amount is enough to equip everyone in Sector B with a huge dedicated chuck able to be used against Lyx.

"Are you doubting her skills?" Baku stepped in, Verda looked down at her with disdain as she continued, "look I know you are a scientist but do you know how sk-"

As she insulted her, she moves her right hand creating a huge ball of energy that nearly blinds them. The lift rattled badly, only stopping when Linoleum tapped her on the shoulder.

"Verda not now. It is already bad enough that the lift is in bad shape. Save your boasting for later," Linoleum solemnly told her as she put her hands down apologetically. Baku meanwhile was red-face knowing that she would misjudged the others again. She hates it when it happens, especially when it keeps on happening back to back.

Shane shook her head in disbelief as they made it to the 250th floor. She thought she would still be disappointed at Baku but boy did she felt so good when she thought her prediction of this place then. The top floor was gorgeous. Featuring Roman details all over with sparkling marble flooring, polished rosewood furniture and luxurious chandeliers. Through the beige wallpaper and long red carpets, they are greeted by large hallway with a large stairs that looked similar to a theatre in Sector C that used to host soap operas before the two year war. As the stair converge, a large portrait of Lino is in full view with a massive decorated trench coat. A showcase of his power. Alongside the walls are large Roman pillars made to show signs of age with holes and cracks amongst the faded white.

Beside the stairs a servant greeted the group as they are led behind the staircase to a more normal kitchen. The place was even bigger than any other kitchen. The walls shown signs of how the place may had originally been used for other purposes with concrete walls and modern lighting. The only place with some sense of simple looks. She watched as the entire special squadron was already here. All except Maximilian had no signs of bathing. He looked terribly uncomfortable in the provided clothes. All of which seemed to be from the royalty with its long red robes, now showcasing all of his muscles paired with a tight collar, which he sweat profusely.

In the middle sat the queen who stared intently at her as she is ushered into her seat.

"Welcome. You may all address me as Queen, in the meantime I know that you may be unable to fit in since you do not come from this sector. But do enjoy the food that the maid has prepared for us tonight. Especially you my darling," she looked at Shane as she feels a tinge of weirdness. Shao Lin looked at Shane with concern as she gestured her otherwise. She heaves a sigh of relief as she looks away. Announcing everyone to enjoy their meal. On the table laid roasted french chicken with baked potatoes and broccoli. On the other end laid steamed cod with green peas and cheese fondue. She quickly eats her meal, Watching Max, Hanson and Harold bicker for a drumstick as she laid low, hoping that she would not say anything.

She looks up and down, always seeing her somehow staring at her sternly. Shao Lin, now noticing the queen's aggression decides to break the silence, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but why do you always look at her so sternly?"

"Just wondering if you would do your job. Remember what your job originally was?" The queen changed her stern expression to an warm smile. Her quick change of expression made Shane nervous as she thought of her awakening. All she knew was how she was trained hard for a purpose of preserving peace. As he always had claimed to everyone.

"Sort off," she replied as the queen continued, "My husband worked hard with his brother, who has left this world, working on a super device to hack the world with advanced AI in the Two Year War then until the organization came after him for his work that he made for them. If he didn't fake his death, he would truly be dead now." She looked at him with compassion, placing her hand on his. She continued, "But it seems that one of his works has gone... too alive. I hope you and your group would do well. Especially now since France and even the countries that has defeated us, Britain and the US are supplying weapons and men to help both Sector B and C with the invasion at the end of this week. The world is now in all of your hands," the queen said as she ushered the still cautious Shane to finish her meal, now that most of the food is depleted by the boys.

As the group left to rest, Verda looked around, disappointed. What made her so special than both Harold and her? She wanders around the now mostly empty house. Feeling a weird sense of jealousy. Just then, the queen appeared, jumping her from her thoughts, "Mum! Can you stop jumping us like your dad?!?" The queen giggled as she cuts to the chase, "I know that I'm getting old as of late. So it's time you take on the mantle." She directs her into a sculpture of Lino. She booped the statue as the nose is lodged in, revealing behind it a secret room. The place was unlike the house with a more utilitarian look. Through the corridor laid a room where a huge staff gleamed in the light as the bright LED lights turned on. The small room also featured a huge armor set strapped onto a long white dress.

"You may know me how I used my staff during the war. Oflip may have lost having to assist others, but this item hasn't lost its shine. Try it on," the queen smiled as Verda heads into the dressing room. Remembering her legendary battle with the staff. Almost unbeatable.

When she came out, she was a different person entirely. The long dress and black hair swayed in the wind gently, her thin armor still looked brilliant on her, protecting all her vital organs despite the top half of the dress looking like a skin suit. She physically now felt stronger than before with the staff, which was weirdly sticky, she feels like a roman god. She puts down the staff and hugs the queen. The queen smiled as she stroked her hair, consoling her for her remarks earlier.

"My nickname, Glimmering Maiden, shall now be given to you. Treat this name well, knowing full well of its notoriety," she announced as Verda looks into the mirror, seeing her now new glamorous style. Ready to prove to the world.