Chapter 1: Special unit

In the country of Galadar, a country with poverty and struggles that seemed never-ending. A government ruled that was loved by its people. The reason for that was because of the security and peace that they had. Although a country that had a lot of poor people. But everywhere, everyone was happy and lived in peace.

In this country, the government puts all of its efforts into making a country that allows everyone to live peacefully and do their jobs while not worrying about being robbed or kidnapped.

All of this was made possible due to their military and police control and the budget that went into military affairs. The military was specially funded to protect the borders and some of its parts worked as secret agents that lived among people, living as ordinary people. This part of the military which was called Unit U had 10 sub-units.

In one of these units, specifically the 8th unit which had around 100 people, their numbers represented their position in the unit.

Hello, how are you today?

Hi, I am fine. How are you?

Thanks, Cedric. What will you buy today?

Cedric also a member of the 8th unit was positioned first with the code name U81. Looked at the shopkeeper with a smile and replied.

Just the usual.

The shopkeeper looked at him with a worried expression.

Are you all right? If you continue like this your health will worsen.

I know, just having protein bars always is not good but I am busy and can't eat freely.

It is understandable. But try to eat some good food sometimes, otherwise, you won't be able to do your work anymore.

Okay, I will do that. Much appreciated.

Take care and come again.

Cedric leaves the shop with a bag of protein and energy bars.

Who was that?

The person next in line after Cedric asks the shopkeeper.

Are you new to this city?

Asks the shopkeeper with a surprised expression.

Yes, but why surprised?

Well, because everyone in town knows him. Cedric has lived in this neighborhood for around 7 years now. He is a good and social person so most of the people know him.

I see.

The amusing thing was the fact that the shopkeeper was not aware that he was talking about a special unit and his supervisor.

Ah, I am Steve Goodwill. You new neighbor. I just moved to the second floor of that building.

Pointing to the building that Cedric was living in.

You are living in the same building as Cedric.

Oh, is that so?

Yes, he also lives in that apartment I guess it was also on the second floor.

What a coincidence that is.

I would say you got lucky. You have a great neighbor.

Really?

Yes, before moving to that place he used to live in my shared house. While he was in there, everyone in the shared house loved him.

I must have used all of my lack to have such a neighbor.

Both of them laugh together as they continue talking. After a while, Steve finishes his shopping and checks out.

Thanks, old man. As I am new to this neighborhood I may ask for your assistance from time to time.

You are always welcome here. But I don't think you will need that.

Steve with a surprised expression stops as he was leaving and asks:

Is it because of Cedric again?

You guessed right?

But he should be busy, so how can I always bother him?

While he has a job he also works in the neighborhood helping club. So, he will help people whenever someone asks him something.

What is his job then, that allows him that much flexibility and free time?

I don't know the details, but I think it was something online.

Okay, I will ask him if something comes up then.

Okay, take care and see you again.

Steve leaves the shop and walks home.

On the stairs to his home, he saw Cedric standing.

Don't you think you went too far?

No, I don't.

What if your questions caused the old man to start doubting?

That would be a problem for you then.

Let's talk about it in the house.

Both of them walk to their own homes. But the thing that other people didn't know was the secret door that was built in their rooms that allowed them to move to each other's houses without people noticing.

In Cedric's room:

So, isn't it your job as a supervisor to make sure my identity doesn't get out?

Yes, it is.

Then why would you ask questions that would make them suspicious of my identity?

Because I need to make sure your alibis are solid enough that no matter what the other person doesn't doubt anything.

That is quite a risky way of doing your job.

It is better than someone else causing them to doubt your identity. I make sure that your standing is sturdy enough. That if someone else asks them, they would not doubt you.

I see, so how is your assessment?

You surely don't expect me to give you an answer while only asking a single person.

No, but I also had to make sure of your abilities.

We seem to get along well. U81

Yes, we are.

They look at each other with contempt and anger while their faces smile to each other. As if someone watched them they would think they were best of friends.

But it is good that you joined the neighborhood helping club. That way you can get more information about everywhere.

Yes, I also thought that helping others would give me better access to their information.

But it is not fully done.

How?

Your busy schedule should sometimes interfere with helping so that people don't doubt your main job.

Don't worry. I have also thought about that. As such, sometimes I don't appear outside for days or sometimes I reject their requests with the excuse of a job.

No wonder you raised to the position of 1st in your unit.

Is that sarcasm?

No, I was simply praising you. it is not often that you see single-digit positions in Units. Do you know which units have a person in the single-digit position?

I know of the 5th and 10th units.

Yes, only a few people can make it to a single-digit position, and even fewer that can be in the first position.