BACK TO LABRE

Two weeks had passed since the attack on the Assassin Organisation's HQ. The newly promoted Unodoz had all been deployed on missions, making their mark in the field. However, Ragra had been left on standby, his fate hanging in the balance as the higher-ups deliberated on his situation.

Ragra sat on the edge of his bed, staring out of the small window in his room. He was restless, his thoughts plagued by the uncertainty of what would come next. Suddenly, a knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.

He opened the door to find Keito standing there, his expression neutral but his eyes carrying a hint of regret.

"Keito," Ragra said, his voice a mix of surprise and unease. "What's going on?"

Keito sighed, stepping into the room and closing the door behind him. "Ragra, I came to tell you that the higher-ups have made their decision."

Ragra's heart sank. He could already tell from Keito's tone that the news wasn't good. "What did they decide?"

Keito hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I'm sorry, Ragra, but they've decided it's too risky for you to stay here any longer. You're being sent back to the agency. Your presence here poses too much of a threat, especially after what happened with the mages."

Ragra clenched his jaw, his disappointment evident. "So, that's it? After everything, I'm just being sent back? I thought I was making progress here. I thought I was finally starting to fit in."

Keito nodded, his voice calm but firm. "I know this isn't what you wanted, and I fought to keep you here longer, but the decision was unanimous. The higher-ups think it's for the best, for your safety and ours. If they come after you again, we can't risk another attack on the organisation."

Ragra turned away, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "It feels like I'm being punished for something I didn't even do. I didn't ask to be targeted by the mages."

Keito placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Look, I know it's not fair, but there's a bright side to this. Back at the agency, they'll likely get you started on missions right away. You'll be ahead of your peers, making real progress while they're still in training."

Ragra let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "That's not exactly comforting, Keito. I was getting stronger here, learning from some of the best. Now I'm being sent back like I'm some kind of liability."

Keito stepped in front of him, meeting his gaze. "You're not a liability, Ragra. You're talented, and you have potential. That's why I'm telling you to make the most of this opportunity. Show the agency what you're made of. Prove to them, and to yourself, that you're capable of greatness."

Ragra sighed, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "When do I leave?"

"Tonight," Keito said, his tone soft. "Your flight's already arranged. I'll escort you to the terminal myself."

Ragra nodded, his disappointment still evident but tempered by a quiet determination. "Fine. If this is what they've decided, I'll go. But I'm not giving up. I'll show them all what I'm capable of."

Keito offered a small smile. "That's the spirit. Remember, this isn't the end—it's just the beginning of another chapter."

As Keito left the room, Ragra sat back down on his bed, staring out the window once more. This time, though, his frustration was replaced with resolve. If the agency wanted to send him back, he'd make sure they saw his full potential. One way or another, he would prove his worth.

Night draped over the city as Keito and Ragra drove through the quiet streets toward the airport. The hum of the car engine filled the silence, both of them lost in their thoughts. Ragra stared out of the window, the neon lights of the city reflecting off the glass, while Keito focused on the road, occasionally glancing at his passenger.

When they finally arrived at the airport, Keito pulled into a drop-off zone and turned off the engine. He looked at Ragra, who was already reaching for the door handle.

"Wait," Keito said, his tone firm but kind.

Ragra paused, looking back at him.

Keito leaned against the steering wheel. "Good luck, Ragra. I know this isn't how you wanted things to go, but this is your chance to prove yourself. Rise through the ranks at the agency, and I'm sure we'll cross paths again. There's a good chance we might even get assigned to the same mission one day."

Ragra smirked faintly, appreciating the sentiment despite his disappointment. "You really think that'll happen?"

Keito nodded confidently. "I do. You've got what it takes—you just need to show it to the right people. So work hard, and don't let anyone hold you back."

He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a sealed envelope, handing it to Ragra. "Here. Give this to the agency when you arrive. It's a formal letter explaining why you've been sent back and detailing the recent events. Make sure it gets to the right hands."

Ragra took the letter, his fingers brushing the crisp paper. "Thanks, Keito. For everything."

Keito nodded and leaned back in his seat. "Go on, then. Don't miss your flight."

Ragra stepped out of the car, his suitcase in one hand and the letter in the other. He turned back for a brief moment, giving Keito a small nod of gratitude, before walking toward the airport entrance.

Inside, the bright lights of the terminal contrasted sharply with the cool night air outside. Ragra moved through the motions of checking in, his mind still replaying the events of the past few weeks. He handed over his documents, received his boarding pass, and made his way to the gate.

Sitting in the waiting area, he stared at the letter in his hand, the weight of it feeling heavier than it should. His thoughts wandered as he waited for the boarding call.

This isn't the end, he thought to himself. If anything, it's just the start of something bigger.

When his flight was finally announced, Ragra stood, determination etched on his face. He would make the most of this, no matter what lay ahead.

After a long and uneventful flight, Ragra finally arrived in the sprawling nation of Labre. The morning sun cast a golden glow over the sleek, futuristic skyline, with towering skyscrapers and cutting-edge architecture reflecting a city built on ambition and progress. His transport wound through the city streets, where automated vehicles zipped past pedestrians who walked along paths lined with holographic advertisements and greenery.

As the car approached the Agency Headquarters, Ragra's breath caught. The building complex was a marvel of modern engineering, an awe-inspiring combination of functionality and beauty.

The HQ stood as a massive cluster of futuristic buildings interconnected by elevated glass walkways and suspended bridges. The central tower, easily the tallest structure in the city, pierced the sky like a gleaming spear. Its reflective surface shimmered with a soft iridescent hue, making it appear as though it shifted colors depending on the angle of the sun. Surrounding it were smaller, equally sleek buildings that curved and spiraled upward in an intricate dance of geometry.

The perimeter was heavily fortified but elegant in design. Advanced security drones hovered silently in the air, their faint blue lights blinking rhythmically as they scanned the surroundings. Beyond the gates, the entrance to the HQ was marked by a massive archway etched with the agency's insignia—a symbol of unity, strength, and mystery. The ground was lined with polished black stone that reflected the towering structures above, and the walkways were embedded with glowing blue lights that illuminated the path.

The landscape surrounding the complex blended nature and technology seamlessly. Lush gardens filled with exotic plants and trees were interspersed with fountains that used nanotech to form shifting, holographic displays of the agency's history. Artificial waterfalls cascaded down stone walls, their waters purified by advanced systems that shimmered with a soft light.

As the car pulled up to the front of the central tower, Ragra noticed the massive double doors ahead. They were made of reinforced metal but had an artistic, almost ceremonial design carved into their surface—patterns of lines and curves representing the agency's motto: Strength Through Unity, Victory Through Sacrifice.

Stepping out of the car, Ragra felt a mixture of awe and nervousness. The grandeur of the HQ wasn't just for show; it was a testament to the agency's power and influence. He adjusted his bag over his shoulder, clutching the letter Keito had given him.

Taking a deep breath, Ragra walked toward the entrance, ready to face whatever awaited him inside.