The underground office of Claire Everstone was a pristine space of subdued elegance, carved into the depths beneath the city. The walls were lined with a mix of polished stone and futuristic panels, exuding authority and poise. A faint scent of ozone lingered in the air, mingling with the subtle aroma of polished wood.

  Simulated skylights embedded in the ceiling cast a soft, natural-like glow across the room, while the low hum of hidden machinery added a subtle vibrancy to the atmosphere. In the quiet, the distant rhythmic tapping of Claire's fingers on her desk resonated, blending with the almost imperceptible hiss of the air filtration system. Every detail screamed precision and control, much like the woman who occupied it.

  Claire sat at the center of it all, her diamond-like eyes sharp as they scanned the folder marked Unit 5. Her fingers tapped lightly on the polished desk, a rhythmic sound that filled the otherwise hushed atmosphere. To her right, a massive monitor flickered, displaying dossiers, footage, and reports related to the team. Her secretary worked silently at a nearby terminal, her presence almost ghostly.

  As the Chief Director of HeCaTe's Japanese branch, Claire had mastered the art of balancing a carefree demeanor with unyielding authority. Her role demanded nothing less than perfection, and Claire thrived in the delicate dance of leading with charisma while making the hard decisions.

  Ivan, her trusted lieutenant and the Head of Covert Operations, lounged against the desk's edge. His white hair caught the light, giving him an almost ethereal appearance that contrasted with his casual demeanor. In addition to his operational role, he served as the chief instructor, ensuring that every team under HeCaTe's wing was battle-ready. Dressed in his usual tailored suit, he exuded an air of authority mixed with irreverence, as if he had little patience for formalities.

  "Unconventional doesn't even begin to describe them," Claire said, breaking the silence. Her voice carried an edge of curiosity. "And yet, here we are. Each member... invaluable in their own way, but together, they're something entirely different."

  Ivan smirked, shifting his stance slightly. "Formidable, chaotic, occasionally a headache," he replied, his tone light but tinged with admiration. "But they get the job done. You should've seen their last run—barely coordinated, but devastatingly effective. their maneuvering during the Shadow Nexus heist? Impressive for a new team. especially Lucine, she slipped through their defenses like she'd done it a dozen times before."

  Claire's lips quirked into a faint smile as she gestured to the monitor. "Show me."

  The screen flickered, pulling up footage of Unit 5 in action. A towering man hurled a car door like a frisbee, a young girl manipulated debris midair, a blonde swordsman wielded crackling blades of lightning, and a white-haired woman moved with inhuman precision, dispatching enemies with eerie efficiency. The scenes shifted rapidly, each member showcasing raw talent interwoven with an unmistakable hint of camaraderie.

  The footage paused on the white-haired woman mid-strike, her katana slicing cleanly through a steel plate. Claire leaned forward, her gaze narrowing. "Lucine," she began. "The leader. Her military background makes her a natural tactician. Her approach to combat is both calculated and adaptive—she can anticipate the enemy's moves and adjust her strategy on the fly. Just last month, during the Gridpoint ambush, it was her quick thinking that turned a certain defeat into a decisive victory, coordinating the team's escape while neutralizing the attackers." Discipline, skill, and mastery of ki—she's the foundation of this unit."

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  Ivan straightened slightly, his casual expression fading. "She's a machine. Precise, relentless. But Amaya complicates things."

  Claire's expression darkened at the mention of Lucine's other half. "Amaya is a threat, but also a tool—if controlled. That bracelet she requested is a safeguard, but it's not foolproof. We tread a fine line with her."

  Ivan shrugged. "If anyone can manage it, it's Lucine. She keeps it together for the team's sake. Remember the incident with Amaya during the Mirage Vault raid? Lucine handled it before anyone else even noticed. That's leadership."

  The scene shifted to a blonde man, his movements a blur as lightning crackled through the air. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned twin swords of pure energy, cutting through multiple targets.

  "Thomas," Claire said, watching closely. "Unpredictable. His abilities are as volatile as his personality. He doesn't play well with others, but his loyalty to the mission is absolute."

  "A Wild card," Ivan agreed, a grin forming. "But you can't deny his results. He's got an edge—something personal driving him. Whatever he's searching for, it fuels him."

  Claire nodded slowly. "His aloofness isolates him, but his power speaks for itself. During the Midnight Fortress operation, he single-handedly took down the enemy's power grid, buying the team precious time. He doesn't share much, but there's a deep pain behind his actions—likely tied to his past. Maybe linked to that old case you mentioned, Ivan. The one with the burned village?"

  Ivan's grin faded, replaced by a contemplative look. "Could be. It's always in his eyes—that need for answers."

  The screen transitioned to a petite girl with glowing hands, objects floating around her in an intricate dance. Beside her stood a hulking figure, silent and imposing.

  "Ayumi," Claire began, her voice softening slightly. "Young, gifted, and fragile. Her psychic abilities are immense, but they come with a cost. The crown helps stabilize her, but we can't ignore the risks."

  Ivan flipped through a nearby report. "Her connection with Taro is her anchor. He's not just her bodyguard; he's her shield in every sense. Without him, she'd collapse under the strain of her powers."

  Claire's gaze softened further as the footage played a brief moment of Ayumi and Taro in action. Ayumi's glowing hands formed a protective barrier, while Taro, with unmatched precision, intercepted an incoming projectile meant for her. The exchange that followed was telling—a quick, grateful glance from Ayumi, and a reassuring nod from Taro. Claire recalled their first meeting with Ayumi—a trembling girl clutching Taro's sleeve as he silently shielded her from the world's harshness.

  "Taro," Claire added, "is more than muscle. His devotion to Ayumi is unshakable. After his accident left him mute, he's poured everything into protecting her. They're inseparable—lose one, and we lose both."

  The final clip showed a young woman with sharp, crimson eyes. Unlike the others, her abilities weren't prominently displayed, but her presence alone demanded attention.

  "The new girl," Ivan mused, his tone laced with intrigue. "She's... different. Cooperative enough, but she's hiding something."

  "Erilith," Claire confirmed, her gaze lingering on the screen. "A paradox. She's still discovering herself, and in turn, we're discovering her. That energy inside her is unlike anything we've encountered—fluid, unstable, but brimming with potential. Remember her first assignment, Ivan? The way she handled B24 even if it's her first assignment, she's more skilled than she lets on."

  Ivan chuckled, shaking his head. "She's definitely keeping things interesting. The team doesn't know what to make of her yet, but that might work in her favor."

  The monitor displayed the roster: Lucine, Thomas, Ayumi, Taro, and Erilith. Claire folded her hands, her expression unyielding. "Unit 5 isn't just a collection of individuals. They're a force—unpredictable, yes, but formidable. Whatever lies ahead, they'll be at the forefront."

  Ivan pushed off the desk, stretching lazily. "You're putting a lot of faith in them."

  Claire's eyes gleamed. "Faith... and preparation. Make sure they're ready, Ivan. We can't afford mistakes."

  He grinned, turning toward the door. "Ready or not, they'll deliver. Just don't say I didn't warn you when things get messy."

  As he exited, Claire returned her attention to the simulated skylight. The faint hum of machinery filled the room, the silence heavy with anticipation. Whatever storm was brewing, she knew Unit 5 would be the key to weathering it.