"What evidence? Have you not seen the abnormalities? Researchers have confirmed that the fragments are focusing on evolution rather than releasing monsters." Arthur said while looking at the Grim.
"It's true but…we don't fully understand these fragments. Every study is just an assumption of what their origins could be. We can't be 100% sure, but it's an anomaly." Kaiser added.
"For now, let it go. We don't have enough proof to give to the board of directors." Robert claimed.
Suddenly, the intercom buzzed, and a voice came through.
"Lieutenant general, Arthur. We request you to head to your office immediately. Someone wishes to meet you."
"Well, see you later." Arthur said as he stood up. "Also, why did you all of you used your attributes on beta-class fragments?"
"Just felt it – to be honest. It's overkill I know but I haven't been on duty in months."
Kaiser waved goodbye to him as he closed the door of the napping lounge. Arthur headed to his office in the other hallway and opened the door. There he saw a bunch of men wearing black robes with red accents standing in front of his desk.
"Greetings, gentlemen. What brings you here, today?" Arthur asked as he moved to his chair.
He sat down and placed his hands on the table, intertwining his fingers. The lead figure smiled and replied in a dark tone.
"Allow me to introduce, ourselves. We're a Private Kharagen."
He pulled out a card and slid it across the table. Arthur looked at it for a moment before picking it up. His eyes widened as he saw the cards' contents. He sighed and slid it back to the man who put it back in his pocket.
"So…what business does an organization as yourself have with us?" Arthur asked with sharp eyes.
The man and his people chuckled. Arthur's guard instantly rose.
"Nothing – nothing. We just want to…help you."
"…And why?" Arthur's eyes narrowed.
The man smiled under his hood and said in a deep voice.
"We wish to also protect the country we live in. So, we thought of lending you some manpower…"
"Do you realize that normal humans cannot take on chaos beasts?" Arthur scowled.
The men laughed darkly. Their laugh wasn't synchronized but it still felt rehearsed like a quire performing a grating melody. After a few moments later, the lead man replied in a calm tone.
"Of course, we know that…some of our boys are chaos incarnates. They could help you out."
"Bullshit, All chaos incarnates are under control of the EOC except if they're rouges or…you're hiding them which is illegal." Arthur spouted warily.
"Oh no! We're not doing anything illegal!"
"Then, what other methods do you have of helping?"
"We will tell you after we have made a deal." The man answered.
"Why can't you tell me right now?" Arthur questioned him, lowering his arms.
"Well…we must trust each other to cooperate first. Don't worry manpower isn't the only thing we'll provide." The man said as he tapped the chair he was sitting on.
Arthur leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms.
'This is suspicious…and who in their right mind would try to offer help to the special ops? They're definitely thinking of something else…'
He rubbed his chin as he contemplated in his thoughts.
'Furthermore, we are in a weak state. If they betrayed us, we would be doomed…If they cannot show me their cards, I cannot fully trust them. I cannot forsake the lives of my soldiers.'
He straightened his back and locked eyes with the red-robed man.
"I'm sorry but I can't trust you either if you're unwilling to show your cards."
The man remained silent after Arthurs words. A few minutes passed in silence as Arthur awaited the man's answer. The man stood up, pushing the chair back and said in a hoarse tone.
"It's seeming it is impossible for us cooperate. Therefore, I must pull back my offer."
"That's okay. Thank you for your help but we won't need it." Arthur said with a smile.
The man scowled and walked out of the office with his men. Arthur pressed his earpiece and whispered in a soft tone.
"Admin, a few men in red clothes will be leaving the building. See if they pull someone shady."
"Roger." The admin replied.
Arthur leaned back in his chair and took in the calm atmosphere.
***
Arthur didn't stay in his office for long. He headed to the lobby and to the parking lot. His car turned on as he drove off from the AEOC HQ. He went outside of the city to a peaceful neighborhood not suitable for a noble like him. He stopped at a certain house and stepped outside, still in his uniform. He walked up to the porch. He knocked on the door twice. After a few moments, the door was opened.
"What's ups, Harvey?" Arthur asked.
"I'm fine, captain." Harvey said while inviting Arthur in.
Arthur stepped into the house as Harvey closed the door. He was wearing a sleeveless black shirt and shorts.
"Come, captain. Sit down over here." Harvey said.
Arthur followed Harvey to his living room. Sunlight seeped through the windows as Arthur sat down. Harvey went to the kitchen. A few minutes later, he came back with two cups of tea and biscuits. He gave one to Arthur and one to himself. He placed the plate of biscuits on the table between them and sat down.
"So…what brings you here?" Harvey asked.
"Nothing much. I just wanted to hang out with a friend after all that happened today." Arthur answered.
"What happened?" Harvey probed.
"Well…first, the Apex forces finally arrived and took care of 4 fragments… in an hour. Then, I talked with Professor Sterling down in the control room. Then, I had a little chat about the strange behavior of fragments with the commander…then, some organization came to offer help, but I rejected them." Arthur replied.
"Really? That's interesting." Harvey said and took a sip of his tea.
"Yeah, right. They weren't even offering sincerely. I had the admin track them after they left, but he lost track after 20 minutes." Arthur said while taking a bite of his biscuit and sipping his tea.
Suddenly, they heard the cry of little girl coming from upstairs. Harvey's instantly snapped. He stood up and headed towards the nursery. After a few minutes. He came down with a little baby girl in his left hand. Arthur took a sip of his tea and ate another biscuit. Harvey sat down with his daughter.
"How has Lilly been doing now-a-days?" Arthur asked with a smile.
"My precious little girl has been growing big lately. I'm afraid she might become fat when she is older." Harvey laughed.
"Maybe she'll be inheriting from her father." Arthur chuckled.
Both laughed to their hearts content. Harvey handed his daughter to Arthur. Arthur held the little girl in his hands as she smiled at him. Arthur put his finger on her nose, and she grabbed it while laughing. Arthur tickled Lilly as she laughed heartily.