Vindel Mauser—Shadow-Mirror's commander. A cheat-level talent: ace pilot, strategist, politician, and tech developer. Currently a lieutenant, he's three or four years older than me. Joining Shadow-Mirror was my goal, so meeting him was inevitable. Just didn't expect it a year early. I thought recruitment would come in my third year, not second.
The day after the funeral, classes and meals blur. Now, I'm at the pilot course building's first-floor meeting room. I take a deep breath, confirm my calm, and knock.
"Who's there?"
"Axel Almer."
"Enter."
A gruff voice answers. Inside, a man with deep green hair tied back casually. His face isn't intimidating—less so than our instructor's—but his presence is unforgettable, radiating authority.
"Glad you came. I'm Lieutenant Vindel Mauser."
I salute; he returns it.
"Sit. We'll talk."
I take the chair across from him.
"I called you here for a request—one tied to your future."
"A request?"
"Yes. I've been assigned to lead a new unit."
"Congratulations."
"Thanks. But it's a special unit. I can't afford careless members."
It's Shadow-Mirror. No doubt.
"And this unit involves me?"
"Don't play dumb. You've guessed it, haven't you?"
"You want me to join?"
"Exactly. I hear you haven't chosen a post-graduation assignment."
True, I left the assignment form blank. Shadow-Mirror was always the plan—picking another unit would've been absurd.
"I haven't. What kind of unit is it?"
"Hm. Fair enough, pulling you in without explanation is heavy-handed."
He pauses, then continues. "This is classified. If you decline, you say nothing about this conversation, or there'll be consequences. Understood?"
I nod.
"Good. The unit's name isn't set, but it's a small, elite force for special operations—a special task execution unit."
"Special task execution unit."
"Right. I'm recruiting you as the leader of its operational team, the special operations squad."
"Leader!?"
I expected to join as a grunt, climb the ranks later. Leader from the start?
"Leader of the operational squad?"
"No need to be shocked. I know your record—Geneva's once-in-fifty-years genius."
I've heard that label from instructors and underclassmen. With Axel's natural talent and my reincarnated cheat abilities, it fits. But…
"I may have talent, but as a cadet, I lack experience."
"Normally, yes. But you're different—at least to me. If I misjudged, that's on me. This new unit needs untainted, skilled members. You fit."
Why he rates me so highly is a mystery. Jump at the chance, or play it cool to raise my value?
"What's your answer?"
I hesitate, then trust my gut. "I'm in. I don't know how far my inexperience will take me, but I accept."
"Good. I'd discuss unit plans, but I'm short on time. I'll return next week. My instructor will coordinate. Be ready."
He leaves swiftly. I salute. "See you next week."
Once he's gone, I sigh. "That went fine, right?"
My actions seemed safe—no reason for suspicion. Shadow-Mirror's forming. But I'm still a second-year, with a year left. Will they make me drop out early? If I'm joining Shadow-Mirror and transferring to that other world, a degree's meaningless anyway.
"Whatever happens, happens."
I shrug off the thought and focus. "Next week's meeting. As special operations leader, do I pick our gear?"
Could Exsala be Shadow-Mirror's machine? Unlikely—Time Flow Engine's weaponization isn't confirmed. I pushed Montoya and the kids, but it's not guaranteed. Even if Exsala's designed, completion's uncertain. If I join post-graduation, there's a year's buffer. Mizuho, absent now, is a genius mechanic, crafting and repairing Exsala frames quickly in the original. Her pacifism's the issue—without it, I'd recommend her to Montoya.
"Exsala's promising. I'll pitch it to Vindel. Maybe Shadow-Mirror will fund its development."
Mentally listing potential Shadow-Mirror weapons, I leave the meeting room for my dorm.