Chapter 85: Chapter 85 Joining MOTH
In the clean and bright hallway, two people walked. One of them had strong, heavy steps, while the other moved so quietly. It was almost like he wasn't human.
"Let me give you an introduction to MOTH."
Orion, one of the two people, appeared calm. He had a special ability where, once he used it, it left a memory in his mind, like muscle memory. Each time he used it again, it became faster and easier, showing just how good he was at learning.
"The Fire Chaser Moth is split into different departments, like combat, science, logistics, and intelligence. These departments work together, but each one is led by someone chosen by the organization."
The man walking just a step ahead of Orion was named Ato, a seasoned veteran with a reputation among the Fire Chaser fighters that few could rival.
His experience in combat was extensive, from countless skirmishes on Earth to missions as far as the moon.
Those exploits had earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and even the trust of his superiors, who often called on him when stakes were high.
"Your tricks really surprised me," Ato admitted with a smirk, his eyes flicking over to Orion. "When I heard you'd arrived at the base, I felt a bit... on edge."
His tone was half-joking, but the underlying seriousness was evident. Now and then, Ato would cast a cautious glance at Orion, as if half-expecting him to disappear into thin air.
For his part, Orion was already several steps ahead. From the moment he entered the black limousine, he'd activated his [Remembrance] powers, replacing his body with a memory clone.
Before he had detected something odd in the contact's voice, leading him to prepare for the unexpected.
The people from the Fool organization thought they had taken Orion, but they had only taken a memory clone. Orion then contacted agents nearby and got them to tell him how to get to the base of MOTH. Of course he was escorted by several agents on the way to the base.
"The same trick doesn't work twice. Everyone knows that," Orion explained when he noticed Ato was still suspicious.
"What?" Ato asked, confused.
"It just means I won't try the same trick again to escape. I didn't come here to cause trouble. I hope your organization treats me the same way." Orion raised his hands, showing he meant no harm.
After a lingering, observant look at Orion, Ato continued down the hallway. The corridor stretched on, sterile and silent, as if it might go on forever. The further they walked, the more apparent the advanced security became; each checkpoint required a thorough scan—faces, eyes, and even biometric readings.
Finally, they arrived at a door labeled "Registration Office." Ato opened it, stepping aside to let Orion enter. The room was surprisingly tranquil, a soothing contrast to the high-tech surroundings. The colors were soft and muted, and the walls were lined with minimalist decor that felt more suitable for meditation than administration. At the center, a modest table held a single form.
"This form here is to join the Fire Chaser Moth," Ato explained, gesturing at the paper on the table. "It asks about your skills and preferences—whether you'd be better suited to combat, medical work, or support. Take a look."
Orion scanned the document, noticing his basic information was already filled in. The only blank was in the "Department" section, awaiting his choice.
"Based on your data, you'd excel in scientific research or logistics, maybe even studying Honkai sickness," Ato added thoughtfully. "But if you're more inclined toward combat, I won't stand in your way."
With little hesitation, Orion marked the box next to "Solider," his decision resolute.
Ato was silent for a long moment, his expression thoughtful and unreadable. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and steady. "Orion, I still don't know your true intentions. But there's something I need you to understand."
Ato stepped forward, closing the distance between them until his face was only inches from Orion's. His intense gaze, unblinking, bored straight into Orion's eyes. "If I find out you joined Fire Chaser Moth to harm humanity, to betray us in any way... know this."
He paused, his voice lowering to a whisper that still carried the weight of his conviction. "I'll take you down myself."
Orion didn't doubt his words; the look in Ato's eyes was unwavering, filled with steely determination. This wasn't a question of strength or rank but of loyalty, a matter of personal duty.
Ato was bound by an unbreakable code, one etched deep into every member of Fire Chaser Moth. Within their ranks, it was an unspoken law: if a new recruit endangered the mission, betrayed their trust, or fell prey to the Honkai, their superior would be the one to deal with it.
In the fight against Honkai, many people became infected, and it was hard for their comrades to finish them off. But Ato wasn't like that.
"During that battle, when you lost control, some of my soldiers died because of you," Ato said, his voice low, barely containing the weight of his anger. "I never even got the chance to recover their bodies. I can't—no, I won't—let that happen again."
Orion caught the simmering red in Ato's eyes, a fierce anger held back not by forgiveness but by duty. Orion held his gaze, silent, acknowledging the words with an understanding nod. Apologies would do nothing here; only his future actions could repay the lives lost under his initial rampage.
After a long, tense moment, Ato finally released Orion's hand, letting his anger fall away as he straightened and gestured toward the door. "Let's go. Before you step into battle as a soldier, there's someone you need to meet. A doctor who asked to see you."
Orion raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
Ato's face hardened slightly. "Just a warning—she's from the First Research Institute. Her work is… strange. They call her a demon for a reason." He paused, his tone taking on an edge of caution.
"Her name is Mobius."
Weekly Power Status
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