‼️ PAUSED ‼️ ❝ 𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐅 𝐀 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐂𝐘 ❞ ~ [ᵂᵉˡᶜᵒᵐᵉ ᴴᵒᵐᵉ/ᴿᶠ ᵂᵃˡˡʸ ˣ ᴼᶜ]

[𝟐𝟔.] 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

                 _______ 💉 ______

   
   
Walden didn't waste time with pleasantries or explanations, he cleared his throat before delving into the mission details. 
   
   
"This mission involves the retrieval of a special artifact, Vincent. It's not just any item; it's a relic of great significance."
   
   
   
Vincent couldn't help but arch an eyebrow. These missions weren't unheard of, but this abrupt intrusion was uncommon, especially for an assignment that seemed to require immediate attention.
   
   
   
"And they couldn't have waited until morning?" Vincent sighed, his voice tinged with a hint of weariness, as the mission was not something he anticipated.

"But this... retrieval mission, is it like the one the Head Director had me carry out? Is this what you're trying to say?"
   
   
   
Walden's skepticism grew, "How do you know about that? It's classified information."
   
   
   
Vincent leaned back in his chair, his exhaustion making him less guarded. 
"I was on that mission, too. The Head Director didn't inform you?"
   
   
   
Walden's eyes narrowed as he absorbed this information. 

"No, he didn't. But that explains why he's so intent on getting this artifact.
It must be related to your previous missions."
   
   
   
   
Vincent let out an exhausted sigh, his fatigue evident in the way he struggled to process the information before him. 
His mind felt like a jumble of thoughts, and his body ached from the relentless pace of his responsibilities.
   
   
   
Glancing up at Walden, Vincent's drooping eyelids betrayed his sleep-deprived state. With a low groan, he mumbled to Walden, his words barely audible,

"Take a seat. I can't... maintain my focus with that height of yours."
   
   
   
Walden sighed in response, his own exhaustion apparent. He muttered under his breath,

"Finally getting a taste of your own medicine, huh? You're usually the one towering over everyone." Being several centimeters shorter than Vincent meant he often had to look up to converse with him.
    
   
   
They were both dedicated to their work, and the toll it took on their bodies was undeniable.
   
   
   
Vincent turned to Walden, a hint of frustration evident in his sigh as he sought clarification. "So, the mission from the Head Director, is it the same for you as it is for me?"
   
   
   
Walden simply shrugged in response. "According to the Head Director, I'm supposed to approach you for a brief summary on the retrieval mission."
 
With a touch of uncertainty, Walden even pondered if Vincent was too fatigued to have caught his words or if he hadn’t heard him properly.
   
   
   
Annoyed by the situation, Vincent clicked his tongue in frustration, perturbed that the Head Director hadn't adequately briefed Walden about the retrieval mission.