The Shards of War: Balancing Power

Chapter 43

Calie and Marie exchanged glances as they waited outside the overnight room as Matsu put away his dad's old suit. A couple of Kagayaki Industries employees passing by couldn't help but be curious. One of them, a young intern, asked, "Hey, what are you two doing here?"

Calie gave a friendly smile, "Oh, we're just waiting for Matsu. He's putting something away in his overnight room. We won't be long; we're just here to get Blaze."

Marie chimed in, "Yeah, quick in-and-out mission. Nothing to worry about."

The intern nodded understandingly, but the curiosity in his eyes lingered. "Alright, just don't cause any trouble."

Calie saluted playfully, "Scout's honor!"

As the employees continued on their way, Calie and Marie shared a light laugh, their camaraderie evident even in these everyday interactions.

Then Matsu emerged from the R&D department, he sported his captain's hat with a mischievous grin. His friends, Calie and Marie, couldn't help but react to the unexpected addition to his attire.

Marie couldn't contain a snort of amusement, earning a playful glare from Matsu. "What?" she chuckled. "Didn't expect to see the mighty captain's hat outside of the game."

Calie, ever the peacekeeper, stepped in, "Well, you know, it actually kind of matches with what you're wearing now. Casual yet captain-y. I'd say it works."

Matsu adjusted the hat with a smirk, "Glad to have your fashion approval, Captain Calie."

They shared a light moment of banter as they headed to the R&D department to get Blaze.

As Calie, Marie, and Matsu entered the R&D department, they were met with a peculiar scene. Blaze was hunched over a trash can, desperately attempting to rid herself of an accidental ingestion, while the rest of the employees lay sprawled on the floor in various states of bliss or confusion.

Calie raised an eyebrow, exchanging bemused glances with Marie and Matsu. "What on earth happened here?"

Blaze, between heaves, managed to sputter, "Someone left weed brownies in the fridge, and I... I thought they were regular brownies."

Matsu facepalmed, a mix of exasperation and amusement on his face. "Blaze, you've got to be more careful. Can you stand?"

Blaze nodded weakly, "Yeah, I'll be fine. Just give me a moment."

The affected employees on the floor were in varying states of euphoria or mild panic. One of them managed to giggle, "Best lunch break ever!"

Marie rolled her eyes, "Well, at least they're having a good time. Blaze, next time, maybe ask before diving into the fridge."

Blaze managed a weak chuckle, "Noted."

Matsu, shaking his head, remarked, "Let's get them some water or something. And Blaze, no more fridge raids without asking, got it?"

Blaze, still recovering, gave a thumbs-up, "Got it, Captain."

The trio began the amusing task of tending to the accidentally baked employees.

As the four of them assisted the R&D department employees, the room was filled with laughter and humorous comments. Dr. Nakamura, in his blissful state, rambled on with abstract thoughts, "If you put one slice of bread on the ground, and another person puts a slice of bread on the ground on the opposite side of the planet, then are we living on top of the biggest sandwich in the world?"

Felix, a usually reserved employee, unexpectedly chimed in with a mischievous grin, "You know, I've always wondered if clouds ever look down on us and say, 'Hey, that one looks like an idiot.'"