Veil of the forsaken.

"New recruits."

The main hall was thick with anticipation as recruits and operatives alike gathered to hear the results. The lights buzzed softly overhead, highlighting the mix of eager, tense, and impassive faces. Veil leaned against the back wall, arms crossed, her face unreadable as she scanned the crowd.

Matthew stood at the front, with Mugsi and the L.E.A.D.S stationed behind him. Lady stood elegantly among them, her ice-blue eyes steady, while Sei-do crossed her arms, her blood-red gaze daring anyone to look her way.

Matthew stepped forward, clearing his throat, and the murmuring crowd fell silent.

"The trials are over," he began, his voice cutting clean through the quiet. "You've all been tested in every way—your endurance, adaptability, strategy, and skill. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for those who proved themselves."

He raised a sheet of paper, his expression unreadable.

"The following names are now assigned to their respective divisions."

The tension in the room thickened, and Matthew began to read.

"For the Team Leaders and Strength Division: Sei-do."

A few scattered cheers rose before being silenced by Sei-do's pointed glare. She nodded once, her confidence evident.

"For Medical Leadership: Lady."

There was no doubt about this choice. The applause was stronger this time, a reflection of Lady's reputation. She offered a graceful tilt of her head in acknowledgment but remained composed, her gaze sweeping the room.

"For Demolition Division: Veil."

At the sound of her code name, Veil's gaze sharpened. The whispers were immediate, some curious, others skeptical. She stepped forward from the wall slightly, her posture calm, but her icy stare silenced any murmurs near her.

"For Getaway Drivers Leadership: Arlos."

A round of cheers broke out as Arlos raised a hand with a sheepish smile, his dark skin glowing under the lights. He gave a small wave but quickly stepped back into the shadows.

Matthew continued, finishing the assignments for smaller roles before lowering the paper. He paused, looking out at the crowd as if weighing his next words.

"And finally, after deliberation... the Lab Leadership role has been given to Andrew."

The room erupted in gasps and murmurs. Andrew, standing near the edge of the room, looked stunned. His hand gripped the edge of his sleeve as his wide eyes darted around the crowd.

"A boy?" someone muttered from the back.

"Silence," Matthew commanded, his voice slicing through the whispers. The room obeyed instantly. "Andrew's trial results and actions during the V.L.T.R incident proved his capabilities. His assignment stands. Anyone who questions it can take it up with me."

The crowd shifted uncomfortably, but no one dared speak again.

Matthew's gaze swept over the recruits. "For those assigned, this is just the beginning. Your training starts now. Prove that you deserve your roles."

With that, he folded the paper and stepped back. The recruits began to disperse, their voices hushed, while those named tried to process their new responsibilities.

Veil glanced toward Andrew, who was still rooted in place, his expression unreadable. Her sharp gaze shifted to Lady, who was speaking quietly to Sei-do. Their poise and familiarity with the system stood in stark contrast to her own solitude.