Stopping just before his visibly tense body, the female figure cracked a warm, amicable smile before finally speaking.
"Hello, Vance. It's nice to meet you." She paused briefly before continuing, "The name's Talene, and I'm a team captain of the Aegis Concord." She glanced around the room before extending her hand. "On behalf of my team and colleagues, we sincerely welcome you to the planet Nivet."
Vance hesitated, eyeing the outstretched hand. Straightening his posture, he reciprocated the gesture.
Cold.
That was the first sensation he felt. Talene's grip carried the chill of the Arctic—cold to the bone.
She smiled upon releasing the handshake , then turned on her heel and strode toward the door. Just as she reached the frame-taller than what Vance was used to-she stopped and glanced over her shoulder.
"And Balgur," she called out, her tone light but firm. "Don't scare the kid with your bad habits. The lieutenant wants to see you before dawn, so wrap up any loose ends quickly. His tone was quite... urgent, if I'd say so myself."
With that, she exited, followed by several others, as if by silent agreement. Their footsteps echoed through the towering metallic corridor, and soon, Talene's soft humming fading into the distance.
Vance shifted uneasily.
Balgur?
His eyes darted around the room, but the only face he found was Ares, who stood nearby with a barely concealed smile.
Then, a deep voice rang out from behind him.
"I'm behind you, Vance."
A sharp jolt ran through his chest as he spun around. His pupils widened as they reflected the towering figure before him.
Gone was the strange armor Balgur had worn before. Now, he stood clad in ceremonial attire, similar to Talene's, except his was completely black with accents of blood red lining the cuffs. Devoid of any embellishments, save for the insignia of a gladiator-like helmet pierced vertically by a blade located on the right shoulder blade.
How long had he been standing there?
Vance clenched his jaw. Ever since he had stumbled into this world through means unknown to him, it had been one absurdity after another.
And now this.
How had this giant of a man managed to sneak up on him so easily?
Shaking off the thought, he exhaled sharply and forced his voice steady. "Where are we now?"
It was a question he had asked repeatedly, even before arriving at the teleportation gate. Yet, each time, his only answers had been vague reassurances from Ares and the occasional intrigued glance from Cecilia.
Now, standing face to face with Balgur, he wasn't sure if he was finally about to get an answer-or just more silence.
"And where is cicilia?" Vance asked.
"She went to the recruitment center to make an inquiry about you," Ares responded.
"All your questions will be answered in due time," Balgur finally said. "For now, just follow along." He gestured for Vance to move with them.
They strode through the metal-lined corridors, the walls illuminated by flowing lines of light, pulsing like veins. As they walked, Ares and Balgur engaged in conversation, their voices casual but layered with weight. Vance listened in silence until an exchange caught his attention.
"Lately, on the Khansa Front, the Sekar'e suffered a tremendous blow," Ares murmured. "Their forces stationed along the asteroid belt were hit by a roaming mothership belonging to a Ghall. It's raised concerns among the teams stationed here on Nivet. Given our strategic position, we might be dispatched to intercept this vessel if needed. The G-3 sector isn't exactly fortified."
"I see," Balgur replied, his tone measured. "Then that must be what the lieutenant wants to discuss. Either that, or this is just a summary of the situation over there."
"Does it even matter?" Ares shrugged. "We're going to be stationed there regardless. Might as well enjoy the days we have left here."
Vance felt unease settle in his chest. Eavesdropping on their conversation, he found himself with more questions than answers.
Was melee combat the primary method of warfare here? That didn't make sense, considering the level of technology he had already seen, and talks about space vessels. He wasn't particularly well-versed in technology, but he knew that any civilization capable of space travel would have advanced firearms, drones, and other modern weapons of war.
Also what exactly were Ascendants? Surely, there had to be some kind troves of information about them, giving their seemingly common presence.
And what exactly was Aegis? He had his suspicions but nothing concrete.
Then, there was the revelation that sent his mind spiraling further-the mention of an advanced race, the Sekar'ei, and the looming threat of interstellar warfare.
And finally the most shocking one.
Aliens.
Beings he had only known as speculation and myth-were not just real. They were an undeniable part of this reality, walking, breathing and warlike.
His reality now.
Vance exhaled slowly, suppressing the urge to interrupt. He had so many questions, but he wasn't sure if he was ready for the answers.
For now, he would just follow along.
After another few minutes of walking past various structures-stairwells, elevators, and doorways marked by unfamiliar signs and numerals-Vance grew more and more disoriented.
Then, just ahead, Balgur and Ares came to a stop at a door on the right. Balgur retrieved a small card from his person and pressed it against a glass-like panel protruding from the wall.
With an audible beep, the door slid open to reveal a brightly lit room.
Vance stepped inside behind them, only to freeze in place.
Before him stretched a sterile white space lined with machines and unfamiliar equipment.
He turned to the duo, seeking an explanation.
Ares obliged immediately. "This is the Central Recovery Ward," he said, nodding toward the far end of the room. Then, with a smirk, he added, "And this is where you will be physically assessed."