Chapter 8: Operator

Chapter 8: Operator

Fire Fox Squad had returned to the Citadel hours ago, and all this time, the two men in Fort Norton had a long conversation. However, everything comes to an end at some point just like this talk.

"I'm Naturalborn Phantom...?" Adam muttered, pointing to himself.

Douglas nodded with a serious look, "Yes, but you don't have to tell anyone that. To everyone, you're just an ordinary Phantom who awakened his talent just like everyone else. I'll handle the paperwork, so no one will be suspicious of your recent appearance."

Adam sighed, he stared at the ceiling for a while.

In the last few minutes, Douglas had made him recount everything that had happened to him, from the beginning of the experiment and defeating the Silver Weaver, to his encounter with the Fire Fox Squad.

"What about Aiden Henk? Will he be punished for what he did?" Adam asked as his gaze grew darker. It was the same scientist from the Morton Observatory.

"Agh, Adam I understand how you feel, but given the circumstances, the best solution would be to keep the situation quiet. Even if I wanted to help you, no one would let me. A conflict between the chief scientist of one of the Observatories and Naturalborn Phantom is the last thing our Citadel needs." Douglas tried to explain.

Adam answered nothing, his gaze only gradually growing darker like the depths of the abyss, then he abruptly returned to normal and nodded.

"So... What next?" Adam tilted his head.

"I'm going to ask you to stay here for a few hours. I'll try to get things done as quickly as possible. You'll be home by tonight. Should I notify your family?" Douglas said seriously.

Adam shook his head, "Nah, I want to surprise them."

Douglas smirked, pulled a small book out of his inside pocket, and handed it to Adam.

"Here. It's the only entertainment I can give you, hopefully, you won't be too bored."

Then, Douglas walked away.

"What...? The print edition of the White Book...?" Adam yawned, "Well, it's better than just staring at the ceiling."

Time passed, and soon enough Douglas returned with a large black case.

Click.

Douglas opened the case, spreading out the documents, a bracelet, a metal card as well as a flash drive across the table.

"Here, this is your NEP - Navigational Explorer Processor, your ID is 14113." Douglas said, moving the bracelet towards Adam.

"14113? My name? Not too original." Adam raised an eyebrow, equipping the NEP.

For the next few minutes, Adam carefully read each girl's profile, and each time, he was as surprised as the first. Now he knew all their history, skills, fears and achievements as well as even what they preferred to wear or eat for breakfast.

"How about Odile Cerfbeer?" Douglas pointed to the first girl with a bright smile, pink hair, and below-average height, "She's smart and kind, did well on her exam and did well on her tests."

However, Adam didn't answer anything, obviously, he didn't need someone soft and caring like Odile.

"In that case maybe her?" Douglas pointed to the second girl. She had short blue hair, medium height, and a calm look with round glasses - Nancy Rouanet.

Adam shook his head, "I've made up my mind. Logic tells me it could be a mistake, but I need someone like her to get better."

"I want her." Adam tapped the photo of the last girl - Silvana Desio.

"Ouch... This is going to be a rattling mix." Douglas muttered, surprised by this choice.

Silvana had medium-length black hair, green eyes, and a stern, cold stare, with no hint of a smile or friendliness.

"Can I see her?" Adam asked.

"Sure... As her Phantom, you have the right to contact her at any time. Likewise, I must warn you. Silvana adheres to the strictest chain of command, but she is not an obedient subordinate and will demand that you give your best, just as she does herself."

"A warning? That's usually what people say before something bad happens, but... I haven't heard any downsides." Adam said detachedly.

Douglas's eyes went wide, then he smiled broadly.

"Alright. Follow me. I'll take you to the door, further on your own."

...

Crackle.

Mechanical door opened into one of the buildings on the grounds nearest Fort Norton.

Perfect cleanliness, dozens of blue screens, and a few holograms of monsters was the first thing Adam saw.

Then, a tall girl in a tight black suit stood up from her chair and with her hands at the hips bowed low.

"Adam Vinter, my name is Silvana Desio, and I will be your Operator. It is an honor to work with you, Naturalborn Phantom."

Silvana paused for a moment before raising her head. Her cold gaze met with Adam's smile, but as soon as he opened his eyes Silvana sensed the seriousness in his stare - just what she needed.