"What do you think about Mr. Kokuren's way of doing things?" Alicia asked me.
We were on the sun deck of a luxury yacht, Alicia, Garnet, Lucas, Flora, Melissa, and I, headed for Herald Island.
"I don't have any thoughts on it. I just hope things don't get too messy. You?"
'Though they undoubtedly will.'
"I think he's crazy. Executing change that fast might cause agents to become overwhelmed and decrease productivity. Unless the training camp is extremely efficient, all this change might backfire on him. Especially this squad system."
"Yeah, I got that feeling too," said Lucas. He was lying on the couch playing video games.
Alicia continued, "Though, resistance won't be too big. His way of punishing is kinda effective. I'm among the agents who had not submitted proof of completion of my mission by the end of the week, thus, I didn't get the email to go get my card. I had underestimated the guys I was up against and was forced to retreat. Of course, I didn't get the payments for that mission for going past the deadline, but I was also penalized with the payments for my next mission, too. I guess they're doing this to discourage slacking off. I tried applying for a small mission to get done with the penalty, but we can't apply for missions now. I'm afraid the penalty might take effect during the training camp if there are rewards."
Flora, who had been on her phone the whole time, commented. "That's harsh. That penalty must have been placed on many other agents as well. From now on, if you don't complete a mission on time, you lose double the payment."
'Mr Kokuren is implementing change so fast people don't have an opportunity to resist, or so he thinks. If he's not careful, this might all blow up in his face. Though I wouldn't worry too much about that.'
"Guys, why haven't they unlocked the Herald Island features yet? I mean, if we're going to live there for two months, they should at least give us access to most facilities." Garnet asked. I still hadn't gotten used to his somewhat British accent.
"Maybe they'll be unlocked when we get to the island."
Melissa came to the sun deck, where we were all staying.
"I feel like I ought to tell you this. Training on Herald Island is anything but easy. Different aspects of your life will be tested in depth. You will have to work together to get through."
"You don't have to worry about that. We're gonna ace this, right, guys?" Garnet said.
"Yeah."
"To ensure the training is efficient, the first group will take this training first. The other ten squads have remained behind and will continue to take missions, though these missions have been created by E.A., not the Anti-Crime Embassy. You will be given further details on the training once you arrive on the island. For those agents who have families to take care of, your families shall receive an allowance every week from the savings accounts you created a few months ago based on the financial statements you all provided.'
She paused for a while, waiting for any questions.
I suddenly felt a chill run through my body. My senses burst into action, trying to notify me of something. I turned towards the ocean. Something or someone was there, watching us. As if realising I had acknowledged its presence, it vanished.
'The closer I get to that island, the more eerie of a presence I feel. What's going on?'
"What's up?" Alicia, who was seated next to me, whispered.
"Nothing, I'm just feeling a little seasick, that's all."
I can't say for sure whether she believed me or not, but I got the feeling she had an idea of what was going on.
"Are the cards secure from hacks?" Lucas asked.
"To the highest degree possible, the cards should be secure. However, if any of you notice unusual activity, notify me immediately. I will leave you to discuss the rest among yourselves."
She started walking away. "Oh, there will come a time when you will be required to pick a squad lead. Choose wisely." She left. The others had determined looks on their faces, ready to take on whatever E.A. threw at us. If only they saw what I could see.
The island came into sight. It was marvelous.
If one had an aerial view, to the right, one would see Arsenal Island. This is the research island where most weapons and equipment are stored and developed. It is also the most technologically advanced island, where all sorts of weapons and devices are created.
'That must be where these cards were created. I wonder what new technology they're coming up with right now.'
To the left, Herald Island, our destination. Specializes in training agents and testing the products made in Arsenal Island.
In the middle, and the biggest one, is Main Island. That is the headquarters. It's a huge city with malls, apartment buildings, office buildings, and theaters. Only the richest live there. We couldn't see Arsenal Island and most of Main Island from where we were on the ocean. Together, these Islands form the Echo Nexus.
We could see other yachts approaching the island.
'If this training camp proves to be as efficient as we all expect, agents will be willing to comply with Mr Kokuren's demands in the future.'
"I guess each squad got their yacht."
It was nearly every agent's dream to one day visit one of the Echo Nexus Islands.
As we all stood in awe of the island's magnificence, the speakers embedded all over the yacht came to life, and a female automated voice spoke.
"You have now arrived at your destination. Welcome to Herald Island."
'Even now, in this beautiful moment, I can't help but dread this place. Shortcomings that come with my ability, I guess. There's a high chance they already know of my abilities' existence. I'll have to be even more careful moving forward.'
In that moment, I felt its presence, a dark, monstrous presence. It was waiting for the time to come when it would be released.
'We are seriously running out of time.'
… … …
During a board meeting_
"Mr Kokuren, what you are suggesting is unacceptable, it will cause unnecessary chaos and conflict within E.A. I cannot go by it," a man clad in a purple suit said.
"Let me ask you a question, Mr Roswelt. What is the true reason behind your refusal? Is it because you think it is crazy, or because it is against your interests?"
Mr Roswelt's brows went up.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"The Herald Island Project was bound to cost us a lot of money from the beginning, and we were all prepared for that. You were all for the project before, but now you say that we are out of our minds after costs exceeded our previously agreed-upon budget. I would have understood the complaints if they came from some of the members who were against from the beginning, but why you? Is there something we're missing here?"
"What the hell is that supposed to mean? I'm the one who's made the highest contribution towards the project, so I know very well what I'm saying."
"Towards the project, or your departments? You made those contributions and directed them towards the Communications and Digital Marketing departments. This is to popularise the Island, increasing the amount of money you get from the civilian tours that occur every month and online activity concerning the island. But in no way did your contributions help the project. You are the newest member in this boardroom, yet your actions are already questionable? Be careful where you step, Mr Roswelt. Otherwise, things won't go well for you."
One of the ladies in the boardroom couldn't help but smile as she fiddled with her long pink hair.
'Mr Kokuren is supposed to be accountable to the board members, but somehow, he turned it around. He's only second to me in terms of connections with the major shareholders, he has plenty of cards to play with.'
"Miss Airi, what is your opinion on the matter at hand? How should we go about the training of the agents?"
She looked at Mr Kokuren through her spectacles for a while before she spoke.
"I agree with what you said, that the two groups of agents should be trained differently and under different conditions to achieve different results, and pick the best. But we cannot fail to overlook the expenses incurred while doing that. I say we continue with the project, but take Mrs Charlotte and Mr Ezra's suggestions into consideration. We set a maximum budget, which, if exceeded, we cancel the most expensive phase of the training, the final stage."
"The other members nodded in agreement, apart from Mr Roswelt, who was silently grumbling in annoyance."
"Do the rest of you agree?" Mr Kokuren asked.
"Yes."
"Yes"
They all agreed.
"Then so be it. This meeting is over."