We finally made it back to the compound but something was a bit off. The place felt a bit too quiet as we approached the landing area. No one was around to welcome us back when the vehicle landed either. No response from mission control or even a signal from Nex. Olley landed the ship down slowly to make sure nobody would think it's an attack. However, we didn't want to leave just yet. Something was clearly wrong. I clutched the recording in my hand thinking they might have found us out. Placing it in my pockets for sake keeping, we jumped out leaving the vehicle still running. The compound was completely silent. All I could hear was the Hunt airship's hover tech sounding all over the place. We moved over towards where the people usually were but there was no one that we knew. Citizens were going about their days trying to clean up the compound like normal. But still no sign of Nex or the other members of the Vanta team. Olley kept her hands at her shock sticks holsters while I kept scanning the area. I was a bit too nervous for this which was the opposite of what I should have been. It would just give it away if I looked around like a nervous wreck. I have never thought in a million cycles that I would have to find a traitor within our midst. The tension was already building within me to find Nex or anyone that I could trust. Are there anyone in the Vanta team that I trust? Could I even trust Nitra? She's my teammate but there's nothing that could stop her from betraying the Platform. None of these people have an open vendetta against the Platform. Even Terra was the same. Right as we were about to extend our search. One of the Vanta team members came out of the office. It was Siren. She walked over towards us with a blank expression. Her eyes were completely sharp and it bothered Olley as well. Even the way she walked was like something a golem would express. Her posture was completely perfect. She gave me the image of a perfect soldier. Something about her just made me feel anxious. Olley started to slowly tip toe behind me as she was within range of us.

Siren: Your arrival is earlier than expected. The team was certain that your return would take much longer.

Arc: What's that supposed to mean?

Siren: It means you're earlier than expected.

Olley: Fair enough…

Arc: Where's Nex and the others. I need to talk to them. I think it's quite important that they know about this.

Siren: They went to explore another potential sighting of where the next laboratory could be.

Arc: Do you know where they went? I have some valuable information that I want to relay back to Nex.

Siren: If you have any mission clues then give it to me. We need to have all the information on the traitor and her collaborators.

Arc: Why should I give anything to you? I said that I would give it Nex not you.

Olley: Aren't we supposed to cool it or something? You're completely losing right now.

Siren: This class is now under our divisions prerogative. You're not within your jurisdiction anymore. In my judgment, your mission has already been accomplished. This has nothing to do with the suicide squad. Anything that would relate to giving us any information to find the traitor belongs to us. Unless you of course wish to refuse then we will have to take action and brand you a traitor as well.

Olley: Woah! Hey! Calm down you two. We just want the others to be here. No offense but we don't know a thing about you. So just take it down a notch.

Siren: Does this local speak for you Arc?

Olley: Hey! Offensive! I think. Is that supposed to be offensive? Though she is looking at me like I'm some sort of garbage, Arc!

Arc: Well to be fair, she's looking at me with the same expression. I think we're on the same boat.

Siren: Adamians have no reason to speak to locals. I'm only tolerating this behavior because of my respect for the suicide squad. You have helped dozens of Adamians with your service. But to see your closeness is a bit disturbing.

Arc: She's the one that found you guys. I don't think that's something you should say. She's helped me out the most when I arrived too.

Siren: I don't care. You shouldn't have socialized with these things anyway. You're just going to leave them when the class ends anyway.

Olley: What's your problem with me! I don't think I've said anything or done anything to you. If you got one on me then say it. Don't drag Arc into this.

Siren: …

Olley: Jeez! You're such an elitist. Tell her, Arc. She's being super mean!

Arc: Well I used to be like that too and you seemed to get over it. Just ignore it for now. We just need to get through this.

Olley: You weren't like that at all y'know. This one is just a giant wet rag. You were more like some softy with a hard exterior. You clearly had something called a heart.

Siren: I can hear you y'know.

Olley: Could it be her? It has to be! Come on.

Arc: Shh! Don't say that out loud okay. We just had that conversation a moment ago. Don't say anything!

Olley: But she's so… Damn it! Okay! I'll do it but I won't like it!

Arc: Good, now let me handle the rest.

Siren: I'm still here. I can hear both of you.

Arc: Yes, we know. I'm sorry about that. But we'll get back to you on it. For now, we're going to go inside.

Siren: No.

Arc: What do you mean no? We're going to go find the rest of our team. They'll want to hear what we found out.

Siren: Tell me first. What did you find in that airship? As the only standing Adamian within the facility, you're under my supervision. I'm ordering you to give me your report soldier.

Arc: You're not the team leader of the suicide squad. You're not even the team leader of the Vanta team. Why should I tell you a damn thing?!

Siren: And who is your acting chain of command then? I'll be sure to give in a good word to them about your insubordination!

Arc: Me, of course. And I'm looking for my second in command. You're in the way! I'm not part of the Vanta squad so step off.

Siren: No. Stand down. I know your powers are still missing. That means you're just a vile. Now stand down and give me what it is that you know. I have the permit to use force.

Arc: I'm not a vile, so choose your next couple of sentences carefully. I'm still as Adamian as you. I have my abilities and I'm not afraid to toss them against another. I've battled with Terra, I'm not afraid of anyone. And last I heard, Vanta is just a one trick.

Siren: You little! I'll have you!

Siv: STOP! Alright! What the hell is with this fighting?! You all woke me up from my precious healing time. Siren, what the hell are you doing?! Get back on watch. I'll handle this shit. Geez! Y'all are so fucking loud.

Siren was already about to remove her mask from her mouth but Siv was coming down from the compound doors stopped her. Extremely annoyed, he started breaking his remaining casts and walked to us. Well that was certainly some kind of a weird show. Never thought I'd just see someone casually break their casts. Seemed like he finally got his rest. Siv looked good as new with those legs but his face remained annoyed. Siren was as cold as ever, though she had darted her eyes elsewhere to avoid us. Nothing about her felt right sometimes. I can't tell if she's just so uptight because she's an Adamian or if she's kind of an airhead. An extremely powerful airhead. It feels like she's just some kind of drone forced to be here. Olley took her hand off her holster then sighed a breath of relief. How was she not scared of Siv but Siren? I tapped her shoulder signaling it was going to be fine. Olley took a breath of relief from the whole experience. I guess everyone was just having some kind of bad day because this tension was good for anyone.

Siren: They have information on the whereabouts and are withdrawing it from us. They should be punished with insubordination.

Siv: Is that true? Cause of it then we actually have to take you two into custody. Or no, we can just wait for the others to come back and discuss it. What are you doing Siren? Knock off the attitude already. Everyone is feeling tired, we got our asses handed to us. Now you're causing some kind of commotion. Just chill, alright? Good.

Siren: I'll drop it for now.

Siren walked off into the compound. It didn't take a genius to know that she was definitely annoyed by that. Siv was still annoyed. That was a bit of a good way to unwind but we still needed to start moving. However, Siv still looked at us with the face that said he wanted an explanation for whatever happened.

Siv: So? What did she do this time? Did she piss any of you off? Or was just a giant stick in the mud being all proper and prim?

Olley: How about all of the above. She basically did everything that would push my buttons. What's her deal anyway?

Siv: Uh. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to say this…

Arc: Just say it. It's not like we're friends or anyway. I'd prefer to know more about my colleagues than actual friends.

Siv: Well her family is from the posher side of the Platform. She doesn't have much communications besides her servants and all that wealthy lifestyle crap. honestly it's a surprise she even wanted to join a class. With that kind of life, if only.

Arc: What's that supposed to mean?

Siv: I mean… Oh wait. You guys don't often stay in the Platform. No wonder! Well her family belongs to a long line of rich folk. Close to what y'all call monarchs or aristocrats. They seem to call up some influence to what the Council of Five decides. So they get to live a lot more comfortable than most.

Arc: Why haven't I even heard of this stuff? This sounds like common knowledge to you.

Siv: That's cause you're not Vanta. To them, we're their hounds. We do the dirty work like assassinating for the benefit of our council. But don't say that out loud. It was mostly a joke anyway.

Olley: That doesn't give her the authority to be such a hard ass!

Siv: She does. If she wanted to, she would've killed you instantly. If it weren't for Arc being here, she would've done as she pleased. We're not here for games kid. Siren is one of those military girls too. She's no joke to be around with.

Arc: So what about you? What's your deal? There has to be something with you. Everyone of you seems pretty unique.

Siv: Listen, don't take anything she says to heart okay? She's just not the type to break the rules. Even more so her personal rules. I'm just so dude that wants to get some killing. Mostly the bad dudes of course.

Arc: Roger that then.

Siv: So? What's up? You two found something?

Arc: Yeah, but we need to get to Nex. Only he can help us on our next move. What we know is pretty private. Best we don't talk about it.

Siv: Well fuck, he stepped out with Volv. They spotted some evidence that might help out in our investigation. Gotta track down those rouges.

Arc: We're not going to say anything until we see him.

Siv: Alright, I never said I needed to know. I just want to know one thing and that's who to kill.

I tapped Olley's shoulder then proceeded to head past the two. Siren's eyes were still stabbing daggers at us from where she stood. The place was definitely a lot scarier knowing that there is a mole in the team. But who could it be!? It's either of the Vanta team. If only there was something that would give a better hint. We headed up the office of the building. The place looked completely garbage again for some reason. There were too many papers everywhere along with the many plans on the floor. It seemed like a small fight broke out but I'm not sure if it was just some kind of mess that no one cleaned up. But that's not important right now! Olley took a seat right on the tables while I circled around to think.

Olley: What do we do? We don't have an inkling of an idea. For all we know, all of them could part this weird stuff.

Arc: We can't do anything. Not until we find Nex. Nex is the only one that can take us to Talos. It's too dangerous for just the two of us.

Olley: Why can't we just go to Talos ourselves? Is it close or something? Sounds pretty close.

Arc: You can't just enter Talos. The air is too polluted with Foxphite and other chemicals from their mass production line. Unless you have filtration magic or a ton of clean gas then we aren't going to get close to where we want to be.

Olley was scared out of her mind. My stomach was in pain from just that conversation with Siren alone. I couldn't put a finger on any of those two because they're far too professional. They know what they're here for and they play it well. Before I knew it, I could see Olley shaking nervously. She held her hands scared. I walked over to pat her shoulder. Even then, I felt a bit awkward touching her without a good reason. We were way in over in our heads right now. The only thing we can actually do right now was just to wait it out. Her face said it all.

Olley: I don't feel comfortable here at all Arc. I'm scared. I don't trust any of them. It doesn't help that they can kill me anytime they want...

Arc: You don't need to trust them Olley. Don't trust anyone.

Olley: Huh?

Arc: You just need to trust in me.

Olley: Trust in you?

Arc: I'll be here to protect you. I'll make sure of that.

Olley: And that's a promise?

Arc: I promise. We'll get through this. Just calm down for a bit until they're back.

Olley: What are you going to do until they arrive?

Arc: I want to probe them a bit. You don't seem fit enough to stand in the same area as them. And personally, I don't think they'll want you around either. I'm not sure how things are in the Platform anymore. Most of the time we're always away so I'm as clueless as you about the things they're saying. The only times we're there are the times when we need to complete our classes and find a new one. Those never last very long.

Olley: Alright then… I'll be here.

Olley hugged me tightly then let go without giving me a chance to reciprocate. Though I shouldn't even be thinking about reciprocating anything! I brushed off my flushed face and walked out of here. The first one I wanted to investigate was Siren, she's definitely someone that would know something about the plans. I walked over to the entrance of the compound where she would be guarding. The heat of the planet was starting to rise up now, it was a bit too bright for my taste now. Despite the intense glare of the sky, this was still early morning. The place was only going to get hotter from here. Siren was standing by a junk pile of material while looking towards the broken streets of Hyer. Her eyes glued on the destruction that happened just cycles ago. I shuffled on to her side, didn't want to make any sudden movements on someone like her. Though she must've heard me because she turned to face me. Her eyes were as deadly as they come. I didn't even do anything wrong and yet I've already been charged guilty in her eyes.

Siren: Speak.

Arc: Straight into business huh.

Siren: Speak.

Arc: Alright then, where did the others go?

Siren: An mutant was moving away from a specific location. That location is where they are.

Arc: Do you have an idea where that maybe?

Siren: Negative.

Arc: Oh okay…

Siren looked back to where the broken wall was as if nothing awkward had just happened. This woman was like an unbreakable wall. That was probably the dullest conversation I've had and I talked to a Tormecko. I didn't have anything else to say which was the one thing that I needed to do. I needed to find something out if they're the moles or not. Except, I couldn't bring myself to say anything. Eventually she turned back to me with an even sharper look. A small chill went up my spine.

Siren: Why are you still here?

Arc: Is it wrong to just stay with a fellow human?

Siren: Suspicious.

Arc: Huh? Suspicious how?

Siren: Did Siv put you up to this? Is he somewhere close where he's going to do something unspeakable? If so then leave now and know that you've failed.

Arc: What! No! I came here out of my own volition. I wanted to talk to you about something.

Siren: Converse with me?

Arc: Yes, with you. Siren.

Siren: …

Arc: Siren?

Siren: … I don't know how to talk about anything but the class at hand…

Arc: What do you mean you don't know how to talk?

Siren: I… don't know what to talk about in these kinds of situations…

She's pretty direct for someone just turning shy. Her eyes were still completely the same yet she said something completely cute. Wait! She could potentially be one of the people that have a connection with the enemy! She's also devoutly loyal to the Platform. Whatever I say could affect the future of our squad. Anyone in Vanta has sworn to secure every information on the Platform. I've even heard that everyone in Vanta has to take a much more in depth oath of secrecy.

Arc: I just wanted to talk about what it's like back up in the Platform. I haven't been there long enough to know what's actually up there.

Siren: It's… the same as usual.

Arc: What is the same as usual?

Siren: I don't know…

Arc: Uh… Okay then. What about if there are any organizations up in the Platform? I'm sure the citizens up there still need something to do.

Siren: I'm not sure. There are certainly some groups and parties in the political sector of the Platform but for the latter is something I am not aware of.

Arc: Then what do you remember up there?

Siren: My house.

Arc: Have you never left the confines of your house?

Siren: Yes. What else is there to do outside my property. Everything I need is right on my doorstep.

Arc: Then what do you do for fun up there.

Siren: Wait until the next mission to be given.

Arc: So you don't do anything?

Siren: Yes.

Arc: But isn't that a bit boring.

Siren: Yes.

Arc: Then wouldn't you want to do something about that? Like exploring something outside your house or even heard something outside the Platform. Maybe even something about the council.

Siren: The council? They're just a bunch of incompetent humans.

Arc: Do you dislike the council?

Siren: Yes.

Arc: Why?

Siren: They're the reason for the system. They have the power to change things yet they're the same.

Arc: You mean the Platform's reform?

Siren: Yes. Magic born like us are forced into the Academy. My brothers and sisters live a different life from me.

Arc: Does it bother you?

Siren: I don't know.

Arc: Why don't you know?

Siren: They say it is a great honor to represent the Platform and it's glory once we leave to fight. I should be happy about it. However, I do not feel pleased nor have any negative feelings.

Arc: That's a bit sad. You should have your own opinion about things especially how you feel.

Siren: My feelings don't matter. My body belongs to the Platform and the Platform alone. Whatever it is you're trying to probe me about you should say now. I have no intention of holding back what it is in my head. I'm getting tired of these turn arounds.

Arc: Fine. Have you heard of anything about Eden?

Siren: Eden? Yes I have.

Arc: I need to know what it means. It could help us in our investigation about what the hell is going on right now.

Siren: But Eden? It is strange that you wish to know something so ancient. Eden was the first planet that us humans inhabited. Though of course it is more of a myth than actual facts.

Arc: That doesn't make any sense. I heard that there are people in search of Eden.

Siren: Whatever they have spoken is a false dream. There is nothing concrete liking towards the existence of the first planet Eden.

Arc: Then humor me for a bit. Why would anyone want to find Eden in the first place?

Siren: Magic.

Arc: Magic?

Siren: Ancient magic to be specific. I have read logs from the Platform of such a thing. Ancient magic was magic that rivaled any XK class magician. It was theorized that ancient magic held only one purpose.

Arc: Only one purpose!? For something sounding so great, it only has one power? It better something great.

Siren: It's the power that the creators had. The power to create life itself. Reshape the countless planets, universes, and realities in your own image. Nothing in existence has ever rivaled it besides death.

Arc: Only a creator has that power and they went extinct ages ago. At least, from what the logs say.

Siren: Then you have not read all of the logs.

Arc: That's impossible. I've gone to the Academy's library. I've read every single book out there to the origin of magic. "Adam's steps", "The first particle", and the whole volumes of "Magic's Legacy".

Siren: You read the logs that were published by the Platform. There are logs that were hidden.

Arc: How?

Siren: The Platform has a lot more secrets to hide, even more in an aristocrats home it's best not to speak. You don't know who else could be listening.

Arc: There's one more.

Siren: Yes, there's one more.

Arc: Then why hasn't the Platform hunted it down?

Siren: Because -

Siv: That's enough Siv! Stop giving this kid some strange ideas. She's just telling you a bunch of junk Arc. All this fantasy stuff. We all know the truth.

Siren: So be it.

Siv: If you got more questions about the Platform, ask it from me. Siren got no clue what the hell is going on because she stuffs herself in her room staring at nothing.

Siren: Shut your mouth Siv.

Siv: Yikes, didn't mean to strike a nerve there. You can go now. It's my shift now.

I didn't expect that Sic would appear out of nowhere. This guy has been a pain ever since I've met him. His face however told me everything. Siv annoyingly sent Siren off to wherever. The cold girl didn't give out any reaction and just left. Now it was just me with Siv this time. He sat by the junk pile.

Siv: So… what's with the curiosity? You didn't seem interested in the Platform. Then again I don't know a damn thing about you. But you talking about stuff with Siren bothers me.

Arc: I was just curious what kind of person Siren was. I thought we stumbled on the wrong foot or something. I wouldn't want a fellow human to hate each other.

Siv: No, you don't talk about stuff like that with her. She's an oddball.

Arc: She seemed completely fine.

Siv: Y'know what. I'm just going to say it!

Arc: What?

Siv: Are you the mole?