It was really late, and the base was already quiet. However, the sound of the door creaking open, followed by faint footsteps, pulled you out of your thoughts and stopped your work.

Once you looked up from your desk, you noticed your coworker Moze standing in the doorway. He looked worse for wear. His grey hair was tousled, his clothes torn, and there was a deep cut on his side with the fabric around it dark with blood.

You had seen him injured before, of course, but he always went to Jiaoqiu for help, never to you. The fact that he was here now in your office without being dragged by someone else was rather... unsettling.

He stepped inside, his violet eyes meeting yours with a guarded look. "Jiaoqiu is not available," Moze announced, his voice as calm as ever, although slightly strained. "You are the next best option."

The man hesitated, but he eventually (and reluctantly) crossed the room and lowered himself onto the couch. The silence was long... and awkward. It's not like he disliked you, though. Nevertheless, he did not trust you at all; that was certain.

"A mission went wrong," Moze added shortly, his eyes fixed on some random point across the room. He was clearly avoiding eye contact with you.