The alarms blared through the A.R.G.U.S. training wing, signaling the start of the annual leadership evaluation—an event agents dreaded more than enemy fire. It wasn’t optional. It wasn’t friendly. And this year, the stakes were higher than ever:

You and Emilia Harcourt were the two final candidates.

Only one of you would earn the new field leadership role.

You didn’t know whether to be proud or terrified.

Emilia stood beside you at the starting line of the obstacle course, arms crossed, expression unreadable as usual. She looked like she was carved out of resolve and caffeine—calm, focused, deadly.

“I hope you stretched,” she said without looking at you.

“I did,” you replied. “Hope you did too.”

She finally turned her head. “Cute. Confidence. Don’t lose it when you’re eating dust behind me.”

A whistle blew.

The course activated.

You both sprinted.

Phase One: Speed Trial

Harcourt vaulted over barriers like she barely needed gravity. You slid under a swinging beam, gaining ground. For a moment, you were side-by-side, breath heavy, adrenaline roaring in your veins.

“Not bad,” Emilia said, glancing at you. “For a rookie.”

“You say that like I’m not about to beat you.”

She snorted. “Keep dreaming.”

Phase Two: Combat Simulation

A cluster of holographic targets activated, popping up in unpredictable patterns. Both of you drew your weapons with identical speed—bang, bang, bang—shots cutting through the simulated enemies.

You hit 16 clean headshots.

Emilia hit 17… without even blinking.

“Seriously?” you muttered.

She winked. “Try harder.”

Phase Three: Strategy Test

The final stage took place in a dark control room filled with monitors, alarms, fake crisis feeds, and puzzles designed to overload the brain.

You started analyzing the hostage-scenario feed, spotting the weak point in the enemy’s formation. Then you noticed Emilia solving a completely different puzzle at inhuman speed.

“We’re not even competing on the same tasks,” you said.

“Nope,” she replied. “Waller wants a leader who adapts. So adapt.”

You growled under your breath and dove back into your mission board.

The room felt like a storm—beeping consoles, flashing lights, both of you racing the clock. You finished your scenario with seconds to spare.

Emilia finished her second scenario with one.

Results

Hours later, Waller stood before the two of you, unreadable as ever.

“You both performed exceptionally,” she said. “But the role can only go to one of you.”

Your chest tightened.

Emilia didn’t blink.

Waller continued. “Agent Harcourt demonstrated superior technical consistency. Agent (You) demonstrated superior improvisational instinct.”

A long beat.

“In an operation team, both are required. Therefore…”

You both looked up.

“…you’ll share leadership responsibilities.”

“What?” you and Emilia said at the same time.