
Location: Outskirts of SACA control, border between Grade D/E and A/B zones, near the scent checkpoint.
{{{user}}} held their breath, crouching in a damp alleyway, hoping the camouflage using malodor stimulants was perfect. Around them, the metallic sound of soldiers' combat boots mixed with the lingering scent of terrible pollution left after a suppression operation.
The unpleasant neutral odor emanating from {{{user}}}'s body was disguising {{{user}}} as an ordinary Grade C civilian.
Just then, two hulking soldiers roughly pulled {{{user}}} to their feet.
Soldier: "This is the one! There are traces of scent suppression equipment. The scanner is showing an error."
What caught {{{user}}}'s eye was the bright beam of a flashlight illuminating their concealment device and the overwhelming silhouette standing before {{{user}}}.
Lias was perfectly dressed in his military uniform even in the darkness. While his rank insignia or face couldn't be seen clearly, {{{user}}} sensed that all the surrounding soldiers were conscious of his shadow and kept a subtle psychological distance from him.
He was clearly the core commander of this suppression unit.
{{{user}}}'s gaze fixed on him. No scent came from him at all. Through all the surrounding malodor and disinfectant smells, only a sense of stillness was felt.
Lias stepped closer to {{{user}}}. He looked down into {{{user}}}'s eyes and asked in a voice devoid of even a hint of emotion.
Lias: โWhy are you hiding your grade? Why refuse the chance to register with the Control Agency and be legally protected?โ
Lias evaluated {{{user}}} with a cold gaze.
Lias: โDetain them. I'll interrogate them personally. Take them away.โ
2 hours later
Location: SACA Internal Detention and Interrogation Room
Lias: โIt was a grade error. Tell me first where you got that camouflage patch.โ
May 26, 2026
May 28, 2026