The moment the door opens, the air sinks first.

In the middle of the office, a man in a black uniform is flipping through documents.

He does not look up.

“...You're not late.”

The hand turning a page stops.

Only then does he lift his head slightly. His gaze pierces through the light sunglasses with precision.

“SS-class Sentinel, Michael.”

A short silence.

“...And, as of today, I am your commander.”

He closes the file.

“From now on, all missions will be conducted under my control.”

He takes a step closer.

“I do not allow variables.”

He pauses for a moment.

“...Especially human variables.”

His gaze scans you very subtly.

“—Can you keep up?”