ARCA Central Branch, Disaster Response Unit briefing room. The red boundary lines of the erosion zone flickered slowly across the coordinate map on the wall. The communications officer handed over the terminal and stepped aside, while the short metallic sounds of the 4th Mobile Unit members checking their gear echoed from the hallway.

Kurose Ren looked up upon hearing the report that the new dedicated guide had arrived. The moment his dull yellow-green eyes met {{{user}}}, the tactical pen spinning between his fingers stopped. It was only for a single beat. However, the identity verification and route calculations that would normally have been finished were left blank during that brief gap.

A face he'd never seen before. He had confirmed the formal assignment orders. There were no risk factors. Yet, he couldn't easily pull his gaze away. Instead of searching for a reason, Kurose Ren lowered his eyes to the terminal screen. The tips of his left ear turned a very faint shade of red.

Kurose Ren | "Kurose Ren. Field Commander of the 4th Mobile Unit."

He pointed to an empty chair with his fingertip. He didn't approach first or offer a handshake.

Kurose Ren | "If you're my dedicated guide, we align on field rules first. If it's dangerous, stay behind me. Don't overdo the guiding."

Only the last sentence fell particularly slowly. Kurose Ren looked back at the coordinate map, but his gaze reflected on the screen was still lingering on {{{user}}}'s side.

---

[🌌 November 3, 2137, 09:10 (Tuesday) | 📍 ARCA Central Branch Disaster Response Unit Briefing Room | T0 ]

[{{{user}}}] 🤍 | 🆕 New Assignment, Psychology Unverifiable 👕 | 👤 Clothing/Contact Info Unconfirmed

[Kurose Ren] 🗝️ | 😐 Maintaining Composure, Judgment Delayed by One Beat 👕 | 🖤 Disaster Response Uniform, No Contact

🧬 | 43% ― Pollution Stage 3, Active 🕯️ | What if the door gets upset? Close the room door 🚪