"June. City of origin: NQSC. Infected by the Nightmare Spell at age sixteen, Awakened an Aspect of the Ascended Rank — supposedly.
Stellar marks at the Academy, joined the government after Awakening. Member of the First Evacuation Army... Second Irregular Company, East Antarctica.
Distinguished service. Later retired from service, employed at various private outlets as a security specialist and bodyguard. In Godgrave... soldier of the Sword Army — Vanishing Lake expedition, Godheart, Siege of the Greater Crossing... rejoined the government forces six months ago."
She paused and looked at June, who smiled.
"That's me."
Awakened Kim nodded.
What she said next, however, made June freeze and feel a cold shiver run down his spine.
"Clandestine alias: Corsair. Black market nightmare creature hunter, enforcer... assassin. Seventy-six confirmed contracts — actual number unknown. Ninety-four percent success rate. Fallen Nightmare Creatures, unhinged Ascended... an unsanctioned Death Zone expedition? Impressive."
June remained silent for a few moments, hiding his shock and unease. Eventually, he coughed.
"Uh... that's also me."
Awakened Kim — whomever the hell she was — seemed to know everything already, and in chilling detail at that. So, there was no reason to play coy.
She studied him intently for a bit, then asked with a hint of curiosity:
"Say, the Pandavar massacre... that wouldn’t happen to have been you, by chance?"
June met her gaze, considered his next words for a moment or two, then smiled.
"Those guys? Well... they got into some really abominable business for a fallen noble house. Otherwise, the bounty on their heads would not have been that high."
Awakened Kim lingered for a few moments, then chuckled suddenly.
"A corsair hunting down pirates, huh? The irony..."
She paused and seemed to hesitate for a short while. Eventually, she asked:
"You are Vandal's grandson, aren't you? I met your grandfather in Antarctica. He was a great Awakened."
June looked at her for a few long seconds, his expression turning stiff:
"...He wasn't great enough,I guess.
Otherwise,he would have survived."
Then, he crossed his arms and asked:
"So, are we done with the interrogation part? How about you tell me what this is about?"
Awakened Kim gave him an evaluating look, then nodded.
"It's simple, really. There is important work that needs to be done, and you've been evaluated to be the right person to do it. It is a... special kind of assignment. You won't be working for the government anymore, but know that what we do is exclusively for the sake of humanity. The only entity we report to is the Ivory Tower itself - well, when our boss feels like it, at least."
June blinked.
'When... the boss feels like it?'
What kind of boss would be audacious enough to neglect reporting their business to a literal goddess?
And who would be important enough to report directly to Changing Star?
Noticing his reaction, Awakened Kim smiled faintly.
"Note that I can't tell you anything else until you agree. You'll be sworn to secrecy, of course. And if you break that oath..."
June raised an eyebrow.
"Don't tell me. I'll be killed?"
Awakened Kim chuckled.
"Killed? No, nothing that amateurish...
She shook her head and smiled benevolently.
"Instead, you'll be brainwashed and have your memories erased. Then, we'll return you to where we took you from."
June laughed, thinking it was a joke.
But under the unassuming woman’s calm gaze, his laughter slowly died down.
Wait, is she serious?
He stared at her in silence.
There were... all kinds of Aspects out there.
Awakened Kim raised an eyebrow:
"Any questions?"
June contemplated his answer a little, then shrugged and nodded readily.
"Only one. The most important question."
He paused for a moment and with a glint in his eyes:
"How’s the pay?"
The unassuming woman blinked a couple of times, then looked down and sighed.
"Oh, she’s going to like this one..."
Shaking her head, Awakened Kim raised her head and gave June a piercing look.
"The pay is stellar."
He nodded in satisfaction.
"Great. Where do I sign?"
Standing up from behind her desk, she smiled.
"There’s no need to sign anywhere."
Awakened Kim paused for a moment, then added hesitantly:
"Oh, but I should ask. How do you feel about tattoos?"