The room we entered didn't look as I expected it to. Instead of, like, a barracks for soldiers or a place filled with tech and guns, what I saw was...
"A lounge?"
The space was wide, with various recreational facilities installed here and there. A wall-sized TV, installed with various gaming systems and consoles. A soft-looking, ergonomic sofa set, with an expensive-looking clear-glass table in the center. A simple gym setup by one corner. A cocktail corner with a robot manning it. And finally, a pool table near the edge.
CLACK!
Just then, the skinny, tall, eyeglass-wearing, black-haired man struck the cue ball. It sped through the table, bouncing thrice on edges, before hitting the eight ball... and pushing it into the side pocket.
"DAMN! How do you keep winning all the time, Neun! You're not cheating against me, are you?!"
His opponent, a lively-looking blonde man, about three-fourths the height of the other, scratched his head in frustration. He looked disappointed but still strode forward, passing a few scraps of paper to the black-haired man.
"Fuck this shit... I'm already running close to bankruptcy this month thanks to you..." He sighed.
The man, however, refused to accept it and showed a shy smile—but didn't utter a single word. Despite his large size, he acted so timid and reserved.
"Huh? Are you sure you don't want it? You won it fair and square."
The man shook his head, his pale white eyes showing pity towards the blonde one.
Seeing this show of compassion, the blonde curled his lips, as if feeling pain. "Ugh... My heart... I feel like the bad guy trying to squeeze money from you through bets...!"
"Alex, do you still have a conscience? That's news..."
Only then did Koori interject, bringing the two of us into focus.
"Huh? Oh, Captain! You're finally back~!" The blonde turned his head and smiled before running toward Koori like a dog missing its owner. "You're just in time~! I actually found a new investment opportunity just for you, so how about lending me some money for—"
"Another one of your scams? Keep dreaming. You won't get a single penny from me."
"Hey! I never scammed anyone...! Just that those investments failed and all, but that's not my fault!"
"Yeah, yeah." Koori waved her hands dismissively before turning a glance toward me. "Rather than that, this one's our new team member. Three-Two-Three, introduce yourself."
"Uh, me?"
The switch in topic was so fast I was taken by surprise but quickly straightened up. "I'm Neil... Just Neil for now. Number 323 of the Batch Zero. It's a pleasure meeting you." I said half-reflexively.
"Oh! Nice one, a new member!" The blonde man smiled, patting my shoulders powerfully. "I'm Alex Peterson, Number 16! Pleasure's mine, buddy!"
And then, he leaned closer, whispering in my ears. "And if you want to invest in something, tell me. I'll double your money in just one week, tax-free!"
Koori, however, seemingly knew what Alex whispered and warned.
"Don't listen to him; none of his investments ever worked."
"Telling people what to do or not to do isn't nice, Koori! Let my buddy decide for himself!" Alex countered, the smile still pasted on his lips now looking as fake as can be in my eyes.
"Shut up and finish your introduction first."
Koori said as she glared. Alex's shoulders jumped, and he quickly took a few steps back, raising both hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. Relax... Chill..."
"..."
Is Koori really respected by everyone? Or is she simply feared? I can't tell...
"Anyway, I'm an all-rounder just like the captain. I have a speed-focused Limiter blessing, Empath, Psychometry, and Pyrokinesis." He added quickly, before extending a hand forward, finger pointing upward, spelling his name "Alex" using his four fingers—with flames.
"Woah..."
I couldn't help but groan seeing such a mystical scene… Which felt familiar for some reason.
Although I did see Koori use water and ice beforehand, that doesn't really break the novelty of seeing other abilities. But before I could even say another word—
[Warning! Open flames detected in Lounge-01A. Deploying fire extinguishers, type-ABC.]
"Huh?! Oh, Wai—!"
The announcement was loud and could be heard by everyone. But just as Alex was protesting, the ceiling opened up and shot a powerful, pressurized blast of white powder, turning him into some sort of pure-white sculpture.
Koori, seeing this, simply shrugged her shoulders, sighing. "You never learn, do you?" Her words were as if this wasn't the first time it had happened.
"Anyway, that slender giant over there is Neun Lavovich, Number 9. His abilities are strength-focused Limiter, Clairvoyance, and Psychokinesis—an all-rounder."
I turned to where she was pointing her thumb and saw the tall person Alex was playing against earlier. He was standing still with his feet together, waving his right hand in small arcs.
"He's the silent type, so don't feel bothered by his lack of response." Koori continued. "And performance-wise, he's loads better than this idiot over here."
"..."
Well, seeing one buried in white powder and one looking over worriedly, it was easy to tell which one's a better operator. Just as I was nodding along, it was then Koori's turn to introduce herself properly.
"And as for me, I'm Kumamoto Koori, Number Zero. The captain of this four—now five—man squad. My abilities are Hydrokinesis, Clairaudience, and being an Empath."
"Brrrr!" Just then, Alex shook off the powder covering him, and added in.
"There's also Ophelia, but she's still in the reflection room right now. You should be able to see her tomorrow morning, at the earliest."
"Right, Alex. You should rein in your wife a bit more."
"Yeah, I know. I'll tell her—Bhuh?! Wait, when did we become married?!"
"Ask her, and she'll tell you."
"Hey, wait—! Cap! Please elaborate! I'm getting nervous over here!"
Koori walked away, heading further into the lounge, with Alex chasing behind her, pestering for more details. I was left behind, knowing nothing about what I should do next... really...
Pat.
A gentle hand landed on my shoulders, making me look over to see the almost two-meter-tall Neun smiling shyly at me. He then lifted the pool stick, as if inviting me for a game.
"... Alright, I guess?"
I've got nothing to do anyway, so a game or two wouldn't hurt, right...?