Chapter 30: Shadows and Whispers...

Aiko had spent the past week navigating the labyrinthine corridors of the base, her stealth skills honed to perfection. She moved like a ghost, slipping past guards and evading surveillance cameras with an ease born of long practice. Her mission was simple: gather intel on everyone in the base without getting caught.

Her nightly routine began in Mousa's office was always her first stop. Tonight, she crouched behind a ventilation shaft near his door, straining to catch his conversation.

"We need to secure the perimeter before dawn," Kazuya's deep voice echoed through the vent. "No mistakes this time."

She absorbed every word, noting the urgency in his tone. Satisfied, she moved on, careful to leave no trace of her presence.

From there, she made her way to the gym, where Shotq was usually training. She slipped into the shadows, watching him lift weights with ease. His muttered words punctuated the rhythm of his workout.

Aiko looked at him with interest. "This one is an outcast, I wonder what his ability is?"

Aiko watched him for a while before leaving.

Finally, she approached Jun's quarters. Jun had been acting unusually reserved lately, and Aiko was determined to find out why. As she neared the room, she noticed the door was slightly ajar, revealing an empty room. Confusion flickered in her eyes—Jun was always here at this hour.

Just as Aiko turned to leave, a voice from behind made her freeze.

"What are you doing here, Aiko?"

She spun around, her heart pounding. Jun stood there, her expression unreadable. Aiko's mind raced, scrambling for an excuse.

"I... I was looking for you," she stammered, trying to keep her voice steady.

Jun's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze were stern. "Is that so? What's the problem then?"

Aiko swallowed hard, forcing a nervous smile. "No, it's nothing important. I just wanted to know how were you doing that's all. It's been a while since I saw you

Jun's expression soften "I'm doing good, thanks."

Aiko smiled "No problem, I'll be going now."

Jun nodded, her demeanor casual, but Aiko could sense the shift in her. As she walked away, her mind raced. She knew she had to be more careful.

Once Aiko disappeared down the hall, Jun's casual facade melted away, replaced by a contemplative frown. She had noticed Aiko's unusual behavior over the past week, and this encounter only deepened her suspicions. Jun resolved to keep a closer eye on Aiko, determined to uncover what she was up to.