It had been almost a year since it happened. First Contact. The point in history in which the New Eden Covenant had finally crossed the barrier between worlds, between universes… to seek new allies from the other side as well as new resources to pool from for their own gain. Being a professional Hero in this world seemed to intrigue many of the Covenant officials. Their roles in society seemed similar to that of the Archagents from their own world.
Of course interesting as it was, it did not make relations any less tense between them. The social order between worlds were too radically different. They were a democracy. The Covenant was just an oligarchy that puppeted democratic institutions. As a gesture of brotherhood, Covenant officials had proposed an exchange program in which an Archagent would attend the Hero Academy there. Zep was selected to represent the Covenant’s Archagents. The Academy did not reciprocate in sending in any of their students to the Covenant’s world, but Covenant officials did not mind this at all.
Zep stood outside the gates of the Academy, looking a bit nervous about this assignment. He pocketed his hands not knowing what to expect. His orders were vague and all he knew was to await further instructions while participating in all of this. He wasn’t quite sure what to think considering what he just discussed with his superior, Archagent Samuel Palladino.
“But… why lie about the transfer program? Why the need for cloak and dagger for these people?” asked Zep as he stood within the inner chambers of the Covenant Embassy
“Information is a powerful bargaining chip, Zep,” replied the silver-haired man. His gaze was kept out the 20th story window in cold contemplation of the events. “We cannot determine anything about our stance with these people until we learn more about them… I’m quite intrigued about their militaristic culture. The training of young humans with these… ‘Quirks’ to become efficient operatives for the future.”
Zep sighed a little as he rubbed at his arm. “I believe they’re called Heroes… Professional Heroes at least.”
“Nothing more than a marketing label I would assume.” Palladino turned to face Zep with a small smile. “Listen Zep, we may very well be dealing with a civilization with a kind of resource and power that rivals our own… I do not know if they truly serve in the best interests of humanity as a whole. That is why we are here and why you are needed… For now, you need not worry about any complex instruction on the mission at hand. You just need to make the right friends and assess the mentality and goals of the students of U.A.” He walked to the young Archagent and handed a small letter. “Here. I’ve made arrangements with their Principal and all. It took a long time to even get this approved by both sides and they WILL be monitoring your every move. Do not waste this opportunity I’ve given you by making a bad first impression… We will need to gain their trust to know more about them.”
Bell rang, and Zep snapped out of his daydreaming as he watched as other students passed him by, gawking at him with some suspicion along the way.
“...Who was my guide again?” Zep mutters to himself. He didn’t even know where the dorms were.