I’ll be the Red Ranger
Chapter 149 – The Findings

- Oliver -

"Speaking of which, how did you stop being a Nameless?" Oliver asked, genuine curiosity evident in his tone.

He knew that Nico had been working with the Dardanus for some time, but for them to announce him with the surname of the Great House, he would have had to be adopted.

Nico scratched his chin, a rare hint of embarrassment flickering across his usually confident demeanor. "Well... it's not really anything special," he began hesitantly.

Oliver raised an eyebrow. He'd never seen Nico so sheepish before. It was intriguing. "Come on, spill it. What's got you all flustered?"

Nico sighed, a slight grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I met someone—a girl. She's a Black Ranger."

"Really?" Oliver's surprise was genuine. While Nico was often rough around the edges, when he cleaned up or donned his uniform, he could easily pass for a NET star. Still, the notion of Nico in a serious relationship was unexpected.

"Yeah," Nico admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "Things are... progressing between us. Made me start thinking about the future, you know? At some point, I want to leave the frontline. It's good that I'm moving up." He gestured to the medal pinned proudly on his chest, its polished surface catching the subdued lights of the bar.

Oliver leaned back, folding his arms. "That's great news. But what's that got to do with joining a House?"

Nico took a swig of his drink before replying. "Well, I want to start a family someday. I don't want them to go through what I did, growing up Nameless. Not having a House can make things hard." He paused, his gaze distant for a moment. "Besides, the Dardanus have been wanting to adopt me for a while now. They figured it'd be better to bring me into the fold rather than risk another Great House snatching me up."

"A family... who would have thought?" Oliver teased lightly. "Nico settling down and starting a family."

"Hey!" Nico protested, though a smile played on his lips. "No need to act so shocked."

Oliver chuckled. "I'm happy for you, really. It's just... unexpected."

"Yeah, well, life throws curveballs sometimes," Nico admitted.

"But you couldn't have picked a better time," Oliver remarked, his tone turning more serious. "With the Children of the Past stirring up trouble, being a Nameless is going to become even more challenging."

Nico nodded thoughtfully. "No doubt about that. Those guys are nuts, and their leader even more so. The explosions didn't hurt me, but seeing someone who can teleport anyone within a ten-kilometer radius? That's downright terrifying."

"I heard about that," Oliver said, recalling the reports of the recent attacks. "Teleportation on that scale shouldn't be possible."

"Exactly," Nico agreed. "Makes you wonder what else they're hiding up their sleeves."

There was a moment of contemplative silence between them, the ambient hum of the bar fading into the background. Holographic news feeds played silently on screens overhead, flashing images of distant skirmishes and political debates.

"Ah! Speaking of which," Nico began, glancing at Oliver, "have you received any offers to be adopted? With your track record, I'd be surprised if the Great Houses aren't knocking down your door."

"Not yet," Oliver replied. He'd never really thought about it that way before, but after his first mission, he must have caught the attention of some of the Great Houses, who might want him to bolster their ranks.

"I've got it!" Nico exclaimed, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "You haven't accepted any offers because you're waiting for the Princess of York, right?" He waggled his eyebrows in an exaggerated manner, making his best impression of a teasing uncle. "That blonde girl who always gets you into trouble. Ah, romance—always such a risky endeavor."

"Go to hell, Nico," Oliver retorted, rolling his eyes. He delivered a playful punch to his friend's shoulder—perhaps with a bit more force than intended. The impact sent Nico's chair teetering backward, and with a loud crack, it broke beneath him as he tumbled to the floor.

"Whoa!" Oliver exclaimed, momentarily startled. He watched as Nico attempted to get up, but the alcohol coursing through his friend's system wasn't doing him any favors. Nico swayed slightly, a bewildered look on his face.

"Some punch you've got there," Nico commented, rubbing his shoulder as he found his footing. "You'd be a hit in the Trial Tower."

"I don't need to go there anymore," Oliver said, offering a hand to help him up.

"Maybe not, but you'd make some good money," Nico noted, accepting the assistance.

"Perhaps," Oliver conceded with a shrug.

They continued chatting for several more hours, the conversation flowing effortlessly from one topic to another. The dimly lit bar provided a cozy refuge from the world outside—a world growing more complex and uncertain by the day. Patrons came and went, the murmur of their conversations blending into a soothing backdrop.

Eventually, a soft chime emanated from Oliver's gauntlet. Glancing down, he saw a notification flashing.

Channels

- Exam1Group [4] [Private]

Exam1Group

[KathSaysHi]: Hey Oliver. John said he’s returning today.

[OliverKR]: Amazing. I’ll just finish some business on earth.

"Told you—you were waiting for her," Nico teased, peering over at the holographic display projected from Oliver's gauntlet.

Oliver shot him a withering look, eyes narrowed as if he could shoot lasers. Nico burst into laughter, unable to contain his amusement. He laughed so hard that tears welled up in his eyes, which he wiped away with the back of his hand.

"You're impossible," Oliver muttered, though a hint of a smile played at the corners of his mouth.

As they prepared to part ways, Nico placed a firm hand on Oliver's shoulder, his expression turning uncharacteristically serious. "Hey, no matter what anyone says, if your mission is classified, it means there's a high chance of failure or... worse," Nico said earnestly. "Be careful out there."

"Thanks," Oliver replied, appreciating the genuine concern in his friend's voice.

They exchanged a brief, heartfelt nod before heading in opposite directions.

Returning to his hotel, Oliver swiftly gathered his belongings and made his way to the Teleportation Hub. The facility was a marvel of modern engineering—a nexus point linking worlds through shimmering portals of light. After a brief verification process, he stepped into the cylindrical chamber. In a flash of energy, the familiar surroundings dissolved, replaced instantaneously by the bustling environs of York, the capital city on Mars.

The Martian sky stretched overhead, a deep amber hue as the sun dipped toward the horizon. Although Oliver had only been to the planet once before, the city's layout remained etched in his memory. Sleek towers pierced the sky, connected by aerial walkways and coursing with streams of hover traffic. He set off toward the towering spire of the Great House of York, navigating the streets with practiced ease.

‘Let's see if my gauntlet still grants me access,’ he mused as he approached the imposing structure. The building stood as a testament to both engineering prowess and the prestige of House York—its exterior crafted from native Martian stone interwoven with gleaming alloys, creating a striking contrast of earthy reds and shimmering metals.

The lobby was magnificent, featuring soaring ceilings that stretched upward in a display of opulence. The floor was an intricate mosaic of sandstone hues and deep crimson, echoing the Martian landscape. Along the grand entrance, guards clad in the distinguished uniforms of House York stood vigilant, their eyes tracking every individual who passed through the arched doorways.

As Oliver neared the elevators, a holographic interface materialized before him, projected from discreet emitters embedded in the polished walls. Sensors scanned his gauntlet, and a virtual panel displayed the floors to which he had access.

Nearly all the floor indicators glowed in response. ‘Hmm... I think the office was on that floor,’ Oliver thought while pressing one of the buttons.

Channels

- Exam1Group [4] [Private]

Exam1Group

[OliverKR]: Just got to the office floor.

[KathSaysHi]: We’re in room 11.

Oliver stepped out of the elevator, his gaze focused as he navigated the tower's labyrinthine corridors. The sleek walls of glass and steel reflected the ambient glow of the artificial lighting, casting a futuristic sheen over everything. He didn't take long to locate the correct room among the countless identical doors lining the passageways.

He paused briefly before the entrance, then, with a subtle exhale, opened the door. The muffled conversation sounds spilled into the corridor, growing clearer as he stepped inside. The room was spacious, illuminated by holographic displays, and filled with familiar faces. As he crossed the threshold, the occupants rose from their seats to greet him.

"Oliver!" called a voice full of enthusiasm.

He immediately spotted a girl with long, partially curly brown hair that cascaded over her shoulders. Her face had a slightly flushed hue, perhaps sun-kissed from recent training sessions. She wore a lighter variant of the NEA uniform, but both arms were adorned with partially activated yellow armor, glowing softly with embedded Energy lines.

Isabella looked taller and more athletic than the last time he'd seen her. Before he could react, she closed the distance between them and enveloped him in a tight hug.

"It's so good to see you," she said warmly.

Caught off guard, Oliver hesitated for a moment before returning the embrace. "Good to see you too, Isabella," he replied with a genuine smile.

As she released him, Isabella stepped aside to allow the others to greet their friend. Standing just behind her was Alan. The two young men locked eyes, and it took Oliver a few seconds to recognize him fully. Alan was no longer the thin, frail boy from the Academy. He had gained muscle mass, his frame filled out from rigorous training. However, there was a subtle tiredness around his eyes, and the faint beginnings of a beard shadowed his jawline. His hair remained slightly unkempt, a familiar trademark.

But the most striking difference was when Alan took a step forward—the distinct metallic clang echoing in the room. It was impossible not to notice the prosthetic legs, sleek and advanced, replacing his natural limbs.

Oliver's eyes widened slightly, revealing a mixture of concern and empathy. "Alan..."

Alan offered a small, wry smile, his cheeks tinged with a hint of embarrassment. "It was the price of not staying in a coma," he commented lightly, attempting to downplay the gravity of his statement.

No further explanation was needed; the unspoken understanding passed between them. Oliver reached out and pulled his friend into a firm hug. "It's really good to have you back," he said sincerely.

"It's good to be back," Alan replied, patting Oliver on the back before they parted.

As Alan stepped aside, Oliver's attention turned to the last person awaiting his greeting. Katherine stood with a poised demeanor, her long hair tied back in a sleek ponytail that accentuated her features. She seemed both strong and graceful, exuding an aura of quiet confidence. Her red armor covered part of her legs, gleaming subtly under the room's light, while the rest of her attire consisted of a tailored uniform bearing the insignia of Great House York.

A radiant smile lit up her face as she looked at him. For a brief moment, Oliver felt a flutter of uncertainty. Approaching her, he wasn't sure whether to extend a handshake or embrace her. Having already hugged his other friends, it seemed only natural to do the same.

He moved closer, and they shared a warm hug. As they held each other, Oliver's enhanced senses picked up nuances he hadn't noticed before—the gentle warmth of her touch, the subtle scent of lavender emanating from her hair. Details that once escaped his notice now stood out vividly, a byproduct of his improved perception.

Releasing her, Oliver found himself momentarily self-conscious, wondering if a flush had risen to his cheeks. He decided to push the thought aside.

"Katherine," he greeted with a nod.

"Oliver," she replied softly.

Breaking the brief silence, Katherine gestured towards the far end of the room. "John is waiting for us in the inner chamber," she informed them. "Shall we?"

The group moved deeper into the suite, following ornate hallways adorned with historical artifacts and digital tapestries depicting the legacy of House York. The air was filled with a faint hum of advanced technology seamlessly integrated with traditional architecture.

Entering the conference room, they found John seated at the head of a large table crafted from polished ebony, its surface embedded with interactive holographic interfaces. Streams of data and schematics floated above the table, casting a soft glow.

John looked up from the holograms as they approached, his expression brightening. He was a tall man with sharp features and eyes that carried a spark of intelligence and authority.

"Katherine mentioned you had something important to discuss," John said, rising to greet Oliver. There was a hint of anticipation in his voice, as though he expected significant news.

Oliver took a steadying breath, his mind focused on the gravity of what he was about to reveal. "I've obtained information about the Sovereigns."