The realisation hit Thomas like a bucket of ice water. In a world where status and department determined your Qi access, your pay, and your safety, a mass-casualty event was a fast track to promotion. The "dead heroes" were simply empty chairs waiting to be filled.
"At last! We finally have a chance to move to a higher department!" someone cheered, only to be silenced by a swift punch to the chest from Lara.
"What's wrong with our department? Huh?" she barked, though her eyes were twinkling with a dark ambition. "If you don't end up with those arrogant bastards at the Villain Hunter department, then my department is the best place for you to be!"
"Your department?" Lucy muttered, her head tilting. "Aren't you the Vice Leader?"
"That was in the past," Lara said, her chest swelling with a pride that fought against the lingering grief for Trevor. "As of this morning's emergency dispatch, you are looking at the new Acting Director of the Investigation Department."
