Klaus Weber was a man with a multitude of skills under his belt. He had originally served in the navy, a veteran who lived through the 2122 data crash that devastated Germany's economic state.

During that crisis, Klaus fought on the front lines of digital and infrastructure defense, though the event cost him an arm and a leg. He retired afterward due to the injuries forcing him out of active service.

Even then, his career didn't end. When the Directorate took notice of his exceptional counter-espionage abilities, they reached out. Klaus answered the call and joined their ranks, receiving cybernetic prosthetic surgery to replace his missing limbs

"Starting today, I'll be taking over management."

Now, that very same Klaus was working inside a corporate environment. When Julius first presented his plan, Klaus thought it was absurd.

What did Julius take him for? Still, after listening carefully and weighing the risks and benefits, the plan revealed itself as risky but potentially rewarding on an exceptional scale.

In other words, just as Julius infiltrated an elementary school, Klaus infiltrated a corporation.

"I'm Alexander Heitmann. You will refer to me as Director Heitmann."

The same company where Lukas's wife, Gisela Meinhardt, worked.

The staff exchanged confused looks. The sudden change in leadership hadn't been announced, and most of them had no idea who this man was.

"I'll be reviewing departmental reports over the next few days," Klaus continued. "If I call for you, you will come. If I request documents, you will provide them. Simple enough, yes?"

Shortly after, the meeting was dismissed. The employees filed out, whispering among themselves. Some speculated he had been sent by the board. Others feared a restructuring. A few simply didn't care.

Once alone in the room, Klaus sat down and pulled a small device from his pocket. The screen displayed a live status window. Julius's signal flashed, showing he was active inside the school.

Somewhere on the same floor, in a quiet cubicle space, Gisela Meinhardt was reviewing documents. She hadn't yet heard about the change in management.

A few minutes later, Klaus stopped beside her desk. Gisela looked up, startled by the unfamiliar face.

"Yes? Can I help you?" she asked politely.

Klaus looked her over. "You are Gisela Meinhardt."

It wasn't phrased as a question.

Gisela's brows raised. "That's… correct. May I assist you?"

Klaus set a stack of papers on her desk. "Explain this."

Gisela blinked, confused. She skimmed the first page. They were project reports. Her division's reports.

"I'm sorry, who are you?" she asked.

Klaus ignored the question. "These reports are incomplete. Several metrics are missing. And a number of entries were not cross-checked before submission."

"That… can't be right. I made sure every report passed review."

"Did you?" Klaus asked "Then why am I holding this mess?"

Her grip tightened on the paper. She stood slowly, unsure if she should defend herself or stay silent.

"There must be a misunderstanding. I don't know how—"

"If you don't know how, that's already a problem," he said. "I asked for an explanation. Not excuses."

A few nearby employees paused their work, sensing tension. They glanced over from behind their monitors but pretended not to look.

"...I'm sorry, but who are you, exactly?"

For a moment, no one moved. Then, one employee stood up from his desk.

"Uhm… Miss Meinhardt," he said. "He's… our new Director… Director Heitmann."

Gisela stared at him, confused. "Huh? That can't be right. Just yesterday, I was having coffee with Director Leichter. She didn't mention anything about—"

"That's because Director Leichter no longer works here," Klaus spoke before she could finish. "The transfer was finalized this morning. Director Leichter was reassigned. Effective immediately, I'm in charge."

The employee who spoke hurriedly sat back down, not wanting to remain involved. Several others pretended to focus on their screens. Gisela felt her heart skip a beat, caught between shock and disbelief.

"I… apologize," she said slowly. "I truly didn't know."

"That much is clear," Klaus answered. "But whether you knew or not doesn't change the situation. You are responsible for the work under your name. I expect competency from those who remain here."

"I…"

Gisela opened her mouth to defend herself, then stopped. Klaus's eyes told her there was no room to bargain. She lowered her head instead.

"Yes, Director. I'll correct the reports immediately."

"You'll do more than correct them," Klaus replied. "You'll evaluate where your department's review process failed and prepare a written explanation. I want it on my desk before the end of the day."

"I understand."

Klaus gave a single nod and turned away.

——Director Leichter was reassigned?

——No memo… that's strange.

——Who is this guy?

——He's terrifying.

Gisela sat down slowly, still trying to process what had just happened.

She looked at the stack of flawed reports. Whether she believed the accusations or not, she couldn't ignore them. If she failed to correct everything and give a proper explanation, she might not keep her job.

But before anything else, she made a quick call.

"Hello, Miss Leichter? Is it true you've been transferred?"

——Ah, Gisela. Yes, that's true. I've been promoted.

Gisela's eyes widened. "…Promoted? I didn't hear anything about—"

——It was a sudden change. The higher-ups handled the paperwork quickly. I wasn't given much time to speak with everyone.

Gisela pressed a hand to her forehead. "I see… Congratulations, but… Director Heitmann arrived earlier and—"

——Ah, yes. I heard. He'll be replacing me.

"You didn't mention anything yesterday..."

——Well, I only received notice last night. I didn't think it would become effective this morning. I apologize for the confusion.

Gisela took a slow breath. "No, it's alright. Thank you for confirming."

——Of course. I'm sure you'll do fine. Director Heitmann is… strict, but capable.

"...Yes."

——Work hard, Gisela. I'll be cheering for you.

The call ended, and the line went silent.

Gisela lowered her phone and stared at her monitor. The confirmation didn't bring relief. If anything, her nerves only tightened. Everything about the situation felt too sudden.

She glanced across the office, catching sight of Klaus speaking to another senior employee.

Gisela turned back to the reports. She didn't have time to doubt. All she could do was work.

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