The land of Terra has always been rife with prejudice toward the Sarkaz.
The Sarkaz are natural wielders of Originium Arts—many of them can use Originium as casually as one uses a household item. Among them are numerous talented casters… and just as many Infected.
As the saying goes:You never know if the Sarkaz next to you is a master of magic—or a terminally ill Infected. Maybe both.
A long civil war tore Kazdel apart, scattering the Sarkaz people, rendering many of them exiles and vagabonds.The war stripped them of everything. Countless Sarkaz turned to mercenary work—if death by infection or death in battle were both inevitable, why not make some money and enjoy the time left?
Thus, on top of the "Infected" label, the Sarkaz were burdened with another:Terrorist.
Across all nations, the Sarkaz face poor reputations. Rejection and mistrust are common, and their low social standing often chokes out what little space they have to live.
That's why few Sarkaz choose to become Catastrophe Messengers.People distrust them—distrust their predictions. And when those predictions come true, they're often seen as omens of doom rather than saviors.
"Catastrophes are brought by demons," people say.So, eventually, no Sarkaz wanted to try becoming a messenger anymore.
…But of course, there are always exceptions.
Regulus Harvey.
Just three years ago, this name was completely unknown.Now, he's a living legend among Catastrophe Messengers.
Born Sarkaz and born into discrimination, Regulus began his career amid deep suspicion. But no matter the ridicule, insults, or even violence he faced, he traveled across city after city on the Terra continent, doing his best to warn of disasters and help those in need.
To be fair, any responsible Catastrophe Messenger might've done the same.
But what made Regulus Harvey famous was one thing:
His prediction accuracy—a perfect 100%.
Not a single false alarm. Not once.
And more than that—he could accurately forecast a Catastrophe's scale, impact radius, and duration—with mechanical precision.
He brought tidings of ruin—yet also hope.
Thus, even as a Sarkaz, he became a shining star rising over Terra. His almost-prophetic Catastrophe reports earned him a title:
"The Prophet."
[…Sigh.]
Zilan rubbed her temples and let out a tired sigh.
Even she—formerly the editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine—had heard the name "The Prophet."She had often wondered what kind of person that legendary Catastrophe Messenger could be.
But she never expected to meet him for the first time… in Rhodes Island's HR office.
"So… 'The Prophet,' Mr. Regulus Harvey, yes? What an honor."
"If possible, I'd rather not be addressed by that nickname."
The black-haired Sarkaz scratched his head, a faintly awkward smile on his face, and extended his hand.
"Such an embarrassing title... it's a bit much to say out loud, don't you think?"
"That nickname is more than just embarrassing," Zilan replied with a smile of her own."It represents a living legend among Catastrophe Messengers."
"Please, spare me... I just want to be an ordinary messenger, nothing more."
Sensing the conversation becoming a bit dry, Zilan wisely shifted the topic.
"So, Mr. Regulus—are you formally joining Rhodes Island?"
"No need to be so formal. Call me Revy."
The Sarkaz man gave a small smirk, which quickly faded into a more serious expression.
"Yes… though rather than 'joining,' it's more accurate to say I'm fulfilling a promise."
"A promise?"
"Don't worry about it. Just a passing comment. I am here to join officially."
"…Very well. You have a special recommendation letter personally approved by Miss Amiya. That usually means you can skip HR's onboarding process."
Zilan gathered the paper forms in her hand and tapped them lightly against the desk.
"However, since you don't intend to be stationed at Rhodes Island permanently, we'll still need to process you as a non-resident Operator."
"Understood. I'll perform my duties as an Operator as needed," Revy nodded, before adding with a solemn expression:
"But I must also retain the right to leave Rhodes Island at any time to carry out my duties as a Catastrophe Messenger. I realize that's a bit much to ask… but it was one of the conditions for my return."
(Return?)
Zilan was momentarily puzzled, but didn't pry.
She simply nodded, then pulled a form from her folder and began filling it in, clearly noting down Revy's request.
"It's understandable. We have many Operators who aren't permanently stationed here."
"That said, the HR department doesn't have the authority to approve this. You'll need Dr. Kal'tsit's signature. But considering your reputation, it's a reasonable request."
Once she had finished filling out the relevant details, Zilan finally looked up and handed Revy the form.
"Once you get Dr. Kal'tsit's approval, you'll officially complete onboarding. And one last thing—welcome aboard, Revy."
Revi smiled faintly.
"Yes… thank you, Miss Zilan. I look forward to working with you."