It's not easy creating the perfect Special agent.

Agent's have to be trained, enhanced, and disciplined. The best agents were entirely ruthless and obedient. They didn't make mistakes or hesitate to carry out orders.

L.A.C.E. agents had to be all that and more.

The Masters of L.A.C.E. ensured that all of their agents meet these requirements. It was often that many young prodigies would fall short of the Master's standard. Such failures were always disposed of quickly.

On the first day of each even month, the Masters would evaluate each of their incoming assets.

Today was the first day of October.

The Master's stood side by side behind a thin glass wall that separated them from the training room that was modified into a large sparring matt. They normally choose different skills and capabilities to assess every other month.

This month was hand to hand combat and agility.

On the other side of the glass there was an adult male and a young, sixteen year old girl sparring ruthlessly against one another. The older male, Artur Slate or Agent 8, was already a seasoned agent of L.A.C.E. and also the girl's trainor. When he wasn't completing his assignments, he was training her.

She had a name but neither of the Masters had bothered to remember it. For now, she was simply asset 126.

Although, even if she was merely an asset in training, she was one of their most promising young prodigies. Little did Arthur know, but asset 126 would soon replace him once she completed her training.

The shorter of the two Masters glanced at his taller associate whose stiff features were fixed into a complacent expression as he watched Artur skillfully flip assey 126 over his shoulder as if she were a sack of flour. The girl didn't allow Artur to take advantage of her vulnerable position and slipped her legs around his neck. Her technique was reminiscent to the same bruteish style of her trainor.

Agent 8 gripped the ankle of the leg wrapped around him and flung her off of him seamlessly. She landed roughly on her forearms and left leg several feet away before rolling back on to her knees and then to her feet. The girls stringy blonde hair hung limply around her youthful face that was contorted into a tight grimace as she glared at her older trainer.

The confrontation happened within the span of a few seconds yet it was a rather exploratory example of the progress that asset 126 had made.

"This one has made some rather good progress," The shorter and decidedly reptilian looking Master commented as Artur and the girl began circling one another.

The other master chuffed deeply. His underbite became even more pronounced as he spoke.

"She has much more to learn," His taller college replied. Just as he said this, Artur made a blurred lunge across the matt. The girl reacted quickly, but not fast enough to evade the low swipe Artur made to her legs.

She made an effort to regain her balance but Artur knocked her down with an unnaturally swift kick to her exposed flank. He had her pinned in only seconds. His knee dug into her back as he used his larger size keep her down.

The Masters watched closely but wouldn't interfere. This was her chance to prove her worth to L.A.C.E..

She struggled at first, jerking wildly underneath his grasp. A desperate and dangerous glimmer shpwn in her eyes. It took a few seconds but she somehow slipped an arm out of his grip. She then proceeded to smash her elbow directly into Artur's temple. He attempted to make a counter attack but she stiffly slammed the edge of her heel into his jaw.

As asset 126 regain her feet, an unseen force shoved a dizzy Artur backwards. A telekinetic surge pushed him and his eyes widened surprise.

One of the Masters took a step forward, his snake like skin shinned underneath the dim lights.

The asset wasn't supposed to use her abilities.

Neither of them were.

This was meant to be purely hand to hand combat and defense.

The second master, with the harsher features, simply watched curiously.

Agent 8 had the same telekinetic capabilities as the girl but he didn't have the same degree of power as her. She was projected to be one of the most powerful telekinetic L.A.C.E. had ever had within their ranks.

Asset 126 pinned Artur to the opposite wall. He could hardly lift a finger as she pressed him firmly into the flat surface. It wasn't enough to hurt him but he was nearly incapacitated.

The young girl clenched her teeth in fierce concentration as she kept one arm outstretched. There was a certain remorselessness on her gaze that was undeniably satisfying for both of the Masters to witness.

Artur tried to defend himself.

He send out his own telekinetic wave that appeared to be more of a defense mechanism than a genuine attack. The blast made the few inanimate objects within the room launch backwards. Even the sparring matt shifted slightly.

However, asset 126 hardly reacted. At most, she merely slid backwards an inch or two.

What magnificence.

The Masters shared a mutual look of contentment.

Suddenly, a cunning little smirk found itself upon asset 126's round face. The thin glass in between the Master's and the two Specials began to hum.

Artur's head was forcefully thrusted backward by invisible hands. His arms and legs became as stiff as a board. A flash of panic raced across his grizzled features just before his left arm became contorted and was quickly followed by his right arm.

Once Artur's neck began to twist the Masters finally intervened.

Their agents were expendable but only if a Master designated them as exposale. L.A.C.E. certainly didn't need an injured agent.

The reptilian master quickly pressed the direct intercom button that linked them to the sparring room.

"Stop," The master ordered authoritatively. Automatically, the asset released Artur. She was clearly out of breath as she watched her trainer slump ungracefully onto his feet. "That will be all," The same Master added.

The girl nodded while Artur got to his feet. The older agent looked furious but he wouldn't dare lash out against the girl. To do so would be against the Master's orders and thus punishable.

The pair exited the room just as the Master at the intercom panel turned to look at his colleague. "Quite impressive isn't she?" The less imposing Master asked with a sinister grin.

The larger Master dipped his head once in agreement. "It appears Dr.Ortega has improved her enhancement procedures. However, asset 126 still requires further discipline," He replied in a deep baritone.

"I will discuss that with Agent 8," The other Master said, clasping his hands together pleasantly before turning.

"Bring in the next one"