《3$ideCoin - 1974 Records》


 (01) - | Three Minute$

    Three Minutes


    <hr>


    Location/Date: July 16, 1974, Time: 21:54 - Somalia (Africa) - Mogadishu (capital) / Night, clear sky, stars visible. Minimal light pollution.


    <hr>


    We see a military squad preparing for a raid.


    Somalian Commander (In Somalian): "Are we ready?"


    Soldier B (In Somalian): "Affirmative Commander. We await your order."


    Somalian Commander (In Somalian) [Thinking to himself]: "We need to wait for confirmation from the American government. If they cancel at the last minute, we could be taking lives without any reason."


    Soldier C (In Somalian): "Commander?"


    Somalian Commander (In Somalian): "Yes?"


    Soldier C (In Somalian): "We have confirmation. We can proceed."


    Somalian Commander to Soldier C (In Somalian): "I want everyone at their positions. Prepare the silencers, and be careful with the houses, I don''t want civilian casualties. We start in 3 minutes."


    In a small house near the military squad, Shu Laper and Tef Laper, a married Japanese couple, are getting their children ready for bedtime. They have two children, Sirius (4 years old) and Tes (1 month old). Sirius complains to his mother about enduring the constant crying of his baby brother, Tes, as they share the same room. While his father, Shu, is giving his brother''s new crib the final touches in his room.


    Tef: "Sirius?"


    Sirius: "Yes Mom?"


    Tef: "Go see if your father needs help finishing your brother¡äs new crib please."


    Sirius: "But Dad is strong. He doesn''t need help!"


    Tef [Laughs]: "Yes, your father is strong, but even strong people need help sometimes."


    In the middle of their conversation, Shu enters the kitchen, asking for his son''s food.


    Shu: "Darling, the crib it''s finished. Do you have Tes'' bottle ready?"


    Tef: "In 3 minutes dear! The milk needs to cool down a bit!"


    After their short talk, Tes starts crying in his room again.


    Shu: "I''ll go there. Sirius, do your father a favor and bring me your brother''s milk when it''s ready."


    Sirius always feels annoyed at these constant tiny requests due to the lack of attention he''s been getting since his brother¡äs birth. But proceeds to answer ¡°Okay¡± to his father''s request. Shu notices his son''s reaction but goes to the room to calm Tes crying, who grows stronger by the second.


    When the father leaves the kitchen, Sirius and his mom continue their conversation.


    Sirius: "Mom, I want my own room. My brother cries too loud."


    Tes starts crying from the other room even more aggressively.


    Sirius [Covering his ears with his hands]: "See? It hurts the ears."


    Tef: "Your brother is a baby, and it''s normal for babies to cry, son. And you know... Your father and I don''t have the money for another room, so don''t get angry at your brother. It''s not his fault."


    Tef hugs Sirius and caresses his hair, saying very gently:


    Tef: "I''m sorry Sirius. One day Mom will give you your own room."


    Sirius blushes over his mother''s hug and words but continues pretending to be upset.


    A few seconds later, Someone rings the house doorbell. Tef goes to the door and asks, "Who is it?" but no one answers. Tes looks at his mother with curiosity as she speaks to herself aloud.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    Tef: "I hope it''s not the neighbors complaining about the baby''s crying again."


    Tef opens the door, noticing there''s no one outside. She takes two steps outside the entrance to look around and gets shot in the head, falling to the left. All witnessed by the very own eyes of Sirius.


    Soldier D on the radio (In Somalian): "Target eliminated."


    Sirius is in shock, Detuned from the moment. Seeing only his mother''s feet and a pool of her blood growing outside his house. He then starts hearing footsteps getting closer and closer until he meets Soldier D face to face.


    Soldier D sees Sirius and says on the radio (In Somalian): "Target acquired."


    When Sirius returns to the moment and sees Soldier D In front of him for the first time, he runs to his room to look for his father. He found him dead, leaning in his brother''s empty crib, with a gunshot wound to the head, spilling parts of his brain on his brother''s new crib.


    He then notices the Somalian commander inside his room, along with Soldier C, holding his crying brother. Sirius leaves the room and tries to escape, but when he reaches the kitchen, Soldier D appears behind him, putting a chloroform-soaked cloth over his mouth, causing him to fall asleep.


    The last vision of his home would be his brother''s milk that his mother was waiting to cool down.


    The agents take the children in a van and head towards a small cabin far away from their home. They arrive and start killing time outside the cabin with small talk. A few minutes pass, and the three Soldiers and commander are at the end of their conversation while tes is still crying inside their vehicle.


    Soldier C to Soldier D (In Somalian): "We should take the cargo to the rendezvous point now. The American government might already be waiting for us."


    Soldier D to Soldier C (In Somalian): "Don''t worry, they usually arrive on time. But I wonder, why would the American government be so interested in two children on the other side of the world?"


    Commander to Soldier D and C (In Somalian): "I don''t know, and it doesn''t matter. If you guys are smart, you''ll say the same as me. Now, let''s deliver the cargo and get our payment."


    They entered the van with the children again, and the military team headed towards a small abandoned plot of land with few trees and a clear view of the sky not far from the cabin.


    The Soldiers got out of the car upon arrival. Sirius was tied up and still asleep. His brother had still not stopped crying since he left home.


    Soldier D looks at the kids inside the van, feeling anguished for having killed a mother, considering he had a wife and daughter.


    Soldier B to Soldier D (In Somalian): "But why won''t that baby stop crying? Goodness."


    Soldier D to Soldier B (In Somalian): "White babies cry too much. Mine never did this."


    Soldier A to Soldier B (In somalian): "This baby''s father died with him in his arms. If the same happened to your child, I doubt he would stop crying anytime soon. Work is work, but don''t ignore your emotions with foolishness, you Idiot."


    Soldier B remained silent, and suddenly, they heard a helicopter approaching. They waited patiently as the American helicopter landed safely on the abandoned plot of land. When both parties were ready, they started the trade.


    Soldiers B and D went to get the children.


    The commander and Soldier C stayed near the helicopter landing point.


    The Somalian commander started talking when the helicopter arrived and its doors opened.


    Somalian Commander (In English): "Welcome to Somalia, Mr. Mayer. We''ve got your cargo just as planned."


    The unknown man, ''Mayer,'' steps out of the helicopter. Unlike the Somalian soldiers or the men inside the helicopter, who were young and were equipped for war, he was a middle-aged man, wearing only a suit with a black tie. Cord then replies to the commander.


    Cord Mayer (In English): "Good job commander. I will be taking the cargo, just as planned."


    Mayer dropped two bags on the floor. The Somalian commander proceeds to open and check the top of the bags. We now see that the two bags are filled to the top with money (US dollars). The commander signaled, and the two Somalian soldiers handed the kids to the American agents, who then carried them into the helicopter. The American agents also blindfolded Sirius and put headphones on him and his brother.


    Commander (In English): "Pleasure doing business with you."


    Cord Mayer smiled, waved, and entered the helicopter, who then flew away.


    Completing the exchange, the agents and coronel start talking


    Commander to Soldier B (In Somalian): "Let''s go to the cabin, we need to divide this. Get the car ready."


    Soldier B (In Somalian): "Yes, commander."


    In the meantime, Cord Mayer starts talking to himself out loud in the helicopter.


    Cord Mayer: "How barbaric, they didn''t hesitate to take lives for their own profit."


    Suddenly, Cord Mayer receives a call inside the helicopter.


    Cord Mayer: "Mr. President."


    Nixon: "Is it done?"


    Cord presses a button on a remote controller, and from the helicopter''s sky view, he sees that the car with the Somalian soldiers and commander just exploded. Cord then proceeds to look at the kids while continuing his phone call.


    Cord Mayer: "Yes sir, in fact.... Compared to the last two jobs, this one was the easiest so far."


    Nixon: "I see... it went just as planned. Well, I''ll make sure you have a good vacation in Europe after the next one, haha. Drink it up! You deserve it!"


    Cord Mayer: "Thank you, Mr. President. I''ll see you in 24 hours."


    Nixon hangs up. And Cord starts thinking to himself as he ejects Sirius with some kind of substance to make him sleep a bit longer.


    Cord Mayer [Thinking to himself]: "The president told me not to mention the experiment in these calls... But I wonder what the public would think if they ever learned about this... about what humans were truly capable of."


    Cord Mayer then proceeds to speak to one of the pilots.


    Cord Mayer: "Hey Johny, can you pass me the baby''s milk we brought."


    Johny takes the milk from a temperature-insulated bag and hands it to Cord. Cord then proceeds to check the milk''s temperature on his hand.


    Cord Mayer: "Ahhhhh, it''s still too hot... I''ll give it another three minutes."

 (02) - | New Time$, New Friend$, New Enemie$

    New Time$, New Friend$, New Enemie$


    <hr>


    The helicopter landed at Marrocos Africa in another American temporary base. You can see that sirius is now unfolded, but still asleep. They immediately switched transporting vehicles and boarded a small plane with Tes and Sirius. Fast forward That same plane is seen landing at a Portuguese/American military base in A?ores. Time (20:59)


    When the plane landed, Cord Mayer, Johny, and one other agent disembarked the plane with the children. Seven Portuguese soldiers and one coronel were ready to receive them.


    Cord Mayer [exits the plane]: "Coronel Otelo."


    Otelo Carvalho: "Mr. Mayer, I hope you had a safe flight."


    Cord Mayer: "Fortunately, due to the nice weather, we arrived a bit earlier. I hope that isn''t a problem."


    Otelo Carvalho: "Not at all. [Otelo looks at the children] Those are the boys? [otelo speaks to one of his soldiers] - Vasco, take them to the infirmary. Shall we head inside, Mr. Mayer?"


    Cord Mayer: "Certainly."


    Both parties start walking inside the military post. While walking Otelo and Cord start talking.


    Otelo Carvalho: "So, what''s the story behind these boys?"


    Cord Mayer: "We were on an undercover scouting mission in Somalia when, unfortunately, we came across some human traffickers. They could compromise our mission, so we had to neutralize them. But then, Johnny reported hearing crying sounds of a baby coming from their truck. Those sick fucks had the kids locked and tied up in the trunk of their car. The older boy has needle marks on his arm and still hasn''t woken up. So they probably drugged him with something. He doesn''t appear to have any bruises on him, though."


    Otelo Carvalho: "I see... They were probably kidnapped recently. Did you find anything on the parents?"


    Cord Mayer: "Unfortunately, we have no way of knowing right now. I''m taking the kids to the States for medical exams to check if they''re in good health. After that, we will try to track down their parents, hopefully with the help of the Somali government."


    Otelo Carvalho: "Hopefully....[Otelo opens the door that leads to his office, he and cord walk in] Anyway, I''m glad our governments are in touch after these rough times."


    Cord Mayer [Laughs]:"Ahahaha, I must say, Colonel, you caught me off guard. The guy we had at the Lisbon embassy went for dinner at Harvard,


    the news of the "Carnation Revolution" literally shocked us during lunchtime. And its quite impressive, this was the first time that i heard a peaceful revolution taking over a country."


    Otelo Carvalho [Gasps]: Well... still... four civilians died, and we can add 45 more injured ones. It seems that no matter how we plan it, there isn''t such thing as a peaceful revolution. Me and other associates even tried to change the ways of our country from the inside, but in the end, it was pointless. We had to take it back by force.


    Cord Mayer: "And so you did! And i gotta tell ya coronel, I wouldn''t probably be here today if this was controlled by the previous... "(Cord gets interupted by screaming and banging noises)


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    Cord and Otelo look at each other and leave the office, trying to figure out weres the noise comming from.


    Otelo: "It''s coming from the infirmary."


    Cord and Otelo rush to the infirmary and see the doctor holding Sirius, who is crying and trying to escape.


    Sirius (in Japanese)[screaming/crying]: Maaaaaamaaaaaaa, Maaaaaaamaaaaaaa.


    Sirius punches the doctor in the face.


    Sirius (in Japanese)[screaming/crying]: Maaaaaamaaaaaaa, paaaaaaaaaapaaaaaaa.


    Cord Mayer (in Japanese): "Everything''s okay, boy, you''re safe."


    Otelo (In Portuguese) [thinks to himself]: "Japanese? Why would a child from Somalia know how to speak Japanese?"


    Sirius grows weaker and calmer as he says "mother" and "father," looking intensely at the ground, repeating the words more calmly and slowly until he falls silent, without any strengh left in his body.


    [The Doctor lets go of the boy.]


    Cord Mayer (In Japanese): "Boy, my name is Cord. Cord Mayer. We fought the bad guys who tried to steal you. And look your brother is safe as well."


    Cord points to the crib were tes is sleeping as Sirius has a flashback of the agent who killed his mother saying "cargo acquirred" and starts repeating it while cord is talking.


    Cord Mayer (In Japanese): "Now, could you tell me if you have any parents? Or anyone who used to take care of you?"


    Sirius (In Somali): "cargo acquired, cargo acquired, cargo aquired."


    Doctor(in English): "What?"


    Cord Mayer (in English): "It means "cargo acquired."


    Cord Mayer (in Japanese): "Boy, do you know where your parents are? Papa, Mama?"


    Sirius (in Japanese)[crying]: "My mom.... fell by the door... the floor was red... then a man appeared. And I went to call papa, but he, he, he... uAahhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmm [starts crying more and more intensely]"


    Cord Mayer (in Japanese): "You don''t need to say anything else, kiddo."


    Sirius (in Japanese): "Smiling..."


    Cord Mayer (in Japanese): "Huh?"


    Sirius (in Japanese): "Papa was smiling... "


    (Sirius eyes loses their light for a momment, as he stars remembering his dads facial expression while dead, proceeding to copy cat it without realising.)


    A soldier arrives and informs Coronel otelo (in Portuguese): "Coronel, the plane is refueled and ready to go."


    [Coronel otelo gestures that he understood the message subtly]


    Cord Mayer to Sirius (In Japanse): "What''s your name?"


    Sirius Doesn''t say anything.


    Cord Mayer (in Japanese): "Ahh, now not knowing your names makes things so difficult... I know! I''ll give you a temporary name until I find out your real names! [Points to Sirius] Hmmmm, you will be called... Black!"


    [Cord Mayer calmly walks to Tes''s crib, picks him up, and holds him in his arms.]


    Cord Mayer (In Japanese): "And you, you will be called... Red!"


    [Cord looks at sirius while holding his brother, and puts him inside the crib again]


    Cord Mayer (In Japanese): "Black, it''s time to go. We''re going to take your brother to a doctor to make sure nothing happened to him while you were unconscious. Plus, a friend of mine wants to meet you. "


    Sirius (in Japanese): "Friend?"


    Cord Mayer (in Japanese): "Yes, he happens to be the President of the United States, and he''s a very friendly person."


    [Sirius remains silent.]


    Cord Mayer (in Japanese): "Do you like antiques?"


    Sirius (in Japanese): "Antiques? What''s that?"


    Cord Mayer (in Japanese): "Antiques are very old and valuable objects. They could have belonged to kings, thieves, heroes, villains, gods and much, much more! They''re quite unique!"


    Sirius remains silent with a look of doubt, staring fixedly at Cord.


    Sirius (in Japanese): "I need to pee."


    [Cord falls to the side, comically.]


    Cord Mayer (in English): "Coronel, can someone take the boy to the bathroom?"


    Otelo (in English): "Certainly"


    Otelo to the doctor (In Portuguese): "Carlos, take him to the bathroom."


    The Doctor takes him to the bathroom. Cord Mayer heads towards the airplane, carrying Tes in his arms, and places him in a special crib inside the plane, waiting for Sirius at the entrance of the aircraft. We can see Otelo giving Mayer the medical report of Tes and Sirius


    Sirius arrives at the plane with the Doctor, and Sirius starts climbing the stairs of the plane alone.


    Noticing that the last step was a bit too high for him due to the size difference between the step and airplane door, Cord Mayer reached out his hand to Sirius and said.


    Cord Mayer (In japanse): "Are you ready, Black?"


    Sirius grabs Cord''s hand and boards the airplane.

 (03) - | Memorie$

    Memories


    <hr>


    Still feeling the weight of recent events, Sirius, wearing a new pair of clothes, gazes out the airplane window with a curious look. He saw the vast ocean for the first few hours; then, it changed to grass fields, then a desert. However, this was no ordinary desert; it had a military base with a long airstrip, which would be the destination of their small aircraft.


    That base would also be soon known as ¡°Area 51.¡±


    Sirius (In Japanese): "What is that?"


    Cord Mayer [Thinking to himself]: "Ah, he finally spoke!"


    Cord Mayer (In Japanese): "That''s a military base, but not just any base. We have all sorts of people and modern technologies there! And guess what? There''s a very skilled doctor who can check if you and your brother to see if you both are okay."


    Sirius (In Japanese): "Ahh, I don''t want to go. I hate getting my blood drawn."


    Cord Mayer (In Japanese): "Hm? Who said anything about getting blood drawn?"


    Sirius (In Japanese): "Whenever Dad had to do check-ups, he always took my blood."


    Cord Mayer (In Japanese): "I see. Was your dad a doctor, too?"


    Sirius (In Japanese): "Hm-hm."


    Cord Mayer (In Japanese): "Don''t worry, Black."


    Sirius (In Japanese): "They won''t take my blood?"


    Cord Mayer (In Japanese) [Laughs playfully]: "No, of course, they will! Muhahahaha"


    [Sirius starts to cry]


    Cord Mayer (In Japanese): "It''s okay, calm down. I was just joking." [Thinks to himself] "Or not."


    The plane lands at the base, and Cord, with Sirius by his side and Tes in his arms steps out. The two pilots remain in the aircraft. A beautiful lady approaches Cord and the boys. They start talking while heading inside the base¡äs entrance.


    Margaret: "Cord, welcome back!"


    Cord Mayer: "Hi Margaret, how are you doing today?"


    Margaret: "Very good! Are these the boys?"


    Cord Mayer: "Indeed they are. Where are my girls?"


    Margaret: "They''re playing in the daycare zone. Would you like me to get them for you?"


    Cord Mayer: "No, it''s okay. I''ll take the boys for their exams first, and when they''re done, I''ll introduce them to the girls!"


    Margaret: "Oh. Well, in that case, let''s hurry up. Neveah has been asking about you for the past few days. As for Isabella, you can probably imagine."


    Cord Mayer: "Ah, I see..."


    Sirius tugs at Cord''s sleeve.


    Sirius (In English): "Isabella?"


    Cord Mayer (in Japanese): "Oh, yes. She''s a girl around your age. I hope you and your brother can be friends with her!"


    Sirius (In Japanese): "Ok."


    Margaret looks at Cord suspiciously.


    Margaret: "Well, let''s get the exams done!"


    After a few hours, some examinations, and a couple of blood samples, it becomes clear that Sirius and Tes are healthy. Unfortunately, Sirius had to endure two blood tests. After the results, both boys received vaccinations for polio, measles, and another unspecified substance.


    Sirius finishes his exams with his brother and leaves the room with a cola lollipop.


    Cord shows Sirius where he will stay temporarily, in a particular guest room for kids. As he enters the room, Sirius falls asleep on the couch, exhausted from the journey and examinations. Cord puts Tes in his crib and covers them both with a blanket, allowing them to rest. Tes is also calm right now, giving Sirius a well-deserved break. However, some hours later, someone enters the room and wakes Tes up. Sirius regains consciousness, hearing voices and his brothers cry.


    Isabella: "Ahhh, the baby is awake."


    Neveah: "Ohh, what do we do? What do we do? Dad said to let them rest for now."


    Isabella: "He''s not our dad."


    Neveah: "Yes, he is!"


    Isabella: "No, he''s not!"


    Neveah: "Yes, he is!"


    Sirius opens his eyes*


    Sirius (in Japanese): "Who are you?"


    Isabella [Laughing while mimicking Sirius''s Japanese language]: "Anana kabab, eh?"


    Neveah: "What did he say?"


    Isabella: "I don''t know, but it sounds funny."


    Tes starts crying more loudly.


    Isabella: "Oh, can someone shut this baby up??????"


    The door to the room opens, and Cord enters.


    Cord Mayer: "Girls, what did I tell you? You should''ve let them rest."


    Isabella: "We came here to call him for dinner!"


    Cord goes to Tes''s crib and gently picks him up, giving Sirius a flashback of his father holding his younger brother. After a few seconds, Cord calms Tes down.


    Isabella [Talking loud]: "Finally..."


    Neveah puts her finger to Isabella''s lips.


    Neveah: "Shhhhhh, you''ll make him cry again."


    Cord (in Japanese): "Black, are you hungry?"


    Sirius nods his head up and down.


    Cord (in Japanese): "Okay, let''s go to the cafeteria. I''ll also get someone to feed your brother."


    Cord leaves the room with the girls and Sirius, giving Sirius a small white box.


    Sirius (in Japanese): "What''s this?"


    Cord (in Japanese): "Press the button on this box and say something. It''ll translate what you say in Japanese to English. Use it to make new friends until you learn English."


    Sirius looks in awe at the little white translator while Cord hands similar ones to Isabella and Neveah.


    Cord: "Neveah, say hello to the translator."


    Neveah: "Hello."


    The translator responds in Japanese, saying, "Hi."


    Cord: "Okay, it''s working. You already know how it works, right?"


    Neveah and Isabella: "Right!"


    Cord: "Great. Then take Black to the canteen. I''ll meet you after that."


    Neveah: "Okay, Dad!"


    Isabella grabs Sirius, and the three turn away from Cord and walk toward the canteen, with the girls arguing, sounds fading away.


    Isabella: "He''s not your dad."


    Neveah: "Yes, he is!"


    Isabella: "No, he''s not!"


    Neveah: "Yes, he is!"


    Cord walks toward Margaret''s office/infirmary, knowing she keeps baby milk powder there. Though no one is in the office, he enters anyway. He goes to the closet, takes out the milk powder, and Margaret appears.


    Margaret: "Oh, you''re going to feed the baby?"


    Cord: "Yeah, I think he''s hungry."


    They fall silent and look at each other.


    Margaret: "Are these boys related to those girls?"


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Cord: "I believe so. At least, that''s the information we''ve gathered told us."


    Margaret: "Doesn''t that weigh heavily on your conscience? I mean, those girls were orphans, but these boys weren''t as far as I heard. How did you even find them?"


    Cord: "Long story short, the kids'' father was a well-known doctor. He accidentally killed a Yakuza boss during an illegal operation, so he had to flee the country with his kid and pregnant wife. A whistleblower from the Yakuza also tipped us off in time. So we''ve been tracking them ever since and watching them for over four months. When the baby''s sample returned positive too, we had to act. They were good people, helping those in need in a small country with little profit. But in the end, there was nothing I could do for them. Orders are orders."


    Margaret: "Yeah, but how did you know these boys were... you know, the brothers?"


    Cord: "We knew that the bloodline we were looking for was in Japan, but we needed to find out if it had survived World War II. So, we paid hospitals all over Japan to illegally share their blood sample results with us for over two years. It was a shot in the dark, but luckily, we got a match.....


    And his father.....His father used to do health check-ups on his son at the same hospital where he worked... He was also giving our guy blood samples, so technically, without knowing it, he signed his own kid''s sentence. From there, we just had to watch them, wait for his brother''s birth, and see if he tested positive too."


    Cord Sheds a Tear.


    Cord: "Have I told you that I hate this job?" [smiles]


    Margaret gets closer to Cord, leaning in.


    Margaret: "Yes, a few times. But don''t worry, cause now, we carry this burden together. And as long as we have each other, I think we''ll be fine."


    Margaret and Cord share a kiss, revealing their close relationship.


    Meanwhile, on the other side of the building, Sirius sits at a table with his new friends, looking at the canteen''s menu while Joan Pierre, the waiter, waits for their order.


    Sirius (In Japanese) [Thinking to himself]: "Oh, they both look so delicious."


    Isabella talks to her little white box, translating what she says into Sirius''s language.


    Isabella: "Hey, Black, hurry up, or we''ll order without you."


    Sirius looks surprised and responds to Isabella using his translator.


    Sirius: "But both of them look so good."


    Isabella: "Just choose both, then."


    Sirius: "Wait, I can do that?"


    Isabella: "Yes, dummy, why wouldn''t you? It''s free."


    Sirius: "Oh, okay, then I''ll have both."


    Sirius points to the images on the menu to the waiter.


    And the waiter responds very politely.


    Joan Pierre: "Certainly, Sir, and what beverage would you like?"


    Sirius looks puzzled at the waiter.


    Isabella: "He''s asking what you want to drink. Ugh, can you please learn English already?"


    Sirius: "What drinks do we have?"


    Neveah: "Black, flip the menu; you''ll find the options behind."


    Sirius notices a drink called ¡°cola¡± on the menu.


    Sirius: "Cola? What''s this?"


    Isabella: "What? Have you never had cola before? Joan Pierre, bring us three colas and the usual for me and Neveah."


    Neveah: "Hey, don''t decide for me! I''ll have a cola with the usual, Joan, thanks."


    Joan Pierre: "Certainly, madam, I''ll return with your orders."


    Joan Pierre [Thinking to himself as he turns away from the girls]: "Aww, my little girls are growing up so fast. They''re already making friends on their own. So cute!"


    Neveah: "Joan Pierre, are you okay?"


    Joan Pierre realizes he said "so cute" out loud, and some soldiers inside the canteen start laughing.


    Johnny: "Look at Joan acting like a proud father!"


    Another soldier: "So cute!"


    Another soldier joins in: "Sooooo cuteeeee!"


    The soldiers laugh heartily as Joan blushes and joins in the laughter.


    Fast forward, the food reaches the table, and Sirius and Isabella start eating like it''s their first and last meal. Neveah carefully eats her fish but notices Sirius has finished both kids'' meals already. Isabella is impressed by how much he ate and starts playfully patting Sirius''s back, while Neveah looks somewhat shocked at him.


    In the end, Sirius has a satisfied expression on his face for the first time since losing his parents.


    Neveah: "Hey, Black, how did you eat so fast?"


    Isabella [Laughs]: "I don''t know, but he''ll have to teach me!"


    Sirius: "Sirius, my name is Sirius."


    Isabella: "Sirius, huh? What a weird name."


    Neveah: "Isabella, don''t say things like that. But anyway, why are you here, ''Sirius''? Were you adopted, too, or do you have parents?"


    Thanks to Neveah''s words, Sirius has a flashback of his parents'' assassination, causing him to vomit on the food tray. The girls get worried, and Neveah comes closer to help him, checking if he''s alright, while Isabella distances herself due to the smell. Some soldiers also come over to check on him.


    Neveah (Not Using the translator): "Sirius? Are you okay?"


    The nearby soldiers start talking.


    Soldier: "Hey kid, are you okay?"


    Johnny [Looks at sirius face closely]: "He looks pale, we should call the nurse."


    Soldier: "Girls, what happened?"


    Isabella: "I don''t know. We talked, he made a shocked face, and then he vomited. Maybe he ate too fast?"


    Johnny: "I''m going to call the nurse. Can you watch over him?"


    Soldier: "Yeah, no problem."


    Johnny walks to the nurse''s office, where Cord feeds Tes while Margaret rests her head on his shoulder.


    Johnny: "Cord, the boy threw up."


    Cord: "Huh, why?"


    Johnny: "Probably bad memories, but the girls also mentioned that he ate too fast."


    Cord: "I see..."


    Margaret opens a drawer, takes out some medication, and gives it to Johnny.


    Margaret: "Here, give him this. It''ll help calm him down a bit."


    Cord: "I''ll also check on him. Margaret, can you finish feeding him?"


    Margaret: "Yeah, sure, no problem."


    Cord passes Tes to Margaret, leaving the room with Johnny. They start talking while heading towards the canteen.


    Johnny: "Mister Cord Mayer is back in the game."


    Cord [Laughs]: "What do you mean?"


    Johnny: "Well, the way you and Margaret were so close to each other, I gotta say, I''m surprised you still got it in you, old man."


    Cord: "I don''t know what you''re talking about. We''re just friends."


    Johnny: "I know about the work policy but don''t worry, I won''t snitch to HR. I''m happy for you. You were never the same since Mary... you know?"


    Cord: "I know... Sorry if I worried you, but let''s leave that in the past, shall we?"


    Johnny and Cord reach the canteen and head toward the boys'' table, where a cleaning lady is already cleaning Sirius''s vomit.


    Cord (In Japanese): " Are you okay, Black? I heard you got sick."


    Neveah: "Dad, his name is Sirius!"


    Cord: "Sirius? And how did you find that out?"


    Neveah: "He told us!"


    Isabella: "It''s true!"


    Cord (In Japanese): "Well then, Sirius, is that right?"


    Sirius nods his head up and down, and Johnny brings a glass of water and two pills to Sirius.


    Cord: "Take those, Sirius. They''ll make you feel better."


    Sirius looks at the pills and the glass of water, and the girls reassure him that he can trust them.


    Sirius takes the pills, and Cord compliments him.


    Cord (In Japanese): "Good man. Now let''s go to your room so you can rest, okay? Girls, say goodbye to Sirius; you''ll see him tomorrow."


    Neveah: "Bye, Sirius. Hope you get better!"


    Isabella (not speaking to the translator): "Bye, weirdo. Take care."


    Sirius waves goodbye to them with a tired look as he walks out with Cord, heading toward his room. As soon as he gets out, Isabella comments:


    Isabella: "What the fuck just happened?"


    Johnny: "Isabella!!!!!, who taught you those words?


    Isabella: "Oh please, you say it all the time, Uncle Johnny."


    Johnny: "No, I don''t."


    Joan Pierre: "Yes, you do."


    Johnny blushes.


    Johnny: "Ok, but those are not words for a lady."


    Isabella: "Okay, okay, you''re right."


    Johnny: "Anyway, it''s getting late. Neveah, take your sister to the room and get some rest; you have school tomorrow."


    Isabella: "But it''s only 9 p.m.!"


    Johnny: "Consider it a punishment. Neveah, you know what to do."


    Neveah comically drags Isabella to her room as Isabella protests, "No, it''s way too early!"


    Meanwhile, Cord reaches Sirius''s room with him, finding Margaret leaving his brother in his crib. The baby is comfortable and asleep, so Cord and Margaret speak very carefully to not wake up the baby.


    Cord: "It seems we¡äre on the same page today."


    Margeret [Gigles]: "Yeah, it seems so."


    Cord (In Japanese): "Anyway black, I mean Sirius, if you need anything, just click on this button here [Points to the button on the wall]. I will come here tomorrow morning to take you to your 1o day of school. Do you need anything else?"


    A sleepy Sirius nods no, and Cord takes him to his bed, tucking him in comfortably with fluffy new bed sheets, making Sirius warm and comfortable for the 1o time in a long time.


    Cord (In Japanese): "Okay, you''re all set. I will leave then. See you tomorrow."


    Sirius grabs Cord''s hand


    Sirius (In Japanese): "Thank... you."


    Cord looks at him, feeling even more regret for what he had done. He likes the kids and is determined to give them the best outcome possible.


    Cord puts his hand on the kid''s head and says very gently.


    Cord (In Japanese): "You do not have to thank me, kiddo... see you tomorrow."


    He and Margaret walk out of his room, Locking the room from outside. Sirius stares into his brother''s crib as he falls asleep.


    Six hours pass, it''s 4:20 am. Sirius is woken up by Isabella shaking his arm.


    Isabella [Closing Sirius''s mouth with her finger]: "Shhhhh."


    She signals him to follow her.


    Sirius notices she has the key to his room. He¡¯s confused but decides to do as she says and follow her.


    She takes him to an elevator, enters it, and presses the ¨C2 floor button.


    As soon as the elevator door opens, a blue light shines on their face, revealing a massive aquarium under the floor; it is filled with fish from different species, some even unknown to humanity. Sharks, Fishes, corals, and the list goes on. Isabella takes Sirius to a seat near the glass, and Sirius is delighted with the vision presented upon him.


    Isabella then starts talking to her little translating box:


    Isabella: "So what do you think?"


    Sirius also used his translating box.


    Sirius: "It''s beautiful."


    Isabella: "Ain¡¯t it? I came here on my 1o day, so I thought I could do the same to you."


    Sirius: "How many fish are here?"


    Isabella: "I don''t know, but there weren''t many initially. This aquarium was used to protect endangered species, you see?"


    Sirius: "Enderanged species? What''s that"


    Isabella: "It is a species that is almost extinct; it means there are only a few in the world, so they are protected"


    Sirius: "Wow, you''re so smart."


    Isabella [Blushing]: "Don''t be stupid; this is common knowledge. When Cord took me here the 1o time, there was only a hand of them."


    [Isabella has a Flashback of a conversation she had with Cord.]


    Isabella [Looks at the fishes in the aquarium]: "Wow, they¡äre beautiful, but aren''t they lonely?"


    Cord: "Lonely, what do you mean?"


    Isabella: "I mean, they have all this space. They barely must see each other."


    Cord: "Ahhh, I see, so should we make it smaller?"


    Isabella: "No, we just need to give them new friends!"


    Cord: "Hmm? Ok then! I will give them new friends every week."


    [Isabela comes back to the moment.]


    Isabela: "And as time passed, he kept adding more and more until this final result."


    Sirius: "Wow, Mr. Mayer, did all this?"


    Isabela: "uhuum! Awesome, ain''t it?"


    Sirius: "Wow, he must be a cool father."


    Isabela: "Well, he''s not my father. He adopted me and Neveah. But I like to think of him as a cool uncle, and you? How did you end up here? Do you have parents?"


    Sirius gets shocked by a flashback of his parent''s assassination


    IIsabbela: "Wow, Are you okay?"


    Sirius: "Yeah, I''m fine... My father, he is dead. As for my mother, I still don''t know."


    Isabella: "You don''t know?"


    Sirius: "Yeah, she just fell to the ground and didn''t move anymore. She probably died, too."


    Sirius sheds a few tears silently. Isabella sees this and hugs Sirius. Both of them comfort each other as they see the fish moving around, falling asleep on each other until Neveah wakes them up.


    Neveah (Not using the translator): "Hey, Hey, we have to go, it''s almost time for school."


    Isabella (Not using the translator): "WOAH, oh no, I''m late,"


    Isabella wakes Sirius up,


    Isabella (Not using the translator): "QUICK WE HAVE TO GO"


    Sirius doesn''t understand a single word cause they didn¡ät speak to the translator, and Isabella drags him comically with Neveah into his room.


    Isabella says, ¡°See you later,¡± and locks him inside his room, leaving to her room with Neveah. 20 minutes later, Cord arrives at Sirius''s door with another kid

 (04) - | $ad Poetry

    Sad Poetry


    <hr>


    Cord knocked on Sirius'' door.


    Cord (In Japanese): "Sirius, are you awake?"


    Sirius opened the door.


    Sirius (In Japanese): "Good morning."


    Cord (In Japanese): " Good morning, Sirius. How did you sleep?"


    Sirius noticed a kid older than him standing behind Cord. He then took a look at him.


    Cord (In Japanese): "Oh, this is Ahr! He will be responsible for showing you around the school."


    Ahr: "Hi!!! Nice to meet you!"


    Sirius doesn''t understand what ahr said and continues talking to Cord.


    Sirius (In Japanese): "School?"


    Cord (In Japanese): "Yes."


    Sirius (In Japanese): "Here?"


    Cord (In Japanese): "Yes, sir. Now, here''s your uniform. Go dress it up in your room."


    Sirius went inside the room and changed his clothes, realizing it was the first time he dressed himself without help. When finished, he walked to the door, opened it, and said:


    Sirius (In Japanese): "I''m ready."


    Cord (In Japanese): "Alright, do you have your translator?"


    Sirius realized he must have left his translator in the aquarium and tried to find an excuse.


    Sirius (In Japanese): "Oh, it must be inside my room."


    Sirius went inside his room with Cord while Ahr waited outside. After five minutes of searching, Cord and Sirius gave up.


    Cord (In Japanese): "Well, I don''t know what you did with it, but it will surely show up eventually. I''ll get you another one."


    Cord went to his office to get another translator, crying comically.


    Cord [Thinking to himself]: "Little does he know that this technology is worth thousands of dollars, ah."


    When Cord was out of sight, Ahr entered Sirius'' room and handed him his translator.


    He also showed him his own and spoke into it.


    Ahr: "I think you dropped this."


    Sirius was surprised and very politely said:


    Sirius: "Thank you so much! How did you know where it was?"


    Ahr: "Neveah noticed you dropped it in the aquarium and picked it up, but in a rush, she forgot to give it back to you, so she handed it over to me earlier this morning."


    Sirius: "Ahh, I see! Thank you one more time."


    Ahr: "No worries, but now you owe Neveah a favor."


    Sirius: "A favor? What do you mean?"


    Ahr: "I mean, she helped you, and now you also have to help her when she needs it, you get it?"


    Sirius: "Oh, I see. I will always help her! Promise!"


    Ahr: "Alright, It''s a deal then!"


    Ahr taught Sirius how to do a handshake and then proceeded to do it and laugh it off while Cord returned with a new translator machine.


    Cord: "Oh, I''m glad you two big guys are already friends."


    Ahr: "Hey Mayer, he found his translator. There''s no need for another one anymore."


    Cord: "Ahr, I already told you to call me Cord."


    Ahr: "Ok, Mr. Mayer."


    Cord [Sighed]: Anyway, where was the translator?


    Ahr: "Oh, I came to look, and it was wrapped in his bed sheets."


    Cord: "Ahhh, the bed sheets! I knew I was missing a spot."


    Margaret approached Cord and the kids as they spoke while heading toward Sirius'' room.


    Margaret: "Hey, guys! Hi, Sirius. Hope you slept well."


    Ahr [Blushed]: "Hi, Miss Margaret."


    Cord: "Hey, Margaret, going to feed Tes?"


    Margaret: "Correct. By the way, can I take him for some fresh air later?"


    Cord: "Sure. Well, we''re in a hurry. It''s Sirius''s first day in our school, so we must go now. See you later!"


    Margaret: "Okay, see you later."


    Cord proceeded to take Sirius to the same elevator he was in with Isabella the previous night and clicked on the -4 button.


    Cord: "Well, Ahr, I have to go to work. I will leave Sirius in your care now. He already knows the girls, so you will probably be fine. Don''t forget to show him the school."


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    Ahr: "No worries, Mayer. He''s in good hands."


    Cord: "Call me Cord."


    Ahr: "Alright alright... Mr. Mayer..."


    Ahr grabbed Sirius'' hand, and they rushed out of the elevator when its doors opened. As the doors closed, we see Cord clicking on the -6 button, going to another level. In the meantime, Ahr started showing the "school" to Sirius. He showed him his classroom, bathrooms, gym, cafeteria, science lab, and the, most impressive of all, a giant library. The library was so extensive and diverse that Sirius'' first impression was that it looked more like a museum, as it had everything - books, fossils, mummies, ancient artifacts, coin collections, and almost everything he could imagine from the little he had seen of the world.


    He then proceeded to look around with Ahr, unknowingly admiring everything. He was particularly drawn to Egyptian writings carved on a stone. Those symbols were like a hundred beautiful drawings in his eyes, all sharing a story. Ahr noticed how much he admired it and asked him:


    Ahr: "Do you like it?"


    Sirius: "It''s beautiful."


    Ahr: "Ain''t it? It''s my favorite among all these."


    Sirius continued to admire the hieroglyphics.


    Ahr: "Do you want to know what it says?"


    Sirius: "Yes, yes, please."


    Ahr: "I don''t know the exact translation, but it goes something like this: The inherent energy imbalance begets contrast, necessitates change, and leads to the emergence of new rulers defined by the conditions of their existence within the fabric of space-time."


    Sirius: "It sounds different from what I had imagined."


    Ahr [Laughing]: "What did you think?"


    Sirius: "Something about birds."


    Ahr [Laughing]: "Good one!"


    Isabella and Neveah entered the library.


    Isabella (Not using the translator): "Oh, here they are! Ahr, the teacher, is looking all over for you and Sirius. You''re late for class."


    Ahr (Not using the translator): I lost track of time. Quick, Sirius, let''s go.


    Ahr grabbed Sirius''s hand, and the four of them rushed into the class, knocked on the door, and entered, revealing they were the only students in that class. Noticing their delay, their teacher asked:


    Teacher: "Ahr, where have you been?"


    Ahr: "I''m sorry, Miss Fletcher. I lost track of time showing Sirius the library."


    Miss Fletcher: "Well, at least you were doing something productive. Anyway..."


    The teacher grabbed a translator out of her pocket.


    Miss Fletcher: "Hi! You''re Sirius, right?"


    Sirius nodded yes.


    Miss Fletcher: "Hi, I''m Miss Fletcher, Jenny Fletcher. I will be your teacher in the meantime. Hope we can get along!"


    Sirius politely thanked her with body language (a tiny bow).


    Miss Fletcher: "OK, well, kids, time to sit down. Sirius, you can sit there next to Ahr."


    Sirius sat next to Ahr; he already had a pencil, a pen, and an eraser with a blank sheet of paper on his desk.


    Miss Fletcher: "Anyway, kids, I think you already met each other, but let''s introduce ourselves again just in case. Please tell Sirius your name, age, where you''re from, and something about yourselves. Please remember to use your translators while talking to him. Also, remember to pause briefly after talking so we can ensure that he listens to the translation. He''s very young, but he will learn English quickly."


    "Ahr, you can start first; please introduce yourself."


    Ahr: "Hi, my name is Ahr, Ahr Bengali. I''m ten years old, and as far as I know, I''ve been here almost all my life, but I was born in Egypt. Also, like Neveah and Isabella, I was adopted by Mr. Mayer."


    Miss Fletcher: "And something about yourself?"


    Ahr: "I already said it, but my favorite food is chicken wings."


    Miss Fletcher: "Thank you very much, Ahr. Neveah, you''re next!"


    Neveah: "Hi, I''m Neveah Ceban. I''m five years old, and I was born in Moldavia. Dad told me I came here when I was two years old."


    Miss Fletcher: "Thank you, sweetheart. Isabella, you''re next."


    Isabella: "Hi, I''m Isabella Ceban. I''m six years old, and I''m Neveah''s older sister. And something about myself... ah... hmmmm. I''m always hungry."


    Miss Fletcher [Laughing]: "Thank you, Isabella! Now you, Sirius. You don''t need to rush; try your best!"


    As the class continued and Sirius began his presentation, the scene shifted its focus.


    Cord stood with another man and some scientists in a lab, monitoring the class with hidden cameras, which gave them vision and audio from every angle of level -4. The unknown man started speaking with Cord.


    Unknown Man: "Cord, I gotta say, this is amazing. We are so close... once we get the final piece, we will unlock one of the world''s craziest powers."


    Cord: "I look forward to it, Mr. President."


    The unknown man is revealed to be President Nixon himself.


    Nixon: "Anyway, how are the boys adapting?"


    Cord: "He''s doing well, sir. As requested, we already gave him the vaccine, so it''s a matter of time before it manifests."


    Nixon: "Do you know where another of those kids may be?"


    Cord: "That''s what I wanted to talk to you about, sir."


    Nixon [Looks at the scientists]: "Gentlemen, please give us the room for a few moments."


    The scientists leave the room, leaving only Nixon and Cord in it.


    Nixon [Looks back at Cord]: "So? What is the news?"


    Cord: "We got a match, but we have a problem."


    Nixon: "And what seems to be the problem?"


    Cord: "Our match is a female sir, and she is currently pregnant."


    Nixon: "Great! That means we just have to wait for the boy to be born."


    Cord: "That''s the thing, sir. She''s not pregnant with a boy. She''s pregnant with a girl."


    Nixon [Suprised]: "Wait, a girl? Are you sure about this?"


    Cord: "I couldn''t believe it either, but I triple-checked. It always came back positive."


    Nixon: "And is there any chance of this girl, this baby about to be born, being the final piece of the puzzle?"


    Cord: "I doubt it, sir. As you know, one of the 42 books of knowledge we found last year states many conditions to control the powers. The most effective one is the presence of a receptor-type soul within the group. Unfortunately, receptors are born mainly male, and the odds of a female being born are almost impossible. We also have to consider that even if a male receptor is born, his blood will kill him over time if he doesn''t meet the correct requirements. And these are requirements that we are still unaware of.


    [Cord breathes heavily once] This means that, unfortunately, without the appropriate final kid, we can''t guarantee the other children a natural, safe way to control their powers."


    Nixon: So you''re telling me that this giant operation will be on hold until this match, or at least the kid of this match, is pregnant with a goddamn boy?


    Cord: Yes, Si-- [Gets Interrupted by Nixon]


    Nixon: "And even if it''s a boy, there''s a chance he''s not a chosen one? [Nixon takes a deep breath] You see Cord, I don''t have the years to wait for this type of crap. [He then screams] WE NEED RESULTS! I think you should start coming up with a solution. And think about it fast! Cause I guarantee you that this project will end on my presidency."


    Nixon starts walking toward the door.


    Cord: "But, sir, we can do nothing for now. We need an appropriate group- [Gets interrupted by Nixon again]."


    Nixon: If you can''t come up with a solution, I will simply have to start without the final kid.


    Cord: But, sir, if things go wrong ---


    [Nixon walks back, facing Cord]


    Nixon: "No ''buts.'' I''m not going to wait 20-something years for some goddamn kid. This project has been active for 12 years Cord, 12 fucking years...So this is what we''re going to do. We will start the trials next month on the kids we have, and if you don''t show results, I''m shutting it down."


    Nixon walks out of the room, leaving Cord with a look of shock.


    A few seconds pass, and Cord slams his fists on one of the tables, screaming mentally to himself.


    Cord: "AHHH, What do I do now? The kids can get seriously hurt or even die if a receptor is not present... We have no way of balancing their awakening. And I''m not willing to risk their lives or this project for Nixon''s impatience.... ah Mary... the things I do for you... are killing me from inside...."

 (05) - | Number$

    Numbers


    <hr>


    After Sirius''s presentation, Miss Fletcher takes a bunch of papers from her desk and starts handing them to the students. She has her translator with her as well.


    Miss Fletcher: "Alright kids, we will do an IQ test today. Don''t worry, this doesn''t count for your final grade. All you have to do is answer A, B, C, or D. If you don''t know the answer to something, you can leave it blank, there is no problem. Also, please wait for my instruction to turn to the next page."


    Sirius was surprised when handed the IQ test due to its number of pages.


    Miss Fletcher: "The test has 32 pages, and you will have 3 hours to complete it. After 1 hour and a half, you will have a 30-minute break. Any questions?"


    The class stays quiet, and Sirius thinks, "But I don''t know how to read," he remains silent anyway and doesn''t complain about it.


    Miss Fletcher: "Alright, kids! I''ll give you 1 minute to see the test, and then we will start."


    Sirius opens the test, noticing that this "IQ test," a thing he''s never heard of, mainly comprises images and sequences. He immediately understands that the purpose is to choose the correct series continuation. When he turns to the second page, he hears Miss Fletcher saying:


    Miss Fletcher: "Alright everyone, let''s start. Exercise 1: Please choose the correct continuation of the sequence."


    Sirius immediately selects what he thinks to be the answer, and without waiting for the teacher, he starts filling the rest of the first page on his own, finishing it in a couple of seconds. He then waits for the teacher to order him to flip to the next page.


    Miss Fletcher: "Exercise 4: Please choose the correct continuation of the sequence.....


    Exercise 6: Please choose the correct continuation of the sequence......


    Exercise 9: Please choose the correct continuation of the sequence.......


    Turn the page...."


    After waiting patiently, Sirius turns the page, noticing a little sentence with a single image. He waits for the teacher to speak and for the translator''s response to understand what it says.


    Miss Fletcher: "Exercise 10: How many triangles do you see?"


    Sirius understands the type of exercises on the second page and starts rushing through them again, finishing earlier than everyone else. He is so focused that he turns to another page and continues doing it, then another one, and another one. Miss Fletcher notices this, thinking it was just a little 4-year-old kid rushing the test to go to his break faster. She doesn''t mind it and proceeds with her job.


    An hour and a half later, Ahr, Isabella, and Neveah finish half of the test and prepare for their break. Cord enters the room when Miss Fletcher is about to let them go to recess.


    Cord: "Hey Jenny, can I have a word with you?"


    Miss Fletcher: "Sure, Cord, how can I help?"


    Cord and Miss Fletcher start whispering outside the room.


    Cord: "So today is the day we are vaccinating the kids. Is it okay for me to take Ahr, Neveah, and Isabella for a few minutes? It will be fast."


    Miss Fletcher: "They were about to go on their recess, so sure. I will give them an extra 15 minutes to rest."


    Cord: "Thanks. Can you keep an eye on Sirius while we''re gone?"


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Miss Fletcher: "Wait, you''re not gonna vaccinate him?"


    Cord: "He did exams yesterday, so Margaret already vaccinated him."


    Miss Fletcher: "Alright, I''ll get breakfast with him then."


    Cord: "Splendid, thank you."


    Cord and Jenny enter back in the room.


    Cord: "Alright, you three with me. Time for a quick health check-up."


    Ahr: "What? But we did one last month."


    Cord: "Yeah, but you three didn''t get vaccinated. Sirius already did. So be a big boy and follow his example."


    Ahr tries to sneak out of the room to avoid the vaccine, but Cord, Isabella, and Neveah grab him and take him with them to get vaccinated.


    Isabella: "You heard the old man, let''s go."


    Neveah: "That''s right, it''s for your good."


    Ahr: "I hate y''all."


    (Sirius smiles a little bit, finding the situation funny.)


    Miss Fletcher grabbed the translator on her table and walked towards Sirius.


    Miss Fletcher: "Well, Sirius, that leaves just you and me. Wanna go grab something to eat?"


    Sirius nods yes.


    Miss Fletcher: "Alright, then let''s go!"


    Sirius grabs his translator from the table, and Miss Fletcher takes him by the hand; together, they go to the school''s cafeteria. They both get a cheese and ham croissant with some mango orange juice. They sit down and start eating. When finished, Miss Fletcher asks:


    Miss Fletcher: "So, are you going to tell me why you were rushing through the answers on the test?"


    Sirius: "Oh, I wasn''t rushing."


    Miss Fletcher: "Really? Then let me ask you, did you already finish the test?"


    Sirius: "Yes."


    Miss Fletcher: "Then you rushed it."


    Sirius: "Yeah, but it looked so easy, so I continued doing it."


    Miss Fletcher gets quietly shocked and says:


    Miss Fletcher: "I see..."


    They start walking together to class while waiting for the other three. Miss Fletcher looks at what the kids answered on the test, surprised by their results. They weren''t excellent results, but they were good ones. But when she gets to Sirius''s test, she is mesmerized. Almost every single question until page 27 is correct. She stays quiet, thinking that Sirius might be some genius or that he has already done the test before and memorized it. Either way, both possibilities would be impressive for a 4-year-old.


    Miss Fletcher: "Did you ever do one of these before?"


    Sirius nods no.


    In the meantime, the other three kids return to the room. Ahr comes whining about the vaccine he got in his arm while the girls enter as if nothing had happened.


    Isabella: "Hey, teacher, we are back."


    The three of them sit down and remain quiet. Miss Fletcher notices a change in the kids, as if they were more focused, but ignores it.


    Miss Fletcher (Doesn''t speak to the translator.): "Alright, kids, let''s start the second part of the test."


    Neveah: "Miss Fletcher, you forgot to talk to the translator."


    Miss Fletcher: "Oh, There¡äs no need for it honey. Sirius already finished his. He will just be drawing now while we finish the test."


    Neveah: "Oh, okay."


    Miss Fletcher proceeds to finish the test with the other kids. She picks up the tests and puts them on her desk to review and grade them later.


    Miss Fletcher: "Alright kids, that will be all for today. I will have your test results tomorrow, okay? Well, see you tomorrow, you''re dismissed!"


    The class says goodbye to Miss Fletcher and leaves the room, noticing Cord waiting for them outside to take them to the elevator. In the meantime, Miss Fletcher takes a look at the drawings Sirius had made. It seems he made three of them.


    One of him with his new friends and cord.


    The other was strange and abstract. It was full of black-and-white spots and circles.


    The final one was a simple drawing of him, his mom, dad, and brother.


    Miss Fletcher feels attracted to the drawings, so she puts them on her desk and takes them with her to keep a tiny reminder of Sirius. Her gut told her that she had found someone extraordinary.


    The scene shifts to Cord and the kids.


    Cord, when reaching the elevator door, asked the kids:


    Cord: "So what did y''all learn today?"


    Ahr: "We did an IQ test."


    Cord: "An IQ test?!"


    Neveah: "Yeah, the first part was complicated, but the second one was easy!"


    Cord: "Oh yeah? What was it about?"


    Isabella: "Numbers and images!"


    Cord: "Hmm, numbers? I see..."


    Cord starts talking to Sirius.


    Cord (In Japanese): And you, Sirius, did you like your first school day?


    Sirius (In Japanese): Hum hum! It was fun.


    Cord and the kids enter the elevator.


    Cord (In Japanese): Well, I''m glad you liked it!


    Sirius (in Japanese): And how was your day?


    Cord (In Japanese): "... It was good kiddo... [Switches back to English] It was really good..."


    [The elevator door closes.]

 (06) - | Re$ult$

    Results


    <hr>


    After school, Cord walks with the kids as they return to their rooms. Along the way, they continued to talk and play with the translator to learn more about Sirius''s language. Eventually, Cord returns them to their rooms, and Sirius is the last one with him.


    When Cord and Sirius are close to reaching his room, they see two soldiers arguing intensely in the hallway.


    Soldier A: "But I told you it wasn''t me."


    Soldier B [Grabs Soldier A by his shirt.]: "Stop lying! I know perfectly well it was you!"


    Cord: "Alright, soldiers, it''s time to stop."


    The soldiers notice Cord and Sirius, and the argument comes to a halt as they salute Cord. Both appear very nervous about getting caught arguing with one of their superiors.


    Cord: "So, what happened?"


    Soldier B: "My snacks went missing Sir, and my brother is the only one who shares the room with me Sir."


    Cord [Looks at Soldier A]: "Is this for real?"


    Soldier A: "Yes but I already told him it wasn''t me... Sir."


    Cord: "You two wait here."


    Soldier A and B: "Yes, sir."


    Cord walks Sirius to his room''s door, enters with him, and checks on his brother, noticing that he''s sleeping like a rock.


    Cord (In Japanese) [Whispering]: "Alright, Sirius, I''ll be back later so we can go grab dinner with the others. There are some toys in that basket if you want to play with them okay? We''ll see you later."


    Sirius (in English) [Whispering]: "Bye Bye, Mr. Cord"


    Cord gets shocked, hearing Sirius speak in English. He leaves the room with a massive smile on his face.


    Cord [Thinking to Himself]: "These soldiers were always happy and great to each other. It''s the first time I''ve seen them argue. But I would never imagine a small thing like this would make them act like that."


    Cord starts speaking with the soldiers, still having a huge smile on his face.


    Cord: "Alright, boys, I will ignore what I saw. But remember..."


    Cord suddenly gets a bit angry and says:


    Cord: "Next time I catch you arguing like that next to children, I will make it my life''s mission to make sure you two end up homeless veterans."


    Cord walks away, leaving the two soldiers extremely shocked. As Cord walks away from them, he starts thinking and gets more appalled about what he just said.


    Cord [Thinking to himself]: "Wait, why did I act like that? I know I was right in what I said, but there was no justification to be that furious about it... Seriously, Cord, what''s the matter with you these last two days..."


    We see Cord entering the main elevator and clicking on the -7 button. As the elevator goes down, Cord thinks to himself.


    Cord: "8 years... I guess it''s time to use this finally... I wasn''t expecting it to be so soon, but... I... we... need more time... and to buy more time, I must pay with results..."


    The elevator reaches its destination, and Cord gets out. When he gets out, it is revealed that the entire level is empty, with unbreakable walls, lights, and a single telephone close to the elevator.


    Two hours pass, and Sirius is still inside his room, playing with a few toys, when he suddenly hears a knock on his door.


    Sirius goes to open the door, but the door opens from outside first. The door hits him, and he falls to the ground. We see that it was Isabella who opened the door. Noticing Sirius on the floor, she uses her translator and says.


    Isabella: "Hey, are you alright?"


    Sirius gets up, grabs his translator from his bed, and says.


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Sirius: "I''m alright, but next time, wait for me to open the door, okay?"


    Isabella: "It''s your fault, don''t stand so close to the door next time! Cord told me to come get you, it''s time for dinner."


    Sirius: "Alright, let me just get my shoes on."


    While Sirius puts on his shoes, we see Margaret entering the room.


    Margaret: "Hey, kids, are you going to have dinner now too?"


    Isabella: "Yes, Miss Margaret."


    Margaret: "Would you mind if I joined you?"


    Isabella: "No, not at all."


    Margaret takes Tes out of his crib and puts him in a baby carrier.


    Sirius: "Tes is coming with us?"


    Margaret (without a translator): "Yeah, I''m going to use the chance to feed him too. Don''t worry; he''s a good boy. I bet he''ll stay quiet."


    Sirius didn''t understand what she said, but he concluded that his brother was also attending dinner.


    Isabella: "Alright then, let''s go! I''m hungry!"


    The four of them walk over to the canteen, finding Ahr and Neveah already seated at a table waiting for them.


    Ahr (Not using the translator): "Hey, Sirius!"


    Ahr notices Margaret beside Sirius.


    Ahr [Blushing]: "Mi Miss Margaret! Ha-ha-happy to see you!"


    Margaret: "Oh, hi Ahr. Do you mind if I join you for dinner?"


    Ahr [Exicted]: "No, no, no! Not at all!"


    Neveah notices Ahr''s crush on Margaret and says with a dull face.


    Neveah: "Pervert"


    Jean-Pierre then reaches the table to take the kids and Margaret''s order:


    Jean-Pierre: "Hey kids! Miss Margaret! What can I get for you today?"


    Miss Margaret: "Hey Jean! I want a pepper steak, please."


    Jean-Pierre: "Certainly, and to drink?"


    Miss Margaret: "Give me a beer if you can. Also, can you ask someone to heat the baby''s milk? That way, I can feed him while I wait for the steak."


    Jean-Pierre: "Yeah, no problem at all. [looks at the kids] Do you guys already know what you want to eat?"


    Sirius surprisingly understood what Jean said and pointed at both options from the kid''s menu. He also added:


    Sirius: "Coolaaa"


    Jean-Pierre: "Oh, showing some initiative this time, I like that. Certainly. And you girls, what would you like?"


    Neveah: "I want the usual Jean, thank you."


    Isabella [With a Confident Tone]: "You know what? Bring me both options from the kids'' menu Jean! With also a cola, please."


    Jean-Pierre: "Uh, someone''s hungry today."


    Isabella: "I''m always hungry." [Isabella gives a competitive look at Sirius.]


    Jean-Pierre: "And you little Ahr, what would you like?"


    Ahr [Proudly Asks]: "I want the same thing that Miss Margaret is having!"


    Margaret: "Are you sure? It''s spicy, and normally kids don''t eat these types of food."


    Ahr: "I''m not a kid anymore. I can handle it!"


    Jean-Pierre: Alrighty then, and to drink?


    Ahr: "I want a beer as well!"


    Jean-Pierre [Laughs]: "I can''t serve you that."


    Ahr [Puts His Hands Behind His Head]: "Ahhhh, what a bummer. Okay, then give me a cola."


    Jean-Pierre [Smilling]: "Certainly, little Ahr."


    Jean-Pierre walks away, taking Margaret''s milk with him and giving it to the kitchen staff to heat up. In the meantime, Margaret happily watches the kids talking when Cord reaches their table.


    Neveah: "Dad!"


    Cord: "Hey, guys! Mind if I join in?"


    Margaret: "No, not at all!"


    Cord grabs a chair and joins them at their table.


    Margaret: "So, how was work today?"


    Cord: "Hard, it was a super busy day. I just ordered some new tracksuits for the kids."


    Margaret: "Tracksuits?"


    Cord:" Yeah, they will have physical education on the training grounds in a few days!"


    Margaret gets surprised, looking at Cord with pitiful eyes. In contrast to the kids, she immediately understood what he meant by that.


    Ahr: "Physical education? But we never had that; we don''t even have a place big enough to train or play football, for example."


    Cord: "Oh yeah? Guess what? You will have one."


    Ahr: "For real?"


    Cord: "Yep!"


    Ahr [Celebrates]: "YES! YES! HELL YEAH, BABY!"


    Cord and Margaret start laughing over Ahr''s reaction. But both of their laughs are suddenly interrupted when they lock eyes, understanding the risk the kids and themselves will face in the following days.


    Meanwhile, Jean-Pierre comes back, bringing the perfectly heated milk for Margaret. She checks the temperature and says,


    Margaret: "It''s perfect, Jean, thank you."


    Jean nods and leaves to continue his work. Margaret then feeds Tes while Cord explains to the kids and Margaret what they will do in their new class.


    Cord: "We will build a tiny football and basketball field so that older soldiers and people can enjoy it. But you guys will also have a zone just for yourselves where you can do anything. You will learn anatomy, athleticism, martial arts, etc., and to top it all, you will have your trainers to work on the individualities of each of you. You guys will love it. It will make you stronger and smarter."


    Ahr: "Uhhhhh, I can''t wait to play some football. By the way, will we have..." [Ahr gets interrupted by a loud noise, and they look at the table behind them.]


    A fight between two other soldiers seemed to start at the back of the cafeteria. The conflict quickly escalates, and the soldiers punch each other. Cord, Jean-Pierre, and Johnny, who were at another table, intervened and tried to separate the two soldiers. Unfortunately, Jean-Pierre accidentally gets punched, knocking him out. He falls to the ground, hitting his head on the wall, causing him to start bleeding. Cord and Johnny continue to try to separate and calm the soldiers down.


    Neveah, Ahr, Sirius, Isabella, and Margaret get up and rush to Jean-Pierre to help him and check if he''s okay. But amid the chaos, confusion, disorder, loud noises, and shouts, something goes unnoticed. In the middle of it all, Tes, the one-month-old baby left in his carrier close to the table, starts to laugh as if he''s enjoying the chaos of the moment.

 (07) - | Fir$t Encounter

    First Encounter


    <hr>


    Amidst the chaos, Cord and Johnny separate and restrain the two soldiers. Meanwhile, Margaret and the children help Joan Pierre to stand up and settle him down. After two minutes, Joan Pierre regains his senses. Margaret retrieves her first aid kit to tend to Joan Pierre''s bleeding. A few minutes pass, and the two soldiers in conflict calm down. Cord and Johnny initiate a conversation with them, trying to comprehend the situation.


    Cord: "Do you both realize you will be suspended or even expelled for this?"


    Soldiers: "Yes, sir."


    Johnny: "But let''s set that aside for now. Can you tell us what happened?"


    Soldier A: "Sir, explaining this might sound rather absurd. It''s almost unbelievable. My lighter had been missing since last week, and today, I noticed my partner had it. So, during dinner, I confronted him about it. Somehow, things escalated, and it led us to this point."


    Johnny: "A lighter? Do you mean to say that this entire commotion erupted over a lighter? [Johnny gestures towards Joan Pierre] Do you think a man''s life is worth a mere lighter?"


    Soldier A and B: "No, sir!" [Johnny slaps the two soldiers]


    Cord: "Johnny, that''s enough. Both of you return to your rooms. The director will take care of this later."


    Soldier A and B: "Yes sir! We apologize sir." [The two soldiers exit the cafeteria and head to their rooms]


    Cord: "This situation reminds me of what occurred earlier this afternoon..."


    Johnny: "What happened earlier?"


    Cord: "Earlier today, two other soldiers were on the brink of a fight over snacks. Fortunately, they didn''t escalate it, so I didn''t feel the need to report it."


    Johnny: "These youngsters seem to be getting more foolish by the day. At least those two didn''t create a scene in the middle of the cafeteria like these two. By the way, where were the other two fighting? I''m curious now."


    Cord: "These two were near Sirius and Tes''s..."


    Cord suddenly stops talking and gets lost in his thoughts


    Cord [Thinking to himself]: "Wait, could it be?"


    Cord: "I''ll talk to you later, Johnny."


    Johnny: "Huh? What''s going on?"


    Cord: "I might be onto something."


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    Johnny: "You''re not even staying for dinner?"


    Cord: "Can''t! Duty calls!" [Cord rushes out of the cafeteria, leaving Johnny puzzled.]


    Johnny [Muttering to himself]: "What the fuck just happened?"


    Unbeknownst to Johnny, Isabella and Margaret were nearby when he spoke to himself.


    Isabella: "Told you."


    Margaret [laughs]: "Well, Johnny, I''ll have to skip dinner and perform some X-rays on Joan Pierre. Can you take care of the kids and bring them their food?"


    Johnny: "Of course, don''t worry. I''ll take care of it."


    Margaret: "Thank you!"


    Margaret then tells Joan Pierre to say goodbye to the kids and then addresses Johnny and Isabella near the door.


    Margaret: "Goodbye. See you guys tomorrow!"


    Isabella: "Goodbye Miss Margaret. Goodbye, Joan! I hope you feel better soon!"


    Joan Pierre: "Thank you, sweetheart."


    Johnny: "Get some rest, buddy."


    Joan Pierre gives Johnny a thumbs-up as he and Margaret leave.


    Johnny [Looks at the table where the other kids are seated and mutters]: "Well, it looks like it''s babysitting time."


    A shift of scenes occurs, and Cord is seen in the security room, reviewing recordings of the incidents.


    Cord: "Okay, everything seems normal here."


    Cord switches to the recording of the cafeteria fight, observing it.


    Cord: "This is when Joan Pierre got knocked out."


    The video shows Joan Pierre getting knocked out and Margaret and the kids rushing to him afterward. Cord zooms the camera on the kids as they assist Joan Pierre.


    Cord: "Hmm, maybe I was imagining things..."


    [Cord is about to close the recording when he realizes]


    Cord: "Wait, I missed one."


    He then zooms in on Tes''s crib after everyone left the table. He stares at the recording and suddenly, he notices a small dark cloud-like figure near the baby.


    Cord: Could this be it? Little Tes, are you the first one to awaken?


    Amazed by what he saw, he checks the recording of the afternoon fight. He also examines the recording inside Tes and Sirius''s room this time. To his surprise, he sees a humanoid shadow figure playing with Tes and holding him in his arms, like a mother or a father would do to their child.


    Cord falls back in shock and starts screaming. Eventually, his screams transform into laughter. He was lost in terror, amazement, and disbelief. It''s the first time he has witnessed non-human activity.


    Cord: It''s true! This confirms it! The Deity''s powers remain among us. A new era is about to begin!


    He starts laughing and falls to his knees on the ground


    Cord [Lacking air]: Cord, what have you done...


    Cord gets up, walks over to a phone, and makes a call.


    Unknown Caller: Yes?


    Cord: Mr. President, it''s Cord.


    Nixon: I know it''s you Cord. They informed me in advance. What do you need?


    Cord: Sir, I have something to show you. It''s urgent. Can you come in 3 days?


    Nixon: Cord, I was there just yesterday.


    Cord: Sir, we have results.


    Nixon: What did you say?


    Cord: We have results, sir. I never thought it would be possible, but... [Gets interrupted by Nixon]


    Nixon: Alright, that''s enough. Very well, I''ll be there in 3 days. See you soon, Cord. [Nixon hangs up the phone]


    Cord notices a liquor bottle on the table. He grabs it and sits on the floor while staring at the images from Tes''s room. He takes four large zips, consuming a third of the bottle.


    After a few minutes, he stands up, closes the recording files, and leaves the bottle on the table.


    As he exits the security room, Cord remarks.


    Cord: I hate this job.

 (08) - | The Meetup

    The Meetup


    <hr>


    Three days had passed, and the kids were proudly leaving school. They headed towards the elevator with their IQ test results. They suddenly see Cord waiting for them near the elevator door.


    Cord: "Hey, kids! Did you learn a lot today?"


    Isabella: "Yeah! We received our IQ test scores today,"


    Cord: "Oh yeah? And who''s the smartest one?"


    Neveah: "I don''t know. We haven''t shared the results with each other yet."


    Isabella [Grins]: "It''s probably me, eh eh."


    Cord: "I see. And how about you Ahr? Did you do well?"


    Ahr: "Yeah, it was okay,"


    Cord (In Japanese): "And you Sirius, how did you do?"


    Sirius (In Japanese): "I don''t understand what it says"


    Cord (In Japanese): "Can I see it?"


    Sirius handed over his results to Cord, who calmly examined the paper.


    Cord (In Japanese): "Wow, Sirius, it says you are a genius. You almost got the maximum score,"


    Sirius (In Japanese): "And what does that mean?"


    Cord (In Japanese): "It means you learn things much faster than regular people!"


    Sirius: "Nice!"


    Cord chuckled as they stepped out of the elevator.


    Cord: "Well, kids, I have to go to work. I''ll meet you guys at dinner okay?"


    Neveah: "Bye, Dad!"


    Isabella: "Goodbye, old man,"


    Ahr: "Take care, Mr. Mayer,"


    Sirius waved and left with the kids while Cord pressed the button marked "-6" on the elevator panel, waving back at him.


    The elevator goes down, and Cord arrives at -6. He steps out and makes his way towards a door, entering a conference room.


    Inside the conference room, five women and five men stood in the front row of the seats while Nixon stood in the last row, watching from afar.


    Cord walked onto the stage in the conference room and began his presentation.


    Cord: "Ladies and gentlemen, I am grateful for your presence here today. Before we begin this meeting, I want to remind you that all the information about to be discussed is confidential. Any breach of this confidentiality, whether accidental or intentional, will result in your classification as an enemy of the United States of America. If any of you have reservations, now is the opportunity to leave."


    [The room remains in silence.]


    Cord [Turns on a projector with a few images]: "Great. Let''s start shall we?


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    In 1954, a renowned American archaeologist named Larry Begmire made an astonishing discovery that forever altered our understanding of ancient Egypt. While exploring the pyramids, Begmire uncovered a previously unknown concealed tunnel. This tunnel descended deep into the Earth until it reached a massive underground chamber 47 meters below the surface. Upon entering this chamber, Begmire encountered a remarkable revelation: two hieroglyphs etched upon stone. Astonishingly, these hieroglyphs deviated from the symbols and languages previously deciphered. They represented an entirely unknown language, untouched by the passage of time.


    Begmire''s meticulous investigation of this hidden chamber unveiled further revelations. Amidst a collection of precious artifacts, he stumbled upon an ornate casket encircled by ancient weaponry and sumptuous silks ¨C likely offerings to honor the deceased from an era long past. Sensing the potential implications of his discovery, Begmire, apprehensive about possible resistance from the Egyptian government, reached out to our organization. Through diplomatic channels, we facilitated negotiations and eventually transported the casket to the United States. We then provided Begmire with a secure environment to conduct his research.


    The moment of truth arrived when the casket was opened, revealing a mummified figure adorned with golden finery. Four mysterious books rested upon the mummy''s chest. Begmire then meticulously unwrapped the golden-clad mummy, only to find it in an impeccable state of preservation. Begmire said, "It was as if the body had succumbed to death just days ago." This astonishing revelation led Begmire to join forces with some of the world''s most eminent scientists, archaeologists, and linguists, initiating a collaborative effort that would uncover groundbreaking insights.


    Their investigations into the mummy''s blood yielded an extraordinary discovery: an additional cellular component labeled "MC," short for Memory Cell. This remarkable memory cell had the uncanny ability to prompt other cells to recall their previous functions, even postmortem. Its potency was such that the mummy''s heart exhibited sporadic beats occasionally despite its deceased state. The scientists uncovered that memory cells consumed themselves to provide nutrients for other cells. However, before their total self-consumption, they would exit the host''s body, raising perplexing questions about the mummy''s age and the sustained presence of memory cells.


    Translating the books emerged as a primary avenue for answers. After five years of painstaking effort, the translators produced a riveting narrative:


    The first book recounted the origins of humanity itself. It spoke of a distant land, a world unlike ours, where humans harnessed the powers of nature with profound finesse. These evolved beings exhibited unparalleled spiritual, mental, and physical prowess, rendering technology obsolete. Also, stories of their time foretold a future cataclysmic event that would necessitate their migration to new habitats.


    The second book illuminated the enigma of MC. It revealed that the earliest humans possessed MC within their veins, each endowed with a unique quantity. The ancients described MC as the mineral remnants of celestial bodies, Long-dead stars that intertwined with the cosmos'' evolution and life''s emergence until reaching the human bodies. These ancient habitants had mastered MC manipulation, harnessing its potential. The book also divulged that MC''s capacity to record past lives enriched the subconscious of subsequent generations, exponentially amplifying their wisdom and power. Yet, each new host would receive a diminishing quantity, leading to critical questions surrounding its distribution in the future.


    Book three delved into the intricacies of the human soul, categorizing the soul into two distinct groups. Creators and Receptors. Creators emanated an energy that influenced their surroundings, while Receptors assimilated energy from others, sustaining the equilibrium between the positive and negative.


    The book also acknowledged rare instances where individuals possessed both attributes.


    Statistical data within the book indicated that 67.2% of individuals were Creators during that era, while 31.7% were Receptors. The remaining 0.1% exhibited both characteristics. Intriguingly, 89% of these dual-natured individuals met tragic ends through homicide, misfortune, health issues, or even suicide.


    The book ultimately states that the majority of the soul itself is made of Mc.


    The fourth book eloquently described the cosmic tapestry''s creation, an eternal cycle of emergence and dissolution, akin to our understanding of the Big Bang. This ceaseless pattern yielded variations in each iteration while occasionally revisiting familiar conditions, manifesting phenomena like d¨¦j¨¤ vu...


    Recently, a newfound book emerged. This last book disclosed the existence of an additional 37 similar volumes. It revealed the author of these chronicles as "Thoth," an Egyptian deity. Unlike its predecessors, this tome posed a dire prediction: Thoth remarked, "The inherent energy imbalance begets contrast, necessitates change, and leads to the emergence of new rulers defined by the conditions of their existence within the fabric of space-time."


    In simpler terms, Thoth forecasted that in our imminent future, a multitude of unchecked and uncontrolled ''Rulers,'' which you can also call ''gods,'' would emerge to maintain the balance of the world. [Cord Finishes his presentation]


    Cord: Now, do we have any questions until now?"


    [Everyone in the front row puts their hands in the air]


    Cord: "Oh boy."

 (8.5) - | The Meetup - Part 2

    The Meetup - Part 2


    <hr>


    Cord: Alright, let''s begin from the left. Mr. Gary Oakman, you may start.


    Questioner Number 1: "So, will these rulers about to be born contain MC? If yes, how?"


    Cord: "Yes, they will. In fact, they already do."


    Questioner Number 1: "They?"


    Cord: "MC disappeared from humans, but not entirely. We discovered it''s still inside us, like an invisible contrast to our DNA. However, it''s merely dormant ¨C discharged, like a dried plant waiting to be watered."


    Questioner Number 2: "So, will every human become a ''ruler''?"


    Cord: "No, only those who share parts of the same bloodline and meet the conditions outlined in the book. Their MC will only awaken or recharge once all conditions align. The birth of the last ruler triggers the natural awakening."


    Questioner Number 3: "Once this ruler is born, how will their Memory Cells recharge themselves from nothing?"


    Cord: "Naturally, we don''t know. But artificially, we have found an answer."


    Questioner Number 2: "Artificially?"


    Cord: "Yes, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce your new future students."


    [Cord Shows a picture of each child in the projector: Ahr, Isabella, Neveah, Sirius, Set]


    Cord: "Instead of waiting for the new ''Rulers'' to awaken naturally, we decided to search for potential candidates and recharge their MC ourselves, or at least give them more. This way, we can study every step of the utilization and power of the Memory Cell."


    "These young ones are:"


    <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 99.9729%; background-color: rgba(186, 55, 42, 1); border-color: rgba(186, 55, 42, 1)" border="1">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 99.1064%; text-align: center">Ahr | Age: 10 years | Born in Egypt</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 99.9729%; background-color: rgba(189, 64, 144, 1); border-color: rgba(189, 64, 144, 1); margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="1">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 99.1064%; text-align: center">Isabella | Age: 6 years | Born in Moldavia (Neveah¡äs sister)</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 99.9729%; background-color: rgba(53, 5, 63, 1); border-color: rgba(53, 5, 63, 1); margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="1">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 99.1064%; text-align: center">Neveah | Age: 5 Years |Born in Moldavia (Isabella''s sister)</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 99.9729%; background-color: rgba(22, 145, 121, 1); border-color: rgba(22, 145, 121, 1); margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="1">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 99.1064%; text-align: center">Sirius | Age: 4 years | Born in Japan ( Tes¡äs Brother)</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 99.9729%; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-color: rgba(200, 36, 36, 1)" border="1">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 99.1064%; text-align: center">Tes | Age: 7 weeks | Born in Somalia (Sirius''s brother)</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Cord: "We call them ''The Fake Rulers.''"


    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    Questioner number 3: "And how did you create them?"


    Cord: "We used blood from the mummy, which happened to be the body of Thoth himself. We extracted and concentrated the vast amount of MC from his veins, creating six shots that could awaken any of their descendants. Also, we administered the shots five days ago, which already shows his effects.


    For example, they are considerably more intelligent now, even for their age.


    Here are their IQ scores." [Cord Shows the IQ scores to the audience]


    Sirius - Score 151 IQ (47 out of 50 correct)


    Ahr - Score 121 IQ (39 out of 50)


    Isabella - Score 119 IQ (36 out of 50)


    Neveah - Score 114 IQ (34 out of 50)


    Cord: "As you can see, Sirius scored higher despite being only four years old. However, there''s a catch: Sirius took the shot two days before the test, while the other children took it halfway through. The results indicate that after receiving the MC, their cognitive levels increased. All Four answered the last 25 questions of the more challenging difficulty correctly.


    Additionally, three days ago, we had the opportunity to witness and record the use of Magic created by these Memory Cells for the first time.


    [Shows recordings of the baby playing with a smiley shadow ball around him in the cantenee]


    As you can observe, all of them have gained extreme intelligence, but only Tes has exhibited until now an unknown ability. Your task will be to teach these children to control themselves when their power awakens, using the pretext of this being a new technology that only works inside the base.


    The trainers will oversee physical activities and guide the children as they discover their unique abilities. At the same time, psychologists will assist in maintaining emotional control and helping the children understand this ''technology.''"


    Questioner Number 3: "Sorry, but what''s the purpose of all this?"


    Cord: "Isn''t it obvious? We aim to militarize it!


    That concludes the information I have for you. Any questions about the task?"


    Questioner Number 4: "How can you guarantee our safety when we don''t know what these kids are capable of?"


    Cord: "We have a fully equipped hospital with exceptional staff here. The entire base is continuously monitored. And in the unlikely event that a threat arises, I guarantee that tranquilizers will already be in place. Trust me, none of these children will pose a danger. They are good-hearted and kind. Eventually, you''ll realize they are normal individuals, just like us. Do you have any other questions?"


    [The room stays silent]


    Cord: "No? Excellent. Well, ladies and gentlemen, I want to express my gratitude for everyone accepting this assignment. Your duties commence tomorrow. Thank you once again. The meeting is over".


    The ten individuals exit the room, leaving only Cord and President Clinton.


    Nixon: "Cord, congratulations, you''ve done it!"


    Cord: "Thank you, Mr. President."


    Nixon: "However, you should consider contingency plans if they become uncontrollable. Do you understand? A tranquilizer might not be enough for the unknown."


    Cord: "I comprehend, sir, but I assure you, none of these children will pose any threat. Even if a situation gets out of hand, they are human, and the human body is vulnerable. There''s no need for concern."


    Nixon: "Are you suggesting that a regular bullet would eliminate one of these ''Rulers''?"


    Cord: "Based on our current knowledge, yes. They are, after all, ordinary humans, sir."


    Nixon: "I see...By the way, I wanted to meet the children, but unfortunately, I''m quite busy, and the meeting ran longer than expected. So I''ll save that for another time."


    Cord: "No problem, sir. Allow me to accompany you to the exit."


    Nixon and Cord exit the room.


    Cord proceeds to escort Nixon to his helicopter outside. Along their path, many people greet the President, and he expresses gratitude for their work.


    As Nixon boards the helicopter, he addresses Cord.


    Nixon: "Oh, and Cord, ensure that no information leaks. If it does, we will have to cancel the entire project."


    Cord: "You can rest assured, sir. I''ll do everything within my power to prevent that from happening."


    Nixon: "Good man."


    The helicopter''s door closes, and Cord departs. The aircraft takes off one minute later.


    As Cord reenters the base, he ponders.


    Cord: "Well, that went better than expected. However, what kind of cancellation is he referring to? If it involves the kids, I will not allow that to occur under any circumstances."

 (09) - | Ready, $et, $tart!

    Ready, $et, $tart!


    <hr>


    A few days had passed since Nixon''s departure. Cord and the kids descended in an elevator to level -7. The children were wearing brown/cream-colored tracksuits, eagerly discussing their enthusiasm for finally having physical training.


    Ahr [excited]: "We''re finally going to play some football."


    Neveah: "I want to play tennis!"


    Cord: "Not today, Ahr. The first day is reserved for introducing your trainers and familiarizing themselves with the facility."


    Ahr: "Come on, Mayer, can we at least play a game or two after that?"


    Cord: "Well, you''ll need to ask your trainer." [The elevator doors opened]


    Ahr: "Why do we even need trainers?" [Ahr peered outside the elevator]


    When Ahr looked outside the elevator, he saw five people standing in the middle of a vast room. In the center, there was both a football field and a basketball court. The room was so expansive that they had to walk a meter to reach the trainers in the center. As the children and Cord approached the trainers, they began speaking.


    Cord [smiling]: "Hello, everyone."


    The kids beheld four muscular men who appeared intense and intimidating, along with one younger, ordinary-looking person who was also a trainer. The trainers then started speaking to Cord.


    Gary Oakman [smiling]: "Are these the kids?"


    Cord: "Yes! Kids, I''d like to introduce you to your new trainers. Their names are...


    Gary Oakman [Gary flexed his arm muscles, accidentally dropping his cowboy hat]


    (Gary Oakman, 38 years old, specializes in bodybuilding, the best personal trainer in the state of Texas)


    Napping Jerry [Jerry, who had been almost falling asleep, suddenly woke up]


    (Napping Jerry, 42 years old, specializes in nutrition and efficient rest methods and is the best personal trainer in the state of Ohio)


    Gremit Ogren [Gremit gave an awkward smile]


    (Gremit Ogren, 35 years old, specializes in sports and is one of the most famous athletes'' trainers in the state of Florida)


    Kaizo Ouli Fuke [Made a peculiar Kung-fu pose]


    (Kaizo Ouli Fuke, 53 years old, specializes in martial arts and is one of the most respected monks in the country, with the physique of a 20-year-old)


    And finally,


    David Jason" [David gave a thumbs-up]


    (David Jason, 24 years old, specializes in body psychology, one of the best personal trainers and psychologists in the state of Alabama)


    Sirius then looked to the side and saw five women seated on the football benches, taking notes and observing them and the trainers. The cord then began addressing the kids.


    Cord: "Alright, kids, I will leave you now so you can introduce yourselves to your trainers. When your name is called, please go to them."


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Cord then repeated the same in Japanese for Sirius, and the kids understood. He then went on his way and joined the ladies, taking notes while David reintroduced himself and his team to the children.


    David [using a translator]: "Hello, kids! My name is David, and these are my colleagues. We will provide you with personal training from now on. Let''s work together! My colleagues will now call you, so please go to them when they say your name."


    The trainers then called the kids one by one.


    Gary Oakman: "Ahr!" [Ahr walked up to Gary Oakman]


    Jerry: "Isabella." [Isabella walked up to Jerry]


    Gremit: "Neveah." [Neveah walked up to Gremit]


    Kaizo: "Sirius" [Sirius walked up to Kaizo]


    Now, every kid was with one of the trainers, leaving David without anyone to teach. He and Cord left to sit beside the ladies taking notes on the audience seat. David sat next to Cord, and they started talking.


    Cord: "How much time do you think you will need?"


    David [Looking at the kids]: "Give us a few days, and we will eventually get your desired results."


    Cord: "Let''s hope so. Will the kids be alright?"


    David: "Probably, from what you''ve told us, their awakening is based on their talent or mental state. We need to discover which aspect is more effective for each. We won''t just be training their minds or bodies; we will teach them self-control."


    [Cord looked at David with a severe expression]


    While they continued talking, Kaizo introduced himself to Sirius while the other kids talked to their trainers.


    Kaizo (in Japanese): "Hey, kid, I heard you''ve got some skills."


    Sirius (in Japanese): "Skills?"


    Kaizo (in Japanese): "Yeah, skills; it means you''re talented."


    Sirius (in Japanese) [Admiringly]: "Ohhhh."


    They both gazed at each other in silence.


    Sirius (in Japanese): "You don''t know what you''re doing, right?"


    Kaizo was surprised by Sirius''s response and fell to the side [Comicly].


    Kaizo (in Japanese): "You''re right; I''m doing something I''ve never done before."


    Sirius (in Japanese): "What is this? A trainer who has never trained people?"


    Kaizo [Laughs]: "No, I''ve trained many people. But talented people are different. Hey, Sirius, answer me one thing. If you get it right, I''ll give you this candy here. [Takes a candy from his pocket] Where do you think your soul is?"


    Sirius (in Japanese): "Soul? Is that something I ate?"


    Kaizo [Laughs]: "No, a human body is divided into the body, mind, and soul. If someone strikes you [Pokes Sirius suddenly in his forehead], the pain is physical. But if someone insults you, your feelings toward it depend on the perspective of your mind and soul. And sometimes that perspective hurts you without even touching you; that''s cause it hurts your soul. Now that you know the difference, young Sirius, where do you think your soul is?"


    Sirius began trying to evoke feelings inside him to locate his soul. He thought of his father, and after a few seconds, he responded.


    Sirius (in Japanese)[Touching in Between the neck and the head]: "Here, and then goes down here" [Sirius pointed to his stomach]


    Kaizo (in Japanese) [Surprised]: "Oh, why?"


    Sirius (in Japanese): "When I feel sad, this part gets heavier. Sometimes, it''s so heavy that it goes down to the belly, and it hurts."


    Kaizo [Thinking to himself]: "What has this child seen to realize something like this on his own at such a young age?"


    Kaizo (in Japanese) [Puts his hand on Sirius''s shoulder]: "You''re correct. The soul expands from the brain to the spine." [He hands him the candy]


    Cord and David then approached the trainers with the kids and waited for everyone to finish their discussions.


    Then Cord began speaking.


    Cord Mayer: "Alright, kids, that''s everything for today. Did you like your trainers?"


    Neveah and Isabella: "Yes!"


    Ahr: "Hey Cord, can we at least play a football match?"


    Cord looked at the trainers, and they signaled that it was okay. He retrieved a football for them, and the kids started playing a match. He and the trainer went to sit with the ladies who were taking notes.


    When everyone was seated, Cord began talking to David, who was beside him.


    Cord: "So, what do we do now?"


    David: "We watch how they play together and evaluate their teamwork capacity. This will help with the training tomorrow."


    Cord: "And what will they do tomorrow?"


    David: "A physical resistance test."


    Ahr scored a goal against Sirius, the goalkeeper, and started celebrating, earning applause from the trainers.


    David: "Don''t worry, Cord, the kids will be OK. They all adapt in the end... Oh yeah, I forgot. Could you tell me what you''ll do about the baby? He was supposed to be my student, but I wonder if that will happen anytime soon."


    Cord: "Maybe when he reaches Sirius''s age, but for now, we need to wait. We''ve placed him in a particular room away from our soldiers, so his abilities won''t trigger side effects. The kids can generate chaos with his mere presence."


    David [Gives a small laugh]: "Chaos, you say? What a unique... individual."