《On the Shoulders of Giants: Humanity’s Last City》


 Introduction

    The noise was deafening: bullets whizzed nearby, explosions shook the ground, and a metallic stench mixed with ozone filled the air.


    I ran at full speed, dodging projectiles and avoiding balls of corrosive bile that sizzled on impact with the ground. A lightning bolt passed so close that I felt its searing heat through my combat suit. Around me, there was nothing but chaos.


    "504''s Kailen, reporting!" I shouted as I reached the command post, my voice raspy from the effort. The commander, a man with a weathered face and scars that spoke of decades of campaigns, barely looked up to respond.


    "What do you have?"


    I swallowed, trying to control the adrenaline.


    "A class 7 confirmed, thirty-three kilometers away, sir. Officer Richter requests a Hellfire strike. Here¡¯s the field marker."


    The commander nodded, as if facing a class 7 monster was just another routine. He took the marker from my hands and handed it to his analysts.


    But I knew what it meant. I remembered the faces of those who didn¡¯t return after facing such a threat.


    "Well done, soldier."


    The guttural roar of the enemy echoed in the distance, making the ground tremble beneath my feet. Minutes later, the Hellfire missiles streaked through the sky, illuminating the horizon with an infernal glow. I didn¡¯t have time to stop and watch; I was already on the move to my next objective.


    Suddenly, the scene faded. I opened my eyes in my room, sweating and gasping for breath.


    Nightmares have been frequent since I left the army. Even though years have passed since that day, the memories still haunt me: the horrors we faced, the comrades who didn¡¯t return, the sacrifices made by those who allowed me to come back to the land of the living. I can¡¯t forget, I mustn¡¯t. Every step that brought me here was built on the decisions of others.


    It all started when I was 15.


    A general mobilization forced thousands to take up arms against an unknown threat that appeared at the borders of the city. One of the favored sons of the Neuvak family was drafted into military service. But the family, ever calculating, decided to protect their prized heir. Instead, they falsified records for me, the black sheep, to take his place.


    They claimed that with the proper training and a "small incentive," I¡¯d be enough to fulfill the duty without raising suspicion. That "incentive" was a state-of-the-art neotechnium skeleton, a valuable tool that symbolized the prestige of the Neuvak.


    With that technology implanted in my body, they sent me to the front. To the recruitment officers, I was nothing more than another name on the list. Flesh for the meat grinder.


    In the army, I found my mentor, a veteran whose initial indifference gave way to relentless training. Under her tutelage, I learned to survive and excel in combat. She taught me to shoot with deadly precision and to move like a true soldier. It was she who introduced me to Archotechnology and who, years later, would give me the weapon that I now treasure as my most valuable possession.


    Now, after years of service, I¡¯m trying to adapt to society. The dimensional rift closed, and the government called off the mobilization. Without ceremony, they sent us home. But the remnants of the horrors still roam the city, as reminders of what we faced.


    My home is a wreck: piled-up trash, processed food scraps in the sink, laundry waiting to be done. The Neuvak mansion is behind me; their suffocating control became unbearable after what they did.


    I played the messages on my locator:


    "You¡¯ll be 18 soon, leech. You won¡¯t be able to keep sucking up resources. Get to work and contribute your weight." Viktor¡¯s message was as venomous as always.


    Another message caught my attention.


    "Young Kailen, your thesis on ''Integration of Multi-Archeolayered Systems'' is remarkable, but without a functional prototype, the council will hardly accept it. I suggest you come by my office to discuss your future." - Professor James.


    Of course. Without a prototype, my research was worth nothing. But gaining access to the academy¡¯s modules was impossible; the Neuvak family made sure of that. Keeping me under control was their priority.


    Amid my frustration, I noticed the box my mentor had left me. Inside, it held trinkets, keepsakes from my grandparents, and, most importantly, the weapon she gave me: a 48 SCp, capable of firing hypermagnetic ammunition. My last link to the battlefield and, in some way, to a big part of my identity.


    I powered up the interface and jotted down the tasks for the day:


    <ol>


    <li>Find Professor James.</li>


    <li>Check the job board.</li>


    <li>See Kan, I needed help.</li>


    <li>Get a damn central processor.</li>


    </ol>


    I quickly dressed. I needed air. Outside, the smell of ozone, waste, and spoiled food hit me. The splendor of the Neuvak was far behind; now I lived on the margins, where no one could control me.


    The air outside Nest always has that bitter edge, a mix of industrial waste and remnants of life that refuse to fade. My little shack, barely a concrete box with damp stains and windows that tremble with every strong wind, seems to shrink every time I walk out the door. The sun can''t break through the gray veil that hangs over this part of the city. Here, the world feels tired.


    But I have a motorcycle. It''s nothing fancy to some, but to me, it¡¯s the most prized possession. The Army gave it to me when I finished my service, a "thank you" for the years I gave them. It''s old, the paint peeling, but its engine purrs like a living beast, loyal and ready to run.


    I get on, adjust my gloves, and start the engine. The vibration feels in my chest, like a drum marking the start of something. It revs quickly, as if it wants to take me away from this place, and I don¡¯t need much persuasion.


    I leave behind the neglected alleys and head toward the road to Nest. At first, everything is dirty and flat, streets full of potholes, and walls marked with graffiti telling stories of hopelessness and resistance. The smells of recycled food, burned oils, and melted plastic blend as I pass a section of makeshift markets. Here, children run barefoot, and the elderly sit on broken chairs, watching the constant flow of people as if time didn''t exist for them.


    But as I move forward, everything changes. The edges begin to soften. The streets widen, the potholes disappear, and suddenly, trees appear. In Nest, the contrast is so overwhelming that it almost feels like an insult. The deep green of the parks and vertical gardens almost hurts the eyes, as if painted over a gray canvas. Everything is clean, polished, perfect.


    Nest is elevated, and that makes it feel unreachable. The mega towers, huge stylized structures that seem to defy gravity, rise as if they want to touch the clouds. Their architecture is not just functional; every curve and line seems designed to impress, to scream to the world that this is where true power lives. Glass that reflects the sky, hanging balconies full of exotic plants, and walkways connecting buildings like golden veins in a living city.


    I keep going. The roar of my bike is a noisy contrast to the silent electric vehicles parading through the streets of Nest. People here walk with a calmness that only comes from the security of not having to fight for anything. They wear clean, impeccable clothes made from fabrics I¡¯ve never touched. They barely glance at me, but when they do, their eyes always lower a bit, as if my presence is something dirty that sneaked into their perfect world.


    The academy is in a central part of Nest, close enough to be accessible, but far enough for the students not to mingle too much with those from the Pits. The structure is imposing, a steel and glass building that seems to pulse with energy. I park near the entrance, turning off the engine while letting out a long sigh.


    The professor is waiting for me inside, but before I enter, I stop for a moment to look down. From here, I can see the entire circle of the city, with the Pits acting as a dark, chaotic belt around Nest. It''s a reminder of how cruel this city can be.


    ¡°One more step, Kailen,¡± I tell myself, adjusting my jacket and moving toward the academy doors.


    At the entrance, the identification scanner lit up red. That''s when I remembered I''d left my ID bracelet at home.


    "Come on, Eleonor, you¡¯ve seen me study here for almost nine years. I know I was gone for a couple, but I¡¯m still a registered student," I said, trying to sound convincing.


    She frowned, clearly irritated.


    "What the hell are you talking about, you damn beggar? Go back to the Pits. What are you doing here? What nonsense is this about studying here?"


    Her tone immediately irritated me, but I tried to stay calm.


    "Don¡¯t mess with me, woman. What the hell are you talking about with this ''go back to the Pits''?" I replied, but when I saw the seriousness on her face, I stopped. An uncomfortable thought crossed my mind: What if she really didn¡¯t recognize me?


    ¡°It¡¯s me, Kailen. I¡¯m here to see Professor James about my thesis,¡± I added, trying to be patient.


    Eleonor was about to throw me out, but then something in my voice or expression seemed to spark a memory in her mind.


    ¡°Kailen? Kailen Neuvak? That Kailen?¡± she asked, her eyes wide in disbelief. Her surprise bordered on insult. ¡°Man, what happened to you? You look horrible. How could your family let you go out like this?¡±


    I shrugged, avoiding her gaze.


    "Well, my family and I aren''t on the best of terms right now," I admitted, keeping it brief.


    Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, but what she said next provoked a sharp sting of irritation.


    "So the rumors are true? You don''t see a young lord run away from his family every day... although you always see them crawl back," she added, shaking her head as if she had the right to comment on my life.


    I just stared at her.


    "So, can I pass or not? Professor James sent me a pretty insistent holo. He''s desperate with some prototypes and needs me to finish the work so he can publish," I lied with a cheeky smile. I wasn''t about to turn around just to look for some damn bracelet.


    She hesitated for a moment but finally snorted.


    "Alright, but woe to you if I find out you''re lying to me and not going to the professor," she warned, in her usual superior tone.


    I just nodded before walking through the doors, leaving her judgment behind.


    As I crossed the academy doors, I was hit with the same clean, antiseptic air as always. Everything here was perfect, shining, as if someone was obsessed with rubbing every corner until all traces of humanity were erased. The streets were paved with polished stone, that kind of useless luxury that seems designed to remind you that you don''t belong.


    The buildings loomed like mausoleums of knowledge, made of white marble and black steel that seemed to scream "respect" to anyone who looked at them. Elegant arches, stained-glass windows trapping light like they were sanctuaries, and carved details that probably cost some artisan their life. Everything was too beautiful, too perfect. I''d been here before, years ago, but now it felt like I was walking through a museum where I no longer had a ticket.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    The bike screeched when I parked it next to a row of vehicles that were probably worth more than everything I had left in life. I heard stifled giggles from a couple of students passing nearby. I didn''t bother looking at them. What did it matter? To them, I was just another walking disaster.


    The campus was full of those damn perfect kids. Ironed shirts, designer backpacks, walking like the world owed them something just for existing. Some younger ones with pristine uniforms, others older with a know-it-all air and coffee in hand. None of them cared about the guy with the worn jacket moving like a ghost among them.


    I headed toward the research wing, like an automaton, following the path I knew by heart. The polished steel stairs were still there, the same endless spiral that seemed designed to make you feel every step as a sentence. The glass walls revealed prodigies working behind them. Some played with drones or reviewed holographic data, as if they were saving the world. I suppose some of them would, but to me, it all felt ridiculous. I didn¡¯t care. Nothing did.


    The building was impressive, sure, but all I saw were the shadows of my past. Every hallway, every damn mural of great academic achievements, reminded me how far I was from that life now. Once, this had all been everything to me. Now it was just another reminder of what I could never get back.


    When I reached Professor James'' office, my stomach tightened, though I wouldn''t have admitted it under threat of death. There it was, his name, projected in golden hologram: Professor James Anderson - Department of Advanced Theoretical Sciences. I knocked on the door, more out of habit than desire. I knew what was coming: questions, expectations, disappointed looks. Everything I wanted to avoid. But here I was, facing it again, as if everything I''d tried to leave behind was dragging me back.


    "Come in."


    Professor James was the classic image of the academy: short in stature, thin to the point of looking like a scarecrow dressed in a perfectly tailored three-piece suit. His gray hair, combed with obsessive precision, gleamed under the office lights as if he polished it every morning along with his ego. His fine-framed glasses rested on the tip of a sharp nose, and every time he spoke, his eyes behind the lenses seemed to pierce you, as if evaluating how inferior you were to his intellect.


    He didn''t offer his hand or make any polite gesture. Instead, he sat behind his dark wood desk, cluttered with piles of books, papers, and holographic models of some formula that surely only he understood. His desk looked more like an altar to himself: books written by "James Anderson, PhD" occupied a prominent place, with shiny covers and endless titles about theories and discoveries that no one outside this building could understand or care about.


    "Good morning, Mr. Neuvak." he asked in a tone that made it seem like offering me a chair was a divine concession.


    He spoke slowly, as if each word had to be measured, weighed, and approved before leaving his mouth. That kind of voice that made you feel like he was giving a lecture, even if all he was doing was telling you the time. He had a special talent for turning any interaction into a one-hour talk, peppered with references to his own books and accomplishments.


    He leaned forward, interlacing his fingers on the desk, and looked at me with that mix of condescension and scientific curiosity, as if I were an interesting specimen but clearly defective. His ego filled the office more than the smell of leather and old books.


    James subjected me to a thirty-minute diatribe. An unsolicited masterclass on why I was a spoiled brat, how wonderful the Neuvak family was, and why I should accept everything they had made me swallow, smile, thank them, and ask for another helping. All in that unbearably smug tone that made it seem like he was doing me a favor by humiliating me.


    When he finally finished, he dismissed me with a vague gesture, making it clear that my opinion wasn''t worth the air it took to utter. What did he expect? That this insufferable little man would do anything other than wallow in his own ego?


    "Professor Giles is waiting for you in the labs. He wants to review your prototypes. Normal, considering someone so dull would be interested in researching those ''magical theories.'' Archotechology is nothing but trash," he said at the end, with that venomous disdain that even pierced my patience.


    I felt my blood boil. It must have shown on my face because the little bastard shrank back in his chair, quickly changing his attitude and "kindly" pointing me to the exit. Coward.


    What else could you expect? Everyone here lived in their perfect bubble, untouchable, as if the call to mobilize had never existed. It was ridiculous. Hundreds of thousands of students walking around this campus, and not a single one was called up. Except me, of course. Though perhaps it wasn''t a coincidence. Maybe it had always been about me, as if I had a damn "available for sacrifice" sign stuck to my forehead.


    I shut the thought off abruptly, quickening my pace toward the labs. I didn''t want to waste another second in this place. Every second here reminded me that I didn''t fit, that I wasn''t supposed to be here.


    When I arrived, the contrast nearly made me stop in my tracks. For the first time, something on this damn campus wasn''t immaculate or perfectly polished. The labs were an organized chaos: used materials piled carelessly, welding tools scattered as if someone had abandoned them in the middle of a project, and wires hanging from the ceiling or trailing across the floor. Everything had a worn-out, real-work vibe to it, something that finally didn¡¯t seem like a facade to impress.


    It was strange. Almost comforting. Here, at least, it seemed like someone was actually doing something, even if it was a mess in the process.


    "Professor Giles!?" My voice echoed through the disorder of the lab. There was no sign of him amidst the chaos, only the hum of machines and the metallic scent of materials in the air.


    "I¡¯m not making any more prototypes for the theoretical sciences department!" Professor Giles'' raspy voice came from the back, laden with exasperation. A sound of something slamming against a table accompanied it, as if he had just thrown an object in frustration. "Let them get their damn hands dirty for once! I¡¯m not their damn servant!"


    I stood still for a moment, trying to locate him amidst the piles of tools and scattered parts. Finally, I saw him emerge from behind a workbench, his hair disheveled and his glasses slightly askew, as if he had been fighting the universe and wasn¡¯t doing too well.


    "And what do you want?" he asked without even looking at me, still busy with what seemed to be a tool halfway disassembled. "If you''re here to ask me something, I warn you, I''m not in the mood."


    "My name''s Kailen. I¡¯m under the mentorship of Professor James."


    "The damn rat in a tuxedo?"


    "That¡¯s the one." I couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    The hostility on Professor Giles'' face dissipated almost instantly, replaced by a grimace that could pass for curiosity, though still with a hint of disdain.


    "So? What¡¯s a student of James doing here?"


    "He sent me in his place. He said you were interested in my thesis. Honestly, I¡¯m looking for help finishing my experiments so I can graduate."


    "Your thesis?" Giles raised an eyebrow, looking toward a corner of the lab. "Is that strange prototype yours?"


    "Probably." I answered without much enthusiasm, but as I followed his gaze, I recognized my own experiment tucked away in the corner, covered in dust.


    "And how is it supposed to work?"


    "The nano-forges of the Pilgrims use an encrypted code to determine their production," I began, adopting a more serious tone. "They can replicate virtually any tool or assemble complex structures, but they¡¯re impossible to decode with our technology."


    "I know that already, kid." Giles waved a hand dismissively, impatient. "Everyone here knows about the Pilgrim forges. Those damn aliens brought technology so advanced it looked like magic to our ancestors."


    "The problem is that the forges have security protocols that make them unusable without the original language and blueprints." I paused, making sure I had his attention. "That¡¯s where my theory comes in. The Rogues developed multiple languages, and one of them is the yellow tongue. I think it¡¯s possible to use it as an intermediary."


    Giles squinted.


    "Intermediary?"


    "Yes." I walked over to the prototype and pointed to the interfaces. "The yellow tongue can transform and slightly modify the initial signal. This way, the forge would receive a pulse that mimics the original one from the Pilgrims. That pulse would act as a key. Then, the yellow protocol would translate the key and leave it open for a third protocol..."


    I paused, measuring his reaction. Giles scratched his chin, his expression shifting from disbelief to something more like genuine curiosity.


    "Go on, kid," he grunted, leaning toward the prototype. "This is starting to sound interesting."


    "...to intervene and complete the assembly according to our instructions," I finished explaining, aware that I was on the verge of losing Professor Giles with so much technical jargon.


    For a moment, the man stared at me with an expression I couldn''t decipher, then burst into a laugh that echoed through the lab, making tools and prototypes vibrate.


    "You''ve got guts, kid!" Giles exclaimed, a mix of mockery and fascination in his voice. "Coming in here and talking to me about something as absurd as if you were the next DeMiguel Angelo or some saint sent by the Pilgrims." His tone was sharp but not entirely hostile. "And who''s supposed to back such madness? You want me to abandon my work to help you solve this alien puzzle?"


    I swallowed, feeling the confidence I was trying to project falter.


    "I don¡¯t need much, professor. Just access to more advanced tools and some restricted texts from the central library. The theory is solid, it just needs to be tested. Also, the final phase must be conducted in the pristine forge of the university."


    Giles crossed his arms, assessing me with a scrutinizing look.


    "You''re crazy, kid. The university would never..." His voice trailed off for a moment, but I could tell that despite immediately dismissing my request, he was taking time to think it over. Finally, he sighed before continuing. "That yellow tongue... If you''re not mistaken, this would be the first time something from the Rogues benefits us and doesn¡¯t try to annihilate us. Aren''t you afraid of activating something you shouldn''t?"


    "The risk exists," I admitted, striving to sound firm. "But if I''m right, the development possibilities would outweigh any danger. Imagine an operational forge: manufacturing tools, medicine, food... Everything this city needs to survive."


    The professor stopped inspecting the prototype and turned toward me. His expression was still difficult to read, but it had shifted, as if he was seriously considering my words.


    "Alright, Kailen. If you don''t mind this being your direct ticket to the insane asylum or the gallows, then I''m interested. But let me be clear: if you make this thing blow up, I don¡¯t want to see a single strand of your hair in this lab again. Understood?"


    I smiled, this time with some relief.


    "Understood, professor. When do we start?"


    Giles shook his head, as if he couldn¡¯t believe what he was getting himself into, but began gathering tools.


    "Right now. But listen carefully, if that damn James comes to claim credit for this, I swear I¡¯ll strangle him with one of his own ties." He tossed me a wrench while continuing to adjust the equipment. "Take this to the library and get the most up-to-date information on the yellow tongue protocol. And look through the records of the 17850 ?le de Fran expedition too. I understand they found interesting ruins related to the wild AI."


    I nodded eagerly, feeling a wave of determination as I left the lab with the wrench in hand.


    What followed were almost two months of grueling work: 16-hour days on average, absurd amounts of caffeine, and the occasional dubious injector to keep us going. But it was worth it.


    Slowly, we managed to build a command library capable of integrating with the different keys of the Pilgrims known to humanity. In the end, we deciphered 745 entries. More than half corresponded to basic tools: construction utensils, agricultural implements, and repair kits. Other batches included light weaponry, high-precision electronic components, and the most valuable of all: 18 rare synthetic medicines.


    However, the real gem of the crown was a unique, almost miraculous entry: an exceptional compound, more advanced than any known medicine. We had no idea of its full scope, but the preliminary analysis suggested it could heal damaged tissues in ways that bordered on the impossible.


    Giles observed the prototype with a mix of satisfaction and anxiety, his hands trembling slightly as he reviewed the data on his terminal.


    "This... this could change everything, kid," he murmured, almost to himself. Then he turned to me, his eyes alight. "But it could also unleash a hell we can''t even imagine. Are you ready for what''s to come?"


    "No, but there''s no time to wait."


    "Well said, kid." The professor lit a cigarette, and his face turned bitter as he took a drag. "Unfortunately, the university has blocked all my attempts to access the nano forge. And we can''t prove anything with that broken junk we''ve been using. We''re at a dead end."


    I couldn''t help but sigh.


    "Kid, are you sure you don''t want to go back to your family? I know all this interference in your research is really because of their influence. If they''d stop interfering, you could finish this without any problems."


    I took the cigarette he offered and, after a deep drag, responded:


    "What they''re asking is too high a cost."


    "You won''t get anywhere in the Nest as long as they''ve got their boot on your neck, kid."


    "I know. That''s why I plan to leave as soon as I get my certificate. I can still find work in the industrial zones."


    The professor finished his cigarette, threw it on the ground, and stomped on it with a mix of resignation and anger.


    "It''s true that megacorporations couldn''t care less about the big families. But life in the industrial rings isn''t pretty."


    "It''s better than living like a slave."


    "Not for long."


    I looked him in the eyes, letting my determination speak for me.


    "That''s the path I''ve chosen. I¡¯m not going to leave my life in the hands of others." I took my weapon from my belt, admiring it under the soft light of the setting sun. Its black surface reflected a reddish gleam, almost as if it shared my resolve. "Freedom." The name of the weapon, engraved in fine lettering, was more than a title; it was a reminder of the lesson my mentor taught me: the awareness of taking my fate into my own hands.


    The professor watched me in silence for a moment, then nodded with what seemed to be a mix of pride and concern.


    "If that''s the path you''ve chosen... go home and rest for today. We''ve dedicated almost two months to this, and I¡¯m not going to let it all go to waste."


    "Will you help me?"


    "I have some ideas, but it''s better to consult them first. Go rest, kid. I''ll contact you in a few weeks."


    I said my goodbyes to Professor Gale and returned to my rundown home. The soft afternoon light filtered through the cracks in the blinds, casting irregular shadows across the bare walls. I left my things in the least cluttered corner and turned on the old terminal.


    I updated my log before collapsing onto the worn-out mattress. The list blinked on the screen, a constant reminder of the priorities I couldn''t ignore:


    <ol>


    <li>Find Professor James. Wait for contact from Professor Gale.</li>


    <li>Check the job board. I owe two months'' rent. ?</li>


    <li>See Kan. He need help.</li>


    <li>Get a damn central processor.</li>


    </ol>


    I sighed as I read the last point, feeling the weight of the accumulated weeks on my shoulders. I closed my eyes and let exhaustion take over, knowing that tomorrow would be just as complicated.

 Chapter 1: Of Contracts and Rent pt 1

    ¡°Kid, open the damn door!¡±


    The pounding was relentless, as if someone was determined to break it down. The shrill voice echoed through the hallway. I grabbed a crumpled shirt from a chair and threw it on, resigned, as I headed to open the door. I didn¡¯t need to guess who could be so desperate to see me.


    ¡°You owe me three months¡¯ rent, kid!¡± she snapped the moment I opened the door, her bony finger pointing straight at my chest. ¡°Either you start paying right now, or I¡¯ll throw you out on the street!¡±


    I sighed, running a hand through my messy hair.


    ¡°Mrs. Chloe, I don¡¯t have the money at the moment, but I can get it soon. I¡¯ll head to the Chitosane job board to find some work.¡±


    She let out a dry, sarcastic laugh.


    ¡°You? Work? As if anyone would hire a runt like you. I¡¯ve heard the rumors, kid. You¡¯ve been wasting your time at that damn academy in the Nest for two months now. What are you doing there? Spending my rent money on a girlfriend you don¡¯t even have?¡±


    I squinted at her, feeling my face heat up, but I held back.


    ¡°First of all, I¡¯m about to graduate, Mrs. Chloe,¡± I replied, doing my best to stay calm. ¡°And second, I only owe you two months. The third was prepaid by my mentor.¡±


    ¡°Bah! Like I give a damn who paid it for you,¡± she growled, crossing her arms. ¡°The fact is you owe me money, and unless you can conjure it out of thin air right now, I suggest you start packing your things.¡±


    Before I could respond, a deafening roar cut through the air. Six motorcycles pulled into the building¡¯s parking lot, their engines¡¯ echoes shaking the glass in the windows.


    The engines shut off one by one, leaving a tense silence in their wake. Mrs. Chloe froze for a moment, her hardened expression now tinged with curiosity and distrust.


    ¡°Chloe! Hey, old Chloe, drag your wrinkled ass down here!¡± a mocking voice called out from below.


    I couldn¡¯t help but smirk.


    ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve got friends after all,¡± I said, my casual tone only stoking her irritation.


    ¡°We¡¯ll talk about your issue later, kid,¡± she spat through gritted teeth before stomping off toward the stairs.


    For some reason I couldn¡¯t explain, something compelled me to follow her. Maybe it was simple morbid curiosity, or perhaps the desire to see how an old woman like Chloe would stand up to a group of punks who clearly weren¡¯t there for small talk.


    With slow but steady steps, I went down after her.


    Mrs. Chloe descended the last few stairs and stopped in front of the bikers, her expression as solid as a rock. The six of them were young, barely older than me, wearing leather jackets decorated with poorly painted insignias and an attitude that screamed desperation to be taken seriously.


    ¡°You¡¯re late, old lady!¡± exclaimed what seemed to be their leader¡ªa skinny guy with an electric blue mohawk that defied gravity.


    ¡°And what do you lot want?¡± Chloe showed not an ounce of fear as she glared at them.


    ¡°This is a warning, Chloe. This apartment block is now under our protection,¡± said one of the guys in the back, crossing his arms with a malicious grin.


    ¡°Protection?¡± Chloe scoffed with disdain. ¡°If you think I¡¯m going to pay a bunch of kids who barely know how to hold a knife, you¡¯re crazier than I look for letting you yell at me from the street.¡±


    ¡°Watch your mouth, old lady. We might make you regret it,¡± said another one, pulling out a metal pipe and slamming it against his palm for added theatrics.


    I watched from the back, noting how the situation was escalating. Finally, Chloe turned her head toward me with a calculating look.


    ¡°Kid, I¡¯ve got an offer for you. I¡¯ll forgive one month¡¯s rent if you take care of these idiots.¡±


    ¡°Two months,¡± I countered, crossing my arms. ¡°If you want me to play babysitter, it better be worth my time.¡±


    Chloe scowled, clearly annoyed at my negotiation, but eventually sighed in defeat.


    ¡°Fine, but I need all six of them alive. Got it?¡±


    ¡°Perfect,¡± I said, starting to stretch, my eyes scanning the group that now looked at me with disbelief.


    The leader was the first to react, letting out a laugh.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    ¡°This guy? Really? Old lady, you¡¯re crazier than we thought!¡±


    I didn¡¯t give them time for more comments. I lunged at the nearest one, a guy who barely managed to raise his hands before my fist connected with his stomach, knocking the air out of him and dropping him to the ground in a second.


    Chaos erupted.


    The other five lunged at me, some with bars and others with chains, but their lack of coordination betrayed them. I dodged attacks and returned blows with precision. The second one went down after I shoved him against one of the motorcycles, the impact enough to knock him out.


    The leader tried to use his knife, but I disarmed him quickly, twisting his wrist until he dropped the weapon with a scream. I dropped him to the ground with a blow to the back of his neck, leaving him dazed.


    By the time there were two left, they were visibly nervous. One tried to run, but I intercepted him with a kick that sent him sprawling. The last one wasn¡¯t as lucky: after dodging his metal bar, I shoved him into a wall, where he collapsed unconscious.


    I took a deep breath, wiping some sweat off my forehead, when I heard an engine start. I turned just in time to see one of them escaping on one of the motorcycles.


    Chloe descended calmly, surveying the mess as the roar of the bike faded.


    ¡°Kid, I said I wanted them all alive, and one got away. So I¡¯m only forgiving you one month¡¯s rent.¡±


    I frowned, gritting my teeth, but finally nodded, knowing that arguing with Chloe was pointless.


    ¡°Fine, old lady. But just know it wasn¡¯t my fault that idiot ran off.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah. Now clean up this mess before the police get here.¡±


    With a resigned sigh, I started dragging the unconscious ones aside while Chloe pulled out her phone, probably to call a contact who could take care of the problems.


    It wasn¡¯t entirely clear, but there were rumors that Chloe belonged to a serious organization, the kind that didn¡¯t forgive mistakes or tolerate insolence. Whoever those people were, it was clear that the punk group would regret crossing old Chloe.


    As I dragged the last unconscious guy to a corner of the parking lot, I couldn¡¯t help but glance at the old woman. She was leaning against the railing, calm, as if the whole scene were nothing more than a boring formality. She pulled out her phone, dialing a number with the precision of someone who knew exactly who to call.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve got a small problem at the apartment block,¡± she said in a neutral tone. ¡°Some kids playing at being gangsters. Can you send someone to pick them up?¡±


    She didn¡¯t mention names or details, but her tone left no room for doubt: whoever was on the other end of the phone knew exactly what ¡°a small problem¡± meant.


    I straightened up, brushing the dust off my clothes, as I watched her end the call with a faint smile.


    ¡°Is it always this easy for you?¡± I asked, with some curiosity.


    ¡°Experience, kid. If you know who to talk to, you don¡¯t need to get your hands dirty more than necessary.¡±


    I didn¡¯t want to ask more. There was something in the way she said it, something that made my instincts scream at me not to learn too much about Chloe¡¯s connections.


    A few minutes later, a discreet black car, clearly expensive, stopped at the edge of the parking lot. A well-dressed man got out of the vehicle, walking without haste, surveying the mess with a slight nod.


    ¡°Are these the guys?¡± he asked, in a voice so cold it sent a chill down my spine.


    ¡°Yeah, but one got away,¡± Chloe replied, not bothering to hide her disdain. ¡°Make sure they learn their lesson.¡±


    The man nodded, and without another word, he started loading the unconscious punks into the car¡¯s trunk.


    I leaned against the wall, crossing my arms.


    ¡°This will definitely be a fun story to tell,¡± I muttered, more to myself than anyone.


    Chloe gave me a quick glance before turning to head back into the building.


    ¡°Watch your tongue, kid. Some stories aren¡¯t worth telling if you don¡¯t know when to stop.¡±


    For a moment, I wondered if the rumors were true. And if they were, I wasn¡¯t sure if I should feel relieved or worried about having Chloe as my landlord.


    ¡°What are you still doing here, kid? You still owe me a month¡¯s rent. Go to Chitose-san¡¯s board.¡±


    The damn old lady didn¡¯t even let me swallow a breakfast. I had to rush out on my motorcycle, but not without first taking a few tools to dismantle parts of the punks¡¯ bikes. I needed spare parts and wasn¡¯t about to take out a loan if I could use the bikes of those idiots. However, after taking a few parts from each bike, the old lady stopped me.


    ¡°Hey, kid! That¡¯s enough, the rest is mine.¡±


    Damn old usurer.


    Finally, I took a tube and siphoned the fuel from the bikes before leaving the place and heading toward Chitosane¡¯s board.


    This time, instead of heading toward the Nest, I ventured deeper into the lower city, further and further, almost reaching the outskirts of the Pits.


    The further I went in that direction, the more dilapidated the houses appeared. The apartments grew denser and narrower, and their upkeep worsened. Most were patched up with wood or plastic.


    Eventually, I reached a building with a large neon sign on the front: the West Bazaar. It was so crowded that I could barely move through the crowd, a constant push and pull.


    Little by little, I advanced until I reached the back of the bazaar. Crossing through a simple door, there were no more people.


    At that moment, I felt completely lost. There was a multitude of doors and hallways, and I really didn¡¯t know which way to go. Just as I was starting to panic, a little girl came out of a nearby room, no more than six years old. The curious thing was that she had heterochromia, her eyes two different colors.


    "Mr. Neuvak, the sensei is waiting for you. Please follow me."


    A bad feeling ran through me.


    Something about that girl gave me the chills, but I had no choice but to follow her.


    Although I tried to memorize the path, I still got lost. With so many twists and turns, the only thing I could tell was that we walked for about 15 minutes, went down about 10 floors by stairs... though it might have been more, as we also went up some floors along the way.


    Finally, we reached a room, decorated with red neon lights around the door. There were no other doors in the hallway, making the lights create a sense of danger.


    "Tricks for kids," I thought.


    "Sensei, your guest, Mr. Neuvak, has arrived."


    "Thank you, Maiko. Could you bring us some tea?"


    "I¡¯m not your maid," the girl said, and left immediately.


    Chitosane didn¡¯t seem bothered by the girl¡¯s attitude.


    "Mr. Kailen, it¡¯s a pleasure to finally meet you in person."


    "Do we know each other?"


    "Hahaha, you may not know me, but I know a lot about you. Not every day does one see a child of the elite in this humble home."


    "I¡¯m just a bastard."


    "One who has a Konni 15.74 Light Lancer Skeleton..."


    ...


    I didn¡¯t like one bit the implication from Chitosane, and the ample information he had about me was unsettling. After all, not even in my family did many know what my parting gift had been.

 Chapter 1: Of Contracts and Rent pt 2

    ¡ªSomething that many would be willing to pay a fortune for, even if it¡¯s biometrically linked to you.


    ¡ªIs that a threat?


    I drew my revolver.


    Chitosane responded with a smile and remotely activated an energy field to protect himself from my weapon. However, the smile disappeared from his face when I activated the Hyper mode of my gun.


    ¡ªCalm down, Mr. Kailen, I¡¯m not your enemy. Of course, I¡¯m not one of those who covet your possessions. For me, it¡¯s more useful that you¡¯re alive.


    ¡ªWhy?


    ¡ªWhy not?, Mr. Kailen, you are a decorated soldier, a genius from the most prestigious academy in our lovely city¡­ not to mention, I heard you owe two months¡¯ rent and have no support from your family, which is a blessing for me.


    ¡ªIf you know all that about me, then you know why I¡¯m here.


    ¡ªOf course. ¡ªHe lowered the force fields and pressed a button, causing screens to appear. On each of them was a letter, ranging from F to A.


    ¡ªThese are all the jobs that need to be resolved right now. You can check any terminal. Of course, the ranking goes from lowest to highest risk.


    I began reviewing the easier contracts. Most were for acting as a watchman or guard: long-term jobs with low pay, more for visual deterrence than actual combat. The E-level contracts were similar, though in more dangerous areas. However, by the D level, active combat was expected.


    ¡ªWhat currency do you pay for these contracts? ¡ªI asked.


    ¡ªFor you, in government currency, Obis.


    I couldn¡¯t help raising an eyebrow at his answer. He was making this too easy.


    Still, I nodded and started doing some quick calculations. Most of the E-level missions would take at least a month to complete, but I was lucky: I found three contracts relatively close to each other that I could finish in a month and a half. With that, I would earn enough to pay three months¡¯ rent to the witch and stop begging for a while.


    ¡ªIs there a problem with accepting more than one contract at once?


    ¡ªUsually yes, but if you can prove it¡¯s feasible to complete the additional contracts, I have no problem.


    ¡ªAlright, in that case, I¡¯d like to...


    ¡ªBefore that, I heard from a little bird that a friend of yours is in trouble.


    ¡ªI don¡¯t have friends, really.


    ¡ªMr. Kanes wouldn¡¯t be very flattered to hear that.


    ¡ªWhat do you know?


    ¡ªNothing. A little bird told me he was in danger, that¡¯s all.


    The way he spoke in circles was starting to irritate me.


    ¡ªMaybe someone in this group knows something about your friend Kanes.


    Chitosane handed me a device with a large screen. On it was a B-level mission.


    ¡ªOld man, there¡¯s no way I can complete this mission. You¡¯re crazy. It would take a full team.


    ¡ªThere¡¯s already a team formed. They just need someone strong to force some of the security measures. Of course, there are strong people everywhere, but what sets you apart, and what I¡¯m paying extra for, is that you don¡¯t run when the shooting starts. Besides, you¡¯re reliable. You, Mr. Kailen, meet all the requirements. That¡¯s why they¡¯ll pay me extra, and you¡¯ll get 30% of the contract. Non-negotiable.


    ¡ªIf I accept this contract, will anyone in the group tell me where my friend is?


    ¡ªI thought you didn¡¯t have any friends, Mr. Kailen ¡ªChitosane replied, grinning from ear to ear as he realized he had me trapped¡ª. Of course. Sign here biometrically. Know that there¡¯s a fee if you desert or fail to show up.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    I took a quick glance at the penalty clause. It was pretty standard. Without giving it much thought, I signed without even looking at the amounts.


    ¡ªConfident, I see.


    ¡ªWho will give me the information about my friend?


    ¡ªHere it is.


    The damn old man obviously knew from the beginning.


    ¡ªYour friend is trapped in the same raider base. However, he¡¯s on a higher level than the person they¡¯re going to rescue. You¡¯ll have a chance to get him out on your way back to the surface. Any other questions, Mr. Kailen?


    ¡ªWill you answer truthfully if I ask?


    ¡ªWhat is the truth, Mr. Kailen? Some philosophers say there are only individual truths, united in a continuum by the agreements we make.


    ¡ªOf course, philosophy¡­ in a den for criminals, poor people, prostitutes, and mercenaries.


    ¡ªExactly, Mr. Kailen. It¡¯s easy to philosophize when you have free time.


    ¡ªWhat I want to know is how the percentage each person gets is determined.


    ¡ªAh, you want to know if your share is fair. Let me tell you that, indeed, you¡¯re getting much more than you would normally get under regular circumstances. Although, of course, under normal circumstances, there would be no way you would get this job.


    ¡ªExplain yourself.


    ¡ªOf course, Mr. Kailen. Usually, in every team, there are certain positions or essential roles. The most common ones are the gunmen, of course. There¡¯s no need to explain their function. They typically receive between 1% and 10% of the total, depending on how good they are and how many successful missions they can show. Of course, in these times, it¡¯s better to have one experienced gunman with the right modifications than an army of rookies.


    ¡ªAnd my share? ¡ªI asked, crossing my arms.


    ¡ªYou, Mr. Kailen, will get 30%. An exceptional amount, as you¡¯ll see in the contract you signed¡­ without reading it.


    ¡ªI knew it was going to come with a catch ¡ªI replied, trying to hide my irritation.


    ¡ªCall it an opportunity. Your mission, as stipulated, is to secure and bring back the target, no matter the cost, any way possible. If you have to drag them or carry them on your shoulder, that will be your job.


    Chitosane paused, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he continued:


    ¡ªOnce you¡¯ve acquired the VIP, you won¡¯t be able to separate from them under any circumstances. This includes keeping them safe from any attack, raid, or threat... until you return to the surface.


    He said it with a calmness that was almost offensive, as if he hadn¡¯t just assigned me a suicide mission.


    I looked at the mission again, this time paying more attention to the rewards. There were many points marked with asterisks. Upon closer inspection, it was clear: some secondary objectives involved eliminating specific people, while others required the destruction of certain facilities.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s just like you¡¯re thinking ¡ªChitosane interrupted, noticing my interest¡ª. There are additional payments if you complete certain secondary missions. However, no mission will be paid if the main one isn¡¯t completed. No matter how tempting the secondary objectives are, you won¡¯t see a single Obi if you don¡¯t bring the VIP back.


    ¡ªUnderstood. When can I meet the team?


    ¡ªIn three days, they will meet here at these facilities. Are you going to wait here?


    ¡ªDo you think I have that much time to spare?


    ¡ªHonestly, kid, I don¡¯t see what else you have to do. Your professor hasn¡¯t called you, you¡¯ve got a job, and you know where your missing friend is.


    The damn old man really had me in his pocket.


    ¡ªOld man, do you have a pocket computer I can borrow?


    ¡ªI¡¯ve got a couple of top-of-the-line computers I can sell you... with a modest interest.


    ¡ªI don¡¯t need top-of-the-line. Something from the eighth or ninth generation will do.


    ¡ªSomething like that is almost junk. I¡¯ve got one, but you won¡¯t be able to connect it to a central processor.


    ¡ªThat¡¯s fine. I just need something simple to store large amounts of raw data.


    ¡ªAs you wish. Let me rummage through my junk.


    Chitosane left the room through a back door, leaving me alone. I took the time to glance at the high-level missions on the board. However, I didn¡¯t get to read much before he came back.


    ¡ªHere you go, kid. That¡¯ll be 6,000 Obis.


    ¡ª6 grand for a piece of junk no one wants?


    ¡ªWell, it used to be junk. Now it has a buyer.


    Damn old usurer.


    A quick inspection of the new personal computer made it clear that, although it was far from perfect, it was at least usable. It needed new batteries, a complete rewiring, and probably an upgrade to its RAM. But for what I needed it for at the moment, it would do.


    ¡ªAlright, old man. Anything else, or can I get out of here? I want to make use of these three days.


    ¡ªDo you have a communicator? ¡ªChitosane asked, crossing his arms.


    ¡ªNo.


    ¡ªTake this one.


    ¡ªI¡¯m not paying you more for your junk.


    ¡ªThis one¡¯s on the house, kid. Call it an investment. You can link it to your arm computer. I¡¯ll call you when everything¡¯s ready and give you the time and place.


    I didn¡¯t argue anymore. I took the communicator and connected it immediately, setting it up and updating my profile on the device before leaving the building.


    The plan for the next three days was clear: go to the lab, back up all the information we had gotten on the device, and erase the remaining records. It was a massive amount of data, a real arsenal of knowledge that could be useful to me in the future. To graduate, all I had to do was get the forge to produce something, anything simple. But the rest, all that information, was a treasure shared between Professor Gale and me, a fragment of something bigger.


    The third day arrived faster than I expected. I left the lab with all the information I needed stored on my device. The backups had been erased. It was all in my hands. And still, as I walked away, I couldn¡¯t shake a bitter feeling.


    I felt like a rat. I didn¡¯t understand why, but that place, that damn facade of grandeur, made me feel small. Insignificant. Every time I walked near it, I held my breath, as if I feared something in its shadow could crush me.


    I really wish I never had to go back. Never have to face that invisible weight, that damned feeling of being trapped.


    Damn academy.


    To do:


    <ol>


    <li>Wait for contact from Professor Gale.</li>


    <li>Complete the mission and rescue Kan.</li>


    <li>Get a damn central processor (pending).</li>


    <li>Thesis information acquired, maybe look for a forge on my own?</li>


    </ol>

 Chapter 2: That鈥檚 Not a Grade B Mission

    The meeting place was an abandoned warehouse¡ªor at least it appeared that way. The paint was peeling, the metal doors looked like they¡¯d survived grenade blasts, and graffiti in every imaginable color covered the walls with messages ranging from "Freedom or Death" to a peculiar "This is Polansky''s Rock, Take Care of It."


    Of course, a fa?ade like this could only mean one thing: someone was trying to keep a low profile while spending fortunes to ensure nobody noticed what was really happening inside.


    ¡ªAt least the air here doesn¡¯t reek of chlorine,¡ª I muttered, remembering my academy days where the stench of lab equipment always permeated the halls.


    Inside, a man in a generic uniform with a face that screamed ¡°action movie extra¡± stopped me to check my credentials. After a quick glance, he let me through like I was a tourist with an all-access pass. I guess in a place where everyone is on edge with paranoia, it¡¯s easy to slip by if you have the right paperwork and know how to act.


    In the center of the warehouse, the rest of the team had already gathered¡ªa motley crew that looked like they¡¯d been plucked straight out of a dime-store adventure novel:


    The first group consisted of six young people, barely a year or two younger than me. Clearly, rookie gunslingers, with the aura of cannon fodder. The second group, also six men, seemed more seasoned. Their weapons and gear were better quality, though their demeanor made it obvious they weren¡¯t top-tier professionals either. Both groups shared a certain uniformity in their attire and stood close enough to assume they were part of the same contingent.


    In one corner, two women stood out. The first, a slim figure no taller than 1.60 meters, carried a sniper rifle that was at least 2.5 meters long. The contrast was so absurdly comical that I almost laughed¡ªuntil I remembered that thing could punch through armor like paper. Next to her, a muscular woman over 2.20 meters tall had binoculars hanging at her hip. She was likely the spotter. Together, they looked like a duo straight out of an over-the-top comic book, but any mockery would die with you if you underestimated them.


    On some sofas nearby sat a group of four guys, all around their early twenties. They definitely didn¡¯t look like fighters. Instead, they resembled students dragged into a school trip gone horribly wrong. Their defeated expressions screamed ¡°I want out of here,¡± and it was clear they¡¯d be the first to run when things went south. Still, they were technicians, and one of them even had visible implants in his head, making them potentially useful.


    Near the entrance, two men were chatting idly. They looked like drivers assigned to transport the group. Their job was probably to drop us off at some point, wait for the signal, and get us out. I didn¡¯t bother analyzing them too much; I had no plans to rely on them.


    What truly worried me, though, were the two hulking figures in the corner: gorillas straight out of a military lab. Everything about them screamed danger. At a glance, their weapons were 13th-gen military-grade tech. There was no way these two were from the Pits or the Lower City. This was technology reserved for the great families. And not just that; it was clear they¡¯d been enhanced with cybernetic augmentations and genetic upgrades.


    Two individuals like that didn¡¯t make sense in a group like this. It was obvious they weren¡¯t ordinary mercenaries. They reminded me of the elite bodyguards that used to surround the heirs of the major families when they were forced to complete their mandatory military service. People like that operated in an entirely different league.


    And now they were here, in this warehouse, with us.


    Finally, Chitosane arrived, surveyed the gathered group, and wasted no time summarizing the information we already knew about the contract. When he asked if anyone had questions, the thin woman raised her hand and pointed at the gorillas.


    ¡ªThey were sent by the employers to ensure the VIP¡¯s survival,¡ª Chitosane responded without hesitation. ¡ªBut let me be clear: you can¡¯t rely on them for anything. In fact, it¡¯s better if you don¡¯t even consider them part of your plans. They will not intervene in any of your movements, even if those movements endanger the VIP.


    That confirmed everything: they were essentially vultures. The VIP¡¯s family wanted them back alive¡­ or dead. And these gorillas were here to ensure that we wouldn¡¯t try to sell the body if everything went south.


    The rest of the team didn¡¯t seem thrilled by their presence, but it wasn¡¯t clear if they understood the implications. The gunslingers seemed to see them as competition, while the women easily identified them as walking threats. Meanwhile, the technicians looked too depressed, like old men waiting for a pension that would never arrive.


    ¡ªIf there are no more questions,¡± Chitosane continued, ¡°I¡¯ll proceed to hand out the supplies provided by the employer, tailored to your profiles.


    ¡ªChitosane,¡ª I interrupted, unable to hold back, ¡ªis this really a Class B mission?


    ¡ªOf course it is,¡ª he replied smoothly.


    ¡ªNo. No, it¡¯s not.


    ¡ªYes, it is.


    ¡ªThen why are they here?¡ª I pointed at the gorillas.


    ¡ªThe mission is Class B because that¡¯s the level of difficulty it represents for you,¡ª he said with a touch of impatience. ¡ªYou won¡¯t need to worry about them.


    Something didn¡¯t sit right. Leaving my life up to chance was not something I could tolerate.


    Chitosane must have sensed that I was genuinely considering backing out because he quickly tried to reassure me.


    ¡ªUnder normal circumstances, I wouldn¡¯t recommend you take this on. Losing contracts only tarnishes my reputation, and in the Lower City, reputation is all we have. Trust your instincts, and you¡¯ll make it through. Plus, you¡¯ll be able to save your friend.


    Damn Kan. If it weren¡¯t for your sorry ass, I wouldn¡¯t have to be tangled in this mess.


    ¡ªUnderstood,¡ª I muttered reluctantly.


    Chitosane nodded and signaled to one of his assistants. Shortly after, several people appeared, carrying boxes of equipment and distributing them among the different groups.


    From where Chitosane had emerged, another assistant approached with a smaller box.


    ¡ªFor you, kid,¡ª he said, pointing at me. ¡ªThe employer sent a trelerium kinetic shield. This beauty will let you withstand massive physical impacts, even from beasts several times your weight. However, it¡¯s ineffective against bullets, and its energy isn¡¯t rechargeable. Once it¡¯s drained, it¡¯s as good as dead. Use it wisely.¡ª


    There was something strange in Chitosane¡¯s eyes as he handed me the shield. A latent tension, an unspoken warning. This was the second consecutive hint¡ªthere was no doubt now that a hidden danger awaited in this mission.


    Everyone inspected their new toys like excited schoolchildren. Even I couldn¡¯t help feeling a twinge of excitement. Inside the package assigned to me, I found several highly effective medicines. Of course, I knew they were meant for the VIP if needed, but if it didn¡¯t come to that, I¡¯d have my hands on something nearly impossible to obtain without the right connections.


    In addition to the medicines, there were other things: common gear, normal weapons, ammunition, and light armor. The latter was designed to automatically adjust its dimensions so that, when fully extended, it fit me perfectly. When I found the VIP, I could give it to them for extra protection.


    ¡ªAhem. Now that we have our equipment, I¡¯d like to know a bit more about the other groups. ¡ªThe one who spoke was the apparent leader of the gunmen.


    Ah, I see. Each group was only informed about their own task.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    However, none of the other groups showed any initiative to respond.


    The gunman began to get impatient with the silence; it was obvious by the way he stomped his foot. He repeated the question but got the same result.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s useless ¡ªanswered one of the two presumed pilots¡ª. No one will give you personal information. It¡¯s mercenary 101 to keep your cards secret from both your enemies and your comrades.


    ¡ªHow are we supposed to cooperate if we don¡¯t know anything about each other?


    ¡ªWe don¡¯t. Everyone was hired for a specific task; just stick to yours ¡ªinterjected the big woman.


    ¡ªBah, what a bunch of losers. Fine, then at least tell me who the central is. That¡¯s the least I need to know.


    Again, silence fell like a dead weight.


    "What¡¯s a central?" I wondered, confused. If it was about the brains, it was clear they¡¯d be handling the enemy''s technological defenses.


    The gunman, now visibly frustrated, had a face as red as a Trimio¡¯s ass. He repeated his question once more, and this time everyone began looking at each other.


    "Could it be that the central hasn¡¯t arrived?"


    ¡ªAhem. ¡ªChitosane cleared his throat, drawing attention.


    ¡ªWhat¡¯s wrong, old man? Did your soul get stuck? ¡ªI asked with a grin.


    ¡ªThe others want to coordinate with you ¡ªChitosane said calmly, ignoring my comment¡ª. And as entertaining as it is to watch you with that stupid look on your face, I must urge you to wrap up this meeting quickly.


    ¡ªHey, Chitose-san! What do you mean this kid is the central? That¡¯s impossible! ¡ªthe gunman interrupted, incredulous.


    ¡ªImpossible, sir. I was informed that the central would have advanced modifications, as they¡¯ll need to withstand some of the static impact when opening certain mechanisms ¡ªadded one of the brainiacs, adjusting his glasses.


    ¡ªUnbelievable ¡ªmurmured the thin woman, still processing the information.


    The drivers let out some nervous laughs, while the gorillas didn¡¯t even react.


    ¡ªI won¡¯t accept this. I¡¯m not putting my life or my men¡¯s in the hands of this idiot.


    Wow, this punk sure was loud.


    ¡ªI couldn¡¯t care less ¡ªI replied indifferently¡ª. Are we leaving?


    However, no one moved. It was obvious, by the others'' faces, that they thought the same as him.


    ¡ªSee, kid? We¡¯re not here for your crap. This is serious work.


    I shot a glance at Chitosane, hoping for some kind of intervention, but the punk was quick to mock me.


    ¡ªOh, the kid¡¯s scared and wants his grandpa¡¯s protection. Flash news, kid: no one¡¯s going to protect you here.


    I kept my gaze fixed on Chitosane for a few more seconds. But the old man wasn¡¯t planning to intervene. It was obvious.


    ¡ªWhat do you want?


    Something in my tone or look seemed to surprise the punk, because he immediately changed his attitude.


    ¡ªIf you¡¯re going to be the central, I need to know you won¡¯t run when everything goes to shit. And I assure you, everything is going to shit.


    ¡ªI don¡¯t abandon my own. Besides, running solo out there is suicide.


    ¡ªAnd how can we be sure of that?


    ¡ªI served in the military for two years.


    ¡ªThat doesn¡¯t mean anything, kid. Many served in the military. I had to watch a group of my men get sorted out. There are many fronts, and some battalions did nothing but stay in the rear operating cannons.


    ¡ªI served in the 504th.


    Silence fell over the group like a tombstone. Even the punk seemed at a loss for words.


    ¡ªYou were at the lake of¡­? ¡ªone of the drivers tried to ask, but I cut him off immediately.


    ¡ªYes.


    I didn¡¯t want to hear the name. Just mentioning it was enough to open old wounds. I could still hear the pleas in my head.


    ¡ªHey, Chitose-san, is this true? ¡ªasked the punk, clearly incredulous.


    ¡ªYes.


    The punk thought about the response for a moment before turning to me.


    ¡ªKid, I haven¡¯t heard from my boys. They were in the 72nd Engineering Corps.


    I could only slowly shake my head.


    ¡ªI¡¯m sorry.


    ¡ªWhat happened to them?


    ¡ªThey were showered with Hellfire missiles.


    The punk swallowed hard, the words stuck in his throat. It was understandable.


    ¡ªThey were building an outpost and gathering data when a Class 7 showed up out of nowhere. There wasn¡¯t time to evacuate.


    ¡ªOh, kid, did you really face a Class 7? ¡ªasked the driver.


    ¡ªOf course not. That¡¯s way above human limits. We requested containment fire and fell back.


    The room fell into another silence. This time, the punk found a place to sit. Accepting that his boys were really dead must¡¯ve been a hard blow. Whatever lie they told him, or whatever lie he wanted to believe, there was no way to hold onto it anymore. I knew that well. There was no way they survived: I saw it with my own eyes. The remains were just ashes mixed with melted metal.


    The next to speak was one of the brainiacs, the one with visible modifications at the back of his skull.


    ¡ªExcuse my rudeness, Mr. Kailen, but I need to check something. Within the information provided, there are some traps that are almost impossible to deactivate conventionally without drawing attention. I was recruited to find a weakness in this system and... well, I found something unusual.


    ¡ªGet to the point.


    ¡ªAh, of course. I won¡¯t bore you with the details of the procedure. In summary, I reported that to deactivate it, I¡¯ll need someone with great physical endurance, as their bones will be subjected to intense punishment. And, apparently, you are the designated person.


    ¡ªYes, I get extra pay for that.


    ¡ªI understand you¡¯re a former military man, and I wouldn¡¯t want to offend you, but... are you sure you can handle it?


    ¡ªYes.


    ¡ªStill, I need to verify.


    ¡ªYou¡¯re starting to get annoying.


    ¡ªI¡¯m sorry. I just want to know... do you have any body modifications?


    I couldn¡¯t help but look at the brainiac with irritation. A quick glance at Chitosane confirmed that he hadn¡¯t informed anyone about me, which was the right call, as he hadn¡¯t said anything about the rest either. Apparently, we were all completely in the dark here, except perhaps for the gorillas.


    ¡ªYes, I have a full modification in my skeleton.


    ¡ªOh, very well. I wouldn¡¯t want to be rude, but... could I know the level? It¡¯s just to be sure it won¡¯t be destroyed. I don¡¯t want to be responsible for something like that.


    ¡ªIt will hold!


    Although intimidated, the brainiac didn¡¯t seem willing to back down.


    ¡ªYes, I understand, sir. I understand you don¡¯t want to tell me the exact level, but... could it be that maybe...?


    ¡ªRonalt, I¡¯ll save you some time. The kid¡¯s name is Kailen Neuvak ¡ªChitosane calmly interrupted.


    ¡ªOh? Are you from the chemical creators? ¡ªasked the big woman, who seemed as strong as she was absent-minded.


    ¡ªNo, ma¡¯am, it seems you¡¯re mistaken. The NeuroVak conglomerate produces chemicals. The Neuvak family is one of the Six Great Families and specializes in the creation of skeletons and exoskeletons ¡ªone of the technicians clarified.


    ¡ªOh, thanks, little one ¡ªthe woman said, blowing a flirty kiss. The technician shrank back shyly in his seat.


    ¡ªThat makes everything more believable. Of course, the sir would have the credentials. Just to verify finally: it¡¯s known that your family has three main types of architecture. The Assault class, the Cavalier, and, best of all, the Konni class. Could you at least tell us if you possess any of these three, and if they are of the tenth generation or better?


    I paused for a moment. Finally, I decided that it would be necessary to be somewhat transparent to keep the mission on track.


    ¡ªYes, both.


    The technician nodded, visibly more relaxed.


    ¡ªVery well. If you have one of your family¡¯s full skeletons, I have no further complaints. Any of them far exceed the requirements for this mission. Thank you very much for your patience and cooperation, Mr. Neuvak.


    ¡ªKailen ¡ªI corrected, without changing tone.


    ¡ªOh... yes, of course. Mr. Kailen.


    With two groups now in order, I turned to face the rest. One of the drivers raised his hands, making it clear from the start.


    ¡ªWe¡¯re not interested.


    The women seemed to have something to say, especially the sniper, but in the end, they stayed silent.


    ¡ªDo you have a way to establish a connection? ¡ªasked the sniper, bluntly.


    I nodded, raising my wrist to show them the old equipment I carried. I had slightly upgraded it with discarded materials from the academy. I¡¯d have to thank Professor Gale later... when I told him that his "donations" of materials had been more useful than he thought.


    ¡ªPerfect. Then, I¡¯ll send you a connection shortly. I was hired for seven shots, and I guarantee hitting the target. Once I¡¯m in position, you¡¯ll give me the target. If you have optical implants, we can coordinate visuals.


    ¡ªUnfortunately, I don¡¯t have optical implants or a central system.


    The big woman raised an eyebrow, incredulous.


    ¡ªWhat did you say? Aren¡¯t you one of those rich family boys? What do you mean you don¡¯t have a central processor?


    Before I could respond, the little one gave her a smack on the back of the head.


    ¡ªNot our business, nor his family¡¯s.


    The big woman laughed, as if nothing had happened.


    ¡ªNo need to be so cold. I know you¡¯re interested in the boy.


    It was clear that both women had solid chemistry, the result of years working together.


    The sniper ignored the comment and turned back to me.


    ¡ªAnyway. Since you call the shots, I want to make something clear. One of the secondary targets, Lieutenant Ross, is an enemy of mine. If you get the chance, I¡¯d like you to eliminate him or let me do it.


    ¡ªWe¡¯ll see.


    I wasn¡¯t in a position to promise anything. I had no experience leading, and it was still hard for me to grasp that leadership would fall to me. However, considering my portion represented 30% of the total, it made sense. Probably the others were getting a lot more individually.


    The last to move were the gorillas. To my surprise, they finally reacted.


    From the corner where they had been standing, one of them began to walk slowly towards Chitosane. His steps were deliberately exaggerated, or at least that was my impression. It seemed like he wanted to show me something. As I observed him more closely, I was able to identify some of his modifications. I had seen them before, on the battlefield.


    ¡ªI understand.


    No need to say more.


    The gorilla hurried to Chitosane, leaned in, and whispered something in her ear. Chitosane nodded silently, and the gorilla quickly returned to his place.


    ¡ªThen, I see we¡¯re all set. Any other questions or objections? ¡ªChitosane finally asked, her voice firm but calm.


    Everyone shook their heads.


    ¡ªGood. In that case, let¡¯s go.


    Priority Objective:


    <ol>


    <li>Find the VIP</li>


    <li>Rescue Kan (priority)</li>


    <li>Kill the lieutenant (optional)</li>


    <li>Destroy the supply of foamy drugs (optional)</li>


    <li>Gather information from the facility (?) (optional)</li>


    </ol>


    On Standby:


    <ol>


    <li>Wait for contact from Professor Gale.</li>


    <li>Complete the mission and rescue Kan.</li>


    <li>Get a damn central processor (on hold).</li>


    </ol>

 Chapter 3: Incursion

    The team traveled for about two weeks before reaching the edge of the scavenger-patrolled zone. We settled a few days earlier in a small desert town. Well, calling it "small" was an exaggeration. The place crammed more than a million people into a chaos that defied all logic.


    ¡ªAlmost forty thousand people per square meter ¡ªcommented Yalen, whom I had nicknamed "Melena" due to his total lack of hair, the shine of an implant glinting under the dim light¡ª. The infrastructure is held together with duct tape. There¡¯s no presence from the central government, the great families, or even the corporations. What the hell are all these people doing here?


    ¡ªNot everyone wants to live under the yoke of the great families and corporations. Some prefer simpler lives ¡ªI replied, observing the scene from a nearby hill.


    ¡ªI wouldn¡¯t exactly call this "living."


    ¡ªNeither would I ¡ªI admitted, letting my gaze wander over the crowded streets and makeshift buildings¡ª. It probably has a lot to do with the scavenger base. It¡¯s like a wasp¡¯s nest for this region¡­ one we¡¯re about to shake up.


    ¡ªDo you think we¡¯ll cause trouble for these people, sir? ¡ªhe asked, his tone a mix of genuine concern and pragmatism.


    ¡ªI don¡¯t think so. I¡¯m certain. Once we strike and get out, they¡¯ll lash out at anything that moves in this area.


    ¡ªI wouldn¡¯t want anything bad to happen to these people... They¡¯ve been kind enough to let us buy supplies.


    ¡ªKind? They¡¯re scalping us. Those bastards nearly harvested a kidney for a box of rations.


    ¡ªWell, yes, but still¡­ ¡ªhe said, his voice trailing off into the distant bustle of the town.


    I smiled faintly. Though he sometimes seemed na?ve, Melena had a heart that didn¡¯t quite fit this type of mission.


    ¡ªRelax, Melena. That¡¯s just life here. If something happens, it¡¯ll happen with or without us. It¡¯s better if we strike first. Who knows? With a bit of luck, we¡¯ll hit them so hard they won¡¯t get back up.


    ¡ªHey, Melena, your kids are looking for you. They¡¯re excited about something they found ¡ªone of the gunmen shouted.


    Melena just sighed and left, already resigned to his new nickname.


    ¡ªKailen, the boss is looking for you. He wants to discuss the plan.


    ¡ªTell him we still don¡¯t have enough intel. Once Reika and Toshi return, we¡¯ll have more information about the surroundings, and only then can we draw up a plan.


    The young man nodded and walked away, disappearing from view. Just a few minute after another one of the techies hurried over.


    ¡ªMr. Kailen, one of my colleagues is having trouble with the locals. Could you¡­?


    ¡ªDon¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take care of it ¡ªI said before he could finish.


    I grabbed my gear and followed the young man.


    The streets were filled with stares. The people, ragged and hungry, turned to watch us as we passed. Their clothes were rags, their faces bore the marks of a hard life, but their eyes¡­ Their eyes had a fire I hadn¡¯t seen elsewhere. These people hadn¡¯t yet given up on life. They were ready to bite, and that made them dangerous.


    We finally arrived at a dingy tavern, where the problem quickly became evident. However, what truly surprised me was the source of the conflict.


    ¡ªDon¡¯t mess with me, Old Tom! If you sell him all the grag, how the hell are we going to buy alcohol? We¡¯ll have to wait months for the next batch!


    ¡ªAnd I¡¯m telling you I don¡¯t give a damn about your needs! ¡ªgrowled the bartender, whose old age didn¡¯t dull his firm stance¡ª. My daughter needs medicine, and this outsider is paying far more than any of you damn cockroaches could scrape together in years!


    ¡ªThe hell I¡¯m letting you do that! I¡¯d rather kill the brat myself than live without¡ª


    He didn¡¯t get to finish. The moment he mentioned the bartender¡¯s daughter, Old Tom pulled out a gun and shot him square in the head, the crack of the weapon silencing the room.


    ¡ªAnyone else want to try their luck? Anyone? ANYONE? ¡ªhe shouted, his eyes scanning the room, his gun still smoking.


    The rest of the men, who seconds ago stood behind the now-dead troublemaker, quickly picked up the body and scurried out of the tavern. The remaining patrons were soon ushered out as well by the bartender, who had clearly run out of patience.


    ¡ªYou too. Out ¡ªhe finally said, turning his attention toward us.


    ¡ªWe¡¯re with the bald guy ¡ªI replied, hoping to defuse the situation.


    The bartender turned his sharp gaze to Melena, who nodded silently. Only then did he lower his gun, though the distrust in his eyes lingered.


    The transaction proceeded without further incident. Soon after, Melena and his assistant carried out a couple of crates filled with bottles of liquor, and we left the tavern.


    ¡ªWhat did you buy in there, Melena? ¡ªI asked as we walked¡ª. What could possibly be worth someone dying over?


    ¡ªOh, I didn¡¯t really want anyone to die ¡ªhe replied, clearly uncomfortable.


    ¡ªI know. Just tell me what the hell this is.


    Melena paused to clear his throat, gesturing to one of the crates with a somewhat prideful air, as though the bottles inside were more valuable than they seemed.


    ¡ªWell, it¡¯s a long story...


    ¡ªMake it short.


    ¡ªRight, yes ¡ªhe said, hesitating for a moment before continuing.


    He sighed, brushing the top of one of the crates with a strange fondness, as though he were explaining a rare treasure.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡ªOkay, short version, even though this really deserves a proper lecture. These bottles contain a liquor distilled from the juice of an alien plant that only grows in certain contaminated areas of the Pits. The plant is called Xilenopsis. The main compound in the liquor is something called xilenonate, a complex molecule with some very unusual properties.


    ¡ªWhat¡¯s so special about it? ¡ªI asked, though I was already bracing for a lengthy explanation.


    ¡ªXilenonate has a triple point ¡ªthe balance between its solid, liquid, and gaseous states¡ªthat¡¯s just above the ambient temperature of this region. That means once it¡¯s properly distilled and sealed, the liquid stays stable. But if you expose it to even a minor fluctuation in temperature or pressure, it can shift states instantly.


    ¡ªAnd why does that matter?


    ¡ªIt matters because, when it shifts from liquid to gas, it releases an enormous amount of thermal energy in an exothermic process. Basically, it¡¯s an alcohol that can warm you up from the inside¡ªor, if you¡¯re an idiot, turn you into a human torch.


    ¡ªSounds like something we shouldn¡¯t drink.


    ¡ªExactly. But the locals have developed a very specific chemical process to neutralize some of its volatility. They use something called axiphenol hydrate¡ªa catalyst that stabilizes the xilenonate molecule in the liquor. The result is a drinkable alcohol that¡¯s also highly energetic.


    ¡ªHighly energetic?


    ¡ªYes, although the human body can¡¯t metabolize it on its own, people here have found ways to make it work, allowing them to generate more energy than usual. That¡¯s why this liquor is so valuable in the Pits. Here, people need calories and energy more than they care about flavor. But they also use it as an improvised fuel for basic devices like heaters or small turbines.


    I stared at him, processing the information.


    ¡ªLet me guess: that¡¯s why you were so eager to pay for it. You¡¯ve just left this whole sector without their supply.


    Melena smiled and nodded.


    ¡ªExactly. It¡¯s more expensive to produce than you¡¯d think, mostly because of the awful environmental costs of the rudimentary methods we use. If only we had access to the pilgrims¡¯ techniques.


    ¡ªBy the way, could we drink this to recover energy during the mission?


    ¡ªNo.


    ¡ª...


    ¡ªI mean it. The locals probably use modified enzymes to metabolize it. Their bodies have adapted over time. That¡¯s why you see so many injecting themselves. It¡¯s not just for addiction or fun; it¡¯s to prepare. Without those modifications, you¡¯d likely poison yourself¡ªor worse, something inside you could literally explode.


    My chemistry classes were a bit rusty after two years away from the academy. Still, what Melena explained made sense, so I decided to let him handle it.


    Fine, if it wasn¡¯t safe, it wasn¡¯t safe. I quickly jotted down a note in my journal, attaching the information to the map and marking this place. After that, I returned to where we were staying. All that was left to do was wait.


    Finally, the two women came back with information about our target.


    ¡ªAlright, gentlemen ¡ªsaid Reika, the big, muscular woman, addressing the group with her usual energy. Then she turned to one of the techs and, in a softer tone, added¡ª: And boy.


    She seemed to be enjoying herself, teasing him.


    ¡ªWe¡¯ve got the info on the roaches¡¯ base. Just as we were told, it¡¯s a real fortress. Built out of scraps, rusty metal, and, of course, lots of duct tape.


    She paused theatrically, clearly pleased with her description.


    ¡ªThere are at least seven entry points we could sneak through. Plus, we found three potential distractions nearby that we can use. That said, for obvious reasons, we couldn¡¯t confirm the VIP¡¯s status.


    ¡ªFrom the information we managed to gather, the roaches are preparing to leave in about two days. We don¡¯t know when we¡¯ll get another opportunity like this, ¡ªadded Toshi, the slimmer woman.


    Everyone turned to look at me, waiting for my decision.


    ¡ªI¡¯d love to have more time to plan something more solid, but we¡¯re already drawing too much attention, and we¡¯ve only been here three days. It¡¯s better to act as quickly as possible, ¡ªI replied to their stares.


    ¡ªI don¡¯t feel good about rushing the plan this much. In the end, we¡¯ll be the ones holding the line, ¡ªgrumbled the punk, crossing his arms in obvious displeasure.


    ¡ªAnd it¡¯ll be me and the brains doing the infiltrating, ¡ªI shot back, making it clear no one would just be sitting around. My tone betrayed my irritation at his implication.


    Taking into account all the information we had¡ªwhat we already knew, what we¡¯d discovered in the town, and what they¡¯d just brought back¡ªI finally put together a plan. It wasn¡¯t perfect, but an aggressive, incomplete plan now was far better than an ideal one a week too late.


    ¡ªAlright, here¡¯s what we¡¯re going to do. We¡¯ll split into several teams. First, your six light units will head to this point: the nearby cobalt mine. You¡¯ll remain on standby there. When you get the signal, you¡¯ll attack and free the prisoners doing forced labor. That¡¯ll serve as a distraction, forcing most of the enemy troops to respond, ¡ªI explained to the punk, marking the location on the map.


    ¡ªThe other six heavy units, along with me and the brains, will sneak in. Once inside, we¡¯ll split up. Melena and I will head straight to the underground entrance. The other three techs will move to their targets: the central office, the control room, and the security room. Each of them will be accompanied by two of you. Your mission will be to hack the systems and use the defenses against the scrappers. This has to be coordinated to happen right after the troops move toward the mine.


    I paused to let everyone absorb the information before continuing.


    ¡ªFrom what we know, the scrappers have a significant number of prisoners in the underground facilities. Melena and I will try to free them to cause as much chaos as possible and cover our backs. According to the blueprints Chitosane provided, it should take us 12 minutes to go straight down, taking all the stairs. Since we don¡¯t know if all of them are still operational, we¡¯ll assume it¡¯ll take 30 minutes.


    I pointed to another area on the map.


    ¡ªAt this point, you¡¯ll use the V2 charges to blow the south wall. From there, you¡¯ll travel to regroup with the team at the mine and then continue east to reach our transports.


    I looked at the group, waiting for their reactions.


    ¡ªAny questions or suggestions? ¡ªI asked at the end, leaving room for possible adjustments.


    They took a few moments to digest the plan. Finally, several hands went up.


    ¡ªWhy do we need to take the central office? ¡ªasked one of the brains, curiosity evident in his voice.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s one of the secondary objectives. There should be information marked as Project BlueSky there. Plus, I¡¯m hoping you¡¯ll find a way to free the underground prisoners without Melena and me having to improvise. Of course, any other useful intel you find will be more than welcome, ¡ªI replied firmly.


    ¡ªAnd what about the gorillas? ¡ªinterjected one of the veteran gunslingers.


    ¡ªNothing. They¡¯ll stay in the town. We¡¯ll pick them up during our escape.


    The murmurs of protest weren¡¯t long in coming, especially from the gunslingers. It was clear they didn¡¯t like the idea, but there wasn¡¯t much to argue about. It was better to keep those monstrosities out of this mission.


    ¡ªWhat about the Seven Shots? ¡ªasked another voice from the back.


    ¡ªThe scrappers have a sixth-generation Titan. Even though it¡¯s junk from before the Fall, it¡¯s still a dangerous weapon that could wipe out our people if it¡¯s allowed to operate. According to general intel, it should have two weak points: one at the cockpit-leg junction and another in the fuel injection system. However, that¡¯s generic information. I need you to stay alert and identify how to neutralize it on the ground. If we¡¯re lucky, the team might gather more precise data and send it to you before you act. Once it¡¯s neutralized, you¡¯ll have a clear path to eliminate any other priority targets.


    ¡ªDo we really have to use the prisoners as human shields? ¡ªasked Melena, his tone full of doubt and discontent.


    I looked him directly in the eyes.


    ¡ªI don¡¯t have any other options. There are 11 of us infiltrating, and four of us don¡¯t fight. Meanwhile, on the other side, there are over 700 enemies. Even if half of them leave in two days, and of those remaining, only half respond to the threat at the mine, that still leaves us with 175 enemies in the base.


    The weight of my words fell like a slab on the atmosphere. No one replied. There was no way to sugarcoat the reality: we were outnumbered, out-equipped, and outgunned. But not outwilled or outstrategized, and that was an advantage we had to exploit to the fullest.


    There were a few minor adjustments to the plan, but the essence remained intact. I didn¡¯t know if it was because they genuinely thought it was solid or because no one wanted to shoulder the responsibility of a potential failure. I didn¡¯t care much. Of everyone present, I was the only one whose interests weren¡¯t purely economic.


    The only thing left was to find Kan in time. With some luck, my stratagem would work.

 Chapter 3: Incursion pt 2

    For the sake of the mission, we decided to stay put for the remaining time, making sure not to draw attention. Finally, the moment for the raid arrived.


    ¡ªEveryone ready? ¡ªI asked, looking at each of them.


    They nodded silently. There was some fear and hesitation reflected in their eyes. In a way, I couldn¡¯t blame them; we were heading into an op planned so quickly that anyone might think we were amateurs.


    We split into two vehicles to head to our positions. The six youngest gunslingers, along with both women, would take position on the outskirts, ready to ambush the cobalt mine quickly. Toshi, as the sniper, had the crucial task of eliminating the foreman with his initial shot. After that, he was to reposition and cover us from an elevated vantage point.


    When we reached the vicinity of the fortress, it was just as our scouts had described. The walls were made of metal sheets riveted onto segments of crumbling concrete, haphazardly assembled to reinforce a perimeter that teetered between functional and decrepit. Four watchtowers stood at the cardinal points, though at first glance, they seemed abandoned. Still, something didn¡¯t add up; the calm was far too suspicious.


    From our position, we couldn¡¯t see much more and had to rely on our preparation and the reports.


    ¡ªLet¡¯s move.


    We advanced in small groups to avoid drawing attention. We had chosen the southeastern section of the facility as our entry point. From there, Melena and I would descend to the underground while the others moved to their respective positions to cover us.


    I volunteered to be the first to cross the stretch to the entry point. The others would follow in groups of two or three. The tension in the air was palpable.


    ¡ªMr. Kailen, have you done this kind of work before? ¡ªMelena asked, his voice laden with nervousness. His hands trembled slightly, and for a moment, I wondered what someone like him was doing in a place like this.


    ¡ªNot as a mercenary, but I¡¯ve done worse as a soldier.


    ¡ªI can¡¯t imagine anything worse than this.


    I glanced at him sideways and answered seriously:


    ¡ªYou lack imagination, Melena. There are horrible things out there, things no book will ever teach you.


    Melena lowered his gaze, but before I could say anything else, he spoke up in a whisper:


    ¡ªI¡¯ve never wanted to¡­


    ¡ªSilence.


    I grabbed him by the collar and pushed him to the ground just in time. A pair of guards emerged from a crack in the nearby wall, both carrying improvised weapons and flashlights sweeping the area.


    ¡ªStay still ¡ªI whispered, as my hand calmly reached for the handle of my knife.


    The guards began talking to each other in low voices. One lit a cigarette while the other rummaged through something on his belt. From our position, moving would mean being detected. The wait felt endless, and sweat began to bead on my forehead.


    Melena was trembling beside me. Placing a firm hand on his shoulder, I conveyed a calmness I didn¡¯t feel myself. He barely nodded, understanding that any mistake now could cost us the mission¡­ or our lives.


    Finally, the guards moved to the left, heading toward what appeared to be an improvised storage area.


    ¡ªNow, quick and silent ¡ªI ordered.


    We slipped through the crack in the wall, our point of entry. Once inside, the darkness of the underground engulfed us. I could hear Melena¡¯s heavy breathing behind me, but there was no time to stop. The path ahead grew more dangerous with every step.


    I saw the guards stop not far from us, their backs turned. Their relaxed posture and muffled laughter made it clear they were shirking their duties. This had to be a blind spot in their patrol.


    "If I take them out here, no one will know¡­ unless they¡¯re on radios or have to report in regularly."


    There was no time to ponder or wait. Every second increased the risk of being discovered. I drew my knife, its dark, sharp blade gleaming faintly in the dim light. With slow, deliberate steps, I crept closer, feeling the adrenaline begin to heat my body.


    When I was close enough, I struck with precision. Twisting my body sharply to the left, I slammed one guard¡¯s head against the wall with a solid thud. He crumpled to the ground, unconscious before he even realized what hit him.


    The second guard barely had time to open his mouth. I lunged at him, covering his mouth with one hand while driving the knife into his neck with the other. The blade slid through the flesh effortlessly, and a hot torrent of blood soaked my gloves. The man kicked and struggled, his eyes wide with terror, but his efforts were futile. Within seconds, his movements ceased, and the only sound left was my ragged breathing.


    I crouched over the body, watching the pool of blood slowly spread. I¡¯d done this before, but there was always that strange emptiness after taking a life.


    ¡ªMelena, come here and help me hide these bodies among that pile of rubble ¡ªI ordered in a low voice, pointing to a corner littered with chunks of concrete and metal.


    Melena took a few seconds to react. His face was pale, like someone who had never seen death so close. He approached with hesitant steps, swallowing hard.


    ¡ªW-was all this necessary? ¡ªhe asked, his voice trembling.


    I looked him directly in the eyes as we started dragging the bodies.


    ¡ªEvery second these men stayed alive was a risk to us. This isn¡¯t the place for morality, Melena. This is the place for survival.


    Melena didn¡¯t respond. We kept moving the bodies in silence, tucking them behind the rubble with quick but careful movements. Before leaving the corner, I checked the guards¡¯ pockets, finding a small radio and a pack of cigarettes.


    "A damn radio... Of course, they have one. Kailen, you absolute idiot."


    I couldn¡¯t help but press my palm against my forehead. Frustration burned inside me. "How the hell could I have been so stupid as to assume a base this large wouldn¡¯t have a basic means of communication?"


    With a sigh, I decided to turn off the radio and keep it. It might come in handy later.


    Once we finished hiding the bodies, I turned to Melena.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡ªThis is just the beginning. If you can¡¯t handle it, you shouldn¡¯t have come in the first place. There¡¯s no room here for doubt or trembling hands.


    Melena looked at me with a mix of resentment and fear. It took him a moment to process my words, but he finally nodded. His face tried to show determination, though his hands were still shaking.


    ¡ªLet¡¯s go ¡ªI ordered, adjusting my knife in its sheath as I headed toward the underground entrance. Time was running out, and the silence we¡¯d managed to secure wouldn¡¯t last long.


    At this point, the next group should be halfway to their position. "If there weren¡¯t any issues," I thought, though anxiety began to settle in my chest.


    ¡ªLet¡¯s move.


    ¡ªAren¡¯t we going to wait to report the encounter to the others? ¡ªMelena asked, his voice trembling slightly.


    ¡ªWe don¡¯t have time. We need to secure our position. They¡¯ll know what to do.


    "Or at least I hope so. If anyone freezes up or panics... if they think that¡¯s our blood spilled on the ground, we¡¯ll be in trouble."


    As we advanced, an idea sparked in my mind.


    ¡ªMelena, is there a code or frequency your guys might be using?


    Melena frowned, clearly trying to recall something useful, but the seconds dragged on, and he said nothing.


    ¡ªFaster, damn it. We don¡¯t have all day.


    ¡ªAh! Yes. A while back, we built our own transmitter as a project to hack a rival guild. The frequency should be 134.27 MHz.


    ¡ªPerfect.


    I turned on the radio and adjusted it to the frequency the scavengers used. Two voices came through almost immediately, complaining about the dry weather and laughing faintly. It was noise, but it meant the network was active.


    Then, I switched to the frequency Melena had mentioned. Nothing. No traffic. An unsettling void.


    "I think this could work," I thought, though I knew it was only a small advantage in the face of enormous risk. It still depended on another tech-savvy ally getting a similar radio and thinking to use this frequency.


    ¡ªDon¡¯t lose your nerve. This is working in our favor for now, but keep your eyes open ¡ªI said as I turned off the radio and carefully tucked it away.


    Melena swallowed hard and nodded slowly, though his expression remained tense. His eyes betrayed barely contained panic.


    The hatch leading underground was right in the middle of an open courtyard, which meant we couldn¡¯t approach it without raising suspicion. We needed chaos to break out first. We took shelter in a nearby room, dark and dusty, with time ticking against us.


    ¡ªI¡¯m starting to have doubts about this plan, Sir Kailen ¡ªMelena murmured, his voice barely a whisper.


    ¡ªOnly now? ¡ªI scoffed, shooting him an incredulous look. My words came out harsher than I intended. ¡ªWith the shitty intel we have, what did you expect?


    ¡ªI know it¡¯s not your fault... it¡¯s just that... in this room, we¡¯re too exposed. How much longer will we have to wait?


    ¡ªThe assault on the cobalt mine should start in a few minutes. That¡¯ll force the guards to mobilize. Hold tight.


    I had barely finished speaking when the first sounds of chaos began to ripple through the air. Agitated voices, hurried footsteps, sirens breaking the silence of the compound. The commotion grew quickly, like a storm brewing without warning.


    Suddenly, footsteps echoed just outside the room. Quick, disorganized, and far too close.


    ¡ªHide! ¡ªI whispered urgently, pointing to a couple of old trunks piled in a corner.


    We dove toward them, barely managing to squeeze into the tight space. I could feel my rapid breathing bouncing off the wooden walls, my heartbeat hammering loudly in my ears.


    From inside the trunk, I heard the footsteps stop right in front of the door. Something metallic slid¡ªprobably a weapon¡ªand someone muttered something unintelligible.


    "Shit. If they open this door..."


    I readied myself, knife already in hand, as the seconds stretched into what felt like hours.


    The worst part of a half-baked plan was how easily it could fall apart due to an unexpected variable. Though, to be fair, there was no way I could have anticipated this.


    ¡ªA riot. Get everyone to the lower levels.


    "A damn riot right now. Damn it!"


    An unprecedented frustration began to overwhelm me.


    I tried to contact Toshi and Reyka, but all communications with the outside were cut off.


    ¡ªSir Kailen... this base seems to have an electromagnetic barrier.


    ¡ªReally? ¡ªI replied, letting out a distinctly sarcastic tone.


    Frustration was creeping in. How could those women have failed to notice the massive antennas decorating every corner of the base? Damn it.


    Outside, the noise grew louder. I could hear footsteps and agitated voices, but I decided to stay put for now. At one point, someone opened the door to our room. I held my breath as a shadow peeked in. Fortunately, it was just a brief glance; the intruder shut the door immediately.


    ¡ªMelena ¡ªI said, turning toward him¡ª. The time is coming. When I give you the signal, run to the hatch and get down the stairs as fast as you can. Don¡¯t stop for anything. Don¡¯t hesitate, don¡¯t think, understood?


    ¡ªYes... ¡ªhis voice sounded hollow, as if he hadn¡¯t fully processed the situation.


    His eyes were distant, vacant.


    ¡ªHey! ¡ªI interrupted firmly¡ª. Don¡¯t hesitate or think. I¡¯ll handle everything. I¡¯ll protect you until we reach the VIP¡¯s prison.


    Melena began to hyperventilate.


    ¡ªI don¡¯t know if I can do this, Sir Kailen...


    "What am I doing?" That seemed to be the only thing he kept repeating to himself. He was finally realizing the magnitude of the risk we were taking. For the first time, he understood we were standing in the lion¡¯s den.


    His despair almost made me doubt, if only for a second. Instinctively, my hand went to the holster on my right hip.


    Metal. Cold.


    I took a deep breath and ran my fingers over the inscription on the weapon. Freedom.


    My mentor had taught me many things¡ªnot just how to hold a gun and shoot. She had also spoken to my soul.


    "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me."


    That was his mantra. And now, it was mine. This was my moment. I couldn¡¯t hesitate. I had a friend down there, and I would get him out of that prison.


    I took a deep breath. Then another. Finally, I found my calm.


    ¡ªStay calm, everything will be fine. ¡ªI placed a hand on Melena¡¯s shoulder. Slowly, he began to settle. His breathing evened out until it stabilized.


    At last, we climbed out of the trunk where we¡¯d been hiding. I positioned myself beside the door and raised the assault rifle. I checked the magazine, the safety, and the chamber. Everything was in order.


    ¡ªLet¡¯s go.


    I gripped the rifle tightly and shoved the door open, bursting into the hallway illuminated by flickering lights. Three guards by the hatch turned toward me, surprise etched on their faces, their weapons only half-raised.


    I didn¡¯t give them time to react.


    A clean shot to the first one. The second went down after a burst to the torso, his body crumpling against the wall. The third tried to lift his pistol, but a round to the temple ended things before he could even aim.


    ¡ªMelena, move! ¡ªI shouted, turning to face two more guards charging in from a side corridor.


    One raised an automatic rifle, but I ducked behind a rusted metal crate as bullets ricocheted around me. Peeking out, I fired three shots¡ªtwo to the chest, one to the neck.


    The last enemy tried to retreat, firing blindly as he scrambled for cover. I tracked him with the scope and fired just as he peeked out, the bullet finding its mark in his head.


    Silence returned, if only for a brief moment.


    ¡ªKailen! The computer¡¯s here! ¡ªMelena shouted as he rushed to the console by the hatch. His fingers trembled as he struggled to make sense of the controls.


    ¡ªHurry, we don¡¯t have much time.


    I didn¡¯t have to wait long before I heard the footsteps of reinforcements closing in.


    ¡ªMore are coming! ¡ªI warned, aiming toward the hallway where they were advancing.


    A wave of scavengers armed with makeshift rifles and battered pistols rounded the corner. Their shouts and gunfire filled the space, forcing me to retreat.


    From my position, I fired in controlled bursts, taking down two while the others scrambled for cover. One of them lobbed an improvised explosive, which detonated against the wall to my left, showering sparks and shards of metal everywhere.


    ¡ªHurry up, Melena!


    ¡ªI¡¯m trying, Sir Kailen! It¡¯s encrypted!


    I shifted positions to get a better angle, shooting at a scavenger peeking out from behind a barrel. One by one, they fell, but their numbers didn¡¯t seem to dwindle.


    ¡ªAlmost there! ¡ªMelena shouted, his fingers racing across the keyboard.


    A shot grazed my shoulder, but the armor absorbed the impact. I growled, spinning to return fire and bringing down the one responsible. Adrenaline coursed through me, keeping me moving.


    ¡ªDoors open! ¡ªMelena yelled at last. The massive double doors beside the hatch began to creak open with a metallic groan.


    ¡ªRun! ¡ªI shouted, covering his retreat as one final group of scavengers tried to stop us.


    Melena bolted for the hatch and started descending the metal stairs. I fired a final burst before following, making sure to seal the hatch behind us.


    The echo of our footsteps reverberated in the stairwell as we descended at full speed. The tension hung heavy in the air, but for now, we were out of immediate danger.


    ¡ªYou okay? ¡ªI asked, adjusting the rifle on my shoulder.


    ¡ªYes, Sir Kailen... but I can¡¯t stop shaking.


    ¡ªStay calm. This is just the beginning.


    We continued downward, the scavengers¡¯ angry roars echoing faintly above us.


    It felt like an eternity descending, though it was likely less than a minute. When we reached the bottom, Melena quickly hacked into the hatch¡¯s computer and locked it securely, ensuring the scavengers couldn¡¯t follow us.

 Chapter 4: Inside the Belly of the Beast

    ¡ªWhat do we do now, Mr. Kailen?


    ¡ªKeep moving down. We need to secure the VIP.


    Our small victory seemed to have breathed some courage into my bald companion, but his hands still trembled like leaves in a storm.


    "Kan, I''m coming for you, you damn piece of crap."


    At last, I had a moment to take in the change of scenery. It was so stark that I struggled to process it. Above, everything was made of welded plates, pieces torn from somewhere else. It all looked patched together, worn, like a makeshift collage built for survival.


    Down here, though, it was different. Way too different.


    ¡ªMr. Kailen, this looks like...


    ¡ª...one of my family¡¯s factories.


    Melena stared at me, his eyes wide as plates.


    ¡ªYou mean that...


    ¡ªThat we¡¯re walking into some powerful person¡¯s lair. Yep, we¡¯ve been royally screwed.


    Melena swallowed hard, the sound almost as loud as a gunshot in the dead silence of the place.


    ¡ªShould we... should we retreat?


    I looked at him seriously, though the exhaustion and tension weighed on me like a slab of stone.


    ¡ªThere¡¯s no turning back now.


    I checked my gear, reloaded my weapon, and inspected my armor. The plating had taken another hit I hadn¡¯t noticed in the chaos of the battle, but it was still fully operational. Finally, I reached back to where my kinetic shield was strapped.


    "Protector, please let me not have to use this."


    Somehow, I knew my little prayer was pointless. The pristine condition of the space around me made it clear¡ªI¡¯d need this shield, and probably much more, very soon.


    ¡ªTry to contact your friends. If you manage to get through, ask about the route and any other information they might have. I¡¯ll check the surroundings.


    I handed Melena the radio.


    The walls were immaculate, covered in smooth, gleaming metal. Soft blue energy lines ran along the walls like pulsing veins, casting a cold, artificial glow across the space. The floor, perfectly leveled, hummed faintly with each step¡ªa barely perceptible vibration that sent shivers across my skin. The corridors were spacious, designed to accommodate a constant flow of machinery or people. There were no signs of improvisation here; everything was built with precision, crafted to endure.


    In the distance, the echo of a constant drip of water broke the metallic stillness. Above my head, the ventilation ducts exhaled dry, recycled air, tinged with that artificial scent so characteristic of sealed facilities.


    "This is far too advanced for a bunch of scavengers," I thought, the doubt digging deep into my mind. Everything was in near-perfect condition, far too functional to be the work of looters.


    I turned a corner and found a row of empty rooms. The marks on the walls and floor revealed that they¡¯d been stripped down to their foundations, probably in search of anything valuable. I kept moving, passing by abandoned consoles covered in dust. Some still blinked faintly, as though waiting for commands that would never come. Cracked screens displayed text in barely recognizable languages, intermixed with technical symbols and fragmented graphics.


    Every few meters, I stopped, straining my ears. And then I saw it: at the end of the hallway, amidst the flickering lights, a familiar symbol was etched onto one of the doors. A circle divided by a vertical line, surrounded by inscriptions that looked like runes.


    It was the emblem of an old corporation, one of those that had vanished long before I was born.


    "Was it Bayek or Nemadian?" I wondered, staring closely. Both had worked in similar fields: advanced electronics and cutting-edge robotics. Their symbols had always seemed confusingly alike, but identifying this one with certainty might give me clues about what lay ahead.


    "Maybe Melena knows something," I thought.


    As I approached, I noticed a small door embedded in the wall, barely wide enough for a single person to pass through. Beside it, a built-in computer with a tiny keyboard emitted a faint, blinking light.


    I switched on the flashlight attached to my rifle and pointed it into the room beyond. The darkness was dense, swallowing most of the beam. Even so, I could make out what appeared to be a control room, surprisingly intact. The scavengers hadn¡¯t managed to breach this place, which was as unsettling as it was revealing.


    After a moment of deliberation, I decided not to venture in alone. The safety of the team came first. I turned on my heel and took one last look down the corridor. Further ahead, to the right, I saw a staircase descending.


    I¡¯d have to return to Melena and prepare. One way or another, our path led deeper.


    ¡ªDid you manage to make contact?


    ¡ªNothing concrete. But I did intercept some of the enemy¡¯s communications.


    ¡ªAnd?


    ¡ªThey think they¡¯re being attacked by four different forces at the same time. Plus, it seems like some of their men have turned against them.


    ¡ªSo it¡¯s turned into a complete pandemonium up there.


    ¡ªExactly. From what I gathered, this faction of scavengers came together from several smaller ones. Now, whether by chance or fate, they¡¯ve split into three.


    ¡ªThat doesn¡¯t matter anymore, ¡ªI replied, shaking my head.¡ª I found the staircase down and an intact room that looks like an operations center. Let¡¯s go. Move out.


    I began walking, but soon noticed there were no footsteps following me. I stopped and turned around. Melena stood still, like a statue.


    ¡ªWhat¡¯s wrong?


    ¡ªDo you think my companions will be all right? ¡ªhe asked in a barely audible voice.


    ¡ªOf course. They¡¯ve got two veterans protecting them.


    ¡ªDo you trust them, Mr. Kailen? Would you trust your life to them?


    ¡ªNo ¡ªI replied after a long sigh¡ª. I would never trust my life to someone from the Pits.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Melena averted his gaze, visibly uncomfortable.


    ¡ªI¡¯m afraid they¡¯ll abandon them ¡ªhe said after a pause¡ª. I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll abandon me.


    I scratched my head, battling a familiar feeling. I understood perfectly how he felt. That same insecurity had haunted me when I joined the military. Until my mentor took me under her wing, I¡¯d lived in constant fear of being left behind.


    ¡ªI need you until we rescue the VIP ¡ªI said, locking eyes with him¡ª. After that, my focus will be on keeping him alive. But that doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ll throw you away. I¡¯ll keep fighting on the frontlines, and as long as you follow instructions, you¡¯ll have a chance to make it out of this alive.


    I wasn¡¯t as convincing as I would¡¯ve liked, but at least Melena started moving again. And right now, that was all I needed from him.


    We advanced quickly down the hallway. When we reached the door, Melena muttered something that caught me off guard.


    ¡ªBy the Daughter of Metal¡­ This base belongs to the HYDRA Initiative.


    I stopped dead in my tracks, turning to him with a frown.


    ¡ªWhat are you talking about? ¡ªI asked, pointing to the engravings on the wall¡ª. Those are clearly the symbols of the Bayek or Nemadian corporations.


    Melena, with a mix of patience and urgency, pointed at the emblems in more detail.


    ¡ªAh, I see why you¡¯re confused. HYDRA created joint departments with all the major corporations to cover their operations.


    ¡ªHYDRA? What the hell is that initiative you keep talking about? ¡ªI could feel irritation creeping into my impatience.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s a long story¡­ ¡ªMelena hesitated, as if deciding where to start.


    ¡ªMelena, for the love of the Guardian, summarize it! ¡ªI snapped, unable to hold back my exasperation.


    ¡ªAll right, all right... HYDRA is some kind of government initiative. There was a time when it looked like the city was doomed to fall. So¡­ they gave funding and free rein to all the major corporations to defend it however they could.


    ¡ªThat doesn¡¯t sound good at all. ¡ªI didn¡¯t bother hiding my skepticism.


    ¡ªWell¡­ the city didn¡¯t fall. ¡ªMelena¡¯s expression held a trace of resignation, as if trying to justify the unjustifiable.


    ¡ªWhatever. We need to keep moving. ¡ªI motioned for us to press forward, but Melena stayed where he was, staring at the room ahead of us.


    ¡ªWait, Mr. Kailen... ¡ªhe finally said, his tone almost pleading¡ª. If I stayed here for a moment to gather some information...


    I stopped and slowly turned toward him.


    ¡ªCut the nonsense. ¡ªMy tone was sharp, like a whip cracking through the air¡ª. I need you to rescue the VIP. After that, we leave immediately.


    ¡ªBut this room is intact. ¡ªMelena gestured toward the active terminal and the powered-down but complete consoles¡ª. There could be something important here. Something that could help us.


    ¡ªMelena... ¡ªI sighed tiredly, my patience wearing thinner by the second¡ª. Don¡¯t make me drag you down the stairs.


    He stood frozen for a moment, staring at the doorway as if it were a portal to all the answers he needed. Finally, he turned to me, his eyes alight with a mix of stubbornness and hope.


    ¡ªThink about what we could find in there.


    That line stopped me cold. I straightened immediately, my posture as rigid as a blade. I fixed him with a hard stare, letting the weight of my authority crush him like an anvil.


    ¡ªNothing you find in there will matter if you don¡¯t make it out alive. ¡ªMy voice was low, firm, calculated.


    Melena hesitated, his gaze flickering between the room and my face.


    ¡ªI can do it... I can do it if you just help me...


    I didn¡¯t let him finish. With a deliberate motion, I drew my revolver. I raised it slowly, letting the barrel come to rest pointed directly at his head.


    ¡ªThe stairs, Melena.


    The sound of him swallowing echoed in the silence. His eyes, wide open, reflected a mix of surprise, fear, and a futile attempt at defiance.


    ¡ªBut¡­


    ¡ªThe stairs. ¡ªMy words fell like a verdict. Cold. Final¡ª. I won¡¯t repeat myself.


    Time seemed to stop. For a moment, I thought Melena might try to defy me, but his determination crumbled under my gaze. He dropped his shoulders, resigned, and began walking toward the stairs.


    I holstered the revolver, keeping my eyes on him, making sure he didn¡¯t try anything stupid. Sometimes, a loaded gun is more persuasive than a thousand words.


    The man lowered his gaze to the floor, clenching his fists for the first time since I¡¯d met him. For an instant, it seemed like he wanted to fight¡ªnot me, but the fate that had dragged him into this situation.


    ¡ªI really need that information. ¡ªHis voice was low but carried a determination that hadn¡¯t been there before¡ª. It could be in there.


    His stubbornness was palpable, but so was his fear. His hands trembled slightly, as if his body couldn¡¯t decide whether to flee or stay. His words were a plea, though he tried to disguise them as rationality.


    ¡ªThere could be a million things in there, Melena. ¡ªMy tone was firmer than I intended¡ª. But no amount of information will help you if you don¡¯t make it out alive.


    I knew I was right, but I also knew those words wouldn¡¯t be enough to calm him. I didn¡¯t know his story or how important this thing he was looking for might be. There was a chasm of uncertainty between us, and that gap made the situation even more tense than it already was. For a moment, I considered forcing him to move on, but I decided to try another approach¡ªsomething more¡­ diplomatic.


    ¡ªWe could come back here someday. This place isn¡¯t going anywhere. ¡ªMy voice softened, though I didn¡¯t lose the firmness¡ª. And for now, only the two of us know what¡¯s here. There¡¯s no need to tell anyone else about it.


    Melena raised his eyes to meet mine. I could still see fear in them¡ªa deep fear that had been haunting him since we entered this damned place. But something else began to flicker in his expression, like a spark struggling to ignite. Hope? Maybe.


    ¡ªAll right, Mr. Kailen. ¡ªHis voice was steadier this time, as if my words had managed to ground him.


    I nodded.


    ¡ªGood.


    Finally, we started descending the staircase that led to another corridor. This one was wider, with walls covered in metallic panels that reflected the faint light from our visors. The doors lining both sides were sturdy, made of reinforced steel, and almost all of them were ajar, as if the occupants had left in haste or amid chaos.


    I checked the first door. What had once been meeting rooms or file storage spaces had been turned into makeshift barracks or armories for the scavengers. Rickety beds were piled against the walls, alongside open ammunition crates and scattered tools. The place reeked of rancid oil, rusted metal, and something sourer, the lingering trace of those who had lived here.


    Each door we inspected was a reminder of how desperate the abandonment of this place must have been. Wires hung from the ceilings, and scorch marks on the walls suggested small skirmishes had taken place here. But the sheer number of doors was overwhelming, and checking each one would take forever. We decided to move quickly, taking only brief glances into each room.


    Finally, we reached the end of the corridor, where a wider door stood out due to its design. Its frame was sturdier, with reinforced edges that seemed capable of withstanding even minor explosives. It was clear that this was the entrance to the heart of the complex.


    Beside the door, a terminal jutted out from the wall, its design slightly different from the ones on the upper floors. This one appeared to be fully functional, with a screen glowing faintly in the dim light. Someone had reconfigured it¡ªI doubted it was the same scavengers occupying the place. It seemed far too sophisticated for the crude methods those cockroaches usually employed. Fortunately, it allowed access to be controlled efficiently.


    ¡ªOnce we open this, there won¡¯t be any rest until we¡¯re done. Are you ready? ¡ªI said, turning to Melena.


    ¡ªYes¡­ no, wait¡­ no. Yes, I¡¯m ready. ¡ªHis hands started trembling visibly as he struggled to make up his mind.


    I shook my head, letting out a sigh. I couldn¡¯t blame him; I was starting to feel uneasy too. Everything had gone wrong from the very beginning of this operation. The mission had turned into a disaster. Every step we took seemed to push the possibility of getting out of here successfully further away.


    The worst part was the sense of isolation. We had no way of contacting the team above. We were alone, submerged in this labyrinth of steel and shadows, moving forward into the unknown with the weight of uncertainty pressing down on us.


    And yet, there was no choice but to keep going.

 Chapter 4: Inside the Belly of the Beast pt2

    I checked my weapons again and adjusted the straps of my armor. I didn¡¯t know why I was doing it; the weapons were already loaded, the armor securely fastened. Maybe it was nerves. No, it was definitely nerves. The kind of restlessness that seeps into your bones and makes you doubt everything, even what you know is in order.


    I glanced at Melena, who seemed to be regaining some composure. I gave him a firm nod. He responded with a quick nod of his own, navigating the terminal with surprising ease. Within seconds, the door began to move, its motors emitting a deep hum that vibrated through the floor.


    ¡°It has to be at least 20 centimeters thick¡­¡± I murmured, watching as the steel slowly slid upward. The edges of the structure revealed a shiny, almost iridescent material unlike any common alloy. Even in the middle of my tension, my mind wandered for a second into a technical analysis that had no place at the moment. ¡°This isn¡¯t something the scavengers could have¡ª¡±


    My thoughts were abruptly interrupted. A sharp metallic noise, like the cocking of a weapon, echoed through the air.


    ¡ªShit, Melena, take cover! ¡ªI shouted, feeling the adrenaline hit me like a wave.


    Without thinking, I shoved him to the side of the door. He barely had time to react before collapsing to the ground, out of the line of fire.


    I took cover on the opposite side of the door, my weapon already steady in my hands. Before I could think, before I could analyze, instinct took over. I opened fire.


    The first bursts lit up the dark hallway beyond the door, revealing flashes of movement. Figures darted in the shadows, quick and erratic. I fired at everything that moved, short, controlled bursts, just as I¡¯d been taught.


    The noise was deafening. The echo of bullets ricocheted off the metallic walls, mixing with screams and the sounds of impacts. There was no time to process. It all happened too fast, a whirlwind of noise, light, and motion.


    My finger didn¡¯t leave the trigger until the empty click of the magazine pulled me back to reality. I swapped the magazine automatically, barely registering the motion. Gunfire flew toward me in the process. Once, twice, three more times I repeated the process, until my mind finally started to register the silence.


    The hallway was quiet now. The smell of burnt gunpowder filled the air, mingling with something more acrid: blood and metal. My breathing roared in my ears as I scanned the area, weapon still raised, searching for any sign of movement.


    ¡ªMelena? ¡ªI murmured, not daring to raise my voice too much.


    From the other side of the door, I heard a muffled groan. I saw him, trembling in a corner, trying to bury his head between his knees. He was okay, at least physically. His face was pale, but his eyes were still focused, which, at this point, was already a victory.


    ¡ªI¡¯m¡­ fine, ¡ªhe replied weakly, trying to pull himself together as he stood up.


    I wasn¡¯t so sure the same could be said for me. The shaking in my hands was becoming noticeable now that the moment had passed. The weapons in my hands were hotter than they should have been, and sweat dripped down my forehead.


    ¡ªLet¡¯s go.


    Finally, the figures I had been fighting against became clear through the smoke and chaos. They weren¡¯t just scavengers. The scorched remains of several of them lay near the door, their makeshift weapons still clutched in their hands. But these hadn¡¯t been my only enemies. Across the hallway stood imposing silhouettes of metal: combat droids.


    ¡ªI guess this clears it up¡­ ¡ªI muttered, scanning the scene¡ª. This place is a Nemadian experimental lab, funded by HYDRA.


    ¡ªYes,¡ª Melena replied, his gaze fixed on the mechanical remains. ¡ªNemadia was the first to introduce static defense constructs autonomous systems capable of self-repair and maintaining intense firelines without human support.


    ¡ªOh, crap¡­¡ª I muttered as the weight of the situation sank in. ¡ªI really hope this facility isn¡¯t connected to the network. If these robots are online, we might be dealing with AIs using this technology.


    Melena nodded, his expression turning grim.


    ¡ªThey¡¯re probably already integrated. In fact¡­ this facility might be one of the reasons why AIs have been so erratic for the past 300 years.


    I exhaled deeply, pushing aside thoughts of conspiracies and culpability for another time. Staying alive had to be the priority.


    ¡ªWhatever the case, that¡¯s a problem for later. Let¡¯s keep moving. Stay sharp.


    We crossed the cleared hallway and ventured deeper into the complex. Soon, we reached what appeared to be a bridge extending over a dark abyss. As we stepped onto it, our flashlights partially illuminated the sheer scale of what lay ahead.


    ¡ªWhat the hell¡­¡ª I whispered, unable to hold back.


    The structure was massive. Below the bridge stretched a multi-tiered facility plunging into unfathomable depths. Flickering lights cut through the shadows, revealing endless hallways, enormous chambers, and colossal machinery humming faintly in the distance.


    ¡ªMr Kailen¡­ this is¡­ enormous,¡ª Melena said, his voice filled with awe.


    I stayed silent for a moment, taking in the immensity of the construction. Then, unable to resist, I murmured,


    ¡ªThat¡¯s what she said.


    Melena slowly turned toward me, his expression oscillating between disgust and disbelief. For a moment, it seemed he¡¯d lost all respect for me.


    ¡ªSeriously? Really?¡ª he asked incredulously. Before he could add more, he pointed downward.


    ¡ªThe schematics we reviewed said the VIP was on the seventh floor. But this¡­ this has to be at least forty floors, maybe more.


    The scale of the complex not only complicated our mission but also drove home the fact that we had stumbled into something far larger than we¡¯d anticipated.


    As the sense of awe finally wore off, my attention shifted to something I¡¯d been ignoring: the noise. Across the facility, the echoes of combat reverberated like relentless hammering, a symphony of chaos and violence.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡ªWithout outside contact, we have to assume the VIP is still on the seventh floor. Stay close and stay cautious. I hear fighting everywhere,¡ª I said, rummaging through the scavengers'' corpses. I found a weapon that seemed functional and a couple of spare magazines.


    ¡ªTake this,¡ª I said, handing it to Melena. ¡ªBut don¡¯t use it unless it¡¯s absolutely necessary. The last thing I need is for you to shoot me in the back.


    Melena accepted the weapon, though hesitantly.


    ¡ªI''ve never used one before, Commander Kailen.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s simple: point at the enemy, short bursts. Never aim at your feet or your head. And most importantly, don¡¯t shoot me.


    With nothing more to add, we started moving again. But with the noise of combat intensifying, any attempt to move quickly was suicide. We had to change tactics, advancing with extreme caution. Corner by corner, room by room, we descended slowly. We ambushed both the machines and the scavengers with the same principle: shoot first, ask questions later.


    Despite the constant tension, we managed to move almost without incident. However, on the third floor, an unexpected sound stopped us¡ªa transmission coming through.


    ¡ªIs anyone on this channel? Mr Kailen? Mr Yalen?


    The voice was faint, nearly drowned out by interference and background noise, but I instantly recognized who it was.


    ¡ªRemi! How¡¯s the rest of the team?


    ¡ªMr Yalen, it¡¯s good to hear you. We thought you were dead. Mr. Olaf was about to order the troops to retreat.


    ¡ªTell that punk he can¡¯t pull back anything! ¡ªI growled, raising my voice in frustration. ¡ªWe haven¡¯t rescued the VIP yet.


    Olaf¡¯s reply came quickly, his tone dripping with irritation.


    ¡ªWhat the hell is taking you so long?!


    ¡ªA damn facility full of robotic constructs, Olaf! That¡¯s what¡¯s taking so long! ¡ªI shot back with equal energy, ready to escalate into a shouting match.


    Before the situation could spiral further, Remi cut in, his tone calm but urgent.


    ¡ªThere¡¯s no need to argue. Mr Kailen, you were right from the start. Among the hidden files, we found an encrypted map. There¡¯s a passage that connects the bottom floor to an exit. Once you''re done, you need to locate a control room. In one corner, there should be a vent at ground level. Follow it. It¡¯ll lead you to a room with an elevator, though we¡¯re not sure where it goes.


    ¡ªPerfect, genius. That¡¯s enough for us. ¡ªI quickly checked my ammunition before continuing. ¡ªAnything else?


    ¡ªYes, one last thing: your friend is on the fifth floor, wing D, room 524.


    The transmission abruptly cut off, the sound of gunfire and explosions making it clear they were under heavy attack.


    ¡ªAlright, we¡¯ve got what we need, ¡ªI said, turning to Melena. ¡ªChange of plans. We¡¯re heading down at full speed. On the fifth floor, we rescue my friend, then we keep moving down.


    By the third floor, the cells had begun¡ªrooms heavily modified with thick iron bars, packed with a disturbing number of prisoners.


    I didn¡¯t wait for a response or objections from Melena. I simply reloaded my weapon, adjusted my stance, and moved forward.


    Time was a luxury we couldn¡¯t afford.


    We started descending at full speed. Where before I made sure to eliminate every threat in our path, now I ignored anything that wasn¡¯t directly in our way. After all, I had no plans of retracing my steps.


    Finally, we reached the fifth floor.


    ¡ªWhich way to wing D?


    ¡ªThat way. They¡¯re using scientific notation, ¡ªMelena replied, pointing to a hallway marked with a ¦¤ symbol on the walls.


    ¡ªGood. Let¡¯s take a detour. Once we¡¯ve got Kan, we¡¯ll have another fighter on our team.


    Melena didn¡¯t look convinced or excited, but he swallowed his complaints and followed me in silence.


    Finally, we reached cell 24.


    Among the crowd of faces behind the bars, I desperately searched for someone familiar. But I recognized no one.


    ¡ªDamn it...


    ¡ªKailen? Is that you?


    A weak voice pulled me out of my confusion.


    ¡ªWho? Where are you?


    ¡ªIt¡¯s me.


    From the shadows, a figure stumbled forward. Where there had once been a proud and strong sentinel of the Nest, now only the shadow of a man remained. He was emaciated, with open wounds that, though they didn¡¯t look too old, still showed signs of infection.


    ¡ªMelena, open the door!


    Melena hesitated, but one look from me was all it took for him to approach the lock.


    Then, the room erupted in shouts. The uproar was enough to make Melena step back, raising his weapon instinctively, his hands trembling.


    ¡ªDon¡¯t try anything stupid ¡ªI warned, pointing my weapon at the prisoners¡ª. Open the cell!


    Clearly nervous, Melena obeyed and unlocked the door. Behind it, the prisoners watched anxiously, a mix of fear and desperation in their eyes. Some had that dark glint, the kind of look that foreshadows chaos.


    The first one who tried to get close to Kan paid dearly for it. Without hesitation, I fired. The sound of the shot echoed through the room, and the man fell to the ground, lifeless.


    ¡ªStay where you are! ¡ªI growled, aiming my weapon back at the rest.


    ¡ªYou bastard! Are you going to leave us locked in here? ¡ªone of the prisoners shouted, his face twisted in rage.


    ¡ªI don¡¯t give a damn about any of you. Stay where you are.


    ¡ªYou don¡¯t have enough bullets for all of us.


    ¡ªTry your luck. ¡ªMy voice was low, loaded with a threat that needed no further explanation.


    Finally, the door swung wide open. Kan stepped out, staggering. Without wasting time, I grabbed him by the arm and pushed him and Melena toward the hallway.


    ¡ªBack to the corridor, move it.


    Both started running, and I made sure to cover their retreat.


    As we moved through the corridor, the shouts of the prisoners grew louder, clamoring for their release or hurling insults. But they were no longer my problem. Each step took us further away from that cage of despair.


    When we reached the main hallway, we stopped for a moment to catch our breath.


    ¡ªKan, you bastard, can you still fight? ¡ªI asked, looking him up and down.


    ¡ªWhat, because of this? ¡ªhe replied, gesturing at his sorry state with a sarcastic grin¡ª. Don¡¯t worry. I can still fight. Even wounded, it¡¯d be embarrassing if a little girl like you ended up saving me, and carring my weight.


    I crossed my arms, studying him for a second. Despite his obvious exhaustion and heavy breathing after that short run, the combative spirit was still intact in his eyes. He was an Enforcer of the Nest, after all, one of the few armed units in the city with constant training and a solid presence in the field.


    ¡ªMelena, give him your weapon ¡ªI ordered bluntly¡ª. We¡¯ll keep moving down. Once we rescue the VIP, Kan will be responsible for your safety until we get out.


    Melena hesitated but eventually handed over the weapon. The two exchanged a brief glance, a mix of discomfort and understanding, before nodding.


    ¡ªAlright, let¡¯s move. Time is ticking.


    Without another word, we resumed our descent. The tension in the air was palpable, but we had a clear objective: get out of this nightmare alive.


    If the previous floors had been tough, full of traps between scavengers and machines, the last two were absurdly ridiculous.


    ¡ªWait, are the machines fighting each other? ¡ªKan asked, voicing what we were all thinking.


    Sure enough, there were constructs battling one another, but it wasn¡¯t chaotic or random. There was a clear division, as if three teams were fighting strategically.


    ¡ªHas the damn world gone insane? Now even the machines have factions? ¡ªKan muttered, watching the spectacle¡ª. young master, have you ever seen anything like this?


    ¡ªNo. And don¡¯t call me that, you bastard ¡ªI replied without looking at him.


    Kan turned to Melena.


    ¡ªAnd you, Melena? Ever come across something like this before?


    Melena, visibly irritated by Kan¡¯s tone, still answered:


    ¡ªNot like this. I¡¯ve seen machines lose control and attack each other, but this¡­ this seems organized. It¡¯s not the same phenomenon.


    Kan chuckled in disbelief.


    ¡ªSo, what¡¯s the plan, lil bro?


    ¡ªWe ignore everything that doesn¡¯t attack us and keep moving down.


    ¡ªIgnore them? Leaving so many enemies behind could be dangerous for our way back.


    ¡ªI¡¯m hoping we won¡¯t have to come back this way.


    ¡ªHoping? I¡¯d rather you said you knew.


    ¡ªYeah, so would I ¡ªI replied, keeping my eyes forward.


    Kan sighed, adjusting the weapon we¡¯d given him.


    ¡ªAlright, ready.


    I looked at Melena, who nodded nervously.


    ¡ªThis is the final push. We¡¯re almost there.


    We advanced, leaving behind the sound of machines fighting each other, an absurd war we had neither the time nor the energy to try to understand.

 Chapter 5: (Redacted)

    The descent was madness. How ridiculous our initial plan of getting in and out in thirty minutes seemed now. We¡¯d easily been fighting and forcing our way through for over two hours by this point.


    ¡ªThis is it. That¡¯s the door ¡ªI said, pointing at the imposing steel entrance in front of us.


    ¡ªSure looks like it ¡ªKan replied, inspecting it with a skeptical grimace.¡ªBro, unless your buddy has a trick up his sleeve, how do you plan on opening a door like this? Not even all the explosives in the world would move it.


    I turned to Melena, who nodded calmly.


    ¡ªTurns out, we do have a trick ¡ªI said, gesturing toward Melena¡ª. Let him work his magic. We¡¯ll fall back and defend the hallway.


    We moved to the T-shaped junction, taking positions back-to-back while Melena started working on the door.


    ¡ªHow the hell did you end up here, idiot? ¡ªI asked, breaking the silence as we kept watch over the ends of the hallway.


    ¡ªHey, hey, little bro, no need to get so hostile. I¡¯m more surprised by how you ended up here.


    ¡ªI was offered this job. It pays well, and it¡¯s in Obis.


    ¡ªNot bad. By the way, you¡¯ve been stuck here for almost two months. Any word about Mom?


    ¡ªAbout Aunt Ona? Nothing. I moved out of your place right around the time you left for your famous ¡°military course.¡±


    ¡ªAh, shit. Mom¡¯s going to tear me a new one when I get out of here.


    ¡ªWell deserved.


    Kan let out a laugh, but I barely smiled. This wasn¡¯t the time to relax; we could hear the metallic echoes of machines moving on the upper floors, and who knew how long Melena would need to open the door.


    ¡ªSo? ¡ªI asked without taking my eyes off the hallway.


    ¡ªSo what?


    ¡ªHow¡¯d you end up here?


    Kan sighed, clearly uncomfortable with the interrogation.


    ¡ªYou¡¯re not going to let this go, are you?


    ¡ªNo. You owe me ¡ªI said, giving him a resentful look¡ª. I only took this job because they promised me information on your whereabouts.


    Kan let out another, heavier sigh.


    ¡ªI think Tisha sold me out.


    ¡ªTisha? As in Tisha, your girlfriend from the Enforcers? The one everyone, including your mother, told you was a terrible idea?


    ¡ªNo need to rub salt in the wound.


    ¡ªHah, I should¡¯ve left you in that cell.


    ¡ªYou¡¯re not serious.


    When he saw my expression, he repeated, though with less confidence this time:


    ¡ªYou¡¯re not serious, right?


    ¡ªWhy wouldn¡¯t I be? ¡ªI asked coldly, letting the tension in the air linger.


    Kan looked away for a moment before speaking:


    ¡ªThere was an opening among the officer ranks. As the top-ranking sub-officer, no one even came close to competing with me. The pay raise, the implants, the status¡­ all of it had to be too tempting. I don¡¯t know if it was Tisha or not, but it was definitely someone within the corps.


    ¡ªMmm, I¡¯ve seen people get stabbed for less.


    ¡ªNot surprising. Among nobles, they stab first and ask questions later.


    ¡ªI¡¯m not a noble.


    ¡ªYour last name is Neuvak. Like hell you¡¯re not a noble.


    ¡ªI¡¯m not paying thirty grand to city hall just to erase my family name.


    ¡ªWell, point for you. ¡ªHe paused, his hand wandering to his waist, probably out of habit. He used to smoke. When he didn¡¯t find anything, he asked¡ª. So, what¡¯s your plan now? Heading back to your family?


    ¡ªNah. That was never going to happen. They don¡¯t want me there, and frankly, after everything I went through, I stopped wanting to try.


    ¡ªSo?


    ¡ªI¡¯m working on finishing my studies. Even though my family paid for them, I want to at least get a degree out of it.


    ¡ªYou think a high school certificate is going to help you find a job? You¡¯ll need more than that.


    ¡ªHigh school? I finished that years ago. At twelve. ¡ªA bitter smile crossed my face¡ª. When there¡¯s no one waiting for you at home, moving ahead is easy. Now I¡¯m finishing my undergrad thesis. If it hadn¡¯t been for the service, I¡¯d already have my master¡¯s.


    ¡ªI see. I guess some people have to prove everything, even if no one¡¯s watching. It¡¯s amazing what you can do when you feel like you¡¯ve got something to prove. Funny to think it took me two extra years just to finish high school.


    We shared a light laugh.


    Suddenly, Kan raised his weapon and pointed it straight at my face.


    ¡ªWhat¡¯s wrong?


    ¡ªI¡­ ¡ªhe was glancing around desperately¡ª. I swear I felt something¡­ something hostile.


    I looked around, but there was nothing and no one. The area had fallen into an eerie silence; even the distant sounds of fighting had vanished.


    ¡ªToo much time in confinement might¡¯ve made you a little paranoid.


    ¡ªYeah¡­ maybe that¡¯s it.


    Kan mumbled something I couldn¡¯t quite catch, and I was starting to get genuinely worried about his mental state.


    ¡ªMr. Kailen, I think we have a problem.


    ¡ªWhat is it?


    ¡ªThe door just opened.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡ªAnd why is that bad, my hairless friend?


    Melena looked at Kan with evident disgust.


    ¡ªBecause I didn¡¯t do anything. All the preparations I made haven¡¯t even been used yet. Somehow, someone or something bypassed the security protocols¡­ on its own.


    An ominous sensation ran through me.


    ¡ªThere¡¯s nothing and no one around, but we¡¯ll go in cautiously. I¡¯ll go first, then Melena. Kan, you¡¯ll cover the rear.


    I advanced step by step.


    If the hallway we were in was dimly lit, the room we entered had a faint but constant red glow.


    I turned to my left, with my weapon resting on my shoulder and my gaze fixed on the sights. There was nothing but a bunch of terminals and workstations. Slowly, I moved my weapon, letting the flashlight illuminate each workstation, one by one.


    Finally, I turned to the right, and the first thing that caught my attention was the massive statue embedded in the wall.


    A MASSIVE STATUE!


    ¡ªShit, fall back!


    Almost instinctively, I jumped back, knocking Melena over, and we both ended up on the floor.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    In an instant, Kan grabbed us both by the collars of our jackets and dragged us. In less than a couple of seconds, we were back on our feet. Kan and I took positions, flanking the door with our weapons ready.


    ...


    ¡ªThat thing isn¡¯t active, right? ¡ªKan asked, his voice low but tense.


    I took another look.


    ¡ªDoesn¡¯t seem like it.


    ¡ªYou go first.


    ¡ªYou owe me your life.


    ¡ªI¡¯m injured. I¡¯d just slow you down.


    ¡ªYou¡¯ve always been a damn burden.


    I advanced slowly, keeping my flashlight fixed on the target.


    What looked like a statue was, in fact, a massive construct. Thick cables connected it to pipes protruding from the walls. Somehow, the thing gave the impression of being chained there, though I knew it was just a mental illusion.


    ¡ªNo danger ¡ªI finally said, relaxing my shoulders a bit.


    We cautiously entered the room.


    ¡ªSo, Kailen, what are we looking for in here? ¡ªKan asked.


    ¡ªA VIP. We need to extract someone being held here.


    The room was so dimly lit that, at first, I couldn''t see anyone. Soon, however, Melena pointed to something on the far side.


    ¡ªSir Kailen, there''s someone here. It looks like¡­ a girl.


    I moved toward where Melena was, but I couldn¡¯t help glancing back every few steps at the gigantic construct embedded in the wall. Its presence was nearly suffocating.


    The girl in question looked to be around twelve, though she was smaller than expected for her age. I gently opened her eyelids to check her eyes; they were an intense yellow, glowing even under the faint red light. Moving her hair aside, I noticed a tattoo behind her neck: two crossed swords with a rose in the center.


    ¡ªThis is undoubtedly our VIP. ¡ªI turned to Melena.¡ª Can you confirm if it¡¯s safe to disconnect her from all this?


    Melena inspected the connections coming from the girl¡¯s neck and wrists, lines that seemed to merge into the room''s intricate network.


    ¡ªThe girl¡¯s tied into the building¡¯s network. I¡¯d prefer to take this slowly¡­ so we don¡¯t wake that up.


    I kept looking at the gigantic construct, biting my lip in frustration.


    ¡ªDo whatever you have to. ¡ªI turned to Kan.¡ª And you, keep your hands still. I don¡¯t want you waking this damned place.


    Kan was on the verge of collapse, his eyes darting from corner to corner as if chasing invisible shadows.


    ¡ªThere¡¯s something wrong here ¡ªhe muttered, his voice trembling.¡ª I¡¯ve felt like something¡¯s been following us this whole time. It¡¯s here, with us.


    I watched as he turned in circles, moving frantically like a dog trying to catch its tail.


    ¡ªCalm down! ¡ªI raised my voice to break his spiral of panic.¡ª We¡¯re close. Just a little more, and we¡¯ll be out of here.


    A few moments passed where Melena¡¯s aggressive typing was the only sound in the room. Then, a low, prolonged metallic creak echoed, as if something massive was moving behind the walls.


    ¡ªI¡¯m telling you, Kai, something¡¯s wrong on this floor. Something¡¯s been following us since we came down here. ¡ªKan¡¯s voice was heavy with panic, and I couldn¡¯t blame him; that metallic sound had made my skin crawl too.


    ¡ªControl your nerves, we¡¯re almost done. ¡ªI tried to sound firm, but even I was starting to feel the weight of it. Something was wrong; the atmosphere had shifted. The air felt heavier, oppressive. I glanced at Melena.¡ª How much longer?


    ¡ªSomething¡¯s interfering with my process ¡ªhe said urgently, her eyes glued to the screen.¡ª I don¡¯t know where it¡¯s coming from, but something¡¯s fighting back, trying to use the girl as a proxy. They¡¯re trying to hack the stronghold.


    A dry, grinding sound, like worn-out gears, rumbled behind us, and the floor seemed to vibrate slightly.


    ¡ªWhat do you mean by¡­?


    ¡ªShit! ¡ªMelena yelled, cutting me off. With a desperate yank, he pulled the thick cable from the girl¡¯s neck.¡ª Run!


    I didn¡¯t dare look back. A deep, resonating thud echoed, like something massive had shaken the room. I removed the cables from the girl¡¯s wrists as quickly as I could and scooped her into my arms.


    ¡ªKan, move!


    Another metallic sound, like the crash of steel plates colliding, filled the air as the massive construct began to stir. Gears turned with a slow, unnatural rhythm, as if it were waking after centuries of dormancy.


    Without looking back, I bolted with all the strength I could muster, each thundering noise reverberating through my chest.


    ¡ªDon¡¯t stop! ¡ªI shouted, my heart pounding in my ears.


    The once-dead silence of the area transformed into a cacophony of activity. I could feel the gigantic construct coming alive, its deep rumble shaking my very bones, while an eerie chorus of sounds emanated from the floors above. Footsteps, metallic screeches, and echoes of machinery¡ªall of it heading straight for us.


    ¡ªWhich way? ¡ªKan yelled, sprinting ahead like a whirlwind.


    ¡ªTo the opposite wing! ¡ªI called back, adjusting the girl in my arms.¡ª There should be an exit there!


    We moved quickly, but as we turned a corner, we encountered enemies. Without hesitation, Kan stepped in front of me, unloading his rifle as we ran.


    As we turned the next corner, we came across a group of simple droids with their backs to us. Before I could react, Kan charged at them like a battering ram, knocking them down with the brutality of a rhinoceros. Even injured and malnourished, his strength was overwhelming, almost inhuman.


    ¡ªTwo more corners, and we¡¯re there! Hold on! ¡ªI shouted over the din.


    I could hear Melena¡¯s labored breathing just behind me, each gasp pulling him closer and closer to his limit.


    ¡ªHang in there! ¡ªI called back without looking, trying to keep him motivated as I pushed forward at full speed.


    Finally, the room appeared just around the bend. A spark of hope flickered in my mind, but the metallic sound of hurried footsteps made me instinctively turn my head. The defense droids were right on our heels, their cold, unrelenting eyes glowing brightly.


    ¡ªThat¡¯s the room! ¡ªI yelled, forcing my legs past their breaking point¡ª. We¡¯ll barricade ourselves inside!


    We burst into the room just in time, the echo of the enemies¡¯ footsteps flooding the hallway like an unstoppable tide.


    As soon as Melena crossed the threshold, Kan shoved a heavy table against the door, the scraping sound of wood against the metal floor filling the space. Without pause, he began dragging loose machinery, anything that could add even an inch of resistance.


    ¡ªDon¡¯t waste time! ¡ªI barked, placing the girl gently in a corner before frantically searching¡ª. There¡¯s got to be a ventilation duct somewhere in here.


    Melena was barely holding himself up, his legs trembling with every step. Yet he forced himself toward the corners, shoving consoles and scraps of machinery aside with slow, clumsy movements, desperately checking every nook and cranny.


    Time seemed to stretch endlessly. Outside, the droids pounded on the door with growing intensity, each metallic strike hammering into our skulls. Kan kept reinforcing the barricade, every shove accompanied by an exhausted grunt.


    At last, Melena froze, his voice trembling as much as his hands.


    ¡ªThere¡¯s nothing, sir Kailen. ¡ªHis words came out as a broken whisper¡ª. I can¡¯t believe they got it wrong.


    I froze in place.


    ¡ªImpossible! ¡ªThe word erupted from me, more of a roar than a statement.


    The truth was undeniable, even if I refused to accept it. There was no room left for miracles. This damned operation had gone further than it ever should have, but there would be no last-minute salvation, no hidden passage to save us this time.


    I took a deep breath, turning slowly toward Kan. His back was pressed against the barricade, his hands gripping the edges of the door as the pounding from the other side grew stronger. He looked up at me, and to my surprise, a faint smile crossed his face.


    ¡ªI¡¯m sorry, Kan. ¡ªMy voice broke, coming out as little more than a whisper.


    Kan let out a snort, almost a chuckle, as his muscles remained taut, bracing against the inevitable force pressing down on us.


    ¡ªDon¡¯t worry about it ¡ªhe said calmly, his voice steady despite the chaos¡ª. It was a good run, maybe next life.

 Chapter 6: The Surface

    For a moment, I let myself collapse onto my back, the cold metal floor biting through my clothes and into my skin. "This is the end," I thought to myself. Closing my eyes, I waited for the darkness¡­ but what came instead was a flood.


    A world of sharp memories dragged me down like an anchor.


    <hr>


    ¡ªNo one wants you here, worm. Why are you defiling our home with your disgusting presence?


    ¡ªHa! Look at the bastard playing at being important. You''re nothing but a shadow of what this family should be.


    ¡ªDo you think someone like you has a future? You don''t even have the basics to survive in the real world.


    ¡ªWhat are you doing here, bastard? You should be shoveling shit in the stables, not sitting among us.


    ¡ªPathetic! ¡ªA mocking laugh pierced the memory¡ª. Did you actually think I wanted to work with you? I only stuck around because your applied sciences grades were useful, not because you had any worth.


    ¡ªYour mother¡­ everyone knows what she was. A whore from the Pits. That¡¯s why your father was cast out, and you¡¯re just the trash they left behind.


    ¡ªLook at him, the ¡°protected one.¡± The only reason you''re here is because Grandpa pities you. If it weren¡¯t for his pride, you''d be begging in the streets like the stray dog you really are.


    ¡ªYou''re a replacement, you know that? A cheap spare part. And now, obedient dog, it¡¯s time for you to fulfill your purpose and head off to the army in my place.


    ¡ªGods, how useless. If anyone deserves to disappear into a forgotten hole, it¡¯s you.


    <hr>


    The voices spun in my head like knives, each one sharper than the last, stabbing into the gaping wound of my pride.


    "You''re going to fail."


    "You''re nothing."


    "You''ll always be a mistake."


    "I''m going to wipe that damn smile off your face, you piece of shit."


    Strength surged back into my limbs, a torrent washing away the debris in my mind. My eyes shot open, adrenaline coursing through me.


    I sprang to my feet, my companions staring at me in stunned disbelief. Ignoring their gazes, I made my way to one corner of the room. My mind was clouded, but my hands moved with precision. I inspected the welds on the metal plates, one after another, my movements frantic yet meticulous.


    ¡ªThis is it.


    I stopped dead in front of a corner that protruded slightly, different from the others. The plate had something off about it, an irregularity that gave it away. I crouched and ran my fingers over the thick bolts holding it in place.


    But they weren¡¯t bolts.


    When I touched them, the texture felt strange, almost soft. With a light tug, one of the ¡°nuts¡± peeled away, revealing itself to be an incredibly realistic decal.


    Hidden beneath the decal was a button. Pressing it caused the plate to release, and I pulled it away effortlessly.


    We had found our way out.


    ¡ªEveryone into the vent, now!


    I ran to retrieve the VIP as the other two slipped into the narrow space and began crawling.


    For my part, I had to carry the girl. I lay on my back, held her tightly against my chest, and started to move, pushing myself along with my shoulders and legs.


    I pressed my weight onto my left shoulder, pushed with my right heel, and shifted my hips slightly. Right, left, right... over and over again. A mechanical, repetitive movement, but a necessary one.


    Minutes crawled by with exasperating slowness.


    At first, a loud commotion filled the air as the machines burst into the room. The noise was deafening, like an unstoppable stampede of steel. I could hear them entering one by one, moving and searching through everything in their path, every corner of the room.


    I held my breath when the noise drew dangerously close to the ventilation duct¡¯s entrance. For a moment, I thought they would follow us, that this would be the end.


    But for some inexplicable reason, all the machines withdrew with the same intensity as they¡¯d arrived, as if they¡¯d received an order.


    I continued crawling through the ventilation shaft, each movement feeling endless. My body was already aching from the effort when I finally reached a room where Melena and Kan were waiting for me.


    ¡ªYou made it ¡ªKan said with a smile, extending a hand to help me up.


    ¡ªI can¡¯t believe we did it... There was actually an escape route ¡ªI replied, panting as I stood up.


    The pain in my limbs and back was a sharp reminder of how narrow and long the duct had been.


    ¡ªWe¡¯ll rest for a while. Use the time to catch your breath. If possible, try to contact the others ¡ªI ordered.


    Melena, as if just remembering, pulled out the radio he¡¯d been carrying this whole time. However, after several attempts, it was clear we were too far down to get any signal.


    We fell silent, each of us breathing deeply, letting the exhaustion begin to fade. Then, something broke the calm.


    ¡ªWho are you?


    The girl had finally woken up. Her intense yellow eyes stared at us with a flicker of distrust, her furrowed brow clearly showing her displeasure.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡ªWatch your tone, brat. Show some respect to your rescuers! ¡ªKan snapped, raising his voice.


    The girl flinched instantly, taking a step back with obvious fear.


    ¡ªWe¡¯re friends ¡ªI intervened quickly, gripping Kan¡¯s arm to make him understand he needed to calm down. He sighed and, though clearly unconvinced, nodded.


    ¡ªWe were sent to rescue you ¡ªI continued in a softer tone¡ª. My name is Kailen, and these are my companions: Yalen and Kanemiya. Can you tell me your name?


    The girl eyed Melena and Kan warily, keeping her distance as though evaluating whether we were a threat.


    ¡ªMy grandpa calls me Sum Sum ¡ªshe finally said in a faint voice.


    ¡ªAnd what do others call you? ¡ªI asked.


    ¡ªSummer. Summer Von Feuron.


    We exchanged glances, realizing we had gotten ourselves into the wrong mission. After all, the Von Feuron family was one of the six great families, along with the Neuvaks.


    I saw Melena shake his head upon hearing the girl¡¯s surname, while Kan, though unimpressed, made it obvious to me that he was regretting his earlier outburst.


    ¡ªAlright, Summer...


    ¡ªYou can call me Sum Sum ¡ªshe interrupted me quickly, shooting me an intense look before pointing a finger at the other two¡ª. But they can¡¯t!


    ¡ªVery well, perhaps in private ¡ªI said with a faint smile before taking on a more serious tone¡ª. Now, Miss Summer, I need you to come closer so I can give you this armor.


    ¡ªWhat is that? And why are you giving it to me? ¡ªshe asked, crossing her arms with a distrustful look.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s a suit of armor...


    ¡ªWhat¡¯s armor?


    The question caught me off guard for a moment.


    ¡ªArmor is a protective layer¡­ to keep you from getting hurt.


    ¡ªWhy would anyone want to hurt me? Where¡¯s my grandfather?


    Bad question.


    ¡ªDo you have any memory of why you¡¯re here? What¡¯s the last thing you remember?


    ¡ªI remember eating at a restaurant with my family. We were on the fifth dessert when I started feeling sleepy and went to the resting area.


    The three of us exchanged uneasy glances.


    ¡ªSummer, as far as we know, you were kidnapped over a week ago. Don¡¯t you remember anything else?


    ¡ªNo.


    ¡ªAlright. To answer your questions, it seems someone wanted to use you to gain access to something in this facility. As for your grandfather, he¡¯s probably at your family¡¯s estate, far from here. But don¡¯t worry, our job is to get you back to him.


    ¡ªAre you workers for the family?


    ¡ªNo.


    ¡ªMy parents told me not to trust anyone outside the family.


    Not bad advice, though in time she¡¯ll learn not to trust everyone inside the family either.


    ¡ªI understand. You don¡¯t need to trust us ¡ªI replied calmly¡ª, but if you don¡¯t cooperate, it¡¯ll be very difficult to get you back to your grandfather.


    The girl seemed to ponder my words. At least that¡¯s what I thought, because she eventually took a step toward me to receive the armor.


    Still aching, I began removing the armor and adjusting it to her size. Due to her much smaller frame, the protection it provided increased drastically. It was clear the armor had been designed with her in mind, as it fit perfectly and didn¡¯t hinder her movements.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s heavy. I don¡¯t like it; I prefer dresses. Do you have a dress?


    ¡ªUnfortunately, I don¡¯t.


    She made a sort of pout.


    ¡ªListen closely, Summer. From here on out, things are going to get dangerous. I need you to stay close to me at all times. Try not to wander off, and don¡¯t let anyone get too close to you, understood?


    ¡ªNot even them?


    ¡ªThey¡¯re allies, but they shouldn¡¯t get too close either. It¡¯s my job to keep you safe; they¡¯ll help me.


    ¡ªSum Sum understands.


    ¡ªIs everyone ready to move? ¡ªI asked, looking at the others.


    Melena nodded.


    ¡ªMy weapon broke during the retreat ¡ªKan said.


    I handed him my assault rifle along with the magazines, leaving myself only with my revolver. We had very little ammunition left, and my knife wouldn¡¯t be much use against droids.


    I still had the kinetic shield folded on my back. When deactivated, it was nothing more than a piece of metal with a circular mechanism in the center. But it wasn¡¯t the right time to use it yet.


    We both reloaded and took a careful look at the room we were in.


    It was a simple maintenance room, with valves and other instruments used to cut off fluid or current flows and perform basic diagnostics. The most important feature was the three doors, one of which was marked as an emergency exit.


    ¡ªLet¡¯s move. Kan, take the lead; Melena, you¡¯re next. Miss Summer, make sure you stay within arm''s reach.


    The path was much more straightforward than I had expected. We finally arrived in a room with a vertical ladder that seemed to lead up to the surface.


    During the climb, Summer grew tired at several points, and I had to let her rest on me. Even I, on the verge of exhaustion, knew I couldn¡¯t push her further. After all, I was familiar with people like her¡ªflowers raised in greenhouses, who withered at the slightest breeze.


    Once we reached the surface, we emerged into a small, dark room lit only by faint rays of sunlight filtering through makeshift-blocked windows.


    Peeking through the windows, I confirmed that we¡¯d surfaced in a slum neighborhood near the base of the scrappers.


    ¡ªMelena, get in touch.


    Melena pulled out the radio and managed to establish communication, but what greeted us on the other end was one of the brainiacs panicking.


    I took the radio from him.


    ¡ªOlaf, you damn punk! Are you there?


    ¡ªWhat took you so long, soyboy?


    ¡ªI¡¯ve got the VIP. We¡¯re in a slum neighborhood on a hill. I can see the scrapper fortress in the distance.


    ¡ªSay no more. I know the place. We¡¯re heading your way.


    Not even three seconds passed before a powerful explosion shook the scrappers'' base.


    ¡ªAlright, folks, no rest. The others are on their way. Once they get here, we¡¯ll dig in at this position and hold out until the transport arrives.


    We¡¯d been fighting continuously for hours, and exhaustion was beginning to take its toll on everyone. Kan was in the worst shape.


    I mulled things over for a moment. I had a couple of high-tech medical vials. Whatever infection he had, those vials could cure it almost instantly.


    ¡ªLie back on your side. I¡¯m going to disinfect that wound.


    Kan glanced at the vial in my hand and spoke seriously:


    ¡ªAre you sure? That looks expensive.


    ¡ªIt is, but I can¡¯t face what¡¯s coming alone. You¡¯d better not die here.


    He smiled. We both knew it was a lie, but there was no need to say it out loud.


    ¡ªBrace yourself; this is going to hurt.


    I stabbed the needle into the side of his abdomen, and the liquid flowed into his body. Kan let out a scream and began writhing in place.


    ¡ªStay down for now.


    I moved to a window and removed some of the panels blocking the view to get a better look at the scrappers'' fortress.


    It was pure chaos. Just as they had said, there seemed to be multiple groups fighting, and Olaf¡¯s retreating group was just one of them. However, before long, they were able to focus solely on fleeing, as the other groups didn¡¯t chase them beyond a certain area. They were too caught up in claiming the fortress.


    ¡ªMelena, do we have any way to contact the drivers?


    ¡ªThe initial plan was for you to transmit a beacon using your processor.


    ¡ªA beacon would be visible to everyone. If it sends out a signal like that, everyone and their mother will come here. That¡¯s a shitty plan.


    ¡ªThat was your plan, sir.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s still a shitty plan ¡ªI rubbed my hand over my face. "What the hell was I thinking?"


    With no other option, I activated a distress signal, creating a beacon that anyone with a processor could detect on their devices from a great distance.

 Chapter 6: The Surface pt 2

    The moments of rest were brief; soon, an immense sandstorm began to rise on the horizon, advancing from multiple directions.


    Melena stepped out to verify and returned with a tense expression, his face marked by urgency.


    ¡ªMultiple vehicles are approaching from all sides. At least six groups are heading this way.


    ¡ªAlright, take cover and get ready. When the time comes, I need you to act quickly. ¡ªThen, dropping to one knee, I turned to Summer¡ª. Hide in that corner. When I give you the signal, run to me as fast as you can.


    The girl nodded with a seriousness that belied her age. Without saying a word, she moved to a corner opposite where Melena was and crouched down just as he had, hugging her knees tightly to her chest.


    Still kneeling, a torrent of memories surged through me. I remembered my mentor, her teachings etched into every fiber of my being. She used to recite words of power, a philosophy that became my anchor and purpose. I closed my eyes, interlaced my fingers firmly in front of me, and whispered silently: "I will endure all, for my strength lies not in me, but in those I protect."


    Those were the words by which my mentor lived, and now they gave me strength in this moment of uncertainty.


    Unintentionally, I repeated the prayer aloud. My voice carried more conviction than I had anticipated. Rising to my feet, I felt a renewed sense of purpose.


    ¡ªKan, to your post.


    ¡ªAye, boss. ¡ªKan stood up immediately, a flicker of confusion in his eyes.¡ª Strange words.


    ¡ªThey¡¯re just words.


    ¡ªSounded like... a prayer?


    ¡ªIt was.


    ¡ªYou don¡¯t strike me as someone who believes in the Daughters of Metal.


    ¡ªI don¡¯t.


    ¡ªThen who were you praying to?


    ¡ªThe Guardian.


    Kan stared at me intently. His face still carried traces of confusion, but slowly, he seemed to resign himself to something he couldn¡¯t quite grasp.


    ¡ªWouldn¡¯t hurt for Him to protect us right now.


    ¡ªThat¡¯s what I¡¯m here for. ¡ªI returned a brief but confident smile.¡ª After all, I already got you out of your cell.


    His confusion faded, replaced by a weary yet genuine smile.


    ¡ªWell then, thanks to the Guardian for sending me a protector.


    Soon, the first group arrived, and, unsurprisingly, they opened fire without hesitation.


    ¡ªGot a strategy? ¡ªI asked.


    ¡ªSave ammo.


    We were being showered with bullets. Luckily, they were of low caliber, and the metal plates could hold for now¡ªbut not forever.


    Rounds ricocheted off the metal plating with a deafening clatter. The low-caliber bullets didn¡¯t pierce through, but time wasn¡¯t on our side.


    ¡ªThey¡¯re not going to hold forever! ¡ªKan shouted, shrinking back behind a corner as a projectile struck near his position, sending a shower of sparks flying.


    ¡ªYou don¡¯t need to say it! ¡ªI replied, sticking my head out just enough to get a look. The vehicles from the first group had advanced to a favorable position, using their improvised armor as cover, and their occupants were firing in precise, short bursts.


    From his position, Kan timed his bursts with surgical precision. He peeked out briefly, fired, wounding one enemy, and ducked back behind cover.


    ¡ªThey¡¯ve got a heavy vehicle. A buggy armed with a mounted cannon.


    ¡ªHow heavy? ¡ªI asked, my eyes fixed on the enemy positions.


    ¡ªHeavy enough to turn us into Swiss cheese if they get a good shot.


    ¡ªPerfect, ¡ªI muttered sarcastically as I checked my magazine. Ammunition was running low.


    Kan peeked out again, fired two more shots, and cursed as he ducked back into cover.


    ¡ªWhat¡¯s the plan? ¡ªMelena asked from his shelter, tension thick in his voice.


    ¡ªDistraction and precision. We don¡¯t have enough ammo to keep them at bay. We need to let them get close enough to turn their mistakes into opportunities.


    Kan let out a nervous laugh.


    ¡ªSo we¡¯re letting them advance? Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant!


    The enemy fire suddenly ceased, plunging the area into an eerie silence. Three seconds later, a low, metallic sound of a rotating drum began to echo.


    I peeked out for an instant and saw several scavengers rushing toward our position.


    ¡ªThey¡¯re going to activate the¡ª


    A deafening explosion cut me off. A body flew through the air, dismembered in a bloody rain.


    ¡ªAttack!


    We both emerged from cover, firing at anything that moved.


    Kan showed exactly why he had been an Enforcer in Nest. With a single magazine, he took down more than thirteen enemies in the brief moment it took the scavengers to realize their cannon had been neutralized.


    We inflicted heavy casualties, and as quickly as they had arrived, they tried to retreat. But now they ran straight into the other groups, who were starting to open fire on them. That buggy was too valuable for the others not to try and claim it.


    ¡ªKai, do we go after them?


    ¡ªHow much ammo do you have left? I¡¯ve got two eight-round magazines and four more in the chamber.


    ¡ªTwo magazines, and I need to reload.


    ¡ªWe¡¯re not moving. Melena, peek out and tell me how far the drivers are.


    I didn¡¯t turn to look at him, but I heard his hesitant steps. His legs were trembling, but I was grateful he could still follow orders.


    ¡ªThey¡¯re close... five minutes, maybe.


    ¡ªGood. Hide.


    Meanwhile, more groups began to arrive. At first, they fought among themselves when they ran into each other, but soon they managed to keep a reasonable distance. Some pulled back, seemingly disinterested, while others appeared to reach some sort of agreement. Two groups remained, working together.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    From outside, a deep, defiant voice shouted:


    ¡ªWhoever you are, surrender and hand over everything of value! If you do, maybe we¡¯ll give you a quick death.


    Kan let out a chuckle and responded loudly, making sure those outside could hear him:


    ¡ªDid you hear that, Kai? What a generous offer! How do you want to reply?


    I shook my head without changing my expression. I slid slightly out of my cover and opened fire at the first person I saw.


    Kan immediately provided cover fire, and to our surprise, reinforcements arrived just in time. They had positioned themselves outside the shacks surrounding us and began firing as well.


    The response was so overwhelming that, for the first time, we gained the upper hand. The groups outside hadn¡¯t expected reinforcements. They¡¯d assumed we were few in number and relied on their numerical superiority. Their mistake became our turning point.


    Kan moved out from his position, flanking the enemies with precision. The group outside, now split into two, began executing their own flanking maneuvers. Within minutes, they had them surrounded.


    I prepared to move forward, but something caught my attention. A final group of vehicles was approaching rapidly in the distance. If they managed to intervene in the middle of the fight and surround us, it would be over for us.


    "Allies or enemies?" I wondered, my throat tightening. For a moment, the tension made me forget how to breathe.


    Finally, the vehicles got close enough to identify.


    ¡ªOur transport is here! Fall back! ¡ªI shouted at the top of my lungs.


    Hearing me, everyone began retreating swiftly. From her corner, Summer ran toward me with everything her small legs could muster. She leapt into my arms without hesitation. I had no choice but to carry her and run toward the vehicles.


    We were halfway there when something lunged at us.


    Out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone charging at me from the right, aiming directly for the arm holding Summer. The bastard had waited until the very last second to ambush me.


    I reacted by leaning forward, using my shoulder blade to shield the girl.


    A short blade pierced my flesh, striking the bone in my shoulder.


    ¡ªKailen! ¡ªKan shouted from afar. He raised his weapon and aimed at the attacker, but when he pulled the trigger... nothing.


    Out of bullets. Desperation flashed across his face as he realized it.


    My attacker raised his machete again, this time for a horizontal slash. He was aiming for my head.


    In my position, I was too slow to turn and fire with my revolver. The blade would land before I could pull the trigger.


    The whistle of steel cutting through the air was interrupted by a deafening bang.


    Blood splattered across my face. My attacker collapsed like a sack of meat.


    ¡ªYou¡¯ve got guts, Soyboy. I thought you¡¯d sacrifice the kid to save your own skin.


    From one of the vehicles, Olaf was laughing, shotgun in hand.


    Kan came running, helping me up as best he could, and together we reached the transport. Once inside, the vehicle roared to life and sped off. Gunfire echoed in the distance, but no one dared pursue us.


    ¡ªThat¡¯s a nasty wound you¡¯ve got there, kid ¡ªOlaf remarked, studying me with a mocking grin.


    ¡ªJust a scratch ¡ªI replied, trying to sound steadier than I felt.


    Olaf raised an eyebrow and shifted his gaze to Summer.


    ¡ªAnd who¡¯s this little sweetheart?


    I swatted his hand away with a sharp motion.


    ¡ªJust a visit. Don¡¯t touch her.


    ¡ªCome on, boy, no need to take it so seriously, ¡ªhe replied, grinning smugly¡ª. People say all kinds of things about your job, but you don¡¯t have to be so stiff.


    ¡ªStay back, Olaf. Last warning.


    Olaf leaned in closer, his face inches from mine, defiant.


    ¡ªOr what?


    With my good arm, I raised the revolver, pressing the barrel beneath his chin.


    ¡ªOr I¡¯ll relieve you of your heavy burden.


    Olaf burst into laughter, pulling back as he rubbed his chin.


    ¡ªHahaha! At least you¡¯ve got guts. Fine, kid, relax. Supplies are in the back. Tell your boyfriend to patch up that wound of yours.


    I exchanged a glance with Kan, who nodded silently before heading for the medical kit.


    ¡ªMight as well grab a couple of snacks while you¡¯re at it, ¡ªOlaf added, laughing¡ª. I think we¡¯ve got some synthetic meat.


    My metal skeleton couldn¡¯t be harmed by such a superficial hit, and Summer was completely unharmed, so, all things considered, it had gone well. The retreat was underway, heading for the designated pickup point for the sniper, and we could finally get out of this place.


    ¡ªI never quite understood why you took this job, kid, ¡ªOlaf said, gnawing on a piece of synthetic meat Kan handed him¡ª. Most of us are so deep in the crap that we had no other choice, but you¡­ you didn¡¯t seem desperate enough to make a deal with the devil. Now I see¡ªyou did it to rescue your boyfriend.


    Even though Olaf spoke like he knew everything, there was still a hint of questioning in his tone. It was obvious he was fishing for information.


    ¡ªI just killed two birds with one stone, ¡ªI replied. ¡ªPaid back a favor and got what I needed.


    I didn¡¯t want to assume anything, but the more time passed, the more I started to feel like I wasn¡¯t exactly surrounded by friends.


    ¡ªYou¡¯re not bad, kid. Here, take my contact info. Maybe we can do business in the future.


    ¡ªWhat kind of business?


    ¡ªYou¡¯ve got the eyes of someone who¡¯s going to need an army someday. I¡¯ve spent my whole life in the Pits¡ªI know how to pick fighters.


    ¡ªWhat¡¯s that supposed to mean? I can¡¯t even afford rent. Where the hell would I get the Obis to fund an army?


    ¡ªNah, sounds like something you¡¯d do somehow, ¡ªKan chimed in, backing Olaf. Both of them shared a laugh at my expense.


    ¡ªEnough daydreaming. We¡¯ve got a long trip ahead. Rest while you can.


    They laughed even harder.


    ¡ªWhy are you so worried, kid? We¡¯re out of danger now.


    ¡ªNot until we¡¯re out of this zone. And not until we deliver our VIP to the contractor.


    ¡°There¡¯s still a goddamn problem,¡± that thought kept gnawing at me.


    Luckily, our escape wasn¡¯t too complicated, though it was undeniably grim.


    When we arrived at the rendezvous point, we found Toshi and Reika standing alongside one lone young man. Everyone else had died in the assault. Two technicians and two veterans had also been killed, bringing the total losses to nine. Almost half of the people who came along were now dead.


    I felt like I should say something, but not a single word came out. It was partly my fault they were dead. It had been my plan¡ªa shitty plan.


    Guilt weighed heavy, but there wasn¡¯t time to face it. We still had to deliver Summer and get the rest of the team out of this wasteland. Only when we were back in the Lower City would we be safe enough to mourn the fallen.


    I thanked Toshi for saving us from the heavy cannon, and we climbed back into the transports to complete our journey. If it hadn¡¯t been for Toshi¡¯s timely shot, that cannon would have torn us apart so thoroughly we¡¯d be unrecognizable.


    All that was left was the trip back.


    At last, I was able to close my eyes, if only for a moment. I needed to rest.


    I had completed my mission and saved Kan. Everything was fine.


    "I can rest."

 Chapter 7: Disagreement

    I saw myself, standing barefoot on the earth.


    A dense fog covered the valley, blending with the thick flora. Navigating this sector was nearly impossible. No¡ªit was impossible. It was impossible. So why?


    I knew this valley. I knew this fog. I remembered everything.


    Soon, I would run down that slope.


    Soon, I would commit treason.


    In the distance, gunfire echoed like the rumbling of a storm.


    In the distance, the fire of a flamethrower lit up the gloom.


    Screams. Screams and more screams.


    And then¡ªchaos.


    The forest itself turned against us.


    In every moss patch, in every plant, in every flower, an enemy lurked.


    Facing the constructs in this place was madness. The plants devoured flesh and metal alike.


    Vines wrapped around ankles and tore off legs.


    Fire consumed the forest. But after every patch of vegetation was reduced to ashes, the fog descended¡ªcold and thick¡ªand soon, another patch of greenery emerged, alive, hostile.


    In the distance, I finally saw myself.


    Our battalion was retreating at full speed. But no matter how fast we ran¡ªit wasn¡¯t enough.


    One by one, we fell.


    One by one, we became fertilizer.


    Soon, only two of us remained.


    I ran.


    The flamethrower ran.


    But my rifle was light, and his fuel tank was not. Soon, I left him behind.


    I heard his screams. His pleas.


    Fifteen steps away, I stopped.


    Our enemies were nearly upon us.


    I raised my revolver.


    Aimed at the tank.


    Click.


    "This is what I am."


    ¡ªKai..!


    A voice echoed in my consciousness.


    ¡ªKailen!


    The voice was childish. Annoying. Strange. I didn¡¯t remember anyone with a voice like that in the army. Who could it be?


    ¡ªKailen! Kailen, wake up! That man is being mean to me.


    Someone shook my shoulders, and I finally left the world of the fog. I was back in the van.


    Olaf was making faces at Summer, clearly irritating the girl.


    ¡ªEnough, Olaf.


    I sat up, stretching my joints. My right arm ached like hell, and so did my hips.


    ¡ªHow long was I asleep? ¡ªI asked Kan.


    ¡ªAbout nine hours. It¡¯ll be morning soon.


    ¡ªHow is everyone? ¡ªThis time, I directed my question at Olaf.


    ¡ªAll good. We''re running a little low on ammo, though.


    ¡ªHow far are we from the town?


    ¡ªAbout three more hours of travel. ¡ªThe driver was the one who answered.


    I closed my eyes¡ªI needed to meditate.


    ¡ªAre we leaving the way we came? ¡ªThe driver asked.


    ¡ªNo, first we¡¯ll pick up the gorillas we left at the settlement.


    ¡ªAnd then we leave the way we came?


    ¡ªProbably not. It depends.


    ¡ªWhat the hell do you mean? What the fuck does it depend on?


    ¡ªOn what I see when we pick them up.


    ¡ªKid, quit messing with me. I just want to get my reward. I don¡¯t care if you want to play butler, but do it on your own time.


    ¡ªIf you really want to get paid, you¡¯ll stick with the group. Otherwise, you¡¯re free to leave¡­ on foot.


    Something was bothering me. The feeling that we had been used was growing stronger by the minute. I couldn¡¯t say where it came from, but the paranoia Kan had shown down there was starting to make sense. Even if I had no solid proof for my theory, I preferred to follow my instincts.


    ¡ªWhen we get to town, make sure to fill up the tank. By any means necessary.


    ¡ªIs that really wise? ¡ªKan asked cautiously.


    ¡ªThere¡¯s a chance we¡¯ll have to take a detour. Would you rather do it with a full tank or half-empty?


    Silence fell over everyone. The arguments stopped.


    The driver stepped out of his seat to inform the other group about the plan while the rest took the chance to stretch.


    ¡ªAre you okay, Kai? ¡ª Kan asked


    ¡ªYeah, a bit sore, but I¡¯m fine. Why do you ask?A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    ¡ªYour hands haven¡¯t stopped shaking.


    I looked at my hands, only now noticing it.


    They were trembling. Just like that time.


    I clenched my fists tightly.


    "This is why I must chase my freedom. I must become stronger. I will never again leave my life in someone else¡¯s hands. I have to do everything I can¡­ for my freedom."


    Slowly, my hands stopped shaking.


    "For freedom."


    ¡ªI¡¯m fine ¡ªI repeated, letting out a sigh¡ª. Like I said, it¡¯s just exhaustion. Soon, we¡¯ll be able to eat and sleep in a decent bed.


    We both stepped out of the van, with Summer following closely behind me. Her tiny hand clung to my shirt as she walked right behind me.


    ¡ªWell¡­ eating might not be an option for me. I¡¯ll have to go hungry for a few weeks. I just hope they let me rejoin the corps.


    ¡ªAh, right, you¡¯ve been gone for a while. Your mother reached out to me, saying you needed help. Never imagined it would be¡­ this. Why wouldn¡¯t they let you back in?


    Kan tried to smile, but the expression broke before it could fully form.


    ¡ªI¡¯m sure the one who sold me out has already started spreading rumors about me. I¡¯ve been thinking about it, and something similar happened when I joined the corps. A veteran disappeared, and all kinds of rumors started circulating about him.


    He stopped, lowering his gaze for a moment. His voice grew deeper, almost a whisper.


    ¡ªThey found him dead a month later¡­ in a cell belonging to the fanatics of the Sisters of Metal.


    ¡ªWe¡¯ll do what we can. If you can¡¯t go back to your job with the Enforcers, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find something else.


    He looked at me with an expression that cut through me. A lopsided smile, heavy with resignation.


    ¡ªRelax, you don¡¯t need to worry about me. I know I¡¯ll have plenty of work in the future.


    Summer remained quiet the whole time. Her expression barely changed, except when she had to eat the instant rations we brought or when Olaf entertained himself by teasing her.


    We set off again soon after. A little over three hours passed before we finally reached the town from which we had launched the expedition. The vehicles were worn down, in need of maintenance and a fuel refill. We were also low on supplies and ammunition, but no one seemed concerned¡­ except me.


    I headed to the hostel where the gorillas were staying.


    ¡ªI have young Summer. You¡¯ll be boarding with me. Soon, we¡¯ll be heading east to try crossing the abyss at the next bridge, near the industrial waste zone of the Inos Corporation. Any questions?


    Both gorillas shook their heads and made their way to the vehicles without a word.


    "Damn it, why are they still so prepared to fight?"


    That was my problem. When we arrived here, the gorillas seemed carefree, unbothered. But as time passed, they started to change: they became more tense, more reserved. Now, seeing them again, they gave me the same feeling as an animal on the hunt.


    They were ready for battle.


    And whatever had put these monsters on edge¡­ was something the rest of us wouldn¡¯t be able to handle.


    I could only hope I was wrong and that all this extra preparation was for nothing.


    I lingered in the hostel¡¯s reception, lost in thought.


    What else could I do? Was I even making the right decision? The trip back was already going to be long, and now I¡¯d added a couple more weeks to it.


    Was it necessary?


    If I analyzed it logically and assumed the worst, I had to consider the following:


    They had sent two Exterminators. That title wasn¡¯t given to just anyone. They were true killing machines, raised by the great families and a few select factions. Raising one of them was so complex and restrictive that it was easier to build an entire army.


    That said, if I was right and they were Exterminators from the Von Feuron family, it was fair to assume their rival family would send a force of equal or even greater strength. And if it was greater, then no matter what I did¡­ worrying about it wouldn¡¯t change anything.


    The real problem was that they hadn¡¯t attacked yet. And they wouldn¡¯t be able to when we entered the Lower City either.


    Logically, the attack had to happen here, in the Pits.


    If we tried to go back the same way we came, we¡¯d run into densely populated settlements¡ªperfect spots for an ambush. I doubted they¡¯d care about civilian casualties.


    That¡¯s why taking a detour was the best option. The next zone was practically deserted, with only a few industries still operating, most of them fully automated.


    "Bah, it¡¯s just a few more weeks. It¡¯ll be worth it."


    I convinced myself with that. There was no point in doubting so much.


    ¡ªGood to find you here, young master Kailen Neuvak.


    A thick, drawling female voice pulled me out of my train of thought.


    ¡ªJust Kailen. I have no connection to the Neuvak family.


    Toshi stepped forward and dropped onto the couch across from mine. Reika remained standing to my right, just at the edge of my peripheral vision.


    ¡ªIs there a problem?


    ¡ªWe were wondering... what¡¯s the girl''s name?


    Under Toshi¡¯s intense gaze, Summer hurried to hide behind my arm. She even shifted her position, sitting on my left, farther away from Reika.


    ¡ªHer name is Angie.


    ¡ªNo. You¡¯re lying.


    ¡ªThat¡¯s the only name that concerns you.


    ¡ªI want to know her real name.


    ¡ªAngie ¡ªI repeated, my tone firm¡ª. That¡¯s the only name that concerns you.


    Reika licked her lips.


    ¡ªYou wanna play rough, pup?


    ¡ªOn the contrary. I want to rest. If there¡¯s nothing else to discuss, I¡¯ll take my leave.


    I made a move to stand up, but Reika grabbed my shoulder forcefully and pushed me back down.


    The damn wound burned like hell.


    ¡ªWhat¡¯s the meaning of this? Are you trying to sabotage the mission?


    ¡ªWe have a deep problem with the great families. We have been¡­


    ¡ªLike everyone.


    ¡ªWhat did you just say!?


    ¡ªI said you¡¯re not the only ones the great families have screwed over! You want revenge? Take a number, because the line is long.


    I tried to reach for my revolver, but Reika was faster. She caught my movement and landed a punch straight to my jaw.


    ¡ªCalm down, pup. The Neuvak family is high on our enemy list. Your worst mistake was getting rid of your escort¡­ thinking a young master would be dumb enough to fight on his own.


    What they were saying made no sense.


    Unless¡­


    A manic laugh escaped me.


    ¡ªWait¡­ You two¡­ A pair of idiots. Do you really think those brutes are here to protect me?


    ¡ªWe saw you giving them orders. You can¡¯t deny it.


    ¡ªNo way¡­ This is ridiculous.


    The words came out loud, but more to myself than to them.


    ¡ªDon¡¯t play dumb. We know you were drafted into the army and used an alias to join this mission. Is that girl part of your family? Why did the Neuvaks send you to find her?


    ¡ªWhat the hell are you talking about, aliases?


    And then it clicked.


    ¡ªWait a minute¡­ You think I¡¯m my brother Viktor?


    ¡ªWe know you¡¯re Viktor. He was the only high-status Neuvak drafted.


    ¡ªLike hell I am! I was forced to take his place.


    ¡ªThat¡¯s what you say, but we don¡¯t believe you. There¡¯s no record of your name in the army.


    I lowered my head, resigned.


    ¡ªNo way¡­ Of all the shit on this earth, being mistaken for that prick Viktor is the worst insult.


    ¡ªEnough pretending.


    I huffed, ran a hand over the back of my neck, and gestured toward Reika.


    ¡ªSee this, bitch?


    Reika took a glance and frowned.


    ¡ªLooks like a tattoo¡­ a cut one?


    ¡ªIt¡¯s my family¡¯s mark. And if you look closely, underneath it is my serial number. You know¡­ just in case they forget I¡¯m their ¡°future heir.¡±


    My sarcasm finally hit them.


    ¡ªLook at this symbol. ¡ªI took Summer and pulled back her collar¡ª. It means that you two, a pair of idiots, want revenge on the great families and don¡¯t even know who you¡¯re attacking.


    I paused, letting them take a good look.


    ¡ªWe both have this because we¡¯re at the bottom of the barrel. We¡¯re filler. Disposable tools.


    I lit a cigarette, taking a deep drag before exhaling the smoke calmly.


    ¡ªI¡¯m nothing more than a pawn they threw into the war¡­ Do you really think they¡¯d give a shit if you kill me?


    ¡ªThen why would your family send those Exterminators here? You¡¯re still suspicious.


    I took another drag.


    ¡ªNever even heard of them. I don¡¯t know much about Neuvak¡¯s forces either. And even if they were part of them¡­ I have no idea what my grandfather thinks. The old man never even spoke to me. ¡ªI let the smoke out slowly before taking another hit¡ª. If you want to know, ask him yourself.


    ¡ªThat doesn¡¯t explain wh¡ª


    ¡ªEnough of this bullshit. Do what you have to do. I have no other way to convince you that you¡¯re wrong.


    They exchanged glances. Some sort of silent understanding passed between them.


    ¡ªWe¡¯ll let you go, but you¡¯ll have to hand over your brother.


    I shook my head and took another drag from my cigarette.


    ¡ªNow you¡¯re just grasping at straws. I have no way to help you kill him. Don¡¯t get me wrong, I¡¯d really love to¡­ but I¡¯m a realist. If I even get close to Viktor, I won¡¯t see the light of day again. I just can¡¯t.


    ¡ªYou think we won¡¯t kill you?


    ¡ªI think that no matter what you do to me, what the Neuvaks would do would be a million times worse.


    I locked eyes with Toshi.


    ¡ªIf we¡¯re done here, I¡¯ve got more important things to do. And don¡¯t bother showing up for the transport. From now on, you¡¯re on your own.


    I tried to stand up. Reika moved to stop me again¡­ but this time, she felt the cold barrel of a gun against the back of her neck.


    ¡ªDon¡¯t you dare touch lil¡¯ bro.


    My backup had arrived. Kan gave me a thumbs-up, and I nodded back "I really owe to this bastard."


    ¡ªLet¡¯s go, Summer.


    The little girl nodded, and the three of us walked out of the place.

 Chapter 7: Disagreement pt 2

    Already outside and at a safe distance, Kan asked:


    ¡ªAre you sure we can just leave them?


    ¡ªThey were hired for seven shots. I don¡¯t know exactly how many they fired, but as far as I¡¯m concerned, their contract is fulfilled.


    ¡ªThat¡¯s not exactly what I meant. They seem to know something about your prot¨¦g¨¦¡­ Could it be that they were the ones¡­?


    ¡ªThe ones who leaked information? Impossible. I was the only one informed of who we had to look for, and even then, they didn¡¯t give me concrete details. I don¡¯t know the age, gender, or affiliation. Just subtle clues to identify. Although¡­ we can¡¯t rule anything out.


    ¡ªThen, should we go back?


    ¡ªNo. They¡¯re annoying, but not dangerous¡­ yet. If they cross our path again, we won¡¯t hesitate.


    ¡ªYou¡¯re the boss.


    Suddenly, I felt a small tug on my clothes.


    ¡ªGr?der¡­ I don¡¯t know if this is relevant, but a while ago, I intercepted some transmissions coming from those women.


    "Gr?der?¡­ Big brother?" I didn¡¯t know the girl considered me that close.


    ¡ªWhat did the transmissions say? ¡ªI asked, feeling a pang of anxiety. What if they really had sold us out? My hand was already on the grip of my revolver. The idea of going back in there, guns blazing, wasn¡¯t off the table.


    ¡ªThey didn¡¯t say anything. Rather, they were strange transmissions. They reminded me of a particular mission I did for my grandfather.


    ¡ªA mission for your grandfather? ¡ªThe revelation froze me.


    It wasn¡¯t entirely obvious, but the girl looked like she had high-quality cybernetic enhancements. At first glance, I couldn¡¯t tell if they were of her family¡¯s specialty, but it was clear they were related to electronics, given how she had linked herself to the facility down below.


    ¡ªIn what way were they similar?


    ¡ªThey were extremely high-level encryptions, from an incredibly elusive group. I wasn¡¯t able to track them back, but every time we detected them¡­ grandpa got in a really bad mood.


    A chill ran down my spine.


    ¡ªSo we don¡¯t know who they are, where they are, or what they want?


    ¡ªOh, no. That we do know. They were acquiring their coordinates.


    I locked eyes with Kan for less than a second, but it was enough for panic to hit us like an avalanche.


    I grabbed Summer and bolted.


    Both of us sprinted full speed toward the vehicles, which were still finishing up loading supplies.


    ¡ªWe¡¯re leaving! ¡ªI shouted.


    Olaf stopped, a crate in his hands.


    ¡ªWhat the hell is wrong with you?


    ¡ªMOVE IT!! NOW, DAMN IT!!


    ¡ªWe¡¯re just missing a few¡ª Melena tried to say something, but I couldn¡¯t hold back.


    ¡ªStart the damn engine. We¡¯re leaving. Anyone who doesn¡¯t get in now is staying behind.


    The driver sensed the panic in my voice and decided to comply. Melena barely managed to get in on time. Some supplies were left scattered, but everyone present boarded. Well, everyone except Reika and Toshi.


    ¡ªWhat the hell is going on, kid? Did you forget to drink your chocolate milk? ¡ªOlaf growled.


    ¡ªSummer says the muscleheads got hacked.


    It took Olaf a moment to process that information.


    ¡ªAnd what exactly did they lose?


    ¡ªThey were transmitting our location, probably in real time.


    ¡ªThat explains why everything went to shit the moment we got in there! Fuck! Damn it!


    The transports sped up, standing out clearly among the slow-moving traffic. We blew past a good number of signs and traffic lights.


    ¡ªOh no! Fuck you, fuck you!


    ¡ªWhat is it, Kan?


    ¡ªWe¡¯ve got two vehicles tailing us¡­ four vehicles¡­ ah, shit!


    We all stuck our heads out the windows to look. Sure enough, we were being chased. And these weren¡¯t ordinary cars¡ªthese were high-grade vehicles, far above what usually ran in these parts.


    ¡ªOlaf, do we have explosives?


    ¡ªWe didn¡¯t get a chance to load them onto this vehicle ¡ªhe replied, grabbing the radio to contact the other transport¡ª. But the others managed to grab some.


    ¡ªWe¡¯ll open fire. Save the explosives for when we get out of the city. We don¡¯t want too many civilian casualties or government heat on us.


    As soon as the first vehicles got on our tail, we opened fire without hesitation. The bullets slammed into the hood of the nearest car, but its armor held.


    ¡ªThey¡¯re not common trash! ¡ªKan growled, reloading his rifle.


    ¡ªAim for the tires! ¡ªI shouted, sticking my revolver out the window and firing.


    The enemy driver tried to swerve, but the narrow street worked against him. A bullet blew out his front right tire, sending the car skidding and crashing into a pole. One down.


    The others didn¡¯t make the same mistake. They stayed in a tight formation, pressing us with unnerving precision. This wasn¡¯t just some squad of thugs¡ªthese guys were trained.


    ¡ªSummer, stay under the seat and tuck your head into a fetal position. The rest, fire at will.


    We didn¡¯t get to shoot much before the enemy overwhelmed us with sheer firepower, but we didn¡¯t cower either, keeping up enough fire to completely wreck one of their vehicles.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    ¡ªKid, they¡¯re tearing us apart! Are you sure you don¡¯t want to blow them to hell?


    ¡ªDamn it! How much longer until we¡¯re out of this fucking hole?


    ¡ªAlmost there!


    ¡ªHold out for the last stretch. Once we¡¯re out, you¡¯ll have a clear shot.


    Olaf shot me a dirty look, Kan wasn¡¯t convinced, and Melena was in full-blown panic, having curled up next to Summer. Thankfully, our driver had some serious balls and was a real pro, pulling off tight maneuvers and alternating the rear vehicle¡¯s position with the other driver.


    Finally, the buildings on both sides of the street thinned out, giving way to a much more open landscape.


    ¡ªNow!


    The moment we were out, one of the veterans in the other vehicle fired an RPG at the lead pursuer, blowing it sky-high.


    ¡ªWhooooo! ¡ªCheers erupted from both vehicles.


    The cars in the back managed to swerve past the wreckage and kept up the relentless chase.


    We managed to take down another vehicle before the road opened up enough for our pursuers to spread out, getting out of reach of our vehicles.


    At this point, five vehicles were still chasing us.


    Little by little, the land became barren, with fewer and fewer buildings in sight. As the terrain flattened, an immense landfill began to take shape. Piles of trash and scattered scrap metal covered the area.


    However, the chase became even more relentless. The enemies¡¯ weapons were of a larger caliber now, meaning we could no longer afford to exchange fire.


    ¡ªI''m taking us into the landfill. We¡¯ll try to lose them in there! ¡ªthe driver shouted.


    The truck shook violently as he jerked the wheel, plunging us straight into the maze of garbage and scrap. Rusted metal piles, shattered appliances, and debris formed towering, uneven mountains, creating narrow alleyways and treacherous paths. The stench of chemical waste and burning plastic hit us instantly.


    The enemies didn¡¯t hesitate to follow, though they had to slow down to avoid flipping over in the tight turns. The roar of their engines and the crunch of their tires grinding against glass and metal reminded us they were still too close.


    ¡ªWatch out! ¡ªKan shouted as one of the enemy vehicles tried to cut us off, taking a shortcut between two towering scrap heaps.


    Our driver slammed the brakes and swerved hard, barely skimming past a teetering stack of old cars. The enemy wasn¡¯t so lucky¡ªits side scraped against a rusted beam, and the front tire exploded with a deafening bang. The car spun out of control and crashed into a mountain of junk, which collapsed on top of it like an avalanche of metal.


    ¡ªOne down! ¡ªOlaf shouted with a hysterical laugh.


    The other four stayed on us, firing at every opportunity. Bullets whizzed overhead, ricocheting off the mounds of trash or punching through our truck¡¯s body. Melena shrieked as a round shattered the side mirror, sending shards flying.


    ¡ªThis place is a goddamn death trap! ¡ªKan protested.


    ¡ªExactly ¡ªthe driver replied with a tense grin.


    Suddenly, he veered sharply to the right, squeezing us into a narrow passage between two towering hills of debris. The enemies tried to follow, but our second vehicle took the chance to skid sideways, blocking the entrance with its own chassis.


    Gunfire erupted as the pursuers tried to force their way through, but our second vehicle reversed at the last moment and rammed one of the enemy cars from the side. The machine spun out of control and crashed into a pile of scrap, which collapsed in a landslide of twisted metal.


    ¡ªTwo down!


    The driver didn¡¯t let the adrenaline distract him and kept pushing forward at full speed. The road was getting even more chaotic¡ªsparks flew beneath the tires as they crunched over broken glass, and each sharp turn threatened to tip us over.


    The three remaining enemies kept up the pursuit, firing relentlessly, but in the confusion of the labyrinth, one of them took the wrong turn and found himself face-to-face with a wall of compacted waste. There was no time to stop. The crash was brutal.


    ¡ªAnother one down! ¡ªOlaf yelled, though his voice no longer sounded as confident.


    The two remaining enemies were still behind us, showing no signs of giving up. The chase was far from over.


    The next stretch of the junkyard was a long, straight path with no obstacles.


    ¡ªDamn it, kid, our vehicle¡¯s falling apart. They¡¯re gonna catch us if we don¡¯t do something.


    Damn it. Damn it.


    I checked my revolver. The battery was nearly drained. I didn¡¯t want to activate Hyper mode, load a bullet, and then lose it due to a lack of energy.


    The roar of the enemy engine grew dangerously close.


    ¡ªFuck you!


    I activated Hyper. Loaded the round. Aimed at the enemy car. Let the charge build up.


    One second. Two seconds.


    "Fourteen seconds was my limit. Any longer, and my organs would start breaking apart. Maybe five seconds would be enough? Do I even have enough charge for five seconds?"


    Three seconds. My arm started trembling. I held the revolver with my left hand, without full support from the other. The machete wound still burned.


    Four seconds. The energy flux dropped drastically.


    "Damn it. Could my shitty luck get any worse?"


    Hold on, you piece of junk.


    Five seconds¡­ and just enough power to fire.


    I aimed at the driver, whose eyes I could now see clearly.


    ¡ªGoodbye, shit-eater.


    I pulled the trigger.


    The recoil was brutal. My body slammed violently against the window frame, knocking the air out of my lungs.


    The vehicle was literally obliterated¡­ but at the very last moment, a figure leaped out.


    Without losing a fraction of its momentum, it landed and sprinted straight toward us. It hit the back of our vehicle with such force that we spun out violently.


    My already battered body was flung through the air, and the vehicle crashed into a solid wall of compacted scrap metal.


    My companions lay scattered across the ground. In the middle of the chaos, a figure loomed like a damn tower. No¡­ like a damn monstrosity.


    An Exterminator.


    Its gaze locked onto me. I didn¡¯t need to wonder what it was thinking.


    I got up as best I could and, limping at first, ran toward the vehicle. I didn¡¯t even bother drawing my revolver. I had no charge left for another Hyper, and regular bullets wouldn¡¯t so much as scratch one of those dermal-armored freaks.


    I pulled out the only thing I had left¡ªthe kinetic shield. And I ran.


    The Exterminator charged at the vehicle. It was obvious what it intended to do.


    "He¡¯s gonna ram it. Like a fucking battering ram."


    I swallowed hard.


    I stepped into its path.


    Closed my eyes.


    "May the Guardian give me strength."


    A split second before impact, I activated the shield.


    The world exploded around me.


    I felt my body flung like a ragdoll, soaring through the air before crashing against the wall of compacted scrap.


    "Is this how it ends?"


    I opened my eyes.


    I was still in the same place.


    It was the Exterminator who had staggered back two steps.


    My right arm was numb, an unpleasant tingling spreading down to my fingers. The shield had dissipated most of the impact, but even the fraction that got through felt like slamming headfirst into a wall.


    "Where the hell are our damn monsters when we need them?"


    The giant in front of me wasted no time.


    It threw a downward punch with the force of a warhammer.


    I barely managed to block it, but this time, the shield absorbed much less of the impact.


    The blow sent me flying backward, dragging me across the ground, my back scraping against metal and dirt.


    I tasted blood in my mouth.


    How familiar it felt.


    Not just the blood, but the helplessness. The sheer fragility of standing before a monster you couldn¡¯t possibly face.


    The Exterminator marched toward me.


    This time, I couldn¡¯t even feel my arm to raise the shield.


    It reached out to grab me¡ª


    Then gunfire shattered the silence.


    The giant¡¯s arm stopped mid-air. Its head turned mechanically toward the source of the shots.


    Kan and Olaf opened fire, their automatic bursts hammering against its armor. But it was useless.


    The bullets flattened against its skin, some ricocheting off, most simply falling at its feet, harmless.


    The monster ignored them. It had likely decided they weren¡¯t a threat.


    It turned back to me.


    For a moment, we locked eyes.


    Then, unhurriedly, it resumed its path toward my throat.


    I could swear I felt its cold fingers against my neck for an instant.


    And then¡ªgone.


    A deafening crash tore through the air, like two cars colliding at full speed.


    Our heavy hitters had arrived. Or maybe they¡¯d been here all along.


    I saw one fighting two enemies of his size, while the other¡­ had he come to save me?


    Olaf and Kan ran to my side.


    ¡ªKid, are you alright?


    ¡ªDoesn¡¯t matter. ¡ªI spat blood and forced myself to stand¡ª. Get the driver and the girl. We¡¯re taking the next vehicle.


    Kan didn¡¯t hesitate. He rushed to the girl, checked her pulse, then gave me a thumbs-up. Unconscious, but alive.


    Behind him, Olaf pulled the driver from the wreckage.


    He didn¡¯t make it.


    Olaf shook his head and left him there.


    ¡ªLet¡¯s go, big boy.


    He grabbed me under the shoulder and helped me walk.


    As I limped back, my gaze fell on the body of the Exterminator that had almost killed me. For the first time, I noticed it was missing an arm.


    Probably because of me.


    Further ahead, the big guys were still locked in a two-on-two fight straight out of a sci-fi movie. But that was no longer my problem.


    The second vehicle was parked a few meters ahead.


    When we got there, I only said:


    ¡ªDrive.


    The driver looked past us, searching for his partner.


    ¡ªHe didn¡¯t make it ¡ªOlaf replied.


    The man clenched his jaw.


    ¡ªGoddamn it¡­ what am I supposed to tell his wife?


    For a moment, his face was filled with grief.


    But there was no time for mourning.


    Without looking back, we got the hell out of there.


    "I always knew this wasn¡¯t some damn B-grade mission."

 Chapter 8: Back to the Land of the Living

    ¡ªFucking Melena, man, we almost left you behind. What the hell took you so long to get out? We thought you were dead.


    Melena still had that lost, terrified look in his eyes. Olaf¡¯s words weren¡¯t helping.


    ¡ªI¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m sorry.


    ¡ªIf it weren¡¯t for the kid, you¡¯d still be lying there. Shit, I would¡¯ve left you there.


    He just kept apologizing over and over. Honestly, I didn¡¯t think it was his fault, but I was too exhausted¡ªphysically and emotionally¡ªto step in. Besides¡­


    ¡ªHow much longer do we have to travel, huh? ¡ªOlaf asked.


    ¡ªUntil you get off or we arrive ¡ªI replied.


    Our van had lasted three hours into the escape before giving out. Luckily, two hours later, a car passed by¡­ which we requisitioned.


    Final headcount: our driver, Olaf, Kan, Melena and one of his guys, Summer, and me. All crammed into a single vehicle.


    Six hours later, we arrived at a gas station with a few available rooms.


    ¡ªWhat do you say, kid? Think we can get some rest? ¡ªOlaf asked.


    We all looked toward the road. Toward the way back. Toward the distance where we had left the Exterminators behind.


    ¡ªYeah.


    The driver stayed behind, refueling, while the rest of us spread out, stretched our legs, tried to clear our heads. It would be dark soon.


    ¡ªYou don¡¯t see many people like you around here.


    A store clerk greeted me with a wide smile.


    I didn¡¯t respond. I wasn¡¯t in the mood for small talk.


    The guy didn¡¯t lose his smile and instead tried to get something out of Summer. He got¡­ nothing. The girl didn¡¯t answer a single one of his questions and stayed close to me while I smoked.


    ¡ªI don¡¯t like that clerk¡¯s face ¡ªKan said, stepping up beside me¡ª. Give me a cigarette.


    I looked at my pack. Only three left.


    I handed him one begrudgingly.


    ¡ªOf course you don¡¯t like him ¡ªI replied, lighting another for myself¡ª. He¡¯s trying to figure out whether it¡¯s worth trying to snatch our VIP.


    ¡ªYou think he¡¯d go for it?


    ¡ªIt¡¯s possible. Though I¡¯m sure he would if he found out.


    Summer tightened her grip on my pants and clung to me.


    ¡ªRelax. A little over three weeks left¡­ but we¡¯re not expecting any trouble. Soon, you¡¯ll be back with your grandfather, and all of this will be behind you.


    The girl gave me a small smile.


    ¡ªGr?der, I¡¯m detecting incoming transmissions¡­ from the clerk. He¡¯s communicating with a large group of vehicles three kilometers from here.


    Fucking rat.


    ¡ªKan, gather the others. We¡¯re leaving.


    Kan barely hesitated half a second before responding:


    ¡ªOlaf was saying maybe we could do something a little¡­ hostile at the station. We¡¯re short on supplies, and apparently, funds are running low.


    ¡ªDo whatever you want, but we leave in thirty minutes, tops.


    ¡ªWhatever you say.


    For the first time, I noticed that when Summer used her abilities, her eyes turned an intense yellow¡ªa metallic gold with a glowing shimmer.


    ¡ªHow often can you intercept information? Does it tire you?


    The girl stepped back timidly, avoiding my gaze.


    ¡ªMy grandfather told me not to share information about my abilities.


    I see. The old man wants to protect his methods.


    ¡ªThat¡¯s fine, no problem. I won¡¯t ask again, and you won¡¯t have to say anything. Just know that you¡¯ve been very useful.


    I gently ruffled her hair before heading to the car.


    Shortly after, shouts and gunfire rang out. Then, silence.


    We didn¡¯t have to wait more than ten minutes. We were already back on the road.


    That¡¯s how the trip went: six hours between stations, two stops a day. All of us crammed into a single vehicle. It was decided not to steal another one to avoid drawing even more attention. Robbing a gas station was bad enough.


    The return trip took us a little over three weeks.


    "God, I hate traveling by car."


    When we arrived at Chitosane¡¯s building, he barely let us rest.


    ¡ªYou can¡¯t leave her here. Your mission will be complete when you return her to her family.


    Damn it, old bastard. That should be your job.


    ¡ªNot all of us need to go ¡ªOlaf interjected¡ª. The kid escorting her will be enough. The rest of us can get paid now.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    ¡ªOf course, Mr. Olaf. Follow my man, he¡¯ll hand you your payment.


    ¡ªAnd the fallen¡¯s compensation? You promised money for the widows.


    ¡ªIf they come here, they will receive their share. I don¡¯t run from my obligations, just as you didn¡¯t run from yours.


    The last part sounded more like a question directed at me. I simply nodded. Olaf had done his part, as had his men. There was no need to place blame. The mission had turned out the way it had, and the important thing was that it was coming to an end.


    ¡ªThank you for a job well done, Mr. Olaf. We¡¯ll see each other again.


    Olaf and Chitosane exchanged farewells. Then, the old man turned to Kan.


    ¡ªMr. Kanemiya, it¡¯s a pleasure to finally meet you. Without realizing it, you have brought a great blessing to my doorstep.


    ¡ªOf course. My little brother is always a great blessing.


    ¡ªAlthough I would love to share much more with you, I¡¯m afraid you can¡¯t accompany us on this journey¡­ Besides, I believe it would be best for you to return home as soon as possible. There are matters you should handle immediately.


    Kan sighed.


    ¡ªSee you later, Kai. Take care.


    ¡ªYou too. And you owe me. Big time.


    ¡ªOf course.


    We bumped fists, and Kan left.


    The others quickly finished their business with Chitosane and went their separate ways.


    That left just me, with little Summer clinging to me. Somehow, she seemed to fear the Lower City more than the Pits.


    "Weird. Maybe she has a bad memory of the Lower City¡­ though, why would someone like her have ever been there?"


    ¡ªSo, Mr. Kailen, how was your first experience as a leader?


    Chitosane was chattier than usual as we got into one of his cars.


    ¡ªIt was a disaster. I failed at everything. Every plan went to hell.


    ¡ªAnd yet, you came back with the girl intact. And you¡­ huh? More or less intact.


    The wound on my back still burned. On top of that, I had a few untreated bullet wounds and several cuts and stabs. I was a mess.


    ¡ªIf nothing else, I¡¯ve learned in my life never to give up.


    ¡ªA fantastic quality, Mr. Kailen.


    Chitosane clapped, wearing that mocking expression of his, thinly veiled as courtesy.


    ¡ªWhat¡¯s so funny?


    ¡ªIt¡¯s not funny, Mr. Kailen. Quite the opposite. Look out your window.


    He paused theatrically, gesturing toward the people outside.


    ¡ªWherever you look, you¡¯ll see a great mass of people who gave up. People crushed by the system so thoroughly that they lost their souls long ago. Someone like you, in a landscape like this, is little less than a Gragar among zebras.


    "A Gragar. An alien predator, a hunting beast with extrasensory perception and reflexes faster than a bullet. A strange compliment."


    ¡ªIf I may, Mr. Kailen¡­ could I know more about your goals?


    ¡ªFreedom.


    ¡ªExcuse me?


    ¡ªI want to be free.


    ¡ªAnd aren¡¯t you?


    ¡ªNot as long as my family¡¯s sword hangs over me.


    ¡ªSimply remarkable, Mr. Kailen¡­


    The old man responded in a low voice, a half-smile on his lips, letting silence fill the rest of the ride.


    The journey that followed was just as expected.


    From the landfills and heavily polluted, poorly organized industrial zones of the Pits, to the densely packed streets of the Lower City, filled with filth, garbage, and desperation. Then, as if in blatant mockery, they gave way to Nest¡¯s clean streets, its wide avenues, well-maintained trees, and ostentatious decorations.


    It felt like a real slap in the face to the tens of millions barely surviving outside of Nest.


    To my surprise, the girl seemed even more tense now.


    "How could someone not fear the Pits, hesitate in the Lower City, and yet tremble in Nest?"


    I had a lot of questions in my head. Though, being someone who had also grown up in Nest, I could understand. This girl must have played Stab Your Relative for More Benefits at some point. Honestly, that game had gotten repetitive. It needed an update.


    That¡¯s why I left.


    Yeah. That¡¯s definitely why I left.


    We passed through the various areas of the southern district and approached the central district, where the elites lived. Soon, we reached the sector that housed the residences of the six great families.


    ¡ªI''ve always found it ironic that, despite hating each other so much, all the great families live in the same place ¡ªI broke the silence.


    ¡ªThere¡¯s an old saying, Mr. Kailen: ¡°Keep your friends close, and your enemies even closer.¡±


    ¡ªAnd what¡¯s the point of that? Why would you want to keep someone close who could stab you at any moment?


    Chitosane gave a half-smile.


    ¡ªBecause the greatest danger isn¡¯t the dagger you see coming, but the one you don¡¯t.


    I leaned back in my seat, watching the fortified mansions passing by.


    ¡ªSounds like a paranoid excuse to justify the madness of living surrounded by vipers.


    ¡ªIsn¡¯t paranoia the foundation of survival in this world?


    I snorted, but he continued.


    ¡ªIf you keep your enemies at a distance, you can¡¯t watch them. You can¡¯t anticipate their moves. If they¡¯re close, you can study them, understand how they think, what they desire, what they fear. In this game, it¡¯s not about avoiding the dagger, but making sure that, when the time comes, you¡¯re the one who drives it in first.


    I glanced at him sideways.


    ¡ªSounds exhausting.


    ¡ªIt is ¡ªhe replied naturally¡ª. But that¡¯s the difference between the powerful and the dead.


    The conversation hung in the air as we moved through the district, surrounded by houses that weren¡¯t homes but fortresses disguised as mansions. I wondered how many of the people who lived there slept with one eye open, waiting for the inevitable blow.


    "Maybe that¡¯s why I left."


    ¡ªI¡¯m curious, Mr. Kailen. How would you define power?


    I shot Chitosane a sideways glance. I knew the question wasn¡¯t casual. That old man enjoyed playing with words, tossing you a rope just to see if you¡¯d hang yourself with it.


    I took a moment before responding.


    ¡ªPower is doing what you want, when you want, without anyone being able to stop you.


    Chitosane smiled, as if he¡¯d heard that answer a thousand times before.


    ¡ªAnd what happens when someone else wants the same thing?


    ¡ªThen it¡¯s a matter of who has the bigger knife.


    ¡ªAh¡­ the pragmatic view of brute force. Very fitting with your reputation, Mr. Kailen.


    ¡ªI don¡¯t see what other definition there could be.


    ¡ªLet¡¯s see¡­ ¡ªChitosane interlaced his fingers in his lap as if about to give a lesson¡ª. If power were just about strength, the strongest would always rule. But in this world, those in charge are rarely the physically strongest. Look around you.


    He gestured with a slight nod toward the mansions we were passing. Luxury buildings, protected by walls and elite guards. They didn¡¯t look like homes; they looked like fortresses.


    ¡ªThe ones living here aren¡¯t the ones fighting in the Pits, nor the ones getting their hands dirty in the streets of the Lower City. And yet, they¡¯re the ones who set the rules. Would you say they don¡¯t have power?


    I crossed my arms.


    ¡ªThey have the money to pay others to do the dirty work for them. That¡¯s power too.


    ¡ªBut it¡¯s not theirs. It¡¯s borrowed. ¡ªThe old man looked at me with that maddening expression of the wise fool that always drove me crazy¡ª. If your power depends on others, is it really yours?


    I fell silent.


    ¡ªLet me propose another idea, Mr. Kailen ¡ªhe continued¡ª. What if power isn¡¯t the ability to impose your will, but the ability to make others want what you want?


    I frowned.


    ¡ªThat sounds like an elegant way of saying manipulation.


    ¡ªAnd isn¡¯t that the true power? A man with a knife can kill one or two enemies. A man with control over a city can make thousands kill for him, without them even realizing they¡¯re fulfilling his will.


    ¡ªSo, according to you, power is control.


    ¡ªPower is influence. Strength fades. Fear dissipates. But influence¡­ ah, that¡¯s a seed that grows, that takes root in the minds of others until they think it was their idea all along.


    ¡ªSounds like a slow way to play this game.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s the only way to win it.


    Chitosane smiled again and turned his gaze forward, as if the conversation had ended. But the words kept spinning in my head.


    Now I feel like I may never leave it behind.


    ¡ªYou really enjoy these convoluted discussions, don¡¯t you?


    Chitosane looked at me with a self-satisfied expression.


    ¡ªI do, actually. Few people indulge in these little pleasures of life. Even among my circles, you¡¯re the only one who has entertained my vulgar desire to philosophize.


    ¡ªEven among your circles, huh?


    The old man slightly furrowed his brow, a small slip of the tongue.


    ¡ªPerhaps I¡¯ve grown too old, my younger self would never have used that word.


    ¡ªWe all have friends. You can¡¯t live in this city without them.


    ¡ªAre you sure, Mr. Kailen? As far as I know, your friend got into trouble because of them.


    ¡ªAnd he was saved by the same reason.


    ¡ªFair point.


    Finally, the car arrived at the entrance of the imposing mansion.

 Chapter 9: A Well-Deserved Upgrade

    I had no words to describe the sheer luxury and opulence emanating from the Summer family¡¯s main mansion. Although many believed I had grown up in similar wealth due to my connection with the Neuvak family, the truth was that they had always kept me in smaller, more distant properties; I had never once set foot in the main estate.


    Chitosane took care of speaking with the mansion¡¯s butlers through the intercom. There was a brief, tense wait before the main gate opened, allowing the car to proceed toward the main building.


    The road was breathtaking: a long street flanked by majestic trees, busts of family members, and carefully sculpted hedges in the shapes of animals. They hadn¡¯t held back in the slightest when it came to decoration¡ªthey had gone the whole nine yards to flaunt their wealth and status.


    ¡ªWe still have about five more minutes, Mr. Kailen. I¡¯d like to know if you¡¯re still in the mood to entertain me. What are your next steps? Perhaps I might be inclined to work with you.


    ¡ªI don¡¯t hold a grudge, old man. I know full well that in this city, it¡¯s dog eat dog. But you threw us straight into the fire, and we rolled in the ashes with pleasure. Once is fine¡­ but I¡¯d be a fool to do it again. I¡¯d have no one to blame but myself.


    I paused, taking a second to organize my thoughts.


    ¡ªI need firepower. Upgrades. I need to enhance my combat capabilities. So, for now, I¡¯ll focus on that¡­ and on exploring my options with the Academy. As much as I hate to admit it, there were moments when I actually enjoyed being an investigator. Gathering information, cross-referencing sources, putting my hands to work¡­ there was something about it.


    ¡ªI understand, Mr. Kailen. If it¡¯s any consolation, and even if you don¡¯t believe me, not even I knew the full extent of what was going to happen. However¡­


    ¡ªHowever, no one¡¯s stupid enough to see two exterminators and not assume something was going to explode.


    Chitosane smiled with that old fox demeanor of his.


    ¡ªDid you know from the start, Mr. Kailen?


    ¡ªI wasn¡¯t a hundred percent sure. But I¡¯ve seen similar things in the military. Even if their implants weren¡¯t obvious, their presence was unmistakable.


    ¡ªYou become more intriguing by the second, Mr. Kailen. Like a Gragar among zebras.


    I didn¡¯t respond. I just kept looking ahead, letting his words settle.


    Surprisingly, the one who broke the silence was little Summer.


    ¡ªGr?der, will you come play with me in the future? ¡ªHer voice was soft, laced with that shyness that kept her from making eye contact.


    ¡ªAs much as I¡¯d like to¡­ I don¡¯t think I¡¯d be welcome around here. Once I hand you over, it¡¯ll be impossible for me to get close to you again.


    I noticed a flicker of sadness in her eyes. I had never fallen for these kinds of manipulations before, but this time¡­ I couldn¡¯t resist adding something more.


    ¡ªBut if you¡¯re ever in trouble, don¡¯t hesitate to contact me. Maybe I can help you.


    Summer lifted her gaze, meeting mine. She smiled.


    ¡ªGr?der¡­ do you think I can ever be as strong as you?


    ¡ªOf course. Strength doesn¡¯t come from the size of your muscles, but from your fighting spirit. As long as you keep fighting, they¡¯ll learn to fear you.


    ¡ªBut my brothers say I¡¯m weak because I¡¯m a girl¡­


    I couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    ¡ªThat¡¯s nonsense. My mentor is the strongest, most skilled soldier I¡¯ve ever seen. Her feats are nothing short of something out of a fictional story. What she taught me isn¡¯t even one percent of what she¡¯s capable of. So, if you think I¡¯m strong¡­ she¡¯s much stronger. And she¡¯s a woman, just like you.


    Summer remained silent, absorbing my words. For the first time since I met her, she seemed truly confident.


    Finally, we arrived at the front of what I assumed was the main mansion. To be honest, it didn¡¯t look like much. If it weren¡¯t located at the center, it could have easily passed for a servant¡¯s quarters.


    ¡ªWelcome, Mr. Chitose, Mr. Neuvak. The master is expecting you in his study, ¡ªa man in his forties greeted us. His expression was polite but impassive, his gestures impeccable.¡ª Also, could the young lady accompany me to¡­?


    ¡ªNo.


    ¡ªPardon me, Mr. Neuvak?


    ¡ªThe girl will not accompany you.


    ¡ªBut she must, it''s for the¡­


    ¡ªAre these your master''s orders?


    Silence.


    ¡ªJust lead the way.


    From the moment the butler greeted us, I felt Summer pressing against me from behind. She was hiding. It was obvious he wasn¡¯t someone close to her.


    The little cordiality in the butler¡¯s expression vanished in an instant.


    Inside the mansion, a countless number of servants moved from one place to another. The activity was impressive. Although the house itself wasn¡¯t small, compared to the others, it seemed insignificant, and yet, it buzzed with movement.


    Suddenly, I felt a subtle pull. I barely managed to grab the hand of a maid who, taking advantage of my distraction, had tried to snatch the girl away.


    ¡ªWhat do you think you¡¯re doing?


    My voice came out filled with hostility, without the slightest effort to conceal it.


    ¡ªForgive me, sir, but I was ordered to take the young lady to change before she presents herself to the master.


    ¡ªAre these your master''s orders?


    ¡ªThese are the orders I was given. I am certain they come from the master.


    She was playing with her words. A relatively useful trick among the servants of great houses. No one could use the master''s name to fulfill their own objectives.


    ¡ªThen no. Leave.


    Simple as that. I didn¡¯t know who or why, but it was evident that someone inside the house didn¡¯t want the girl to meet with the master immediately¡ªprobably because they had something to hide.


    I didn¡¯t have much time to dwell on this thought. Suddenly, I noticed that with a subtle movement, the butler had slightly diverted us from the original route¡ªor at least, I thought so.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Abruptly, all the activity around us began to fade.


    A young man, about my age, appeared in our path. Blond, green-eyed, with the face of a model¡ªwhite and pristine. His pale skin made it clear he had never been exposed to the sun in his damn life.


    ¡ªYou had one job, butler, and you still managed to fail.


    His tone dripped with disdain.


    Then, he turned to me with a condescending look.


    ¡ªFrom now on, I¡¯ll call you ¡°scrapper.¡± I don¡¯t care about your name. All you need to know is that you¡¯ve done me a favor by bringing my little sister back. Now, you may leave. I will be the one to deliver her to our grandfather. You¡¯ll receive your payment soon.


    He waved a hand dismissively, signaling for us to leave, then turned ninety degrees, as if he no longer wished to see us.


    All that theatrics really took me by surprise. I almost burst out laughing. Fortunately, I managed to save my reputation and hold back... though a small chuckle did escape me.


    ¡ªHey, Chitosane, who¡¯s this clown?


    ¡ªOne of the lord¡¯s grandsons. I know you don¡¯t care about his name, but I¡¯ll tell you anyway: Reinhardt Von Feuron.


    ¡ªDoesn¡¯t ring a bell.


    ¡ªObviously. He hasn¡¯t accomplished anything noteworthy.


    It seemed even old Chitosane disliked these brats.


    ¡ªYou damn bastard! What did you say? How dare you insult me in my own home?! You will pay dearly for this humiliation!


    What happened next was interesting.


    The young man was surrounded by five bodyguards. Two of them, seasoned-looking, remained still, unfazed. Even when the brat ordered them to stop us, they didn¡¯t move. Their expressions, however, made it clear they were monitoring us at all times.


    The other three, however, were younger. It showed in their expressions, in their posture, in the way their hands clenched upon hearing the order. They were eager to prove themselves in front of their master. It was evident they hadn¡¯t been hired by the true owner of the mansion. They lacked the discipline, the uniform demeanor the others possessed.


    That meant that if things got ugly¡­ those three would be the first to jump in.


    And with the young man''s insistence, they did.


    They drew their weapons, though they hadn¡¯t disengaged the safeties yet.


    I wasn¡¯t afraid of those bastards, but I didn¡¯t like getting into a fight without my weapon either. I moved my hand to my revolver holster, ready to draw.


    Before I could, I felt Chitosane¡¯s hand on my shoulder.


    ¡ªThat won¡¯t be necessary, kid.


    He raised his index finger and pointed to the second floor.


    Descending from there was a woman with an unfriendly expression, visibly irritated.


    ¡ªYoung Master Reinhardt, your grandfather wants you in the study. You¡¯ve been assigned twenty more hours of study this week.


    The little bastard looked at us, his face twisting with sheer frustration.


    I couldn¡¯t help but smirk at him. I wanted him to know I found him pathetic.


    For a moment, he seemed like he was going to defy the order. But in the end, he didn¡¯t.


    That was my cue to know that this woman, although she didn¡¯t seem to be part of the family, was someone to take seriously.


    ¡ªChitose-san, it is my master¡¯s pleasure to have you here once again. I appreciate your intervention in this matter.


    ¡ªOh, Emma-san, there¡¯s nothing to thank me for. On the contrary, I must apologize for my friend¡¯s boldness.


    ¡ªOh, don¡¯t worry, Chitose-san. I understand that hot-blooded young men don¡¯t always know the proper manners. You are quite fortunate to have them under your guidance.


    They exchanged pleasantries for a couple of minutes.


    Honestly, I didn¡¯t see why they didn¡¯t just go to a room and settle things properly.


    ¡ªAunt Emma!


    For the first time, Summer stepped away from my side and stood in front of me, greeting the woman enthusiastically.


    Though what truly surprised me was that, despite her joy, she never moved beyond arm¡¯s length from me.


    Even in front of this person she clearly cared about, she still kept her instinct for caution.


    ¡ªMiss Summer¡­


    Emma looked the girl up and down, and her expression changed.


    For a moment, I thought maybe she was one of the abusers too.


    But then she spoke, and everything made sense.


    ¡ªDon¡¯t tell me you brought her all the way back dressed like that.


    I didn¡¯t see the problem.


    ¡ªOf course. The armor protected her from all dangers.


    My answer seemed to take her by surprise. She looked at Chitosane for support, but he simply shrugged with a half-smile.


    ¡ªWhatever¡­ Please, follow me to the master.


    ¡ªI hope so. I really want to get this over with. ¡ªI replied.


    ¡ªPatience, young one. It will soon be over. But now, you must reap the fruits of what you¡¯ve sown. ¡ªChitosane intervened.


    We passed through several areas, but no other staff attempted to bother us or approach us recklessly for another maneuver. Eventually, we reached a rather simple study on the fourth floor.


    The office was not what I expected from a Von Feuron, or rather, from the head of one of the great families.


    Simple, yet elegant. No excess, no unnecessary luxury, just the essentials.


    The walls were lined with dark, high-quality wood, aged and polished to just the right point where it conveyed prestige without ostentation. A large window behind the desk offered a panoramic view of the city, though it was partially covered by thick curtains, filtering the light into a warm, muted tone.


    The furniture followed the same pattern: a spacious desk with clean, straight lines, its surface clear except for a few meticulously stacked documents. To one side, a built-in bookshelf housed a collection of books in perfect order, not a single volume out of place. There were no superfluous decorations, no family portraits¡ªonly an old pendulum clock marking the passage of time with an implacable tick-tock.


    And in front of that desk, sitting with his back straight as if age had no right to weigh on him, was the patriarch of the Von Feuron family.


    Eckhart Von Feuron.


    His face was a map of wrinkles. His skin, though weathered by the years, retained a healthy tone, lacking the sickly pallor of his grandson. His snow-white hair was perfectly combed back, revealing sharp gray eyes.


    He did not move when we entered.


    He did not speak immediately.


    He took his time examining us before finally saying:


    ¡ªChitose-kun, you have surpassed every expectation I had for you.


    ¡ªEckhart-dono, I am glad everything has been to your liking.


    ¡ªThough I truly never thought you would involve the Neuvak¡ª then he turned to me ¡ªTell me, young man, what does your family seek from me?


    ¡ªI don¡¯t know.


    The old man raised an eyebrow, stroking his chin thoughtfully.


    ¡ªDo you truly expect me to believe that you have renounced your family?


    ¡ªFirst of all, I don¡¯t "expect" anything. What you believe or not has never been my concern. Secondly, you can¡¯t renounce something you never had. And third, I¡¯d rather talk about my payment.


    ¡ªCalm yourself, young man, you will be paid as agreed. However, there are things I¡¯d like to discuss¡­ if you¡¯re not in such a hurry?


    I really wasn¡¯t in the mood. Nothing good could come from talking to a seasoned statesman¡ªI had no desire to become a pawn on his board. However, before I could refuse, I once again felt Chitosane¡¯s hand on my shoulder.


    ¡ªOf course, Your Excellency.


    Somehow, it came naturally to call him that. It was the way I had heard outsiders refer to my grandfather countless times.


    ¡ªPutting that aside for now¡ª he finally focused his attention on the girl ¡ªCome here, my dear.


    ¡ªGrandpaaaa!


    Summer finally let go of me and ran toward her grandfather, tears in her eyes.


    The old man welcomed her into an embrace, gently stroking her cheeks as he said:


    ¡ªCome now, my little one, don¡¯t cry. I need you to be strong for just a little while and help me with something.


    Summer¡¯s eyes lit up as she eagerly asked:


    ¡ªSum Sum can help Grandpa? What can I do?


    ¡ªFor now, I need to know whether these people did a good job or not. Tell me, my precious girl, do you think the people who rescued you deserve to be paid? Were they bad and need a deduction? Or maybe they were very good and deserve a reward?


    At first, it seemed like a sweet interaction between family members. However, I noticed that Eckhart¡¯s previously silver eyes began to glow a deep yellow¡ªthe exact same way Summer¡¯s did. And though I couldn¡¯t see hers at that moment, they were probably the same. They must have made some kind of connection.


    ¡ªInteresting¡ª the old man murmured after a few moments.


    ¡ªWhat did you see in her memories, Your Excellency?


    I couldn¡¯t help but ask. Chitosane clicked his tongue at me, clearly displeased with the way I was addressing our employer.


    ¡ªYou¡¯re quite intelligent, young man. Perhaps too much. Though, for now, it doesn¡¯t bother me. In fact, it might even prove useful.


    Great. Just as I suspected, I was about to become a pawn.


    ¡ªThe Six Great Houses have organized a competition with government sponsorship. Each house must send a team on an expedition, and that team must be led by a member of their respective house¡ª


    When our eyes met, the old man must have seen my "I couldn¡¯t care less about the Houses" expression, because he deigned to clarify:


    ¡ªThis is because the chosen members of each house performed terribly as officers in the last war.


    And that didn¡¯t surprise me. If every one of these spoiled brats was so used to opulence that they couldn¡¯t be even remotely productive during the war, then even as officers, they could never handle rolling in the dirt like I had, time and time again.


    ¡ªI understand that there are governmental matters between the Houses, Your Excellency, but could you please explain how this involves me? ¡­ Are you perhaps trying to hire me to assist your house?


    Eckhart pondered for only a moment before dismissing the idea.


    ¡ªI would like to, young man. The fact that my granddaughter was able to depend on you shows that you are trustworthy. However, that would create undesirable problems. Instead, my proposal is different. I saw something rather interesting in my granddaughter¡¯s memories¡ªa certain facility.


    He was bluffing. I was sure of it. The girl had been unconscious for most of the time, only waking up at the very end when we were about to leave. At that point, the facility didn¡¯t seem remarkable in any way.


    Which meant the old man was fishing for information.


    Well, two can play that game.

 Chapter 9: A Well-Deserved Upgrade pt2

    ¡ªWe¡¯ve explored many places. Could you be more specific about what you¡¯re looking for, Your Excellency?


    Eckhart lifted his head slightly to look at me for a few seconds before turning back to stroke his granddaughter¡¯s hair.


    ¡ªI can see in your eyes that you believe I have nothing to offer you.


    ¡ªI know you have nothing to offer me ¡ªI replied bluntly¡ª. Anything you give me will come with a price tag marking me as yours. And if there¡¯s one thing I value above all else, it¡¯s freedom.


    The old man let out a short laugh.


    ¡ªInteresting concept, boy. No one in this city is truly free. Even I have chains that keep me in place. And yet, you come here and dare to tell me you want more than what I have.


    He laughed again, this time in a slow, measured way, as if he found genuine amusement in my words. Then, he returned his attention to Summer, flipping a page of the book they were looking at together.


    ¡ªI like your attitude, boy. Or, to be more transparent, I like that this attitude of yours has given your old man plenty of trouble.


    ¡ªThat¡¯s me, your humble troublemaker. ¡ªI gave a half-bow.


    ¡ªLet¡¯s get back to business. Tell me, do you believe you have something valuable?


    I took a moment before answering.


    I had started to notice a certain honesty in the way the old man spoke. Whether it was real or not remained to be seen, but I decided to move forward with that in mind.


    ¡ªI can¡¯t say for sure that it¡¯s truly valuable, but I think it¡¯s worth investigating.


    ¡ªAnd do you think you could fully exploit it on your own?


    ¡ªProbably not.


    Eckhart nodded slowly, as if he had expected that answer.


    ¡ªFor the competition, it is imperative that each family explores ruins with small, pre-approved groups. They cannot send their elite forces, the number of internal soldiers is limited, and instead, they are rewarded for using external forces¡ªprovided they are led by someone from the respective family.


    He paused briefly before continuing.


    ¡ªThe discoveries made will be scored, but so will the abilities demonstrated by each family¡¯s members. In the end, the winner will be rewarded. That is why I am looking for something weighty enough to stand out, but not an insurmountable challenge for my young ones.


    I see.


    A HYDRA facility clearly met his requirements. However, I wasn¡¯t willing to part with that base so easily. There could be something useful for me there, something money couldn¡¯t buy.


    ¡ªIf that¡¯s the case, I believe what I have is exactly what you¡¯re looking for. Though I¡¯m not so sure about the last part¡­ There was a particularly nasty construct in the final section.


    At that moment, Summer lifted her head from the book she had been flipping through with her grandfather.


    ¡ªI remember. The Great Lumberjack. That construct was very polite. It protected my synapses¡­ though maybe it only did so because it realized it could erase them.


    Her tone was casual, as if she were talking about the weather.


    Eckhart stopped stroking her hair and looked at her intently.


    I, on the other hand, couldn¡¯t help but wonder what the hell she had just said.


    ...


    ...


    ...


    "What!?"


    ¡ªOh? What are you talking about, my dear? ¡ªEckhart asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.


    ¡ªWhile I was asleep, someone connected me to the central system. I don¡¯t know what they were trying to do because they left me almost immediately and did nothing else. That is, until another group arrived and tried to use me to break the security lock. As soon as I did, they forcibly disconnected me.


    "What is she talking about? We were the ones who forcibly disconnected her."


    ¡ªWe were the ones who disconnected you ¡ªI said, trying to make sense of her words¡ª. But we never tried to use you to break any security lock.


    ¡ªI''m sure it was one of the four people from your group who entered.


    I frowned.


    ¡ªSummer, only three of us went in to rescue you: Me, Kan, and Mele¡­ I mean, Yalen.


    ¡ªI was connected to the system at the time, and I clearly remember the report stating there were four intruders in the room.


    A chill ran down my spine.


    I didn¡¯t understand. I couldn¡¯t understand. There were three of us. No one else. We made sure no one followed us, and until the very end, we never noticed another presence...


    Wait.


    Kan.


    Kan noticed something.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    "Could it be that there really was someone else?"


    Damn it.


    If there was a fourth person, then that could be the reason why everything went to hell. That would explain why everything kept getting worse as we progressed.


    Someone had screwed us over.


    I realized I was clenching my fists tightly when Eckhart¡¯s voice broke through my thoughts.


    ¡ªJudging by how tightly you''re clenching your fists, I take it that fourth person played you. Hazards of the trade, boy. Everything in this city is coveted by someone else. It¡¯s a simple zero-sum game.


    ¡ªA lot of people died because of that game ¡ªI growled through gritted teeth.


    ¡ªAnd many more will die. The only way to prevent it is to become stronger and punish those who dare to covet what you have... or what you pursue.


    Eckhart¡¯s half-smile had a macabre undertone, but I couldn¡¯t ignore the truth in his words.


    I needed strength.


    Strength to protect myself.


    Strength to protect those I cared about.


    Strength to find the bastard who played us and make them pay dearly.


    Strength to never again let this damn city walk all over me.


    ¡ªYour Excellency, let¡¯s drop the games. I have something very valuable. I¡¯m sure a large part of the facility remains unexplored. However, I can¡¯t vouch for its difficulty, since my only objective was to get to your granddaughter and get her out.


    ¡ªSo you¡¯ve made up your mind, huh? Alright, boy, how much are you going to charge me?


    ¡ªIt¡¯s not money I¡¯m after.


    ¡ªOh? Then what is it that you want?


    I remained silent. I simply looked him in the eye and held his gaze.


    That forced Eckhart to turn his attention back to me.


    ¡ªTell me something, boy... Is it true that you have a state-of-the-art implant from your family?


    It didn¡¯t sound like a question. Even so, I nodded.


    ¡ªAnd is it true that during your time in the military, you rejected all the implants they offered you?


    I nodded again.


    ¡ªWhy?


    ¡ªBecause they were permanent ¡ªI replied.


    ¡ªAnd low quality ¡ªhe added with a sly smile¡ª. You rejected them because they weren¡¯t cutting-edge like yours and because they wouldn¡¯t allow you to reach your full potential.


    Eckhart leaned back in his chair, gazing at the ceiling with a thoughtful air.


    ¡ªYou seek the best. That¡¯s why you refused to accept implants you couldn¡¯t remove.


    He shot a furtive glance at Chitosane and asked:


    ¡ªWhat do you think, my good friend?


    ¡ªI think the kid is crazy. He could have easily died from a lack of combat power.


    ¡ªIndeed ¡ªEckhart nodded¡ª. There are several reports on the Neuvak envoy indicating how close he came to death time and time again¡­ and yet, here you are, completing missions without any additional implants. You¡¯re really made of something different.


    The old man sank into brief contemplation. For a moment, his eyes glowed faintly. He was communicating with Summer. Then, he spoke again.


    ¡ªVery well. If that¡¯s the case, I offer you state-of-the-art.


    I straightened in my seat.


    ¡ªYou mean¡­?


    ¡ªOf course not, boy. My family would hang me if I offered a Neuvak our most advanced implants.


    ¡ªThen¡­ what are we talking about?


    Eckhart smiled calmly.


    ¡ªI have someone who owes me a favor. A very special one. One that, in theory, I should use for my grandchildren¡­ but I know it would be wasted on those little rabbits.


    I didn¡¯t particularly like that last comment.


    ¡ªWhat is it, Your Excellency?


    ¡ªNext-generation Axolotl-class genetic modification.


    Shit.


    I had no idea what he was talking about, but it sounded promising.


    I shot a glance at Chitosane, looking for some clue.


    That¡¯s when I noticed how his jaw had hit the floor, drilling a hole that probably went straight through the Earth''s circumference.


    ¡ªIs it good? ¡ªI asked the old man, still trying to gauge the situation.


    ¡ªGood? Boy, there¡¯s nothing better than that. There¡¯s only one current producer of that type of modification, and it¡¯s not even on the market. It¡¯s a military-grade contractor. According to technical reports ¡ªChitosane answered, speaking so fast I could barely keep up¡ª, that genetic enhancement completely eliminates the most common issue with enhanced skeletons: progressive poisoning. You wouldn¡¯t need supplements. Plus, it allows for normal development, meaning you could even¡­


    He stopped for a second, as if processing what he had just said.


    ¡ªYou could even grow a few centimeters taller.


    I blinked.


    ¡ªWait, wait a second¡­ What do you mean I could grow?


    ¡ªWith the right process and the proper facilities, along with the material your skeleton is made of, you could stimulate growth to match natural development. You¡¯d need a genetic study, but I believe you could gain at least five centimeters.


    Strange. One of the things they told me when they installed my skeleton was that I wouldn¡¯t grow anymore. The skeletal network update, once installed, was too difficult and dangerous for the minimal gain it provided.


    ¡ªAs you can see, boy, I¡¯m giving you something of equivalent value. With this genetic enhancement, your body will finally be able to heal all the physical wounds you¡¯ve accumulated so far¡­ organically. Mental wounds, however, are another matter.


    It sounded good.


    Who am I kidding?


    It sounded like a virgin orgy. Like a goddamn dog with two tails. Like your woman telling you she was pregnant¡­ and the next day, she gets her period. Simply purrfect.


    ¡ªWell, boy?


    Eckhart was starting to grow impatient with my silence.


    And just before answering, Melena¡¯s image crossed my mind. I had promised that we would explore it at a later date, convinced him that we could go another time.


    I won¡¯t even bother apologizing. It would be unnecessary. I know I would do it again if given the chance.


    ¡ªI accept.


    ¡ªGood, boy. Any other pending business?


    ¡ªYes. There were unexpected expenses during the execution of your mission.


    ¡ªI remember allocating ample funds for it, in addition to the payment you still have pending.


    ¡ªEven so, it didn¡¯t cover everything. I had to use one of these.


    I pulled out one of my special bullets along with my revolver¡¯s magnetic magazine. I only had four left. Using one was a huge loss¡ªone I¡¯d like to recover if possible.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s complex, but not impossible. Fine. Based on your exceptional performance and my granddaughter¡¯s evaluation, I will add this to your reward: an additional magnetic magazine along with a set of six bullets. Does this settle all debts and conclude our business?


    It didn¡¯t sound like a question, but I nodded anyway.


    The old man made a gesture in the air, and a butler left the room. It didn¡¯t take more than fifteen minutes for him to return with what had been promised.


    I couldn¡¯t help but wonder how the hell they had something like that in stock. These were military-grade supplies. Supposedly, only the central army could process this kind of shit.


    Regardless, I handed over all the relevant information and data I had acquired.


    I was about to leave when, to my surprise, Summer gave me a parting gift: the electronic signature of the fourth subject.


    That bastard will pay dearly when I find him.


    Unfortunately, it was just the signature. I couldn¡¯t track him with this. It would only be useful if we both connected to the same electronic device at the same time, and with my current setup, my computing skills were practically nonexistent.


    So, for now, this lead would have to stay on hold.


    ¡ªThank you very much for everything, Gr?der.


    ¡ªNo need. I have been rewarded. Always remember what we talked about and never stop fighting.


    I raised my fist.


    Summer stared at it for a moment before clenching her own. I saw determination shine in her eyes before, with a small battle cry, she exclaimed:


    ¡ªFight until they fear me!


    And she slammed her fist against mine.


    The problem? I have a metal skeleton.


    The pain on her face was immediate.


    The whole room burst into laughter as she groaned in frustration. Furious, she stomped out. It was beautiful to finally see her acting like a child.


    ¡ªMr. Kailen, I will stay to discuss other matters with Mr. Eckhart-dono, so you may return alone. Your motorcycle has been brought here, and your payment will be delivered to your residence within the next 48 hours. Thank you for doing business with me. Do not hesitate to return.


    And with that, I had finally wrapped up my business with Chitosane.


    At last, I would receive my well-deserved reward.


    At last, I could pay my long-overdue rent¡­


    ¡­ My rent.


    THE DAMN RENT!


    I had been away for months.


    Oh, shit.


    I really hope that damn witch hasn¡¯t sold my stuff.

 Chapter 10: Dream of a Little Lamb

    There was a little lamb.


    A small, fragile, silent lamb.


    A different lamb, born without a herd, without a flock to protect it.


    A lamb that carried the sins of others, bearing the weight of names it did not remember.


    A lamb that bleated in the darkness, waiting for an answer that never came.


    A lamb that learned the meaning of fear before that of warmth.


    A lamb that was pushed, beaten, scorned.


    A lamb that wanted to run, but there was nowhere to flee.


    A lamb that wanted to hide, but it was always found.


    A lamb that wanted to cry, but crying attracted the wolves.


    A lamb that stopped crying.


    A lamb that stopped running.


    A lamb that stopped fearing.


    A lamb that ceased to be a lamb.


    When the wolf entered the pen, the flock ran. But he remained.


    When the fangs sank into his flesh, he did not scream.


    When the blood painted the ground, he smiled.


    Because there were no more lambs left.


    Only the wolf.


    ¡ª"And in a mirror I saw¡­"¡ª I murmured, unable to shake off the face I had seen.


    But it was not my reflection. Or perhaps it was.


    My room fractured, crumbling into something vaster, crueler. It was not just walls that surrounded me. They were trenches blackened by gunpowder / the sunken mattress of my bed.


    Metallic corridors with alarms flashing like eyes in the dark / the dim glow of the lamp.


    Ransacked rooms where I took everything I could without looking back / the cluttered desk, where things rested that I did not remember placing there.


    I blinked.


    The floor creaked like snow stained with blood on the mountain / the old wood beneath my feet.


    The reflection of a broken helmet flickered on the dark screen of my computer / the shadow of my own face watching me.


    I knew I wouldn¡¯t have enough bullets.


    I knew it then.


    I know it now.


    The box where I kept my revolver was there. / Had it always been there?


    Why did I hide it? / Why hadn¡¯t I used it before?


    My clumsy fingers struggled with the lock, the urgency growing in my chest / in my memories / in my bones.


    It was still there.


    The Wolf.


    Waiting.


    A shadow in the doorway.


    I didn¡¯t have time to pull out the revolver.


    But the knife would do.


    ¡ª"Come here, Wolf. You won¡¯t catch me on my knees."¡ª


    From the doorway, she looked at me.


    From above.


    Authoritative / concerned.


    Confident / expectant.


    Predatory, licking her teeth / with a tight grimace.


    She took a step forward.


    I did too.


    I will not back down before the Wolf / Death.


    My heart racing.


    Sweat soaking my body.


    My vision failing.


    Everything distorted.


    It was now or never.


    Attack.


    Simple. Direct. Desperate.


    In one stroke, I cut down the evil / I slipped and lost my knife.


    The shadow did not fall.


    Another shadow emerged from where I had cut.


    Shadows within shadows.


    Swallowing me whole.


    An angry face / a frightened face.


    A voice.


    ¡ªRest, little lamb / Rest, little lamb¡­¡ª


    No matter how much I tried to resist, the darkness finally swallowed me.


    I turned my head to the side.


    In the mirror, I saw¡­


    "¡ªHow does it feel to see me here¡ª"


    I smiled.


    ¡­


    ¡ªHey, Kailen, wake up.


    Shit.


    Everything¡¯s spinning.


    Why the fuck is everything spinning so much?This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    Goddamn it, stop moving the floor.


    ¡ªKai, are you okay? Do you feel any better?


    Fog. Or no¡­ It¡¯s not fog.


    Everything¡¯s blurry.


    Shit, it¡¯s these damn eyes.


    Let me focus.


    ¡ªKai, if you don¡¯t respond, I¡¯m going to have to inject you with another dose.


    I¡¯m trying to open my mouth, damn it.


    What was the command for that?


    Why can¡¯t I open my mouth?


    Oh, fuck! I forgot how to breathe! Help!


    ¡ªAlright, here goes the injection. If this doesn¡¯t fix it, we¡¯ll have to take you to a medical center.


    Oh¡­ Oh, this feels good.


    What is this?


    Ah, right¡­ That¡¯s air entering my lungs.


    Damn, breathing feels amazing.


    ¡ªErkjstoy¡­ b-b-better¡­


    ¡ªOh, you can finally talk. Easy now, take it slow.


    ¡ªQwuen¡­ ronde tuoy¡­ (Who¡­ where am I?)


    ¡ªYou¡¯re in your room. You have heavy metal poisoning. One of the bullets you took must have dissolved inside your body. We need to get you to chelation. This is just a temporary fix.


    ¡ªI¡¯m¡­ brien¡­ just can¡¯t see.


    ¡ªThe vision loss is temporary. However, the neurological effects could be permanent if we don¡¯t get you to chelation soon.


    ¡ªBrien¡­ brien¡­ brien, shit! Bi-en, brien.


    Fuck.


    I can¡¯t coordinate my speech.


    But at least my head feels a little less light.


    I guess that¡¯s something.


    ¡ªEasy, Kai. The injection is still taking effect. You¡¯ll feel a little better, but it¡¯s temporary. We have to take you in. Do you know a place? It¡¯ll be relatively expensive, and I don¡¯t have Obis¡­ Maybe your family¡­


    ¡ªNur¡­ femili.


    ¡ªDon¡¯t be stubborn, kid. You could die from this.


    ¡ªNur¡­ family.


    As best as I could, I started patting around.


    Among the blurry spots, I thought I saw my processor on the shelf.


    I pointed at it.


    ¡ªChitosane.


    ¡ªWhat do you mean?


    ¡ªCall¡­ Chitse¡­ Chiso¡­ Ah¡­ mejda¡­ Chituosaneeeee.


    ¡ªI understand, I understand. Stay calm, my child. I¡¯ll call your contact and see why you need them.


    Whoever that shadow was, they grabbed my processor and searched through the saved contacts.


    I heard the sounds of selection and, shortly after, footsteps moving toward the door.


    ¡ªWhere did you get this number? ¡ªI recognized the old man¡¯s voice.


    ¡ªI¡¯m calling on behalf of Kailen. He¡¯s suffering from heavy metal poisoning, has multiple untreated wounds, and one of the bullets must still be inside.


    ¡ªOh, I see. Where is the boy?


    ¡ªAt his apartment, in Chloe¡¯s block.


    ¡ªI know the place. We¡¯ll be there soon.


    ¡ªWhat will you do with him?


    ¡ªIf you don¡¯t mind me asking, miss¡­ who are you to him?


    ¡ªI am his protector.


    ¡ªI see, understood. The boy recently completed a major mission for me. His payment is still pending¡ªhe¡¯s due nearly a million Obis¡­ though there will be some deductions, of course.


    ¡ªThat amount will be enough. I¡¯ll need part of the payment to take him to a clinic in Nest.


    ¡ªWith all due respect, miss, are you sure? That could be very expensive. I know a specialist who could¡­


    ¡ªI won¡¯t gamble with my boy¡¯s life, sir. I¡¯ll take him to a trusted clinic. With the money he has, it¡¯s more than enough to guarantee his full recovery and well-being.


    The voices started to fade, as if they were behind thick walls, growing more and more distant.


    Damn it¡­


    I was supposed to be feeling better¡­


    ¡ªH¡­ el¡­ p¡­


    The cold was coming for me.


    The void was coming for me.


    But the wolf¡­ wasn¡¯t.


    This time, the wolf wasn¡¯t there.


    I¡¯m in a strange place.


    It''s cold here.


    Occasionally, someone touches me. Their hands are cold¡­ hands?


    I hear noises.


    Cold. Colder. But a different kind of cold. Metallic? No¡­ it''s more intense. Ice.


    Too cold.


    "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, motherfucker!"


    Someone stabbed me.


    A knife? A scalpel, maybe?


    Did someone find me and decide to finish me off?


    Another strike. Precise. Very close to the first one.


    It cuts a U¡­ are they opening me up?


    A liquid rushes in. Cold. Violent.


    My consciousness dissolves.


    <hr>


    When I open my eyes, I find myself in a strange place.


    Bright lights shine directly into my face, blinding me.


    I try to lift a hand to cover my eyes, but I can¡¯t move it.


    My hands?


    I turn my head and see my wrists strapped to a stretcher.


    ¡ªWhat the fuck is going on?


    I struggle against the straps, but I have no strength. I feel so damn weak.


    ¡ªMr. Kailen, you¡¯re finally awake. Please, remain calm. I must inform the doctor.


    I try to fight against the restraints once more, but it¡¯s useless. I also realize my feet are tied down.


    ¡ªEasy, my child. You¡¯re safe.


    Who?


    Where?


    The damn light won¡¯t let me see their face.


    But then they step forward and move the light away from my face.


    It takes me a few seconds to regain my vision, but I finally recognize them.


    ¡ªMaster.


    ¡ªAre you alright, Kailen?


    ¡ªMy side hurts¡­ and my back. And I feel a bit weak. But I¡¯m fine.


    ¡ªAre you sure? The doctor said chelation would make it feel like your blood was boiling. They used an emergency treatment to prevent any long-term damage.


    ¡ªI¡¯m fine. This hospital belongs to my¡­


    ¡ªRelax, child. It¡¯s not your family¡¯s.


    Her tone is firm but reassuring.


    ¡ªI called your contact¡¯s number, and they told me you had a lot of money. I requested part of your payment to bring you to a clinic in Nest. Is that alright? The bill will be expensive.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s fine, as long as I don¡¯t owe anything to those hyenas.


    I lie back down.


    ¡ªYour contact, Mr. Chitose, said you completed a big job for him. Can you tell me what it was about?


    She adjusts herself, resting her elbows on the bed, her chin resting on her hands.


    ¡ªIt was a mission for the Von Feuron. One of their own was kidnapped, and they sent a neutral team to rescue her. Chitose hired me to lead the expedition.


    ¡ªWell, well. From soldier to corporal, and now lieutenant. You¡¯re climbing the ranks fast.


    ¡ªI wish they had promoted me to lieutenant in the army. I would¡¯ve made far fewer mistakes in the mission.


    ¡ªThere¡¯s no way around it. We all make mistakes, especially on our first missions. What matters is learning from them.


    She pauses before switching topics.


    ¡ªTell me, what¡¯s this super-secret reward your contact mentioned? He asked me to give the doctor certain medical details to prepare you.


    ¡ªI sold Eckhart key information for the next challenge between the great families. In exchange, he promised me a state-of-the-art military-grade genetic enhancement.


    I hesitate for a moment.


    ¡ªAlthough¡­ I¡¯m not sure if I should take it. I don¡¯t have anyone to guarantee they won¡¯t screw me over.


    ¡ªNah, don¡¯t hesitate for a second. I¡¯ve got your back. I still have some contacts in government circles. And if they made you sign a rights transfer contract, I can make sure the procedure is done properly.


    ¡ªOh, yeah. I have the contract. Chitose helped me with it. Since I didn¡¯t know how the process worked, the old man recommended asking the old fox for it.


    ¡ªPerfect, my child. Looks like you¡¯ll finally get one of those badass enhancements you used to rave about in the army.¡ª She chuckles slightly. ¡ªI remember hearing you go on and on about how you¡¯d get state-of-the-art upgrades, way superior to everyone else¡¯s.


    ¡ªOh, come on, no need to bring up those embarrassing moments.


    "I¡¯ll have the best gear money can fucking buy: advanced blood irrigation systems, subcutaneous armor, retractable blades."


    She starts mimicking my voice and mannerisms from back then.


    ¡ªOh, come on, I didn¡¯t sound that stupid.


    I try to move my hands to stop her from making those gestures, but I¡¯m still tied to the bed and end up struggling against the straps in vain.


    ¡ªHold on a bit, my child. Let me ask the doctor if we can loosen these already.


    As soon as I see her step out of the room, I finally manage to squirm in place.


    Goddamn it, it hurt.


    It wasn¡¯t just that my fucking blood felt like it was boiling. There was a stabbing pain in several organs, coming and going in cycles. The worst was in my lungs. It felt like they were being pricked with needles, making it harder and harder to breathe and hold in air.


    And to top it off, the damn itching was killing me. I couldn¡¯t move my hands to scratch myself.


    For better or worse, my mentor didn¡¯t take long to return, accompanied by someone who seemed to be the doctor.


    ¡ªYoung mercenary, my name is Iluan. Could you tell me your name?


    As soon as he entered, he pointed a flashlight directly into my eyes.


    ¡ªWhat the hell is this?


    I tried to turn my head away, but he held it firmly. Or maybe I just didn¡¯t have the strength to resist.


    ¡ªDon¡¯t be rough on your body, young man. I need you to answer my questions.


    ¡ªMy name is Kailen.


    ¡ªYour full name, kid.


    ¡ªKailen Neuvak.


    ¡ªAnd your middle name? Your mother¡¯s name?


    The doctor cast an inquisitive glance at my mentor.


    ¡ªHe might have a concussion and not understand instructions.


    ¡ªNot at all, old man. I was never given a middle name. And my family got rid of my mother. They would¡¯ve never given me her name¡ªit would¡¯ve been a disgrace to them.


    ¡ªAh, I see. Yes, that makes sense. Sorry for prying, but it was necessary.


    He jotted something down on his tablet before continuing.


    ¡ªNow, move your fingers one by one, starting with the pinky.


    I followed his instructions. Interestingly, some fingers were harder to move than others.


    ¡ªNext, your lungs. The young lady here told me you were having trouble breathing.


    I looked at her, questioning her with my eyes, but she just shot me a "I already knew" smile.


    No point in pretending.


    ¡ªI feel a sharp pain, like air is escaping whenever I breathe.


    ¡ªAlright, I see. This could complicate things a bit. We¡¯ll need to stabilize you.


    The old man stepped back and started discussing something with my mentor in a hushed voice, clearly making sure I couldn¡¯t hear.


    They went on like that for nearly ten whole minutes.


    At some point, the conversation seemed to grow heated. But in the end, the doctor gave in and returned to me.


    ¡ªAlright, kid. Since your guardian refuses to be reasonable, I have no choice but to explain the procedures to you directly¡­


    ¡ªThat won¡¯t be necessary. Whatever she agreed to, just do it.


    ¡ªKid, it¡¯ll only take a few minutes to hear me out. After that, you can make your decision.


    ¡ªDoc, just do as she arranged.


    ¡ªAre you sure?


    ¡ªYes.


    The doctor sighed, resigned.


    ¡ªAlright, kid. This is the document with the procedure details. You need to sign it with your biometric fingerprint. That camera is recording your consent, and for the record, you need to mention who that person is and declare that you¡¯re giving them full power to decide for you while you¡¯re unconscious.


    I took a deep breath.


    It hurt.


    I looked her in the eyes and paused for a moment. She smiled at me and gave a slight nod.


    I turned my gaze to the camera and replied:


    ¡ªMy name is Kailen Neuvak. The woman present in the room is Ela Vasilya, and she will act as my guardian. I give her full power to make decisions on my behalf while I¡¯m unconscious.


    I then placed my hand on the document. The scanner read my data and soon emitted a green light.


    The doctor didn¡¯t seem satisfied, but his opinion wasn¡¯t my concern.


    ¡ªAlright, kid. You¡¯ll be put to sleep. Hopefully, you¡¯ll wake up in three weeks. Otherwise, your image will remain in my mind for the rest of my life¡­ I must be crazy to agree to this.


    He sighed, shook his head, and walked out.


    Soon after, a nurse entered and injected me with something.


    I said goodbye to my mentor with my eyes as sleep overtook me.


    Everything around me blurred.


    But one thought never left my mind.


    "I am the Wolf."

 Chapter 11: Family

    ¡ªMr. Kailen?


    ¡ªMr. Kailen, can you hear me? Please, give us a sign.


    A sign?


    Oh.


    I took a breath.


    My heart started beating again.


    ¡ªHe''s breathing! He¡¯s breathing! We got him back! It was a total success¡ªI can¡¯t believe it!


    What are they talking about¡­? Oh, shit, everything hurts again. Why does it feel like I¡¯ve been everyone¡¯s punching bag lately?


    Slowly, I opened my eyes. At first, my vision was blurry, but it quickly adjusted¡­ and not just that.


    There was a flood of information.


    Too much information.


    Why the hell could I see the temperature and wind direction?


    These eyes¡­ this vision¡­


    What the fuck?! Why can I zoom in?!


    It took me a while to stop my eyes from constantly shifting focus.


    ¡ªMr. Kailen, are you alright? I¡¯m your attending physician. I need to run some tests to make sure there are no complications from the procedure.


    ¡ªWhat the hell happened to me? What is this?! ¡ªI asked, pointing at my eyes.


    ¡ªAh, my bad, my boy. I found an amazing opportunity and took it.


    ¡ªMaster¡­?


    She felt my questioning gaze and continued.


    ¡ªYou see, our dear doctor here made a few¡­ let¡¯s call them ¡®ethical missteps.¡¯ I promised to overlook them¡­ if he installed a pair of top-tier bionic eyes for you.


    ¡ªAnd where the hell did you get such high-end upgrades? No way the doc just had them lying around.


    ¡ªThey may or may not have been mine at some point.


    I looked her in the eyes. I tried to force a smile, but I couldn¡¯t. Ela had done so much for me, and I had nothing to offer in return.


    ¡ªThank you.


    ¡ªAh, don¡¯t mention it.


    ¡ªAlright then, is someone gonna tell me what the hell happened, what day it is, and why I¡¯m so goddamn hungry?


    ¡ªAh, my apologies, Mr. Kailen. As Miss Ela mentioned¡ª ahem¡ªthere was a slight adjustment to your treatment plan, but everything mostly followed what was outlined in your contract. We just added a small surgical procedure to install a NeuroX plate, along with your new next-gen TrueVision augmented optics.


    I turned to my master.


    ¡ªCongratulations, kid. You¡¯ve got your genetic enhancement and a fresh set of implants. As for the plate, don¡¯t worry¡ªit¡¯s a relatively simple procedure. You can have it removed or upgraded once you find better systems down the line. Though, to be honest, I would¡¯ve preferred not to install it, but it was necessary to keep your brain from overloading with your new eyes.


    ¡ªAnd how do I use it?


    ¡ªIt has several modes, but you¡¯ll figure that out soon enough. For now, just focus on resting.


    ¡ªBefore we discharge you, Mr. Kailen, your insurance still covers two additional weeks. We¡¯d like to keep you under observation in a controlled environment to make sure there are no latent issues.


    ¡ªI don¡¯t have time to waste, Doc. If I can walk, I¡¯d rather leave now.


    The doctor looked at my master for support¡­ and unfortunately, he found it.


    ¡ªKid, let your body rest. Stay at least a day. There¡¯ll be plenty of time later to run around collecting new, shinier implants.


    I sighed.


    ¡ªFine, Doc, do your thing.


    ¡ªGood. First, I¡¯d like to see how your brain reacts to the changes. We¡¯ll do an MRI scan. Do you play any instruments, Mr. Kailen?


    ¡ªNot particularly well. But during my time in the military, I picked up some guitar.


    ¡ªPerfect. You don¡¯t need to be a virtuoso. More than anything, I just want to observe some brain functions in action. You¡¯ll have to play and sing something for us. Think you can do that?


    ¡ªIs that really necessary? It¡¯s not like I have a great singing voice.


    Ela burst out laughing.


    ¡ªHahaha! Kid, you sound like a strangled cat. Your songs were better at scaring off monsters than a .122 artillery barrage.


    ¡ªWell, thanks for the vote of confidence. ¡ªI rolled my eyes.


    ¡ªOh, come on, kid, just do it. If you survive this, we can say your implants work even under extreme conditions.


    The doctor smirked slightly, amused by our exchange. Then, with a nod to the nurse, he signaled for a guitar.


    ¡ªWe¡¯ll monitor you while you play. Just go with the flow, Kailen.


    A few minutes later, a nurse entered with a slim-bodied guitar¡ªprobably a hospital model, designed more for therapy than actual sound quality. I placed it on my lap, feeling the cold metal strings under my fingers, and took a deep breath.


    I had no idea what to play.


    My mind searched through blurry memories until a buried melody surfaced. Something we used to hum on cold nights, when death loomed close and our hearts needed a comforting lie.


    The first chords echoed through the room, off-key at first, until my hand found the rhythm. My voice, rough from dryness, barely came out as a whisper:


    "Through fire and storm, we march alone..."


    I felt the melody awaken something deep in my chest. The lyrics came on their own, as if they were etched into my bones.


    "Blades drawn, shadows deep, no home to call our own..."


    Ela crossed her arms and shifted her weight to one leg, watching me with a half-smile.


    ¡ªWell, kid, looks like those implants gave you a bit of harmony after all.


    ¡ªDon¡¯t get your hopes up. It¡¯s just muscle memory.


    ¡ªMuscle memory or not, the scan is picking up some interesting data. ¡ªThe doctor was studying the monitors closely¡ª. Looks like your brain is processing information more efficiently. There¡¯s unusual activation in both the auditory and motor cortex... I¡¯d say your implants didn¡¯t just enhance your vision, but also some cognitive reflexes.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡ªTranslation into human terms, Doc.


    Ela cut in before the doctor could answer.


    ¡ªIt means you can now fine-tune your dying-cat screech a little better.


    I scoffed and played the final chords of the song before setting the guitar aside.


    ¡ªAre we done here?


    ¡ªNot yet. I¡¯d like to check your reflexes and peripheral vision before moving on to the rest of the examination.


    ¡ªWhat exactly are you hoping to find, Doc?


    ¡ªHonestly? Nothing. ¡ªHe shrugged¡ª. Your genetic enhancement should make you extremely resilient. Over time, your body will start healing itself. Even if the regeneration factor isn¡¯t obvious at first, within weeks or months, you could recover from almost any damage. Even organs, as long as you have access to the right infrastructure, like this hospital.


    My master let out an impressed whistle.


    ¡ªNot bad, kid. That Eckart guy really paid well for your services.


    ¡ªWhen you want the best, you go to the best. ¡ªI winked at her.


    ¡ªSure, Kailen, hero of all messengers.


    ¡ªI have a reinforced skeleton. Of course, they¡¯d pick me to deliver messages. I¡¯m basically indestructible.


    ¡ªOr we could just say you¡¯re good at running.


    Ela kept teasing me while the Doc and his team ran tests on my peripheral vision, reflexes, light sensitivity, and a dozen other parameters related to my new optical implants and cognitive enhancements.


    Almost an entire afternoon later, they finally let me rest.


    ¡ªWe¡¯d like to continue tomorrow with the examination of¡­ ¡ªThe doctor¡¯s voice cut off abruptly¡ª. Hey, what do you think you¡¯re doing? This area is off-limits to visitors.


    A group of men walked in without asking for permission. Their stance, their posture¡ªeverything about them screamed "soldiers." The Doc stepped in their way, though it was more a matter of dignity than an actual attempt to stop them. I had to respect the guy for even trying.


    The moment six of them spread out inside the room, all doubt vanished.


    ¡ªViktor. You miserable rat, why do you keep cursing me with your presence?


    ¡ªShut the fuck up, you son of a bitch. I¡¯m here to give you your new¡­


    ¡ªI don¡¯t give a shit about what you have to say. You can leave now, rat.


    ¡ªYou motherfu¡ª You think you can just¡­?


    A familiar metallic weight settled in my hand.


    ¡ªAh. ¡ªI calmly raised my hand, cutting him off¡ª. Goodbye.


    Viktor, pissed off at being ignored, threw one of his usual tantrums. He stormed toward me and grabbed my neck, forcing me to face him.


    ¡ªYou son of a bitch, you think you can ignore me? You think you can¡ª?


    I pressed the barrel of my revolver against the roof of his mouth.


    ¡ªYeah. I do.


    Ah, what a beautiful sight.


    The scene was perfect: me, still in bed; my master at my side; the Doc frozen in place; six of House Neuvak¡¯s goons tense as hell; and Viktor with a loaded gun in his mouth.


    ¡ªYeah, I really do. ¡ªI grinned¡ª. Why don¡¯t you ask your little soldiers if they think I can?


    Viktor tried to back away, but he froze the moment I flicked the safety off.


    Click.


    ¡ªDon¡¯t make any sudden moves, little Viktor. I might get scared¡­ and press something I really shouldn¡¯t.


    Sweat beaded on his forehead. His frantic eyes darted around, searching for help from his men, but none of them moved an inch. They understood perfectly well¡ªthis wasn¡¯t their fight anymore.


    In a second, his flushed face turned ghostly pale.


    My master, looking almost bored, finally broke the silence.


    ¡ªKid, you can¡¯t shoot him here. Do you have any idea how much paperwork we¡¯d have to deal with?


    I rolled my eyes.


    ¡ªIt¡¯d just give him a bigger headache than he deserves.


    ¡ªAnd a brand-new decoration for the wall.


    Viktor growled, trying to pull himself together, though the tension in his jaw told a different story.


    ¡ªYou¡­ son of a¡­


    I pressed the revolver a little harder against his mouth.


    ¡ªShhh. Don¡¯t say anything you might regret.


    A thick silence settled over the room.


    Finally, I let out a chuckle and withdrew the gun with a casual flick of my wrist.


    ¡ªRelax, Viktor. I don¡¯t feel like staining the sheets with your brains. Laundry fees just aren¡¯t worth it.


    The bastard immediately stepped back, spitting on the floor and wiping his mouth with his sleeve.


    ¡ªYou¡¯re dead, Kailen.


    ¡ªYou¡¯re right. The real question is¡­ will you be the one to pull the trigger?


    ¡ªI swear I¡¯ll kill you, rat. One day, I¡¯ll kill you and everyone you¡­


    ¡ªYeah, yeah, you¡¯re a real badass, blah, blah, blah. You¡¯ll kill my dog, my cat, and my pet chameleon, blah, blah, blah. Spare me the speech and get lost.


    Viktor turned red again. Damn, kid, learn to control your emotions. You can¡¯t be swinging between shades of rage this fast.


    ¡ªYou still have to listen to me. The family wants you to¡ª


    ¡ªAnd I¡¯m telling you I don¡¯t give a shit. You and your family can go take a long walk off a short pier.


    Viktor seemed unusually hesitant. That¡¯s when it hit me¡ªsomething was keeping him here.


    ¡ªAn interesting suggestion, young man. Though I¡¯m far too old to wear out my feet in such a manner.


    And that was the reason he hadn¡¯t left.


    ¡ªGrandfather? What are you doing here? I told you I¡¯d handle it!


    Slap.


    ¡ªYou don¡¯t tell me what to do, boy. Besides, if I recall correctly, I gave you a mission¡­ and you failed spectacularly.


    Oh, shit.


    ¡ªWhat do you want?


    ¡ªStraight to the point. Hmm, better. Seems the army did you some good. ¡ªMy grandfather glanced at my master, who was still lounging by my bedside, completely at ease, then turned back to me¡ª. You¡¯re going to help your cousin Viktor win the competition between the families.


    ¡ªAre you high, old man? You really think I¡¯d help that scumbag win?


    ¡ªI don¡¯t think you will. I know you will.


    ¡ªAnd what makes you so damn sure?


    ¡ªBecause I can pay your price, mercenary.


    ¡ªYou¡¯ve got nothing I want.


    ¡ªName your price.


    ¡ªThat wasn¡¯t an offer. It was a statement.


    He laughed.


    ¡ªOh, I don¡¯t believe that for a second. For starters, I can give you information¡­ about your friend¡¯s son.


    For the first time, I felt my master tense up. At first, I sensed a killing intent so sharp it made my hair stand on end, but under the old man¡¯s unyielding gaze, it soon shifted into something else¡­ something like¡ªwhat, longing?


    I couldn¡¯t help but meet her eyes.


    ¡ªDo you have any news?


    She shook her head.


    ¡ªYou need this.


    She hesitated. I think she was about to nod at first but froze midway and shook her head instead.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s fine.


    I placed my hand over hers. She responded by covering mine with her other hand.


    ¡ªYou don¡¯t have to do this. He¡¯ll make you pay a terrible price.


    ¡ªDon¡¯t worry. It¡¯ll be worth it.


    It still blows my mind that I never knew she had a kid. Then again, I didn¡¯t know shit about her personal life¡ªother than the fact that, at some point, she worked a high-level government job.


    She gripped my hands tightly, locking me in place with a fierce gaze. I couldn¡¯t tell if she was trying to intimidate me or talk me out of it, but there was no way in hell I was backing down. After everything she¡¯d done for me, this was the least I owed her. If she was looking for her kid and didn¡¯t have any leads, this was a damn good place to start.


    When she realized I wasn¡¯t budging, she stood up, leaned down to press a soft kiss to my forehead, and walked out of the room.


    ¡ªAlright, old man. Let¡¯s talk business.


    ¡ªNot a chance.


    ¡ªWhat the fuck is your problem? You were the one who¡ª


    ¡ªI don¡¯t need to negotiate. My job here is done. My butler will handle the details. Don¡¯t waste my time, boy.


    And just like that, he was gone.


    A butler stepped forward, and a chill ran down my spine. When the hell did this bastard even enter the room? I swear I never saw him.


    ¡ªWhat are your terms, Mr. Kailen? ¡ªhe said while pulling out a small notebook to jot things down.


    ¡ªIf you want to win, we¡¯ll need a location where we can extract a major haul.


    ¡ªYou needn¡¯t worry about that. Your grandfather has already acquired the necessary information. It will be delivered to you at a later date¡­ in a more discreet setting.


    ¡ªGood. Next, the team. The bulk of the crew has to be non-family personnel, right?


    The butler gave a small nod.


    ¡ªIn that case, I¡¯ll assemble a professional team I can actually work with. As long as I¡¯m the one leading them, that fits within the competition¡¯s guidelines, doesn¡¯t it?


    One of his eyebrows twitched upward.


    ¡ªYou¡¯re better informed than you let on, Mr. Kailen.


    ¡ªThe old man will cover the cost of the team I put together.


    ¡ªOf course. Though I must warn you, an auditing team will be assigned to ensure your "chosen personnel" don¡¯t inflate their fees.


    That weird emphasis on your chosen personnel¡ªyeah, he was definitely including me in that.


    ¡ªJust pay the damn wages properly. ¡ªI was already half-pissed.


    ¡ªSpeaking of which, how much will Mr. Kailen charge?


    I took a moment to think about the price¡­ How much should I charge? What number aligned with my goals?


    The answer became clear soon enough.


    ¡ªOne.


    ¡ªOne million?


    ¡ªOne Obi.


    ¡ªPer day? Per hour¡­ maybe per second?


    ¡ªNo. Just one Obi.


    I don¡¯t want or need a single fucking thing from your family. And it looked like the message landed, because the butler¡¯s face twisted like he¡¯d just swallowed shit.


    ¡ªI understand.


    ¡ªIn the next few days, I¡¯ll start putting together a team. Once I have them, I¡¯ll send them your way so they can arrange whatever supplies they need. I¡¯ll need a number where they can reach you.


    ¡ªI would prefer to deal directly with Mr. Kailen.


    ¡ªAnd I would prefer if you miserable fucks stopped bothering me. But you don¡¯t always get what you want in life.


    ¡ªI understand.


    I stood up to start getting ready to leave. That was the cue for the nurses to come back in and assist me¡ªand for the unwelcome guests to finally clear out. Before they left, though, I added:


    ¡ªDon¡¯t forget to send the information to my master. It should be delivered in full and immediately.


    ¡­


    ¡ªDo you really think you can boss around the Neuvak family, you little shit?


    Viktor tried to get in my face again.


    However, the butler stopped him with a firm slap to the chest that knocked the air out of him. If he hadn¡¯t grabbed onto him right after, he probably would¡¯ve sent him flying.


    ¡ªI understand, Mr. Kailen.


    With that, one of the soldiers scooped up an unconscious Viktor, threw him over his shoulder, and walked out.


    "I don¡¯t have a single fucking second to waste."

 Chapter 12: Assembling the Crew

    ¡ªAlright, Mr. Kailen, all the paperwork is ready. Please sign here, acknowledging that you understand the risks of an early discharge. And allow me to try to dissuade you one last time.


    ¡ªI¡¯ll be fine, Doc. You saw what happened¡ªI need to get to work.


    ¡ªI understand, your complicated personal situation demands it. If you ever experience medical issues related to the procedures you underwent, please don¡¯t hesitate to seek care here. Or, if you choose another facility, you can request your technomedical records at any time.


    ¡ªNo issues releasing those papers? I thought that kind of stuff was confidential.


    ¡ªWell, I also expect a little common decency from you not to spread them around¡­


    ¡ªOf course, man, that¡¯s the least I can do.


    We shared a brief chuckle, and I finally gathered all my belongings. I was wearing a fitted shirt with a lightweight jacket, both a dark navy¡ªalmost black. My pants were black, snug but flexible, ensuring mobility without getting in the way. My boots, brown with thin soles, were worn just enough not to make noise when I walked. My revolver rested on my right hip, snug in its usual holster.


    A nurse came out to see me off, holding a keychain.


    ¡ªHere are the keys to your motorcycle, Mr. Kailen. Your companion left them here when you arrived. Your vehicle is in the back parking lot. Insert this disposable card into the machine, and it¡¯ll let you out with no extra fees. Have a nice day.


    ¡ªGoodbye, and thanks for everything.


    I walked toward my bike, already planning my next moves. I needed to put together a solid team. Because of the competition¡¯s rules, no troops obtained through patriarchal intervention were allowed. In other words, no one affiliated with the Neuvak family could participate¡ªwhich worked just fine for me. Any of them would put the old man¡¯s orders above mine. Now, I had the chance to pick my own crew, and with any luck, secure at least a little loyalty. But that was something we¡¯d only find out when the time came.


    I checked the time on a holographic board across the street. It was already getting late. Kan should be at his mother¡¯s place. I decided to pay him a visit. Recruiting Kan was a priority. Out of everyone I knew, I trusted him the most not to stab me in the back at a critical moment.


    I fired up the bike, revved the engine, and sped off toward that bastard Kan¡¯s place.


    <hr>


    Kan lived in one of the massive housing blocks near Nest. Technically, it was still part of the Lower City, but the difference from the deeper districts was barely noticeable. Everything here still reeked of the same shit¡ªcrumbling concrete, ventilation systems on their last legs, and that constant feeling that at any moment, something¡ªor someone¡ªwas bound to fail.


    I stepped into the elevator, hit the button for the 13th floor, and let the doors slide shut.


    Unfortunately for me, someone else got in on the second floor.


    A¡­ woman?


    She wore gray pants with military patterns, black boots, a green tank top, and had a metal bat slung over her shoulder. Her hair was short, and her face was unreadable. But what caught my attention the most was her build. She was fucking jacked¡ªenough to make me hesitate for a second on whether she was actually a woman.


    That wasn¡¯t even the strangest part. She only had one breast.


    Instinct kicked in, and I looked away before she caught me scanning her. I wasn¡¯t sure which was more dangerous¡ªher presence or the heavy silence that settled inside the elevator.


    Then she hit me with a short, dry:


    ¡ªHey.


    And proceeded to press multiple buttons on the panel.


    As the elevator started moving up, she turned to me when I didn¡¯t answer, scanning me from head to toe.


    ¡ªWhat? You think you¡¯re too good for me?


    ¡ªIf that¡¯s what you think¡­


    ¡ªLittle shit, I¡¯ve had drinks more bitter than you.


    ¡ªNah ¡ªI replied, shaking my head¡ª. You¡¯ve never tasted anything like me.


    ¡ªHa, I¡¯d like to see that.


    She licked her lips just as the elevator stopped on the fourth floor.


    Without a word, she stepped out and, without warning, swung her bat straight into the legs of some guy standing nearby. Poor bastard nearly spun in the air before hitting the ground like a sack of bricks.


    He had no time to react. The moment he landed, she slammed two more punches into his gut before spitting in his face.


    ¡ªNever forget to pay and tip after touching the girls.


    Just like that, she got back into the elevator as if nothing had happened.


    She had pressed floors 4, 6, 7, 9, and 10 earlier. If this was a routine, the night was shaping up to be interesting.


    When the elevator stopped at the next floor, I considered stepping out and taking another one. But as soon as the doors opened, a group of people about to get in saw her¡­ and in unanimous agreement, decided to stay the hell out of it. If my choices were waiting with that whole crowd for another elevator or staying put, the decision was easy.


    ¡ªDidn¡¯t collect the debt? ¡ªI asked.


    She looked at me like she hadn¡¯t expected me to speak.


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


    ¡ªNo need. That bastard will settle it on his own. If not¡­ ¡ªShe gripped the bat with both hands.


    ¡ªUnusual way to do business.


    ¡ªHey, at least it pays the rent. What about you? What brings you here?


    ¡ªNone of your business.


    She took a step closer and pointed the bat at me.


    ¡ªIf you bring trouble to the business, then it is my fucking business.


    I chuckled.


    ¡ªIf someone sent me after you or your girls, you¡¯d have much bigger problems.


    ¡ªYou think you¡¯re some big shot, mercenary? I¡¯ve killed bastards bigger than you.


    ¡ªI don¡¯t doubt you¡¯ve taken down plenty of drunk idiots. But I¡¯m not like the fools you¡¯re used to beating up.


    She gave me another look, this time lingering for a few seconds on the revolver barely peeking out from under my jacket.


    ¡ªI think I could take that ¡ªshe said with a smirk.


    ¡ªIf you really believe that, you¡¯re welcome to try ¡ªI replied, smirking back as I placed a hand on the gun¡¯s grip.


    She held my gaze, the challenge clear in her eyes. Seemed like she was pissed that I wasn¡¯t intimidated.


    Just when it looked like she was about to take a swing at me, the elevator stopped.


    She stepped out without a word, and just as I expected, another poor bastard got his ass kicked without warning.


    Before getting back in, she glanced at me.


    ¡ªMaybe another day.


    ¡ªMaybe ¡ªI replied.


    The rest of the ride was more of the same until she finally got off on her last floor.


    ¡ªName¡¯s Natalia. If I ever catch you messing with my girls, don¡¯t doubt for a second that I¡¯ll beat the shit out of you.


    ¡ªOf course. Goodbye, sweetheart, it was a pleasure.


    ¡ªWait, what¡¯s your¡­?¡ª The elevator doors shut before she could finish.


    Natalia, huh. Charming. A bit aggressive, but she didn¡¯t seem like a bad person. She could¡¯ve easily killed or crippled any of the guys she visited, but she just left them bruised and aching. In my book, that was called compassion.


    When the apartment door opened, a voice caught me off guard.


    ¡ªKailen? That you?


    ¡ªKan, you bastard.


    We greeted each other with a solid mid-air handshake, followed by a chest bump that neither of us held back on.


    ¡ªHey, lil¡¯ bro, what brings you here? Got a target in this sector?


    ¡ªYeah, you ¡ªI grinned.


    ¡ªWhat? You took a contract to kill me? At least let me say goodbye to Mom first.


    ¡ªNah, I got a job, but it¡¯s not you. Quite the opposite¡ªI need extra hands.


    ¡ªOh, good. Mom¡¯s just about done with her famous stew. She said she got a pack of Termite, and it¡¯s got up to eight percent real meat.


    ¡ªWhat!? Who¡¯s got a birthday? Or did someone die?


    ¡ªNah, we¡¯re celebrating that I got reinstated.


    ¡ªFor real? No issues?


    ¡ªOh, there were issues. They kept me out till today. I can officially return tomorrow without consequences. Apparently, some higher-up backed me.


    ¡ªCongrats. I¡¯ll come back later then, let you guys have dinner in peace.


    ¡ªNah, what are you talking about? Come eat with us. If there¡¯s food for two, there¡¯s food for three.


    Kan practically dragged me by the shoulder back into his apartment.


    ¡ªMa, look who¡¯s here to visit!


    ¡ªHold on, sweetheart, I¡¯m almost done with the salads!


    A moment later, Kan¡¯s mother came out of the kitchen.


    ¡ªKailen! My dear boy, you¡¯re okay!


    She nearly ran over and planted a big kiss on my cheek, followed by a quick but firm hug. Then she started inspecting me from head to toe.


    ¡ªHa, ha, don¡¯t worry, Mrs. Mitsui, I¡¯m fine. I just got out of the clinic, and they cleared me¡ªsaid I¡¯m in perfect condition.


    ¡ªWhat do you mean you just got out of the clinic?


    ¡ªOh, yeah, about that¡­ I was admitted for a few days. Apparently, I had heavy metal poisoning.


    ¡ªAnd how the hell did you end up with that much metal in your body? ¡ªshe asked, crossing her arms, a deep frown on her face.


    ¡ªI might¡¯ve taken a few bullets that I couldn¡¯t fully remove during our escape.


    She immediately shot Kan a death glare before smacking him over the head with a metal spoon.


    ¡ªSee? Because of you, Kailen almost died, and there you are, doing favors for that little tramp. Maybe you should rethink your priorities?


    ¡ªI know, Ma, stop hitting me! You¡¯re gonna mess up my head. I swear I¡¯ll help lil¡¯ bro however I can from now on.


    ¡ªGood. ¡ªShe nodded a couple of times, as if Kan had just made a solemn vow, then turned to me¡ª. And you, young man? What¡¯s with this ¡°Mrs. Mitsui¡± nonsense? Since when are we so distant?


    ¡ªAh, sorry, Aunt Suka.


    ¡ªMuch better. Come on, sit down, I¡¯m about to serve.


    She served us both a big plate, and on mine, she added an extra portion of meat. Kan pouted, but he didn¡¯t dare complain under the silent threat of another kitchen utensil finding its way to his head.


    ¡ªSo, what do you need help with? ¡ªKan finally asked.


    ¡ªI took a contract from the Neuvak. It¡¯s gonna be dangerous, so I need trained people.


    Kan froze in place. It was so strange that his mother had to step in to remind him of his promise.


    ¡ªYour little brother risked his life to save you. The least you can do is help him with his mission.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to, Ma, but¡­ to get reinstated, I had to sign a strict contract that forbids me from having any contractual ties with any of the Six Great Families.


    Mmm. That was, at the very least, an odd clause.


    ¡ªWhen did you sign that?


    ¡ªThey called me no more than four hours ago. The meeting was pretty short, and everything was settled quickly.


    ¡ªAnd the person who vouched for you¡­ any chance they were connected to the Neuvak?


    ¡ªI think¡­ yeah, that might be the case. I¡¯m not sure.


    I sighed.


    ¡ªI don¡¯t have any doubts. They¡¯re definitely trying to box me in, force me into something they can control.


    I shook my head, mostly to clear the negativity.


    ¡ªLet¡¯s not dwell on it. Tonight, we celebrate that you got back in.


    Both of them smiled and raised their glasses along with mine.


    The conversation was lively. We didn¡¯t let the issue bother us and talked about all sorts of things. It got a little awkward when Kan¡¯s mom offered to introduce me to some girls if I was having trouble with the opposite sex.


    Near the end of dinner, Aunt Suka¡¯s expression turned worried again, and she finally asked:


    ¡ªSo, my boy, what will you do? You said you needed trained people. Are you sure you don¡¯t want Kan¡¯s help?


    ¡ªIt¡¯s not worth the risk. If he even tried to follow me, they¡¯d probably arrest him for conspiring with one of the Great Houses. I¡¯m sure the Neuvak would be willing to go that far and beyond just to trap me. It¡¯s better if he stays out of it. I¡¯ll figure something out.


    ¡ªAnd you, don¡¯t just be useless. Find a way to help him.


    ¡ªMa, I¡¯m thinking¡­ Whoa, don¡¯t hit me! Okay, okay! I¡¯ve got an idea.


    Aunt Suka lowered the utensil.


    ¡ªYou could reach out to Olaf. I¡¯m sure he¡¯d help you if you have the funds. Do you have the funds?


    ¡ªYeah. This mission is crucial for the Neuvak. They¡¯re footing the entire bill¡ªno budget limit.


    ¡ªSeriously?


    ¡ªThey¡¯re desperate to win.


    ¡ªI see¡­ In that case, there might be someone else who could help.


    Kan seemed a bit hesitant about this mysterious person.


    ¡ªhe got something special?


    ¡ªYeah. He was an Enforcer.


    ¡ªWas?


    ¡ªThey pulled a similar move on him a while back¡­ he never recovered.


    ¡ªAn Enforcer soldier would be useful.


    ¡ªHe wasn¡¯t a soldier. He was a captain¡­ and a decorated one at that.


    ¡ªSon, why did you keep this information from your brother? He needs it.


    ¡ªBecause he might be hard to deal with. They say his mind isn¡¯t what it used to be. Cleaning him up from whatever he¡¯s been into could be expensive, and there¡¯s no guarantee he¡¯s still at the level he once was.


    ¡ªHigh-level military training like what they teach in the Enforcers doesn¡¯t just disappear. It stays in the muscle memory, Kan. We saw it when I rescued you¡­ If we really have the money, then what we¡¯re missing is time. The expedition has to leave as soon as possible.


    ¡ªHe shouldn¡¯t live too far from where you are, but that neighborhood¡¯s rough. Full of junkies and lowlifes.


    ¡ªGive me his name and any photo or description you have. I¡¯ll track him down and see what I can do. Hiring him would be good, but I still have Olaf. Hopefully, he can bring in some guys for the mission. I need trained people I can trust.


    ¡ªBah, a thug like him is used to working the Pits. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s got plenty of people with combat experience¡ªjust not the kind you¡¯re used to. Fighting in the Pits is different.


    ¡ªAlright, thanks for everything.


    ¡ªAnytime, kid. Don¡¯t hesitate to come by if you need anything. We owe you big time for bringing this knucklehead back.


    Kan handed me the contact info, and I left without wasting any time.

 Chapter 12: Assembling the Crew pt2

    What lay before me was a cluster of at least twelve buildings, each over thirty stories tall, packed so tightly together they were nearly fused. The rooms were so small it was obvious they were all single-room units. There was no order to anything¡ªcracked streets, potholes everywhere, piles of trash that made it clear people from other areas came here just to dump their garbage. A full-fledged ghetto.


    I walked slowly around the perimeter, scanning each tower. Supposedly, my target was in Tower 6.


    The air was thick, heavy with humidity and a stench that swayed between stale piss, rotting garbage, and the acrid bite of cheap drugs. Every step I took, the ground crunched beneath my boots¡ªnot from gravel or debris, but from years of grime hardened into layers.


    Lights flickered erratically on some of the upper floors, like the buildings themselves were slowly dying, resisting the inevitable darkness that would eventually swallow them whole. From some windows, torn rags that had once been curtains flapped in the wind, long abandoned by their owners. From others, muffled sounds of fights, crying children, or distorted music composed the soundtrack of this place.


    A couple of shadows moved across an elevated walkway between two towers, disappearing behind a rusted door. In a corner, a man crouched over a garbage bag, sifting through it with bare hands, muttering under his breath. Across the street, a group of hollow-eyed teenagers passed around a cigarette of questionable origin. One of them stared at me as I walked by, his face worn down by something far worse than lost youth.


    Tower 6 loomed before me like a monolith of concrete and rust, just as battered and wretched as the rest. The entrance was blocked by a cluster of people who seemed to have no purpose, no direction¡ªjust lingering, waiting for time to pass or for someone to tell them what to do. A woman as thin as a corpse leaned against the wall, her sunken eyes staring blankly, her skin riddled with infected sores. Next to her, a man with a swollen face from fresh beatings smoked something that crackled with each drag.


    I took a deep breath¡ªmore out of habit than necessity. I already knew there was no clean air to be found here.


    I stepped forward.


    Some were bold enough to move in my way, to try and stop me.


    Three shots rang out. Three bodies dropped. No one else felt brave anymore.


    The entrance was a rusted metal frame, its peeling paint flaking away, left wide open like the mouth of a dying animal. The light from outside barely ventured past the threshold, swallowed whole by the thick darkness within.


    The lobby was in ruins. A reception desk, once made of wood but now just a pile of blackened splinters, was shoved up against a wall where a fallen sign could still be faintly read. Next to it, an elevator stood open, revealing only a pitch-black shaft¡ªno cables, no lights, just a void reeking of decay, and no one dared to question why.


    The hallways stretched out like a senseless maze, with no symmetry or structure, covered in water stains and lined with exposed pipes dripping brown liquid into stagnant puddles. The flickering lights buzzed in an erratic rhythm, some replaced with red or green bulbs, giving everything the fever-dream glow of a nightmare.


    The apartment doors were a patchwork of makeshift metal sheets, rusted padlocks, and graffiti. Some were left ajar, revealing even more miserable interiors¡ªbare mattresses on the floor, soot-streaked walls, bodies huddled around makeshift braziers. Others were sealed with wooden planks and chains, covered in filthy handprints and messages scrawled in cheap paint: ¡°Do not touch.¡± ¡°Nothing here.¡± ¡°Come back when you¡¯re dead.¡±


    The sounds within the tower were an incoherent mess of distorted echoes¡ªcrying children, heated arguments, a TV blaring at full volume somewhere deep inside. From higher up, a dog barked desperately, as if it knew it was trapped in the same hell as everyone else.


    I kept moving. No one tried to stop me this time. No one picked up the bodies.


    An old man watched me from a crumbling staircase, his gaze hollow, like he saw me but didn¡¯t see me at the same time. His skin was paper-thin, his bony fingers trembling around an unlit cigarette. He said nothing. He did nothing. He just existed.


    The upper floors were even worse. The air was thicker, heavy with smoke and mold. Through the shattered windows, the wind howled with a metallic wail, rattling the few panels still clinging to their frames. As I climbed higher, the shadows stretched longer, and the feeling of being watched grew stronger.


    Tower 6 wasn¡¯t just a building. It was a graveyard of dreams, a vertical tomb where people lived only because they hadn¡¯t yet found a way to die.


    And my target was somewhere in here.


    Finding him was more luck than strategy. I went door to door, taking quick glances at the occupants, searching for someone who matched the description I¡¯d been given. I didn¡¯t have many options¡ªlocals weren¡¯t exactly keen on helping. I didn¡¯t blame them.


    But then¡ª


    ¡ªHey, what¡¯re you doin¡¯ here?


    In one of the rooms¡ªjust as crowded with people sprawled on the floor as any other¡ªa little girl looked at me and stood up immediately, trailing behind me.


    I pulled my gun without hesitation.


    ¡ªBack off. This ain¡¯t your business.


    But the brat didn¡¯t even flinch. She raised her hands, but not in fear¡ªmore like she was used to doing it.


    ¡ªYou ain¡¯t from ¡®round here, huh? Lookin¡¯ for somethin¡¯? If you¡¯re lookin¡¯ for somethin¡¯ in this place, I can find it¡­ for a price.


    ¡ªNot your business.


    I took another look at the adults passed out on the floor. None of them matched the description, so I kept walking.


    I heard her footsteps following me.


    ¡ªYou know, it¡¯s gonna be real hard to find what you¡¯re lookin¡¯ for without help. Everythin¡¯ here looks the same, and people ¡®round here ain¡¯t friendly, ya know?


    I kept moving, scanning room after room.


    ¡ªHey, if you ain¡¯t got money, you can pay me some other way¡­ Or in installments, I ain¡¯t mean. We can even negotiate the price.


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    ¡ªShut up and stop following me.


    I pointed the gun at her again. She stopped, raised her hands once more, but her eyes showed not a single trace of fear. Having a gun in her face wasn¡¯t new to her. The fact that this little brat had more guts than that bastard Viktor made my blood boil.


    The second I turned away, I heard her footsteps again.


    ¡°Persistent little shit.¡±


    ¡ªNo need to be so tense, ya know? Most of the dealers and gangs don¡¯t even live here anymore. They just come to sell and bounce.


    ¡ªI¡¯m not tense, kid. And you should always stay on guard.


    ¡ªSo what¡¯re you after, huh? You here to kill some dealers? Or did the Metal Sisters send you? Nah¡­ but you don¡¯t got the crazy augments those nutjobs carry...


    I pushed open another door, another room, nothing. The irritation was starting to crawl up my spine.


    ¡ªAlright, kid. Let¡¯s say I need to find someone I know lives here.


    ¡ªEasy. Lisa knows everyone in these towers.


    ¡ªYou sure about that?


    ¡ªLisa knows everybody.


    ¡ªAlright, smartass. If you can take me to him quick, I¡¯ll pay you. I¡¯m looking for a former Enforcer. Name¡¯s Balian. Big guy, like¡ª


    ¡ªOh, Uncle Balian! I like him. He used to give out candy. Ain¡¯t seen him much lately, but he¡¯s got his little corner on the eighth floor. Follow me.


    ¡°The fuck?¡± Could this kid actually know who I was talking about?


    Going back down to keep searching would be a pain in the ass. But something in my gut told me to follow the little brat.


    She started climbing the stairs, dodging junkies and syringes on the floor with the kind of grace that comes from growing up in an environment so broken. Eventually, she led me to a door on the eighth floor, just another one among many, with the same chipped paint and the same stench of stale urine that permeated the entire building.


    Lisa stopped in front of the entrance and knocked with her knuckles¡ªtwo quick taps, one slow.


    ¡ªUncle Balian, it¡¯s me, Lisa! I brought someone who wants to talk to you.


    There was no response.


    Lisa clicked her tongue and tried again, this time kicking the door hard.


    ¡ªWake up, old man! Don¡¯t make me look bad!


    I waited a few seconds, but nothing. I turned to the brat, losing my patience.


    ¡ªYou sure he lives here?


    ¡ªDuh, I know. He¡¯s always here, except when he¡¯s not.


    I frowned at her.


    ¡ªStop talking nonsense.


    Lisa huffed and rolled her eyes.


    ¡ªLook, if he¡¯s not answering, it¡¯s either ¡®cause he¡¯s up to something, or ¡®cause he did something. Take your pick.


    I sighed. I clenched my fist and knocked on the door myself. Nothing.


    I was about to insist when I heard a muffled sound from the other side, like something falling. Then, a slow dragging noise.


    Lisa smiled.


    ¡ªHere he comes.


    The sound of a bolt sliding open echoed. Then, the door creaked open just a few inches. A single bloodshot eye stared out at us from the crack.


    ¡ªLisa¡­ what the hell do you want now?


    The girl nodded her head towards me.


    ¡ªThis guy wants to talk to you. And he¡¯s paying me for bringing him here.


    The eye studied me, as if trying to see something beyond what was right in front of it. Then, the door slammed shut.


    A long silence.


    Lisa blinked.


    ¡ªUh¡­ that doesn¡¯t usually happen.


    I put my hand on the door and gave it a push. It barely moved; it wasn¡¯t fully closed.


    Something in my gut screamed at me to go in, so I shoved the door open with all my strength. It swung wide, throwing Balian backward.


    Inside was a den of misery and abandonment. The room stank of sour sweat, cheap liquor, and dry vomit. The walls were covered in mold and dark stains of questionable origin, while the floor was a mess of empty bottles, cigarette butts, and wrappers from rotten food. A filthy mattress took up one corner, with sheets so dirty they seemed glued to the fabric. On a wobbly table, a used syringe lay next to a half-open can of food, surrounded by flies. The only trace of humanity was an old, faded photo covered in dust, lying on the floor like another waste.


    ¡ªThe famous Balian? The wrath of the nine districts?


    The disgusting figure looked at me with bloodshot, narrowed eyes, barely reacting to my words. His scruffy beard was matted with god knows what, and his skin, scarred and filthy, made him look like a man who¡¯d fought too many wars¡ªmost of them against himself.


    He grunted something unintelligible and shifted on the filthy mattress, knocking over a couple of empty bottles in the process. He didn¡¯t look like the feared Enforcer they¡¯d described to me; he was just a human wreck, buried in his own decay.


    ¡ªWho the hell¡¯s askin¡¯? ¡ªhe muttered in a raspy voice, the kind of voice someone gets after drinking too much and talking too little.


    Lisa crossed her arms and clicked her tongue.


    ¡ªUncle Balian, this guy wants to talk to you.


    ¡ªOh, really? ¡ªHe straightened up with difficulty, his joints cracking like he hadn¡¯t moved much in years¡ª. Then you''d better have something more than words, asshole.


    ¡ªMy name is Kailen Neuvak, let¡¯s cut to the chase, I don¡¯t want to be here long, here¡¯s the deal:


    I took a job for the Neuvak, no, I¡¯m not one of them, even though I have their name. I¡¯ve been away from them for over three years, and I don¡¯t plan to go back.


    I need trained, strong men for the mission. The Neuvak are willing to pay a hefty sum, so they¡¯ll cover whatever you charge.


    Yeah, I¡¯ve got something that¡¯ll bring you back. More specifically, I know exactly who pulled you out of that body, and I¡¯ve got info that¡¯ll let you settle the score.


    Balian looked at me with a mix of disbelief and disdain, then let out a dry, humorless laugh.


    ¡ªLook, asshole, if I wanted revenge, I would¡¯ve taken it by now.


    He rubbed his face with shaky hands, leaving an even more visible trail of grime on his skin.


    ¡ªMoney? Don¡¯t need it. Work? Don¡¯t want it. Revenge? Don¡¯t care.


    He waved his hand vaguely, gesturing to the mess around him.


    ¡ªLook where I am. You think I want to go back to that shit?


    I crossed my arms.


    ¡ªIf you really didn¡¯t care, you¡¯d be dead. But here you are, rotting in this trash heap. Which means, deep down, you still have some pride left.


    His eyes hardened for a moment. A flash of the legend he once was.


    ¡ªAnd what the hell do you know about my pride?


    I smirked.


    ¡ªI know a man like you doesn¡¯t stop being an Enforcer just because they told you you¡¯re not one anymore. Your body remembers, your mind remembers. You¡¯re still alive because deep down you¡¯re waiting for an opportunity. And I¡¯m giving it to you.


    Balian fell silent. Lisa, who had been standing by the door watching, scratched her head and looked at me curiously.


    ¡ªUncle, if you don¡¯t do it for yourself, do it for Lisa. I miss the candy.


    The bastard gave a half-smile, filthy and crooked, but still carrying a trace of what once made him terrifying.


    ¡ªTell me more, asshole.


    I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. I lit a cigarette and continued.


    ¡ªIt was Reiner who threw you to the wolves.


    Balian¡¯s face turned to one of disbelief.


    ¡ªYeah, I know, it¡¯s the same Reiner who married your daughter shortly after your expulsion. It was probably all orchestrated. Some believe your daughter was part of the plan, based on the statements she made about you, you could deduce that. However, she was found dead recently. Apparently, her car forgot to have brakes that day, and instead, it had explosives. Odd thing, if you ask me. It might be obvious, but if you help me with my mission, I¡¯ll help you. We¡¯ll take that bastard down and I¡¯ll help you clear up the mysteries around your daughter.


    Balian fell silent. His face, once stone-like, cracked for a moment. His eyes, sunken in the shadow of his own decay, darkened even further.


    He slumped into a broken chair and ran a trembling hand over his sweaty bald head.


    ¡ªI knew she was dead ¡ªhe murmured, almost to himself¡ª. But I didn¡¯t know how.


    The cigarette between my lips glowed faintly, the smoke swirling between us like a spectral veil.


    ¡ªI¡¯m not gonna lie to you, old man. I don¡¯t know if she was involved in the plan, but I do know they cleaned her up as soon as she stopped being useful.


    Balian snorted, a bitter, half-hearted laugh.


    ¡ªI¡¯ve got nothing left, asshole. My daughter¡¯s dead. My reputation¡¯s in the gutter. I don¡¯t even have a grave to spit on.


    I knew then that he was about to reject me. I saw it in his empty gaze, in the way his back hunched, like the little will he had left was crumbling away.


    That¡¯s when I played my last card.


    ¡ªYour grandson¡¯s still alive.


    The room fell into a deathly silence.


    Balian lifted his head, his bloodshot eyes locking onto mine.


    ¡ªYou¡¯re lying.


    His voice trembled. It was the first time I saw him genuinely shaken.


    ¡ªI¡¯m not. Reiner put him in an orphanage. Apparently, he wasn¡¯t his son.


    Balian clenched his fists, his breathing growing heavy. I could see his whole being teetering between hopelessness and a searing rage.


    ¡ªTell me where.


    I smiled, letting the smoke from the cigarette slip between my lips.


    ¡ªFirst, get up. Then, you accept the deal.


    He stayed still for a few seconds, then, with a guttural grunt, he stood up. His muscles, old but still deadly, tensed. There was fury in his gaze. And there was purpose.


    ¡ªSon of a bitch ¡ªhe spat, a mix of hatred and resolve¡ª. You have my attention.

 Chapter 12: Assembling the Crew pt3

    ¡ªHey, Doc, do you take credit?


    ¡ªWho¡­? Mr. Kailen! What are you doing back so soon? And who¡¯s your friend?


    ¡ªI¡¯m trying to recruit this big guy, but he can¡¯t even stand on his own. I need you to put him through detox.


    The Doc frowned at Balian, then at me, then back at Balian.


    ¡ªAre you serious, Mr. Kailen? What could this bum possibly have¡­? ¡ªhe sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose¡ª. You know what, I¡¯d rather not ask. But before we begin¡ªwhat do you mean by credit?


    ¡ªThe Neuvaks gave me a blank check. You can contact the butler assigned to this mission with this info. He should approve the funds.


    The Doc scoffed.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s a real pain working like this. The big families always find a way to dodge their debts.


    ¡ªTrust me, they¡¯ll pay you down to the last obi. I¡¯ll make sure of it.


    ¡ªAnd why are you so sure about that? ¡ªhe asked, though his tone made it clear he wasn¡¯t sure he wanted to hear the answer.


    ¡ªBecause I¡¯ve got their heir by the balls. If they don¡¯t hold up their end, there¡¯s a good chance I won¡¯t hold up mine either. When you contact them, you can tell them I said that.


    The Doc stared at me for a long moment, sizing me up. I didn¡¯t blame him. I was betting big on this. But I had no doubts. If my mentor had led me here, it meant this guy was worth it.


    ¡ªBesides ¡ªI added, lighting a cigarette¡ª, I¡¯ll send all the extra work that comes up during this mission your way.


    I glanced around. The clinic wasn¡¯t exactly bustling. A few assistants were casually putting on makeup, others strolling around as if they had nothing better to do. They didn¡¯t look busy.


    The Doc sighed. After a moment, he nodded.


    ¡ªAre you sure I won¡¯t regret this? If they try to haggle the prices down, I could go bankrupt.


    ¡ªNah. If anything, raise the prices by 30%. Call it an emergency care fee or some bullshit like that.


    The Doc shot me a sideways glance, then looked at his assistants, who were still fixing themselves up like they were getting ready for a night out.


    ¡ªFine ¡ªhe finally said. He called over one of them, handed her the info and the message, and sent her back to her station.


    He kept staring at me, a little incredulous, like he was waiting for me to say something else.


    ¡ªNow what? ¡ªthe Doc asked.


    ¡ªNow you treat him, of course.


    ¡ªI¡¯d like to wait for confirmation.


    ¡ªI don¡¯t have time, Doc. I need you to detox him as fast as possible.


    ¡ªYou mean a program that takes weeks?


    ¡ªI was thinking more like hours.


    The Doc let out a dry chuckle.


    ¡ªKid, it usually takes months to get someone back into shape. Cutting it down to weeks is already crazy.


    ¡ªDon¡¯t worry. His mind is sharp as ever. Probably never been better. He¡¯ll handle it.


    ¡ªWeeks?


    ¡ªHours.


    The Doc looked at me, then at Balian, who was still half-unconscious on the stretcher.


    ¡ªYou sure?


    ¡ª100%.


    ¡ªAnd him?


    ¡ªOh, he¡¯s sure. Look at him. Can¡¯t wait to get started.


    The Doc leaned in a little and examined him.


    ¡ªI don¡¯t even know if he¡¯s conscious¡­ or alive.


    ¡ªI checked his pulse before I got out. He¡¯s alive. And conscious¡­ I think.


    The Doc took his time. He seemed convinced that if he made me wait long enough, I¡¯d change my mind or realize something. There was no time for that.


    ¡ªAside from the detox, do you have a cafeteria? I¡¯m starving. Put it on the tab.


    The Doc sighed and finally called over a group of nurses to take Balian away. He filled out a form with the necessary preparations, leaving the identification blank.


    ¡ªTake Mr. Kailen and the girl to the cafeteria. Once they¡¯ve eaten, bring him to me so I can finish examining him personally.


    Ah, finally, some food¡­ Wait a second.


    ¡ªBrat, where the hell did you come from?


    ¡ªBeen here since ya walked up to talk to the sawbones.


    I looked at her. Lisa stared back with her arms crossed, looking annoyed, like I was the one who had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, not her.


    ¡ªBullshit, brat. Go back home.


    ¡ªAh, but that¡¯s real tricky, boss. Ain¡¯t got the foggiest idea where ya wandered off to. ¡¯Sides, ya still owe me for helpin¡¯ out, and I got me a tooth.


    Shit. She was right¡ªI did owe her for the help.


    ¡ªWe eat, and then you go back to your family.


    ¡ªAlright, big boss. We¡¯ll see ¡¯bout that.


    Damn annoying kid.


    The nurses led us to a cafeteria where I grabbed some coffee and bread. You could tell we were in Nest¡ªonly here could you get rye bread. I couldn¡¯t believe it¡­ fucking 50% rye bread. Felt like I hadn¡¯t had real food in ages.


    ¡ªBoss, ya just gonna eat those lil¡¯ sandwiches? Ya should go all in since ya ain¡¯t payin¡¯. After all, ya did say I could spend whatever I wanted.


    ¡ªNo point in overeating. Just order what you want, I¡¯m good with this.


    ¡ªAnything I want?


    ¡ªYes.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡ªFor real?


    ¡ªBrat, you¡¯re starting to piss me off.


    ¡ªAlright, alright, boss man. Just never had a boss as generous as ya.


    The damn kid proceeded to order everything on the menu. It almost felt like she was messing with me. If it weren¡¯t for the fact that the Neuvaks were footing the bill, I¡¯d have kicked her out.


    Fifteen minutes later, the kid had devoured everything she ordered¡­ and asked for another round.


    ¡ªMr. Kailen, are you sure you want us to bring more food?


    ¡ªYeah, why not? The Neuvaks are paying.


    ¡ªAlright. Will you be having anything else? Otherwise, Dr. Leo wants to speak with you.


    ¡ªNothing else. I¡¯ll leave Lisa in your care.


    The nurse gave me a crooked smile. Either she didn¡¯t like kids, or she just didn¡¯t like Lisa.


    ¡ªAnd you, brat, don¡¯t get me into trouble.


    ¡ªRelax, boss man. Lisa¡¯s an expert at not getting caught.


    That¡¯s not what I meant, but whatever. I don¡¯t have time to educate the kid.


    I followed the nurse, who led me to a room adjacent to where they were treating Balian.


    ¡ªWhat¡¯s up, Doc?


    ¡ªNow that we have "unlimited funds," I¡¯d like to take some blood, skin, and gastric tissue samples. I need to map out an evolution curve to adjust for future deviations.


    ¡ªI thought the treatment went fine.


    ¡ªIt did. However, your body is about to go through another change, and it¡¯s best to guide it through the process. If you leave it to chance, you could end up with a massive imbalance across all your systems. This kind of work will only get harder¡ªand more necessary¡ªthe more systems you integrate into your body. That¡¯s why establishing a baseline measurement is crucial.


    ¡ªDoc, be straight with me¡­ Why are you so worried?


    ¡ªWhat do you mean, kid? You¡¯re my patient.


    ¡ªYeah, bullshit. I¡¯ve seen plenty of doctors, especially in the army, and not a single one gave a damn about their patients¡¯ lives or pain.


    ¡ªAh¡­ I see. Well, it has to do with why I became a doctor in the first place.


    ¡ªAnd what¡¯s that reason?


    ¡ªA long time ago, I had a daughter¡­


    ¡­


    ¡ªHad?


    ¡ªShe got hit by a stray bullet during a fight between the big families and some mercs.


    The Doc stopped and closed his eyes. I saw his fists clench. He was reliving it in his head.


    ¡ªWhen I took her to a clinic, I paid everything I had. They removed the bullet¡­ but refused to operate on her appendix since it was in the same area.


    ¡­


    ¡ªYour daughter died of appendicitis?


    ¡ªYeah.


    ¡ªNever heard of anyone dying from that.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s more common than you think. Under the "Sanitary Oversight Act," doctors are held responsible for the procedures they perform. However, medical policies don¡¯t cover them for surgeries that weren¡¯t paid for.


    ¡ªSo¡­ since malpractice insurance wouldn¡¯t cover them if something went wrong in an unpaid procedure, they¡¯d rather do nothing.


    ¡ªThat¡¯s right¡­ It¡¯s just another way the government screws us over with half-assed policies. I mean, all it would take is tweaking a couple of words in the act to fix the issue, but no one¡¯s lifted a damn finger to do it.


    ¡ªYou¡¯re not a bad person, Doc.


    He gave me a crooked smile.


    ¡ªDoubt the ones I turned away would say the same.


    I placed a hand on his shoulder.


    ¡ªNah, the Guardian knows you¡¯ve done everything you could to protect people. Can¡¯t ask for more. Not in this city. Not with these people.


    Suddenly, a nurse burst into the room.


    ¡ªBoss!


    ¡ªWhat is it, Jenice? An emergency?


    ¡ªOf course! The kid wasn¡¯t lying. The head butler of the Neuvak family contacted us. He said they¡¯re sending someone to act as a liaison. They¡¯re going to pay us!


    She practically bounced on her feet as she said that last part.


    I stood there, unsure how to react. The Doc had this dumb look on his face, an apologetic half-smile. I probably looked the same.


    ¡ªJenice¡­ of course they¡¯re going to pay us. Did you think our patron came to scam us?


    ¡ªI mean, boss, it wouldn¡¯t be the first time we don¡¯t get paid.


    Jenice gave him a Duh look, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. I wasn¡¯t sure if she was dense or just that na?ve, but she wasn¡¯t letting her boss recover his composure.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s fine, Doc, I get it. I don¡¯t exactly look like I have money. And honestly, I am broke.


    I laughed, more at myself than anything. I pulled out a cigarette and offered one to the Doc. He took it but motioned for me to follow him outside.


    We lit up in the courtyard and continued our conversation.


    ¡ªFrom what my teacher told me, you¡¯re one of the best. If she trusts you, it¡¯s because you¡¯re reliable. So why is your clinic in such bad shape? Or better yet, why aren¡¯t you working at a proper hospital? I¡¯m sure they¡¯d pay you a hell of a lot more than what you make here.


    The Doc exhaled a stream of smoke and glanced at me.


    ¡ªI don¡¯t know much about you, kid, but I get the feeling the reason I work here is the same reason you¡¯re not with the Neuvaks.


    He took another drag before finishing his thought:


    ¡ªWe¡¯re both running from something.


    ¡ªMaybe. Personally, I¡¯m tired of running. Tired of pretending everything¡¯s fine.


    ¡ªI can see that in your eyes. In all my years, I¡¯ve never met someone like you.


    ¡ªWhat, stupid?


    ¡ªIn a hurry.


    ¡ªWhat¡¯s that supposed to mean?


    ¡ªYou¡¯ll get it when you look at the other kids your age, both in Nest and the Pits. Not many are in as much of a rush as you.


    I wasn¡¯t sure why that made me different. Everyone¡¯s got somewhere to go.


    The Doc¡¯s locator beeped with an alert.


    ¡ªLooks like your friend¡¯s awake. Let¡¯s go see him.


    We flicked our cigarettes away and headed back inside.


    ¡ªIs the treatment ready?


    ¡ªNo. He needs at least six more hours, and ideally, he should stay a couple of days to stabilize.


    ¡ªSix hours will do.


    The Doc raised an eyebrow.


    ¡ªIn a hurry.


    ¡ªGuilty. ¡ªI shrugged.


    When we entered the room, Balian was writhing in pain, vomiting every so often.


    ¡ªLookin¡¯ good, Captain.


    ¡ªKid¡­ your intel better be worth this.


    ¡ªNah, the real question is¡­ your reputation better be well-earned.


    The Doc started checking the instruments and reading the results.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s worse than I thought. Whatever the hell you were injecting yourself with did more damage than expected.


    ¡ªWill he need more than six hours?


    The Doc shot me a sour look.


    ¡ªNo, it¡¯ll be faster. There¡¯s not that much of the drug left in his system. The real problem is the lingering damage. And I¡¯m guessing this kind of stuff creates a strong dependency, so I¡¯ll have to leave him with some painkillers to keep him from relapsing.


    ¡ªHe¡¯ll be fine. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I need to start recruiting the rest of the crew.


    ¡ªWait, do you already have people in mind?


    ¡ªI do. Why? You know someone worth bringing in?


    Balian struggled to sit up.


    ¡ªLike me, there are other enforcers who got kicked out of the force for dirty dealings. At least a dozen. You could put together an enforcer squad. Twelve¡¯s the minimum for a proper phalanx.


    ¡ªYou¡¯re the expert. But do you really think they¡¯ll follow me?


    ¡ªNot you¡­ but they¡¯ll follow me.


    ¡ªAlright. Contact them.


    ¡ªThey might¡­


    ¡ªWhy are you hesitating? Spit it out.


    ¡ªWill they get medical treatment?


    ¡ªWe don¡¯t have much time. You¡¯ve got two days. The Doc will be paid, so he can give them whatever treatment fits that timeline.


    Balian nodded and laid back down.


    ¡ªThanks, boss.


    ¡ªUnderstood, Mr. Kailen.


    ¡ªAlright, I¡¯m off. I¡¯ll check on you in two days.


    Having Balian bring in his people wasn¡¯t a bad idea. The fact that they were ex-enforcers like him made the deal even better. Say what you want about them, enforcers had a solid foundation in discipline and training¡ªthough it was very different from what I¡¯d learned in the army.


    Thinking about it, the difference was massive. The army prioritized field operations and defense, both elastic and in-depth. Enforcers, on the other hand, were assault troops. Their tactics were built for frontal attacks and slow advances. Of course, they hadn¡¯t faced the horrors I¡¯d encountered in my days. Those creatures weren¡¯t common, thanks to the Guardian.


    My comm beeped with a message.


    {Kid, I knew you¡¯d reach out. Didn¡¯t expect it to be this soon. Count me in. If what you¡¯re saying is true, I can be there in a few days.}


    ¡ªOlaf, you bastard.


    I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.


    {You¡¯ve got exactly two days.}


    Good. At least that part was settled.


    I was heading toward my bike when I got intercepted in the parking lot.


    ¡ªMr. Kailen. The family is not very impressed with your recent actions.


    I glanced toward the door I¡¯d just stepped through. Yep. The stench of bullshit was coming from a Neuvak family butler.


    ¡ªI couldn¡¯t give a damn about what the family thinks. Besides, which bastard isn¡¯t impressed? Since when does the old man have so much free time?


    ¡ªYour grandfather isn¡¯t involved.


    ¡ªThen who?


    ¡­


    ¡ªOh no, you little shit. You don¡¯t get to drop a bomb and walk away. Tell me who sent you to say this crap.


    ¡ªThe message comes from your cousins.


    ¡ªViktor?


    ¡ªViktor was at the gathering, yes.


    ¡ªAnd does he really have nothing better to do than keep tabs on me?


    ¡­


    ¡ªIf you¡¯ve got nothing useful to say, then shut the hell up.


    ¡ªIn response to that, butler LaGrace has arranged a meeting place. In two days, you may gather your men there. Accommodations will be provided, and we will schedule the necessary meetings for budgeting and acquisitions.


    So that bastard has been intercepting my comms. Fine, at least it makes communication easier.


    ¡ªAlright. Anything else?


    ¡ªNot from me, sir.


    ¡ªGood. Then get lost.


    I took two steps forward, but the anger wouldn¡¯t subside. Someone once said it wasn¡¯t healthy to keep it bottled up, so I decided to express my dissatisfaction.


    ¡ªAnd tell that son of a bitch LaGrace that if he intercepts my comms again, I¡¯ll shove one of these right up his ass.


    I activated my revolver¡¯s Hyper mode, just to add some realism to the threat. I didn¡¯t load a round¡ªwould¡¯ve been a waste of valuable ammo.


    From what I could tell, my threat had zero effect. Maybe I should have loaded a bullet after all. Screw it. I just walked away to get some rest. It was late, and I hadn¡¯t stopped all day.


    I¡¯d been on the road back for over fifteen minutes when I heard a voice behind me.


    ¡ªWhere to now, boss?


    Goddamn brat.