Morning sunlight bathed the metropolis beyond the forest.
Yet deep within those silent woods, hidden beneath layers of illusion and steel, the Facility pulsed with secrets unknown to the world.
In its heart lay a chamber that defied time and place—a dark, circular room where six golden-eyed shadows sat around a black table that seemed to devour the light itself.
The chamber was a technological masterpiece—built by Cain's own hands. Each shadow represented a supreme power within the organization, their true faces hidden behind advanced concealment systems.
One of them was Cain himself—wearing his usual black tie and polished glasses.
He looked like a conductor leading a silent orchestra of darkness.
"The data indicates that the Dragon Drakon has begun sensing our movements within the capital," Cain said, his voice calm, yet steeped in danger. "Some of our intel leaked from the western sector."
One shadow leaned back lazily, voice distorted through the scrambler.
"Then it must've been Nathan who leaked it," he said, followed by a faint chuckle.
"So… why don't we just erase him?"
Another shadow replied, tone colder.
"The information he carries could expose us."
A third slammed the table lightly.
"That's true. The secret of the Family must never be revealed!"
At once, all eyes turned toward the figure seated at the head of the table.
Only one golden eye gleamed from beneath the cloak—burning faintly like an ember in the void.
That voice, low and ancient, carried the weight of centuries.
"Let us convene first. Zephos, Cassandra—come to the capital palace. As for you, Cain, let Tiflos be the one to capture Nathan… unless his life is in danger."
He paused, the room growing colder.
"Consider this his first step toward the shadows. The son of Agabius must be tested."
Two of the silhouettes rose simultaneously.
"As you command, President."
Cain bowed his head slightly, his golden eyes gleaming with hidden satisfaction.
"Tiflos needs this. I'll have him lead the mission himself—preparing him for entry into one of the elite squads that will serve the Family's future."
He smirked faintly.
"And Nathan's death will ensure that Drakon never learns of our three hidden bases beyond the continent."
Another distorted voice echoed,
"And us, President? Are we returning to the continent?"
The golden-eyed one at the head responded, his gravelly tone resonating through the chamber:
"No. Zephyr and Arias—remain overseas. Your assignment is critical to the Family's survival. Urius, stay on standby. We may call for you soon."
---
When the meeting ended, the lights flickered on—revealing Cain sitting alone.
He leaned back in his chair, eyes glinting with twisted amusement.
"Did I say a support squad?" he murmured, chuckling under his breath.
"No… he'll join the Squad of Insight. There, I'll sharpen him—then take what I want."
His grin deepened, layered with madness and calculation.
Every decision he made…
was a thread in his web of gold and blood.
---
Fragments of Memory
Tiflos stood before the window of his quarters, holding an old photo—five years old.
In it, he was carrying a small, smiling Orion on his shoulders, while Agabius, their father, smiled in the background.
A warm memory surfaced—
a summer day by the sea.
Orion building sandcastles,
Tiflos guarding him from the rising tide.
"I'll always protect you, little brother," Tiflos whispered.
He brushed a finger against his father's image.
"Don't worry, Father. I haven't forgotten my promises. I'll protect Orion… even if it costs me my life."
---
But in the room next door, Orion stared at the same photo—his reflection warped by anger.
"Why?" he muttered.
"Why am I always the one being protected? Why can't I be the protector?"
His fists clenched.
"Power…" he whispered, eyes narrowing. "Cain was right. I need more power."
In this world, life was merciless.
In Tiflos's heart burned love like light—
but in Orion's chest grew jealousy like fire.
---
Cain's Calculations
Cain sat in the command center, sipping coffee as multiple holographic screens surrounded him—each showing live feeds from across the facility. His surveillance system could read heartbeats, facial micro-expressions, even emotional fluctuations.
"The relationship between the brothers is… fascinating," he remarked to Lena, who stood nearby.
"Tiflos carries purity in his heart. Orion carries fire. That fire may burn us all—or forge something unbreakable."
Lena frowned. "Do you think that's good for the Family—or the organization?"
Cain smiled faintly. "Fire hardens steel. Weakness forges will. Everything unfolds… according to design."
Lena sighed. "Cain, must you always test everyone like lab rats?"
"I enjoy pushing people to the edge of the abyss," Cain replied, standing up, his shadow stretching across the floor.
"To see… whether they fall—or fly."
---
The Mission Begins
Days later, in the operations office, Tiflos and Noor stood side by side in their official organization uniforms.
His black-and-white hair reflected faint silver light, while her calm beauty made even the sterile room feel alive.
Cain handed them two files.
"This will be your first joint mission," he said.
"It's near the western district of the central city."
Lena added, "You'll investigate a missing government official. Intelligence suggests he's been conducting unethical experiments—kidnapping vagrants and testing on them."
Cain's tone sharpened.
"You're authorized to handle it as you see fit."
At that, Noor's expression faltered.
Old memories of Cain's own experiments surfaced like ghosts clawing at her mind.
Tiflos noticed—and his silver eyes softened in quiet empathy.
---
Preparation
In the armory, the two inspected their equipment.
For Tiflos:
A short-range Visual Gun, and a red-edged Wave Blade—a sword forged from a complex alloy of steel, iron, magnesium, and copper fused with organic compounds.
The hilt contained reactive wave amplifiers, boosting his visual resonance output.
For Noor:
Twin Visual Pistols, and conductive Electric Gloves to channel and extend her spectral range.
Both donned the organization's formal battle suits—fireproof, bullet-resistant, and equipped with stealth modulation systems that bent light and disrupted sensors.
They exchanged one look—
and silently understood:
from this point forward, there would be no turning back.
---
Orion's Descent
In the training hall, Orion fought under the watchful eye of Phoenix.
His body trembled with exhaustion, yet his strikes grew fiercer with each swing.
Every motion was fueled by anger—each blow, a reflection of his frustration.
"Anger is a good fuel," Phoenix said, "but it consumes the one who burns it."
Orion stopped, gasping for air, sweat dripping down his face.
His blue eyes glowed faintly with resolve.
"I don't want to be stronger than my brother… I want to be stronger than everyone."
Phoenix regarded him with a weary gaze.
"Listen, boy. True strength doesn't come from wanting to surpass others—it comes from purpose. Those who have something—or someone—to protect… are the ones who endure."
Orion's eyes widened slightly, as if something clicked.
He lowered his head, whispering words almost too quiet to hear.
"Purpose… yes…
Not to be the strongest… but to be strong enough… to avenge."
He turned away, muttering as he walked toward the exit.
"Not to be the strongest… but to be strong enough to destroy those who took everything."
A dark spark ignited in his eyes—
a spark that one day…
he would regret for the rest of his life.
---