In one of the visual-energy classrooms inside the facility, Orion sat slouched in his seat, rolling a pen between his fingers, drowning in his thoughts.
The instructor was explaining the history of visual powers—a genetic mutation that began more than ten thousand years ago, starting as primitive abilities that gradually evolved into the advanced techniques they have today.
But Orion saw none of that.
All he could see was his brother's triumphant image in the arena... and Kaine's voice from early that morning:
"Tiflos is going on his first mission today."
Kaine had patted Orion's head, smiling faintly.
"And your power still hasn't awakened. It seems you won't be catching up to him anytime soon."
Why is he always ahead? Orion wondered bitterly.
I deserve a chance too. I want to avenge Father just as much as he does.
"Orion… Orion."
The teacher grabbed his shoulder. He snapped back to reality.
"What's wrong with you?" she asked. "I've been calling your name for a while!"
He replied coldly, "Sorry… I was thinking about the upcoming exams."
The teacher blinked, confused. "Exams? You and Edward are the last two who should worry. Your scores are above excellent compared to the entire class."
Orion clenched his teeth.
Above excellent? That's not enough.
I must be unmatched… I must surpass them all.
The teacher called on Edward.
Edward stood and answered confidently.
Orion shot him a cold, sharp glare.
Edward noticed and looked back with a childish competitive smirk.
You? Orion thought darkly.
Fine. I'll show all of you… I'll become the strongest, and the strongest is always the best.
---
Hours passed. The sun neared the horizon.
In another wing of the facility, Tiflos was packing for his mission when Orion stepped into the room, his blue eyes carrying a storm—love mixed with envy.
"I heard you're going on your first mission," Orion said, masking his jealousy.
Tiflos smiled with genuine warmth. "Did you come to see me off?"
He left his packing and approached, placing a hand on Orion's head.
"Don't worry, little brother. I'll come back safely."
"Why are you always first?" Orion suddenly snapped, pushing his hand away.
"Why do you always get ahead of me?!"
Tiflos knelt to Orion's height, gently holding his shoulders.
"Because I'm older. It's my duty. But listen—your strength is coming, and when it does, it will make mine look small."
Orion stared at the floor, fighting tears.
"I don't want to live in your shadow forever."
"You won't," Tiflos said, lifting his chin.
"You'll build a shadow of your own, and I'll be the first to stand beneath it."
Orion's eyes trembled.
"So… you really believe I'll become the strongest?"
"Believe?" Tiflos smiled softly.
"I'm certain you will. And I'll brag about you one day."
Tiflos finished packing, belted his sword and pistol, and then walked Orion to his room.
He found a detailed map of the city spread across the boy's desk.
"You've been studying the city layout?" Tiflos asked, surprised.
Orion nodded shyly. "I'm preparing… for when my time comes."
Tiflos patted his shoulder. "Don't worry. You'll astonish them all someday."
When Tiflos left, Orion whispered:
"I will astonish them…
I'll show them I don't need your protection.
I'll be the one protecting you in the end."
---
A black tinted car rolled to a stop on a remote coastal road under the night sky.
Two figures stepped out—young, sharp, and deadly.
Tiflos and Noor.
They stood beneath the moonlight overlooking the western sector's beach, eyes fixed on a massive abandoned farm resting beyond the shore. The waves crashed against the rocks like warnings from the unseen.
"That official isn't just a lunatic," Noor said, her eyes sharp.
"He's Dr. Nathan—the scientist who vanished ten years ago."
Tiflos exhaled heavily. "If it's really him… why stay here all this time? And hidden?"
"I don't know," Noor said through clenched teeth,
"but someone like him only remains hidden if he has very dark business to protect."
---
Inside the surveillance room, Kaine watched their departure through several screens—vehicle cameras transmitting in real time.
"The boy still carries a pure heart," Kaine murmured. "That alone might become his greatest strength… or his downfall."
Lina stood beside him. "Do you think he'll follow through—
I mean… kill, if he has to?"
Kaine smirked. "Of course he will. Not for us—
but for his brother.
That's what makes our family the most dangerous in the world."
"And would you do the same for me?" Lina asked, cheeks reddened.
Kaine rose, leaned forward, and pinched her nose.
"Ow! That hurts!" she squeaked.
"Of course I would. I'd do far more than killing," he said with his usual unsettling smile.
Lina rubbed her nose and stormed out.
"They don't know," Kaine whispered to himself.
"This mission is just the beginning.
Nathan is only step one.
What comes next… will shake the organization.
No—shake the entire nation."
---
Tiflos and Noor crossed the farm's outer wall away from the main gate.
The moment their feet touched the soil on the other side, a chill crawled down their spines.
It was like stepping into a world detached from reality—
ancient buildings, deserted paths, and an atmosphere heavy with danger.
"This looks like a zombie-series farm…" Tiflos muttered, scanning the area.
Noor nodded. "We're not in a series… but it definitely feels like a maze. Or worse—
a trap."
The two moved forward, silent as shadows.
What they would discover inside was something that would change their view of life forever.