Morning light filtered through the barracks, casting a dull glow over the steel walls. Exhaustion from yesterday's battle still clung to Axel's muscles, though it was a familiar ache. Around him, his teammates stirred, stretching stiff limbs, adjusting bandages, exchanging quiet words.
Kaid rolled his shoulders, letting out a tired grunt. **"I think I slept wrong. My whole body feels like a broken pipe."**
Ava smirked as she pulled her boots on. **"That's because you got hit like one."**
Lila sighed, flexing her fingers before rubbing her temple. **"My head still feels like it's ringing."**
Atlas smirked slightly. **"You fired enough rounds yesterday to give yourself a permanent headache."**
Eli, adjusting his jacket, arched a brow. **"So, anyone else expecting trouble at this meeting today?"**
Axel remained quiet for a moment, staring at his bandaged hands. Finally, he exhaled. **"I don't think it's just a report."**
A sharp knock at the door interrupted them. A guard stood at the threshold, arms crossed. **"Breakfast is being served. Report to the canteen."**
The group gathered their things, stepping into the corridors. As they walked, their conversation drifted between trivial complaints about sore muscles and speculation about Commander Rourke's summons.
Midway through their route to the canteen, **Lila accidentally bumped into someone.**
Cyrus.
He barely moved from the impact, his sharp gray eyes snapping toward Lila with instant irritation. **"What are you looking at?"** he snarled, venom laced in his voice.
Axel watched as Cyrus's gaze flickered toward him before Cyrus scoffed, turning on his heel and walking away without another word.
Lila exhaled, shaking her head. **"Sorry…"** she murmured, more out of habit than real apology.
Atlas folded his arms, watching Cyrus vanish down the hall. **"He's still bitter."**
Axel remained silent, his thoughts clouded by lingering questions about Cyrus. **More than bitterness was eating at him.**
The group pressed forward, finally arriving at the canteen.
---
Recruits lined up, the morning air thick with murmurs and clinking trays. Axel and his team joined the queue, waiting their turn when suddenly, a sharp voice rose above the usual breakfast chatter.
Two recruits ahead of them erupted into a heated argument.
**"I was in line first! Follow the damn rules!"** one spat angrily.
**"You think I care about your rules?"** the other sneered before throwing a sudden punch, striking his opponent squarely in the jaw.
Chaos erupted. Before the fight could escalate further, the guards stationed nearby stormed in, their movements swift and authoritative as they pulled the offenders apart.
Axel exchanged a glance with Kaid, his voice quiet but firm. **"It's that easy to make enemies in this place."**
Kaid folded his arms, watching as the guards dragged the offenders away. **"When survival is all that matters, some people forget where the real fight is."**
The tension slowly faded, and soon, Axel and his team collected their food, settling into an empty table away from the lingering tension.
Conversation resumed—first about the blandness of the meal, then shifting to the real issue at hand.
**"Are you really going to report?"** Ava asked, glancing at Axel between bites.
Atlas frowned slightly. **"You should think twice before going. It could be more than just a debrief."**
Kaid exhaled, shaking his head. **"Axel can handle himself—like he always does."**
Axel said nothing. His thoughts were already elsewhere. He knew the meeting wouldn't be simple. **The Commander never summoned recruits without reason.**
---
Later in the day, Axel and his teammates prepared for training, the tension from breakfast slowly dissipating. But just as Axel stepped forward, a guard intercepted him.
**"Come with me,"** the soldier said without explanation.
Axel hesitated briefly before nodding, following the guard through the facility's quiet corridors. They reached a secured room—the Commander's office, marked by prestige.
Upon entering, Axel's sharp eyes scanned the space. **Trophies, weapons, tactical displays—screens showcasing battlefields, maps, surveillance footage.** It was clear now. **They had been watching everything.**
Cyrus was already inside, seated against the far wall. At the sight of Axel, his lips curled slightly. **"You're late."**
Axel didn't reply, merely shifting his attention toward **Commander Rourke and Second Higher-Up Victoria**, both standing near the vast screens.
Rourke's gaze met Axel's. **"You're here to report."**
Victoria stepped forward, her tone composed but firm. **"The Frontline is weakening. Our forces have suffered heavy losses. The enemy presence has intensified beyond expectation."**
Cyrus scoffed, folding his arms. **"So, what? You're throwing us into the war now?"**
Axel remained silent. There was no need to ask that question—it was already obvious.
Rourke finally spoke, his voice level but commanding. **"We need soldiers. More than ever."** His gaze shifted toward Victoria. **"She will be leading the final battle at the Frontline."**
Axel's mind buzzed at the revelation. **They would finally see what lay beyond the facility. Beyond this controlled world.**
Cyrus's fists clenched tightly. **"And what does that have to do with us?"**
Victoria's piercing gaze met both recruits before her next words settled into the air with gravity.
**"Have either of you taken the red vial?"**
Axel stiffened. He knew she had been waiting to ask. And he couldn't lie—not now.
He exhaled, his voice quiet but unwavering. **"I found it in my father's belongings."**
Victoria's lips parted slightly, her expression unreadable. **"Your father…"** she mused before nodding slightly. **"That means he was with us once before."**
Axel fell silent, the weight of her words sinking deep into his chest.
Rourke's gaze turned toward Cyrus. He didn't need to speak—Cyrus could feel the expectation pressing against him.
Cyrus narrowed his eyes, irritation brimming in his voice. **"What?"**
Rourke spoke with simple authority. **"Spill it. We are the only ones who need to know."**
Cyrus clenched his jaw, breathing sharply. But after a long, tense pause, he exhaled heavily, **his voice low, edged with something dark.**
And then, he spoke—revealing the truth.