Black Wind Base—October 14, 3063
The air in the Black Wind training grounds was dense with the hum of mana conduits, creating a low vibration that seemed to settle deep within the bones. The sprawling underground facility was alive with movement as Black Wind operatives trained and prepared for their next missions. Though the sound of sharp commands echoed throughout, there was an eerie silence in the private area where Ethan and the experiments—Black Wind's elite subjects—had gathered.
Inside a heavily secured section of the base, the Top Ten Experiments stood in a circle, performing light exercises to recalibrate their mana flows after clearing The Verdant Fracture, one of the rank B+ Portal Gates. The gate had been sealed after a brutal battle with its inhabitants, leaving behind a slight shimmer in the air—a reminder of the temporal distortion inside.
Standing among them, Dianna, Subject 1, Rank 8, emanated an aura of quiet power. As the leader, she commanded respect, Beside her stood Casper, Subject 6, Rank 1, the combat mage with a cruel streak that showed in the faint smirk on his face as he adjusted his mana gauntlets. Naomi, Subject 3, Rank 6, a healer, Bernard, Subject 4, Rank 7, with his elven-dwarven lineage. The rest of the experiments followed suit, their unique talents complementing one another.
- Happiness, Subject 2, Rank 3, etched glowing runes onto the floor, his mana steady.
- Anna, Subject 5, Rank 2, stood apart, weaving her magic without circles—a skill that had earned her the title of spell weaver.
- Nick, Subject 8, Rank 10, tested the edge of his mana-charged battle axe.
- Joy, Subject 7, Rank 9, known as "the witch of poison," an alchemist her skills unmatched among the group.
- Evan, Subject 12, Rank 4, twirled a mana-infused dagger.
The gate itself, The Verdant Fracture, had pushed them to their limits. The creatures within, warped by dense mana, were ferocious:
- Frostfang Direwolves (Rank B): Pack hunters with crystalline fangs capable of freezing flesh on contact.
- Void-Stalkers (Rank C): Shifting shadows that attacked from multiple dimensions.
- Crimson Myrmidons (Rank A): Towering insectoids with venomous claws and toxic miasma.
Despite their victory, the Top Ten experiments understood that survival came at a price—one they paid every day under Elaine's watchful gaze.
Using a private telepathic channel, Ethan spoke, his voice reaching only the minds of his team. His expression betrayed little emotion, but his tone carried weight. "We're closer to the endgame than ever. Stay sharp. If we make a wrong move, it's over."
The exact details of their conversation remained shrouded in secrecy. Unbeknownst to the others, Ethan had made contact with a Federation Agent weeks ago—a man who had revealed himself to be Elaine's estranged son. What had started as a meeting of necessity had turned into a dangerous conspiracy: Ethan's plan to betray Elaine. For the greater good, the children would need to be freed, and Elaine's pawn, Victor, had been agreed upon as the scapegoat to absorb the fallout. But this was not a secret easily shared, not even among the Top Ten.
Dianna's face grew pale as the telepathic exchange ended, her gaze lingering on Ethan as the others dispersed. Alone with him, she approached, grabbing his hand with a trembling grip.
"Ethan," she murmured, her voice fragile and filled with unspoken fears. "I don't want to lose you."
Ethan turned to her fully, his gaze steady but soft. He reached up to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing gently against her skin. "You won't lose me," he said, his voice unwavering. "I'm not going anywhere. Not without you."
She searched his eyes for reassurance, her own filled with emotion. "Promise me."
"I promise," Ethan replied, sealing the moment between them.
Celestial Heights—January 12, 3064
Victor's mansion in Celestial Heights was a display of excessive wealth and arrogance, a sharp contrast to the subtlety Elaine demanded in her operations. The sprawling estate was adorned with enchanted crystals that reflected light in mesmerizing patterns, while glowing mana trails wove through the gardens. Security drones hovered silently around the perimeter, their blue eyes scanning for potential threats.
Inside, preparations for the arrival of Victor's mysterious guest were nearly complete. The dining hall gleamed under mana-powered chandeliers, and the table was set with an extravagant feast. Holographic displays lined the walls, projecting serene landscapes that shifted and shimmered.
Victor stood in the center, barking orders at the staff as his irritation grew. "Do you even understand the importance of this meeting? I won't tolerate incompetence! Everything needs to be perfect!" His voice carried through the hall, sharp and grating.
Ethan, Casper, and Rai stood near the entrance, their postures tense but composed. Months of working under Victor had taught them patience—or at least the ability to endure his constant complaints.
"You three are supposed to be the best, aren't you?" Victor sneered, turning to them. "Then act like it. This guest is critical to my plans, and I won't have you ruining things with your incompetence."
Casper's jaw tightened, but he remained silent, while Rai shifted awkwardly, clearly uncomfortable. Ethan kept his expression neutral, his gaze steady but unyielding.
Victor straightened his coat, smoothing down the mana-threaded embroidery that gleamed faintly in the light. "We'll meet them here. This district was made for people like us—people with ambition."
Celestial Heights was indeed a haven for the wealthy elites of Sky City. Its pristine streets and sprawling estates stood in stark contrast to the bustling chaos of the central district. Victor's words were dripping with ego, but Ethan said nothing, his mind focused on the unseen layers of the game they were playing.
As Victor continued to rant, Ethan's thoughts drifted briefly—to the Federation Agent he'd encountered months ago, the pact they had made, and the plan that was slowly but surely coming together. Beneath the calm surface of his demeanor, a storm was brewing.
Victor stopped pacing, his smug grin widening as he checked his watch. "They're here," he announced. As the grand doors opened, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hall, signaling the arrival of the guest.
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