#1
The room was quiet, the kind of quiet that felt oppressive. Lucas, Axel, Kai, and Cyrus stood at attention, arms straight, their gazes fixed forward as the figure before them sat with a calm yet piercing demeanor.
Dr. Griffo, the man who commanded both respect and fear in equal measure, was an enigma. His white hair, streaked with strands of black, was combed back meticulously, framing a face that spoke of wisdom and sharp intellect. Despite his age, he stood tall and straight, his presence unyielding. A monocle—yes, that’s what it was called—rested on his left eye, glinting faintly under the overhead light.
In one hand, he held a porcelain teacup, the steam curling lazily in the air. He sipped it slowly, his sharp gaze never leaving them. His other hand rested on his knee, the image of composed authority.
“The main purpose of the mission,” Dr. Griffo began, his voice calm but carrying a weight that demanded attention, “was to retrieve anything of value—intel, weapons, something tangible. Instead, you come back empty-handed...” He set the teacup down on its saucer with a soft clink, his monocle catching the light as he shifted in his chair. “...bringing with you a child.”
None of them dared to respond immediately. The air in the room thickened as the silence stretched, each of them trying to gauge how best to handle the situation.
Lucas, however, was not one for silence. His lips moved, barely audible, as he mumbled under his breath, “Didn’t I say we should’ve carried the damn rocket?”
“Did you say something, Lucas?” Dr. Griffo’s gaze snapped to him, sharp as a blade.
Lucas straightened up, his grin faltering for a split second before morphing into something unnervingly polite. “No, Dr. Griffo,” he said smoothly, though his fingers twitched slightly, as if itching for something more... chaotic.
Dr. Griffo leaned back, crossing one leg over the other with deliberate precision. “Our only lead—our only chance to get closer to the truth—was right in front of you, and you left it behind.” His expression hardened, the lines on his face deepening as he scrutinized them. “And then, as if to add insult to injury, you bring back a child. Care to explain that, young ones?” His voice carried a sharp edge, though it lacked anger. It was disappointment—a far heavier blow.
Kai, ever the leader, stepped forward slightly, his shoulders squared. “Blake... he showed potential. He’s resourceful, observant, and has skills that could be useful to the team. I thought it best to take him in—like you did with us.”
Dr. Griffo’s expression didn’t change, but his gaze flicked toward the tinted glass window to his left. Beyond it, Blake was visible in the adjacent room. The boy’s curious nature was on full display as he moved from object to object, touching everything with wide-eyed wonder, as though he’d never seen such things before.
The doctor watched for a moment, his sharp gaze softening just slightly—though none of the others would dare to comment on it. “Hmm,” he murmured, leaning back in his chair and steepling his fingers. “Like I did with you, you say?”
From the other side of the glass, Blake tapped on something that looked suspiciously like an explosive device, eliciting a muffled yelp from a nearby technician. Blake tilted his head, seemingly unfazed, and moved on to inspect a small mechanical drone, poking it as though testing if it were alive.
Dr. Griffo sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Hmm, potential, indeed.”
Cyrus shifted uncomfortably, his anxiety simmering beneath the surface. “If it makes you feel better, we could still—”
“No,” Dr. Griffo cut him off sharply, his tone brooking no argument. He leaned forward, his gaze sweeping across them with quiet intensity. “The mission is over. What’s done is done. But mark my words...” His monocle glinted again as he stared them down. “Next time, I expect results—not strays.”
The weight of his words hung in the air, heavy and final. None of them dared to respond, standing still as statues under his gaze.
Cyrus shifted uncomfortably, his posture stiff as he nodded. “Understood,” he said cautiously, his tone measured as though treading on thin ice.
Lucas leaned slightly toward him, his voice dropping to a whisper. “If not for those Zenith guys, we could’ve played a little more. You know, made things... fun.” His tone carried that unsettling edge of excitement, the kind that made Cyrus’s skin crawl.
Cyrus shot him a sidelong glare, the kind of look that didn’t need words to convey, Shut up before you dig us all into a hole.
“What? I’m just saying,” Lucas muttered with a shrug, though the grin tugging at his lips hinted he wasn’t entirely repentant.
Dr. Griffo’s monocle glinted as he tilted his head ever so slightly, his sharp hearing picking up the name. “The Zenith, you say?” His voice cut through the tension like a scalpel. “How long, exactly, did you dawdle around in that base? Did a few small fry manage to delay you so thoroughly that you returned empty-handed?”
Kai stepped forward slightly, his calm yet authoritative presence steadying the room. “One of the missiles had already begun its countdown,” he explained. “Stopping it took time we couldn’t afford to waste.”
Dr. Griffo’s eyebrows lifted, his expression flickering with curiosity for the first time. “And what, pray tell, started the countdown?”
Kai hesitated for a moment, glancing toward Axel as if hoping for backup. Axel, slouched slightly as always, gave a tired sigh, his lazy demeanor as impenetrable as ever. “It was a decoy,” he said flatly, not even bothering to straighten his posture. “They set it off to distract us while they escaped. If we’d chased them, we’d have left the missile active, and who knows how many lives would’ve been lost.” His tone carried a tinge of indifference, as though the explanation were obvious and hardly worth mentioning.
Kai and Cyrus both turned to Axel, their surprise evident. It wasn’t often Axel chimed in with such clarity, let alone initiative. He simply raised an eyebrow in return, as if silently asking, What? You thought I wasn’t paying attention?
Dr. Griffo leaned back slightly, his fingers tapping thoughtfully on the armrest of his chair. “A decoy, you say?” He seemed to weigh the information carefully, his piercing gaze lingering on Axel for a moment before sweeping across the rest of the group. “Very well, then. I suppose the decision was sound. Let us not linger on what’s already done.” He picked up his teacup, his movement deliberate as he took a slow sip, his gaze fixed on the steam rising from the cup.
The tension in the room began to ebb slightly, but not for long.
“Go and get yourselves ready for the next mission,” Dr. Griffo continued, his tone dismissive but calm. “Except...” He paused, setting his teacup down with a deliberate clink. His gaze shifted to Kai, pinning him in place. “...Kai.”
The others exchanged brief glances, a mix of curiosity and unease flashing across their faces, but none dared to question the directive. Lucas gave Kai a playful grin as though to say, Good luck with that, while Axel merely shrugged and shuffled toward the door, hands in his pockets. Cyrus, ever the disciplined one, gave a quick nod of acknowledgment before following Axel.
As they exited, Lucas lingered just a second longer than necessary, whispering under his breath with a mischievous grin, “Have fun.”
Kai sighed but didn’t react. He turned back to Dr. Griffo, awaiting whatever awaited him.
#2
Outside the chamber, the tension of the debrief lingered in the air like smoke. Cyrus crossed his arms as he watched Axel saunter out, his usual slouched posture intact, hands shoved deep in his pockets. For a moment, Cyrus studied him, his brows furrowing slightly.
“Quick question,” Cyrus began, his tone careful but carrying a hint of curiosity. “Since when do you start backing people up?”
Axel turned his head slowly, his expression as uninterested as ever. “If by that you mean...” He trailed off, letting the words hang as he gave Cyrus a lazy, questioning look.
Cyrus sighed, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Never mind.” He shook his head as though dismissing the thought entirely. Turning on his heel, he walked a few steps before glancing back over his shoulder. His voice carried a note of authority now. “You heard what Master Griffo said. Get ready for the next mission.”
Axel barely moved from his spot against the wall, his half-lidded eyes trailing after Cyrus. The effort it took just to acknowledge the upcoming mission was already too much. He pushed off the wall with a groan, dragging his feet as though the weight of the world were strapped to his ankles. “But we just came back from a mission,” he mumbled, his tone flat, bordering on a whine.
“You think I want to go again? Tell that to Master Griffo, not me,” Cyrus shot back without turning around, his voice sharp. “Let’s get this over with.”
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
Before Axel could muster another complaint, Lucas barreled into the hallway, his wide grin as unsettling as it was infectious. His eyes darted around, alive with uncontainable energy, and he zeroed in on Cyrus. “So,” Lucas started, practically bouncing on his heels, “how strong is the next target? Think they’ll actually be a challenge this time? I mean, the last guys were so boring—hardly even screamed.”
Cyrus shot him a warning glare, but Lucas kept going, undeterred. “I just hope it’s something big this time. Like, really big. Maybe we’ll finally get to see some real bloodshed. You know, shake things up a bit!” He clapped his hands together, the excitement in his voice teetering dangerously close to unsettling.
Axel, still trudging along at a snail’s pace, rolled his eyes. “Of course you’d be excited for that,” he muttered. His face was a picture of exhaustion, his steps heavy and slow as though he were being dragged to his own doom.
Lucas shot him a sideways glance, his grin widening. “What, don’t tell me you’re scared? Afraid the big bads will be too much for you this time?”
“Scared? No,” Axel said, his tone still as unenthusiastic as ever. “Tired? Absolutely.” He let out a long sigh. “Unlike you, I actually enjoy sitting down.”
Lucas snickered. “Suit yourself, lazy bones.”
“Enough,” Cyrus interrupted, his voice commanding as he gestured for both of them to follow. “The sooner we get moving, the sooner it’s over. Save your energy for the mission.”
Axel shoved his hands into his pockets, still dragging his feet. “Yeah, yeah,” he muttered under his breath.
Lucas grinned wider, his excitement palpable as he adjusted his gear. “Here’s hoping for chaos.”
Kai sat upright, his posture unwavering as Dr. Griffo sipped from his teacup and set it back down onto its saucer with deliberate precision. The clink echoed in the otherwise silent room, a soft yet firm punctuation to the stillness.
Clearing his throat, Dr. Griffo’s voice carried the weight of authority. “What do you think you are to this team, Kai?”
Kai didn’t hesitate. “The leader of the Black Mambas.”
Dr. Griffo leaned back, crossing one leg over the other, his monocle glinting as he studied Kai intently. “And what, in your own words, is the definition of a leader? In just three words.”
Kai paused, his expression contemplative. The question hung in the air as he chose his response carefully. Finally, he spoke. “Accountable, influential, and visionary.”
Dr. Griffo nodded slightly, his expression unreadable. “Accountable, influential, and visionary. A fine answer. And is that truly what you embody, Kai? Or are these just words you believe a leader should say?”
Kai’s jaw tightened ever so slightly, but his gaze didn’t falter. “Those are the principles I strive to uphold,” he said evenly.
Dr. Griffo regarded him for a moment longer before speaking again. “Recruitment, while a necessary strategy, comes with its own risks. Bringing in someone new is already a gamble, but recruiting a child—both physically and mentally—” his voice sharpened slightly, “is a choice that warrants scrutiny.”
Kai remained silent, his face unreadable as Dr. Griffo continued.
“I understand why you might see potential in him. After all, I recruited you all at his age. But let me remind you why I did so—each of you had unique mindsets and exceptional skills. It wasn’t just talent—it was the discipline and maturity to wield it.” He leaned forward slightly, his monocle catching the light as his tone grew sterner. “The boy might have talent, but talent is nothing without the right mindset. And as of now, he thinks and acts like a child. That much was evident on your last mission.”
Kai’s brows furrowed slightly, but he didn’t interrupt.
Dr. Griffo’s gaze bore into him. “His presence was a liability. One of the reasons the mission was incomplete was his slip—a mistake born not of inexperience, but immaturity.”
Kai’s fingers curled slightly against his thighs, but then his expression softened, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “It’s true,” he admitted. “He thinks and acts like a child. That’s who he is, and that’s what we saw out there.”
Dr. Griffo raised a brow, waiting for him to continue.
“But,” Kai said firmly, his voice steady, “there’s something special about him. Something raw, unpolished, but undeniably there. And with the right guidance, I believe he can become an asset—not a liability.”
Dr. Griffo leaned back, his expression thoughtful as he regarded Kai’s confident smile. For a moment, he said nothing, his silence filling the room like a challenge. Then, he reached for his teacup again, sipping it slowly, his movements deliberate.
“Time will tell,” he finally said, his tone measured. “Let’s hope your instincts serve you well, Kai. For all our sakes.”
Kai rose slightly from his chair, ready to take his leave, when Dr. Griffo’s voice cut through the stillness.
“You may have tested and found some gold in him,” Dr. Griffo began, his tone deliberate, “but that doesn’t mean I have.”
Kai froze mid-step, turning his head slightly to meet the older man’s gaze. So he wasn't done yet
Dr. Griffo adjusted his monocle, his eyes sharp. “I will test him myself. After all, you made the decision to recruit him, and I have the responsibility to assess the mentality and proficiency of…” He paused, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “What’s his name? Calling him a ‘boy’ or a ‘kid’ feels unprofessional.”
Kai straightened. “Blake,” he replied evenly.
“Blake,” Dr. Griffo repeated, as if savoring the name. “Then Blake shall be tested. In an hour’s time.” His words were firm, brooking no argument.
Dr. Griffo pushed himself to his feet, his movements precise and commanding. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to. Unless you have something more to add?”
Kai shook his head, his expression unreadable.
“Good,” Dr. Griffo said curtly. He walked to the door, his steps measured and deliberate. As he opened it, a faint hum of activity from the corridor filtered in. “I suggest you have a brief discussion with your recruit. Prepare him, or don’t—either way, the test will proceed.” With that, he exited, leaving Kai alone in the room.
For a moment, Kai stood there, the weight of Dr. Griffo’s words settling over him like a heavy cloak. He clenched his fists lightly, then exhaled, letting the tension ebb away.
“A test, huh?” Kai muttered to himself, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “Should be fine. Nothing should go wrong.” He stepped toward the door, his pace steady, though his eyes carried a flicker of thoughtfulness. “Still, I should let him know what’s coming.”
#3
Kai stepped into the common area, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in Blake, who was sitting upside down on a chair, his legs dangling over the backrest and his head nearly grazing the floor.
Blake spotted him immediately and flipped out of the chair with surprising agility. “Finally! What took you so long? I was dying of boredom here!” he exclaimed, throwing his arms up dramatically.
Kai didn’t respond, his expression calm but unreadable. Instead, he let out a low sigh as he leaned against the doorframe.
Blake crossed his arms, clearly not deterred by Kai’s silence. “So,” he continued, “was that old man your grandpa or something? He looked at me like I stole his dentures or something. His gaze gave me chills.”
Kai straightened, his expression shifting into something almost ominous. “Never,” he said slowly, “call him an ‘old man’ if you value your life.” His voice dropped slightly, taking on an eerie tone, as if recounting a ghost story. “He’s not like any other elder you’ve met. Call him that to his face, and you’ll unleash a wrath you don’t want to see.”
Blake blinked, then tilted his head, skeptical but intrigued. “What? Is he secretly a warlock or something? Because one thing’s for sure—he’s hiding something.”
Kai raised a brow. “And by that, you mean?”
Blake tapped his chin thoughtfully, pacing as he spoke. “He’s... different. I mean, for someone his age, he doesn’t look like the other old men from my village. You know, hunched over, muttering about their aching backs, chewing on random weeds.”
Kai’s face shifted into an unimpressed scowl. “Blake,” he said flatly, “there’s a world of difference between a village elder and someone who’s lived their life in the city.” He folded his arms, leaning in slightly to drive his point home. “When you come face-to-face with him again, you’d better watch your words. Calling him something like ‘old man’ will bring your chances of staying here to... oh, I’d say negative 100 percent.”
Blake’s eyes widened as he leaned back, visibly flustered. “Negative? That’s worse than failing!”
Kai smirked slightly. “Exactly. So, be careful how you address him.”
Kai’s tone grew more serious as he stepped closer, his gaze steady. “And there’s more. You’re going to be tested soon—don’t ask me what kind of test, because even I don’t know. But it’s safe to say it’ll cover combat and your ability to think on your feet.”
Blake’s confidence faltered slightly, and he fidgeted. “Combat? Thinking? I-I mean, I can probably handle it, but what if—”
Kai cut him off, his voice sharpening. “Don’t overthink it. But know this—if you fail, there are only two outcomes.” He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. “We either wipe your memory or... we kill you.”
The last part hit Blake like a freight train. He shivered involuntarily, his nervous laughter betraying his unease. “Y-You’re joking, right? You don’t mean that...”
Kai didn’t flinch, pouring himself a glass of water from a nearby pitcher. “I mean every word. You wouldn’t be the first recruit we’ve turned away. One person... we had to erase everything they knew. Another? Well, let’s just say they didn’t leave here breathing.” He took a sip, his expression as calm as ever.
Blake stared at him, pale and visibly shaken.
Then Kai set the glass down and patted Blake on the shoulder, a faint but reassuring smile softening his features. “Don’t let that get to you. We’ll all be there to cheer you on. Just focus, do your best, and you’ll be fine.”
With that, Kai turned and strode toward the door. As he reached for the handle, he glanced back over his shoulder. “Get yourself ready. The test won’t wait.”
Blake stood frozen for a moment, processing the conversation. Then, with a nervous gulp, he nodded to himself, steeling his nerves. “Yeah... I can do this,” he muttered, though his voice wavered slightly.
Kai, already halfway down the hall, smirked to himself. “Good luck, kid,” he murmured under his breath. “You’ll need it.”