The train hummed steadily as it streaked through the expansive landscape of the Southern Stronghold, a land transformed by innovation and resilience. The plains outside stretched endlessly, painted in hues of golden ochre and vibrant green. Thin, sleek wind turbines dotted the horizon, their blades turning gracefully against a cloudless sky. Solar panels glinted like mirrors on every available surface, evidence of an energy revolution long past.

Towering cities rose sporadically in the distance, their architecture fluid and organic, blending with the terrain. Sprawling vertical gardens cascaded down skyscrapers, while maglev trains like theirs wove through air-borne highways. Villages along the way featured glowing biodomes filled with self-sustaining farms, the buzz of drones echoing faintly even inside their carriage.

"Wow," Tristan murmured, leaning into the glass window. His fingers left a faint smudge on its pristine surface. "I still can’t believe this is home. It’s like we live in a painting."

“Think Pacilanta’s this fancy?” Everett asked, nudging Grayson beside him. "They’ve probably got those neon temples and flying bikes. You know, anime stuff."

Steven, nose buried in his manga, offered a scoff. "Pacilanta isn’t just ‘anime stuff.’ It’s got thousands of years of history behind it. Their tech’s probably years ahead of us, too.”

"Years ahead?" Grayson raised an eyebrow, smirking. "We have robots making our coffee, Steven. Pretty sure they can’t beat that.”

Liam chuckled, flipping his hair dramatically. “If I ever visit Pacilanta, it’s not for coffee. It’s for the girls. Imagine walking through one of those lantern-lit streets, all suave-like. Boom, instant charm.”

"You wish," Tristan teased. "You're more likely to trip over those lanterns than impress anyone."

“Lanterns hang from strings, genius,” Liam retorted. “Besides, I’ve got a look that works worldwide.”

“Sure, you do,” Everett quipped, rolling his eyes. “Just make sure your ego doesn’t need its own seat on the train.”

The laughter slowly gave way to a quieter tone as the scenery shifted. The train passed through a corridor of sun-scorched land where vegetation gave way to barren deserts. Solar towers gleamed ominously in the distance, their collected light piercing the sky like golden beams. Even through the sealed train windows, the air outside seemed to shimmer with heat.

"This is what war does," Grayson said, his voice uncharacteristically serious. "Once-green places reduced to… this."

Everett looked up from his half-zipped bag, eyebrows furrowing. "You think it’s gonna spread again? Like the last one?"

"Depends on us, doesn’t it?" Steven replied, finally lowering his book. "What we do, how we use these powers. It’s all connected now."

Silence fell over them as the train sped on. The beauty of the futuristic world clashed with the stark reminders of its scars, leaving them all to wonder about what lay beyond the stronghold’s shores.

~ ~ ~

The train hummed steadily, its rhythmic clatter a backdrop to the charged silence inside the carriage. Jayden now stood at the end of the compartment, leaning casually against the wall, his arms folded. He seemed at ease, but there was an undercurrent of sharpness to his demeanour that made it hard to fully relax around him.

Grayson was the first to break the silence, leaning forward with a grin. “So, Jayden, what’s the deal? Are you always this mysterious, or is it just because we’re so special?”

Jayden raised an eyebrow, his lips quirking upward. “You’re special, all right,” he said dryly. “But no, I’m just like this. Part of the job, I suppose.”

Liam leaned back against his seat, his arms sprawled over the top like he owned the place. “Job, huh? Sounds serious. But come on, there’s got to be something more interesting about you. What’s your deal, Jayden? Secret hobbies? A tragic backstory? Or are you just a robot in disguise?”

Everett snorted at that, and even Steven looked up from his manga, giving Jayden a once-over as if considering the possibility.

Jayden chuckled, shaking his head. “If I were a robot, I wouldn’t tell you, now, would I? But nice try.”

“Oh, that’s totally what a robot would say!” Liam exclaimed, pointing accusingly. “Suspiciously vague and dodging the question. Classic robot move.”

Grayson grinned, playing along. “Careful, Jayden. Next, he’ll start asking for your serial number or proof you’re not part of some secret plot.”

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

Jayden sighed dramatically, though his smile lingered. “You kids are exhausting, you know that?”

“Better get used to it,” Tristan piped up, lounging across the bench with an exaggerated yawn. “We’re going to be stuck with you for a while, right? Unless you’re planning on ditching us at the military base.”

The atmosphere grew a little heavier at Tristan’s words. Jayden’s smile faltered briefly before he recovered. “Let’s just say I’m here to make sure you get where you’re supposed to be,” he replied carefully.

Everett frowned, leaning forward. “And where exactly is that? You still haven’t told us what happens when we get to this base. Are we prisoners? Soldiers? Experiments?”

Jayden’s eyes darkened slightly, and he stood straighter. “You’re none of those things. At least… not yet.”

A heavy silence settled over the group at that ominous remark.

“Well, that’s reassuring,” Grayson muttered, breaking the tension with his trademark sarcasm. “Nothing like a good ‘not yet’ to inspire confidence.”

Jayden shrugged. “Look, you’ll get your answers soon enough. For now, just enjoy the ride.” He turned away, signalling the conversation was over.

Liam leaned toward Grayson, whispering loudly enough for everyone to hear. “I’m telling you, he’s hiding something. Bet he’s got a secret lair somewhere with all kinds of weird gadgets.”

Steven smirked but didn’t look up from his book. “Or he’s just trying to survive babysitting a bunch of loud kids on a train. Can’t say I blame him.”

Jayden glanced over his shoulder, clearly hearing every word but choosing not to engage. The group exchanged glances, half-amused and half-wary. Whatever Jayden’s true intentions were, one thing was clear: he was playing a game of his own.

As the train continued its journey, the friends fell into a quieter rhythm, each lost in their own thoughts. But the spark of curiosity and mistrust lingered in the air, unspoken but palpable.

For all their banter, they couldn’t ignore the growing feeling that they were hurtling toward something far bigger than any of them could yet imagine.

~ ~ ~

The train gave a sudden lurch as the intercom chimed.

“Approaching Military Zone Terminal. Please prepare to disembark,” the calm, robotic voice announced.

Grayson, who had been half-asleep against the window, sat up straight. His gaze flicked outside, taking in the sprawling complex coming into view. It was a stark contrast to the lush landscapes they had admired earlier. Concrete walls stretched endlessly, punctuated by watchtowers with glinting sniper scopes. Heavy vehicles trundled across wide roads, their engines rumbling low and menacingly.

“Guess this is it,” Grayson said quietly, his usual humour absent.

The train slowed, its hum softening as the station lights illuminated the interior. The friends exchanged glances, the weight of the moment settling over them.

“Ready or not,” Everett muttered, gripping the edge of his seat.

When the doors hissed open, a rush of cool, conditioned air greeted them. Jayden was the first to step out, his boots clicking against the polished floor. He gestured for the others to follow, his usual emotions replaced by a more serious expression.

The station itself was massive, a cavernous space of metal and glass. Soldiers in sharp uniforms moved briskly, their faces set in stone. Automated drones floated overhead, scanning every corner with glowing blue sensors.

Liam let out a low whistle. “This place is... intense.”

“No kidding,” Tristan replied, craning his neck to look at a towering mech suit standing in a nearby loading bay. Its armour gleamed under the overhead lights, its weapons bristling with deadly efficiency. “That thing looks like it could crush a tank.”

“Probably because it can,” Steven said, adjusting his glasses as he studied a digital map mounted on the wall. “Looks like we’re in the eastern sector. The main command centre is... there.” He pointed toward a distant building topped with a massive antenna.

Jayden turned to them, his voice sharp. “Stay close and don’t wander off. This isn’t a playground.”

Grayson rolled his eyes but stayed silent, keeping an eye on the soldiers who eyed them suspiciously as they passed. The group filed into a wide corridor, its walls lined with sleek monitors displaying tactical data, troop movements, and weapon schematics. The air hummed with a low, steady vibration, a reminder of the base’s constant activity.

Everett caught sight of a group of recruits marching in formation outside, their faces eerily devoid of emotion. “They’re also kids,” he muttered under his breath.

“Not much older than us,” Tristan added, his voice tinged with unease.

“They’ve been training for this their whole lives,” Jayden said without looking back. “This isn’t the kind of place that waits for you to grow up.”

The group fell silent at that, their footsteps echoing in the corridor.

As they stepped into an open courtyard, the scale of the base became even more apparent. Massive hangers loomed on either side, each housing advanced machinery and vehicles. Soldiers practised drills with robotic precision, their movements perfectly synchronised. Above, fighter jets roared as they launched from hidden runways, disappearing into the grey sky.

“Welcome to the Southern Stronghold’s Military Base,” Jayden said, his tone almost mocking. “Home sweet home.”

Grayson folded his arms, glancing around. “Cozy. What’s next, the grand tour?”

Jayden smirked faintly. “Something like that. But first, you’ll need to meet the ones in charge.”

“That doesn’t sound ominous at all,” Liam said, earning a nervous chuckle from Tristan.

Steven, however, frowned. “Why does it feel like we’re being paraded around like some kind of... exhibit?”

Jayden didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he nodded toward a pair of massive double doors ahead. “Let’s just say there’s a lot of interest in you right now. Keep your heads down and let me do the talking.”

The doors slid open with a hiss, revealing a stark conference room bathed in harsh white light. Three figures waited inside, their uniforms immaculate and their gazes cold. General Cutlas Henk sat at the centre, his presence commanding and unyielding. To his right was General Araya Restingam, her sharp features giving nothing away. On the left, General Will Hayadi, his eyes glinting with a mix of curiosity and calculation.

Jayden stepped forward, saluting crisply. “Generals, I’ve brought them as requested.”

The room was silent for a moment as the generals’ eyes swept over the group. Grayson felt a shiver run down his spine as General Henk’s gaze lingered on him.

“Well,” Henk said finally, his voice deep and gravelly. “Let’s see what all the fuss is about.”