The yellow eyes stared at the five Defenders in front. Tyx stood up, along with the other Defenders; they all looked up toward Black. Confused, he also looked up, noticing a reflective glass platform.

“What the hell is this?” Black observed his own reflection before returning his attention forward. “This certainly isn’t just a mirror...”

– With everyone’s consent, we will begin the session to discuss the situation of the biologically enhanced human self-named Black – declared Tyx, standing straight.

The other Defenders nodded, looking in his direction.

– This meeting is being recorded and transmitted to Division Zero as per the Evelyn Treaty, and it is being monitored by one of her agents. – Tyx spoke while maintaining a prolonged gaze at the glass structure, and all the Defenders took their seats afterward.

“That Evelyn Treaty again... Is this some sort of law from Division Zero?” Black stared at the table with slightly furrowed brows, alternating his gaze between the Defenders, who held serious expressions. “If even the Defenders follow it, things are more different than I imagined.”

Tyx made a motion with both hands, pushing them apart. As he did this, a metallic device spun rapidly, splitting a laser light into two beams: one illuminated the object, and the other was directed at a holographic film. The interference created a complex light pattern, resulting in a massive hologram that formed before everyone, causing the young man to recoil quickly in his chair.

– What the hell is that!? – exclaimed Black, jumping up from his chair and instinctively stepping back, his eyes wide.

Information and a photo of him floated in the air, like on an enormous almost-transparent screen. “Is this... a television?”

– You’ve never seen a hologram, kid? – asked the man at the far left, his voice calm and gentle. He had one hand on his chin, resting his head. — Don’t worry, it’s just a manipulation of light to create three-dimensional images. Please sit down.

“Hologram? Light? I understand even less now...” Black swallowed hard, slowly sitting back down as he watched what was being displayed in front of him. His blood type, measurements, medical exam results, and a representation of the African continent were shown, with an area in the north marked in red.

– This is what we know about you; it doesn’t explain much. And since we have no jurisdiction over the African continent, – said the man sitting in the center, in an imposing voice, crossing his arms and raising his chin. – information about you is even scarcer, especially due to the conflict in the Red Desert.

“Red Desert conflict... I heard agents talking about that.” Black's fists slowly clenched at the mention of that name. His eyes were lost, trying to reach a memory that was no longer there.

– Before we begin, I believe we should present our reality, of which the young man is unfamiliar – said Tyx, looking at the man in the center, who gestured with his hand and nodded.

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– Go ahead.

Tyx moved his hands over the table, appearing to manipulate a device. The hologram changed, showing images of mirrored buildings, a massive concrete bridge, and finally, the actual image of the statue holding a sword depicted on the door.

– Do you know where we are? – Tyx asked.

– In the Iovem building, in America, I think... – Black replied with a shrug. – At least that's what I saw at the reception.

– North America, to be more precise. You are in Nova Atlântida, right in the district of Tlamanalli – Tyx explained, raising his arm toward the seated individuals. – These are the Defenders of the United States. The first on your left is the Visionary; the second is the Amazon; the third and our leader is the Red Dragon; the fourth is Titan; and finally, I am Tyx.

“Then he really is a Defender. It’s hard to imagine; his posture is different from everyone else’s.”

Black adjusted in his chair as he observed the introduction of everyone present, ending with his gaze on Tyx.

– So, you don’t know your real name? Do you remember if you have family or acquaintances? – asked Titan, leaning forward in his chair and staring into the yellowish eyes that resembled his own.

– I can’t remember... The things that come to mind are just blur... – Black replied, alternating his gaze between Titan and his fists. – Can I ask you something?

– We’re the ones who ask the questions. – said the Red Dragon, interrupting Black. – You just answer.

Titan glared at the center Defender, furrowing his brows and slightly shaking his head as he averted his gaze.

“So that’s how it is... In the end, I’m still just a prisoner.” Black curled his lips, slowly relaxing his fists.

– In your information, it says that your possible homeland is Libya. Do you know how you can speak our language fluently? – asked the Amazon, in a friendly tone.

– I don’t know, I just can. – Black explained, opening his hands and then clenching them tightly, looking at Tyx. – You said this would be a conversation, but it feels more like an interrogation!

– You better watch your tone! Don’t forget that it’s because of us that you’re sitting here and not locked in a cage! – replied the Red Dragon, with a voice imposing and distinct from the others. Despite the imposing tone, Black furrowed his brows and pressed his fists against the table.

– You want me to thank you for being in this damn interrogation!? Thank you for being your damn prisoner! – Black exclaimed, slamming his fist on the table, shaking its entire structure.

The Red Dragon made a gesture to stand up, but the Amazon lightly touched his hand, shaking her head negatively, and he sat back down.

– Listen, Black, we are the Defenders. We’re here to help you; we just need to understand your situation better – the Amazon replied.

She gestured briefly with her hands, keeping her voice gentle and her expression welcoming. However, she was interrupted by Black.

– Help me!? I’m trapped and don’t even know why! – Black retorted, gritting his teeth and rising from the chair, breathing deeply. – I don’t trust you! I remember a few things, and one of them is about you! Abavikeli bangababulali!

His vision began to blur, and the buzzing echoed in his ears once again. He noticed that the Red Dragon had risen and was pointing his index finger at him.

– I... will not... go back to a damn cell...! – Black shouted, trying to retreat, saliva dripping from his mouth as he spoke. — No... not again...!

He put his hand on his head; his vision was so blurry that he could see nothing but silhouettes. Then, the buzzing transformed into pain, and he squeezed his eyes shut, trying to stifle the scream that was rising from his body. It felt as though he was falling deeply into his own subconscious; then, suddenly, everything turned to darkness.