Hiro clutched his blanket. The whole room fell silent. Everyone turned their heads to him. With a deep inhale, he opened his mouth. “I’m an Eye.”

The Eyes: people born with capabilities that differed depending on the color of their eyes’ glow. Where these abilities came from, how these people were chosen, and who did the choosing—nobody knew. The only thing researchers figured out was that once one of them died, another infant born would take their place.

“So you finally confess!” Maki slapped Hiro’s shoulder. “But I always knew. You suck at lyin’. Man, you really had the balls to lie straight to my face. Though to be fair, that’s the first time you ever had balls for anythin’.”

Leo crossed his arms with a cocky smile on his face. “It’s surprising you’ve stayed hidden for this long. Then again, I could imagine you didn’t have much need for those eyes in a run-down town like Ushiro.”

Maki brushed her hair aside and smirked. “Heh. Crazy that I of all people discovered you. That should make me like, your owner or somethin’.”

Hiro jerked his head back. “What? No, it doesn’t.”

Shinji rested his chin against his hand. “That aside, isn’t this a big discovery? If word of this gets out…”

“Everyone would be after him. And consequently, us.” Dr. Tenzo stood up and turned to Leo. “He’s risky.”

Yuusuke let out a hearty laugh. “So I’m strong enough to beat an Eye, huh? I always knew it. I don’t mind if people are after this shrimp. Just means more attention to me as well!”

“But they’re there for Hiro, not you,” Shinji said.

“Tch. Shut up!”

Leo walked over to Hiro and leaned close. “Which Eyes do you have?”

Hiro stared down at his sheets. “T-The Future Eyes. I can see a few seconds into the future. If I focus really hard, I can reach about a full minute.”

“Bastard!” Yuusuke waved his fist at him. “Is that why it was so hard to hit you? How cheap!”

“That’s rich, coming from you.” Maki crossed her arms. “You’re literally a Dragonslayer.”

He pouted. “Hmph. At least I had to actually kill a dragon to get these powers. All he needed to do was be born.”

“Wait, you did what?!” Hiro snapped his head toward him.

“Oh, y’know. Killed a dragon. Inherited their powers. No biggie.” Yuusuke looked smugly at his nails.

“I fought with someone who killed a dragon?!” 

Maki shrugged. “So what? You lived.”

“‘Cause I let him,” Yuusuke said.

“Everyone, enough!” Leo’s voice thundered over everyone else’s. “Hiro, is there anyone else who knows about your Eyes.”

He shook his head.

“Really? Not even family?”

“Well, they…” Hiro’s arms trembled violently. He grasped his own wrist until they calmed down. “They died a couple years back. My entire family. It was a car accident. I happened to be working that day when I found out.”

“Hm… Did they ever know about your Eyes?”

“They, um… My parents always told me to keep myself hidden. It wasn’t until I was a teenager when they told me who I was.”

“I see.” Leo set his mug on the bedside table and leaned against the wall. He ran his fingers through his shaggy beard.

“So, what’re we gonna do about him?” Dr. Tenzo asked.

Maki stomped her foot. “We’re gonna keep him, of course! I worked hard to get him here!”

“He’s not some ‘pet’ you can just choose to keep.” Shinji hovered his hand over his sheathed knife’s handle. “If he’s gonna put us at risk, I'll do the deed myself.”

Leo took a deep breath. “That won’t be necessary. This might just be a chance of a lifetime. We’d be foolish not to take it. Hiro, listen to me.”

“Y-Yes!” He responded with a salute.

“This world needs to change. The Four Kings have abused their power for centuries. Stealing from the poor. Feeding the plump rich. Crime rising at an all-time high. We seek to be that change. Are you with us?”

Hiro slowly nodded.

Leo clapped his hands. “Good! I’m sure you have a lot of questions. As do I, but they can wait. I came here to confirm my assumptions, and to check if you two are well, of course.” He turned to Dr. Tenzo. “Koichi, how long will it be until they’re fully recuperated?”

The doctor pointed at Yuusuke. “This brat? I’d give him a couple hours. Maybe less if he’s stubborn enough. As for Hiro, I’d like to monitor him just a bit more, but his injuries should be completely healed by tonight.”

“Excellent. We’ll let him recover properly then. Maki, feel free to show Hiro around the base tomorrow.”

Maki saluted him. “You got it, boss!”

“Ah, and Hiro, one more thing.” Leo extended his hand forward.

Hiro shook his hand. Leo’s grip was strong; he could’ve easily crushed him if he wanted.

With a cheerful smile, Leo said, “Welcome to Lionheart!”

Everybody gave Hiro a round of applause. Even Yuusuke spared a few claps. Afterward, they left the infirmary to let him rest—and rest he did. His slumber went on uninterrupted until the following morning.

POP!

A loud sound across the room woke Hiro up. He opened his eyes, but the lights were too bright. The door opened and closed—nothing important, he assumed. His curiosity eventually faded away, so he went back to his peaceful slumber.

A peace far too short-lived.

A foul, gut-wrenching odor—akin to the smell of rotten eggs—soon penetrated his nostrils. He stuffed his face under his pillow, but it couldn’t block the stench off. Unable to handle it anymore, he sat up and pinched his nose.

“Eugh! What the hell is this? Yuusuke, did you crap your pants?"

Hiro rubbed his eyes. Yuusuke’s bed was empty; he was all alone. Still groggy, he held his breath and hurried to the door. To his great distress, it was locked. He pushed and pulled with all his might, but it wouldn’t budge.

Panic settled in. It was only a matter of time before he succumbed to his nausea. Trapped and with no windows, he scrambled around the room. At last, he found the source of the smell: a triangular beaker that contained a pale, yellow fluid sitting on the shelf. A cork lay beside it—perhaps the source of the pop. He bolted toward it, but tripped and fell face-first on the ground. Blood rushed to his head; he forced himself to stand. Alas, it was too late.

He had to breathe in.

Almost immediately, he hunched forward and gagged. Vomit spewed all over the floor. His palm covered the beaker’s opening as he hid it under a nearby bedsheet. After doing so, he noticed a note with messy handwriting sitting by the shelf. 

“Rise and shine, sleepyhead,” the note said. “Leo told me to come get you, but you looked so peaceful in your sleep. So, I set you an alarm. One that would test your reflexes and stress under pressure. I hope you don’t mind. This is all in the name of science. Love, DOCTOR Tenzo.”

Hiro’s eyebrow twitched. He was about to crumple the note when he noticed tiny words written at the corner.

“P.S. Your key card is taped to the back of this note. You’ll need it for both your room and all the other public rooms.”

Hiro tore the key card out and desperately bolted to the door. He placed the card in front of a sensor above the handle until he heard a click. A rush of relief overcame him as he burst through the door and finally took a breath of fresh air.

“That… doctor…” he murmured between gasps.

“You called?”

He looked to his left. Dr. Tenzo—cigarette in hand—stood by the door. A clipboard floated in front of him.

Hiro’s face twisted in disgust. “You… You asshole!”

“Good morning to you, too.” Dr. Tenzo puffed a smoke. A pen flew from atop his ear and jotted down notes on the clipboard.

“What the hell, doc?! Why did y—”

“Four minutes and forty-eight seconds. Just shy of five minutes. You’re a bit loud, but speed is passable. I’ll take your drowsiness and current recovery from surgery into account as well. Good job there.”

“H… Huh? What’re you talking about? What’re you taking notes for? And what was that nasty chemical in the room?!”

“Inquisitive. I like that. But I’d suggest first cleaning off that bit of dribble from your mouth. It looks shameful.”

Hiro wiped off the vomit trickling down his lip. His furious gaze never broke from Dr. Tenzo’s eyes. “Gee. Thanks.”

The doctor waved his finger. “Tsk, tsk, tsk. Is that how you thank someone who saved your leg? Anywho, since you’re dying to know, the flask in there contains hydrogen sulfide. Now, I’m assuming you read my note?”

“Yeah, kinda.”

“Leo called for you, but told me to make sure you ate first. You were out for so long. I’m sure you’ve worked up an appetite.”

“Sorry, not hungry. Blame the bottle of crap you left in that room.”

Dr. Tenzo waved his hand dismissively. “Oh, trust me. You won’t be saying that soon. The food here’s to die for.”

Hiro scowled. “I don’t know how I feel about that sentence.”

“Just follow me. I don’t think you’ve had the chance to meet our chef yet. He’s a pleasure to talk to.”

“Ugh. Fine.”

The clipboard fit itself snugly under his arm. With hands in his coat pockets, he led Hiro through the lobby and opened the door to the kitchen. It was spacious, with multiple glass fridges and pantries. White tiles with blue floral patterns decorated both the floor and walls. The sink and counters were much taller than normal, standing at about the height of Hiro’s chest.

Dr. Tenzo looked around. “Hm… He’s not here. I’ll call him over. You can wait out there.”

Hiro nodded. As he turned around, he suddenly bumped into a rock-hard surface and fell on his behind. He rubbed his forehead and looked up; a towering figure stared down at him. Even the bulky Leo appeared small compared to this man. One hand alone could easily wrap around Hiro’s head. The only clothes that covered his large mass of a body were a green apron with a sunflower printed at its center and cutoff jeans. His short auburn ponytail brushed against the ceiling.

“My, my! Who do we have here?” The giant man squatted down. His shadow loomed over Hiro. Despite his appearance, he had a gentle high-pitched voice. “Are you the newbie I’ve been hearing about?”

Hiro crawled backward. Sweat gathered along his brow. He opened his mouth, but was speechless.

“Oh dear, a shy one.”

“Ah, Bruno! Didn’t see you there.” Dr. Tenzo waved at him. “This is our new recruit, Hiro.”

“Ah, Hiro! Pleasure to meet you. Let me help you up.” The giant grabbed Hiro by the jacket with a single hand and lifted him back up to his feet. “As our delightful doctor said, my name is Bruno. Chef, caretaker, janitor—you name it! Though, most of Lionheart affectionately call me Golem. Feel free to do the same.”

“Uh… huh…” Hiro placed his hands on his jacket. He felt like a ragdoll in Golem’s grip.

“And of course, the proud brother of our fine leader, Leo!”

Hiro’s eyebrows shot up. “Wait, what?! You? The boss’s brother?”

“Why, yes! His older brother, to be exact.”

“You two look nothing alike.”

“Yes, yes. We get that a lot. We’re not blood-related, but I love him just the same.”

“Ah.”

“You two acquainted now? Good.” Dr. Tenzo tapped Hiro’s shoulder. “Get this boy some food. He’s meeting with Leo right after.”

Golem clapped his hands together. “Poor lad. You must be famished! Wait a bit. I’ll make you something quick.”

With long strides, Golem went inside the kitchen. Hiro waited at the dining table. Not long after, he heard sizzling from the gas stove. A savory aroma permeated the air. Several minutes later, Golem came out with a steaming hot plate in his hand and set it on the table. It was a cheesy omelet stuffed with tomatoes, mushrooms, and bits of bacon. Hiro gave in to his hunger and wolfed down his meal. He wiped his plate clean.

“This is so good,” he said as he chewed. “Is there more?”

“Aw, you flatter me.” Golem covered his wide smile with his hand. “Unfortunately, I didn’t expect you to be quite the hefty eater. I should’ve taken that into account. On your next meal, I promise there’ll be more.”

“You’re in a hurry anyway,” Dr. Tenzo said. “Head to the fifth floor. Leo’s waiting for you.”

Hiro handed Golem his plate. “Thank you very much. Is it alright if I come to the kitchen once in a while? I have a couple recipes from my friend I’d like to try.”

Golem gasped. His eyes sparkled. “Really?! I’ve never had help in the kitchen before. You’re welcome here anytime!”

Hiro waved them goodbye and rode the elevator to the command center. There, Haruka sat at the rounded table across from Leo.

“Hello.” Haruka greeted him with a quick bow.

“A-Ah. Hello.” He bowed back.

“Good morning… Hiro,” Leo said as he yawned. “Have you eaten breakfast?”

He nodded.

“Ah, so you’ve had my brother’s cooking. It’s good, huh?”

“Very.”

“Wonderful! Now we’re just waiting for one more. I wonder what’s taking her so—”

“Greetings, chumps!”

The elevators opened to a teenage girl with bright orange hair down to her shoulders. A bunny pin loosely held her side pigtail together. She wore a bright pink skirt and a yellow hoodie with a black leather jacket over it. Her high stockings sparkled with glitter.

The girl strutted forward with hands on hips. Her wide grin radiated with smug pride. “You can all stop your worries now! For I, Usano Yoshikawa, am here to bless this boring room!”