Cold metal pressed against Levi’s back.

His eyes snapped open. Bright white lights stung his vision as he realized he was strapped to a table, arms locked in place by steel restraints. His heart pounded—he had no idea where he was or how long he’d been unconscious.

“Hello?” Levi called out. “Where am I?!”

Footsteps echoed.

A door hissed open, and a young man in a black military uniform stepped in. His hair was bright orange, his eyes sharp and blue, full of authority.

“My name is Cameron Jeyser,” he said. “You’re in a containment facility for the most dangerous individuals in the world.”

Levi strained against the straps. “I’m not dangerous! I didn’t do anything!”

Cameron tilted his head slightly. “You survived an electric surge that should have killed you on the spot. Something protected you. And the creature that attacked you? We killed it. That thing was a supernatural.”

Levi frowned. “What’s a supernatural? I’m human.”

Cameron sighed as if he’d heard that answer a thousand times.

“There are people—beings—with unnatural abilities. We believe they’re aliens living among us. We call them supernaturals. Whenever we find one, they’re either eliminated…” He paused, eyes narrowing. “…or forced to fight for humanity.”

Levi swallowed hard. “Fight who?”

“Other supernaturals,” Cameron answered. “Dangerous ones. And now, it’s your turn to choose. Levi… Steelman, right?”

Levi nodded slowly. “Yeah.”

“Then decide,” Cameron said. “Fight for us… or be treated as an enemy.”

Levi’s mind raced. He didn’t understand any of this, didn’t know who to trust—but he knew one thing: he wanted to survive.

“I’ll fight,” Levi said quietly.

Cameron stepped forward and locked a metal collar around Levi’s neck. A faint hum buzzed from it.

“If you try anything stupid,” Cameron said, tone cold, “that collar will shut your nervous system down. Instantly.”

Levi froze.

“Good.” Cameron pressed a button, and the straps released him. “Come. I’ll show you your… cell.” He paused, corrected himself. “Your room.”

Levi followed him through long metal halls that felt way too much like a prison.

A guard waited outside the room.

A girl.

She had the same orange hair and blue eyes as Cameron—though Levi didn’t know why they looked familiar. She stood straight, posture perfect, with a badge on her jacket.

“I’m Vanessa,” she said. “I’ll be assigned to watch you. And to help you navigate the facility.”

Levi stared at her, unsure what to say.

She handed him a folded uniform—dark, military-style clothing.

“Suit up,” Vanessa said. “Training begins soon.”

Levi looked at the collar on his neck. Looked at the uniform. Looked at the cold metal room.

His whole life—everything he knew—was gone.

He closed the door behind him and whispered to himself:

“How did it all change so fast…?”