Names in the Dark

Deep within a massive mountain lay a hidden headquarters.

Its interior had been carved directly into the rock, shaped and widened until it resembled a dark underground mansion—part fortress, part forgotten palace. Sunlight filtered through natural cracks in the stone ceiling, pouring down in pale columns that illuminated the vast chamber below.

At the highest point of the hall, a man sat above everyone else.

Not on a throne—
but close enough.

Several armed men dragged a lone figure across the stone floor and threw him forward, forcing him to his knees before the seated leader.

Leader:
“Who is he?”

One of the men stepped forward.

Man:
“We found him behind the mountain. He came out of a metal object that struck the rock so hard it carved part of the cliff.”

The leader’s eyes narrowed.

Leader:
“What do you mean… came out of it?”

Before anyone could answer, the man on the ground slowly lifted his head.

He scanned the cavern carefully.

Not with fear—
but with recognition.

He muttered to himself, barely audible.

Prof.4:
“I was right about the coordinates…”
He smiled faintly.
“The mountain has a deep internal cavity. Wide. Stable.”
His gaze drifted upward.
“The perfect place.”

The leader slammed his hand against the armrest.

Leader:
“You. Speak.”

One of the guards struck the back of Prof.4’s head, forcing his attention forward.

Prof.4:
“…Pardon me.”
He straightened slightly.
“The impact seems to have made me forget what you want.”

Murmurs spread through the chamber.

The leader leaned forward.

Leader:
“Who are you?”

Prof.4 didn’t hesitate.

Prof.4:
“I’m an inventor.”

The room erupted in low voices.

Leader:
“An inventor?”
He scoffed.
“And what is an inventor doing here?”

Prof.4 lifted his chin, defiant.

Prof.4:
“I came here to be free.”

Silence followed.

Prof.4:
“Having knowledge without the freedom to use it is an abomination.”
His eyes locked onto the leader’s.
“And I believe I would be far more free under your rule… Chief.”

A sword was thrust inches from his face.

Guard:
“He looks like a city spy. I’ve seen inventors before. You don’t look like one.”

The leader raised a hand, stopping him.

Leader:
“You look like a fraud trying to bluff his way out of death.”
His voice sharpened.
“Answer me. How did you get here?”

Prof.4 smiled.

Slowly.

Prof.4:
“By using technology.”

The leader’s expression darkened.

Leader:
“Technology?”

Prof.4:
“Imagine creating fire whenever you wish—without striking stones together.”
He gestured lightly.
“Or speaking to someone kilometers away while standing exactly where you are.”

Anger flashed in the leader’s eyes.

Leader:
“Do not insult us.”
He rose slightly.
“We are not barbarians. we know how to make fire without stone!! and we have our own ways of communicate!.”
His voice hardened.
“But your words are fantasy. No machine is capable of making us communicate easily on the mountain.”

Prof.4 spread his hands calmly.

Prof.4:
“Nothing is impossible for the human mind.”
He leaned forward.
“Don’t you want control over everything within your reach?”

The leader hesitated.

Prof.4:
“Let me be your inventor.”
“ I came here with my belongings and with no will to run.”
" I can prove my worth.”

The leader leaned back, studying him.

Leader:
“…Interesting.”
“ I’ve never met an inventor before , but I know the Wise Village has an inventor.”

“That is why we cannot reach them.”

His gaze sharpened.

Leader:
“Very well. Prove yourself.”
“Impress me inventor.”

Prof.4’s lips curled into a wicked smile.

Prof.4:
“Then allow me to introduce myself properly.”

He lifted his head.

Prof.4:
“My name is Gunner.”

Elsewhere in the village, far from the mountain—

The four teenagers were thrown into a lower holding cell.

The ceiling was high, but the only opening was a narrow window near the top—just enough to see the feet of villagers passing by. Cold stone pressed into their backs as they huddled together on the floor.

Boy 1:
“So… now what?”
His voice echoed slightly.
“We just sit here like criminals?”

Boy 2:
“They didn’t even listen.”
He exhaled sharply.
“They decided what we were the moment they saw us.”

Silence followed.

Then Boy 2 spoke again.

Boy 2:
“Maybe we should use this time to get to know each other.”
He hesitated.
“Names, at least.”

Emily lifted her head.

Emily:
“My name is… Star X.”

Lisa blinked.

Lisa:
“…Sun-Z.”

Boy 1 frowned, then shrugged.

Boy 1:
“Shadow Light.”

The last boy nodded slowly.

Boy 2:
“Black Storm.”

They stared at one another.

The names lingered in the air.

Ridiculous.
Strange.
Too dramatic.

Everyone sighed—everyone except Emily.

Her eyes sparkled for a brief moment.

Emily:
“…Wow.”

Everyone:
“This is a joke.”

Shadow Light rubbed his face.

Shadow Light:
“Why do we even have names like these?”

Black Storm froze suddenly.

Black Storm:
“…Wait.”
“There’s another name.”

They all looked at him.

Black Storm:
“Mr. White.”

Lisa’s breath caught.

Lisa:
“I… recognize that name.”

Emily nodded slowly.

Emily:
“Me too.”

Shadow Light frowned.

Shadow Light:
“So do I.”

Black Storm clenched his fists.

Black Storm:
“I don’t remember who he is.”
“It’s like the name just… appeared.”

Shadow Light:
“Same.”
“No face. No memory.”

Emily looked between them.

Emily:
“Isn’t it strange?”
“We only remember our names… and his.”

She swallowed.

Emily:
“Maybe he’s the only one who can help us.”

Shadow Light exhaled.

Shadow Light:
“Yeah and he’s the only one with a normal name.”

Before anyone could respond—

A violent explosion tore through the village.

Screams followed.

Dust shook loose from the ceiling.

The four froze.

Somewhere outside, chaos had begun.