The moment they stepped outside, they froze.

The quiet backyard they had seen before was gone.

In its place stretched a vast training courtyard, as if an entire facility had unfolded from beneath the earth. The ground was segmented into interlocking metallic panels, each etched with glowing lines. Strange machines stood arranged in combat formations, their surfaces humming softly with stored energy. At the far end of the yard, a towering steel structure rose upward, its surface shifting as if still assembling itself.

Shadow Light’s jaw dropped.

Shadow Light:
“What—?! When did all of this even appear?!”

Mr. White walked calmly to the center of the courtyard.

Mr. White:
“Each of you will undergo specialized training based on your unique abilities. Today is only a warm-up.”
He turned slightly, his eyes sharp.
“Once I finish analyzing today’s results, I’ll design your full programs.”

He faced Star X and gestured toward a tall metal pole connected to a humming transformer.

Mr. White:
“Star X, see this device?”

Star X nodded.

Mr. White:
“It’s a transducer. I want you to channel as much energy as you can into it. It will measure your daily output capacity. The excess energy will be stored for later use.”

Star X:
“Okay.”

Mr. White turned to Shadow Light and motioned toward a sleek device displaying a glowing virtual thermometer.

Mr. White:
“Shadow Light. Your task is simple. Make the meter turn red.”

Shadow Light cracked his knuckles, flames flickering faintly between his fingers.

Shadow Light:
“So you want me to burn it all the way through?”

Mr. White:
“Exactly.”

Shadow Light grinned.

Shadow Light:
“You got it.”

Mr. White then motioned for Sun-Z to follow him.

Mr. White:
“Sun-Z, come with me.”

He led her to a wide circular platform composed of layered metal rings. Heavy metallic weights clung to its surface, vibrating slightly as if held in place by an invisible force.

Mr. White:
“This is a magnetic field generator. The weights are restrained by controlled magnetism.”
He looked at her calmly.
“Your task is to push them out of range using your ability.”

Sun-Z inhaled slowly.

Sun-Z:
“That sounds difficult… but I’ll do my best.”

Finally, Mr.White turned to Black Storm.

Mr. White:
“As for you, Black Storm—you’ll train inside the laser chamber with active force fields.”

Black Storm groaned.

Black Storm:
“Not again!”

Mr. White allowed himself the faintest hint of a smile.

Mr. White:
“This time will be different. I’ll be monitoring all of you from inside.”
(pauses)
“Begin.”

Hours passed.

The sun crept lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the courtyard. Orange and blood-red light filtered through the trees as the four of them continued training—movements slowing, breaths growing shallow, every muscle screaming in protest.

Star X collapsed backward onto the metal floor.

Star X:
“I can’t take this anymore! When is this training ever going to end?!”

Sun-Z wiped sweat from her brow.

Sun-Z:
“I’m starving…”

Shadow Light dropped to one knee, hands braced against the ground.

Shadow Light:
“This is torture… I really hope he hasn’t forgotten about us.”

Mr. White’s voice echoed calmly from the courtyard speakers.

Mr. White:
“Don’t worry, Shadow Light. I haven’t forgotten.”
A brief pause.
“You may stop now. Training is complete.”

They collapsed all at once, groaning in relief.

Mr. White:
“Well done. Dinner is ready.”

The word hit them like a revival spell.

“Food!”

They sprang to their feet instantly.

The table was filled with dishes of every kind. Steam rose from warm plates, rich scents flooding the room. Black Storm and Mr. White joined them, and they ate as if they hadn’t seen food in days.

Sun-Z smiled brightly.

Sun-Z:
“Mr. White’s food is always amazing.”

Star X nodded enthusiastically.

Star X:
“It really is!”

Mr. White chuckled softly.

Mr. White:
“That’s only because you’re completely exhausted.”

Meanwhile, Black Storm and Shadow Light talked between bites.

Shadow Light:
“So… when are you joining us for full training?”

Black Storm swallowed.

Black Storm:
“I’ve got two more days of individual practice. Then I’m in.”

Shadow Light nodded.

Shadow Light:
“Good. That settles it.”

Mr. White watched them quietly. A faint smile rested on his lips—yet his thoughts were far darker.

They’ve only been here for ten days… and already they’re this synchronized. Cooperative. Instinctively trusting one another—even without their memories.

Images flooded his mind.

Grown test subjects.
Adult professors.
Blood-soaked halls.
Screams echoing through steel corridors.

Age and personality determine everything, he thought grimly. They define the fate of the experiment—and the limits of control.

The previous group had been older. Too aware. Too defiant.

In the end, we couldn’t contain them.

They had turned on one another. Gone berserk. Lost contact with the organization.

Their existence had to be erased.

His fingers tightened around his fork.

But these children… why were they chosen?

They hadn’t been raised by the organization. They weren’t trained. They weren’t even equipped.

The chairman said he selected them carefully… but based on what? Their families? No—that doesn’t add up.

And Gunner…

Why did he insist on following them? Why did he sever communication with headquarters?
It’s as if he’s isolating them on purpose… keeping them blind.

His jaw tightened.

Is he planning something? Something dangerous?

Star X’s voice snapped him back.

Star X:
“Mr. White?”

He blinked, startled. Everyone was staring at him—empty plates before them, while his own food remained untouched.

Star X:
“Are you okay? You haven’t eaten anything.”

Mr White cleared his throat.

Mr. White:
“Ah… forgive me. I was distracted.”

He finally picked up his fork.

Mr. White:
“You’ve already finished? You really were hungry.”

Far away from the quiet village, deep within the iron halls of the Leader’s headquarters, punishment was being carried out.

Commander Gazley and the remnants of his battalion were bound tightly, suspended from thick chains in the air. Executioners circled them methodically, whips cracking against flesh with brutal precision. Screams echoed through the vast chamber—raw, desperate, broken.

Everyone screamed.

Everyone… except Gazley.

Blood ran down his face. His body trembled under the assault, muscles screaming in protest—but his mouth remained shut. Not a single sound escaped him.

The Leader stood above them, his presence heavy and suffocating, eyes cold as stone.

Leader:
“This is the fate of failure.”

He paced slowly, hands clasped behind his back.

Leader:
“A commander disgraced. An entire squad defeated by little children.”
He scoffed.
“You will rot in prison. You will never see daylight again.”

The chains rattled as Gazley lifted his head just enough to meet the Leader’s gaze.

Still, he said nothing.

Nearby, Gunner watched in silence, his expression carefully neutral—though a twisted smile threatened to surface beneath the mask.

"What a fool…
Thinking they’re just children."

"How did a man like this ever earn such blind loyalty?"

Gunner’s eyes flicked toward the Leader’s throne.

That seat would suit me far better.

He stepped forward and bowed deeply.

Gunner:
“Master… may I offer a suggestion?”

The Leader turned slowly, irritation flashing across his face.

Leader:
“What is it now?”

Gunner straightened, voice smooth.

Gunner:
“The information Commander Gazley brought back may sound fantastical… but it contains valuable data.”
(pauses)
“I propose we create soldiers whose abilities surpass even our greatest weapons.”

The Leader’s expression darkened.

Leader:
“Gazley brought back nothing but fairy tales and humiliation.”
His voice hardened.
“Spare me your nonsense, Inventor. I am growing tired of you.”

He leaned closer.

Leader:
“Show me something real. Something useful.”

Gunner did not flinch.

Gunner:
“Our advanced technology has already proven its worth.”
He gestured subtly toward the chained commander.
“I demonstrated its potential when we first equipped Gazley’s battalion.”
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
“And I can make it far more deadly than before.”

The Leader’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

Leader:
“You have one last chance… before you die.”

Gunner bowed again—deeper this time—his grin hidden in the shadow.

Gunner:
“Thank you for your generosity, my lord.”

Later that night, while the Leader spoke in hushed tones with his advisor, Gunner lingered at the edge of the hall. Soldiers gathered, preparations quietly underway.

Moments later, the Leader rose from his seat and began issuing orders.

Leader:
“Prepare the transport. I’ll be leaving shortly.”

Gunner’s attention sharpened.

As the Leader departed, Gunner intercepted one of the guards.

Gunner:
“What’s going on?”

Guard:
“Nothing unusual. The Leader will go on a trip.”

Gunner tilted his head.

Gunner:
“A trip? Where to?”

Guard:
“Not far. He’ll be gone for a couple of days.”

The guard moved on.

Gunner remained where he was.

Slowly, a dangerous smile spread across his face.

Perfect.

That’s exactly what I needed.

He turned away, walking into the shadows with burning determination in his eyes—an expression of absolute confidence and quiet madness.

Gunner (to himself):
“It’s time for the coup.”