4 A.M.

On the rooftop of a building under construction, Saya lay prone, eye behind her sniper scope, aiming at the tallest building in the city center—nine hundred meters north.

“If I were to use a thermal scope in the dark…” she said. “This is the only position here that allows a clean shot.”

Zen was scanning the surroundings.
“This is the only building the same height as the one I was on.”

Saya stood, brushing dust from her knees. “And the security around here seems bare minimum. Even though you can only see a small portion of the target building, if I were sure you’d always be visible from here, I would’ve picked this spot.”

“They tracked my movements for a week,” Zen said. “They knew I always stopped at that exact place.”

“I still can’t wrap my head around how they tracked you for a week when your gear’s almost invisible in the dark,” Saya said. “No one goes around scanning thermal signatures on rooftops past midnight.”

“I’ve had the same thought.” Zen’s gaze shifted to a surveillance drone gliding by in the distance. “You think that’s the reason?”

She followed his eyes. “A surveillance drone? What makes you say that?”

“The wind tipped me off,” Zen replied. “Every night I scouted, I felt a presence nearby within thirty minutes of one passing overhead.”

“But couldn’t that be a coincidence?”

“Not when Ansar logged it deviating from its patrol route every damn time,” Zen said. “Those drones store confidential data too—operative movements across the city. Makes them valuable targets for hackers.”

“But if you breach them, the logs get wiped automatically,” Saya said.
“You’ll need insider credentials just to avoid triggering the purge.”

Zen raised an eyebrow. “Stealing insider credentials from a highly protected system without raising suspicion would be one hell of a feat.”

Saya frowned thoughtfully. “True. Even for me, it would be tedious.”
“Hmmm… Could the system itself be aiding them?”

Zen smirked, unamused. “Corruption? Not surprising.”
“Operative locations across the city would fetch a high price.”

They both glanced toward where the surveillance drone had been moments ago.

Saya’s eyes narrowed. “No one is safe.”

Zen’s comm chimed. He answered.
“What is it?”

Aurora’s voice came through, calm and precise. “Multiple military camps on the north and northwest islands were attacked last night.”

She paused briefly. “Emergency reinforcements are being sent from the southwest and east islands. Ansar and Umbra are already en route.”

Zen remained silent, letting the information sink in.
“Noted. Anything else?”

Aurora spoke again, “In addition, eighty percent of active soldiers will be reassigned from urban zones to the camps within the next twenty-four hours.”

“Copy,” Zen said and hung up.

“Huh? Didn’t the security increase just two days ago?” Saya asked. “And now they’re already pulling forces?”

“Every island except the eastern and central hub is at a crisis for manpower,” Zen explained. “They’re exploiting that to weaken security here.”

“And it’s working,” Saya muttered.

Zen nodded. “To them, Alpha-02 is down for at least a week. If I were them, I’d make my move within the next three days.”

Saya crossed her arms. “So… what’s the plan?”

“We wait for Stelle’s word,” Zen replied evenly.

3:43 P.M.

After a long day, the class was quiet. Some students yawned. Some slumped over their desks, bags already packed, waiting for the bell.

The instructor gathered her materials neatly, then cleared her throat to draw attention.
“Everyone, listen up. There will be an announcement in the auditorium after class. Attendance is mandatory. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, ma’am,” the students chorused, their voices lacking energy.

The instructor nodded. “Good.” She approached Viara’s desk. “If you’re feeling unwell, you may head back to the dorms. I’ll inform the guards at the gate.”

Viara gave a subtle smile. “Thank you, ma’am.”

“You’re welcome.” The instructor turned and walked out.

The students waited another minute until the bell finally rang. Slowly, they filed out, heading toward the auditorium.

Kyoya moved with a small group of friends.

“Dude, I heard they’re rescheduling the exam to the start of next week,” one friend said.

“No way! If that’s true, we’ll have to cancel our bowling plans,” another added.

Kyoya chuckled. “Relax. What’s the big deal?”

“Easy for you to say,” his friend shot back. “Making it to the tournament phase is light work for you.”

“Hey, can’t blame me for being amazing,” Kyoya said, laughing.

“So… still going bowling?” a girl asked.

“Of course,” Kyoya replied, nonchalantly.

Zen and Finn were close behind.

“They should really be practicing,” Zen murmured.

“A new bowling alley opened a month ago,” Finn said. “He’s been going every day after school. How he isn’t bored yet, I’ll never know.”

The auditorium filled quickly, buzzing with chatter.

Outside, Cassie and Viara settled onto an empty bench.

“You sure you don’t want to take the instructor up on her offer and head back to the dorm?” Cassie asked.

“No, I don’t want to miss out,” Viara said. “You know, you could go inside if you want. I don’t want to drag you behind.”

Cassie shook her head with a soft smile. “I’d rather stay here with you.”

Viara returned the smile. “Thanks.”

After a short wait, Commander Stelle arrived at the podium. The moment she cleared her throat, the room fell silent.

Adjusting the mic, Stelle began, her voice carrying over the hushed crowd.
“I’ll keep this brief out of respect for everyone’s time. The rank reassessment exams will start next Tuesday, not the week after.”

A low murmur of groans ran through the students.

Stelle raised a hand, letting silence settle. “You have four days to prepare. Four days to push past your limits and show what you’re made of.”

She scanned the auditorium, her gaze firm. “Freshmen, this is your first true step toward becoming a warrior. Every choice, every action you take from this moment matters. Learn, adapt, survive.”

The students shifted, a mix of nervous energy and excitement spreading.

“And to the rest of you,” she continued, her voice rising, “you’ve already walked this path. One more step, one more test, and you’re closer to the glory you’ve earned through sweat and determination!”

The auditorium erupted—cheers, claps, a few whistles. Energy rippled through the crowd, charging the air like a live wire.

Stelle let the applause wash over them before raising a hand once more.
“Remember this feeling. Channel it. I wish you all the best of luck. Dismissed.”

She stepped down from the podium with measured authority, leaving behind a room buzzing with motivation and anticipation.

The crowd slowly filed out, energized by her words.

Commander Stelle strode back toward her office, phone buzzing in her hand. She tapped her earpiece.

“Report,” she commanded.

A young operative’s voice came through. “We’ve been monitoring the city. There’s a sharp increase in the number of ex-convicts in and around the commercial zone.”

Stelle’s lips curved into a faint smirk. “I expected as much. Mark their locations and track every movement.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

She ended the call, already forwarding the information.

Zen and Finn left the auditorium, heading towards the school gates. They stopped by the gates, waiting as Madoka soon caught up to them.

“How generous of you to wait for me,” she said with a teasing smirk.

Zen looked at Finn.
“Told you we should’ve left,” he deadpanned.

Finn laughed quietly.

Zen’s phone pinged. He pulled it out of his pocket to check.

“Who is it?” Madoka asked.

“A voice message from Stelle,” Zen replied.

An earpiece formed as he brought his left hand to his ear. After listening to the voice message, he paused. “Their next target is somewhere in the commercial zone.”

“Commercial zone, huh?” Finn murmured. “Wait a second… The bowling alley…”

Realization hit.

“Aquila could be their next target,” Zen said, his voice low.

“What’s the move?” Madoka asked.

A voice called out not far off. “Hey. All of you are here.”

All three of their heads turned. Conversation interrupted.

Cassie and Viara approached, Julianna alongside them.

“Let’s walk back together,” Cassie suggested.

Before Finn or Madoka could say anything, Zen spoke, “Quick question, are any of you into bowling?”

“I’ve been bowling a few times,” Julianna replied. “It was pretty fun.”

“I haven’t, but it wouldn’t hurt to try,” Cassie added, glancing at Viara.

Viara smiled faintly. “I’ll watch. Won’t participate, but it’ll be fun to see you all play.”

“Perfect,” Finn said. “Let’s take the subway to the commercial zone.”

Viara hesitated. “Umm… maybe avoid crowded transports?”

“And hopefully avoid trouble too,” Cassie added, unease flickering in her eyes. Memories of five nights ago surfaced.

“Relax,” Finn said with a grin, nodding toward Zen. “If anyone tries something, he’ll fold them in half.”

“We’ll be fine,” Zen reassured.

Cassie and Viara exchanged worried glances.

Cassie let out a sigh. “Alright. I’ll call a private ride.”

“Please, allow me,” Julianna insisted.

Madoka looked at Zen. He met her gaze and gave a slight nod—a silent understanding passing between them.

Zen turned back to the group. “I’m going to make a quick call. Be right back.”

He walked off into the distance, out of earshot, dialing his phone.

The others continued their conversation, unaware of the truth the other trio carried.

A black silhouette cut through the afternoon sky.

Saya, encased in her gear, SR-01 Specter—matte black armor accented with deep cobalt highlights—glided silently above the commercial district.

She touched down atop a tall building two hundred meters from the only bowling alley in the area. From her vantage point, the street below stretched in neat grids of asphalt and concrete, dotted with shops, cafés, and the occasional pedestrian.

The hood and mask of her gear slid down, and the floating magnetic wings folded back into their housing unit. She slipped behind the railing and deployed her modern sniper rifle.

Her target wasn’t a threat—at least not in the traditional sense—but precision mattered all the same.

Minutes later, a sleek black car rolled to a smooth stop in front of the bowling alley. Clean lines. Understated elegance. A vehicle meant for someone of status.

The front door opened, and Kyoya stepped out, his three friends following from the rear. He moved with casual confidence, chatting lightly, unaware of the sharp gaze tracking his every motion from above.

The car rolled away to park out of sight, leaving the group on the sidewalk.

“Target in sight,” Saya murmured, eye pressed to the scope.

From her angle, nothing seemed unusual—until a man seated on a bench across the street, newspaper in hand, glanced toward the alley.

The movement was subtle. Measured.

But Saya’s trained eyes caught the brief flicker of interest. Nothing concrete. Still worth remembering.

Kyoya and his friends entered the bowling alley, the doors sliding shut behind them. For a moment, the street returned to normal.

Then two more cars arrived.

Modern. White. Unassuming—almost forgettable.

From the first, Cassie, Viara, and Julianna stepped out. Zen, Finn, and Madoka emerged from the second. Both vehicles drifted away to find parking.

The man on the bench stiffened.

His gaze lingered on Cassie and Viara.

Then, with practiced calm, he returned to his newspaper.

Saya’s eyes narrowed.

Zen had noticed it too.

Saya’s thoughts drifted back to the call she’d had with him on the way here.

“Wait—why are you bringing the other two Solheims with you?” Saya asked. “Won’t that be a problem?”

“I’m shaking the box,” Zen replied.

“No political pressure from Ignisar, no news, no public statements, then suddenly all three heirs show up at the same place, acting normal—right after a failed abduction attempt on two of them.”

He paused.

“If someone’s planning to move, they’ll hesitate. If someone’s watching, they’ll overreact.”

“And you want me spotting whoever does,” Saya said.

“Precisely.”

“But you’re using them as bait,” she muttered.

“As pressure points.”

“That doesn’t make it better,” Saya shot back. “What if they get jumped or something?”

“In Finn’s words,” Zen said calmly, “I’ll fold them in half.”

Saya went quiet for a moment. Then she sighed softly.

“…What am I even worried about?”

Finn clapped his hands together, stepping forward with his usual easy grin.
“Alright, gang, here we are. Let’s hit the lanes.”

Zen’s eyes swept the immediate area, scanning faces and movement. They were calm, relaxed, but he didn’t relax. Across the street, two figures in the café had been watching them.

The moment Zen’s gaze landed on them, their heads jerked slightly, a faint tension in posture, before they resumed casual sipping and quiet conversation as if nothing had happened.

Zen cataloged their appearance, then turned back to the group.
“Let’s go,” he said, his tone neutral, as they stepped into the alley.

Meanwhile, Saya continued to track the movements of the people around the bowling alley.

“Anyone hesitating or overreacting…” she murmured.

The man sitting at the bench looked up from his newspaper towards the building gate Zen and others had entered. He pulled out his phone and made a call, then got up from the bench and walked away towards the parking area.

Another man, wearing a black cap and mask, who was checking books at a bookstore by the bowling alley, followed the first guy.

They stood around for another moment, scanning their surroundings, before approaching a white van and disappearing inside.

Saya was tracking them like a hawk. “Попался (Caught you)”