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.”

  Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  “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)”

  The bowling alley hummed with life — pins crashing, shoes squeaking against polished floors, neon lane numbers glowing softly overhead.

  Kyoya stood near one of the lanes with his three friends when the doors slid open again.

  Cassie stepped in first, Viara and Julianna beside her, followed by Zen, Finn, and Madoka.

  Kyoya turned at the sound of footsteps.

  A slow, confident grin spread across his face.

  “Well, well,” he said smoothly. “Didn’t expect a family reunion today.”

  Cassie stopped short.

  “Ugh… Didn’t expect to run into a walking ego with legs,” she said flatly, eyes rolling.

  Viara blinked. “You didn’t tell us you were coming here.”

  “I come here almost every day,” Kyoya replied.

  Kyoya took a few relaxed steps forward, his friends falling in right behind him like a shadow.

  His gaze drifted upward — straight to the white cap on Cassie’s head.

  A knowing smirk curved his lips.

  “Still wearing that dumb cap, huh?” he said, tilting his head.

  “Doesn’t really suit a princess, does it?”

  Cassie’s jaw tightened.

  One of his friends chuckled.

  “Yeah, looks kinda childish.”

  Another added with a grin, “Thought royals had better fashion sense.”

  Cassie’s eyes narrowed, but she stayed composed.

  Kyoya shrugged casually. “Anyway — since you’re already here, how about a little fun?”

  He gestured toward the lanes.

  “Four versus four. Friendly match.”

  Cassie scoffed. “I have zero interest in playing with you.”

  Kyoya smiled wider. “What’s wrong? Losing confidence already?”

  His friends snickered behind him.

  One of them leaned forward with a grin.

  “Or are you sca—”

  “WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!” Cassie shouted, furious.

  It detonated through the bowling alley.

  Kyoya’s three friends practically jumped backward.

  Someone dropped a bowling ball.

  A nearby group froze mid-cheer.

  Cassie was pure fury — eyes blazing, teeth clenched, aura almost visible.

  Then, just a heartbeat later, she straightened and cleared her throat.

  “Apologies,” she said, perfectly calm again. “That was unnecessary.”

  “But since you insist on provoking me,” she said coolly,

  “I accept your challenge.”

  Kyoya blinked.

  “A four versus four bowling match,” Cassie said. “We start in five minutes.”

  For a beat, Kyoya just stared.

  Then his grin widened. “Heh. I was hoping you’d say that.”

  As Cassie walked back toward her group, Kyoya’s friends leaned in close to him.

  “Damn,” one whispered. “She really is intimidation incarnate.”

  Another nodded quickly. “Like— terrifying.”

  Kyoya chuckled softly, eyes following Cassie.

  “Still explosive as ever.”

  Cassie turned back toward her team, fire already gone from her eyes.

  “Alright,” she said briskly. “Four versus four. Who’s in?”

  Julianna smiled, stretching her shoulders slightly.

  “I do love a challenge.”

  “I’ll sit this one out. You guys play,” Zen said.

  Cassie nodded once. “Okay. Then it’s me, Julianna, Madoka, and Finn.”

  Madoka’s lips curved into a confident, amused smirk.

  “This should be fun.”

  Finn cracked his knuckles. “Let’s kick some ass.”

  Nearby, Zen and Viara calmly took a seat on an empty bench, settling in to watch.

  Zen pulled out his phone and began texting Saya.

  Zen: “You got anything?”

  Saya: “Two guys. One was sitting on a bench across the street. He made a call and left for a van at the parking lot. The other was at the bookstore by the alley. Followed the first one to the van.”

  Saya: “What about you?”

  Zen: “Two guys in brown and black jackets, having coffee at the café across the street. Caught them staring. Not sure though.”

  Saya: “I’ll keep an eye on them too.”

  Zen: “Text me if you spot anything else.”

  Saya: “Copy.”

  The air in the bowling alley was filled with energy — pins crashing, laughter echoing from nearby lanes.

  Cassie, Julianna, Madoka, and Finn faced off against Kyoya and his three friends.

  The first game kicked off fast.

  Kyoya sent the ball flying down the lane — strike.

  His friends followed with clean throws, fists pumping, shoulders bumping as they flexed as if they’d already won.

  “Too easy,” one of them laughed.

  Cassie stepped up, rolled — only a few pins fell.

  She clicked her tongue. “Okay… warming up.”

  Julianna did better. Madoka nearly cleared the lane. Finn came close but missed the spare by a hair.

  Kyoya glanced at the scoreboard and smirked. “Already pulling ahead.”

  As the game rolled on, the gap kept growing.

  Kyoya landed strike after strike, his team hyping him up every time — flexing, shouting, acting like pros.

  Cassie struggled early, though a lucky spare finally earned a small cheer from her side. Julianna stayed steady. Madoka landed a clean strike that made Viara cheer from the seats.

  “They’re really competitive,” Zen said.

  “That’s Kyoya for you,” Viara replied, smiling.

  As the final frame approached, Kyoya’s team had amassed 212 points, while Cassie’s team was at 167. The first game ended decisively in Kyoya’s favor.

  Kyoya stretched smugly. “We won.”

  “Rematch,” Cassie said, arms crossed.

  Kyoya smirked. “You sure? You might get embarrassed again.”

  “I’m sure,” Cassie replied, already stepping forward.

  The second game started almost immediately — tension thicker than before.

  Cassie adjusted her cap. “This time’s different.”

  Kyoya grinned. “We’ll see.”

  This round was tighter.

  Julianna opened with a perfect strike — their side erupted in cheers.

  Madoka followed with a strong throw, smiling proudly. Finn knocked down most of the pins and pumped his fist when he cleaned it up.

  Cassie started landing spares consistently now, each one earning louder encouragement.

  Kyoya answered back with another strike.

  His friends whooped, flexing exaggeratedly.

  “Still got it!”

  Back and forth it went — no one pulling ahead for long.

  Finn slipped up once, groaning when a single pin stayed standing.

  “Ah, come on!”

  But a few turns later, he stepped up again, focused.

  The ball rolled.

  Strike.

  Their whole team exploded in cheers.

  Kyoya glanced at the scoreboard — the lead had flipped.

  Last throws. Cassie nearly cleared the lane. Julianna cleaned up perfectly. Madoka kept it close.

  Finn took a breath, rolled — another clean hit.

  Silence.

  Then the scoreboard updated: Cassie’s team 203 — Kyoya’s team 200.

  Cheers burst out. High-fives. Madoka crossed her arms smugly. Finn laughed in pure relief.

  Kyoya stared for a second… then smirked.

  “Huh. Lucky.”

  Cassie met his eyes calmly. “Or improving.”

  Kyoya chuckled. “Don’t get used to it.”

  He glanced back at his friends, who were groaning and stretching with exhaustion.

  “We’ll settle this score some other day.”

  Warm orange light stretched across the commercial zone as the glass doors slid open.

  Laughter and tired sighs spilled out with the group.

  Kyoya’s driver rolled their car to a smooth stop by the curb.

  His friends piled into the back, still arguing about missed throws and lucky strikes.

  Kyoya paused before getting in.

  “Next time, let’s see who really comes out on top.”

  His eyes met Cassie’s. “The exams will be more interesting than bowling.”

  “Take care of yourself,” he said, glancing at both Cassie and Viara.

  Cassie huffed. “You’re going down.”

  Kyoya chuckled as he stepped into the car and slid into the front seat beside the driver.

  The door shut. The car pulled away and disappeared into traffic.

  Madoka stretched her arms above her head.

  “I actually had fun.”

  Julianna nodded. “Same. We should do things like this more often.”

  Viara smiled softly.

  Meanwhile, Zen’s eyes had already drifted across the street.

  The two men at the café.

  Still there.

  One held a cup near his lips, pretending to drink.

  The other stared at his phone a little too hard.

  When Zen’s gaze met theirs—

  Both looked away instantly.

  Too fast.

  Too rehearsed.

  Zen turned calmly.

  “Anyone want something to drink?”

  “Oh, yes,” Viara said immediately. “Something sweet.”

  “Coffee for me,” Cassie said.

  Madoka smirked. “I’m in.”

  They crossed the street together and entered the café.

  A waitress approached with a polite smile as they took a seat at a table for six.

  Orders came quickly.

  Coffee.

  Sweet tea.

  Something iced and fruity.

  Zen’s eyes casually scanned the surroundings.

  The two men had gone stiff.

  One whispered something urgently.

  Chairs scraped.

  Bills were slapped onto the table.

  They stood up fast and left the café.

  Zen didn’t move. Didn’t react.

  Just lifted his cup when it arrived.

  From two hundred meters away, Saya watched it all through her scope.

  The café doors burst open.

  The two men hurried out.

  A taxi pulled up almost immediately.

  They got in.

  The vehicle sped off.

  A second later, the white van followed.

  She paused, watching. Then her gear's hood and mask slid into place. Thrusters fired up low. Magnetic wings deployed.

  She lifted into the sky in silence.

  High above the traffic flow, her sensors locked onto all three vehicles, each one marked on her HUD.

  Seconds passed. Then minutes.

  The taxi and van tailed Kyoya’s car until they slowed and turned right, peeling off.

  Kyoya’s car continued straight.

  They split.

  Saya exhaled slowly.

  Back at the café, Zen’s phone vibrated. Messages from Saya appeared in his notifications.

  He read them silently without changing expression, as steam curled from his coffee.

  Madoka silently sipped. She knew what was going through Zen’s mind.

  The table settled into casual conversation. The city outside moved on as if nothing had happened.

  Have a great day / Good night! :D