My name is Noir Emmah.
That name was given to me at the orphanage. It doesn't exist anymore. Burnt to ashes—just like the childhood we never got to live.
We were rescued, or that's what they called it. In reality, we were thrown into a different kind of fire. They raised us not as people, but as tools. As weapons. As machines designed to kill while their families dined in luxury.
I've never left the borders of our country before—until today.
The president summoned us. He tossed a sketch onto the table. A masked face.
"Find him," he said coldly. "Bring him to me… or kill him."
"Sir, this isn't even a clue," I said before I could stop myself.
SLAP!
The president's bodyguard didn't hesitate.
"You dare question me?" the president barked. "Travel west, eat dirt, I don't care. Just bring me that bastard."
I nodded and bowed. "Yes, sir."
That's my life.
We were incubated underground for five years before we were let out. We've been successful in every mission since. That's how we stay alive—because we're useful.
Do I wish for a better life? Not really.
I just want to make enough money to fund the new orphanage I've started.
I don't smile. I don't talk much. There's nothing to smile at.
Back at the dorm inside the president's mansion, I showed the sketch to James—the oldest and best among us.
"Boss said to find this guy," I told him.
James shook his head. "This is no clue, Noir."
"What do we do?"
"I'll scan city footage. Something might turn up."
"Let me know if anything comes up," I said, heading back to my room.
I opened my bottle of Desperado and drank until the sky turned black.
Later, the president called again.
I ran back to James.
He smirked. "He's likely in Meloparty."
Meloparty… so I have to leave the city.
And this time, I was told to go alone. Of course.
That's what I do—clean, quiet kills.
I walked across the presidential compound, arriving at his office after seven minutes.
"I'm here, sir."
"Any clue?"
"Yes. He's in Meloparty."
He stood up, walked to me... and strangled me.
I gasped and struggled. A call saved me—he released me mid-ring and stepped away.
That's how it always is. I'm his punching bag. His sons are worse. They want things I'll never give. Because I say no, they hate me. Beat me.
But I can't fight back.
If we harm the president's family, we die.
Our brains get fried through the implants. Just like that.
It's never happened yet. But we all know it could.
Only James talks to me. The others think I'm special because the president always calls for me.
If only they knew.
After ending his call, the president turned to me.
"Go to Meloparty. Even if it takes five years, bring him back."
"Yes, sir."
I packed my bags and left. No one dared question me.
That evening, I zoomed off on my hover bike.
No name.
Just UNKNOWN.
A masked face.
How do I do this?
Laz's POV
Yesterday was humiliating. He stole the spotlight. Elena chased after him.
Why does he always win?
I hated it. Especially how she reacted when he walked away.
I dragged her home that night.
Today, Aurora gave me an idea—gang up on him. Teach him a lesson.
I agreed. Of course I did.
We waited.
He came.
Aurora stepped forward first. "Hey, fucker."
He didn't speak. He just stared.
"Are we really doing this?" he asked quietly.
He wasn't the same Jake I knew. There was something... off. Something new. Stronger. Colder.
Was this really Jake?
Or someone else?
I stepped forward and punched him.
He dropped instantly.
We laughed.
Our guys kicked him without mercy—until a girl stepped in.
"Hey, forehead," Aurora scoffed. "Who do you think you are?"
SLAP.
Elena.
She slapped Aurora and ran to Jake.
Touched him like he was her whole world.
I hated that.
"Let's go," Aurora snapped. We left for the pitch.
Jake's POV
"You let him hit you?" Mary's voice whispered in my earpiece.
I smirked. Glanced at Elena… and the girl who stepped in.
"Why'd you help me?" I asked the girl.
"I'd do it for any student," she said with a small smile.
"Be careful around them. They're dangerous."
"They can't touch me," she replied calmly and walked away.
Mary whispered again. "That's the daughter of the Malona president."
"What?!"
I blurted it too loudly. Elena turned, worried.
"Sorry," she said gently, tending to my bruises.
I smiled dryly.
Wait… why is she touching me like this?
I stood up abruptly.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Don't follow me."
And I walked away.
I'm sorry, Elena.
But I need to avoid Laz.
He's too obsessed. If he sees her with me again, he'll lose it.
I rushed to the changing room.
We were up for our second match.
Game on.
Noir's POV
Yes... I'm here now.
Meloparty.
I arranged with the president to stay in his daughter's dorm.
He doesn't care about her. She's been here since she was five. Studying like mad. Her mother… we all know how she died. But no one speaks of it.
I took a cab from the airport to her building.
Mrs. Erisan, daughter of the president.
She met me at the gate, smiling.
"Did you also want to study here?" she asked.
"No. I was sent to clean up a mess."
"Then why did he make you stay in my dorm?"
"Because I have nowhere else. And I promise I won't bother your studies."
I offered, "I could be your bodyguard."
She didn't reply at first. But she sat me down. Cooked for me. Smiled.
And I don't even remember falling asleep.
Author's Note:
So… Noir's in the same building as Unknown now.
And Erisan? She's too kind. Suspiciously kind.
And that smile she gave Jake?
Does she know something?
Meanwhile… why is Jake pushing Elena away for Laz?
And why, of all places, did Noir choose this dorm?
Find out in Episode 18.