They followed the stranger in silence, stepping into a tall building that resembled a barracks. Soldiers in identical uniforms moved briskly through the halls, their boots striking the concrete floor in steady rhythm, voices sharp as they barked orders and exchanged reports.
The broad-shouldered man guided them past the commotion until they reached a massive office. He gestured for them to wait outside, then disappeared through the heavy door.
Uneasy glances darted between them as they waited, their gazes soon drifted to the room before them. The entrance was lined with framed portraits of stern-faced soldiers in identical uniforms. A polished plaque above the door read: Superintendent's Office.
"You guys," Zara whispered, leaning closer to her friends, "did anyone else notice that everyone here has the same skin tone as Lynx?"
"Yeah," Rowynn murmured, turning toward him. "Lynx, do you remember this place from your visions?"
Lynx opened his mouth to respond, but the door creaked open. The broad-shouldered soldier stood there once more.
"You may come in now," he said, gesturing them forward. They exchanged wary looks before stepping inside.
As they walked in, they found an older man seated behind a steel desk. His dark hair was streaked with grey, and a trimmed moustache framed his stern but approachable face. His uniform, marked with insignias unlike those of the other soldiers, set him apart.
The office itself showcased pride and discipline as trophies gleamed on steel-colored shelves, and banners of past victories lined the walls.
At their arrival, the man rose to his feet. A broad smile spread across his face as he addressed them.
"Good day to you all, and congratulations on making it into the real world. Welcome to Vatica's greatest city. I am Superintendent Jeremy, the officer overseeing all military affairs here. I imagine you have many questions, and I am here to answer them."
Valtor was the first to speak, his voice edged with suspicion.
"Are you the ones who erased our memories and abandoned us in those wastelands?"
The older man chuckled softly. "Ah…that's right, your memories".
He slid open a drawer beneath his steel desk and withdrew a device shaped like a remote. Crossing to the large table in the center of the room already cluttered with maps and tactical charts. He pressed a button.
With a sharp click, the table came to life. A transparent sheet of glass rose from its center, glowing faintly as symbols and controls spread across it like living light.
He tapped a few points, and words began to scroll across the screen.
Turning back to them, his smile thinned.
"These are your personal records—your names, your ages, and the places you come from."
They glanced at the screen as they inwardly read the info..
Valtor Steel- 21
Region- Nexis (science & tech)
Orea Sarabi- 20
Region- Zaire (food & natural res.)
Kymani Greenwood- 19
Region- Nexis (science &tech)
Lynx Orion - 22
Region- Vatica (military & weaponry).
Zara Akira- 20
Region- Kyrena (commerce & enterprise).
Rowynn Kiran- 18
Region- Cyrus (medicine & health).
The superintendent's voice carried authority.
"Each of you belongs to one of the five regions of our world—Nexis, Zaire, Vatica, Kyrena, and Cyrus.", he continued
The group exchanged uncertain glances.
"What do those words in brackets mean?" Kymani asked, his brow furrowed.
"They aren't just words," the superintendent replied. "They represent the lifeblood of each land—the strengths passed down through generations. Nexis thrives on science and technology. Zaire, on food and natural resources. Vatica, on military power and weaponry. Kyrena, on commerce and enterprise. And Cyrus, on medicine and healing."
"You were all chosen intentionally, not randomly," the superintendent said evenly.
"Chosen for what exactly?" Lynx interrupted, arms folded, suspicion evident in his eyes.
Sp. Jeremy smiled faintly. "That, you'll learn in time."
"You didn't answer Valtor's question," Orea cut in, her voice sharp. "Why were we abducted and abandoned?"
"Oh, you weren't abandoned," Sp.Jeremy replied, almost amused. "We've been monitoring you this whole time. Each of you was placed in those locations for a reason and for a very good cause."
"Yeah," Lynx muttered, sarcasm dripping in his tone. "So good you had to wipe our memories, too."
"The reasons for that will be explained in due time," the superintendent answered with the same casual smile, unfazed.
Rowynn spoke up softly, though her words carried weight. "How and when do we get home? And… do we get our memories back?"
"Yes. And yes," Jeremy assured, nodding. "You'll all be going home soon. But not yet." He paused, letting the silence stretch as his gaze swept over their tense expressions. "There are still… activities ahead of you."
"Activities?" Valtor murmured, his jaw tightening. "Is that what those powers are for?"
Sp.Jeremy's smile widened a fraction. "Precisely, Mr. Steel. That is the purpose of your abilities."
He straightened, his tone final. "All of your remaining questions and every necessary detail will be revealed in due time. For now, allow Lieutenant Ashton to escort you to your quarters. You will be cared for… to your utmost satisfaction. You've earned it, after making it this far."
The younger, broad-shouldered soldier who had been waiting all along stepped forward to lead the way. The group trailed close behind, still absorbing the strangeness of this new world.
As they moved through the corridor, Valtor with his thoughts adrift, accidentally bumped into someone. He turned at once to apologize, only to notice how out of place the man appeared. Unlike the uniformed crowd, this stranger wore a crisp corporate suit, and his slightly darker complexion marked him apart from the others.
"My apologies," the man said, his tone polite, his smile unexpectedly warm, before continuing toward the superintendent's office.
Valtor found his gaze lingering on the man's retreating figure. Something about him tugged at his memory…a vague familiarity he couldn't shake.