Volume 1 – Chapter 2: Bonds That Burn
Morning sunlight poured through the glass walls of Life-Tech Tower's upper residence, spilling over polished steel floors. For most of the city, Life-Tech was a fortress of science and war. But within its highest levels, it was also a home.
Bill Hardstone sat at a table cluttered with half-finished blueprints and a plate of untouched toast. His emerald eyes traced over the holographic projection of a new exo-core design, but his thoughts were elsewhere.
A voice interrupted. Soft, melodic—yet firm.
"Brother, you can't keep skipping breakfast for blueprints."
Bill glanced up. Lena Hardstone, his younger sister, stood with her hands on her hips. Her resemblance to him was uncanny—long silver hair tied neatly back, but her eyes a calmer shade of green. Unlike Bill, she didn't chase inventions; she studied medicine, wanting to heal rather than build.
"Lena, it's not skipping," Bill muttered, adjusting his tablet. "It's… rescheduling."
"Rescheduling until you collapse at your desk?" Lena pressed.
Before Bill could reply, the door burst open.
"Morning, family!" Tim strode in, already in training gear, his blue hair still messy from his morning run. His gazelle-like eyes darted between Bill and Lena. "Are we arguing about food again?"
Lena crossed her arms. "You're one to talk. Last week you ate nothing but protein bars."
"Efficient and effective." Tim smirked. "See, Bill gets it."
Bill chuckled faintly. "Don't drag me into this, Tim. She's scarier than the training bots."
Lena swatted his arm with a kitchen towel, though her smile betrayed affection.
For a moment, the three of them laughed like siblings. For Bill, moments like this mattered more than he admitted.
Elsewhere in the city, Aria Solenne walked through a quiet neighborhood, her amber eyes softening as she reached a modest home. Inside, her father—General Kael Solenne—sat in a wheelchair near the window, watching the streets. His once imposing frame had been reduced by age and injury, but his presence still filled the room.
"Father," Aria greeted, bowing her head slightly.
Kael's gaze shifted to her armor case at her side. "Always with the Hyperforce. You've taken my path further than I ever could."
Aria set her gear aside, kneeling next to him. "I fight because you taught me honor. Because you showed me strength isn't just about weapons."
The old general's eyes softened. "And yet, I see the way you look at Blake Hardstone. Be careful, Aria. Duty and the heart rarely walk the same road."
Aria's cheeks flushed faintly, but she said nothing. She had no answer—only the silence of emotions she had long buried.
At the same time, Tim entered a humble home on the city's edge. The scent of herbs filled the air, mixed with the faint hum of old machinery. His grandparents, Elder Rowan and Mira Timothy, welcomed him with warm smiles.
Rowan, a stoic man with white hair and sharp features dulled only by time, clapped Tim on the back. "Your shoulders grow broader every visit. A warrior's frame."
Mira, gentle and kind, cupped his face. "But don't forget, Tillian, strength isn't just fists. It's the heart that carries them."
Tim forced a smile, though inside a voice whispered again:Strength? Heart? And yet, he overshadows you. Blake Hardstone, always above you.
Tim shook his head sharply. "I'll protect this city, no matter what. That's a promise."
His grandparents smiled proudly, unaware of the storm brewing within him.
That night, the trio—Bill, Tim, and Aria—stood once more in the training arena. Lena watched from the balcony, arms folded, while Kael and the Timothy elders' words echoed in their minds.
Bill activated the simulation: a collapsing megatower, civilians screaming, drones swarming.
"Focus on teamwork," Bill commanded. "This isn't about one of us—it's about all of us."
Tim clenched his fists, gazelle eyes burning. All of us? Or just you shining brightest?
Aria steadied her breath, amber eyes locking on Bill. For him… I'll fight as long as I must.
Lena whispered from above. "Brother… don't let your burden blind you."
The simulation began.
And far away, in the shadows of the Federation's war chamber, President Ronald Max Hogan watched a live feed of the exercise. His lips curled.
"They shine like heroes now," he muttered. "But every light casts a shadow. And I will be the storm that swallows theirs whole."
Behind him, the faint presence of Kwidhonda stirred, its voice barely audible.Yes… let their bonds burn. Only then shall ruin be born.