Waking up to the comforting softness of a bed, Axel's eyes shot open in shock—but it wasn't the softness that startled him. It was a literal jolt of electricity that buzzed through his body, forcing him to sit upright with a sudden gasp. His heart raced, and the electric charge quickly dissipated, but its remnants left him wide-eyed and fully awake.
The pain lingered like a ghost, unsettling his nerves.
Axel blinked as his mind scrambled to recall what had happened. The portal... the betrayal... His body tensed, trying to move, but something was wrong. His wrists were bound.
Before he could speak, Commander Asher's voice broke the silence. "Wait. Calm down, everyone!" Asher raised his hand, halting any sudden movements from Axel and the others in the room.
Axel glanced around, seeing his entire team waking up in similar beds, all equally confused. His heart pounded faster as he noticed they were all shackled, their hands bound in cold, metallic cuffs. His eyes narrowed, anger brewing. *What is this?*
Williams voiced everyone's shared frustration, his voice a low growl. "What the hell is this? You strap us with chains and expect us to sit quietly?"
It was insane. How could they be expected to remain passive, like caged animals, unable to defend themselves or fight back?
Commander Asher, unfazed by the rising tension, held up his hand again. "I will explain everything in due time. The cuffs you're wearing are power shackles. They temporarily nullify your Awakened abilities. Since you're all S-rank, the effect isn't as strong, but trust me, it's enough to keep things under control."
The room fell silent, though the air buzzed with resentment. Axel could see it in everyone's eyes—the quiet fury that simmered just beneath the surface. Shackling S-ranks? It was a provocation, plain and simple. But something about Asher's tone unnerved him. There was a hidden motive, something more sinister than just containment.
Loki, ever the calm one, broke the silence. "So... what exactly are you trying to say? Explain."
Commander Asher seemed relieved someone was willing to listen. "First of all, it's not entirely my fault you all passed out upon arriving here. The atmosphere of this planet has a peculiar effect on humans. We call it 'Death Sleep.' It's as if the planet's toxins shut down your body temporarily. It's happened to every human who's ever set foot here.
"Are you insane?" Williams spat. "You expect us to kill a monster of that size without our powers? We're strong, but not that strong."
Asher's expression remained cold. "You won't be going in unarmed. We need to gather weapons made from the carcasses of Grade Two beasts. These weapons can harness their strength and give you a fighting chance. But you must earn them first."
"And what if we refuse?" Axel's voice was quiet, but the threat beneath it was unmistakable.
Asher paused, his eyes locking onto Axel's. "You won't refuse. Because if you do, you won't make it off this planet alive. Rika Zero is unforgiving, and without cooperation, you'll die here."
Axel's heart pounded, his mind racing. There was something off, something Asher wasn't telling them. And then, like a puzzle piece clicking into place, he realized.
"Our combined presence together... it's enough to attract a larger threat, isn't it?" Axel's voice cut through the silence. "You're worried about a Grade Four, a primordial beast, aren't you?"
Asher's face darkened, and for a moment, the room fell deathly still. A shiver crawled down Axel's spine as he watched a small grin form on Asher's lips.
"You're not wrong," Asher said quietly. "A Grade Four is something far worse than what you've ever faced. But don't worry. I have it under control."
Axel's eyes narrowed. "How?"
Asher's grin widened as he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "I've implanted bombs in your necks. They're tied to your power signatures and your watches. You can't remove them physically, and they'll detonate the moment you try to use your Awakened abilities."
The air in the room turned icy. Axel's breath hitched as he processed the words. *Bombs?*
"If you think about defying me, just remember," Asher added with a chilling smile, "this mission isn't about survival. It's about obedience. You don't leave until the mission is complete, or I trigger the bombs. Either way, there's no going home until you do what I say." Chapter Find: