Chapter 2: Mystery Unraveled

The masked man, known as 002, moved with a blinding speed, his figure a blur as he charged straight towards me. 

The intensity of his actions was magnified by the piercing blue glow emanating from his eyes, a reflection of his twisted intentions. 

Here we go again-! A single strike will surely leave me breathless!

As his evil smirk etched itself deeper onto his face, he launched a powerful fist towards me, his knuckles aimed to strike my very core. 

Oh shoot! This might be my end! Move-! 

But before his blow could land, 001, the valiant warrior with her shimmering white sword, swiftly intercepted and parried.

"055, now!" commanded 001, her voice resolute and filled with unwavering determination. 

So she's the leader? No! That's not what should be on my mind right now! I need to help them...

In a breathtaking display of agility and grace, 055, who had been silently perched on the ceiling, dove down with twin daggers gleaming in her hands. 

They are warriors, a warrior who faces this kind of battle. And protecting a weakling like me

As 055 blades met the man's impenetrable defenses, it became evident that his disguised fists were not just ordinary, but made of hardened iron. The clash of their weapons meeting eachother created explosive shockwaves that rippled through the environment, causing debris to scatter and tremors to reverberate throughout the room.

I need to contribute-! It's for my freedom! Come on- stand up!

Struggling to stay on my feet, every breath I took felt heavy, as if the air itself was laced with uncertainty and danger. The room seemed to close in on me, the walls pressing against my back, urging me to act, to make a difference. 

And then, at that moment, 001, flew towards the line of ominous capsules that lined the walls, shattering them into a tempest of glass fragments that glimmered in the air. 

This encounter, I'm pretty sure they're not a normal beings. They look like a living weapon. A weapon with life. Am I one of them? Do I need to do this kind of things too? 

Meanwhile, 055 and 054 relentlessly pressed their assault on 002, their every move a testament to their indomitable spirit. Yet, it became painfully clear that the masked man possessed an overwhelming strength and abilities that far surpassed their own.

They're doing this for me, yet I'm here just watching them struggling... How can I call myself a man?

Time seemed to stand still as the weight of the situation pressed upon me. 

I couldn't remain a bystander any longer...

I had to take action, to help them escape this nightmare. 

For my freedom depended on it also!

As 001 regained her footing and 054 and 055 gasped for breath, I watched as 002, the masked man, leaped backward, his feet effortlessly sticking to the wall. 

There he go again! 

I wish I could trace his movements this time... 

Knowing he's after my head is enough. I can't predict his movements but atleast I know his motive. 

With a wicked smirk adorning his face, he aimed himself parallel to my position. A chilling realization washed over me: the girls alone would not be able to protect me this time. 

It's move or die! 

Then test me-!

002 descended upon me, his movements reminiscent of a diving bullet, fist poised to strike my chest. 

Timing is all I've got... One wrong move and I'm out...

Summoning every ounce of strength I possessed, I waited for the perfect moment, my heart pounding in my chest. 

Now-

In that split second of synchronized timing, I seized his wrist, swiftly rotating my body with a swift fluidity I didn't know I possessed. I manage to throw him, bounced off the floor, his surprise etched onto his face.

But this small victory came at a great cost. 

Tssk-

My legs gave way, once again betraying me, and I found myself sinking to my knees, the pain coursing through my body like an unrelenting wave.

What a useless body! It's keeps me on the ground! 

"You...! A worthy opponent, at least!" exclaimed 002, his voice a mixture of begrudging admiration and frustration as he recovers on his feet

Now what do I do? No... the right question is... What can I do? 

As I stared at him, my eyes never leaving his form, the girls behind him labored to catch their breath, their indefatigable determination evident in their weary yet determined gazes.

What's will be his next move? If he attack me again, I hope my body can take it... I don't wanna die,  without even taking my freedom back

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, 002 extended his arms, his gaze fixed upon the ceiling. His voice dripped with temptation and allure.

"Ah, 03, won't you come with me? With our power, we can conquer the world! I can give you the freedom you crave! What do you say?" His hand extended towards me, offering a handshake, a dangerous proposition that hung in the air. 

What? D-Did I hear him right? Offering a deal? No no, I can't decide on my own here... I don't even have a slight idea of what's really going on! I don't even know a single person in this room...

Or maybe I can trust them... I guess

Peering out of the corner of my eye, I glanced at 001, who subtly nodded, her gaze filled with determination 

Looks like she had a plan... I have no choice... Do I? 

Slowly, deliberately, I raised my hand, poised to shake his outstretched hand.

"That's it! Come o—!" His words were abruptly snuffed out as I swiftly pulled him closer, forcing him to contend with my incoming attack head-on. 

Got ya!

My fist traveled through the air like a guided missile, connecting forcefully with his face, launching him over a nearby wall. 

In that fleeting moment, as he hurtled through the air, something tugged at my shirt, and I was forcibly dragged out of the room, away from the chaos that ensued.

E-Eh? So this is the plan? Running? Well that's better than being a cold body.

As we navigated the labyrinthine hallways, chaos reigned supreme. The once pristine floors now lay adorned with the fallen bodies of those dressed in white coats, their faces etched with a mix of terror and determination. The air was heavy with the scent of shattered glass, broken bricks, and the faint residue of small explosions. 

Am I heading to my freedom..? At last... I will do anything do take care of it!

In the distance, a resounding boom accompanied a wave of flames that surged towards us, threatening to engulf everything in its path. 

Come on-! I need to run faster oh— 

My feet isn't ...

It felt as if my feet barely touched the ground as I was pulled along, propelled forward into the unknown.

Finally, we emerged from the facility, and I was unceremoniously deposited onto the cool grass outside. A fresh, cold breeze passing through my nose. A sound of grass dancing together with that same breeze.

The outside... outside! I-I manage to get out

A mixture of exhaustion and relief washed over me, and I couldn't help but let out a sigh, as if releasing all the tension that had built within me.

How I had longed for the simple pleasures of sitting on the grass, feeling its gentle caress against my tired body...

There, I remained seated, my gaze fixed on the burning facility, now reduced to nothing more than smoldering ruins and fading embers. The flames danced in the darkness, casting an eerie glow upon the surrounding landscape, a haunting reminder of the battleground that once stood. As I looked up, the vast expanse of the starry sky unfolded before me, a breathtaking sight that brought a slow smile to my face, a shy reflection of the newfound freedom that coursed through my veins.

Now this... This is freedom

The tranquil atmosphere of the night was shattered by the unexpected arrival of two mysterious figures.

What another one? Oh wait

Emerging from the shadows, their hoods concealing their identities, the flickering glow of the burning facility illuminated their faces. 

Hoodies? So they're a group? Oh right they're the 'Guardians' stuff 

One was a boy, his dark, tousled hair falling messily around his face, while the other was a girl with flowing, golden locks that danced in the breeze.

With a burst of infectious energy, the girl skipped towards me, her voice brimming with excitement and mischief.

"Hey, hey! We did an amazing job planting those bombs, didn't we? RIGHT?!" she exclaimed, her words laced with a contagious enthusiasm that filled the air.

Oh that's explains the explosions

Before the girl's exclamation could sink in, the boy intervened, his tone gentle yet firm.

"Hey, Haru, let her rest," he said, his voice carrying a sense of authority that demanded attention. All eyes turned towards him, waiting for his next words.

Haru? Is that a name and not a number? Did I hear it right? 

They're using their subject number as battle codename, make sense 

A sheepish grin spread across his face as he scratched the back of his head. He chuckled, breaking the tension that had momentarily enveloped the group.

"Oops, did I call you by your name? Hehe... My bad," he admitted, his playful demeanor melting away any lingering tension. 

I hear 001 let out a sigh, with her gaze fixed on me, the girl, spoke with a sense of purpose and curiosity.

"This is 03, the only conscious subject in this facility. I didn't expect to find him in such a small laboratory," 

I want to speak out loud, but speaking makes my throat feels like it tearing apart. So I guess I will just save my words up for later

With measured steps, she made her way towards me, extending her hand in a gesture of friendship.

"Wanna join us?" she offered

Now that I got my freedom, what do I want to do with it? Does this group will suppress my freedom again? Do I want to take down this facility? I guess but-

Caught off guard by the invitation and the sudden turn of events, I hesitated, uncertain of how to respond. The weight of my freedom hung in the balance, and the swirl of emotions within me threatened to overwhelm.

"I-I... Uh..." I stammered, my mind racing to make sense of it all

The boy interjected, his voice dripping with persuasion as he laid his eyes on 001.

"I guess it's okay. We don't like to force things on people, do we?" he chimed in, his words resonating with a sense of respect and empathy. 

"We should, though. We can't let him wander around," 055 asserted, her tone imbibed with a commanding certainty.

Yep, I'm a test subject after all. 

Haru, her eyes searching mine for something intangible as she speaks.

"Why not? I mean, he looks like a kind person to me," Haru reasoned, her gaze lingering fleetingly on me.

Oh thank you... I want to say it out loud but yea my throat will be on vain

"He landed an attack on 002. Not once, but twice," 054 emphasized, gesturing towards the numbered figure.

What? That's a big deal? But should I join them? No I must ask some questions first-

Before I could fully grasp the weight of their words and their implications, the boy, identified as 020, rushed towards me right after he realized what 054 has said. His grip tightened forcefully on my shoulder as he shook me with determination.

"That—002? Hey!" he exclaimed, his fervent excitement palpable in his voice.

Ah! My body's on fire! Every muscle's tearing!

"Ouch-ie-ie-ie! Ouch!" I winced as a surge of pain shot through my body

In the aftermath of the commotion, 001 took a moment to explain to 020, her voice tinged with a mix of apology and revelation.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know you were such a fragile man—ow!" Haru's swift slap to the back of 020's neck ended her sentence, silencing any further protests.

"Don't mind him. Why don't we build some trust first? Let's introduce ourselves? What do you think?" Haru suggested eagerly, clapping her hands together with childlike enthusiasm, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

As the cool night air enveloped us, 055 voice crackled in the atmosphere. "Sounds good to me,"

"That's right! That's right!" 054 agreement echoed through the night

"I'm not—" 020 tried to protest, but the sting of another slap silenced him, leaving a throbbing ache at the base of his neck.

That's- painful to watch... I pity his neck... 

"I don't have a choice, do I?" He sigh after it

Here comes another slap-

"Ah-! Don't! On it! I'm on it!" His voice trembled, the urgency palpable in his words, fearing the consequences that awaited his disobedience.

001 stepped forward, her eyes reflecting determination and a deep sense of purpose. "I'll go first. My name's Ayame, subject 001. The first subject of this experiment. The commander of Veiled Guardians. Looking forward to working with you." She vowed to uphold our shared mission.

Wait-! I didn't say yes to that offer yet!

"Veiled Guardians... Funny name, isn't it?" 020's innocent remark was met with another slap, this time from Ayam.

"By the way, I'm Kaito. Subject number 020, the 20th subject of this experiment. I'm an expert when it comes to building structures! I can see through the walls! Powerful, isn't it?" With a cheeky wink and a mischievous twinkle in his eye

"Correction, he just sees the structure behind walls, nothing else." 055, corrected him, effortlessly exposed Kaito

"I'm Hayuki. Subject number 055. The 55th subject of this experiment. Daggers are my expertise. Throwing or slicing, if we're talking about daggers, leave it to me," Hayuki declared boldly, exuding an air of confidence in her craft.

054, with her shy voice blending with Hayuki's, "I-I'm Yumi. 54th subject. I'm also a dagger specialist." She added that they shared a deep bond as twin sisters, their unspoken connection strengthening their resolve.

Twin sister? Yep explains their identical appearance, voice, and expertise. Besides their energy and confidence.

"And as you know, I'm Haru. Subject number 110. Explosives are my thing! Bombs are my babies! I'm also the cutest member of this group, Tehee~" Her voice lilted with confidence and mischief as she demonstrated her cuteness by squeezing her cheeks with each index finger.

Kaito couldn't help but mutter under his breath. "Cute? Cute my nose." Unfortunately, his whisper wasn't as discreet as he had intended

Eyes narrowing and fists clenched, Haru's anger ignited like a blazing inferno. "What did you say?" Her gaze piercing through Kaito's facade.

Caught in a precarious situation, Kaito's eyes darted anxiously between each of us, seeking a lifeline. "N-Nothing! I said nothing! Guys, did you hear anything? Nothing, right? Right??" His voice trembled with panic

Taking her mischievous cue, Hayuki couldn't resist further provocation. "He said you look like a nose," she teased, relishing in the frenzy that unfolded.

Flushed with anger and her face masked by a fiery visage, Haru closed the distance between them, her threatening step forward fueling Kaito's survival instincts. Desperate to escape her wrath, he bolted, his instincts kicking in like a wild animal desperate for freedom.

"No, I didn't! I swear! Save my neck—Ow!" Kaito's plea for salvation was interrupted by a sudden jolt of pain.

Ayame, always calm and composed, interjected with a question.

"And you? Do you remember your name?" Her voice, laced with a hint of mystery, enveloped me, pulling me deeper into this enigmatic world.

Yep I do. I always do. My name is the only thing I've got after my freedom taken away from me. How can I forgot the only thing that represents my freedom I used to live with?

"I do. It's Kazu." Gazing at each of them, a flicker of hope ignited within me. "So, what is this experiment all about? C-Can you explain it to me?" Uncertainty laced my words, longing for clarity and understanding.

As Ayame's voice wove through the night, a tapestry of secrets and revelations unfurled. "This experiment pushes the limits of both physical and mental abilities of humans. As you witnessed earlier, we are no ordinary humans. We were created as weapons." 

Weapons? For what? Cruelty? War? Power? Maybe all of them?

Hayuki's words cut through the air, their sharpness laced with a bitter undertone. Her voice trembled, mirroring the intensity of the emotions that welled up inside her.

"In experiments, there are always the failed ones. And we...we are one of them," she said, her voice quivering with a blend of anger and sorrow.

Yumi, her voice filled with a mix of trepidation and a glimmer of hope, interjected, "But after enduring all the torture, it felt like a tiny glimmer of hope, didn't it? A chance for salvation."

Kaito, his gaze piercing through the darkness, stood tall with an unwavering determination. "That's precisely why this group exists," he declared, his voice brimming with resolve. "To destroy every single one of their despicable laboratories, and save those who are still trapped within them."

Unable to tear my eyes away, I noticed a noticeable lump on Kaito's neck.

That's looks like mountain standing on his neck-

"Hey, don't look at my neck!" Kaito protested, a mix of embarrassment and defensiveness coloring his voice. Clearly, he was protective of that hidden mark.

Haru voice broke through, offering a sense of reassurance. "Ayame saved every single one of us," she said, her tone calm and soothing. "And now, here we are, standing together as survivors."

So we are weapons. For greater disaster or to prevent one. I wonder if I can fight supernatural stuffs like them... Well I mean I'm on of them- Oh wait ...

And then, it hit me like a rock

"But...why is my number only two digits?" I wondered aloud

In that moment, silence enveloped us

Well I guess they don't have any ideas either ...

"Allow me to explain it. It's a straightforward concept. This seems a new model of the experiment has limited the number of subjects to 99. You, my friend, are the third one," Kaito proclaimed

Hayuki, chimed in. "Well, that makes sense," she said, tapping Kaito's head playfully.

"Sometimes, I forget you actually have brains."

Swatting Hayuki's hand away,"Oh, shut up! And hey, don't you dare touch me!"

"And with that, our knowledge about your subject batch are limited for now. We need to research deeper to this. This facility sure is up to something right now. So... are you joining us?" Ayame asked, her tone filled with warmth. "I promise not to limit your freedom, but as one of the survivors of this experiment, it is our responsibility to put an end to this madness."

I guess... She has a point but...

I need some time to decide. It's my own freedom who's on the line here so... I need to be careful of my decisions. I want to live with the fullest this time. I can't find myself in a cage again.

"Indeed! You can live freely within this group," Haru added her own reassurance.

"In fact, I have my own tavern in the kingdom of Silverstone while pursuing my dreams at a knight's academy!"

D-Did I hear her words right? Kingdom she says?

"W-Wait, a kingdom?" I stammered, confusion clouding my mind. "Is there really such a place in the year 2023?"

As my eyes darted around, searching for any clues that could make sense of my own question, Haru furrowed her brow, attempting to connect the dots herself.

"2023? Is that some kind of subject number, too? What is happening here?" she murmured, her voice filled with genuine bewilderment.

I want to find it out but... I think I can't just follow them around while not being one of their members...

I look at Ayame and she seems to read minds

"It's alright," Ayame reassured me, her voice firm yet calm. "You can decide about joining later"

Yumi, her eyes shining with enthusiasm, piped up. "And in the meantime, I promise to introduce you to a myriad of delicious foods!" she exclaimed, her excitement infectious.

Hayuki jumped in, "And wait 'til you see the blacksmiths in the kingdom! They're incredibly skilled at forging exquisite swords and daggers!" A droplet of saliva threatened to escape her mouth, evidence of her genuine enthusiasm.

With a mischievous grin, Kaito, despite the swelling in his neck, couldn't resist chiming in. "And if it's love you seek, count on me to guide you in the right direction. Just ignore the swelling," he added, wincing in pain.

Amidst the banter and laughter, Haru rolled her eyes, playfully admonishing Kaito. "Oh Kaito, whatever. Anyway welcome aboard Kazu!"

Taking control of the situation, Ayame concluded, her voice radiating a sense of authority. "Rest up, everyone. We're leaving in the morning. Our journey to unlock the mysteries that await us begins then."

As I cautiously surveyed our surroundings, a sense of awe washed over me. We found ourselves in the midst of an untamed wilderness under the gentle illumination of the moon's rays. Towering mountains stretched out behind us, forming a majestic backdrop, while dense forests enveloped us on all sides. The air was thick with the earthy scent of vegetation, and the distant sounds of wildlife added a symphony of nature to the serene ambiance.

As our group ventured deeper into the heart of the forest, we forged ahead, driven by a shared purpose. Setting up camp became our top priority, and each of us undertook specific responsibilities. Kaito and I were tasked with securing our evening meal, while Hayuki and Yumi scouted the area for any potential threats cunningly concealed amidst the tree branches. On the other hand, Haru and Ayame skillfully arranged our sleeping arrangements, ensuring our comfort amidst this unfamiliar landscape.

As Kaito broke the silence, sweeping aside the grass obstructing our path, his curiosity sparked a conversation. "Hey," he began, "is it true that you managed to land a decisive attack on entity 002?" His inquisitive gaze locked with mine, awaiting my response.

For a moment, I hesitated, unsure of how to frame my modest achievement. "Y-Yeah," I stammered, "it was more luck than anything else."

Kaito's eyebrows arched in surprise, "Eh? I see. Anyway, how is your body holding up? The pain has subsided, hasn't it?"

His question prompted a sudden awareness of my own physical state. "Yeah," I replied, my hand instinctively pressed against my chest and stomach, seeking reassurance. "It doesn't hurt anymore. You healed me, remember? When you shook me off, I could feel the pressure dissipating."

With a reassuring smile, Kaito gave me a thumbs up, proud of his healing abilities. "I'm glad I could help," he replied warmly.

Together, the two of us successfully caught a wild boar, a feat that filled us with a sense of accomplishment. Returning to camp, our comrades had worked diligently to create a semblance of home in this remote wilderness. A makeshift shelter made from an assortment of leaves stood tall in one corner, and the comforting crackle of a well-constructed campfire emanated from the opposite direction. Eagerly awaiting Hayuki and Yumi's return, we ceremoniously prepared our meal.

As the night progressed, we sought refuge beneath the leafy shelter, though it barely provided enough headroom. Unable to sleep, I seized the opportunity to gaze up at the night sky, the twinkling stars evoking a sense of wonder within me. Each flickering light seemed to hold untold stories, inviting contemplation and introspection. The more I pondered, the more the questions swirled in my mind

Why am I here? Is there any purpose? Or is there someone behind all thi? Who is them? And why me?

I wish I have my phone right now...

With a lighthearted chuckle, I resigned myself to the unknown. Closing my eyes, I embraced the rest that beckoned, eagerly awaiting the adventures and challenges that lay ahead in this mesmerizing new world.