Chapter 5: Membership

"He wants me to help him kill everyone in the world, and in return, he said he'll help bring down this facility. But his motives go beyond that; it's just a part of his plan," I spoke, my voice echoing in the tavern.

Haru, Hayuki, and Yumi sat on the left side, while Ayame, Kaito, and I sat on the right. Six of us sat around a large table filled with chicken, various meats, vegetables, fruits, and drinks. They stared down at the food, lost in thought rather than taking a bite.

We came straight here after the encounter. Ayaka and her sister were taken into custody by the Order of the Silver Dawn, a group of high-ranking knights in the kingdom. They arrived shortly after 002 disappeared. The Veiled Guardians then brought me back to the kingdom, ensuring that even the knights wouldn't discover their true identity. We left the area before they could catch a glimpse of us. Now, we sat alone in Haru's tavern, even as the sun rose, spending two hours in silence.

I couldn't help but wonder why his offer held such weight. The tension in the air made it feel as if the world would soon disappear. But I couldn't be certain, could I? Did they think I might accept his offer and destroy the world?

Hesitant to break the silence, I gathered my courage and spoke the first words.

"Why is this such a big deal? You don't have to worry. I will never stand by his side," I assured them, turning my head to address each of them.

"I think we should consider his offer for now," Ayame announced, lifting her head from the food on the table and meeting my gaze.

Shocked by her decision, I slammed my hand on the table and stood up.

"What? Why? We don't need his help! We can handle this on our own! Accept his offer? Me? Helping him destroy the world? What kind of idea is that? Is this how the leader of the Veiled Guardians thinks—"

"Enough, Kazu," Kaito's voice interrupted mine as he raised his head, his expression unusually serious.

"Listen to her. You don't even know who 002 really is. You don't seem to have a good grasp of how this world works either. And yet, you dare to speak to Ayame like that?" he continued.

"I... I" couldn't process what he just said.

He's right... Who am I to speak like that? I'm not even a member of this group. They saved me from a hell I thought I'd never escape alive. And yet, here I am, disparaging their name.

At this moment, I wanted to punch myself. I wanted to storm out. I wanted to scream. I wanted to break every bone in my body. But all my courage could afford was...

"I'm... I'm sorry," I said, my head hanging low as I returned to my seat.

"We... Me and that guy, we're siblings," Ayame said, her voice trailing off with each word.

Did I hear her correctly? Did she just say they're siblings?

The phrases she spoke brought back memories of when they rescued me from that facility. It had only been my second day out in the world, and already I had encountered more trouble than I had anticipated.

"He knows almost everything about that facility. The locations of all the laboratories and their future plans. The facility believes he's on their side, but he's actually neutral. He does as he pleases," Ayame added.

"Over the past few months, we've come to the conclusion that this experiment is known as Project Apotheosis," Kaito chimed in, his index finger sliding along his chin as he recollected the information they had gathered.

"The project is progressing at a rapid pace. It seems like they're in a hurry, as if they're either chasing something or being chased," Ayame said with a mysterious yet confident tone.

"It's as if they're receiving assistance from someone. Not just an ordinary person, but someone powerful, both physically and politically," Kaito explained.

"Now, we have decided to shift our focus from destroying the facilities to gathering more information in order to locate the mastermind. If we want to cut down a tree, we need to find its roots," Ayame said firmly, her grip on her spoon tightening.

"So, are you with us?" Ayame added, turning her head towards me.

Their gaze now focused on me.

Right... I completely forgot about their offer for a moment. I want to enjoy the newfound freedom I've regained, but I also have a strong desire to put an end to this wicked project.

I delve deep into my emotions, searching for my true intentions. What I really want to do, what I should do, what I need to do, and what I am capable of doing. All of these factors race through my mind before I respond.

"I-I'm on it!" I declare, clenching my fist that rests on the table.

The tension in the tavern, which had been prevalent for some time, seems to ease a little as those words escape my lips.

I notice a faint smile forming on everyone's face, except for Kaito.

I turn my head towards him, my companion seated right beside me. He wears a proud smile, his eyes closed, yet the hopefulness in his expression remains evident.

"Now we have a winning chance," he speaks, slowly turning his head towards Ayame, who sits on my left. Her gaze has been fixed on me the entire time.

She stands up, raising her arm, extending it for a handshake.

"Your presence is greatly appreciated within this group," she says, wearing a smile I seldom see on her face.

"I am Kazuhiko Takahashi, and I am honored to be a part of this group," I reply, taking her outstretched hand.

An excited gasp fills the air around the table as Ayame utters the following words:

"We bestow upon you the honor of joining our ranks as a new member. Welcome to the esteemed order of the Veiled Guardians," she declares, a victorious grin adorning her face. 

We dug into the delicious feast spread out before us.

I couldn't resist their offer any longer. People say that great power comes with great responsibility. The facility granted me this power, and I intend to use it to bring down the facility itself. They started the fire, so they should face the smoke.

But now, I can't get 002's offer and Ayame's suggestion out of my head as I walk the streets of the kingdom. I glance at the sky and see the sun rising, its bright yellow color casting a warm glow.

Why should we accept his offer? He wants to destroy the world, and we're supposed to help him? 

I'm officially a member of the Veiled Guardians now. And if that's what our leader, Ayame, says... I guess I don't have much of a choice.

These thoughts swirl in my mind as I keep my gaze fixed on the ground, watching my feet as I walk. Until suddenly, I bump into something—or rather, someone.

"Hey," a deep and booming voice calls out right in front of me.

I lift my head to see a tall man covered in iron plates, his muscles visible through the metal.

He must be a member of the Silver Dawn... His presence and appearance say it all...

"Um, yes, sir?" I respond, looking up at his face as he looms over me.

"So, you must be the guy 'in the black cloak who looks weak but is strong' that she talks about," he responded.

And right at that moment, I realized there were a bunch of guys who looked just like him standing behind him.

What did he just say? 'The guy in the black cloak who looks weak but is strong'? What kind of description is that? 

"I-I'm not entirely sure, sir, but I-I think you've mistaken me for someone else," I stammered, scratching my neck, feeling unsure.

"You need to come with us. She's waiting for you," he said, slowly turning away.

"Um, who is this 'she'? And why do I need to go with you?" I replied, showing no sign of following him.

He glanced over his shoulder and our eyes met.

"I don't want to spill the bloods right here, which is why you need to come," he said, tightening his grip on the sword in his hand.

"Alright, alright, I'll come," I said, raising my hands in surrender.

I didn't feel intimidated or angry with the man, I just wanted to avoid any more trouble. Plus, I was curious to find out who this 'she' was. The Order of the Silver Dawn was the royal palace's main guard, but I couldn't recall if I had ever met someone from the palace. Well, I guess I won't know until I see.

And with that, the man, me, and the other ten knights of the Silver Dawn marched through the bustling streets of the kingdom. Every step we took seemed to draw attention. People's eyes were fixed on me. 

Hey, folks, I'm not a serial killer or anything! Stop staring at me like that!

I made eye contact with some of the bystanders along the streets. Everyone's attention was focused on me, and every gaze I met was filled with judgment. It felt like their stares were stripping away my worth. I could hear their voices, but I couldn't quite make out the words. Their world seemed to slow down as the sound of our shoes and the knights' iron boots echoed around.

We arrived at the magnificent palace, its majestic towers adorning each corner. The mansion stood proudly in the center, surrounded by a procession of Silver Dawn soldiers. 

"Your majesty, here he comes," the man who had confronted me earlier said, leading the way.

As we entered the throne room, a grand chandelier illuminated the space from above, and a large tinted window adorned one side. 

In the middle of the room, there was a big table where the wise elders sat, looking directly at me. They were the trusted advisors of the king, the ones he turned to for guidance when he was dealing with tough problems and important choices.

I felt as though I was in the middle of a sentence, like I didn't belong on this place. How did I know? Well, I've spent a good portion of my life watching fantasy movies.

The King sat at the far end of the room, with a woman facing away from us in front of him. She wore a familiar cloak and had striking white hair. As the man spoke, she slowly turned her head, her eyes lighting up upon seeing me.

It was Ayaka.

Her smile transformed into a victorious grin as she rushed towards me. The man closed the door behind me and left the room, leaving me frozen in place, trying to process what was happening.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Ayaka exclaimed, quickly taking my hand.

"It's... it's nothing, really," I stammered, stealing a glance at the King, who was observing us intently.

"How have you been?" I asked, attempting to appear nonchalant in front of the King.

"I'm doing great! But I should be asking you that! I heard you brought down the facility!" Ayaka's voice filled with excitement as she squeezed my hand.

Well, I can't exactly come right out and say it was the Veiled Guardians who wrecked the place. They're all about secrecy and keeping their true identities hidden. I mean, I'm part of the crew now, so I can't just blurt it out to anyone.

"Well, I... I think so," I replied, hastily changing my answer.

Suddenly, the King stood up from his throne.

"Young man, I express my deepest gratitude for your bravery in saving my daughter," the King's words reverberated through the room, leaving me with countless questions.

Wait, hold up! Ayaka is the King's daughter? Seriously? What on earth was she doing out there all by herself? And, like, why did the King even let her wander off like that? I mean, it's not exactly the safest thing to do, right? Something doesn't quite add up here.

My eyes darted back and forth between Ayaka and the King as I searched for answers to my own questions.

"You're the King's daughter?" I asked, fixating my gaze on Ayaka, who still held my hand.

"Yeah, that's right," she responded with a nervous laugh.

"But why were you wandering outside the palace? Isn't it dangerous for a princess?" I inquired.

"That's only if they know what their Princess looks like," she replied, turning her head back to her father, who was now approaching us.

"I don't allow her to go outside, but she's too stubborn and clever," the King interjected as he walked along the red carpet in the center of the room.

The elders appeared to be mere spectators in our conversation. They silently turned their heads towards the person speaking, listening attentively without uttering a word.

"I told you to search for Mia, but you didn't want to, so I did it myself!" Ayaka pouted.

Mia? Is that what she calls her sister that she's desperately searching for? And why on earth does the King refuse to rescue his own daughter? It's all so baffling. I really need to talk it out, but I don't want to come across as rude or rebellious. I have to be cautious with my words, or I might just stir up trouble. It's like walking on a tightrope, trying to find the right balance.

Keeping this in mind, I've resolved to pay closer attention. I'm conscious that I need to acquire as much information as possible while without making it too evident. 

"Ayaka! I warned you not to tamper with the facility! They're up to something!" the King argued.

"That's why we need to stop them!" Ayaka retorted.

Even the King of Silverstone, with his grand Order of the Silver Dawn, seemed hesitant to confront the facility. Are they really that formidable? I couldn't help but remember what Kaito had mentioned earlier about the Order being the mightiest army of knights in the whole land. It's quite a puzzle, trying to figure out how powerful they truly are and why the King has reservations.

"Ayaka, this facility is not just some small organization. They can start a war! We must maintain peace," the King explained.

He stopped right in front of us, and I caught a glimpse of regret in Ayaka's eyes while she kept her gaze fixed on the King's shoes.

"Young man, as I mentioned, this facility is far more dangerous than it appears. They work together as a group, not as individuals. They might be under some powerful Kingdoms out there. Or worse, an Empire. You need to be cautious."

I realized my fist had been clenched tightly all this time. I hadn't even noticed when Ayaka had let go of my hand. My focus now was on finding the source of this danger and eradicating it myself, without relying on that 002.

"In return for your bravery in saving Ayaka," the King declared, his gaze fixed on Ayaka who was slowly raising her head upon hearing her name.

"I hereby order you to remain in the palace under my protection. I am aware of your battle experience, and thus, I declare you a member of the esteemed Order of the Silver Dawn!" The King's words echoed through the room.

This time, the elders gasped, but their expressions were filled with disappointment and disagreement rather than acceptance. 

"Your majesty," one of the elders stood up, voicing his concern. 

"We cannot simply recruit him like that! He's just a child! It could tarnish the Order's reputation!" he continued, his tone reflecting his apprehension.

The king turned his head towards the elder, tauntingly asking, 

"Are you opposing my decision?"

"I- uh- Your majesty, it's only fair that we don't—" The elder tried to explain, but once again, the king's voice cut him off.

"Are you against my decision? I'm asking you," the king pressed, seeking a direct answer.

"I- We-" he stammered, unable to provide a coherent answer, and simply slumped back into his seat.

Suddenly, without warning, the door behind me burst open, filling the room with a rush of energy.

"Your majesty, he's right! We can't just let a kid be a member of the Order just like that!" The man in the iron suit exclaimed, his voice tinged with panic.

He was the one who had guided me to this place. The same man that confronted me on the street.

"As the captain of the Order of the Silver Dawn, I suggest that we put him to the test. In ten days' time, he will face one of our seasoned warriors, and his performance will determine his fate," he declared, dropping to his knees before the king.

"We can't afford to let a mere child hold us back on our missions. We can't allow a weakling to elevate his status in society by simply becoming a member of the Order. It's preposterous!" His gaze now fixed on me, his words stung.

Kid, he called me? As I pondered his words, I realized that despite spending a decade in that facility, nothing about my appearance had changed. My height, my body—it all remained the same. But judging my capabilities solely based on my looks was... a tad disappointing.

Narrowing my eyes, I locked my gaze with his, silently challenging his assumptions.

"That does make sense. However, isn't pitting a child against one of your seasoned warriors a bit unfair?" the king mused, his fingers resting on his chin as he surveyed both me and the captain.

If we were talking about an ordinary child, it would indeed be an imbalanced match. But when it came to me... I was no longer just a child. I had become a weapon.

"I-I believe I will be more than capable—" I began to speak, but the king swiftly cut me off with a swift motion, the king unsheathed his sword, the metallic gleam catching the light.

And all of a sudden, cacophony of iron-clad footsteps filled the air. The Order of the Silver Dawn now encircled us, with an estimated hundred knights converging in the room. They knelt with a single knee on the floor, their heads bowed in reverence. The King unsheathed his sword and motioned for me to kneel, while I turned my head to Ayaka. She nodded in agreement, her smile radiant, almost reaching her ears, as she took a few steps backward.

Now, I found myself on my knees, with the King's sword gently resting upon my head. Though I couldn't see it, I could feel its weight.

"Bravery," the King pronounced, lifting the sword from my head and placing it upon my left shoulder.

"Loyalty," he continued, shifting the sword to my right shoulder.

"Power." With a single step back, the King caused me to lift my head and meet his gaze.

He extended his arms in front of him, palm facing the sky, offering me the sword. As I looked upon it, the true colors of the blade and its dark blue handle with an obsidian-like texture became apparent.

The surrounding knights simultaneously struck their chests with their hands, creating a resounding metallic symphony that reverberated throughout the room.

Becoming a member of the Veiled Guardians and then immediately joining the Order of the Silver Dawn—it was a lot to process. The weight of the King's command for me to remain in the palace weighed heavily on my mind as I stared at the sword in his hands. I can alter it by purposely losing to my duel. But I can use this position to help me fighting this facility. What should I do?! Is being a honoured knight makes me enemy to the Veiled Guardians? I should consult Ayame before taking the test.

My mind racing a lot of questions, question that makes me wonder about what I believe is freedom.

I didn't want to become the kingdom's enemy. I couldn't reveal my true identity or the existence of the Veiled Guardians. I couldn't freely explore the kingdom or disclose that I hailed from another world. Had I lost my freedom without even realizing it? Or was stepping out of that facility merely the beginning of a long journey to reclaim my freedom?

Such thoughts raced through my mind as my gaze remained fixed on the sword, and slowly, I lifted my hand to grasp it.