The simulations dissolved, leaving only scorched floor plates and the faint smell of ozone.
Commander Marza stepped forward.
"You passed."
For a heartbeat, no one spoke.
Then, she handed each of them a cuban link chain.
Xiu let out a sharp laugh. "Of course I passed, I am a walking goddess."
Einstera exhaled, shoulders finally dropping. "Thank the gods."
Jah Jah clenched his fists, nodding to himself. "Another win for the trinity."
Roxer smirked. "You damn right bro."
Plum said nothing. She only watched Marza.
Marza raised her hand. Five metallic cases rose from the floor and opened in unison.
"From this moment forward," Marza said, "you are Black-Ops."
Xiu stared at hers, eyes shining. "This means... we're really going to crush some parasites?"
"Yes," Marza replied. "Your mission is singular."
She turned, activating a projection of the Iron Wall and the land beyond it, dark, scarred, crawling.
"When the Surface Military completes its final engagement with the Parasite King, a secondary force will be deployed."
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
The projection shifted.
DRAGON HIVE FLOATING ISLAND
"Ten thousand surface soldiers. Their objective: reclaim territory and purge remaining parasites."
She looked directly at them.
"You five will be embedded with that force."
Silence.
"That is all the information I have," Marza finished.
Xiu swallowed. "Commander... will you be fighting alongside us?"
Marza didn't hesitate. "I will."
Plum's ears twitched. "Then who will guard the Empress?"
"Yusuke."
The word landed heavy.
Roxer's head snapped up. "Wait, what?"
Marza turned to him. "The Empress requested Yusuke personally."
Roxer's jaw tightened. His fist curled.
"...That was supposed to be my duty."
"The Empress made her choice."
Roxer scoffed. "Great. More termites crawling up the ladder."
Marza's gaze sharpened. "If it's any consolation, reclaiming the land beyond the Iron Wall will be far more honorable than babysitting."
Roxer paused.
Then grinned.
"...You're right." He straightened. "Yusuke probably didn't even think twice before accepting such a low-effort assignment."
He thumped his chest. "I, Roxer the Hammerian, will reclaim the land that belongs to—"
"Us," Einstera cut in. "You could've said us."
Roxer flexed. "Women like confidence. Over-the-top is exciting."
Plum didn't look at him. "It's giving thirst."
Xiu smiled brightly. "I like it's over-the-top. I love it."
Roxer walked off without responding.
Jah Jah lingered behind, eyes narrowed.
Red Abi...
Burajiru...?
"No way," he muttered. "That doesn't make sense."
A chime echoed through the hall.
A live-feed screen descended.
Empress Jezrell appeared, radiant and composed.
"My brave Black-Ops," she said warmly. "You have made Dragon Hive proud."
The students straightened instinctively.
"You are the future," Jezrell continued. "The shield that will allow our people to live without fear."
She smiled.
"And I wish to thank one more person."
The camera shifted.
Yusuke stepped into frame.
Einstera's breath caught. "...Oh."
Xiu waved. "Hi Yuyu."
Yusuke gave a small nod.
The Empress's Chambers
The room was quiet, soft light, flowing banners, no guards in sight.
"Thank you for accepting my request," Jezrell said gently.
"It is my duty," Yusuke replied.
She studied him. "I reviewed every Art user in Dragon Hive. You are, without question, the most capable, physically and mentally."
Yusuke smiled faintly. "I disagree but i accept your compliment."
Jezrell laughed softly. "Humble men are very attractive."
"I wish only to serve."
She tilted her head. "And after that?"
Yusuke hesitated. "I want to leave this island."
Jezrell "And go where?"
Yusuke "I don't know."'
Jezrell "What if there is nothing beyond it?"
He met her gaze. "There is always beyond. That's what my brother used to say."
Jezrell's smile faded, just a little.
"I suppose you're right," she said. "But reaching it will not be easy."
"When has finding joy in a world like this ever been easy?"
She smiled again. "Prepare yourself, Yusuke. For who knows what truly awaits us beyond the Iron Wall."
Yusuke bowed.
But as he turned to leave, his eyes lingered on her reflection.
Studying.
Measuring.
And somewhere far away, beyond the Wall, something listened.