In the darkness of the night, gathered in the middle of the field, a group of young men dressed in black with part of their faces covered were talking to each other.
- Why aren't they coming yet? The idea was to ambush them and retreat immediately.
- Well, it's only been a couple of minutes, besides, you already know Carlo.
- Just because he's the one I'm a bit anxious about.
- Yes, we understand you; that's why we decided that from the very beginning Alexia would keep an eye on him.
The young man who seemed to be the leader of the group sighed.
- For the moment we have to worry about hunting one more, we are missing one more token for Bairon.
- No problem, we've spotted about three more nearby.
- Haven't they already been captured by the others?
- Maybe ... but there are two guys who were hiding just like this group ... I don't think they came out at night.
- Well, let's get going then; let Carlo and Alexia meet us over there.
- ... I guess ... but one of us has to stay behind to warn them.
- ... Well, it will be me.
Having agreed, that group of three got ready; however, the sudden noise of animal grunts that could be heard closer and closer to them surprised them.
- Is that them? ... it's like a group of animals approaching.
- Yes ... but which way?
Soon, that small group recognized where the sound was coming from; it was from the direction where the group they had ambushed had been hiding.
Everyone was puzzled; however, they acted cautiously as if they were preparing for an attack by those animals.
In the distance, those three observed some silhouettes running towards them and behind them a group of tigers chasing them.
- Are they trying to escape? But, what bad luck that they came right in our direction.
- ... No ... It's not them! - exclaimed one of the young men when he recognized that the ones running away from the animals were not the ambushed group, but the pair that were his companions.
- What the hell!
However, those three boys lost sight of what was really important; without being able to react in time, they were attacked. The impressive thing was that the three young men could have dodged, but they all felt as if they were petrified.
They did not know who they were and where they were aiming at, but the attacks they received were not intended to hurt them, but rather, by cutting their clothes, the stolen chips fell to the ground.
As if a gust of wind had blown the leaves away, the chips disappeared.
When the minds of the three were able to process the situation, they recognized a group that had gone unnoticed trying to escape the scene.
- What's going on! Why are they...?!
Within seconds, the three young men were able to move, but that would not allow them to follow the group that had fled, as they had another problem on their hands.
A few meters away, the group who had successfully carried out their counterattack began to laugh.
That laughter of relief was not entirely pure, for there was some malice for having left those who had ambushed them to their fate. However, this test was not about doing good or evil, but what was necessary to pass.
- I don't think they were expecting it.
- Yes, and it was all thanks to Liam. - Daniel added.
- Seriously, it's good to have you on our side. That power you have is really convenient. - commented Renato who was carrying Liam on his back.
- Yeah yeah... I just want to rest for a while. - replied Liam who looked exhausted or with some pain in his patched eye.
- Whatever you say, boss. - replied Renato as they continued running towards an unknown direction during the night.
Although it was hard to believe coming from a bunch of brats, those watching this trial had been amazed at the quick and efficient response of that group of youngsters who had managed to escape successfully.
- I can see why he wanted us to be careful with that kid ... it really is a pretty ... 'unfair' ability I would say. - commented one of the supervisors inside the video camera room.
- Yeah ... but he's not the only one ... that guy with the black hair, he looks like he has a better control of his ability compared to the rest.
- ... Notify the upper management about this second group as well ...
- Roger that.
The day passed, on a bright morning inside a room, the first news of the day could be heard.
- Currently China has had a greater proliferation in its transportation of resources that are exported to South America and Germany. It is believed that competing countries have been forced to limit the amount of products exported by means of a customs inspection for possible unjustified over-shipment of goods. On the other hand, the eastern country has shown signs of an increase in what are known as 'growers' which in our language would be synonymous with the Reformed as reported by OSAE. - mentioned the reporter from the news channel.
In that room, a young woman with fiery blonde hair was changing her clothes; suddenly, she heard the door being knocked on.
- Miss Lois, are you ready? The others are waiting for you.
- Yes, I'll be there in five minutes.
- I understand, please... let it really be five minutes.
This comment embarrassed the young woman a little, but, as if it was someone she trusted who had spoken, she just smiled and tried to finish getting ready soon.
As she went downstairs, Lois could see a group of more than seven people gathered in the living room who, like her, were watching the news on the television set on the wall.
- Oh, Ms. Lois; you finally came, I think we can start now. - commented Lorenz.
- Yes, sorry for the delay.
As she joined them, young Valdelomar looked at one of the only two women in the room.
- I am glad that nothing bad has happened to you, Mayor Victoria.
- I am grateful for your concern and for the help provided by your bodyguard who, if it had not been for him, we would not be here. - Victoria replied.
- Well, then... shall we begin?
The television was put on mute so that it brightened the mood a bit to still have it on.
- So ... what have we got so far? - Lois asked.
The explanation, though long, was not difficult to understand, even more so with the help of young Alexander who was somewhat revealing the identity in front of Lois and the others including with the identity of Lily. The situation was dangerous: Le Front knew about them and now they wanted to get rid of at least the mayor's group quietly.
The only thing that was perhaps not very credible was the truth revealed by the mayoress having seen the memories of Lirio who was now more willing to talk because she knew they were after her too.
- Zombies? Are you serious? ...
- ... Do you think I would be lying to you with something so silly if it wasn't true?
- ...
- So... How are we supposed to solve this?
- I sent an email to a contact close to the kings... to have an audience with them and inform them of this; plus we have enough evidence in Luesia.
- I understand, but how long will it take for them to respond? Besides, do you think they will believe what you say?
During the talk of those women, a young man intervened.
- We have information that Princess Lisbeth went with reasons to visit Luesia because of the kidnappings ... although she was not allowed to enter, it seems that the disappearances have not happened anymore, besides the officers are guarding the crime scene where we found the bodies. If we could talk to the princess and tell her what we know that would make things easier for us if everything goes well. - Lorenz commented.
- The princess? ... Well, I understand her point of view, but, in case they believe us, what's next? ... We have no information about the enemy's bases, nor what their organization is like ... we don't even know an approximate of how many people operate in it, not even any of their leaders ... we know nothing. - Lois emphasized.
This blunt, but true reality made that the problems did not stop appearing and silence took over the place.
Not even Lirio knew about these things, moreover it was already unbelievable where she had acquired this information from the mysterious pharmaceutical organization.
- It's true, in the Deep Web ... Could we contact them through their website? ... If they really are the same organization we would be shooting two birds with one stone. - commented Eric.
- The Deep Web?
-Yes, we have done our own research and found a website with the same name of this organization that you see on the map and Pbook we found.
- But ... is it safe to do that? - asked Victoria.
- ... Certainly not, but we don't have a choice, do we?
- ...
While the rest were thinking about this alternative, one of those present spoke up.
- I ... have a way to have contact with them. - said Lirio.
Everyone was attentive to her words.
- In the memories you saw, Victoria, didn't you think about where I had been when I saw those facilities and reports?
The young mayoress was somewhat stunned to have overlooked such information.
- This is not the first time that Le Front has had contact with us... 6 years ago, when I was a child, I was taken with another group of children in training from my organization to a facility here in the capital... that place was one of their bases...
Everyone was stunned by such a confession.
- Why would an organization allow children to enter one of their bases?
- At that time I did not know the reason, but now I have certain ideas, since that day only three of the ten children who went returned.
The ideas were diverse, but certainly everyone knew that the result of the visit of those little ones would not end well.
- I remember that it was just a walk, but the things I saw I did not understand ... it was a gloomy place, but I did not ask anything ... when I returned, my bosses gave me only one order: forget everything you saw and those who stayed there.
The young woman continued talking.
- In those days, I was naughty and, after I came back, I could see how my bosses seemed worried ... when they came to talk to the delegates from Le Front who came to our base, I escaped and went to the offices of the top managers ... in those days, I started to read the writings they had on their desks ... those reports that did not let them sleep ... as you know ... the rest is history.
Certainly the young woman's confessions were shocking, but what was important had not yet been told.
- So... Do you still remember where that base was? - asked Eric.
- Yes ... I remember.
Adding to the relevant information given by Lirio, Alexander spoke up.
- I guess this will help too. - commented the young man throwing a small object on the coffee table.
- What is it?
- A USB? - asked Hayato.
A metallic-colored USB was what was displayed in front of everyone.
- Don't you think using that is old-fashioned? What's inside? - Thomas asked.
- It's something I took from Vincent.
At the mention of that name, everyone got a little grumpy.
- Change those faces and listen to what I will say ... you remember Vincent put me in charge of looking for those responsible for the kidnappings, because every time he ordered me to go, he would give me some information about people I should look out for ... it was as if he knew who I might turn up ... one day when I went to his office at DIS, I was able to find this USB ... going through it I found some interesting information ... although at the time I didn't understand what it was about, now I think it will be quite useful.
- You mean there is Le Front information in there? Why are you just telling us about this? - Eric asked somewhat angrily.
- I think you will understand that one must always have an ace up one's sleeve ... but now, with the attack from them, I think we should no longer hide anything between us, isn't that right, Lirio? - Alexander replied.
- Yes.
- But ... Why would it be on a USB?
- Vincent tended to put the most important things on USBs ... even if they are obsolete, he said he felt it was safer than having it on paper or on the internet.
- I see ...
This statement reminded Lois of Vincent's unexpected visit, but she said nothing and so did her bodyguards.
Everything was forming a way to understand who they were up against and yesterday's enemies were becoming today's allies for a common cause; however, today's enemy would not be wasting time and waiting to be attacked.
While they were talking, the muted TV set that was still projecting the news mentioned about the results of the second stage of the ARET entrance exam for special applicants.
- It is not yet official, but the preliminary results indicate that, in the first stage of the exam, of the 9,356 applicants only 1,300 were admitted; on the other hand, in the second stage of the exam, 58 young people have participated ... as it is known, this exam tends to have a range of 14 to 18 years of age and presents more restricted regulations ... currently we are informed that only 23 people have passed the test which is a very small number than expected according to the historical data of ARET. At the moment these young entrants should be having their last meeting with the academy's top brass who will be congratulating them on this achievement and giving them some advice before they begin their 3 years of academic life. - mentioned a reporter outside the academy where there were several admitted applicants celebrating their admission outside their future alma mater.
Inside the academy, in an auditorium room, were the young people who had passed that tough exam. Although it should be a moment of joy and celebration, the faces of all those present showed dark circles under their eyes and great fatigue; it was as if they had not eaten or slept for a couple of days.
In that room where some instructors, professors and officers were gathered, a beautiful scarlet-haired woman with a gala dress of the same color came out in the presence of the rest.
- Welcome and congratulations to all of you, dear students, for having successfully passed this test that has had the objective of testing your ingenuity more than your special abilities. As you may have seen, it is not enough just to have those skills that distinguish you from the rest, because they are not yet developed ... you do not even know their foundations or where their power comes from ... many times wit and reasoning are worth more than gold and silver; therefore, do not trust your skills until you have developed them.
Everyone listened sleepily to the woman's words.
- Knowing how tired you all are, I will only say that I have been somewhat intrigued by the solutions of some of you. As you know well, the objective was to know the code of two applicants to pass the test; many of you faced each other in small battles, others seemed to master the game by themselves, some formed groups who supported each other to hunt other applicants, but only one group had the idea to share their codes and tell them to the instructor in charge at the end of the game.
"What, now they're just going to say it was a game?" thought Liam.
- It really was a surprise that reasoning they used, plus in this exam we have included one more obstacle ... yes, the night visitors.
Everyone present was a little frustrated to hear how the Duchess was talking so animatedly as if all this was entertaining for her.
- Now, I think we should let in your 'other' future companions who passed the exam just like you.
Everyone was puzzled to hear such a statement, but when they saw the entrance door they observed the entrance of a group of young people who were entering the hall.
The total of this group was 18 boys.
- Well, we have already had a welcome meeting with them, so without further ado, you may leave. Being 9:43 am, in a few hours you will receive in your e-mails a welcome greeting to ARET, as well as some introductory workshops to the academic life, the starting date of the classes and their schedules. Well, have a good weekend.
The vast majority were dumbfounded to hear those words as if it was no big deal, but sleepiness and hunger only made everyone fall asleep inside the classroom.
"Well ... at least I got in ... although I couldn't sleep all night ... How are the others?" thought Liam who was falling asleep.
Looking around he saw that Daniel was still firmly seated as was Renato.
"What ... how come ... they still have ... strength ... ?"
Liam having fallen asleep, looking closely at the front of those young men it could be seen that they were already asleep long ago. Only they remained positioned that way as if they were stiff as a dead man.
Seeing everything behind them, Ophelia observed everything with a smile of relief; within seconds, she fell her head on the table immediately being now asleep.
- Among other issues, the 4 academies tournament, which is held every 3 years, is scheduled to take place in seven months; however, there is some concern on the part of ARET's sponsors for not having a sufficient number of participants. Nevertheless, the academy has stated that it refuses to increase the number of places and that there is no reason to worry about the results, always highlighting its objective of putting quality over quantity. Continuing with their statements, they have informed that they will present the results of the currently implemented modality; yes, we are referring to PARET.
A news channel could be heard on the TV channel talking about the situation due to the results described in the last ARET test; all this was not heard in the room where the TV was on, as there were four people in an unconscious state, or so it seemed.
One of the men began to open his eyes.
- ... Where ... am I?
As he looked around he realized that he was in a hospital room where there were four stretchers including his own. Two on each side of the walls and a window that illuminated the room was what could be perceived.
- Finally someone awake? - he heard the person lying on the adjacent stretcher say.
Turning his head slowly and without surprise, the young black-haired man saw the figure of a 28-year-old silver-haired man, somewhat disheveled, staring straight ahead.
- Faust? Are you alive? ... or are we dead?
Looking sideways at who asked the question, the man sighed and answered.
- Rest assured that we are still alive, but I don't know how.
- ... I see ... What about the ladies?
- According to the doctors, they are better off than we are.
Without commenting to Faust's answer, the young man grabbed his collar, as he remembered what had happened that terrible night.
"I thought I would be dead by now... Why didn't he kill me?"
- Stop beating around the bush, Bruno. The important thing is that we're all still alive. - Faust commented upon learning what was on the young man's mind.
Heeding the advice, Bruno lifted his gaze to the front and saw the other two young men resting on the stretchers. At that moment, he remembered of the blows that Glen, that unknown boy, had received, but noticed that he was not in a risky situation, but was sleeping pleasantly after hard work.
- O-Hey ... he hadn't been ...
- Don't ask ... if someone tells you something, just tell them that we slipped in a puddle and fell in ...
- ...it's okay.
After a check up by the nurses and doctors, one more young man woke up.
- ... "Oe, where the hell am I, you jerk?
Bruno and Fausto were somewhat surprised by such a greeting.
- Oh, I'm sorry... the Argentinean thing comes out and I'm Italian," said Glen. - said Glen.
Looking to his side, he saw Aren lying on the last stretcher still sleeping.
- Is he... dead? - Glen asked the other two monotonously.
- No ... somehow we were all saved ... although we don't know how. - commented Faust.
- Oh, I see ... well then everything is great.
- No! ... What do you mean everything is fine? Yesterday was something ... inexplicable ... but we are still alive, we need to know what that was. - Bruno answered.
- Look, it's the second time I've faced him and believe me, you don't want to see him again.
- Second time? - Faust asked.
Glen understood that he had spoken out of turn.
- Come to think of it ... you said you know that boy, Aren, didn't you ... Did he know about the creature too?
The beads of sweat on his forehead were beginning to appear on Glen who closed his mouth with a smile.
- So he also knew about that creature ... But what I don't understand is ... Why did you risk your life by going there? I don't think it's just because he's your 'friend'? - Bruno asked.
- No, I came because I was worried about him ... and because I hated my job. - Glen replied with total innocence.
The other two men were puzzled.
- Is he serious, is he out of his mind? - Faust muttered.
- I-I don't know...at first glance he looks good, but he looks like he's just an idiot. - muttered Bruno.
Fausto coughed a little.
- So, changing the subject, do you have any idea how we save ourselves?
- No...
- You do know something, don't you?
- No...
Faust and Bruno sighed.
- Well... I don't like to keep talking about yesterday... we'll leave the subject for another time.
- Oh... that's right, what about the girls? - Glen asked with some interest.
- ... They are fine ... although the princess crashed the car into a tree, they only had minor injuries and bruises. They are now in rehab ... On the other hand, you can stop pretending to be asleep now, Aren.
Glen immediately turned to look at his friend and observed Aren's sleeping face.
After a few seconds, the young man opened his eyes.
Looking up at the ceiling, everyone stopped talking and just rested, trying to dissipate some of the tension in the atmosphere.
- In a few moments, the rector of ARET together with the deans will be present at a public conference where they will mention the official results along with the new academic admission mode. Meanwhile, the Russian government has declared to be in a state of emergency because of the low male birth rate that has been declining after the war more than 40 years ago.It is currently trying to give incentives for couples to have more children ...
These were the news that could be heard inside a room where a beautiful blonde-haired woman was resting, although her eyes were droopy and saddened, she seemed to be waiting for someone.
- Where have you gone? - was the murmur heard from between her lips.
A few seconds later, someone knocked on her door, but she did not answer.
- Lady Emily ... we have information about young Aren and Miss Melissa ... it seems that they suffered some accident and they are in a clinic right now ...
The surprised reaction of the young lady who tried to get ready to go to that medical center did not stop when she heard more news.
- The gentlemen have already gone to see them ... On the other hand, Miss Emily ... it seems that you have visitors.
- ... Is it Rita and Noria?
- No, my lady... it is young Eduardo Valladares, son of Count Valladares.
- What?
- As he reports, he has received news from his former servants that he is here.
The surprise of the sudden visit and the fear of leaving her home made Emily a little perturbed.
- I know you wish to leave for the clinic, but I think you had better stay and attend to Count Valladares' son. - was the advice of that old butler.
- Yes... I will go and meet him.
- I understand.
The thoughts that circulated in her mind were disorderly upon receiving these two pieces of news, but what intrigued her the most was to know that Aren was in a clinic.
- What had happened to him ... I was right, I shouldn't have let him go ...
These were the murmurings of the young woman who was taking her time to get ready to receive her guest.
Inside a check-up and consultation room was a young lady alone looking at the floor.
Sounds of hurried footsteps approached the room.
The door was abruptly opened and a voice was heard to exclaim.
- Melissa! - said Gladis, the young lady's mother, who went to embrace her.
Next to her, a burly man with a serious, but worried look entered the room along with a doctor and a nurse.
The young girl's dull gaze lifted from the floor and she looked up at her father who looked even more concerned in bewilderment. This was not due to a vacant look on the woman's face, but a determined look full of emotion was reflected on her face.
"Oh no ... that look again ... has she ... ? ... Oh, not again ... " thought Count Beltran.
Trying to comfort her mother, the young girl spoke.
- Where is Aren?
This question made the count worry even more, because he immediately connected that look of his daughter with the young man.
- Aren? ... Oh, you mean one of the boys who came in with you. He should be awake by now, the good thing is that, in spite of their bruises and injuries, they are all out of danger... It is really hard to believe that all of them were saved from that accident. - commented the doctor.
- I see. - said the woman satisfied when she heard the news.
- ... Aren? Since when do you call him that? - asked the count with a somewhat intimidating smile.
The mother just stared at him somewhat blankly until she understood after a few seconds.
- Daughter... you...
- What? Isn't that his name? ... Stop thinking about it, it's not because of what you think, that I'm calling him that...
- Yes ... but I'm not worried about you ... but about what might happen to him now that he's in your sights.
The young woman just smiled.
As the doctor left the room to give them time alone, the atmosphere became tense.
- Now tell me... What have you gotten yourself into to get involved with one of the duchesses and even the first princess? - the man spoke again with an intimidating smile.
Melissa who had her eyes closed and was still smiling began to perspire a little at her father's uncomfortable question.
Inside a break room, three serious stares on a young man made the atmosphere uncomfortable.
- So ... think wisely what you will say ... if I get a three, you will have no choice but to return to base, understood? - explained Faust seriously.
- Yes... I understand... - answered Aren.
- Come on, Aren. Don't make that face, there's only a 1/6 chance of getting a three. - commented Glen.
- Yes... I know.
- ... 1/6, huh? ... I wouldn't be so unconcerned if I were you ... There's a 17% chance you'll get caught. - Bruno stated.
- That I already know. - replied Aren again.
The die was thrown landing in the middle of the ludo board. The result was number 4.
A small hubbub from the players echoed in the room; some were of relief and others of frustration.
It was already close to 9 am and, in that rest room where the four young survivors of that event in the abandoned town called Tres Cantos, were playing ludo trying to kill time until they were discharged; they were as if they were old friends enjoying the game.
- Hey... When did they say we could leave here?
- Glen asked.
- Maybe today... or tomorrow. That depends on the results of our check-ups.- replied Bruno.- I see... on the other hand, about the minivan...- Oh, about that don't worry, Miss Alison has ordered to buy a new one and send it to whoever you rented it from - commented Fausto.
- Really?! Thanks, man! I was already dying of worry.- Yes... since Duchess Minerva has given you her grace, would you like to know if you are interested in joining us? - Faustus asked subtly.- What?- Speaking of which, the royal house has also shown interest in your services. The first princess herself would like to recruit you as one of her bodyguards. - Bruno interrupted.
- What do you mean?Faust and Bruno looked at each other sideways as if they were in a competition. Meanwhile, Glen looked at Aren as if asking for help.All he got from him was a sigh of relief that he was not involved in the matter.- Hey, don't leave me alone in this; don't forget who came to save you. - Glen muttered as he slowly backed away.
Before he could insist on his proposals, the conversation was interrupted by a group of people entering the room.- Oh, looks like they're awake already. - Melissa said as they entered.Everyone was a little shocked to see the young woman.
- What are they waiting for? Let's go.- ¿?
Everyone was puzzled, but after the doctor's announcement that everyone could be discharged, they understood the situation.It was normal to think that Aren would leave with the Beltran family, but a small conversation between Melissa and Aren changed the plans a little.- Glen? That's your name, isn't it? Come, we're leaving too. My family would like to thank you for your 'help'.
The two guards were dumbfounded and remained silent at the sudden invitation from the daughter of an earl.
Glen wasted no time and went with them, leaving the two guards behind.
- I am very grateful for your help, my lady. - Glen was happy to leave the room.
- Don't thank me, thank him who asked me for it. - Melissa said, referring to Aren.
Seeing Glen at her side, she noticed a thumbs up from Aren's hand. Quickly, the escape was a success.
That group leaving the clinic was awaited by a rather luxurious and spacious car, almost resembling a limousine and, in this way, they made their way to the Beltran mansion.
Pacing around near the entrance was an elderly butler who looked somewhat concerned.
"This is bad ... I thought young Valladares' visit would be a nostalgic and joyful moment for Miss Emily ... but I think I messed up." thought the butler.
Watching the time on the clock hanging above the wall, the old man kept pacing.
"What now? What shall I tell the master? ... I hope they'll be a little longer-..."
Before he finished his saying, a car was heard entering the residence. Yes, it was them.
The butler was worried and at the same time resigned; he just went out to greet them.
- Charles, we're here. Everything all right? - exclaimed Roger as he usually did when he arrived home.
- I'm glad everything went well, sir. I'd just like to comment on something...
- What is it?
- We have visitors.
- At this hour? I haven't received any messages from any guests today.
- No, sir, you haven't. They're visitors for Miss Emily.
All who entered were somewhat disturbed by those words except for one.
"Who is Emily? Ah, I think it's the girl who came with Aren... By the way, are they having lunch?" thought Glen, who was amazed by the structure of that mansion.
- Who have come? Are they your two maids?
- Not exactly... young Rita and Noria came a few minutes ago, but before them came the eldest son of Count Valladares, Eduardo Valladares, Lady Emily's childhood friend.
- What? - exclaimed Roger, Gladis and Melissa unexpectedly.
- Hey ... do you know who they are talking about? - asked Glen.
- No, I have no idea. - replied Aren.
- Oh yeah ... then I'm not interested.
- Neither am I.
While they were both muttering, Melissa immediately went to the terrace, as she had been informed that the visitors were gathered there.
- Come along, you too! - with an exhortative tone the young woman spoke as if she were speaking to a servant.
- Is it me or since when does she talk to you like that?
Aren sighed.
"I must leave this place soon."
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