EPS 01: .The past That Keep Haunting

"War... it never changes. It never ends. No matter the era, the time, or the people involved—that is simply the nature of war."

The sky was dark, heavy with storm clouds as rain poured onto the burning ruins below. Buildings lay in rubble, their skeletal remains swallowed by flames. In the midst of the destruction, monstrous figures prowled the wreckage.

A boy with black hair and striking pink eyes sat on the ground, cradling a girl in his arms. She had long black hair, her once-pristine uniform now soaked in crimson. With the last of her strength, she raised a trembling hand, gently cupping the boy’s tear-streaked cheek.

With a weak, fading voice, she spoke.

Girl: "Sorry... looks like I'll be going first. I trust them to you... to guide them to the tomorrow. Cough... Off to the East Wind I go."

As she exhaled her final words, she gazed into the boy’s eyes, her sorrowful expression etched into his memory.

Girl: "Kizmell..."

...----------------...

Kizmell jolted awake, his breath heavy. His phone beeped beside him, dragging him back to reality. It had been years since that day, yet the dream always returned.

He sat up, rubbing his temples before glancing at the wall. Trophies, honorary awards, and military commendations lined the shelves—reminders of the years that had passed.

Kizmell: "That dream again..."

Taking a deep breath, he picked up his phone and read the message displayed on the screen.

    [Agent Required: Report to the Director’s Office personally at 9 AM.]

Kizmell sighed.

Kizmell: "Work? It’d be a pain if I ignored her..."

With a heavy sigh, he got up, showered, and dressed. He donned a black button-up shirt with a white tie before slipping into his white military uniform, accented with black highlights. The emblem of a rose was embroidered onto the chest. Pinning his 1-A badge onto his uniform, he caught his reflection in the mirror. His black bangs now covered his right eye. The name on his uniform read:

Kizmell Latratos.

He picked up his military hat and spoke to his phone.

Kizmell: "Nano, remind me to go to the Director’s office at 8 PM."

A robotic voice responded.

Nano: "Understood. This Nano will update the schedule."

...----------------...

Elsewhere...

A military train screeched to a stop at the base, and a group of cadets in black military uniforms stepped onto the platform. Among them, a girl with long black hair style in ponytail and piercing Red eyes let out a sigh.

Girl: "So… this is my life now. Sigh..."

As she walked with the other cadets, someone suddenly pounced on her from behind, causing her to stumble.

??? "Quit looking so nervous, Elvira! It’s finally time for us to realize our dream!"

Elvira turned to see the culprit—a girl her age with soft red hair braided into a bun, her crimson eyes gleaming with excitement.

Elvira: "So noisy… Can you stop being weird for just a second, Viona?"

Viona grinned smugly.

Viona: "Well, it's better than looking all tense like you."

Elvira shook her head.

Elvira: "Can you blame me? Agents fighting Mania barely survive past three missions."

Viona rolled her eyes.

Viona: "I know, but at least let’s not talk about that now. It’s our first day, after all. I just hope we get our personal Arc soon!"

She grabbed Elvira’s hand, dragging her toward the entry gate.

Meanwhile, within the crowd of cadets, a boy with short blue hair and matching eyes walked silently. His indifferent gaze betrayed no emotion as they entered the base.

Inside the Military Headquarters...

Kizmell strode down a long hallway when a brown hair woman in a black military uniform approached him, giving a sharp salute.

Secretary: "May the Wind Guide Us to the Tomorrow, First Class Kizmell Latratos. The Director is expecting you. I'll escort you."

Kizmell returned the salute.

Kizmell: "May the Wind Guide Us to the Tomorrow… It’s been a while, hasn’t it, Secretary Eva Anbern?"

Eva, dark circles under her eyes, gave a tired chuckle as they walked.

Eva: "Yeah... last time we met was during that mission. Honestly, I’m surprised you’re still here."

Kizmell smirked.

Kizmell: "Not exactly my choice."

Eva snickered.

Eva: "Right… The Director was persistent, huh?"

Kizmell: "I already know this is going to be a pain."

Eva laughed as they stopped in front of a door. Knocking twice, she spoke.

Eva: "Director, First Class Latratos has arrived."

After a brief pause, she opened the door and stepped aside for Kizmell.

Inside, a woman stood near the window, gazing out at the base. Her long, dark purple hair was tied in a side ponytail, golden eyes sharp behind her glasses. She wore a sleeveless white shirt with a purple tie, a long and baggy dark purple military coat draped off one shoulder, and a matching skirt with stockings and pumps.

Without turning, she spoke in an indifferent tone.

Director: "No need for formalities between us. It wouldn’t suit the situation......."

Kizmell’s pink eyes turned cold as he met her gaze.

Kizmell: "Then I’ll get straight to the point. Why did you call me here, Director Collete.?"

Collete finally turned toward him.

Director Collete: "Before you say anything—I still remember why you resigned and refused to engage in combat."

Kizmell: "Then why drag me back?"

Director Collete: "You should already know the state of this world. Ever since Mania appeared seventy years ago, nothing has been the same."

Kizmell: "I know. That’s why Agents like us train to control Arc and fight them. But—"

Director Collete: "I’m not asking you to fight on the frontlines again."

Kizmell's eyes narrowed slightly.

Director Collete: "Did you notice the rookies outside? Tell me—how many do you think will survive their first mission.?"

Kizmell frowned.

Kizmell: "Fifty percent."

Collete took a document from her desk, flipping it open.

Director Collete: "..... And that number keeps dropping the longer they serve. Many die before they even gain the skills to be considered ‘proper’ Agents."

Kizmell’s jaw tightened.

Kizmell: "So what are you trying to say.?"

Collete slid the document toward him.

Director Collete: "They need an experienced, reliable Supervisor to guide them."

As Kizmell took the file, her words echoed in his mind.

"I trust them to you… to guide them to the tomorrow."

He exhaled sharply.

Kizmell: "Sounds like a lot of work..."

Director Collete: "And yet… you still took the document..."

Silence hung between them.

Director Collete: "So? Can i trust you to guide these young souls to the tomorrow?"

Kizmell stared at the file before sighing.

Kizmell: "...I’ll think about it."

...----------------...

Several Days Later…

The sky darkened, painted red as a massive creature hovered above. A Mania—an octopus-like mechanical horror—spread its grotesque limbs. Its single eye scanned the land while its gaping maw spewed forth swarms of flying, fish-like drones.

At the military base, alarms blared.

Speaker: "Warning! All Agents, prepare for battle! A Mania has been detected in Sector 8! Overload-class threat—proceed with extreme caution!"

On the training field, the senior Agent addressed the new recruits who at that point still confident.

Senior Agent: "Come on Get your ass together! Your first mission starts now! Grab your Case and head to the departure hangar may the wind guide us to the tomorrow!"

all the newcomers then running to get their "Arc" Suitcase and navigate their way to the hangar, From a distant window, Kizmell watched the hangar. His sharp pink eyes narrowed.

Kizmell: "Let’s see if these young souls are worth working with, the tomorrow *murmur*."

[End of Episode 1]

Nect Episode release date: ???????

(I try to upload within 3-4 days)

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