The Silencer Cadet Program was where the next generation of elite soldiers was forged—trained, hardened, and reshaped into the protectors of the city. Only a fraction survived the program's brutal standards. Even fewer rose to the top.
Irie Navin was one of them.
At seventeen, she stood at the head of her graduating class, the insignia of a full-fledged Silencer gleaming against her uniform. Born and raised in the upper wards, she carried the weight of a legacy on her shoulders. The Navin family name was etched into the city's military history—her father, Colonel Arjun Navin, a decorated hero who crushed uprisings before they could threaten the city; her late mother, whose memory lingered in the stories whispered to Irie throughout her childhood; and her brother, Lieutenant Raz "Kabal" Navin, known across the ranks for his speed, precision, and never letter a single enemy escape but for Irie being a overprotective older brother.
Irie had idolized them both. Against Raz's wishes, she enlisted at fourteen, determined to carve her own path. Three grueling years later, she stood on the precipice of her dream.
Today was graduation.
And her family was here to witness it.
"Congratulations on becoming a Silencer."
Irie turned, smiling as her father pulled her into a brief, warm embrace.
"Thank you, Dad—oops, I mean Colonel."
Arjun chuckled, the sternness of a commanding officer melting away for just a moment.
"It's alright. You can call me 'Dad' today. Tomorrow, I'm Colonel Navin again. Deal?"
"Deal. Now…" Irie scanned the crowd. "Where's Raz?"
A hand draped over her shoulder. "I'm right here. Congrats, baby Irie."
She groaned. "Can you stop calling me that?"
"Absolutely not." Raz grinned. "You'll always be my baby sister."
Before she could fire back, a hush rolled over the cadets around them. Footsteps—heavy, deliberate—approached.
Commander Mara, known across the ranks as the Iron Commander, stepped toward the Navins. Her armor was darker than standard issue, reinforced with the rare metal only used by the highest-ranking Silencers. The air seemed to tighten around her.
"Congratulations are in order for the Navin family."
Arjun straightened instinctively. "Commander Mara—we didn't expect your presence. You rarely attend these ceremonies."
"That is true," Mara replied, her eyes settling on Irie. "But I couldn't miss the chance to meet the prodigy of the Navin line."
Irie swallowed. She had never been this close to the Iron Commander before.
"Irie," Mara continued, "I want to personally invite you to my platoon. I see a great deal of potential in you—and a bit of myself as well."
"Really?" Irie's voice came out as a whisper. "I—I'm honored. But your platoon is the most elite unit in the Silencers. Are you sure?"
"I don't offer such invitations lightly. Your skill set is rare, and I intend to forge it into something extraordinary—if your family agrees."
Raz stepped forward quickly. "Commander, with respect, I don't think Irie should—"
Arjun raised a hand. "Enough, Raz. This is her life. Her choice."
They both looked at Irie.
Her heart pounded. The Iron Commander's platoon was legendary—dangerous, secretive, nearly impossible to enter. But if she wanted to do more than carry the Navin name… if she wanted to make a true difference…
"Father, Raz… I appreciate everything you've done for me. But I want to stand on my own. I accept your offer, Commander."
Mara nodded once, sharp and satisfied.
"Excellent. Report to base tomorrow morning. You won't regret this, Irie Navin."
As graduation festivities ended, the Navins prepared to leave together. But Raz's comm rang sharply.
He checked it, expression shifting.
"New assignment. I need to head to the weapons depot. High-priority shipment coming in."
Arjun clasped his shoulder. "Be safe."
Raz offered a reassuring smirk before disappearing into the transport lines.
Irie and her father made their way home, ready to celebrate the day she had dreamed of for years.
Meanwhile — The Amusement Park
Across the city, neon lights flickered over an old amusement park, casting fractured reflections across rusting metal rides. Hidden between the shadows, Nigel sat on a broken bench, staring at his mutated arm as it shifted, reshaped, and sharpened into a blade.
Zack approached with a bag of gear slung over his shoulder.
"Getting better with your arm?"
Nigel flexed his fingers as they morphed back into flesh. "Yeah… starting to, anyway. I've got a damn demon arm that turns into a blade, hyper-regen, enhanced strength…" He shrugged. "Guess I'm a walking horror movie."
Zack laughed. "More like a superhero."
"Please. More like a vigilante who didn't get a choice. But I'm guessing you're not here to talk about my freak show."
"Correct," Zack said, eyes bright with excitement. "It's about the raid."
Nigel stood. "Alright. Hit me."
"The depot only has one entry—the cargo gate. The plan is simple: steal a cargo van, impersonate Silencer transport, and slip inside. We'll need EMP grenades, weapons, and an all-purpose drone—the best tech on the market."
Nigel raised an eyebrow. "Solid plan. But what about the arm? This thing isn't exactly regulation."
"Easy. You hide in the cargo."
Nigel gave him a look. "No offense, Zack, but that sounds fucking terrible."
Zack clapped him on the back. "Relax. We've got this. Security should be light—it's a small shipment. Get some sleep. Once the sun sets, we move."
Nigel sighed. "If this goes wrong, it's on you."
"It's going to be fine." Zack stretched out on the bench. "Now sleep. Tonight we intercept the cargo."
Against the hum of the empty amusement park, the two settled into restless naps—gearing up for a night that would pull them directly into the path of the Silencers.
And unknowingly, straight toward the Navin family.