The conference office of Rifle City was filled with soldiers and every member of R.K.
Today's meeting was led by Commander Roy.
"This is a major operation,"
"and it is extremely important,"
said Commander Roy's secretary, Nisha.
"Welcome. As you all know, we have lost people who were precious to us. We do not feel pain, but that does not mean we do not care for our people," Commander Roy said.
The entire room fell into silence for several minutes.
That silence was the only way they could show grief.
Commander Roy displayed images of David and his team, taken while they were in Raid Killer City.
He then shared the report Silas had given him, showing files and photographs.
"I suspect that something underground is happening there," he said.
"That place appears to be a base for an unknown group. Whatever they possess, they are clearly not our allies—especially if they are attacking civilians."
He continued,
"This operation will be called R.K.O. We will begin tonight. All squad leaders should gather in the strategy room so we can plan our assault on Raid Killer City. This meeting is adjourned."
---
Operation R.K.O Begins
Operation R.K.O officially began.
The soldiers gathered outside the gates of Rifle City, while Commander Roy and the other leaders finalized the plan.
Commander Roy explained that robots within the city would automatically attack intruders, as their purpose was to protect the city.
"We cannot move stealthily. If we confront them directly, the hidden group may escape. We need one person to disable the robots," he said.
"But remember—your life is more important than this mission. No one is allowed to risk their life recklessly."
A man raised his hand.
"I'll go," he said.
"Martin, are you sure?" Commander Roy asked.
"Yes. I have speed abilities. If the danger increases, I can escape without being harmed," Martin replied.
Commander Roy nodded.
"Very well. Be careful. This won't be as easy as it seems."
Martin nodded. "Understood."
He was given a communicator.
"If you succeed, report back immediately," Roy said.
A large man from the group laughed.
"Hey Martin, don't forget—you still owe me a rematch. Don't die before I beat you."
"Hahaha, that'll never happen," Martin replied.
"You'd need a hundred years of training to defeat me, Morgan."
With that, he exited the building, riding off alone on a small motorbike.
Commander Roy then ordered the troops,
"Move out. Follow with the vehicles."
---
A Call from Aiden
Commander Roy's phone rang.
"Hello, Aiden."
"Father, I heard you went on an operation," Aiden said.
"Listen carefully, Aiden," Roy replied.
"Silas is the key to our success. He is not an ordinary boy. Watch over him."
The call ended.
Aiden exhaled softly.
"…Just don't die, Father."
---
Silas Enters Iron-Gate
Silas received his ID card and was escorted inside Iron-Gate Academy along with the other students who passed the exam.
As he walked forward, memories of his past suffering surfaced in his mind.
His voice dropped to a whisper.
"I'm starting a new chapter. I won't let anyone control me. I'll find out who I really am… and why I was trapped in that city."
"David… you and your team are the reason I'm alive today. I swear—I will avenge you."
Lost in thought, he suddenly heard a loud but calm voice.
"Welcome to Iron-Gate."
"Here, everything you want is earned through points.
If you want a better room—earn points.
If you want better food—earn points."
"The watches you are wearing are not ordinary. They display your total points, daily requirements, and assigned tasks."
"If you want extra points, you may accept missions through your watch—such as hunting monsters and collecting specific parts like ears or hearts."
"You may also challenge other students to duels, wagering points."
"Any violation of the rules will be punished. Your watch will notify you of the points deducted."
---
The Dormitory
All students were assigned identical rooms.
Each room housed four people.
Male and female dormitories were strictly separated.
"If you are caught in the opposite dormitory, you will be fined," the vice manager announced.
Silas entered his assigned room.
Three other boys were already inside.
They didn't look friendly.
But Silas was not someone who would tolerate being disrespected.