"Pass the eggs," Marcus said, his mouth half-full of toast. "I need protein after watching you play with darkness all week."
Leo slid the plate across the cafeteria table. "Any idea what this morning's announcement is about? The whole base seems on edge."
The overhead speakers had blared at 6AM, instructing all new recruits and selected personnel to report to the announcement hall at exactly 9AM. The cafeteria buzzed with speculation.
Marcus shrugged, piling eggs onto his plate. "Annual Squadron assignments, most likely. The Resistance may be rebels, but they're surprisingly bureaucratic about their organizational structure."
"Squadron assignments?"
"Combat teams," Marcus explained, gesturing with his fork. "Groups of three that train together, fight together, and occasionally die together. Very efficient system, actually."
Leo frowned. "And I'm considered a new recruit?"
"Three months doesn't make you a veteran," Marcus replied. "Besides, with your abilities, you're definitely what they call a 'special case'."
A notification chimed on everyone's H-phones simultaneously. Leo checked his screen: fifteen minutes until the gathering.
"Should you be coming with me?" Leo asked as they disposed of their trays. "The announcement specified new recruits."
Marcus grinned. "I wasn't invited, but who's going to stop me? Besides, I've been here three years and never participated in Squadron activities. I'm practically the poster child for non-fighters."
"Because you're not Awakened?"
"That, and my nack for creating explosions in the laboratory," Marcus admitted cheerfully. "Turns out combat missions require more practical skills than theoretical physics."
Marcus guided Leo through corridors he hadn't yet explored, eventually arriving at a large chamber with tiered seating. Approximately sixty people filled the front rows, their expressions ranging from excitement to apprehension. Along the walls, Resistance personnel maintained watchful positions.
"That's your section," Marcus indicated, pointing toward the assembled recruits. "I'll lurk suspiciously in the back."
Leo found an empty seat among the recruits, noting the diversity of the group. Some appeared hardened and battle-ready, while others seemed barely out of their teens. All shared the same uncertain anticipation.
At the front of the chamber stood a raised platform. Leo's attention immediately fixed on Neo, positioned to the right of a central podium. Her mismatched eyes surveyed the crowd. Despite her small stature, her presence commanded attention, particularly from several male recruits who whispered compliments about the tech specialist.
The chamber fell silent as Kaori Yamashita strode onto the platform. The Resistance leader wore simple black combat attire, the crimson emblem on her shoulder was the only indication of her rank. Neo stepped slightly back as Kaori took position at the podium.
"The Global Powered Alliance was founded in 2040, five years after the Day Light Fell," Kaori began, her voice carrying effortlessly through the hall. "Its apparent purpose was to manage the Awakened population and defend humanity against otherworldly threats."
Holographic images appeared beside her, showing the GPA's early days, uniformed Awakened battling monstrous creatures, rescuing civilians, rebuilding cities.
"Their motto, displayed on every outpost and embedded in every citizen's mind: 'Power Through Unity, Protection Through Power.'" Kaori's tone sharpened. "Noble words masking a corrupt reality."
Behind her, the Resistance flag unfurled, a version of the GPA emblem, the Earth surrounded by swirling lines and a green light radiating from above. The Resistances was a cracked version of that emblem with a diagonal slash representing defiance.
"The GPA became what they claimed to fight against — a force of oppression, using power to control rather than protect. They separate families, weaponize children, and eliminate anyone questioning their authority."
Leo shifted uncomfortably, memories of his sister surfacing.
"We are not merely rebels," Kaori continued, her intensity building. "We are the true protectors humanity deserves. We fight not just for freedom, but for the future, a future where Awakened and non-Awakened stand as equals."
The recruits straightened, caught in the gravity of her words.
"The Resistance operates with discipline and structure," Kaori explained, her tone shifting to practical matters. "Each year, we form combat units called Squadrons, groups of three recruits who train, fight, and grow together. For at least twelve months, you will execute missions ranked from F to S class, developing your abilities and teamwork."
Neo stepped forward, activating a holographic display showing the Squadron structure and evaluation system.
"After your probationary year," Kaori continued, "those who qualify may take advancement tests for specialized positions within our organization. Your performance will determine your future path with us."
She surveyed the room slowly, making eye contact with several recruits. "The sixty of you will form twenty Squadrons, each balanced to complement individual strengths and compensate for weaknesses."
A ripple of nervous energy passed through the assembly. Leo glanced around, wondering which of these strangers might become his teammates, his life potentially dependent on their abilities.
"But first," Kaori announced, her voice taking on an ominous edge, "we need to see how suitable you are."
Without warning, the chamber plunged into complete darkness. Leo felt a wave of disorientation sweep through his body, as though gravity had suddenly shifted. His stomach lurched violently, consciousness wavering at the edges.
Around him, he heard gasps and cries of confusion from other recruits.
Thanks to his shadow abilities creating for him a sort of night vision, the darkness did not engulf him fully. He could still see the outlines of everything around him.
The nauseous sensation intensified as Leo closed his eyes against the searing pain. Upon opening them, there was no darkness, he found himself in another place entirely.