Chapter 13 - Into the Unknown

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Alright, let's continue... step by step. Over the past three weeks, Darius has been tormenting us in every way possible. Maybe, as Margaret said, he really is a sadist? Speaking of her... What did she call him last time? Something like—a cruel old senile fool. And what about her? For the last two weeks, we've been cramming the biology of the main classes of Nephilim, the structure of Nexuses, and everything related to them. It's already haunting my nightmares...

But at least the food is delicious, not just delicious—magnificent. I've never seen such delicacies in my life, haha. It's just a shame we weren't granted the promised freedom of movement around the Citadel... As soon as we get permission, I'll head straight to the park!

Oh yeah... regarding my classmates. I thought everyone here would be really serious, like predators ready to tear you apart, but it turns out... well, no. Although the first impression differs as well. Take Ryuji—he turned out to be not as empty-headed as I thought. No, he's still an idiot, but he performs well in training. Alexa is very kind, though she's the only one stubborn enough to argue with Ryuji. Sora, Eliana, and the others are great too. >>

Cassian stopped recording. His reflection appeared on the dark screen. With a careful motion, he ran his fingers over the small scratches left from today's intense training. Exhaling tiredly, Cassian stretched his sore shoulder muscles.

Slowly rising from his chair, he stretched—his back cracked so loudly it sounded like someone opening a bag of chips. Taking a few steps, Cassian reached his bed and, collapsing onto it, sank into a deep, dreamless sleep.

*

Heavy echoes of steel clashing against steel resonated through the vast hall. A dozen mechs, paired off, clumsily battled each other. Externally, they were all identical—massive gray metal torsos, long humanoid limbs that looked rough and unrefined. The only difference was the serial numbers on each mech's right arm.

— Stop! — Darius's sharp voice blasted through the hall speakers. Hearing it, the mechanical giants froze, awaiting further commands.

— Return to docking stations.

Each mech stepped onto its designated securing platform. Several manipulator locks on each station activated, securing the mechs in a standing position.

Glancing at the screen and confirming the stabilization was successful, Darius commanded:

— Cadets, you are permitted to disengage from the training Nexus!

The machines, which had seemed alive moments before, went limp. A few moments later, loud decompression noises echoed as metal plating withdrew, gradually revealing the cockpit inside.

Exhausted cadets emerged from the compartments. They were dressed in plain black suits, sweat dripping from their faces. Trudging along prepared ramps to the main platform, they sluggishly and lifelessly shuffled toward the exit, resembling zombies. Enormous doors opened, revealing a squad of medics standing close by, followed by the next group of students who were about to pilot the training Nexuses. The doctors stepped forward to assist the barely moving pilots.

— Stop! Weren't you supposed to stay with your mechs according to protocol?! — shouted a tall woman in a white coat, briskly approaching. Her badge read "Reina Solis." She had gray-blue eyes and shoulder-length, light blonde hair. — What are we supposed to do if one of you idiots collapses on the way or worse—dies?!

Despite her yelling, she quickened her pace and caught a pilot who was about to collapse.

— Move faster! — she ordered the medical team. They sped up, nearly breaking into a run, rushing toward the cadets.

— Step away from the doors and return to your stations, — Darius's voice rang out unexpectedly through the speakers, making the cadets flinch.

At that moment, Alexa appeared, supported by a doctor. She was barely walking, her steps slow and unsteady.

— Hey, Alexa, how was it? — Lucas called out from the crowd.

— Sick people need rest, so shut up! Ask your questions later, got it?! — the irritated medic snapped at him before loudly snorting and leading Alexa away.

"What's with her? She could use a sedative..." — Cassian thought while sitting a bit further away, watching the scene unfold. A faint smile appeared on his face.

As soon as the last cadet from the first group left the room, Darius's voice echoed again:

— Cadets, please proceed to your assigned docking stations based on your previously assigned number.

Cassian glanced at his communicator, rereading his number. Taking a deep breath, he headed for Station 013.

Stepping onto the main platform, Cassian involuntarily looked to his left—beyond the sturdy railing was a sheer drop, roughly twenty meters down. A chill ran down his spine as he reprocessed the reality of piloting a massive mech.

Taking a deep breath, he strode forward confidently, checking the station numbers and inspecting the visible parts of the Nexuses.

Finally, Cassian reached his assigned station. A small platform led directly into the open cockpit of the Nexus. Inside, everything was dark. A hollow, spherical room. The moment Cassian stepped in, the lights turned on, and a loud mechanical voice echoed:

— Greetings, Cadet! I am a portable AI designed to conduct your briefing. You may call me B.E.T.A. Glad to meet you.

Startled, Cassian silently examined the still-empty cockpit and asked:

— So... is it supposed to be like this? I mean, it's... empty, — he asked, shrugging. His voice was filled with bewilderment, mixed with slight curiosity.

— Do not worry about that. Just stand in the center of the cockpit and remain still, — the monotonous instructor AI requested.

Obeying silently, Cassian took two steps forward. At that moment, the cockpit changed—its entrance sealed shut, and a whirlwind of metallic particles swirled around him, enveloping his body and locking him firmly in place.

— What the hell?! What is this?! — he tried to move his arms, but it was useless.

— Please remain calm. This procedure will not harm your body. Movement will only complicate the process.

— Oh yeah?! Then explain what's happening, and maybe I'll consider calming down! — meanwhile, his range of movement was shrinking rapidly.

— For further synchronization stages, your body must be securely restrained.

— What synchronization stages?!

— You'll find out.

Cassian tried to move again, but soon realized he was completely immobilized. His entire body was encased in an exoskeleton, preventing him from making any movement.

From the ceiling, a massive manipulator descended. At its end was something resembling a mask—its shape similar to a spider lily. The mask pressed close, its metallic petals clamping tightly around Cassian's head.

Mentally cursing, Cassian could do nothing but stand still, waiting for the unknown.

Several smaller manipulators extended from the walls, connecting about a dozen cables to his suit. A powerful pulse coursed through his body, jolting his entire system.

Unable to say anything, he let out a muffled groan into the mask.

— Please endure, only the final step remains.

Immediately, the cockpit began to fill with a viscous, bluish liquid. It rose slowly until it completely submerged everything within. Another pulse surged through Cassian's body, and his consciousness faded into darkness.