Through narrow streets and buildings that twisted the paths, a young man in uniform with a backpack on his back ran without stopping. His movements were absolutely flawless. With the path mapped in his mind, the pale-skinned boy moved effortlessly, following the mechanical noises around him. The city of Mal was a shade of brown, mostly due to the rusted iron-reinforced walls and soot. This industrial city was a nightmare for anyone unfamiliar with its layout, but fortunately, it was home to Yun.
Yun slowed his pace and, following a large crowd, stepped onto the sidewalk of the main street. Conveyor belts moved boxes above the streets, massive high-pressure gears groaned loudly before releasing bursts of steam at temperatures above 170°F, and chimneys never ceased spewing smoke and vapor. Sunlight was almost nonexistent, and in some of Mal's more remote corners, metallic lamps were the only source of light.
Most of the people were workers for MalTech Industries, the owner of the city and the country's largest industrial enterprise. The heat from the steam and the toxic fumes made it necessary to wear a mask soaked in sweat.
On the adjacent street, neon lights were dragged along by cars moving at incredible speeds, heading to the next city: Akita. Unlike Mal, Akita was bright and prosperous, a paradise for the elite. Only the big fish could afford the luxury of living in such an exclusive place.
Yun kept walking, unable to stop glancing at the gleaming cars. His hands clenched, longing to feel the soft touch of a black leather steering wheel while the cool air conditioning brushed his skin. But that dream was replaced by tired feet, a sweat-soaked black mask, and a worn gray student uniform.
In a dark alley, Yun stopped in front of a staircase leading to Mal's underground level. Above him, a soot-stained sign read: "Fuel Preparatory School." A bit reluctant, Yun began descending step by step.
Ahead of him was a hallway with twelve doors, six on each side. Surprisingly, the hallway was devoid of the grime and brown stain that defined the outside. The floor was spotless, though a few shoe prints appeared here and there.
He stopped at the door marked "1M" above the handle and quietly stepped inside.
-You're late, Yun. Sit down- said the teacher, a middle-aged man with a few gray hairs on his head.
Without saying another word, Yun sat in one of the empty desks.
The classroom was remarkably small, there were only a few seats, and they were all taken by people he didn't recognize.
-Welcome to your first day at Fuel- the teacher began. -As you should already know, this is not a free school. It's a hybrid learning and work program provided by MalTech. The project is funded through scholarships, scholarships that depend entirely on your performance.-
Fuel wasn't truly a school. It was a working method for minors who couldn't afford a proper education. Usually, the parents of these youths had died in an industrial accident (common in Mal), or their families needed money for one reason or another.
The somber faces of these kids, none older than sixteen, reflected the hard roads they had already walked.
-Enough talking. Get up and follow me- the teacher ordered.
Slowly, all the students rose from their desks and walked into the hallway. In the doors beside them, other teachers emerged with their own groups, each leading their students through the door directly in front of them.
Upon entering, Yun's group found themselves in a narrow and dark tunnel made of metal and concrete. Pipes and cables resembled the bloodied veins of an exposed arm. The conduits inhaled and exhaled steam like the final breath of a human on the edge of death.
The students were stunned to see such a monstrous thing so close.
-To your side is a set of electrical safety gear. Put it on, keep your mouths shut, and wait for instructions- the teacher ordered.
In a line, the students patiently waited their turn to pick up a suit. The suit was a worn, yellowish tone that covered the entire body, with thick gloves and a plastic protective face shield.
Once everyone was suited up, the teacher led them deeper into the mechanical labyrinth.
-This place is called Naibu- the teacher explained. -Officially, it's a research and study center exclusive to MalTech. You're very fortunate to even be allowed inside.
He went on to explain the purpose of the facility. In short, Naibu was the heart of MalTech, its technological and industrial advancements existed thanks to the research and development carried out in this very place.
As they wandered through Naibu, Yun couldn't stop staring at the cables along the walls. Watching closely, he noticed the cables subtly moving and disconnecting to form new connections. It was simply incredible to his inexperienced eyes. Naibu seemed alive and Yun felt like a mere parasite inside it.
Lost in thought, Yun accidentally bumped into the back of a fellow student, one who was at least twice his size.
-What's your problem, idiot?- the boy asked rhetorically.
"Shit" Yun thought.
Yun wasn't the confrontational type. With a condescending glance, he brushed past him and continued on his way.
-Don't ignore me, bitch- the big guy growled, grabbing Yun's arm and landing a subtle punch to his stomach -. Look me in the eyes when I talk to you.
Yun doubled over and spat a mouthful of saliva. For a moment, he thought he might pass out. The class seemed to pause as everyone turned to see what was happening.
"Son of a bitch" Yun thought. A burning mix of rage and humiliation surging through him.
-Greg, is there a problem back there?- asked the teacher.
-No, sir. No problem at all- Greg replied with a smile, then muttered one last growl -. Don't forget, bitch.
Struggling, Yun slowly regained his composure and resumed walking, step by step, without taking his eyes off Greg.
Behind him, two small silhouettes approached gently.
-Are you okay?- asked a soft voice behind him.
Yun turned briefly and found two people, a girl and a boy, both blond and with healthy, fair skin.
It was a complete surprise to see a pair like that in a place like this.
-What a jerk, that Greg guy- the boy said, with a touch of concern in his eyes -. Are you sure you're alright?
-Yeah, I'm okay. Thanks- Yun replied with a faint smile -. My name's Yun.
The boy and girl let out a relaxed sign, seeming thankful that their approach had gone well.
-Nice to meet you, Yun- said the boy -. My name is Altred. This is my sister, Dies.
Altred introduced himself with an honest smile and gently motioned his sister forward. Both of them had an aura that was hard to ignore, they truly seemed like little angels.
That small interaction helped ease some of the pain from the blow Yun had taken.
Even a faint smile crept onto the corner of his lips.
-Nice to meet you both.