The evening sky glowed a bright orange, as if the city itself was slowly lighting up before sinking into the night. The wind slipped between the tall buildings, carrying long whispers that almost sounded like a melody. Birds circled back to their nests, and the last rays of sunlight fell upon the face of someone standing at the edge of the rooftop.
Dainny Viz Perima.
Still. Motionless. His gaze pierced the horizon, as if searching for answers hidden behind the twilight. His fingers curled lightly, then loosened again. His golden-yellow eyes reflected the fading light of the sun.
The creak of a hinge broke the silence.
Someone pushed open the iron door behind him. Heavy footsteps approached, then a voice called out softly,
“Oi, Dainny!”
Dainny turned slowly. Behind him stood Erpan Adiy Rust, a man in a black cap with his usual easygoing smile. His eyes gleamed with mischief, but his breath came slightly ragged, as if he had just climbed dozens of stairs at once.
“Erpan?” Dainny spoke calmly.
Erpan didn’t answer right away. His eyes swept across the rooftop, searching for something.
“Where are the others?”
A heavy voice came from the right. At the top of a small tower on the building, someone leaned casually while holding a Glock 19. His face was blank, his cold eyes sizing Erpan up from head to toe.
“Yo, Erpan. You took your sweet time,” he said flatly.
That was Frost Grill Dimanti.
Erpan raised a hand, laughing awkwardly.
“Haa… yo, you too.”
Above the exit door, someone sat cross-legged, watching them with a relaxed face as if nothing mattered. His smile was thin, yet sharp, as though hiding a thousand schemes behind it.
Marco Chii Rikaard.
“Looks like we’re complete now…” murmured Dainny, glancing up briefly at Marco.
The wind paused. A strange silence hung in the air. Then, something happened.
Black mist crept slowly at Dainny’s side, swirling like a living creature. He turned his head, then reached out to grasp it. His fingertips pierced the darkness, and instantly a katana slid forth, glowing faintly under the twilight.
The three others watched him. Dainny only gave a thin smile.
The mist faded away, vanishing as if it had never existed. Marco stepped down from his perch, moving to stand beside Dainny. Erpan drew closer, tugging his clothes tighter, while Frost remained still with his Glock, as though already prepared for anything.
They looked ahead.
Beyond the edge of the building, thick black fog smothered part of the city. Streetlights that pierced through it turned dim, while strange shadows shifted within.
And then…
The first lightning strike came down. Its roar shattered the twilight silence into the scream of the world. The wind raged, carrying the scent of iron and wet earth.
“That’s enough,” Dainny murmured, slowly raising his katana.
“Let’s end this.”
His eyes sharpened. His smile lingered faintly. Yet there was something in his gaze that kept the three others silent.
The sky rolled over itself. Darkness swallowed the orange glow.
Three Years Ago
October 11, 2007
The roar of the train shook the rails, the clash of metal echoing like the growl of a wild beast. Inside one of the second-class carriages, four people sat facing the same direction, each lost in their own world.
Erpan was sprawled out however he pleased, legs stretched across the seat in front of him, arms folded behind his head. Snoring softly.
Frost typed away on his black laptop, his face completely expressionless.
Dainny stared out the window, his eyes heavy as though he was speaking to the afternoon itself.
And Marco… held a carton of juice, spinning it slowly in his hand like it contained thoughts far more important than its taste.
“Oi,” Marco tapped Erpan’s shoulder, “we’ve arrived.”
Erpan cracked one eye open, letting out a huge yawn.
“Hah? Already? That was fast.”
They stood. The carriage was full of clattering suitcases and hurried footsteps. The station buzzed with chatter, shouts of street vendors, and the mixed aroma of instant coffee and oily steel.
“Crazy, it’s crowded,” muttered Frost, his face unchanged.
Dainny simply pulled his suitcase along, walking first. Marco followed, while Erpan casually carried two suitcases at once without the slightest strain.
Once outside, the chaos of the city hit them instantly. Car horns blared, footsteps thundered, children’s laughter rang out, and the scent of the streets tangled together in the air.
Marco glanced upward, a faint smile on his lips, though worry gleamed in his eyes.
“Looks like… we’re in for some trouble here.”
The four of them lined up neatly at the cashier’s counter.
They were so quiet and orderly, the cashier grew uneasy.
“Uh… so… what will you be buying?” the cashier asked in a small voice.
In unison, they answered:
“ONE BOX OF CUP NOODLES, PLEASE!!”
The cashier froze, then nodded in defeat.
Minutes later, she placed a large box of cup noodles on the counter.
“That’ll be… 24 dollars.”
Her tone sounded like she was holding back the question, “Why on earth would you buy this much?”
They paid without another word. Frost naturally carried the box.
Out of the store, they walked side by side like some knockoff high school gang trying too hard to look important.
The streets grew quieter. The late afternoon sun stretched their shadows long across the ground.
Turning into a narrow alley, they found a rundown boarding house, its paint peeling, moss clinging to the walls, and the sound of crickets uncomfortably loud.
Marco frowned. “Uh… this really the place?”
Frost, still carrying the noodle box, checked his phone. A red location pin glowed right over the building.
Without emotion, he said flatly, “Yep. This is it.”
Erpan glanced at the house, then at Frost, then back at the house. “Bro… this looks like a cheap horror film set…”
Suddenly, an old man shuffled out from beside the shed, broom in hand. His clothes were ragged, his white hair messy.
“Ahahah… you kids must be the new tenants, huh?” his voice rasped.
Dainny automatically stepped forward. “Yes, sir!”
Frost kicked his shin lightly. “Don’t act all friendly, idiot.”
The old man held out a key. “Room 24. Second floor. Be careful around here…”
Then he walked away… without saying anything else.
They exchanged glances, then headed off without another word.
ROOM 24
As soon as the door creaked open, dust burst into the air like battlefield smoke.
Erpan sneezed three times in a row.
“Wachoo! Wachoo! Wachoo! …I’ve lived a long life, but forgive me.”
He collapsed dramatically onto the floor, as if the dust had taken him down.
Frost pulled a mask from his pocket and put it on. “This room is… a biological disaster.”
Marco eyed the piles of trash and rat droppings. “Now I get why the rent’s cheap.”
Dainny grinned. “Relax, guys. We’ll clean it up like ninjas.”
Then he just stood there. Doing absolutely nothing.
EXTREME CLEANING
The cleaning turned into utter chaos:
Frost mopped like a machine.
Marco swept while complaining nonstop.
Erpan somehow started a broom fight with a rat.
Dainny? …still zoning out, adjusting the playlist.
After nearly two hours, the room finally shone spotless.
They collapsed onto the floor, exhausted.
“DONE!!” Erpan shouted, arms raised like an Olympic champion.
Frost crossed his arms, inspecting the corners. “Hm… decent. Still worse than my lab.”
Marco exhaled heavily. “I swear, if the rats come back tomorrow, I’ll just rent a taxi instead.”
Dainny stood with a satisfied smile. “Now… time to open that noodle box.”
They cheered together.
A new day, a new room, new cup noodles… and somehow, life had already gotten more complicated.
The smell of freshly brewed noodles filled the air.
The four sat in a circle in the living room, each holding a steaming cup. Wisps of steam curled upward.
Dainny dug in without hesitation. “Hhhmmm… heaven on earth.”
Erpan was already slurping. “Bro… this is the taste of victory.”
Meanwhile, Frost calmly grabbed the TV remote and switched on the news.
A reporter appeared onscreen, looking dead serious.
“Good evening, viewers. An unusual incident just occurred downtown. Eyewitnesses claim they saw… something.”
Marco glanced at the screen, still chewing noodles. “Something… like what?”
The reporter held a mic to a middle-aged man, trembling. His hair was a mess, sweat dripping down his face.
“S-so… I really saw it, but… it wasn’t visible!”
The reporter blinked. “What do you mean, sir? Invisible?”
The man grew more frantic. “I-I only heard noises… chairs thrown, glass shattering… but no one was there! I swear, it was like… like a ghost!”
Erpan froze mid-bite, eyes widening.
“BRO. WHAT IF IT’S A CREATURE FROM ANOTHER DIMENSION?!”
Dainny calmly slurped noodles. “Or maybe he just needs more sleep, Erpan.”
Marco quipped dryly. “Yeah, same as you every time you work on your thesis.”
Frost, who’d been silent, finally spoke. “If it’s truly ‘invisible’… this isn’t a random incident. It could be connected to that Being.”
His tone was calm, but serious.
They all looked at each other. The air tightened.
Silence. The only sound was Dainny’s “slurp.”
At last, Erpan spoke, soft but firm.
“So… we’re going, right?”
Frost answered quickly. “Tomorrow. Morning.”
Marco nodded. “Agreed. I’m not dying stupidly tonight.”
Erpan raised his chopsticks high. “MISSION: INVISIBLE CREATURE! YES!!”
He cheered, then immediately started a second cup of noodles.
After eating, Frost went to the kitchen, grabbed a water bottle, and returned with four glasses.
He drank, then asked casually, “By the way, Dainny… our school supplies—are they ready?”
Dainny froze mid-bite. His body stiffened.
His stare went blank, like someone remembering unpaid debt.
“…oh crap.”
Silence swept the room.
Marco facepalmed. “Perfect. We’re about to fight an invisible creature, but we don’t even own pens.”
Dainny forced a crooked smile. “Relax. If we die tomorrow, pens won’t matter.”
They all went quiet again. Realizing… they actually forgot to buy school supplies.
“HAH! I—” Erpan raised his hand with enthusiasm.
“No.” Dainny cut him off sharply. “You WILL mess this up.”
Erpan pointed at himself, pretending to be offended. “N-no! This time I’m serious! I’ll buy the right stuff, I swear!”
Marco smirked, elbowing Dainny. “Just trust him once. Your life won’t crumble over this.”
Erpan grinned wide, happy to have support… until Marco’s eyes turned flat.
“But don’t get excited. I only defended you out of formality,” Marco said coldly.
Erpan’s smile twisted, a single tear sliding down.
Finally, with a suspicious glare, Dainny handed him some cash. “If you buy the wrong stuff, I swear, I’ll—”
“Relax! Relax.” Erpan snatched the money confidently, then suddenly opened the fridge.
“What else are you taking?” Frost asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Protein,” Erpan said casually. “For working out.”
Then he left the room without explanation.
Frost, Marco, and Dainny just exchanged tired looks.
“…So what do we do now?” Marco asked.
“Sleep,” Dainny answered curtly.
That night they all slept together in the living room. But one thing lingered in their minds: last night’s news about the “something invisible.”
The Next Morning
They were already outside the boarding house, ready. But the mood was tense. Dainny’s head hung low, his jaw tight.
“W-WHAT THE HELL IS THIS, ERPAN?!” His voice split the morning air.
Erpan stood awkwardly, holding a shopping bag. “What? I bought the notebook exactly as requested.”
Dainny picked one up and held it up for everyone to see. The cover was bright pink, full of glitter, with big bold letters:
“Sweetie Girls! Best Friends Forever 💖”
Silence.
“…Pfft—” Frost tried to hold back his laugh, but failed. “Guess you’re a sweetie girl now, Dainny.”
Marco patted his shoulder lightly. “Congrats, Dainny. You’re officially part of the girl squad.” He was also clearly trying not to laugh.
Dainny snorted sharply. “Shut up, all of you!”
Erpan, on the other hand, looked proud. “Hey, you never said anything about the cover color or design, right? Look, the paper quality is premium, I swear!”
“I’ll destroy you for this, DAMN ERPAN.”
On the Way to School
They walked slowly while sipping canned coffee from a vending machine. The atmosphere was a bit more relaxed… until Marco suddenly spoke up:
“By the way, about last night’s news…” he said quietly.
Frost glanced over. “You mean the one about the invisible creature?”
“Yup. Don’t you think it’s… strange? Like something’s following us?”
Dainny stopped for a moment, turning his head. “Don’t start, Marco. I’m already stressed enough with this pink notebook.”
Suddenly, the vending machine behind them clicked and clattered, as if coins were dropping inside… even though no one was there.
They all turned their heads. Empty. Silent.
“…Probably just a broken machine,” Frost said quickly, though his tone sounded uncertain.
“…Yeah, broken machine,” Erpan nodded in agreement, but his eyes kept darting around nervously.
At School
By noon, they finally stood in front of the school gates. The building was massive, the sky was clear, but the atmosphere felt… strange.
A gentle breeze passed by. In the distance, they heard the sound of metal scraping… even though there were no construction workers.
“Whoa…” the four of them muttered together.
The school was huge—so huge they felt like ants walking into a glass palace.
“This place is gigantic!” Dainny exclaimed, eyes widening in disbelief.
“Feels like if you tried running a lap here, you’d be twice as exhausted,” Marco muttered, glancing around, trying to gauge just how wide the area was.
“S-so big…” Erpan murmured, though his gaze was actually fixed on a group of neatly dressed female students walking past.
“You’re looking the wrong way, Erpan.” Frost yanked his collar so hard he nearly choked.
“Ghk! Right, right… I meant the building.” Erpan quickly diverted his eyes and smiled awkwardly.
They stepped inside. The moment their feet touched the ground, the world felt different—the chatter of students, the rumble of cars in the parking lot, and the scent of freshly baked bread from the cafeteria all mixed together.
“There sure are a lot of people here,” Dainny commented, his tone impressed but his face still as blank as ever.
Suddenly, the school bell rang loudly. “Kriiiinggg!”
“WOAH!” they all shouted at once, startled half to death.
“Come on, let’s go to the principal’s office!” Dainny urged, already walking ahead.
“But… do we even know where it is?” Marco asked.
Frost glanced around, then pointed at a map on the wall. “Relax, there’s a school map. Follow me.”
The four of them walked together, their steps a little awkward but full of curiosity.
The four of them walked down the hallway, carrying the map Frost had yanked off the bulletin board, stopping every few steps just to double-check their direction.
After a few minutes of wandering, they stopped in front of a door labeled Principal’s Room. They checked the map several times just to be sure.
“Ah! I think this is it,” Dainny said confidently, though his face stayed deadpan.
Inside, the principal sat facing the window. The door creaked open slowly.
“Excuse us…” Dainny greeted, glancing around the room.
The four stepped forward toward the principal’s desk.
“Well, well. So you’re the four brothers with different last names,” the principal said, his tone slightly mocking.
“So, where are your parents?” he continued.
They exchanged looks, dumbfounded.
“Hehe… we don’t have any!” Dainny answered innocently, without hesitation.
The principal smiled, then handed Dainny a slip of paper. Written clearly on it: 1-B.
Frost casually took the paper. “This is our class. Let’s go!” he urged.
As they left the room, the principal simply smiled mysteriously.
But Dainny suddenly came back. “Excuse me, sir, I forgot something,” he said, picking something up from under the door.
“Oh, sure, go ahead,” replied Principal Walter, sounding lazy yet friendly.
“Thank you, Mr. Walter!” Dainny said before hurrying out.
They continued searching for Class 1-B, reading the signs above each classroom door as they went.
In front of Class 1-A, Dainny nearly bumped into a student but managed to dodge without touching her.
“Sorry!” he said quickly, bowing his head as he walked past.
“Sorry for my brother’s action!” Frost added, following behind with Erpan and Marco.
A male student with spiky hair asked, “You okay?”
“He dodged her!” said the twin-tailed girl who almost got hit, impressed. “His reflexes are amazing!”
They kept walking, glancing into other classrooms, until Dainny checked the slip again—1-B—and stared at the matching door.
“I think this is the one,” Dainny said, face still blank as ever.
“You’re making that same expression again,” Frost muttered, half-annoyed, half-mocking.
The door to Class 1-B slid open. The noisy chatter inside died instantly, as if every student automatically turned their heads toward them.
The teacher at the blackboard stopped mid-lecture and smiled. “Ah, there you are! The new transfer students I’ve been expecting.”
Dainny, Frost, Erpan, and Marco stepped in slowly. They lined up at the front of the class, looking a little awkward—except Frost and Marco, who actually seemed relaxed.
Some students whispered while sneaking glances. Some looked curious, some indifferent, and a couple in the back… were still holding hands.
“Alright, introduce yourselves one by one,” the teacher said, folding her arms. “Let’s start with… you.” She pointed at Marco.
Marco
Marco stepped forward with confidence, brushing off his jacket lightly before speaking.
“My name is Marco… Marco Chii Rikaard,” he said clearly and calmly. “Nice to meet you all.”
Some of the boys nodded in approval, while a few girls whispered excitedly.
“His voice is so cool.”
“Yeah, sounds like an anime character.”
Marco stepped back elegantly.
Erpan
Next was Erpan. His wide grin appeared instantly as he spread his arms open.
“Yo! Name’s Erpan! Erpan Adiy Rust!” he said energetically. “You can call me Erpan the Fighter!”
A few girls muttered behind their hands.
“So full of himself…”
“But… he’s kind of built, isn’t he?”
Erpan smirked in satisfaction at their whispers and strutted back, trying to look cool.
Frost
Frost stepped forward without a word. His face was blank, his eyes cold, and his voice short.
“Frost Grill Dimanti.”
That was it.
The girls immediately buzzed, though their whispers were more restrained this time.
“Whoa… his white hair’s real, right?”
“God, he’s so handsome.”
Frost didn’t even glance at them. He stepped back without a flicker of expression, as if he couldn’t care less.
Dainny
Finally, Dainny stepped forward with bold confidence, raising one hand like an orator.
“My name is Dainny! Dainny Viz Perima!” he declared loudly. “Nice to meet you all!”
Some of the boys chuckled at his over-the-top style.
“Damn, this guy’s way too confident.”
“Bet things are gonna get noisy with him around.”
The teacher nodded with a smile. “Good, that was quite an introduction. You may take the empty seats in the back.”
As they walked toward their desks, a girl suddenly raised her hand.
“Teacher, may I ask something?” she said.
“Go ahead, Elli,” the teacher replied.
Elli turned toward Frost with a curious look.
“Hey, Frost… those glasses on your head—what are they for? You never wear them, do you?”
Frost touched the glasses perched on top of his head.
“Ah, these? Just decoration. A gift from someone,” he said with a faint smile.
“Excuse me, teacher!” another girl, Stella, called out sharply, raising her hand.
“Yes, Stella? What is it?” the teacher asked.
“Isn’t the school rule clear—no dyed hair? But those two…”
She shot a sharp look at Frost and Marco.
Before she could finish her sentence, Frost and Marco spoke in unison.
“It’s natural. We didn’t dye it.”
Stella raised an eyebrow, ready to argue, but Frost cut her off.
“If you don’t believe me, take a closer look!” he said, pointing at his own hair.
The classroom went silent. A few students exchanged confused glances at Frost’s sudden outburst.
“Spotting dyed hair is easy,” Frost continued quickly, like some makeshift professor.
“If the roots are a different color, it’s dye. Natural hair color is even, and the shine looks different. Science, bro.”
The whole class—including the teacher—stared at him in disbelief.
Dainny blinked slowly. “…Where’d you even learn that?”
Frost replied casually, “Read it on a forum. Knowledge is free, you know.”
The teacher forced a nervous laugh. “Hahaha… alright, please take a seat in the back.”
The three of them strolled toward the legendary back-row seats—right by the window. As they arrived, a sudden silence filled the air.
Dainny, Frost, and Marco exchanged intense looks. A deathly stare-down, full of unspoken resolve, as if they were deciding the fate of the world.
Without a word, they all put their hands behind their backs.
Students whispered among themselves.
“…What are they doing?”
“Is this some kind of weird ritual?”
Silence. Then—
“Rock… Paper… Scissors!”
Their hands shot forward with over-the-top anime-style dramatics.
Dainny threw Scissors.
Frost threw Paper.
Marco… also threw Paper.
The room fell silent. The only sound was the rickety old ceiling fan.
Dainny smirked, his eyes narrowing with subtle arrogance.
“Looks like… I win.”
Frost snorted in disbelief. “Seriously?!”
Marco stared down at his own hand, crestfallen.
“Why do I always lose at stuff like this…”
Dainny grinned faintly.
“Heh… that’s the way of the world.”
From across the room, Stella kept staring at them, unease flickering behind her eyes.
Frost and Marco reluctantly turned away from the prized window seat. Their steps were heavy, like athletes who had just lost a championship match.
“Tragic…” Marco muttered, dragging out a chair with the expression of a man defeated.
Dainny sat triumphantly by the window, gazing outside with forced serenity, though deep down he was dancing in victory.
Frost and Marco slumped into the middle seats, radiating the aura of losers.
Meanwhile, Erpan had casually taken a corner seat, looking totally relaxed as if he hadn’t been part of the drama at all.
The teacher let out a long sigh, still stunned by the absurdity she’d just witnessed.
“W-well then, class… let’s begin the lesson,” she said, forcing herself back on track.
The atmosphere settled. The teacher resumed her lecture, and the class returned to normal—at least for the moment.
A few minutes later, the bell rang loudly for break time.
Students shot to their feet, packed up their books, and rushed out. Footsteps and chatter filled the hallways, making the whole building buzz with noise.
Dainny, Frost, Erpan, and Marco left their bags behind in class and hurried out.
They sprinted through the hallways, down the stairs, and out into the courtyard. The school grounds were bustling—some students heading to the cafeteria, others hopping onto their bikes or cars to leave campus.
The four of them slipped out the school gates, heading somewhere specific.
“So, are you guys ready?” Dainny asked, glancing back at them.
The three nodded firmly. Their opponent this time, according to the middle-aged man who had tipped them off, was something invisible to ordinary people.
They ran off toward the location of the creature.
But suddenly, Marco stopped in the middle of the street, not far from the school.
The others halted too, turning back to him.
“What’s wrong, Marco? Tired already?” Dainny asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
“Maybe yes, maybe no… but…” Marco looked at them seriously.
The three leaned in, curious about what he was going to say.
“How about… we don’t walk all the way there?” Marco suggested with blunt logic. “It’s exhausting, you know.”
Just then, a car horn blared. Dainny, Frost, Erpan, and Marco all turned toward the sound.
“This time,” Dainny declared with confidence, “we’re not walking or running.”
A taxi pulled up in front of them. They quickly hopped inside.
The driver glanced back and asked, “Where to? Oh, crap!”
Noticing their school uniforms, his face shifted to mild panic.
“You kids… skipping school, aren’t you?” he asked, half-annoyed.
“No. We’re just… uh…”
Dainny tried to explain, but his words jammed. His brain went completely blank.
Frost stepped in smoothly to save the moment.
“We just left something behind. We’re going to pick it up,” he said calmly, convincingly.
The taxi driver—a man about twenty-one—just nodded.
“Alright…” he replied shortly. He started the engine, pulling away from the school.
A few quiet minutes passed, broken only by the hum of the AC and the engine. Finally, the driver spoke again.
“So… where exactly are you headed?” he asked, peering at them through the rearview mirror.
The four exchanged confused looks. Problem was, they hadn’t watched the news long enough last night to know the exact location. The air grew awkward.
As always, Frost leaned forward, closing in on the driver’s seat.
“What’s your name, if I may ask?” Frost said casually.
The driver misheard.
“What? Destination?”
“No…” Dainny chimed in, speaking slowly like he was teaching a kindergartner.
“Your name, buddy. N-a-m-e. Who are you?”
“Oh!” The driver chuckled. “Ali. Ali Rahju.”
From the back, Erpan raised an eyebrow.
“Ali Rahju? Sounds… Indian, right?”
“Correct, correct,” Ali answered, glancing at them briefly. “But where exactly are you going?”
Frost leaned closer to the front seat, eyes fixed on the road.
“Sesnon Boulevard, near Porter Ranch Park,” he stated firmly. “About two kilometers, seven hundred eighty-five meters from here.”
Ali blinked at him through the mirror, confused.
“Two kilometers seven hundred… what?”
Marco, who had been quiet the whole ride, suddenly muttered lazily,
“Just follow it, Ali. If we get lost, blame this human Google Maps,” he said, pointing at Frost.
Ali sighed heavily. “Alright, alright…”
The taxi rolled on, passing rows of shopfronts and roadside trees. The streets were quiet, filled only with the sound of wind and the occasional honk of another car.
A few minutes later.
They arrived near Porter Ranch Park. Ali pulled over by the side of the road.
“How much, buddy?” Marco asked, pulling out his wallet.
“Four bucks each,” Ali replied.
Marco immediately handed him a bill. “Sixteen dollars. Keep the change.
Ali was a bit surprised, but he accepted it with a wide smile. Marco then pulled out his phone and handed it to Ali.
“Your number, friend. Just in case we need a taxi again later.”
Ali saved his number in Marco’s contacts, then started the engine and drove off after giving them a small wave.
As soon as the taxi disappeared, the atmosphere shifted.
The ruins ahead of them still felt disturbingly real, even though the authorities had already done some cleanup. Traces of chaos remained: cracked asphalt, scorched walls, and a faint ozone smell lingering in the air.
Frost’s drone drifted quietly above, its tiny wings humming softly. The alley grew more silent, broken only by dripping water and the creak of broken steel beams in the distance. The air was damp, heavy with the stench of rust and garbage. The streetlights flickered weakly, their yellow glow stuttering like they were about to die.
“Find anything?” Dainny asked in a low voice, his eyes scanning every corner of the alley.
Frost adjusted his glasses with one hand, staring at the drone’s feed. “Not yet… but I’m picking up a heat signature within fifteen meters,” he said seriously, fingers sliding across the controls.
Erpan nudged Marco’s shoulder, whispering, “I swear I’m not comfortable here. Feels like something’s watching us.”
Marco only gave him a flat look. “If it is, we just smash it.”
Suddenly—
“GRAAAK!!”
A violent crash echoed. One of Frost’s drones was struck, flung against a brick wall, and shattered to pieces.
“Damn it!” Frost flinched, grabbing his head instinctively.
“What happened?” Dainny rushed over.
“My drone… something attacked it!” Frost snapped, tension sharp in his voice.
“Finally! I was getting bored of waiting,” Erpan actually chuckled, his fists trembling with excitement.
Marco shot him a cold glance. “Relax, idiot. We don’t know how dangerous this thing is.”
Frost pointed toward a narrow alley to the right. “It’s over there. Eight meters away. Body temperature’s way above normal.”
Without another word, the four of them sprinted. Their breaths came quick, feet pounding against slick, wet asphalt. The deeper they ran, the darker it grew, the stench worsening with every step.
When they cut sharply to the left, the creature finally came into view.
It stood hunched on four limbs, its arms long and dragging against the ground. Its skin was a pale gray, like melted wax. Its glowing red eyes reflected the surviving drone’s light. Each breath was ragged, harsh, its bony chest rising and falling unnaturally.
It stopped tearing apart Frost’s drone and slowly turned toward them. Its gaze was sharp, unblinking. A twisted grin spread across its thin lips, revealing jagged teeth.
The air froze. Even Erpan, usually the loudest, went silent.
“Wow,” Dainny muttered under his breath, half-joking, “it’s bigger than I expected…”
“Focus,” Marco hissed. “One wrong move and we’re dead here.”
The creature took a slow step forward, its claws scraping against the asphalt, making a “krrrk… krrrk… krrrk…” sound that sent chills crawling up their spines.
Dainny gave a firm nod. He twisted his body slightly, then with a dramatic motion, reached behind his back…
…and with a deadly serious expression, he pulled out something.
“AHA!” Dainny shouted, raising his hand high.
Everyone stared at him… confused. His hand was empty.
“You… serious?” Frost clicked his tongue.
Dainny tried again, but still—nothing. “Damn it…” he muttered, his face paling.
Erpan struggled not to laugh, whispering, “Your timing sucks, bro…”
The creature drew closer. Its red eyes burned brighter, its breaths heavier. The tension tightened.
“Whatever it is,” Marco said calmly, pulling on his gloves, “we’re ready to fight.”
“GRRAAAKKK!!!”
The monster roared, the ground quaking, the air splitting from the sheer force of its voice. Without warning, it swung its massive arm with impossible speed for a body that size.
BRUUAAAK!!!
The ground split open, cracks spreading like a spiderweb, chunks of stone flying everywhere.
All four managed to dodge in time—except Erpan.
THUD! THUD! THUD-THUD-THUD!!
He rolled across the ground like a kickball thrown by a hyperactive kindergartner.
“Oww… dizzyyy~” he groaned, clutching his head. His pupils spun like a broken ceiling fan.
“Somebody… straighten my brain, please…”
He shook his head fast, then slapped his own cheeks. “Focus, Erpan! Focus!”
Once he regained clarity, he looked up… and found the creature’s face inches away from his own.
Its hot breath washed over his skin, like standing in front of a giant fan that, for some reason, smelled exactly like rotten durian.
Erpan froze, pupils shrinking.
“…Haaah… so this is how I die.”
A tear rolled down his cheek. “Didn’t even get to eat goat satay…”
“That idiot…” Marco facepalmed, shaking his head. “Why freeze up in front of that thing, huh?”
Suddenly—
FWOOOOSH!!!
A fierce wind swept through, leaves scattering violently.
“Huh? What now?” Marco shielded his eyes from the dust.
Tap… Tap… Tap…
Footsteps echoed, quick but light.
Someone leapt from the ruins, stepping across the air as if invisible platforms supported them. Their movements were sharp, then they hurled something toward the creature.
BYUUUSHHH!!!
An explosive gust of wind slammed into the beast. It sounded like a diesel truck caught inside a tornado. Its skin tore open, blood dripping as it roared in fury.
“GRIIINGGKKK!!!” it bellowed, twisting, trying to flee.
But the ground suddenly gripped its legs. Jagged rocks jutted up, pinning it in place. The creature struggled violently—pointless.
“GRAAAAKKK!!!”
From above, a man descended like lightning. Sparks danced around his body, thunder cracking like the world itself was splitting. With a single, precise slash—
SRAAAAKKK!!!
The creature’s head flew, hung in the air for a heartbeat, then crumbled into dust and scattered with the wind.
Silence. Only the sound of their ragged breathing remained.
Dainny, Frost, and Marco helped Erpan back up. The four of them stared at the three newcomers.
The one in the center: brown hair, a bit short, wearing a plain brown jacket. His calm eyes carried an aura that made you wonder, “Is this guy a baker… or an assassin?”
On the left: a young girl in a Japanese high school uniform, even though this was America in 2007. Pink hair tied in a side ponytail, her expression lazy, like she’d just woken up.
On the right: spiky blue hair, a serious face with no smile, wearing a thick black leather jacket. Blood still dripped from the blade in his hand. His aura was icy, like standing next to an industrial air conditioner.
The world seemed to slow. Only breathing and the sound of falling leaves filled the air. Who were they? Why were they here? And why did they look like newly released RPG characters with overpriced DLC skins?
Dainny, Frost, Erpan, and Marco fixed their serious gazes on the trio.
One word slipped out from their mouths in unison:
“Hedgehog!”
The blue-haired man instantly frowned.
“…Huh?” His eyes were blank, utterly confused.
A muffled laugh broke the silence. Dainny glanced sideways—the girl was covering her mouth, shoulders shaking. The man in the middle also looked like he was about to burst, his face flushed from holding back.
“Hedgehog!” the girl repeated, this time openly mocking.
The blue-haired man froze. Then, a moment later, his eyes widened in realization.
“Oi! WHAT THE HELL, HUH?!” he shouted furiously. “Why the hell is my hair a joke now?!”
Dainny quickly raised both hands. “Okay, okay… sorry. And… uh, thanks too, I guess.”
The man in the middle finally took a step forward. His face was calm now, but his eyes were still cautious.
“I have one question,” he said quietly.
Dainny nodded. “Sure. What is it?”
But before the man could speak, Frost suddenly slipped in between them.
“Wait, before the questions—who are you guys? Names first.”
The man in the middle stepped back a little, then pointed at his friends.
“My name’s Earth,” he said curtly. “This is Sky.” The girl beside him gave a quick wave.
“And this one… uh… Sonik.”
Dainny nodded quickly. “Okay, our turn. Dainny Perima.”
“Frost Dimanti.”
“Erpan Rust.”
“Marco Rikaard.”
Earth, Sky, and Sonik went silent for a moment. Those names clearly sounded strange to them.
Earth finally took a deep breath, then said, “I’m their leader. Actually, there are more of us back at the base.” His eyes sharpened as he looked at the four. “But what makes me curious is… why aren’t you surprised to see us? You didn’t even run away.”
Dainny hesitated, unsure how to respond. Marco patted his shoulder gently and whispered, “Just answer… but don’t mention our powers.”
Dainny gave a slight nod, then flashed a wide grin. “Because we want to fight it.”
The tough-guy act in his voice was obvious.
Earth tilted his head. “Fight…? You guys? When you almost died earlier?”
Before he could continue, Frost suddenly cut in casually:
“Our weapons were left at home!” Then, half a second later, he thought aloud, “Eh, or was it back at the dorm?”
Sky gave Frost a what the hell look. Sonik just sighed deeply.
In the end, Earth raised his hand in defeat—for now.
“…Fine. At least I understand a little more about you.”
But his face remained serious, as if he was holding back something important.
“Do you fight it often?” Earth asked again, trying to confirm.
Dainny nodded so quickly his hair almost smacked Frost in the face.
“H-hey, stop! I was just asking!” Earth said anxiously, worried by the excessive enthusiasm.
Earth gave the four a long look, from head to toe. Dainny, Frost, Erpan, and Marco stood still, their blank faces making it feel like a thesis defense.
“We’re from an organization called The Elementary. Our mission is clear: eliminate every one of those evil creatures,” Earth said, pulling out a business card.
Without hesitation, he handed it to Dainny.
Dainny accepted it with a slightly confused face, while Frost, Erpan, and Marco leaned closer to peek at it.
On the card, it read:
The Elementary
Branches: Stowe, West Branch, Moscow
Earth, Sky, and Sonik then said their goodbyes, leaving the four with the card still in hand.
The four of them stared at the card, then at each other.
“…What a weird name,” they muttered almost in unison, mocking the organization.
“So… what now?” Erpan asked innocently.
Immediately, the other three—Dainny, Frost, and Marco—gave him a sharp, deadpan, almost soul-piercing stare. Erpan panicked, glancing left and right, even checking behind him.
“W-what? Why are you guys looking at me like that?” he asked awkwardly.
Silence. Only the wind passed through.
“Erpan, are you stupid?” Dainny asked flatly, nearly expressionless.
“WHAT?! Why?!” Erpan shouted so loud a bit of spit flew.
“You asked ‘what now’…” Frost and Marco answered together, pushing his forehead with their index fingers.
“…Of course we go back to school!”
“O-oh… my bad! Thanks for reminding me!” Erpan immediately sobbed dramatically, clutching his forehead like a tragic actor.
“Enough. I’m leaving,” Frost said coldly, turning his back.
Dainny and Marco followed, leaving Erpan sniffling behind.
On the way, they all walked in silence, their faces blank and tired.
Suddenly, Frost turned to Marco. “Oi, call Ali.”
Marco nodded, quickly pulling out his phone to dial. They waited a moment.
“Ten minutes later…” Dainny muttered jokingly, though his face looked exhausted.
“Drama already in just ten minutes,” Marco teased, glancing at Dainny.
Not long after, a taxi stopped right in front of them. The window rolled down, revealing Ali’s cheerful face.
“Hop in, friends!” he said, pointing at the backseat.
They finally got into Ali’s car. A few minutes later, they arrived at the school.
After getting out, Marco hurried to pay the fare, and Ali waved them off.
“Work again, work again…” Ali muttered before stepping on the gas.
“Frost, how long were we gone?” Dainny asked, still curious.
“Nineteen minutes, two seconds,” Frost answered quickly, glancing at his phone.
Dainny immediately snapped his head around. “We need to hurry! But…”
His words trailed off. Frost, Marco, and Erpan all glanced at him in sync.
“…but I’m hungry,” Dainny finished flatly.
They all nearly stumbled forward.
Suddenly, a cheerful voice rang out.
“Ah! You guys!” shouted a girl.
They turned and saw Sky waving excitedly, while Sonik strolled casually behind her.
Sky and Sonik stopped right in front of them. Dainny just stared blankly, even tilting his head as if he didn’t recognize them.
Frost, knowing exactly what he was doing, smacked Dainny’s head.
THWACK! The sound was so loud it startled both Sky and Sonik.
“Ow! That hurts!” Dainny yelled, clutching his head.
“It’s them! Sky and Sonik!” Frost clarified.
“Oh… hahaha, right. You guys,” Dainny finally realized.
Sky and Sonik gaped. Deep inside, they both thought the same thing:
Met us once and already forgot. Annoying.
Marco patted Dainny’s shoulder, then pointed at the school.
“Eh… ah, fine,” Dainny finally got the hint.
“We’re going first. The bell’s about to ring,” Frost said flatly, and they all headed into the school.
In Class
A few minutes later, the lesson was underway.
Dainny sat gazing out the window, his eyes calm, focused, yet alert.
His left eye began to glimmer faintly, glowing with a reddish-white aura.
Frost glanced at him. “Find anything?”
“Not yet,” Dainny replied curtly, still scanning the surroundings.
“Yeah… not easy. But I already launched three drones,” Frost said casually.
“Maybe that’ll help,” he added.
Meanwhile, Erpan was already deep in slumber, snoring so loudly Marco’s head throbbed and his eyes watered from lack of sleep.
Suddenly—THUNK! A piece of chalk nailed Erpan right on the head.
“HOAAK!!” Erpan jolted awake with a bizarre scream, his chair nearly toppling, his desk rattling hard.
The class burst into chaos. The culprit? Their homeroom teacher, now standing with a furious face.
Erpan just chuckled nervously, trying to laugh off his embarrassment.
The school bell rang. Chairs scraped, bags zipped, and within seconds the classroom turned into a rush-hour train station—everyone bolting for the exit.
Dainny, Frost, Erpan, and Marco stood up too, cheerful and ready to leave. But their steps froze. A bespectacled girl with short hair blocked the doorway. Stella.
“Uh… excuse me, we want to go home too!” Dainny protested, trying to move forward, but Stella simply pushed him back a bit.
Without a word, Stella handed him a sheet of paper. Dainny took it while Frost, Erpan, and Marco peered over curiously.
“Chore duty today. Don’t forget, clean the classroom properly,” Stella said flatly, then walked away.
The four stared at the paper… then at each other. Silence.
Their faces fell instantly, like people rejected from a loan application.
Reluctantly, they grabbed the cleaning tools.
“Alright, let’s just do it,” Frost said, being realistic.
“LETS GOOO!!!” Dainny, Erpan, and Marco shouted together—sounding more like students after a midterm exam than enthusiastic workers.
And so… the Class 1-B cleaning mission began.
Cleaning Duty Arc
Dainny: focused on the blackboard. At first, he was cheerful, humming a tune.
“Work, work, work~ But… I’m bored~”
He looked like a failed idol who never debuted.
Then—
“THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ERASE!!!” he screamed, scrubbing the board with all his might. Seriously, the eraser was on the verge of snapping.
Frost: sweeping with the face of a student after thesis defense.
“Damn… this is so boring,” he muttered.
But five minutes later—
“ARGHHH!!! CLEAN OR DIE!!!”
He leveled up: sweeping ceilings, vents, even inside cupboards. His aura alone made the mosquitoes evacuate.
Marco: mopping with laser focus.
“Faster… faster… faster…” he chanted like a ninja reciting a mantra.
The floor? So shiny you could use it as a mirror.
Erpan: bizarrely, actually enjoying himself. Arranging desks and chairs with a satisfied smile.
“Wow… so satisfying,” he whispered, like he was playing a simulator game.
They worked while grumbling, shouting, and fighting off boredom.
But at last, after sweat dripped and their souls nearly gave out… the classroom was clean.
The four collapsed into their chairs. Exhausted. Drained. Almost defeated.
But smiles crept across their faces.
Like heroes who had just saved the world… from dust and stains.
The room sparkled. They were tired. But… it felt good.
“Haa… finally done.” Relief washed over them.
They sprawled across the neatly arranged desks, staring at the spotless ceiling above.
“Let’s go home…” Dainny muttered lazily but content.
When they opened the door, the hallway was already dark, silent, empty. Only the ticking of a wall clock echoed. They glanced at the board. The clock read 4:15 PM.
“Wow… it’s already late,” Marco murmured.
“That’s why let’s—” Dainny was about to continue, but suddenly the floor trembled. The classroom windows rattled.
“Eh… what’s that?” Frost immediately tensed up.
The shaking grew stronger, like something massive had landed near the school.
They instinctively ran up to the balcony on the top floor. Erpan kicked open the exit door, and as they burst outside—
Their eyes widened.
A colossal bird floated before them. Its wings were jet-black, spreading so wide they nearly blocked out the sunset. Its eyes blazed red, its beak sharp as a scythe, and with every flap, powerful gusts battered the balcony until it creaked dangerously.
“Wahaha… what kind of bird is THAT?!” Marco exclaimed, half-shocked, half-amazed.
The bird let out a shriek: “KIEEEEREEKKK!!!” The sound pierced their ears, rattling the glass panes. Oddly, the cry wasn’t aimed at them but somewhere else—like it was watching something in the distance.
“Why isn’t it attacking us?” Dainny muttered, confused.
Suddenly, a voice called from above. “Eh! You guys here?!”
They looked up. A girl floated in the air, standing on a glowing wind skateboard. Her hair whipped wildly, eyes sharp with focus. It was Sky.
“So coooool…” Dainny, Frost, Erpan, and Marco said almost in unison—admiring the skateboard more than worrying about the danger.
Before they could gush further, a flash of blue lightning streaked past them. Thunder crackled in its wake.
“Hmph. Move.” A calm voice came from Sonik, who leapt forward with two daggers in hand.
Dainny and the gang just stared blankly.
“…Hedgehog,” they mocked in unison.
Sonik dashed toward the massive bird, ready to strike, but its giant wings flapped. In an instant, the beast shot into the sky at unbelievable speed. Sonik’s blades slashed only empty air.
“Damn! It escaped!” Sonik growled, frustrated. “Sky!”
“Alright!” Sky raised both his hands, a swirl of wind forming in his palms, ready to strike the giant bird.
But before he could release the attack, something shot up from below—faster than anyone expected.
“KRESS!!!” A throw pierced through the bird’s wing.
“KRIEEEKKK!!!” A shrill cry echoed as the creature lost balance for a moment.
Sky and Sonik quickly turned. So did Dainny and the others.
It was Erpan—the one who threw it. With a steel pipe from who-knows-where, hurled at full force, precise like a bullet.
“Heh! A real sheet of steel…” Marco muttered, patting Erpan’s shoulder.
“Nice one, Erpan!” Dainny added with a smile.
Erpan stood tall with one arm raised, grinning wide, his teeth sparkling like a toothpaste commercial.
“Easy.”
The four of them immediately shared an energetic high-five.
Erpan struck a proud stance, switching poses while showing off his muscles.
“Look at this! Left—right—BOOM!” he said, flexing confidently.
Sky, still floating in the air on his skateboard, shouted in frustration.
“HEY! THIS IS A SERIOUS SITUATION, YOU KNOW!”
Instead of helping, Dainny, Frost, and Marco joined in with small claps, as if watching a show.
But the mood shifted back in an instant. The giant bird landed with a thunderous crash in front of them. Strong winds swirled, its sharp eyes blazing with fury.
The four of them looked up, falling silent. The atmosphere grew tense.
Suddenly, a sharp “TATH!” rang out. A slash tore through the bird’s body. Earth appeared, landing with calm composure.
Sky and Sonik rushed over to them, while Earth stood firmly at the left side.
“Wow, I didn’t expect two evil creatures in a single day,” Dainny said, sounding surprised.
Earth exhaled, looking slightly tired.
“Haa… neither did we. Quite troublesome.”
“But don’t worry. Since we’ve got the organization, the rest is being handled by another team,” he added with a faint smile.
“Well then, we’ll be going,” Earth said as farewell.
In an instant, a small jet appeared, picking them up. Sky, Sonik, and Earth boarded, waving their hands before the jet shot westward, vanishing into the horizon.
Dainny, Frost, Erpan, and Marco waved back. But their faces clearly showed exhaustion. Only Frost still looked relaxed.
“Let’s head home,” Dainny muttered.
A few minutes later, they arrived at their quiet boarding house. The simple building felt silent, as always.
The living room light was switched on. Erpan immediately sat down and turned on the TV, while Frost and Marco headed to the kitchen to boil some cup noodles. Dainny joined Erpan in the living room, watching TV together.
On the screen, Tom was chasing Jerry, making the two of them chuckle softly. No words were needed—only the sound of the television and their light laughter filled the room.
The smell of cooked noodles soon spread through the air. They ate together in the living room, accompanied by the glow of the TV. Quiet, yet warm.
After eating, Erpan cleaned up the empty bowls. Marco turned off the lights, and they all prepared to sleep together in the living room. Just two pillows, a slowly rotating fan, and the sound of crickets outside served as the background to their night.
One by one, their eyes closed. The long day ended with deep sleep.
The next morning, sunlight slipped through the curtains. They woke up almost at the same time, their faces still messy from sleep.
Without a word, Frost went straight to the kitchen.
“Frost, make some for us too!” shouted Dainny, followed by Erpan and Marco agreeing in unison.
“Alright,” Frost replied briefly, starting to prepare milk coffee.
Meanwhile, Erpan pulled open the curtains. Morning light poured in, warming the room.
Dainny stood up, stretching with a long yawn.
“A bright morning… to enjoy life,” he said in a mock-poetic tone.
Marco turned his head, shaking it while holding back laughter.
After finishing their showers one by one, they dressed quickly. No extra chatter, just moving fast because they knew they had to head to school soon.
As soon as the boarding house door opened, a small surprise awaited them.
“That was fast,” Frost commented, sounding surprised yet calm.
Right in front of the door lay the food package he had ordered online. Frost casually picked it up and closed the door again.
With cheerful spirits, they stepped outside. But after just a few meters, three of them—except Frost—were already panting, hands on their knees.
“Haa… call Ali!” Dainny groaned, sounding like he’d just run a marathon.
Marco quickly pulled out his phone, dialed Ali’s number, and shared their location. Moments later, he ended the call.
“Ali said he’ll be here soon,” he reported.
They waited on the sidewalk, trying to distract themselves from exhaustion with absurd conversations.
“Frost…” Dainny called without looking.
“What?” Frost replied flatly.
“Is the Earth flat or round?” he asked, as if seriously.
Frost rubbed his temples. “Don’t ask me this again!”
“Triangle,” Erpan blurted out without hesitation.
Marco could only facepalm. “Haa… the curse of having idiot siblings.”
Not long after, Ali’s car pulled up in front of them. Rolling down the window, he shouted, “Hop in quick, or you’ll be late!”
They piled into the car. As the engine roared, Ali turned on the radio. Paramore’s Misery Business blasted through the speakers.
In an instant, the mood shifted. Dainny, Frost, Erpan, and Marco all began headbanging like they were at a rock concert. Ali only glanced at them through the rearview mirror—half confused, half amused.
A few minutes later, they arrived at the school gate.
One by one, they got out of the car, giving Ali high-fives.
“That was awesome, man!” Dainny exclaimed with a thumbs-up.
“Yoo… that was sick!” Frost added with satisfaction.
“Yo, brother, that was epic!” Erpan shouted, patting Ali’s shoulder energetically.
“See you later, pal!” Marco said, giving the last high-five and a cheeky wink.
Ali smiled, pleased. But as they walked off, his expression turned puzzled.
“Uhh… guys, the payment?” he muttered.
Checking his phone, he found a message from Frost: “We’ll pay later!” followed by a money emoji.
Ali sighed deeply. “What a weird gang…”
The four of them entered school, smiling brightly as they headed straight to their classroom.
Waiting in front were Sky and Sonik.
“Ah! Dainny, Frost, Erpan, and… Marco—” Sky greeted happily, though his tone wavered slightly at Marco’s name.
Marco instantly looked shocked. “He… forgot me!” he complained dramatically, almost in tears.
“He’s just joking, don’t take it personally,” Sonik quickly explained.
“Haha… let’s hang out for a bit!” Sonik suggested.
But before they could move, someone tapped Sonik’s back several times. He spun around in surprise.
It was Stella. “Excuse me, but the school bell is about to ring,” she said, adjusting her glasses upward.
“Eh!? Seriously?” Sonik gawked. “Alright… sorry, maybe we’ll talk after recess!” he added quickly, dragging Sky along with him.
“Se-see you later, guys!” Sky stammered, still startled, as the two hurried off.
Dainny, Frost, Erpan, and Marco just exchanged glances, left speechless since they hadn’t gotten the chance to say much.
“You guys, get inside,” Stella said, tugging Dainny’s arm.
Reluctantly, Frost, Erpan, and Marco followed, taking their seats. Stella sat right in front of Dainny, placing her bag on the desk.
Dainny turned curiously, then glanced at Frost, Erpan, and Marco with a mischievous grin.
“Hey, wanna do something fun?” he whispered, pulling something out of his bag.
A Marvel comic book.
Frost, Erpan, and Marco’s eyes lit up like kids spotting new toys.
But before they could read—
RIIING!
The school bell rang. Class was about to begin.
“Argh… didn’t even get to read it…” they groaned, reluctantly putting the comic away and carrying on with their day.
Studying, playing, eating, until the time to head home. That night, they were busy packing clothes and belongings, as if preparing for a trip.
The next morning, they stood in front of the boarding house with their bags. Excitement mixed with curiosity.
“Well well… going on a trip, huh? Travel safe,” the old landlord greeted with a warm smile.
They each shook his hand. “We’re off, Gramps!” they said together.
Soon after, they were waiting at the bus stop. Their destination was clearly written on the signboard:
“STOWE, WEST BRANCH, MOSCOW.”
They boarded the bus and settled in for the ride.
Inside, the atmosphere was ordinary. The journey felt long, with only the scenery of the United States outside to entertain them. Wooden houses, cornfields, giant billboards, and small towns they passed kept them amused. Occasionally, the bus stopped, and they stepped out to buy snacks.
“Now this is what I call a trip,” Marco said, munching on chips.
The air grew fresher as the bus drove through desert areas. They opened the windows, letting the hot wind mixed with dry earth seep in. Harsh, yet strangely captivating.
After several hours, they finally reached their destination: Stowe, West Branch, Moscow.
The moment they stepped off, they were greeted by the cool village air and beautiful scenery. Simple houses, quiet narrow roads, and dry trees created a peaceful atmosphere.
They walked around for a while, as if searching for someone. Their eyes scanned the area carefully.
Erpan, the sharpest among them, suddenly pointed. “Eh? Isn’t that Earth?” he said, eyes widening at the sight of a figure in a brown leather jacket walking in the distance.
“Hee~ In that case, let’s go after him!” Dainny exclaimed, suddenly fired up.
And so began the chase after Earth… which, for some reason, went on way too long.
They shouted his name over and over, but Earth didn’t turn around at all.
“Good grief… is he really not hearing us or what?” Marco groaned, completely out of breath.
At last, Earth stopped and slowly turned his head.
His eyes widened slightly. “You guys?”
Sure enough, the ones chasing him were those four troublesome kids.
Marco nearly collapsed. “I… can’t… go on…”
Erpan dropped flat onto the street. “I… I’m gonna di-die…”
As for Dainny? He’d already fainted a while ago.
The only one still standing tall was Frost, strolling casually past all of them with a wicked grin.
“Hm~ Tired already, kiddos?”
“SHUT UP!!!” Dainny, Erpan, and Marco roared in unison.
Earth just stood there, baffled by the chaos unfolding in front of him.
“…Are you… all okay?” he asked, hesitant.
In an instant, the three of them sprang back to their feet, standing stiffly like soldiers.
“We’re fine!!”
A shout suddenly rang out.
“LEADER!!”
Sky came running over. But he wasn’t alone. Beside him was a man with bright blue hair, dressed in a sharp black-and-white suit like a model fresh off the runway.
“Who’s that next to Sky?” Marco whispered curiously.
Earth nodded. “Ah, that’s Tah.”
Sky and Tah finally reached them.
Dainny eagerly stepped forward and immediately shook Tah’s hand.
“Nice to meet you! I’m Dainny Perima!”
“Uh… ah, hahaha…” Tah was startled at first, but quickly offered a polite smile. “My name’s Tah. Pleased to meet you.”
“So… are you interested in joining us?” Earth asked, his eyes fixed on Dainny and Frost, full of hope.
Dainny’s smile widened. His reply was short, clear, and to the point:
“No.”
The smile stayed on his face like he was starring in a toothpaste commercial.
Frost only gave a thin smile, Erpan clapped excitedly, while Marco just shrugged with a grin.
Earth and Sky froze. They glanced at each other, then could only give bitter smiles.
“Wow, Leader… you’re seriously trying to recruit them?” Tah whispered, still staring at Dainny and the gang in disbelief.
Earth took a deep breath, then nodded firmly. “Even if they look… weird, I’m sure they’ll be useful.”
Tah sighed in defeat. “Fine, do whatever you want.”
Earth turned back to Dainny and the others. This time, hands on his hips, his face full of curiosity.
“Then… what’s your purpose?” he asked seriously, stressing every word.
The four exchanged looks. They started signaling with their hands like they were playing charades. Then, together, they nodded in agreement.
Earth, Sky, and Tah looked even more confused at the absurd display.
Then… with booming voices full of excitement, the four shouted in unison:
“A VISIT!!!”
Their eyes sparkled like kids who’d just been promised a trip to an amusement park.
Dainny couldn’t hold his excitement, Erpan bounced around with boundless energy, Frost stayed calm but his eyes gleamed, and Marco smiled proudly while gazing upward.
Earth, Sky, and Tah? They were speechless. Mouths open, minds blank.
“…Haa… fine,” Earth sighed at last, surrendering to their weirdness.
A few minutes later, Earth led them to a vast open field. Only knee-high grass, hot air, and a blazing sky surrounded them.
“Why’d you bring us to a free sauna?” Marco muttered, fanning himself with his hand.
Before anyone could complain further, a massive fighter jet suddenly appeared. Its camouflage shimmered away, revealing its shining metallic body, sleek and enormous.
The back door slowly opened, adding to the dramatic scene.
“Get in,” Earth ordered, stepping inside with Sky and Tah.
Of course, Dainny and his gang followed—though their faces were still filled with disbelief.
Once inside, as the jet soared upward and pierced through the clouds, their reactions exploded.
“WOHOOO! This is insane!” Erpan yelled, plastered against the window, eyes sparkling.
“The structure is so precise. This technology… it’s extraordinary!” Frost was in awe, even fiddling with a small panel.
“Wow… this is amazing…” Marco gawked, his eyes wide in wonder.
And Dainny? He was jumping around like a kid. “WAHAHAHA! COOL, SPECTACULAR, MEGAAA SUPER!!!”
Earth and Sky exchanged glances. Both of them chuckled, watching the four behave like kids on their first ride at an amusement park.
The jet shook lightly as it pierced through thick clouds. Darkness enveloped them for a few seconds, then soft light welcomed them back.
When the jet finally broke through above the clouds, the sight made everyone gasp.
There, a colossal flying aircraft carrier loomed in all its glory. Its design was modern yet majestic, with massive metal wings stretching across half the sky. Lights dotted its hull, casting shimmering blue reflections over the cloud sea below.
Dainny, Frost, Erpan, and Marco were struck dumb.
“This… is the flagship of our organization!” Sky announced proudly, pointing at the steel giant. “Its name is… Helicxe.”
The aircraft slowly approached the carrier’s landing strip. From above, a vast area came into view—filled with hangars, control towers, and rows of massive buildings. Even before they touched down, its sheer size already made them feel small.
“So… so wide!!” Dainny exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with awe.
“Big! Big! Big! Big!” Erpan hopped around like a child discovering a new toy.
Frost observed with a technical gaze, one hand on his chin. “It’s not just big… the defense system, the facilities—everything is top tier.”
Marco chuckled, arms folded. “I thought the technology of this era only reached fighter jets… turns out there’s something way beyond its time.”
The plane landed smoothly. The door opened, and the metallic scent mixed with oil greeted them. A busy scene unfolded immediately: crew members running about on their tasks, some wiping down aircraft, others managing transport drones, even technicians cleaning building surfaces with special gravity tools.
Sky walked backward while facing them, flashing a wide smile. “Impressive, right? But all this isn’t just about technology. This all exists because we have an extraordinary leader.”
That statement made the four of them pause, exchanging glances. Curiosity stirred, and a hint of respect slowly bloomed. But before long, their attention was once again pulled toward the grandeur surrounding them.
They were led into one of the main buildings. The interior was just as astonishing: gleaming steel-lined walls, blue neon lights lining every corridor, and floating holographic information displays.
Sky pressed a button on the lift’s panel. “Floor 3,” he said. The door closed with a smooth click, carrying them upward—toward something even greater.
The elevator ascended slowly to the third floor. Silence. Only the soft “ding… ding…” of the machinery and the faint hiss of air filled the space.
Dainny playfully nudged Frost’s arm.
Frost shot him a flat look. “What?”
“Looks like we’re gonna be here a while…” Dainny whispered with fake seriousness.
Frost shrugged. “Well… for a ship this size, it makes sense. And somehow, I feel this isn’t just a ‘visit.’”
Marco muttered with his arms crossed. “Exactly. Usually, in super-secret places like this, it always ends up being a test or a mission.”
Erpan’s eyes lit up. “Heee~ that just makes me even more excited!”
Earth glanced back at them, confused. “What are you guys even talking about?”
Before anyone could answer—ding!—the elevator doors slid open.
They stepped out. The sight before them was pure activity: people typing furiously on holographic screens, workers hauling mysterious crates with forklifts, engineers tinkering with glowing blue weapons. The atmosphere was charged with energy, as if every single person knew exactly what role they had to play.
Dainny, Frost, Erpan, and Marco stared in amazement.
“Wow… such discipline,” Marco whispered.
“Their focus gives me chills,” Frost added.
“Wooooah, that’s so cool!” Erpan almost jumped again.
Earth, Sky, and Tah walked ahead into a corridor on the left. The four, startled at being left behind, hurried after them while still gawking left and right.
The corridor stretched long, dimly lit. Only the sound of their footsteps echoed. The smell of metal—and a hint of dust—slipped into their noses.
Suddenly, Dainny’s pace slowed. His gaze locked onto a door along the left side of the hall. It was slightly ajar, and through the gap, nothing could be seen but… total darkness. As if something was lurking inside.
“…What is that?” Dainny whispered softly, taking half a step closer.
But he quickly turned his gaze away. “Ah, not important anyway.”
Still—it was obvious his curiosity hadn’t gone out.
Earth didn’t care. He pressed his palm against the panel of a large door. Beep! The door slid open from top and bottom, revealing a wide room filled with rows of weapons—energy rifles, gleaming swords, even miniature rockets.
And then…
“Yoo! What’s up!”
A man in a tight shirt, body dripping with sweat, and a dagger in his hand approached them. His messy hair made it clear—it was Sonik.
Earth, Sky, and Tah greeted him casually. “Hey, Sonik.”
But then they noticed Dainny, Frost, Erpan, and Marco—all of whom suddenly pinched their noses at the same time.
Tah blinked. “Eh? Why are you holding your noses?”
With disgusted expressions, the four of them pointed straight at Sonik.
“This hedgehog stinks!!!”
Sonik froze.
Earth stifled a laugh. Sky scratched his head. Tah could only cover his face, regretting ever coming along.
Hurried footsteps echoed.
Someone came skipping in, laughter filling the room.
“Haha… haha! Eh!? Visitors!?” cried a boy with bright green hair. He jogged toward the group, face beaming—only to stop dead after catching a whiff of Sonik’s body odor. His expression twisted in disgust, and he quickly shifted closer to Earth instead.
Sonik scowled, visibly annoyed. “Oi, what’s your problem!?”
The boy just shrugged innocently.
Earth watched their antics, covering his mouth to hold back laughter.
“Ah! This is Levis,” Earth introduced. “He’s… the leaf element user.”
“Nice to meet you all!” Levis said cheerfully, raising his hand high like a kid who’d just won a prize.
Before the atmosphere could settle, another figure appeared. This time, a man with neatly parted hair, gleaming glasses, and an elegant suit—looking more like a university lecturer than a fighter. He approached Sky with a curious look.
“Who are they, Leader?” he asked seriously.
Earth only then noticed his presence. He pointed at the man with both hands.
“This is Iyan,” Earth said. “He’s the light elem—”
“Dainny!” Dainny suddenly cut in with eager energy, raising his hand.
“Frost,” Frost followed, short and flat-toned, though a hint of excitement slipped through.
“Erpan!” Erpan shouted, throwing both hands up like he’d scored a goal.
“Marco,” Marco said casually, arms crossed.
Silence. Every member of The Elementary—Earth, Sky, Tah, Sonik, Levis, and Iyan—stared wide-eyed. Their introductions were weird, unexpected… but somehow full of confidence.
Earth sighed deeply, his face deflating. “Oh Lord… you guys.”
Then, five of The Elementary stepped forward, forming a line before Dainny and his crew.
Earth raised his voice once more.
“Once again. I am Earth, wielder of the element of earth!”
“I’m Sky, wielder of the wind!” Sky shouted proudly.
“I’m Tah, wielder of water,” Tah said casually, arms crossed.
“Sonik, wielder of lightning,” Sonik said coldly, spinning his dagger.
“Levis, wielder of leaves!” Levis yelled excitedly, hopping a little.
“Iyan… wielder of light,” the bespectacled man said calmly, pushing his glasses upward.
Dainny, Frost, Erpan, and Marco only stared blankly. No clapping, no admiration. Just silence, broken only by the hum of the carrier’s engines.
Earth frowned.
“What are you really after?” he asked, glancing around.
“Yeah… where are the other three?” Dainny asked, shrugging.
Earth paused, surprised, then chuckled softly. “They’ll be back soon. Be patient.”
Not long after, from one side of the room came a girl with short, bluish-white hair. Thin glasses perched on her face, her expression flat as if she cared about nothing. From the opposite side came a massive, muscular man, his steps heavy. His hair was dark with a reddish tint, his skin bronze, and he wore only shorts—as if shirts were unnecessary.
They stood by Earth’s side.
“Nice to meet you, I’m Lila. Ice element user,” the girl said plainly yet politely.
“Yo! Name’s Pira, fire element user! Hahaha!” the huge man roared, his aura blazing hot.
Now the formation was complete. Earth spread his arms wide.
“This is us… The Elementary!” he declared with pride.
Each member displayed a glimpse of their powers: a gust of wind, a spark of lightning, a burst of flame, a chilling frost, pure light, plants sprouting then wilting, and the ground itself trembling lightly beneath Earth’s feet.
It was a grand introduction.
But Dainny and his friends weren’t impressed. Instead, they exchanged glances and smirked.
Marco stepped forward. He raised his hand, and four elements immediately swirled around his palm: a small flame, a sphere of spinning water, a sharp current of wind, and lightning snaking like a live wire. The clash of these elements created an intense pressure, yet Marco controlled them effortlessly.
“Marco,” he said quietly. “Four elements… should speak for themselves.”
Erpan stepped up, clapping his hands like warming up. Then, with a single punch forward, the air roared. The force of it rattled the room, forcing everyone to brace themselves.
“My name’s Erpan,” he grinned widely. “Bare hands are enough to crack this world.”
Frost advanced silently. From his body came the sound of machinery, and in an instant three weapons deployed: an AA-12 shotgun in his left hand, a golden Desert Eagle in his right, and an AKM floating at his feet. His eyes scanned coldly, as if already choosing his first target.
Finally, Dainny.
He extended his hand, and from his palm slowly emerged a mysterious blade. Its jet-black surface seemed to devour the room’s light. A red glow flared from his left eye, and an oppressive aura filled the air. Calmly, he drove the sword into the floor and smirked faintly.
The four of them stepped forward together, their auras intertwining.
With voices loud and resolute, they shouted in unison:
“We four… Prime Convergence!”
Their cry echoed, making the vast room itself tremble.