Ezette Training Grounds
Past
U-um... hello?
Kamui turned at the sound of the call, pausing his routine guidance and inspection of the training ground. The Punishing Virus outbreak had pushed all of Ezette into wartime protocols, a shift that had fundamentally altered its management and the rhythm of daily life.
Beyond its own defense, Ezette was also tasked with dispatching aid to other disaster-hit areas. With Odile, Eurytes, and others occupied on the frontlines, a staffing gap emerged at headquarters. After a basic assessment of their inherent abilities, temporary administrative authority was entrusted to Kamui and Azael.
Yo, Kai! What's up? What can I do for ya?
Kamui asked with a warm smile, ready to offer assistance.
Whoa... you actually remember my name?
Course I do! You and your little brother joined last month, right? I gotcha! Let's see... yeah, you guys are still waiting on your assignments, right?
Y-yeah... There have been so many people coming and going lately with all the refugees. I totally thought you'd be way too busy to remember something like that.
Kai scratched his head sheepishly. He'd been so sure everyone at Ezette would be too busy to remember trivial details like him; he'd even rehearsed his introduction. Kamui's warmth had rendered all that anxiety unnecessary.
Nah, no worries! Whatever it is, just lay it on me. I'm here to help!
Well... my brother and I took that combat ability assessment three days ago. The one that decides if we can officially join Ezette's ranks. I was just wondering if... maybe you could let me know the results early?
The question was barely out of his mouth before Kai regretted it. His mind was already racing, frantically preparing words for the rejection he was certain would come.
Oh, for sure! We were gonna post them tonight anyway. Lemme just check...
Aaaand... You passed! If you wanna stick with Ezette and become a real soldier, you're in!
Now, your little brother... he didn't pass. It's probably 'cause his physique isn't quite there yet. But don't sweat it! We're gonna make sure he, and all the other folks who didn't make the cut, get escorted safely to a refugee shelter nearby.
Oh, and hey, no pressure, okay? Ezette's not gonna hold you hostage or anything. If you can't bear to split up from your brother, you're totally free to head out with him. No hard feelings.
At the news, Kai's face instantly brightened, his excitement unmistakable.
I'll stay! Please, I really want to stay! Ezette saved our lives, and I've been looking for a way to pay it back ever since.
And my brother... I kinda figured. Just knowing he's got a safe place to live, that's all I need. I won't have anything to hold me back.
Aww, that's awesome. Thanks for understanding! And hey, I'm sorry it has to be this way. With all the new World Government regs, our resources are super tight. We can only request supplies for official personnel right now.
If someone isn't official personnel, we just can't keep them here for too long. Our hands are kinda tied.
No, no, don't apologize! We're the ones who should be thanking you. Everyone gets it. You guys have already done way more for us than you had to.
Hey, um... I see the training ground's still open? Think I could head over now? I wanna start getting stronger ASAP. Even if I can help out just one day sooner, that'd be awesome!
You got it! One sec, let me grab you some proper training gear. Don't want you getting hurt on your first day!
Kamui dashed to the locker room and was back in an instant, pressing a spare set of his own training clothes into Kai's hands.
Yeah, this should be about right... Heh, look at that! Perfect fit! Here you go!
Welcome to Ezette, Kai! From today, we're all family!
Thank you! I promise I won't let you down!
With that, Kamui handed Kai off to a nearby soldier for orientation. He picked up his clipboard, a cheerful hum escaping his lips as he resumed his notes, genuinely happy that Ezette had welcomed another member into their family.
Kamui—
A voice cut through Kamui's cheerful humming, sharp and urgent. He looked up to find a medic waving from beyond the fence.
The man's chest rose and fell in violent spasms, sweat plastering his hair to his forehead. He'd sprinted the entire distance from the medical ward, a run that left him now slumped against the fence.
Whoa, hey! What's up? Everything okay? Does the medical ward need me for something?
It's... the... Chief... She wants... to see you... Something about... Catrayv...
Catrayv? On it. Hey, here— Drink this, catch your breath. No need to rush back, alright? Take it easy.
Alright, I'm out! Thanks for running all the way here to tell me!
Caaaaatrayv—!
Kamui's voice thundered across the medical ward long before his feet carried him there. At the sound, Catrayv looked up and turned calmly, waiting with practiced patience for Kamui to run up.
Kamui.
Are you okay?! Did you get hurt?
Kamui's hands were on Catrayv before he could speak more, turning him roughly this way and that. Head? Fine. Face? Fine. Arms, legs, all fine. By the time Kamui finished, Catrayv's black curls stood at attention like they'd survived a hurricane. Only when satisfied did Kamui finally exhale, the tension draining from his shoulders.
Phew! Okay, good, you're in one piece. So... what's the deal?
Ah, Kamui, there you are. You can take Catrayv back with you today. He won't be assisting in the medical ward anymore.
...Aunt... Winnie. Don't send me away. I can... work hard. I can help. I'll be good.
Oh, honey, no, no, that's not what I meant at all. Calm down, let me explain...
Hey, Doc, don't kick the kid out! He's been amazing! Changing bandages, cleaning wounds, checking on us day and night. He's got a heart of gold. Can't you just keep him here?
Sure, the look on his face is kinda terrifying. Scared me half to death when I first got here. But he does good work!
...I can smile. Kamui taught me. Watch.
...Heh.
...
...Kid. Please. I'm begging you. Maybe... don't do that.
The "smile" crumbled from Catrayv's face. He drifted toward Kamui on heavy feet and came to rest against him, head bowed to that broad shoulder, processing the emotional whiplash in silence.
You! Back in bed! You're not helping!
That's not it at all, Catrayv. We're not sending you away because you did something wrong. Look.
Winnie handed a report to Kamui as she spoke.
Ever since Catrayv was assigned here, he's worked himself to the bone helping out. We're so grateful for that, really. But this isn't where he belongs.
I just finished his combat ability assessment. He's exceptional, top marks in every category. A talent like this doesn't come around often. Keeping him in the medical ward would be holding him back.
Take him for training. The frontlines need strong fighters right now. And he could be one of the best.
...I can... fight?
Trust us, Catrayv. And trust yourself. You're stronger than you know. Kinder, too. You've got this.
Alright, got it! But just to be safe, I should run a few basic tests on him first, then assign him...
Just follow the grade in the assessment report and give him a matching training plan. The report says he's good, so there's no need to waste time.
Before Kamui could finish, a familiar voice cut in from nearby. Azael was passing through with a box of medical supplies balanced in his arms. He spotted them, set the box down on a nearby table, and joined the conversation.
Stop coddling him, Kamui. He's part of Ezette now, so he needs to give his all for this family. Like the rest of us.
...Besides, Catrayv's the same age as me, a year older than you. Quit trying to play grown-up all the time.
Take him along for training. He can put those skills to use, and you two can watch each other's backs.
...I'll help you get him up to speed.
Lately, Azael's usual hostility around him had melted into something almost gentle. And now he was even directly acknowledging him. Catrayv's face lit up, eyes brightening as he nodded eagerly between the two of them.
Training... I'll go.
Like Kamui. Protect... Ezette.
He would take any assignment, so long as it meant repaying Ezette. If fighting could protect the home that had welcomed him—if it could shape him into someone like Kamui—then that was where his heart already leaned.
Alright, got it! I'll take Catrayv under my wing from now on! Leave it to me!
Kamui answered with a fist to his chest, steady and proud. Relief flickered across Azael's face before he composed himself, turning to Winnie with his signature smile.
Aunt Winnie, I'll take these two to go over this week's reports. We'll leave the rest to you. Thanks for everything.
Go on, then. And make sure you all rest when you're done. You've been running yourselves ragged lately.
Leave the hard stuff to us adults for now. Don't push yourselves too hard, alright?
Ezette Archive Room
Past
Past - Ezette Archive Room
The three boys quickly reviewed the week's tasks in the archive room, then dove straight into their internal meeting.
I asked Mom again. They can't make it back this time. Same as last time, we're on our own for the reports.
Kamui. Your report first.
You got it, boss.
Kamui tapped into his clearance, pulling up recent data and reports on the screen.
Alright, so, personnel management and base training are pretty steady, all things considered.
This week, training for our internal personnel kept rolling like usual. For the survivors we've been pulling in from outside, we're still doing those phased combat ability assessments. The third batch is getting evaluated right now.
Looking at the numbers so far, about 30% of them are up to snuff. They can choose to join up if they want. For the rest, we finish the paperwork, and our teams escort them to the nearest relief zone. Standard procedure.
Oh, and the second batch of new recruits just finished basic training. Next week, they start patrol missions. Once they pass the advanced tests, we'll squad them up based on how they did and dispatch them to the front lines ASAP.
Most of the refugees are hanging in there, emotionally speaking. No one's trying to bounce or start drama. They're actually being pretty chill about the ration cuts lately.
But—and this is a big but—logistics says we've got, max, three weeks of supplies left at this rate.
If we don't get a resupply after that? A third of our people won't get proper rations. By then, I can't promise everyone stays this chill when they're hungry.
...Noted. Catrayv, I had you check the base's medical supplies and infrastructure. What's the status?
Medical stock... okay for now. Inside base, fine. But Winnie says... frontlines need more... medical supplies.
Defense systems... all checked. Some damage. I fixed them. Ran out of parts. Next time... nothing to use.
I see. I'll figure something out.
As for my end... Mom took over the resource request situation. She told us not to worry about it, so I'm not sure where things stand.
No suspicious activity around the base lately. But with the World Government, something's off.
Since the outbreak, we've been following their orders, sending aid and helping other areas. We used to only talk to them via transmission. But lately, they keep making excuses to send people here in person. Coming and going like they own the place...
The World Government knew full well that Ezette was still operating under defensive protocols, a state where rotating personnel in and out would have been reckless at best. They had absolutely no justification for inserting their own people there to interfere.
...Forget it. We'll circle back to that. There are bigger problems.
Azael paused for a few seconds, then finally laid out the hard truth.
Right now, almost all of Ezette's adult elite forces, including its leader, are deployed on the frontlines. Latest intel says our combat power's dropping faster than projected. More units go radio silent every day.
We need to reinforce the frontlines soon. Otherwise, our defensive perimeter collapses. We'll be forced to fall back, possibly all the way to headquarters.
We'll figure out the next move after we finalize the new personnel assignments. That covers base business. Now...
That other thing we talked about.
Azael dismissed the internal affairs report and pivoted, his gaze landing squarely on Kamui and Catrayv.
Kamui, you brought this up first. You should be the one to lay out what we've found.
Right. So, like I mentioned before, Mom's been tweaking the training programs herself. I confirmed the evaluation cycles got cut way short, and the training intensity was jacked up at least three levels.
On top of that, Catrayv and I double-checked. The frontline elite forces have been requesting crazy amounts of medical supplies. Like, way more than normal. They're using them for mental trauma treatment and energy replenishment. The quantities and frequency are totally out of whack with the reported casualty numbers.
Something doesn't add up. There's gotta be another reason they're burning through supplies like that.
...
Azael's brow furrowed as he pulled up Odile's supply claim records, scrolling through the timestamps in silence.
The timing of these anomalies lines up perfectly with when the World Government started sending their people here... Those hypocrites. I should've seen it sooner.
...What do we do?
Kamui and Azael locked eyes. A silent moment of confirmation passed between them. Then Kamui pulled up Ezette's area division on the screen.
If they won't tell us straight up, we find out ourselves. Get proof, then we confront them face-to-face and demand answers.
Mom's been coming back more often lately. Probably meeting with the higher-ups somewhere in the base. If we can find out where, we can figure out what they're really doing.
I made a list of all those sketchy medical supplies the frontlines keep requesting. Then I slipped a real-time tracker into the latest batch before it got shipped out.
And guess what? The signal's pinging from the very top level of Ezette base. That new training facility they built but never opened.
Construction had begun a few months before their trial. At the time, Odile had only mentioned that it would prove very useful later, but offered no details. Then the war broke out, and the place slipped from everyone's memory.
If not for the tracker's signal, even Kamui and Azael would have forgotten it existed.
It's spacious and isolated, officially "not in use" with unauthorized entry strictly forbidden... It checks every box.
So we're doing this?! Infiltration mission! They just got back yesterday, so perfect timing! Let's sneak in and find out what's really going on!
There was no time to delay. They would execute the plan that night, and to their surprise, the infiltration unfolded with almost impossible ease.
...Something's off. We've barely seen any guards. And normally, even at night, someone's always pinging us for something. It's been total silence today.
Azael... doesn't this feel like that other time? You think Mom and Dad are...
...If they are, then at least it means they're ready to be straight with us. Either way, we're too deep to turn back now.
I'll take point. You cover the rear, and keep an eye on Catrayv. The lights aren't on in here, and you know his night vision's bad. Don't let him walk into a wall.
The three boys reached the entrance of the new training facility mid-conversation. That's when they noticed a side door, slightly ajar, as if someone wanted them to enter.
Azael's hand went out first, pressing gently. The door gave without resistance. Kamui's gaze swept the perimeter, making sure no eyes were on them. He signaled, and they filtered through the gap, continuing forward with quiet footsteps.
As they ventured deeper, they noticed some of the lighting equipment inside the new training facility had already been turned on. Bathed in the central glow, the full scope of the space revealed itself. This was far more expansive than any standard training ground.
The vertical space, in particular, caught their attention. It towered to heights completely unnecessary for human combat training. Instead, this resembled Ezette's weapons testing grounds more than anything else.
Whoa... what is this place? What'd they even build this for?
No idea. But you'd have to be an idiot not to connect the dots with those government creeps snooping around—
HAAAARGH—!!!
?!!
That's Mom! Over there—!!
Their gaze shifted to the edge of the training ground, where a makeshift laboratory had been cobbled together from basic materials. The agonized screams were coming from inside. Azael surged forward first, with Kamui and Catrayv close on his heels.
What the hell?! What is this?!!
Bursting into the lab, they were confronted by a towering pane of isolation glass. Beyond it, Odile was trapped, half-kneeling in agony, clutching her weapon to stay upright, teeth gritted as she fought to remain conscious.
On their side of the glass, near where the three boys stood, Eurytes was positioned before an unfamiliar machine. He had already noticed the commotion behind him but offered only a quick glance over his shoulder before turning back, his face a mask of restrained pain.
He maintained a facade of calm, as if nothing unusual were happening, and continued watching Odile through the glass. But his trembling voice betrayed him completely, laying bare his true emotions.
We've reached the maximum threshold from the last training session.
He spoke into the microphone, his voice carried through the speakers to Odile on the other side.
...Crank it higher!!
Eurytes' hand tightened visibly around the microphone cord. He hesitated, but only for a brief moment. Then, swallowing hard, he followed Odile's request and increased the machine's settings.
More agonizing screams erupted, the sound tearing through the lab like shattered glass, ripping at everyone's hearts. Eurytes couldn't bear to watch anymore. He gritted his teeth and lowered his gaze, unable to witness her suffering a second longer.
Ngh... this... this is nothing... just a simulation... and I'm already...
Eurytes... more!! Don't you dare go easy on me!!
NO!! Stop! Don't turn it up! Dad, what are you doing?! She can't... she's already...
Kamui lunged forward first, his hand reaching for the switch, desperate to shut the machine down, to end Odile's suffering.
Don't touch that!!
Eurytes had never raised his voice to Kamui before. He saw the shock on the boys' faces and felt it echo in his own chest. He understood their pain because he shared it. But understanding changed nothing. The process held.
Kamui... Azael... Catrayv. None of you touch this machine.
Look. Look at what your mother is doing. What we are doing...
This... this is the mission you will have to carry out one day, too.
The torture felt like a localized eternity. Unable to bear his mother's cries, Azael retreated to a corner, hands clamped tight over his ears, body folded in on itself as if he could make himself small enough to escape the sound. Kamui, however, moved closer to the glass, determined to commit every moment of Odile's struggle to memory.
Catrayv walked to Kamui's side and placed a hand on his shoulder, offering what comfort he could. But his own gaze remained fixed downward.
Odile and Eurytes had taken him in as their adopted son. In this moment, he too lacked the courage to face her suffering directly.
Odile!!
Finally, the expected threshold was reached. Eurytes didn't wait a single second. He killed the machine and rushed inside, gathering the feeble Odile into his arms and holding her as if he could shield her from every terrible thing she'd just endured.
The children followed, slipping through the door after him, but they kept their distance, waiting in anxious silence.
When at last Odile recovered enough to regain her senses, she didn't speak right away. Instead, she gently patted Eurytes' back, a reassurance that she was still here. Then, with a soft request for him to release her, she rose to her feet and approached the three boys.
M-Mom... why? Why are you doing this?
Kamui's tears fell freely. All his life, Odile had been strength itself, unbreakable and unmovable. Now he saw her broken, and the sight shattered something in him too.
Kamui. Azael. Catrayv. You've... all done well.
Keeping Ezette running while I was gone. Following the clues to find us here. All of it. You are exceptional.
...That means we can move forward now with complete confidence.
Now, listen to me. Remember every word I'm about to say. Keep them here in your heart for the rest of your lives.
Odile's voice lacked its usual volume, but that did nothing to diminish the commanding presence she carried as Ezette's leader.
You've all seen it. What that devil, the Punishing Virus, has done to our world. Twisted it into something unrecognizable.
We've given everything to protect Ezette. To save everyone we could. But it's not enough... far from enough.
For the ones we love, for the ones who still need saving, Ezette cannot sit back and wait for the end.
Odile raised her arm, revealing a clear puncture mark where blood had been drawn.
That thing you've been desperate to understand? I'll tell you its name. Project Barleycorn.
A few years ago, the World Government was already developing the prototype. Eventually, they came to Ezette. Asked us to be their first test subjects.
It's a genetic enhancement experiment. They inject you with something called the "Corona Gene". It transforms you, rewrites your genetic code, and enhances everything.
At first, everything went normally. But then... the Punishing Virus outbreak changed everything.
We discovered something. The blood of test subjects contains a substance. It gives slight immunity against the Punishing Virus. We're still working to strengthen it, but... it's hope. Real hope for humanity.
With this discovery, the World Government wanted to push Project Barleycorn forward. If we could perfect the genetic transformation, that substance could become even stronger. And those who succeed... they'd undergo Construct surgery after, and that will multiply their power exponentially.
We named the successful ones "Golden Sun". The substance itself, "solar essence." That's what Ezette has followed since the very beginning. The powerful, warming sun.
This is the path we're fighting for. This is humanity's counterattack, our hope against extinction.
...And the price, Mom?
Kamui interrupted Odile's explanation.
You talked about power, hope, and heroes. But you didn't explain what you were going through just now.
This project... it comes with a price. A painful one. That's why you kept us in the dark all this time... right?
Every decision comes with a price. Project Barleycorn has no precedent. As pioneers... we carry every unknown risk and every possibility.
The genetic metamorphosis causes indescribable agony. And to become warriors strong enough to fight the Punishing Virus, you have to endure grueling training. Pressure that would break most people.
...This is the more important matter. The thing we want you to understand.
Including ourselves, Ezette's adult elite forces have volunteered for the first batch of modification. We'll test the dangers first. Because of that... Ezette's leadership cannot rest in unstable hands.
Starting today, all control authority of Ezette transfers to you. Until the World Government's reinforcements arrive. After that, we'll manage the base together with them.
We can't explain everything now. But remember this: you are most likely Ezette's true hope for success.
Once we've reduced the risks to an acceptable level, you will undergo the modification.
This is the priority hierarchy for every Ezette member going forward. If an emergency occurs, protect yourselves first. We will shield you. We will be expendable in your place.
...This is an order. Is that clear?
But not a single child responded.
The stillness grew heavy, unbearable. Just when it seemed no one would speak, Odile finally stepped in.
...Go. Get some rest. Tomorrow, I'll guide you through the complete authority handover.
I REFUSE!!!
In a rare display of emotion, Azael finally unleashed everything he'd been holding inside, shouting angrily at his parents.
You always do this! Make decisions on your own! Then act like nothing happened and just announce the results like we're supposed to accept it!
Have you EVER asked us?! About ANY of it?! Whether we want this stupid plan?! Whether we want the World Government's charity?! Whether we're willing to watch you charge ahead and die for us—!
YOU HAVE NEVER ONCE ASKED FOR OUR OPINION!!!
He screamed with every ounce of strength in his body, then bolted out of the new training ground.
...I'll go find him. Make sure he's okay.
Kamui's voice came out weary, not demanding further explanations. He simply turned and walked away in silence. But at the door, just before disappearing from view, he paused to meet their eyes one last time.
...Mom. Dad. We don't want to be sheltered from the hard stuff. We just... want to share it with you.
I get it. You're trying to protect us, but... we're family.
We can't bear to lose you either.
If it's because we're still too weak... then we'll try harder. We'll grow up faster.
Just... trust us a little more, okay? Please?
Catrayv followed behind him. Soon, all the children had gone, leaving only Odile and Eurytes' solitary figures standing in the vast expanse of the training ground.
The visibly exhausted parents watched them go, longing in their eyes. But in the end, they did not chase after their children or ask them to stay.
