Inside the helicopter, Misfit stretched out across three seats, his tall, ripped frame almost spilling over the edges. His arms were folded behind his head, giving him an air of casual dominance as he lounged. The leather seats, though luxurious compared to his previous confinement, did little to ease the intensity in his gaze. He kept a keen eye on Dr. Killet, who was now engaged in a conversation with one of the soldiers in the same intimidating combat gear and mask.
Dr. Killet, standing by the helicopter's cabin door, was in mid-discussion with the soldier, his voice low and measured. The soldier, rigid and precise, handed over a sleek black tablet. Dr. Killet accepted it with a nod, his gnarled fingers tapping on the screen with surprising agility. The glow from the tablet illuminated his sharp features, revealing a face marked by years of experience and a hint of something darker beneath his calm demeanor.
Misfit's gaze flicked between Dr. Killet and the soldier, catching glimpses of what seemed to be mission briefings and tactical maps. The soldier, after a quick exchange, retreated to a seat further down, leaving Misfit and Dr. Killet alone. The old man's gaze lingered on Misfit for a moment, appraising him with a mixture of curiosity and calculation.
"Well, Dr. Killet," Misfit said, breaking the silence with a lazy drawl, "you've got quite the setup here. What's so critical that it requires an army to back it up?"
Dr. Killet's eyes, shadowed under the brim of his hat, met Misfit's with an unwavering stare. "The entities you'll be dealing with are not ordinary. They possess powers beyond what most humans could comprehend or control. Our operatives are here to ensure that you are well-supported—and to deal with any complications that might arise."
Misfit's lips curved into a smirk. "Complications, huh? Sounds like you're expecting trouble. Or maybe you're just trying to keep me on a tight leash."
Dr. Killet's expression remained stoic, though a flicker of amusement played at the corners of his mouth. "Both, perhaps. But understand this: these entities are a threat not just to you, but to the stability of our world. If they're left unchecked, the consequences could be catastrophic."
Misfit leaned forward, his muscular frame tensing with interest. "Catastrophic, you say? Sounds like I've got my work cut out for me. But you know, before I get too invested, I'd like to know exactly what's in it for me. Freedom's one thing, but a little more incentive wouldn't hurt."
Dr. Killet's gaze softened, if only slightly. "Beyond your freedom, there are resources and knowledge we can offer—things you might find valuable. Your skills are unique, and we believe they could be put to great use. If you succeed, you'll gain more than just your freedom. You'll gain a place of significance in a world that's on the brink of chaos."
Misfit's eyes narrowed, a flicker of genuine intrigue crossing his face. "A place of significance, huh? Sounds like you're offering more than just a get-out-of-jail-free card. What kind of place are we talking about here?"
Dr. Killet turned away, heading toward the cockpit with a purposeful stride. "All in good time, Misfit. First, we need to ensure you're equipped and prepared for the task at hand. Our destination is a secure facility where you'll receive further briefing and the necessary tools for your mission."
As Dr. Killet disappeared into the cockpit, Misfit settled back into his seat, his mind racing with the possibilities. The helicopter began its ascent, the powerful rotors slicing through the air as they climbed higher.
As the helicopter surged through the sky, the roar of the rotors creating a constant background hum, a man dressed in slightly less combat gear took a seat opposite Misfit. His uniform was still high-tech and imposing but lacked the full tactical ensemble of the others. Misfit barely acknowledged him, his gaze fixed on the shifting landscape outside the window.
The man cleared his throat, trying to get Misfit's attention. "Hey, Misfit."
Misfit's head turned slowly, his eyes narrowing with a mix of irritation and curiosity. "Don't 'hey' me, prick. Whatcha want?"
The man's jaw clenched, and his face reddened with frustration. He opened his mouth to retort but then let out a heavy sigh. "Dr. Killet has asked me to explain just how powerful these entities are. So, I'll tell you a story."
Misfit didn't respond verbally but continued to stare at the man, his gaze intense enough to make the other shift uneasily. The man's confidence wavered under Misfit's scrutiny, and he began to speak with a strained calmness.
"Do you know about the nuclear bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima?" the man asked, his voice steady but laced with a hint of underlying urgency.
Misfit's eyebrows raised slightly in interest. "Yeah, who doesn't know about it?"
The man, seemingly oblivious to the rhetorical nature of Misfit's question, pressed on. "Well, the fact is, no nuclear bombs were actually dropped by the US—or any other country for that matter—on those days."
Misfit's eyes narrowed, his curiosity piqued. "So what are you getting at?"
The man leaned back, looking out of the helicopter's window, his expression thoughtful. "A Ragnarok Class entity lost control of its power, destroying both Nagasaki and Hiroshima."
He turned back to Misfit, expecting a reaction. But instead of the horror or disbelief he had anticipated, Misfit simply chuckled, the sound low and dark.
"And here I thought I was going up against some little bitches," Misfit said, his smile widening with a mix of excitement and mockery. "This'll be fun."
The man's face fell, his frustration now mingling with confusion. "You're not taking this seriously? These entities are capable of catastrophic destruction on a scale you can barely comprehend. They're not just powerful—they're uncontrollable forces of nature."
Misfit's expression remained one of amused indifference. "Look, I've dealt with my share of tough situations. If these entities are as bad as you say, then I'm in for a hell of a ride. But that's what makes it interesting."
The man shook his head, a mix of irritation and concern evident in his features. "I hope you're not underestimating the gravity of this mission. The power these entities wield is beyond human limits. They're not just dangerous—they're existential threats."
Misfit's smile faded slightly, replaced by a more contemplative look. "I get it. But if they're as powerful as you say, then maybe they'll be a real challenge. And if there's one thing I enjoy, it's a challenge."
The man exhaled sharply, clearly exasperated, and fell silent, turning his gaze back to the window. Misfit leaned back in his seat, his thoughts racing with the possibilities of what lay ahead.
After four hours of flight the helicopter touched down on a helipad perched precariously on the edge of a mountain. The descent had been smooth, the view from the windows gradually revealing the majestic Carpathian range. Snowflakes danced in the crisp air, falling gently onto the white-coated peaks and creating a serene, almost ethereal landscape.
Misfit jumped out of the helicopter, his tall, muscular frame cutting a striking silhouette against the snowy backdrop. He stood for a moment, taking in the beauty of the mountain range, the peaceful quiet a sharp contrast to the chaos he had just left behind. A genuine smile spread across his face as he let the tranquility of the scene wash over him.
Just then, the same man from earlier, who had clearly annoyed Misfit, approached him. He laid a hand on Misfit's shoulder with a familiarity that was unwelcome. The contact broke Misfit's moment of peace and his irritation flared instantly.
Without warning, Misfit spun around and threw a powerful punch, catching the man squarely in the face. The impact sent him staggering backward, his body hitting the ground with a thud. Blood flowed freely from his nose, staining the snow beneath him. The man lay sprawled, wincing in pain, clearly stunned by the sudden aggression.
Misfit turned back to face the mountains, his expression unchanging as he pushed his anger aside. The snow continued to fall softly around him, the cold air biting at his skin but failing to cool his simmering annoyance.
Dr. Killet, having stepped off the helicopter slowly and deliberately, took in the scene with a weary sigh. He approached Misfit, his eyes briefly glancing at the injured man before settling on Misfit. The old man took his place beside Misfit, standing silently as they both looked out over the breathtaking vista.
After a moment of contemplation, Misfit broke the silence. "Where is this place?" His voice was steady, a sharp contrast to the earlier violence.
Dr. Killet glanced at him, his tone clipped. "We're in the Carpathian Mountains."
Misfit's eyes narrowed as he processed the information. Before Dr. Killet could continue, Misfit interrupted with a nod. "So, Poland."
Dr. Killet's gaze remained steady, though there was a hint of approval in his eyes at Misfit's quick grasp of the situation. "Yes, part of the Carpathians extends into Poland. This location is remote and heavily guarded, ideal for what we need."
Misfit surveyed the area again, taking in the isolation and the rugged beauty of the mountains. "Guess that makes sense. Hard to be disturbed out here."
Dr. Killet nodded, his expression serious. "Indeed. It's secure and isolated, which is crucial for the containment and study of the entities you'll be dealing with."
The injured man, still on the ground, tried to push himself up, his face twisted in pain. Dr. Killet gave him a brief, dispassionate glance before turning his attention back to Misfit. "We'll head to the facility now. It's not far from here, but the terrain is rough. You'll need to be prepared for a hike."
Misfit shrugged, his earlier aggression giving way to a focused determination. "I've dealt with worse. Lead the way."
Dr. Killet motioned for the remaining soldiers to assist the injured man, who was slowly being helped back into the helicopter. With that, he began to lead the way, his cane tapping rhythmically on the icy ground as he walked.
As Misfit walked beside Dr. Killet through the snow-covered Carpathian Mountains, his breath misting in the frigid air, he decided it was time to clarify the specifics of his mission. The snow crunched beneath his boots, the chill seemingly unaffected by his casual stance—his orange hoodie hanging open, revealing a muscular physique that was both imposing and relaxed.
"So, do tell me what exactly you want me to do," Misfit asked, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and mild impatience. "I know everything from extortion, arson, assassination, and even how to imitate pretty much anything." He chuckled, clearly proud of his broad skill set.
Dr. Killet maintained his calm demeanor, his cane tapping steadily on the snow-packed trail. "Perhaps you won't need to use those skills."
Misfit's chuckle died abruptly. He stopped in his tracks, his expression shifting from amused to serious. "What do you mean by that, old man?"
Dr. Killet stopped as well, his gaze steady and unflinching. "Your job is to ensure that the entities and anomalies of the top class do not become hostile towards humans or Earth. Your role will be more about managing their behavior and ensuring they do not develop negative attitudes."
Misfit's brow furrowed in confusion. "Class? The fuck do you mean by that? You sending me to school?"
Dr. Killet gave a small, enigmatic smile. "Not quite. What you'll be attending is an academy designed for entities and anomalies. It's a place where they learn to control their powers and abilities responsibly. They are also taught conventional subjects, much like any other school."
Misfit's face twisted with incredulity as he resumed walking. "For one, I ain't an entity, and I sure as hell ain't going back to school. I'm eighteen; I'm done with that shit."
Dr. Killet's gaze remained steady. "You may not be an entity, but your role there will involve significant interaction with them. The academy isn't just about learning—it's about understanding and managing a complex environment. The goal is to prevent incidents that could have severe consequences for both the entities and the human world."
Misfit's pace slowed, and he looked at Dr. Killet with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. "So, I'm supposed to be some kind of… guardian or supervisor?"
Dr. Killet nodded. "Essentially. You'll be responsible for monitoring their integration and ensuring that their interactions with humans are safe and constructive. Your experience and skills will be valuable in managing these entities, many of whom are powerful and potentially volatile."
Misfit considered this new information, his mind racing through the implications. "So, I'm like a mediator, then? Trying to keep these powerful beings from flipping out and causing chaos?"
Dr. Killet's expression softened slightly. "Yes, that's a fair way to put it. You'll need to use your skills to maintain balance and prevent conflicts. The academy will provide the framework, but your role will be crucial in making sure that everything runs smoothly."
Misfit grunted, clearly not thrilled about the prospect. "Sounds like a glorified babysitting gig, but I guess if it keeps me out of a cage and gives me a shot at some real action, I'll play along."
Dr. Killet's eyes gleamed with approval. "Your attitude will serve you well. The entities you'll be dealing with are complex and unpredictable. Your ability to handle them will be crucial for maintaining harmony."